Classic Vietnam

Day 3: Hanoi to Halong Bay

Today, we depart Hanoi early this morning for Halong City (Approximately 4-hour drive), a natural wonder declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco. We’ll explore the rich lands of the Red River delta as we observe the curious daily life of villagers working in the rice fields where there are water buffalo, cows, ducks and other water birds.

Arrival, boarding, welcome drink and cabin assignment. The best way to get to know this unique enclave is to spend a night aboard a charming traditional sailing boat, slowly ploughing through the waters to admire its breathtaking mystical landscape, where thousands of bizarrely sculpted limestone islands jut out into a sparkling emerald sea and are surrounded by colourful floating villages.

Lunch on board. We sail through the bay and see several rock formations such as the well-known Dinh Huang or “incense pot”. We stop to see some limestone caves and local fishing villages. We enjoy a magnificent dinner on board while we watch the sunset.

Day 4: Cruise Halong Bay, from Hanoi overnight train to Hué

Brunch on board as the traditional junk continues sailing through the idyllic landscapes of Halong Bay. We bid farewell to this natural beauty before heading back to Halong port. Disembark and transfer back to Hanoi by road.
In the afternoon you may have some free time before the transfer to the train station. It has been ensured that day rooms are available for the group to freshen up on their return from Halong Bay. Train ride to Hue. Overnight in four-bed compartments. (Travel time on the train approx. 11 hours).

Day 5: Explore Hue

Upon arrival in the morning and transfer to the hotel. Once the imperial capital of Vietnam, Hue holds the treasures of the country’s royal past. Enjoy free time in the morning to rest or explore. If you choose the latter, the bustling Dong Ba Market is a great place to sample some of the specialties that once graced the Nguyen emperors’ tables like Banh Khoai (royal rice cake). Reunite with the group to visit the war-damaged ruins of the Imperial Citadel, a sprawling city-within-a-city which contains the remains of temples, statehouses and the emperor’s palace.

Day 6: Hue Motorbike Tour with Lady Riders

Today, see the hue from the back of a motorbike! Depart to Hue countryside tour covering the best villages destinations and local foods. You have just found it!
We’ll begin the day by enjoying a tasty cup of coffee or tea at Lavin Decor, a specialty coffee, tea, and paper flower shop.
Then we’ll go to Thuy Chanh village to learn about the lives of the locals. We see beautiful rice fields, a Japanese bridge, and a small market in this village. After that, we go on a boat tour of Hue’s countryside. We’ll take you to the Standing Buddha Temple, which represents Hue’s largest lady Buddha statue, as well as the Khai Dinh Tomb, which combines Eastern and Western architecture.
Then, we climb Vong Canh Hill where you can view the Hue Perfume River. This is the most beautiful view in Hue city. Here, where we all will share about the history of the river as well as some facts about the war in Vietnam.

Day 7: Scenic drive via Danang to Hoi An

This morning, we drive to Danang (Approximately 4 hours), crossing the picturesque Hai Van pass. Also, have the chance to visit the Cham Museum. Continue the drive south to Hoi An, past the Marble Mountains. One of the most impressive scenic parts of your journey lies ahead of you. Not far to the south you can reach the most charming of all Vietnamese cities – Hoi An.

Check-in and in the afternoon, stroll the narrow streets of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hoi An with your local expert, which served as a thriving trading port from the 15th to 19th centuries. Stroll through the pedestrian streets of this well-preserved architectural center and pass various buildings, temples, merchant houses and pagodas. Marvel at the various French, Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese influences. Pass the 400-year-old covered Japanese bridge and learn more about the history of the structure from your guide. Visit the Chaozhou Chinese Congregation Hall and take a close look at the intricate wood carvings on the walls and beams. Explore the vibrant local market selling colorful goods, Spices and exotic fruits are sold. The market is particularly known for its locally produced silk. A separate part of the area is therefore dedicated to the tailors.

Day 8: Visit to ancient My Son, free afternoon in Hoi An

Today, we will visit the ancient Champa Kingdom that dates back to the 3rd century and has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Set in a lovely valley surrounded by mountain peaks, the temples that were rebuilt in the 7th-century became a sanctuary of Hinduism.

This is one of the most stunning sights to see in the Hoi An area is My Son, a spiritual center of the ancient kingdom of Champa. Located in the heart of a beautiful valley and surrounded by high mountains, My Son is about 45 kilometers away from Hoi An. Letters from the 4th century were found during excavations at My Son, revealing that the temples of the complex were used to worship and make offerings to the Hindu gods. In 1999, UNESCO designated My Son a World Heritage Site.

Originally built from wood, the temples were completely destroyed by fire in the 6th century and then rebuilt in the 7th century with locally made bricks. By the 13th century, more than 70 similar temples had been built, establishing My Son as a sanctuary of Hinduism in the Champa Kingdom.
After visiting the temple, we will return to Hoi An and your afternoon is at leisure.

Day 9: Hoi An, fly to Ho Chi Minh

This morning, take a short flight to Ho Chi Minh City (approximately 1.5 hours). Formerly known as Saigon, is probably the most exciting city in Vietnam and a popular travel destination for individual Asia trips. Life in Ho Chi Minh City pulsates around the clock and the city is always filled with motorcycles, cars and bicycles.

Around noon you start your half-day sightseeing tour of the most important sights in the center. On a tour of the War Remnants Museum, you can still feel the long-lasting aftermath of the Vietnam War today.

Day 10: Ho Chi Minh, explore the Mekong Delta

This morning, we take an excursion to discover the magical Mekong Delta. We head to the Ben Tre province crossing the Rach Mieu bridge. Arriving at Hung Vuong Pier, we board a motorized boat on the Ben Tre River, one of the tributaries of the Mekong River, and sail through the narrow canals, surrounded by dense vegetation of mangroves, coconut palms, rice fields and orchards of tropical fruits, to the heart of the delta while we witness the lively daily activities of the locals. We make a stop at a brick kiln, where they are made by hand with the mud that is extracted from the river and then we visit one of the coconut workshops which are located along the canal, where they process the fruit to obtain different products such as oil, sugar, milk or coconut candies. Then we cross the shady trails and green rice fields by motorized car or bicycle to discover a completely different world where life unfolds around the river. We then enjoy a pleasant ride in a rowboat to a beautiful palm tree stream before returning to the dock.

Day 11: Ho Chi Minh, tour to the Cu Chi Tunnels

Today, we take a half-day excursion to the Cu Chi tunnels. The Important base of the Vietcong during the War with the United States, the Cu Chi tunnels were never discovered by American forces. This incredible underground network that extends for 200 km, has been excavated by hand on the hard laterite stone and connects different rooms such as command posts, hospitals, houses and weapons factories. Today, you can walk through this area and discover the day-to-day life of the VC, see the cleverly camouflaged entrances, learn about the traps they prepared and even venture into the tunnels, some of which have been modified so that they can access tourists. Returning to Ho Chi Minh City the remainder of the afternoon is free.

Day 12: Tour ends in Ho Chi Minh City

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.
There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Ho Chi Minh City at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you’ll need to depart from Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN), which is 20 minutes from the airport.