Day 1 – Saturday, December 6 – Hanoi – Tour Begins
After your trans-continental flight, arrive in the city of Hanoi and transfer to our hotel. Since most flights arrive late in the evening, tonight’s plan is to get a good night’s sleep, so you’ll be ready to hit the ground running in the morning.
Day 2 – Sunday, December 7 – Hanoi
After breakfast, we’ll have a Group Orientation where you’ll meet your staff and fellow travelers. We’ll begin with a half day city tour to visit some of the most recognizable sights in all of Vietnam including Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple, The Temple of Literature and Hoa Lo Prison (known to American’s as Hanoi Hilton). Get a sense of the real Vietnam through a local’s eyes during our one-hour traditional cyclo ride through Hanoi’ʹs “Old Quarter”. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. (B, D)
Day 3 – Monday, December 8 – Hanoi – Van Long – Ninh Binh
After breakfast, we will leave Hanoi and head south along Highway One toward Van Long, an area of astounding natural beauty with limestone peaks against a backdrop of emerald green. We will take a punting boat trip along the Van Long River, passing rice fields, natural caves, and grottos which makes for a truly unforgettable experience. After lunch, we’ll visit the Dinh and Le Temples of the Ancient Capital Hoa Lu. Hoa Lu is a small region which served as Vietnam’s capital for 41 years and we will see its numerous palaces, pagodas, tombs, and pavilions.. The sea and limestone mountain landscape provided defense for the kingdom during the Ly Dynasty. Bao Thien Tue Palace, a popular architectural masterpiece, is known for its gold and silver plating. (B, L, D)
Day 4 – Tuesday, December 9 – Ninh Binh – Halong
In the morning, we will take a scenic drive to Halong and tender to the luxury Calypso Cruise. Your heavenly voyage across Halong Bay starts around noon on Bai Chay Island at the doorstep of Vietnam’s most fascinating wonder. Discover some of the treasures disseminated across the Bay of the Descending Dragon during the afternoon: fascinating caves, pristine beaches, picturesque floating villages and fantastic rock formations rising up out of emerald water. This afternoon, enjoy kayaking in Halong Bay or spend the afternoon relaxing on board the boat. Dinner is served on board. (B, L, D)
Day 5 – Wednesday, December 10 – Halong – Hanoi – Hue
For the early risers, participate in a traditional Tai Chi lesson on the sundeck. Then, enjoy a delightful buffet breakfast while sailing across thousands of islets. Our cruise ends at Baichay late the morning. We’ll drive back to Hanoi and have dinner together before boarding our evening flight to Hue. Arrive in Hue and transfer to our hotel. (B, D)
Day 6 – Thursday, December 11 – Hue
We’ll begin our morning with a 3 – 5 kilometer bike ride to the surrounding countryside. We’ll pass peaceful streams and verdant rice paddies before we arrive at the small village of Thanh Toan – home to a legendary local market. Learn about the role of agriculture and spend time exploring this small town. Stop by the beautiful Thanh Toan covered bridge or simply soak up the atmosphere while sipping Vietnamese coffee at the village café. We’ll return to the city to visit Thien Mu Pagoda. Lunch will be served at an authentic central Vietnamese local restaurant. This afternoon we’ll visit the Imperial Citadel and its Royal Enclosure followed by a visit to Tu Hieu Pagoda (the oldest one in Hue), to see the Young Monks practicing martial arts or playing soccer together. Tonight, enjoy a special dinner at Biet Phu Thao Nhi Villa. (B, L, D)
Day 7 – Friday, December 12 – Hue – Hoian
We begin our day with breakfast at our hotel before we transfer to Hoian via Hai Van Tunnel. On the way to Hoian, we’ll stop at a local bakery shop to pick up some snacks or lunch before we head to famed China Beach where we can enjoy a picnic on the beach. Along the way, we’ll visit the Cham Sculpture Museum before arriving in Hoian. Late this afternoon we’ll go on a biking tour along Hoian’s waterfront. Beginning at the Japanese Covered Bridge and continuing to the main market, we’ll stop at the Ancient house Tan Ky, the ornate Fu Kien Chinese Temple and continue down to the local market. We’ll participate in a local Hoian custom and experience the floating lantern ceremony along Thu Bon River, one of the most beautiful traditions in Hoian. We’ll gather together for an Amazing Journeys Shabbat celebration, followed by a special dinner at an amazing restaurant, located in an attractive garden in the heart of Hoian. (B, D)
Day 8 – Saturday, December 13 – Hoian
