EXPLORE VIETNAM FROM NORTH TO SOUTH 8 DAYS

Itinerary: Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Bai Tu Long – Saigon – Cu Chi – Mekong Delta

This tour offers you the opportunity to discover Vietnam in all facets : beautiful landscapes, open and friendly man , culture and authentic tradition. This trip takes you to a whole journey throughout Vietnam : the Northern region to the Centre and the South and finally the Mekong Delta. In the North, you will be enamored of the charm of the Old Quarter of Hanoi, the beauty of the karst formations Tam Coc in Ninh Binh, the all natural beauty of Halong Bay. To the South, you will change the experience by animating Ho Chi Minh city and the charm of the Mekong delta with its lush tropical orchards and its rivers and system of canals.

ITINERARY IN DETAILS:

Day 1: Hanoi arrival ( no guide) On arrival in Noi Bai International Airport, our driver picks you up and drives you to hotel by car. Free and relax. Overnight in hotel in Hanoi. (Notes: check-in time at hotel is from 14:00) Included: A/C Transport, Accommodation, A bottle of water/person on the car Meals: No

Day 2: Hanoi city tour (B,L) Breakfast at hotel. 07:30 – 08:30 Tour guide and shuter bus will pick up you at the hotel in Ha Noi old quarter and Hanoi Opera House then depart to Hanoi city tour full day. 09:00 Visiting first place named Tran Quoc pagoda on the West Lake the oldest pagoda in Vietnam. 09:30 Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum to explore the architectural and historical aspects of Uncle Ho’s final resting-place. Just next door is Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts and lying to one side of the Mausoleum is the One-Pillar Pagoda which was founded by King Ly Thai To in 1049 – the structure has become an important symbol for the people of Hanoi. 11:00 Visit the colorful features of the 54 ethnic groups of Viet Nam in the Ethnology Museum. 13:00 Bus takes you to a local restaurant in Hanoi Old Quarter, have a rest and enjoy the lunch. 14:00 Visit Temple of Literature, the most famous temple situated in Hanoi, also functioned as Vietnam’s first university. It was first constructed in 1070 under King Ly Nhan Tong and dedicated to Confucius, sages and scholars. A vast structure that has existed to present day. 15:30 Drive to legendary Hoan Kiem Lake, visit Ngoc Son Temple dedicated to Van Xuong saint and former general commander Tran Hung Dao for his struggle against Mongolians. You also see the beautiful Vietnamese and French architecture around the lake. 16:00 – 16:30: Arrive at the hotel in Ha Noi old quarter and Hanoi Opera House. Tour ends !

Notes: • Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Ethnology Museum and close on Monday and Friday morning. • The itinerary can be changed due to weather, tide levels and operating conditions.

Included:

A/C Shuttle bus, A bottle of water/person on the bus, tour guide speaking English, All entrance fees to sites indicated in itinerary, Accommodation Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3: Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Tam Coc – Hoa Lu – Hanoi (B,L) Breakfast at hotel. 7:45-8:30 am: Picked up by our tour guide at your hotel at The Old Quarter, then depart for NinhBinh city towards to the South of Hanoi. Have a short-break en route. 10:30 am: Arrive in Hoa Lu, visit Hoa Lu – The Acient Capital and the remaining two temples dedicated to King Dinh & King Le. 11:30 am: Go back to the bus, and then from here drive to Tam Coc grottoes (16km from Hoa Lu). 12:00 am: Arrive Tam Coc wharf. 12:15 am: Have a lavish buffet lunch at a local restaurant. 01:30 pm: Take an exciting sampan boat ride in Tam Coc grottoes (Halong on land). 03:30 pm: Proceed a cycling along country lane to enjoy the beautiful scenery of lush paddy fields and discover real countryside of Vietnam. 04:30 pm: Get on the shuttle bus to come back Hanoi. 07:00 pm: Arrive in Hanoi, go back to our hotel in The Old Quarter. Day Trip ends. Overnight in Hanoi. Included: A/C Shuttle bus, Entrance fee, English speaking guide, Boat trip, Accommodation, A bottle of water/person on the bus Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Day 4: Hanoi – Bai Tu Long Bay (B,L,D)

Notes: The program will be changed depending on different cruises.

