Vietnam – Along the coastal line

Itinerary

1. Day 01

   Arrival in Hanoi – City Tour (D)
   Welcome to Hanoi – The Capital City of Vietnam! Upon arrival, welcomed by the local tour guide and transferred to downtown to check in the hotel. Have a short break to freshen up before gearing up the exploration. Late afternoon, have an overall view of the capital by a “cyclo” visit, which will go through the fascinating network of narrow alleys and shop houses also known as ‘The 36 Streets’ – each street being named after the merchandise traditionally sold there, ranging from fabrics to crafts and from medicines to tombstones. Drop by at Ngoc Son Temple located on the Hoan Kiem Lake.  Welcome dinner will be followed at the fine dining restaurant. Overnight in Hanoi.  Note: check-in at the hotel is at 2pm. Early check in is subject to hotel availability. Optional: Enjoy Water Puppet Show at Thang Long Theatre.  
2. Day 02

   Hanoi – Tam Coc – Bich Dong – Hanoi (B/L)
   Have breakfast at hotel. A 90km driving south of Hanoi will lead you to Ninh Binh, the site of the one capital city of ancient Vietnam before Hanoi took its leading role in 11th century. The area is featured by lots of well-known sceneries, which include Tam Coc Caves and Hoa Lu ancient capital with the old temples dedicated to King Dinh & King Le reigned in 10th century.  The visit in Ninh Binh starts by a boat trip in Tam Coc where spectacular limestone karsts jut out from the green paddy fields reminding about Guilin (China) and Halong Bay of Vietnam, which gives this scenery the name “Halong-bay-on-land”.  Lunch at local restaurant. Further discovery in Ninh Binh will be continued by visiting Bich Dong Pagoda situated on a mountainside consisting of 3 separated pagoda located from low to high. When you reach the top of the stairs, you’ll be welcomed with a stunning view out of the valley of the distant mountain peaks and vast rice fields. Afternoon drive back Hanoi. Overnight in Hanoi.  
3. Day 03

   Hanoi – Halong – Overnight on Cruise (B/L/D)
   Breakfast at hotel. At 9am, head East for about 3 hours to Halong Bay, the pride of the Gulf of Tonkin, a Natural World Heritage as designated by UNESCO in 1994 and 2006. Upon arrival in Halong, check in the overnight cruise to discover the magnificent beauty of this “Descending-dragon” bay, created by thousands odd-shaped limestone rocks and karst grottoes. After a lunch on board, we can visit the Grottos, stop for swimming or kayaking, passing floating houses and approach islets to enjoy their beauty in close distance. Back to the cruise, enjoy cooking demonstration before having dinner. Evening attend activities on the boat or relax at your own leisure. Overnight on the cruise.  Please note the program may be little varied upon the cruise you choose.   
4. Day 04

   Halong Bay Cruise – Halong City – Sun world Halong (B/Brunch)
   You should wake up early to enjoy the dawn on the sea in the early morning. The Vietnamese call the "East Sea" by a point-oriented name "Eastern Sea", so you may guess how miraculous seeing the sunrise over the islets of the Bay. After breakfast our boat will continue to cruise in marvelous areas, where almost each islet has its own name, adopting its shape or reminiscent like Sail Island, Fisherman’s head rock, Butterfly rock or Turtle islet etc. Check out your room and have brunch on board while the cruise coming back the pier. Disembark from the cruise, transfer check in hotel in Halong City.  Afternoon is time for fun at Sun World Halong. We first check in at Dragon Park, an appealing theme park with over 20 games for adventurous and thrill-seeking travelers. You can find plenty of rides here, such as the rollercoaster, Monster Spin, and more. We then proceed to Sunworld Station for 10 minutes journey across Halong Bay by Queen cable car which achieved 2 Guinness World Records: Highest passenger capacity in a cable car cabin (230 passengers per cabin) and the tallest cable car tower (188,88 meters). From the cabin, admire the marvelous panoramic beauty of Ha Long Bay from atop. Reach the top of Ba Deo Hill, we explore Ba Deo Amusement Park, a complex of exciting games and most delightful amusement facilities. We enjoy a rise on Sunwheel at 250m above the sea-level, one of the tallest Ferris wheels of the world. Other must-visits on Ba Deo Hill include the Samurai Slide, Kidoland Area, Japanese Garden, Bonsai Garden, Koi Bridge, Game Acade Zone (1st floor), and Museum of Wax Figures. Evening is your own time to explore the city by night. Overnight in Halong.  
5. Day 05

   Halong – Water Park at Sun World – Hanoi – Flight to Danang – Hoian Old Town (B)
   Breakfast at hotel then check out. This morning we entertain at Typhoon Water Park where offers water-related games and activities. There are 12 unique water games, featuring long and spiral slides namely Thunder Falls, Tsunami Spillway, Sun Pool, and Magical Cove.  Afternoon transfer back to Hanoi then straight to the airport to take a flight to Danang. Upon arrival, picked up and transferred to Hoian Ancient Town to check in hotel. Overnight in Hoian.  
6. Day 06