In the morning, visit Hoian’s colorful market and cruise down the Thu Bon River to the Red Bridge Cooking School. Our cooking class includes a visit at the school’s herb and vegetable garden, a brief introduction to Vietnamese food carving (for plate decoration), and a two hour hands‑on lesson to prepare some Hoian’s best and well‑known Vietnamese dishes. Best of all, we get to enjoy our handiwork and eat the lunch we have prepared in class. The rest of the day is at leisure for relaxing at beach, enjoying a massage or shopping in town. (B, L)
Day 9 – Sunday, December 14 – Hoian – Denang – Saigon
This morning we’ll transfer to Danang Airport for our flight to Saigon, now known as Ho Chi Minh City. We arrive in Saigon and transfer to Cu Chi where lunch will be served at local restaurant. Next we visit the Cu Chi Tunnels to see the historic 200‑kilometer‑long Cu Chi Tunnels used by the North Vietnamese during the Vietnam War. We drive back to Saigon late in the afternoon and the evening is yours to enjoy free time in Saigon. (B, L)
Day 10 – Monday, December 15 – Saigon – Mekong Delta – Saigon
This morning we’ll drive to the town of My Tho in the Mekong Delta region. This town lies on the left side of the Mekong River and is only a two-hour drive from the hustle and bustle of Saigon. Visitors will enjoy a cruise on the Mekong River (Rach Xep ‑ Ben Tre) and then ride on a hand‑rowed sampan through small islets under a green canopy of coconut trees to catch a glimpse of the daily activities of the local people. A visit to an orchard islet allows you to observe the pastoral life and enjoy coconut milk, seasonal fruits, honey tea and enjoy traditional music performed by locals. We’ll then go biking around the local villages on a 5 – 7 kilometer ride and enjoy a lunch of local specialties from the Mekong Delta. We’ll drive back to Saigon. Tonight, enjoy an Amazing Journeys Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant. (B, L, D)
Day 11 – Tuesday, December 16 – Saigon – Tour Ends
After breakfast this morning, we’ll take a tour around downtown Saigon, visiting the Colonial Quarter, Opera House, Hotel de Ville (City Hall), Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office and Ben Thanh Market. This afternoon, enjoy free time until our transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)
Our Hotels:
Day 1-2 Hanoi Pearl Hotel, Hanoi
Day 3 Emeralda Resort, Ninh Binh
Day 4 Calypso Cruise, Halong Bay
Day 5-6 Huong Giang Hotel, Hue
Day 7-8 Boutique Hoian Resort, Hoian
Day 9-10 Grand Hotel, Saigon
Please Note:
1) This tour includes moderate physical activity
2) Alternate hotels may be used
3) The order of this tour may change
4) Hotel to Airport transfers are included at set times
All rooms are non-smoking where we match roommates. Items listed on this website are subject to change at any time. By providing payment you agree to the terms and conditions as outlined on this website.
Cancellation Policy: From the time of deposit until August 4, 2014 there is a $75.00 penalty for cancellation. From August 5 – September 22, 2014, the cancellation penalty is $300.00. From September 23 – November 4, 2014, the cancellation penalty is 50% of the package price. From November 5, 2014 until the day of travel, the cancellation penalty is 100% of the total package price. Cancellations made on the day of departure and “no-shows” will receive no refund. There is no refund in the event of interruption or cancellation by the passenger after the start of the journey.
Cancellation insurance: Cancellation insurance is highly recommended. Information will be sent with your tour confirmation.
Taxes and Gratuities: Taxes, surcharges and government fees are based on January 2014 rates and are subject to change. Gratuities have been included on this tour and include tips for local guides, driver, porters, and all meals included in the cost of the tour.
Flights and Transfers: International airfare is not included with the tour cost. Two Intra-Vietnamese flights have been included with the tour cost. The tour begins in Hanoi and ends in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).
Passport and Visa Requirements: A passport is necessary to travel on this itinerary and must be valid for six months beyond the last day of the trip. A visa is necessary to enter Vietnam for those from the US, Canada, UK and Australia. The cost of the visa is currently $95, subject to change. You will need to have two photos that are 2 x 2 inches. More instructions will be sent to you at a later date. If you are a citizen of another country, please check the website for the Embassy of Vietnam to see if a visa is necessary and the costs associated with it.
This tour is operated by V’Explore Tours
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