Vietnam & The beach 12 Days (from Ho Chi Minh city)

PRIVATE TOUR – CODE: VIDL4

When one talks about Vietnam’s tourist attractions, it’s deficient if we don’t mention Mui Ne as one of the most beautiful beach destinations of Vietnam. This tour starts from Ho Chi Minh city then travel up North to Hanoi, Halong bay with 4 nights beach leisure in Mui Ne.

Travel route: Ho Chi Minh – Cu Chi Tunnels – My Tho (Mekong Delta) – Mui Ne Beach – Ha Noi – Ha Long Bay – Hanoi – Departure

BRIEF ITINERARY

• Day 1: Ho Chi Minh city arrival (D)
• Day 2: Ho Chi Minh city – Cu Chi tunnels (B,L)
• Day 3: Ho Chi Minh city – Mekong delta (B,L)
• Day 4: Ho Chi Minh city – Mui Ne (B)
• Day 5: Mui Ne – Free beach leisure (B)
• Day 6: Mui Ne – Free beach leisure (B)
• Day 7: Mui Ne – Free beach leisure (B)
• Day 8: Mui Ne – Nha Trang – Hanoi (B,D)
• Day 9: Hanoi city tour (B,L)
• Day 10: Hanoi – Halong bay – Overnight on boat (B,L,D)
• Day 11: Halong bay – Hanoi (B,L)
• Day 12: Buffet lunch in Sen Tay Ho – Hanoi – Departure (B)

DETAIL ITINERARY

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh city arrival (D)
Arrive at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, Ho Chi Minh City formerly named Saigon is the largest city and economic center of Vietnam always bustled with activities of modern life. It is where businesses converge and shoppers indulge themselves into unlimited choices. However the city also carries with it a rich historical legacy in contrast with its dazzling glamor.

Welcome by our guide and private transfer to your hotel. The transfer distance is approximately 30 minutes. Check in hotel. Dinner at local restaurant & Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.

Day 2: Ho Chi Minh city – Cu Chi tunnels (B,L)

Morning, drive to visit Cu Chi Tunnels, 75 km Northwest of downtown Ho Chi Minh City, which were once a major underground hideout and resistance base of Viet Cong forces during the two wars against the French and later on Americans. The tunnels, entirely hand-dug, formed a highly intricate network of interlinked multilevel passageways at times stretched as far as the Cambodian border and totaling over 120 km in length. Its complexity was beyond imagination containing meeting rooms, kitchens, wells, clinics, schools, depots, trenches and emergency exits all aimed for guerrilla warfare. The tunnels were deep and strong enough to withstand destructive bombings and self-contained enough to outlast prolonged sieges. Lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon, take a city tour to visit War Remnants Museum which features a comprehensive collection of the machinery, weapons, photos, and documentation of Vietnam War with the both the French and Americans, Reunification Palace which was the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until end of April 1975, Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica, a neo-Roman cathedral as a French-built neo-Roman cathedral, the Saigon Central Post Office, former US Embassy, Cho Lon or the city’s China Town including the Quan Am Pagoda and the Jade Emperor Temple (Phuoc Hai), a rare Taoist structure in Vietnam built in 1909.

Day 3: Ho Chi Minh city – Mekong delta (B,L)

Morning, after breakfast, travel by road to the Mekong Delta, the world’s largest delta and Vietnam’s largest rice bowl. The transfer distance is approximately 2hours. On arrival in My Tho City, capital of Tien Giang Province, embark on a boat and navigate through intricate canals while observing the local daily life up close as well as the landscape of waterways and lush islands. Land on the Unicorn Island to enjoy wandering through verdant orchards, tasting fresh fruits and listening to some Southern style traditional music. Move on to the second delta province, Ben Tre, where you will watch local villagers make coconut candy in a rural workshop, walk around briefly and try riding a horse-pulled carriage. More cruising to some bee-keeping households to taste fresh homegrown honey and honey tea.  Lunch at local restaurant

Go back Ho Chi Minh City and take a stroll through the French-built Ben Thanh Market which dates back to 1870 and whose main entrance clock tower has become a city’s symbol. Conclude the day with a cup of Vietnamese coffee or beer on the street while watching the commotions of city life.

Day 4: Ho Chi Minh city – Mui Ne (B)

After lunch, transfer to Mui Ne. It takes around 05 hours from Saigon to Mui Ne, around 300 km, Mũi Né Beach is a popular tropical beach, one of most beautiful beach. Strong sea breezes make it very popular for kite surfing and windsurfing. Arrival to Mui Ne, check in and take a rest.

Day 5: Mui Ne – Free beach leisure (B)

Resting on the beach full day.

Day 6: Mui Ne – Free beach leisure (B)

Resting on the beach full day.