Oriental Sail Cruise’s itinerary 08:00 – 08:30 Pick-up at hotel and start the 3 hour-and-a-half drive to Hong Gai Tourist Wharf, check in Oriental Sails JSC’s private waiting hall – The OS Lounge. 12:15 – 12:45 Embark on main cruises by a transfer boat. Listen to cruise briefing and receive room key. 13:00 – 15:30 Savor a delectable lunch on Oriental Sails cruises’ restaurants further along the limestone islands of Bai Tu Long Bay, heading to the first place for activities.

You have 2 options to choose: Option 1: Discovery local daily life: Take a bamboo rowing boat trip around Vung Vieng Fishing Village Option 2: Take kayak at by yourself with the help and instruction of our tour guides around the Village. 17:30 – 18:00 Return to overnight cruises and have bath then relax as the sun starts to set. Enjoy the Happy Hour at the bar and on the sun deck while joining the cooking class with our chefs. 19:00 Dinner is served. Socialize with other guests, night squid fishing or just laze around. Singing and dancing activities are available till 22h00.

Included: Accommodation on board (twin/ double basis), English speaking tour guide, Tai Chi exercise, Kayaking, Cooking class, Entrance fees, Rowing boat trip with local rower, Welcome drink, Complimentary a bottle water/ person in bus and in room, Insurance on board, Shuttle Bus from Hanoi – Hon Gai habour, Meals: Breakfast,Lunch, Dinner

