Highlight of Vietnam 11-day Tour

Weekly Guaranteed Departure Based On Minimum of 2 Passengers 

(Tour Code: VN-SIC-23)

SAIGON - HUE - HOI AN - HANOI

​Day 1 (Thursday)
​Upon your arrival to Airport, meet your friendly tour
guide and transfer to the hotel. Free time at leisure.
Overnight in Saigon.

Day 2

Saigon (B)
Sightseeing in Saigon (Half day)
A vibrant metropolis, Saigon teems with energy, activity and motion. Everywhere you look, you see the convergence of

traditional and modern life. Begin the trip into modern history with a tour of the Reunification Palace. Formerly the Independence Palace of the South Vietnamese president, this 60s style building was famously stormed by tanks on April 30, 1975 signifying the fall of South Vietnam. It has been preserved in its original state, and the original tanks remain on display near the entrance gates. 
Afterwards, drive to the historic centre to visit the Emperor of Jade Pagoda, one of Saigon's most interesting pagodas. Proceed to pay a quick visit to the neo-Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office. Pass by the classic European-style landmarks such as the ornate City Hall (Hotel De Ville), the old Opera House (both may only be viewed from the outside). Finally, end up at the central Ben Thanh Market, where vendors display a vast array of goods and handicrafts, appealing to every taste.
Overnight in Saigon.

Day 3
Saigon (B)
Excursion to Cu Chi Tunnels
Never discovered by American forces, the Cu Chi Tunnels were an important Vietcong base during the American War. Stretching over 200 km, this incredible underground network, dug by hand out of hard laterite, connected command posts, hospitals, shelter and weapons factories. Today, walk through the area and learn about the day to day life of the Vietcong, bear witness to the cleverly disguised entrances and elaborate booby-traps, and even venture inside the tunnels, some of which have been modified to accommodate tourists.
Old Saigon Walking Tour
Take a walk through the city streets to unearth the secrets of Saigon.
Set off from your hotel to a thriving local market to see how these bustling and vibrant markets play a major role in the daily lives of Vietnamese people. From here stroll through the colourful back alleyways lined with flower shops and breathe in the aromas of the freshly cut blooms. 
Pass through another street where mechanics specialise in restoring vintage Vespa scooters. Take in the scenes of local life as you wander these narrow lanes. Stop for a refreshing traditional iced coffee in a hidden cafe frequented by locals. The oldest coffee shop in Saigon, this old fashioned establishment has a colourful history stretching back over seven decades. Continue the walk through some other back lanes the go along to another famous street filled with shops selling locally-made guitars. 
Continue on foot through adjacent blocks with some old yet lively apartment compound and where one will encounter authentic life scenes of the urban working class. Walk toward an interesting museum which displays an amazing collection of more than 3,000 artifacts relating to the history of Vietnamese traditional medicine. After the visit, hop on the vehicle and drive back to your hotel.
Overnight in Saigon.

Day 4
Saigon (B)
Excursion to Ben Tre with boat trip on Mekong River (Full day)
After a journey through Ben Luc and Tan An, proceed to Ben Tre to take a boat trip on the Mekong River to Vam Xep canal where local handicrafts and coconut sweets are produced. Enjoy fresh seasonal fruits, a performance of traditional songs, and observe the local life. Take a short ride on motor cart to a typical local house to taste some homemade honey-tea. Proceed by sampan through the small canals to observe the daily life of local people along the riverbanks with some stops for a leisurely stroll.
Overnight in Saigon.

Day 5
Saigon - Hue by air (B) 
Transfer
Flight from Saigon to Hue
Transfer
Sightseeing in Hue
Hue served as the capital of Vietnam for more than 140 years. It houses ancient temples, imperial buildings and French-style edifices. It was established in the 17th century.
Visit the Imperial Tombs of Tu Duc and Khai Dinh
Venture into the countryside around Hue to the Imperial Tomb of Tu Duc. Tu Duc, the longest reigning Vietnamese emperor, designed and built this elegant tomb during his lifetime, using it as a retreat for meditation, reading and theatre performances. Take some time to soak in the tranquil atmosphere, wandering among the gracefully proportioned pavilions, courtyards and lotus ponds. Afterwards visit the Imperial Tomb of Khai Dinh, dramatically located on a hillside. The last of the monumental tombs of the Nguyen dynasty, completed in 1931, this tomb incorporates distinct European elements into traditional Vietnamese architecture.
Visit the Old Imperial City
Located in the heart of Hue is the Imperial Citadel, a vast complex built in the early 19th century and modelled after the Forbidden City of Peking. The original walls stretched for 10 km and were surrounded by a wide moat. Today, most of the buildings have been destroyed due to bombing during the Vietnam-American War, but the monuments that remain provide a fascinating glimpse into the court life of the Nguyen Dynasty. Approach the city past the striking Flag Tower, where a giant Vietnamese flag waves proudly overhead, to the imposing Ngo Mon Gate, the main entrance to the Imperial Enclosure. Enter into an area of spacious courtyards and serene lotus ponds, and visit Dien Tho Residence (Dien Tho palace) where the Queen mother lived, visit Thai Hoa Palace, the magnificently decorated reception hall, the Halls of the Mandarins, and the original Nine Dynastic Urns, among other sites, including a visit to the Hue Royal Antiquities Museum..
Overnight in Hue.