   Hoian – My Son Sanctuary – Boat trip to Kim Bong Village – Old Town (B/L)
   Morning drive to visit My Son Sanctuary where you can discover the hidden treasure of the Cham culture that once brightly developed in the area of present Central Vietnam dated from VII century to XIV century. This is a cluster of partially ruin Hindu temples that have been abandoned for a long time located in a lush valey surrounded by the mountains. Thanks to the beauty and secrets of building the Cham Towers hereby, My Son had been also designated by UNESCO as one of the five World Heritages in Vietnam. Transferred by boat back to the town, enjoy the tranquil scenery along the river. Stop to visit Kim Bong carpentry village. Have late lunch at the local restaurant. Afternoon, you take interesting walk over the tile-roofed Japanese Bridge, visit taciturn Chinese Assembly Halls, enjoy the attractiveness of ancient houses or listen to folk music of Central Vietnam at old club-houses. Later we can stop at shrines or stroll into the market located by Thu Bon river, where you may find the same feelings of the artists, who see the rooftops of Hoian a magical old world of Oriental feel and source of inspiration. This is also a wonderful town to shop for lanterns, soft silk, raw silk, or get your clothes tailored within a day. Evening, amaze the town lighten up with thousands of colorful lanterns and night market by the River. Overnight in Hoian.  
7. Day 07

   Hoian – Fishing experience – Cooking Class - Lantern Making (B/L)
   After breakfast, 08:00Am picked up at your hotel then go to the market with the chef. You will be introduced the necessary ingredients for cooking class.  Our guides will introduce to you the necessary ingredients for cooking classes. After buying the materials to prepare for lunch, move to Cam Thanh village by boat. You have a chance to contemplate the countryside beauty along the banks. Let's explore Cam Thanh coconut village. Rowing basket boat through these small and beautiful channels then experience the round net (traditional net) with the fisherman to catch the fish and the shrimp … After that, cook your lunch with the guidance of chef for 4 dishes. Enjoy your lunch prepared by you.  Afternoon, participate in the lantern making class at a local family workshop.  With the guidance of the instructor, you can make your own complete lantern from crafting a bamboo frame to create your lantern, choosing between a range of different colored silks and designs. You of course will bring home your own product as a souvenir which can be folded up neatly in your suitcase. Transfer back to your hotel. Overnight in Hoian.  
8. Day 08

   Hoian at leisure – Afternoon transfer to Hue (B)
   Breakfast at hotel then time at leisure until check out and transfer to Hue via Hai Van Pass (the “Ocean Cloudy Mountain Pass”), enjoy viewing the beauty of Lang Co Beach en route. Upon arrival, check in hotel. Time at leisure. Overnight in Hue. Optional tour to Bana Hill (quoted separately) Morning transfer to Ba Na Hills for discovering this beautiful attraction in Da Nang city. You will take a cable car to the summit of mountain (at 1487m of sea level). Start visiting Ba Na Hill with many different attractions: Funicular, Debay ancient wine cellar & Le Jardin D’Amour, Linh Ung pagoda, Thich Ca Buddist statue, etc.  This afternoon you continue to join activities and games in Fantasy Park. Later walk to the summit of the mountain at the height 1487m – the highest one of Ba Na Mountain, visit Bell Tower, Nghinh Phong tower and Golden Bridge, to take beautiful photos of the mountain and Da Nang city. Late afternoon, taking the cable car back to foothill.  Transfer straight to Hue. Please note: Wax Museum, cotton animal game and carnival skill at Fantasy Park is not included in my quotation, joining them will be at your own account.  
9. Day 09

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10. Day 00

    ghtseeing in Hue (B/L)
    Being recognized by UNESCO as the 1st Cultural World Heritage for Vietnam, Hue is highlighted by the old royal architectural works and the most traditional Vietnamese lifestyle. We will discover the charm of the city from the Royal Citadel, Forbidden City, Hue Royal Museum. Go on to visit Thien Mu pagoda, the iconic of Hue city. Enjoy Royal Dinner served by the typical dishes of Hue. Have lunch at the local restaurant. In the afternoon, drive 12 km out of Hue City to visit the Tombs of Emperor Minh Mang located on the west bank of Perfume River. Minh Mang tomb was built from 1840 and completed in 1843 with the effort of ten thousand workers and artisians. The Tomb offers a balance of nature and structures that is unmatched among tombs in Hue. The solemn and quiet architecture set in a poetic landscape demonstrates both the Emperor's strictness and deep beliefs.  Continue visiting Emperor Khai Dinh’s Tomb, the last great tomb of the Nguyen dynasty with a mix of Asian and European style in architecture and decoration. The tomb began construction in 1920 and took eleven years to complete, and was still unfinished when the Emperor Khai Dinh passed away. Though in extent, Khai Dinh’ Tomb is small in comparison with the rest of Imperia tombs, its construction, decoration and details are very elaborate. Overnight in Hue.   
11. Day 10