Day 7: Mui Ne – Free beach leisure (B)

Resting on the beach full day.

Day 8: Mui Ne – Nha Trang – Hanoi (B,D)

Having early breakfast at resort, you check out hotel at noon and transfer to Cam Ranh airport (Nha Trang) for flight to Hanoi. The transfer distance is around 3 hours.

Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport, welcome by our guide and transfer to your hotel. The transfer distance is approximately 40 minutes.

Hanoi or “River-bound City” as its name literally means is Vietnam’s capital with a thousand-year-old history dating back to 1010. The city’s fascinating beauty which is characterized by unique cultural relics, ancient streets of antique houses, elegant French colonial buildings, tree-lined boulevards and romantic lakes has made it one of the most charming cities of Asia.

Day 9: Hanoi city tour (B,L)

Morning, start a city tour beginning with Ho Chi Minh Complex which features the life of Ho Chi Minh, the nation’s founder. At the complex, visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum where the nation’s founder’s body is preserved (closed on Monday, Friday and through October – November), the colonial Presidential Palace, originally the French Governor Office and a fine example of French architecture in Hanoi, and the rural style Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts where Ho Chi Minh lived and worked. Stop by one of Hanoi’s icons, the One Pillar Pagoda, built in the 11th Century in dedication to Avalokiteshvara or Buddha of Compassion and reminiscent of a lotus blossom rising from a pond. Continue to the Temple of Literature, known as the first university of Vietnam built in 1070 by the Ly Dynasty to honor Confucius, sages and outstanding Vietnamese scholars. Lunch at a Vietnamese restaurant

Late afternoon, visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple located on an islet in the lake. Hoan Kiem Lake is the center point of Hanoi and home to a rare endangered giant turtle species. Its name “Returned Sword” comes from a legend of a sacred sword being lent to an ancient Vietnamese King by a holy turtle from the lake and later returned to the turtle. Discover special Vietnamese traditional art of water puppetry as well as Vietnamese folklore through a compelling puppet show at Thang Long Theatre. Shop or walk at leisure in the Old Quarter of 36 ancient streets. Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 10: Hanoi – Halong bay – Overnight on boat (B,L,D)

Morning pickup at 7:30 AM from your hotel for transfer to Ha Long Bay, which is about 160 km or 3.5-hour drive away. On the way, you will see some rural areas of the Red River Delta with plenty of chances to take photos of Vietnamese farmers working in paddy fields. Stop half way to visit a handicraft workshop of fine clothes and embroidered paintings.

Arrive in Ha Long City at 11:30 AM and check in aboard the booked junk right after the welcome drink is served. Start cruising while having lunch on board and enjoy the mighty bay view. Ha Long Bay meaning Descending Dragon Bay in Vietnamese as legend has it that it was where a holly dragon landed down from sky. The bay, famous as one of the world’s wonders and heritage sites whose formation dates back 500 million years, consists of around 2,000 karst islands and islets scattered over an area of 1,553 km2. The bay cruise will continue with up close sighting of Dinh Huong Island, Ga Choi Island, Dog Island, Sail Island, a visit to Sung Sot Cave and swimming stop at Titov Beach. Relax to enjoy the bay view at sunset, have dinner after, go fishing at 09:00 PM and spend a night on board.

Day 11: Halong bay – Hanoi (B,L)

Early risers can enjoy the splendid yet tranquil view of the bay at the crack of dawn. Breathe the sea’s fresh air, feel the morning breeze and hear the sounds of birds above. Have breakfast and cruise to visit Human head shaped island and Tortoise Island. Check out and have lunch on board while heading to shore.

Disembark and transfer back to Hanoi. Visit Van Phuc silk village on the outskirt of Hanoi before going into town for hotel check-in. Evening at leisure.

Day 12: Buffet lunch in Sen Tay Ho – Hanoi – Departure (B)

Today we’d like to offer Complimentary the farewell Buffet lunch of over 250 dishes in SEN HO TAY Restaurant, the most famous restaurant of Hanoi for buffet. This restaurant is on the way from Sofitel Plaza hotel to Hanoi airport. Then go straight to the airport to check in the flight. End of services.

INCLUSION

• Visa approval letter to Vietnam
• Hotel accommodation with breakfast
• Private transportation and tours with English speaking guide.
• Package 2D1N Overnight on Cruise in Ha Long Bay (Group tour)
• Entrances fees + sightseeing as indicated.
• Meal as per itinerary.
• Bottle of water available on transfers.

EXCLUSION

• Vietnam stamp fee of US$ 45/person
• Domestic and International Air tickets
• Domestic airport tax & International airport tax departure
• Personal expenses such as drinks at meals, camera fees to tour sites
• All other accounts are not mentioned in the above inclusion.