Day 6
Hue - Hoi An (B/L)
Thuy Bieu village with Lunch at Local House
In the morning board the boat at Toa Kham wharf for your cruise along the Perfume River. Stop to visit the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda, a hotbed of anti-government protest during the early 1960s. Continue cruising through scenic surroundings to Thuy Bieu Village. On arrival, either walk or take a bike tour around the village. Visit a beautiful garden house and an ancient ancestral temple. Stop to chat with the locals to find out about their daily lives. Visit families making incense or joss paper and learn more about the traditions and culture of Vietnamese people. A delicious lunch of traditional Hue specialties will be served in a local house. After lunch relax while you bathe your feet in medicinal herb water, a traditional therapeutic practice; followed by a foot massage by a blind masseur.
By vehicle from Hue to Hoi An
Drive south from Hue along scenic mountain roads with spectacular views over the coastline. Highlights along the way include the dramatic Hai Van Pass, the high dividing line between the climate zones of North and South Vietnam; Lang Co, a lovely stretch of beach curving outwards between a clear blue lagoon and the East Vietnam Sea; and the large coastal city of Danang.
Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 7
Hoi An (B)
Sightseeing in Hoi An with a boat trip on the Thu Bon River
The exquisitely preserved merchant town of Hoi An was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. Its colourful shop houses and temples reflect a diverse heritage, dating back to the 16th and 17th century, when it was a major port for Western, Chinese and Japanese traders. Today it is a thriving centre of traditional crafts and a shopper's paradise, best explored on foot.
Wander through the cobbled streets, past low tile-roofed buildings, the bustling central market and the small harbour where colourfully painted boats are moored. The walking tour will include visits to a private house, where members of the same family have lived continuously for centuries in a traditional setting; to one of the family chapels built by prominent merchants and official families as centres for ancestor worship; and to a typical Chinese-style Pagoda or assembly hall. Continue to Sa Huynh MUSEUM, located near the Japanese Covered Bridge, it contains exhibitions from the earliest period of Hoi An's history. Visit a handicraft workshop in Hoi An where local products are being made by the industry itself. Finally, continue to the famous Japanese Covered Bridge, first constructed in 1593 by the Japanese community of Hoi An to link the town with the Chinese quarters across the stream. 
In the afternoon, board a local boat and cruise down the Thu Bon River, enjoying the unspoiled countryside and stopping to visit a pottery village and a woodcarving village before returning to Hoi An harbour.
Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 8
Hoi An - Danang - Hanoi by air (B)
Transfer to Danang airport 
Flight from Danang to Hanoi
Transfer
Walk the Rail Tracks of Hanoi
Start tour on the rails between a few meters north Hanoi's main train station. Walk along the very narrow streets hosting the rails sometime not even a metre far from the entrance door of houses. Enjoy this original and photogenic scene walking along the street until 153 Phung Hung where you go back down to the road and follow the street's sidewalk. Walk pass the funeral shops and a funerary where you will probably see a group of people mourning and wearing the traditional white fabric around the forehead which is equivalent to the western tradition of wearing black clothes. Continue walking toward Long Bien train station. From Long Bien train station start to cross the bridge and stop half way to go down the stairs onto the urban island. Have a rest and visit the orchards. Continue crossing the bridge and meet with the car which will transfer you to Gia Lam train station. Take your train ticket and jump in to cross the bridge on the other way, riding with the locals in the hard seater wagon. On week days you will stop at Long Bien as terminus and on Saturday and Sunday you will stop at Hanoi Station. Meet with the car when disembarking and transfer back to your hotel.
Visit a Water Puppet Show
See a Water Puppet Show, a fantastic art form that originated in northern Vietnam, but is now best seen in Hanoi.
Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 9
Hanoi (B/L)
Excursion to Halong Bay with boat trip including lunch
Depart from Hanoi in the morning for scenic Halong Bay. Arriving at the pier around noon, board the charming traditional wooden junk for a cruise through the bay. Lunch will be served while the boat sails on peacefully. The cruise passes by unique rock formations with names such as Stone Dog, Incense Burner (Dinh Huong), and Fighting Cock (Ga Choi). At the core of the islets, there is an unforgettable cave named THIEN CUNG (Heavenly Residence Grotto) which is the last site before returning to Halong pier. Disembark at Halong pier at approximately 16.30 pm and return to Hanoi by vehicle.
Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 10
Hanoi (B/L)
Sightseeing in Hanoi
Although it is the modern-day capital of Vietnam, Hanoi still retains the mystery and charm of past centuries. Narrow lanes and traditional shop houses invite an exciting exploration by walking, while it's many beautiful public spaces
lakes, parks, tree-lined boulevards and monuments
give the city an air of elegance and harmony with nature unique among Asian capitals.
Visit the Temple of Literature
The Temple of Literature has a peaceful series of walled courtyards and graceful gateways, and this monument is one of the best-preserved examples of traditional Vietnamese architecture. Founded in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius, this was also the site of Vietnam's first university. In one courtyard, giant stone tortoises bear stele on their backs, listing the accomplishments of graduating scholars.
Visit the Ho Chi Minh Memorial Complex
Start the exploration of the vast Ho Chi Minh Memorial Complex with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum which contains the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh (closed Mondays, Fridays, and during September and October). View the outside of the Presidential Palace and then stroll through the park to the Ho Chi Minh Stilt House where Ho Chi Minh lived from 1958 until his final days in 1969. Preserved in the same condition as during his life, it may be viewed through the windows. Continue to the miniature 11th century One Pillar Pagoda which was rebuilt after being destroyed by the French in 1954 and to the Ho Chi Minh Museum where displaying more than 120,000 documents, objects and films about President Ho Chi Minh's life and revolutionary work.
Visit the Museum of Ethnology
The Museum of Ethnology brings to life the astonishing ethnic diversity in Vietnam, with art and artefacts from the 54 different ethnic groups that inhabit the country. Inside the museum are detailed descriptions of minority groups, with examples of their traditional clothing and way of life. Outside are faithful reconstructions of traditional longhouses, cemeteries and other distinctive ethnic buildings.
Hanoi Street Eats and Market Visit
Visit the bustling Chau Long market located just off of Truc Bach Lake. Enjoy the walk through the narrow and busy passages with a crowd of vendors' stores displaying all sorts of colourful groceries and foodstuffs. There is a good deal of chances for great photos with vibrant colors from a vegetable shop or a butcher's store. If you are keen to see some exotic stuff, you will find a corner with kicking frogs, eels, silkworms and so forth and so on. Feel the energy in the air with the excitement from the locals who are working on the ingredients for their upcoming meals at home. Twist the way through the crowd to find some interesting street food stops. There will be the tasty rice vermicelli with grilled pork patties (bun cha) with the famous deep fried Vietnamese spring roll. Continue your culinary exploration with some creative variations of the popular "pho". Next, go to an old cafe that has been handed down through a few generations to enjoy the aroma of the coffee made with special family brewing technique.
Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 11
Hanoi (B)
Time at leisure * No tour guide *
Tour ends.
 