Sealife Cruise’s itinerary: 7.30 Depart from Hanoi to Halong bay by shuttle van (optional). 11.30 Upon arrival at Vinashin Tourist Harbor, You are welcomed at our waiting room before enjoying the cruise. 12.15 Embark on Huong Hai Sealife. Enjoy welcome drink as Cruise Manager gives you a brief overview of the itinerary and important safety guideline. Check in your cabin. 13.00 Start cruising among famous Islets (Indochina studio, Am Islet…) of Bai Tu Long Bay, the wildest beauty with the panoramic natural views. Admire the grace of the bay while enjoying the delicious lunch in the restaurant at the first deck. 14.30 Explore the well-hidden Co Cave (known as Thien Canh Son Cave). Relax on white sandy beach or walk along the beach at Hon Co Island (no swimming). 15.45 Return to Huong Hai Sealife and enjoy Happy hour. You will have 30% discount off from the special drinks list; including of cocktail, mocktail and mixed drinks (from 16.30 pm to 19.00 pm.). Treasure the wonderful beauty of Bai Tu Long Bay at sunset; admire the striking islands and islets, savoring the fresh and peaceful atmosphere which could hardly be found in land while cruising to Cong Do sleeping area. 16.30 Enjoy kayaking at Cong Do or relaxing on the cruise. 18.00 Onboard the vessel, surrounded by a stunning, setting in motion, attend our chef’s cooking demonstration and try your skills in the art of traditional Vietnamese cooking (spring roll) on the sundeck. 19.15 Dinner is served in the restaurant at the first desk. You can enjoy the charm of Bai Tu Long Bay at night. 21.00 Evening activities: relax at leisure; enjoy our Movie Night, Board Games or our Massage & Spa services (massage and spa fee is not included in the price), squid fishing. Overnight on Bai Tu Long Bay. Included: Full furnished with Private Balcony Ocean View, hot water & luxury Standing Bathroom, Complimentary 2 bottled water in each Cabin, Welcome drinks, Entrance and sightseeing fees, squid fishing equipment, English speaking guide onboard, Full life jackets onboard, Limousine bus from Hanoi – Hon Gai Habour Meals: Breakfast,Lunch, Dinner Exclued: Kayaking Day 5: Bai Tu Long Bay – Hanoi – Saigon (flight)Oriental Sail Cruise’s itinerary 06:30 – 07:00 Start your day with Tai Chi exercise on the sundeck. 07:00 – 09:00 Catch morning view of seascapes with a cup of tea or coffee, have breakfast while cruising toward Thien Canh Son Cave. Visit Thien Canh Son Cave – the medium size and less visited cave in Bai Tu Long Bay 09:30 Check-out room. Luggage can be delivered to the reception area. 09:30 – 11:00 Head back to the Harbor. Have early lunch on board. Disembark the main cruise at around 12h00. 12:00 – 16:30 Transfer back to Hanoi 16:30-17:00 Drop off at hotel. Our driver pick up and transfer to Hanoi airport for taking a flight to Saigon. Upon your arrival, our driver will pick you up (no guide) and transfer to hotel for check –in. Included: Accommodation, English speaking tour guide, Tai Chi exercise, Entrance fees, Insurance on board, Shuttle Bus from Hon Gai – Hanoi, Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Sealife Cruise’s itinerary: 6.30 Welcome a new day with an amazing dawn on Bai Tu Long Bay. Refresh your body and soul with a Tai-chi session on the sundeck. 7.00 Catch the morning view of seascap while enjoying the breakfast with cookies and tea, café in the restaurant. 7.30 Visit Vung Vieng village – the famous fishing farm by bamboo boat and discover life of local people living on the surface of Halong Bay 8.30 Return to Huong Hai Sealife. 9.15 Pack up the luggage and check out of the cabin. 9.30 Enjoy the brunch in the restaurant while cruising back to Vinashin tourist harbor. 11.00 Disembark from Huong Hai Sealife. 12.00 Your driver takes you back to Hanoi. 16:30-17:00 Drop off at hotel. Our driver pick up and transfer to Hanoi airport for taking a flight to Saigon. Upon your arrival, our driver will pick you up (no guide) and transfer to hotel for check –in. Included: Complimentary morning tea and coffee, Accommodation, Entrance and sightseeing fees, Local bamboo boat, English speaking guide onboard, Full life jackets onboard, Limousine from Hon Gai – Hanoi, Meals: Breakfast, Brunch Day 6: Saigon – Cu Chi Tunnels (B,L) From 8:00-19:30 AM: Ho Chi Minh city (08:00 am to noon time) Take the morning trip to visit Independence Palace, also known at the Reunification palace, was built on the sight of the former Norodom palace. The Independence palace is a widely known landmark of Ho Chi Minh City and was designed by the architect Ngo Viet Thu. Continue seeingthe beautiful structures from the French Colonial times such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, the historic Central Post Office. Followed by the remarkable site of the War Remnants Museum the museum has a vast display of the both the Indochina wars. Have lunch at local restaurant. PM: Cu Chi Tunnels Arriving at the destination, a short introductory video showing how the tunnels were constructed and used by Viet Cong soldiers during Vietnam War will be given. Then we will spend time to explore the maze of tunnels with countless trap doors, storage facilities, weapons factories, field hospitals, command centers, kitchens, and more. Besides, we will enjoy the most popular food during war days at Cu Chi tunnels – the cassava. Overnight in Saigon. Included: A/C Shuttle bus, English speaking guide, Admission fee, A bottle of water/person on the bus, Accommodation, Meals: Breakfast, Light Lunch Day 7: Saigon – My Tho (B,L) Enjoy the scenic journey along the National Highway bordered by green rice fields. On arrived at My Tho, visit Vinh Trang pagoda, take a leisurely boat ride along the river, view the stilt houses, fruit plantations and fishing villages along the river bank. Proceed to Tortoise islet, have lunch in the orchard garden. Then a boat ride to An Khanh – a less touristy attraction in Ben Tre, enjoy cruising on a hand-rowed sampan under the shadow of the water coconut trees along natural canals, then enjoy seasonal fruit; honey tea to the sound of Southern Vietnamese folk music performed by locals. Visit a family business which epitomizes the idyllic rural lifestyle, taste the delicious coconut candy; observe the pastoral life as you roam through the fruit plantation and village. Meet the bus and return to HCMC. This trip provides a fascinating insight into daily life in the Mekong Delta and you are guaranteed to take home your own private collection of beautiful memories. Included: A/C Shuttle bus, English speaking guide, Admission fee, Boat trip, A bottle of water/person on the bus, Accommodation, Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Day 8: Saigon – Depart (B, No Guide) Breakfast and free at your time until transfer without guide to airport for departure with sweet memories. Included: Transportation, Meals: Breakfast End of services,