Day 1: Hanoi Arrival
Xin chao! Welcome to Hanoi!
Upon arrival, your guide or driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel.
Day 2: Hanoi City Tour with Cyclo Ride
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Begin the morning with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum and hear about the man who led Vietnam’s campaign for independence from French colonial rule. After dedicating his life to the liberation of his country from foreign rule, Ho Chi Minh died in 1969 and his body was preserved for posterity. Every October the mausoleum is closed for a month and Uncle Ho is given a bit of a spruce up! Then wander the grounds to see the one pillar pagoda and the presidential palace. Next,visit the 11th century relic, the Temple of Literature, which was built in homage to the Chinese scholar Confucius.
In the afternoon start with the Museum of Ethnology that is widely acknowledged as the best in the country, with an extensive display dedicated to Vietnam’s 54 ethnic minority people. Take a breezy cyclo ride through the Old Quarter’s 36 streets, named for the products that were sold from their shops. Today, vendors on Tin and Bamboo Streets still sell the same wares. Next, sip astrong Vietnamese coffee in a café overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake - an important symbol in Vietnamese folklore. End your day with a delightful water puppet show, a traditional art that is still being performed today.
Interesting fact: Walking around the streets of Hanoi, you will often see street vendors selling fruits, vegetables, and flowers from bamboo baskets that they carry on their shoulders. These vendors, a quintessential part of the city's vibrant street life, use a traditional method of transporting goods that involves balancing two baskets on either end of a bamboo pole, which they carry across their shoulders.
Day 3: Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Boat trip on Tam Coc river
After breakfast embark on a journey of about 3 hours to Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of the Dinh and Le dynasties dating back to the 11th century. Having been eroded over the millennia, the dilapidated ruins have nearly been absorbed by the spectacular scenery creating a mystical atmosphere that will be sure to titillate your imagination. After lunch in a local restaurant you will continue to nearby Tam Coc, popularly known for its outstanding natural beauty and the scenic karst formations which contribute to its reputation as being the “Halong Bay on land”.
Board a small boat and meander lazily down the peaceful river while passing through a series of caves. While enjoying the sounds of soaring birds overhead and paddling along the crystal-clear waters of the river, jagged limestone hills jutting skyward out of electric green rice paddies will be sure to bring out the photographer in you. Finally, return to the pier, where your vehicle will be waiting for you for your transfer to your hotel in Ninh Binh.
Day 4: Ninh Binh - Ha Long Bay
Depart from Ninh Binh and travel by road to the Tuan Chau Island pier in Halong Bay Set off on your luxury cruise, where you’ll be pampered in style and comfort whilst meandering through the towering limestone cliffs and emerald green waters of Ha long Bay. Stop in Tra Bau, a secret hideaway in Lan Ha Bay that has beaches, caves and coves. You can try kayaking or simply swim in the clear waters of the bay. Back to your boat, enjoy life aboard the vessel or in your suite, and with cocktail in hand watch the sunset over the Gulf of Tonkin.
Fact: Ha Long Bay experiences cool weather and clear skies from September to November. Mist rolls in from December to March, lending the bay an air of mystery. April and May bring sunny days and a refreshing breeze, while the monsoon season, occurring from June to August, can make visits unpredictable.
Day 5: Ha Long Bay - Lan Ha Bay - Cat Ba Island
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Begin your day with an invigorating session of Vovinam on the sundeck, followed by a light breakfast of coffee, tea, and pastries. The adventure begins with a transfer to a speedboat to journey to Viet Hai Village. Upon arrival, you can choose to take a bicycle ride or electric car through a rainforest tunnel that leads to a scenic rice-field view. Deep within a national park, a traditional house in the village offers you an opportunity to observe the local way of life and enjoy lunch. After a delectable meal, you can return to the speedboat to visit Lan Ha Bay, where you can explore the Cat Ba Archipelago and cruise through Cai Beo floating village. The highlight of the day is undoubtedly the Ba Trai Dao beaches, surrounded by towering vertical cliffs. Here, you can take the secret trail and beaches (if the weather and tide permit) or go swimming and kayaking in the Tra Bau area. As the day winds down, you can unwind with cocktails, beer, and fine wine while watching the sunset over the Gulf of Tonkin. The Heritage Cruises experience offers you an unforgettable journey through the best of Vietnam's natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.
Day 6: Ha Long - fly to Hoi An
Rise with the sun and practice Vivonam on the sundeck while taking in majestic views of the surrounding bay and the cool sea breeze. Wrap up your experience with a bamboo boat trip to visit Dark and Bright Cave before cruising back to Tuan Chau Marina. You will then be transferred back to Hanoi airport for your flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival in Da Nang you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Hoi An.
Day 7: Hoi An Full Day Tour with Cam Thanh Boat Trip
Begin your story of Hoi An, a former port that welcomed Chinese, Dutch, French, Japanese, Portuguese and Arab merchants between the 16th to 18th centuries. Today it is renowned for its old quarter lined with two-storey Chinese shops, with elaborate carved wooden facades and terracotta tile roofs. And not forgetting expert tailor shops and delicious food! The tour includes stops at several famous landmarks. The first is Chua Ong Pagoda, dating back to 1653 and built in honor of the Chinese general Quan Cong, who is worshipped by many as a symbol of loyalty and justice. Next, pop into Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, to see the Jinshan Temple which is dedicated to the goddess of the sea and the protector of sailors. From there it’s a short walk to Tam Ky House, a 200 year old ancestral house and finally, stroll across the often photographed 17th century covered bridge built by Japanese craftsmen. The beautifully built bridge doubles as a temple and is a major landmark of Hoi An. After a Vietnamese lunch, take a short boat trip down the river and visit a craft village where local artisans make ceramics. End your afternoon with a visit to the docks and see traditional fishing boats and the unusual round basket boats that ply the water.
Day 8: Hoi An Countryside Tour
Experience the complete journey of rice production on our immersive family farm tour. Cycle to the farm, ride water buffaloes, and engage in hands-on activities like ploughing, sowing, and planting. Witness the grinding and separation of rice, followed by the traditional process of making rice flour. End the tour by cooking and savoring crispy rice pancakes with a refreshing drink. This unforgettable experience offers an up-close look at rice farming while creating lasting memories. Get ready to embrace nature and get your hands dirty on this unique adventure!
Day 9: Hoi An - Nha Trang
Today fly to Nha Trang. Upon arrival check in your hotel and relax!
Day 10: Nha Trang (Free Day at Leisure)
Set in its own microclimate with an average of 300 days of sunshine per year, Nha Trang is a beautiful coastal town that boasts pristine sand and clear water, bordered by rustling palms, colourful beachside bars and seafood restaurants. It is a perfect destination to end the holiday with.
Day 11: Free day at leisure
The day is at leisure for you to relax and recharge!
Day 12: Departing Nha Trang
Today you will be taken to the airport for your departure flight.
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