*Meal plan: included in itinerary (B-Breakfast/ L-Lunch/ D-Dinner)
*Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum will be closed annually for maintenance from 5 September - 30 November 2017.
*Hon Chen Temple festival will take place on Perfume river in Hue between March - April 2018 and August - September 2018. Please check your traveling date with us in advance.

*The accommodation will be provided in the above hotel or similar in case the priority hotel is unable to accommodate the booking.

Package Price (Twin Sharing): CAD$/Per Person (Land Only)

*All prices are per person in CAD$, based on twin-sharing in double rooms in the default hotel for the listed category. Single supplement will be charged starting from 2 passengers up for each passenger occupying a single room.

Land Cost Includes:

• Program is based on English speaking guide. For other languages, please contact your agent, a supplement charge will apply.
• Accommodation as mentioned above or equivalent
  
• Meals according to itinerary (B-Breakfast/ L-Lunch/ D-Dinner)
  
• When very early morning flights are scheduled, a breakfast box may replace the standard hotel breakfast 
  
• Flight ticket(s), in economy class unless otherwise specified, according to the itinerary (Flight from Saigon to Hue, Flight from Danang to Hanoi)
  
• Porter fees at the airport where guide service is booked
  
• Current fuel surcharges are included, however, these are subject to change prior to tour start date
  
• Ground transportation in private A/C vehicle​
  
• 1 complimentary bottle of drinking water and 1 cold towel per person per half day tour/ 2 bottles of water and 2 cold towels per person per full day tour​
  
• Sightseeing incl. admission fees according to itinerary.
  

​
Land Cost Excludes: 

• International flight
• Visa fees
  
• Meals and drinks not mentioned in tour itinerary above
  
• Travel insurance
  
• ​Vietnam domestic taxes 
  
• Tipping fees (based on your satisfaction) and other personal expenses
  

* Visa Procedures: Please contact us for more details
* ​International Flight: Please consult us about your trip schedule before booking your flights.

*Departure Every Thursday (1st day of tour)
*All Seat-In-Coach tours have guaranteed departure for minimum 2 passengers
*All prices per person and subject to change