8 Days Vietnam Fixed Departure: Ha Noi-Ha Long-Hue-Hoi An-Ho Chi Minh City

CHÀO MU’NG! Welcome to Vietnam and Hanoi! We will pick you up upon arrival at the Hanoi airport, and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore this vibrant metropolis, teeming with energy and activity.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Blending the modern with the mystery and charm of past centuries, Ha Noi offers an air of elegance and harmony with nature. The morning sightseeing begins with a visit to the Van Mieu or Temple of Literature. The temple dates back to 1070 and is dedicated to the cult of Confucius. Note the peaceful series of walled courtyards and graceful gateways; this is one of the best examples of traditional Vietnamese architecture. Next, continue to the Ho Chi Minh Memorial Complex, consisting Ho Chi Minh Museum and Ho Chi Minh’s final resting place. See the Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House, the simple two-room dwelling where he lived from 1958 until his final days in 1969. Nearby is the miniature One Pillar Pagoda, or Chua Mot Cot, sitting in a lotus pond. Made out of a single large tree trunk, it was originally constructed in 1040 AD and then rebuilt after being destroyed by the French in 1954. Drive to West Lake in the center of the city to see the beautiful 6th century Tran Quoc Temple, and the National Military Museum with its 19th century Hanoi Flag Tower.

In the afternoon, we pay a somber visit to the Hoa Lo prison, built by the French colonists to house Vietnamese political prisoners. During the Vietnam War, it was used by North Vietnam and dubbed the “Hanoi Hilton” by American prisoners of war. Today, only part of the prison still exists as a history museum. Next, enjoy a walking tour through Hanoi’s Old Quarter, a network of narrow alleys and shop houses also known as ‘The 36 Streets.” This is a wonderful place to watch the local life and browse through items from fabrics to crafts to exotic medicines. Each street was named to reflect the specialized trade of its merchandise such as silk traders, jewelry, etc. Take a break at a local cafe to experience the popular Hanoi pastime of sipping coffee and watching life in the neighborhood. Your tour ends with a visit to the charming Buddhist Ngoc Son Temple, or Temple of the Jade Mountain. Walk across the red painted wood bridge to explore this center of peace and harmony.

This evening, laugh with the local children as you watch the delightful water puppet show, an art form unique to northern Vietnam.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Today, drive to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a 580 sq. mile area of picturesque islands shrouded in mist, floating villages and pearl fisheries. Take a relaxing boat excursion in a traditional Chinese-style wooden junk. You will cruise on the emerald waters between dolomite islets and some of the 3,000 craggy limestone cliffs dotted with breathtaking caves and grottos. A wonderful seafood lunch & dinner are included during your cruise of this mystical bay. (B,L,D)

Overnight on Junk.

This morning, having breakfast on the boat and then disembark. Depart for Hanoi at around 12 PM. From Hanoi continue to drive to the airport for your 1-hour flight to Hue. You are met on arrival at Hue airport and transferred to your hotel in Hue. (B)

Overnight in Hue.

This morning, cruise by boat down the Perfume River to see the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda (Heavenly Lady Pagoda), an elegant seven-tiered octagonal tower that has become Hue’s most widely recognizable monument. Continue with visiting Hue’s Old Imperial City next to the Perfume River. Visit the Imperial Citadel, a vast complex built in 1800’s modeled after the Forbidden City in Beijing with a 6-mile wall and surrounding moat. Though being destroyed through war, today you can still see these monuments of 19th century Nguyen Dynasty to life. View the Flag Tower and the imposing Ngo Mon Gate, one of ten entrances to the complex. In the spacious courtyard area visit the Dien Tho Palace(the Palace of Supreme Harmony), Thai Hoa Palace, Hall of Mandarins and see the original Nine Dynastic Urns. In the afternoon continue by road to Hoi An, stopping en route at a fishing village near Lang Co Beach, and at dramatic Hai Van Pass to admire the spectacular views. Hai Van is the high dividing line between the climate zones of north and south Vietnam. Before reaching Hoi An, explore DaNang –  visiting the Cham Museum, with the largest collection of Cham artwork and sculpture in the world, and a village nearby Marble Mountain with its peaks represent the five elements of the universe. Passing the curving beaches and clear blue lagoons of the South China Sea, you arrive in the picturesque riverside town of Hoi An by late afternoon. (B,L)

Overnight in Hoi An.

Previously known as Faifo, Hoi An was an ancient port town and is now designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. Today is at leisure to relax or explore the village on your own. Hoi An is one of the best places to discover genuine Vietnamese architecture. Take a cyclo ride through the narrow cobblestone streets of the Old Quarter, and spend time mingling with the local vendors at the Hoi An Market. (B)

Overnight in Hoi An.

This morning it is a short drive to DaNang airport for your morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). You are met upon arrival, and taken into the heart of the Mekong Delta (Ben Tre) for a boat trip on the Mekong River. Cruise amid ageless scenes of rural Vietnam – farmers cultivating crops by hand and picturesque riverside structures built on bamboo stilts. Continue along the smaller waterways and canals, stopping at the Mekong River Islands to visit the local orchards and cottage industries. Watch how the delta residents make traditional treats such as dried longans, rice pancakes and puffed rice candies, natural honey and honey wine, and their famed coconut candy – with a chance to sample the local delicacies.

Back to Ho Chi Minh city. Take a brief sightseeing tour to discover a city where colonial buildings and traditional temples stand beside the emerging modern skyline. See Chinatown and the Thien Hau Pagoda, dedicated to the sea goddess, and the 19th century Emperor of Jade (Taoist) Pagoda, full of elaborate deity carvings. Learn about Vietnam’s recent history at Reunification Palace, formerly the South Vietnam’s Independence Palace, until stormed by tanks on April 30, 1975. Drive along Dong Khoi Street (formerly Rue Catinat), into the heart of old colonial Saigon to reach the colorful Ben Thanh Market where you have time to explore the hundreds of stalls teeming with silks, spices, and assorted souvenirs. (B)

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Your tour ends today with your transfer to the Saigon airport for your departing flight. (B)