    Cycling tour to Thuy Bieu Village – Flight to Ho Chi Minh City (B/L)
    Start cycling from your hotel to the first sightseeing of Tiger Arena (Ho Quyen), this was the arena where duels between elephants and tigers were arranged for the entertainment of the Emperor, the royal family and mandarins. Next visit to Long Chau Temple or Dien Voi Re – “The Palace of Crying Elephants”. Long Chau temple is a royal temple where the kings’ war elephants were buried and worshiped. Continue to cycle to Thuy Bieu village, visit the first local garden house and discover the aloes wood work by local people. Keep cycling along verdant paths to visit Nguyen Phuoc Toc worship palace, Luong Quan temple and see local people’s daily life. Visit ancient houses which are called “Nha Ruong” with the history of over 100 years. After that, time to relax your feet after a 3-hour ride. You will have 15 minutes of herbal foot bath. Enjoy the lunch prepared by local family in Thuy Bieu village. You can join with local and learn how to make sesame candy under the guidance of the household. Then you can enjoy what you have made. After lunch, leave Thuy Bieu village and come back to the city by boat.  Drive to the airport to take a flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, picked up and transferred to check in hotel. Time at your own. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
12. Day 11

    Ho Chi Minh City – Cruise Dinner on Saigon River (B/L)
    Morning, start the sightseeing to visit the Reunification Palace, the witness of the fierce Vietnam War ended in 1975. The grand building today is a Museum and Hall of official receptions. Nearby the Palace are the Notre Dame Cathedral (view from outside only), built between 1877 and 1883 and colonial-styled Central Post Office, one of the city’s major landmarks. Coming to the War Remnants Museum, you can learn a part of how Vietnamese had struggled and fought for their independence, freedom, and peace of the nation and the locals' perspective of the Vietnam War. The exhibits, such as weapons, documents, and photographs, display in the museum are firm evidence of war crimes in Vietnam and speak for the heroic actions of the former Vietnamese generation. Then visit Ben Thanh market, a symbol of the City. Afternoon is time to visit China town. You will have chance to see many famous places which have more than 100 years old. Thien Hau pagoda was built 200 years ago which is one of the most attractive Chinese pagoda in Saigon. We then enjoy the chaotic atmosphere by browsing the stalls at Binh Tay Market.  Walking on Nguyen Hue Pedestrian and experience many interesting and entertaining activities shown by the local people, especially the young people. This is also the biggest street and one of the most luxurious and attractive street of the city. Dinner on the cruise on Saigon River, enjoy traditional folk music on board. Overnight in HCMC.   
13. Day 12

    Ho Chi Minh City – Cu Chi Tunnels – Drive to Mui Ne – 240km/4.5 hour driving (B)
    Have breakfast and check out. This morning drive to visit Cu Chi tunnels - the network of over 200km of tunnels became legendary when they played a vital role in the War. In their heyday, the tunnels were functioning underground cities including numerous trap doors, specially constructed living areas, storage facilities, weapons factories, field hospitals, command centers & kitchens. After a short introduction video showing how the tunnels were constructed, you will have a chance to crawl into a short section of the tunnels to feel the oppressive narrowness and heat inside. Return to HCMC by after lunch. Continue the journey to Mui Ne Beach via express way. Upon arrival, check in hotel by the beach. Overnight in Mui Ne.  
14. Day 13

    Mui Ne – Sand Dunes – Beach Relax (B)
    In the morning, the car will take you to visit Bau Trang (white sand hill) first. Where there are immense sand dunes, surrounded by a large lotus pond, cool water all year round. Don’t forget to experience the games here with the car or Motor ATV services (at your own cost) which will take you to the top and run straight down. What an extremely strong feeling! Continue to the white sand road, one of the most beautiful sea routes in Vietnam. On the way, stop at the yellow water cart – a car as emblem on this road and the giant wind turbines for photos shooting.  We then drive to Flying Sand Dunes (red sand dunes), famous for the shape of the sand dunes changes every day. Sandboarding game will give you an unforgettable feeling on the red sand hill (at your own cost). The last point in the journey is Suoi Tien (Fairy Stream). Take a walk and feel the cool stream with a pleasant feeling like being massaged and admire the poetic beauty that is bestowed by nature along the two banks of the stream.  Return to your hotel to relax. Afternoon, your time at leisure. Overnight in Mui Ne.  
15. Day 14

    Mui Ne – Ho Chi Minh City – Departure (B)
    Breakfast at your hotel. Time at leisure until check out and transfer to back to Tan Son Nhat airport boarding the flight back home. Tour ends. Please note: The standard check out time is 12:00pm. No late check out included.

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