2020 A Journey Through Vietnam 9-Day
INCLUDE 2 DAYS & 1 NIGHT CRUISE
Guaranteed Departure Based on Minimum of 2 Passengers with Tuesday Arrival in Hanoi
(Tour Code: VN-SIC-22C)
HANOI - CABIN / ONBOARD (VIETNAM) - HUE - HOI AN - SAIGON
Day 1 Hanoi Arrival (Tue.)
When arriving in Hanoi, you will be greeted by our professional tour guide
at the airport and then transferred to the hotel. The rest of the day will be
free for your own leisure.
Overnight in Hanoi
Day 2 Hanoi (B)
Sightseeing in Hanoi
Although it is the modern-day capital of Vietnam, Hanoi still retains the mystery
Although it is the modern-day capital of Vietnam, Hanoi still retains the mystery
and charm of past centuries. Narrow lanes and traditional shop houses invite an exciting exploration by walking, while it's many beautiful public spaces; lakes, parks, tree-lined boulevards and monuments; give the city an air of elegance and harmony with nature unique among Asian capitals.
Visit the Temple of Literature
The Temple of Literature has a peaceful series of walled courtyards and graceful gateways, and this monument is one of the best-preserved examples of traditional Vietnamese architecture. Founded in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius, this was also the site of Vietnam's first university. In one courtyard, giant stone tortoises bear stele on their backs, listing the accomplishments of graduating scholars.
Walk the Rail Tracks of Hanoi
Start the tour on the rails a few meters north Hanoi's main train station. Walk along the very narrow streets hosting the rails sometime not even a metre far from the entrance door of houses. Enjoy this original and photogenic scene walking along the street until 153 Phung Hung where you go back down to the road and follow the street's sidewalk. Walk past a funeral home where you will see a group of people mourning and wearing the traditional white fabric around the forehead, which is the local equivalent to the western tradition of wearing black clothes.
Continue walking toward Long Bien train station. From Long Bien train station start to cross the bridge and stop halfway to go down the stairs onto the urban island. Have a rest and visit the orchards. Continue crossing the bridge and meet with the car which will transfer you to Gia Lam train station. Take your train ticket and jump in to cross the bridge on the other way, riding with the locals in the hard seater wagon. On weekdays you will stop at Long Bien, and on Saturday and Sunday you will stop at Hanoi Station. Meet your driver after disembarking and transfer back to your hotel.
Visit the Temple of Literature
The Temple of Literature has a peaceful series of walled courtyards and graceful gateways, and this monument is one of the best-preserved examples of traditional Vietnamese architecture. Founded in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius, this was also the site of Vietnam's first university. In one courtyard, giant stone tortoises bear stele on their backs, listing the accomplishments of graduating scholars.
Walk the Rail Tracks of Hanoi
Start the tour on the rails a few meters north Hanoi's main train station. Walk along the very narrow streets hosting the rails sometime not even a metre far from the entrance door of houses. Enjoy this original and photogenic scene walking along the street until 153 Phung Hung where you go back down to the road and follow the street's sidewalk. Walk past a funeral home where you will see a group of people mourning and wearing the traditional white fabric around the forehead, which is the local equivalent to the western tradition of wearing black clothes.
Continue walking toward Long Bien train station. From Long Bien train station start to cross the bridge and stop halfway to go down the stairs onto the urban island. Have a rest and visit the orchards. Continue crossing the bridge and meet with the car which will transfer you to Gia Lam train station. Take your train ticket and jump in to cross the bridge on the other way, riding with the locals in the hard seater wagon. On weekdays you will stop at Long Bien, and on Saturday and Sunday you will stop at Hanoi Station. Meet your driver after disembarking and transfer back to your hotel.
Overnight in Hanoi
Day 3 Hanoi - Halong - Cabin / Onboard (Vietnam) (B/L/D)
Day 3 Hanoi - Halong - Cabin / Onboard (Vietnam) (B/L/D)
By vehicle from Hanoi (city) to Halong Bay
Stop en-route for stretch your legs and use the restroom at one of the souvenir shop for charity.
Aboard the traditional cruise through Halong Bay, Day 1 of 2 * No local guide *
Depart from Hanoi to Halong Bay; en route take a short stop for a break. Transfer with a tender to the comfortable cruise and enjoy a welcome drink aboard. Begin the cruise through majestic Halong Bay while lunch is served. Enjoy the magical bay where thousands of sculpted limestone islands rise from the waves like dragon's teeth. The cruise continues cruising through a fishing village on the bay and passes the spectacular limestone caves dotted around the bay. Soak up the sun on the top deck with optional on-board activities: sunbathing, and photo opportunities. In the evening the chef will prepare a splendid meal comprised of fresh seafood dishes and other traditional dishes.
Overnight in cabin / onboard (Vietnam)
Day 4 Cabin / Onboard (Vietnam) - Halong - Hanoi - Hue (B)
Day 4 Cabin / Onboard (Vietnam) - Halong - Hanoi - Hue (B)
Aboard the traditional cruise through Halong Bay, Day 2 of 2 * No local guide *
Greet the day with a morning Tai Chi exercise that offer a perfect opportunity to view the sunrise over the bay. After breakfast, visit a beautiful limestone grotto then back to the boat for a final glimpse of the Halong Bay while cruising back to the dock. Check out luggage and bid tidings to beautiful Halong Bay.
By vehicle from Halong to Hanoi (Noi Bai Airport)
Flight from Hanoi to Hue
Transfer
Overnight in Hue
Day 5 Hue (B/L)
Day 5 Hue (B/L)
Thuy Bieu village with Cooking Class
Pick you up at Toa Kham Wharf, then visit Thien Mu pagoda - a historic temple, the symbol of Hue city. Back to the boat for a scenic cruise to Thuy Bieu Eco-village for cooking class. Go to Thuy Bieu local market (located near Thuy Bieu village), take time to stroll around and buy necessary foods for cooking class with chef. Prepare lunch (or dinner) by yourself under the instruction of our chief. After your practical class, it's time to taste the Hue traditional dishes that you have prepared and our chef will be able to give his feedback on your own chef skills. Then, spend 2 hours to stroll or bike around peaceful village. Relax by steeping your foot in medicinal herb water a traditional therapeutic practice and enjoy therapeutic massage by the blind people.
Sightseeing in the Imperial Citadel
Located in the heart of Hue is the Imperial Citadel, a vast complex built in the early 19th century and modelled after the Forbidden City of Peking. The original walls stretched for 10 km and were surrounded by a wide moat. Today, most of the buildings have been destroyed due to bombing during the Vietnam-American War, but the monuments that remain provide a fascinating glimpse into the court life of the Nguyen Dynasty. Approach the city past the striking Flag Tower, where a giant Vietnamese flag waves proudly overhead, to the imposing Ngo Mon Gate, the main entrance to the Imperial Enclosure. Enter into an area of spacious courtyards and serene lotus ponds, and stroll around the Dien Tho Residence (Dien Tho Palace) where the Queen mother lived. Visit the Thai Hoa Palace, the magnificently decorated reception hall, the Halls of the Mandarins, and the original Nine Dynastic Urns, among other sites.
Overnight in Hue
Day 6 Hue - Hoi An (B)
Day 6 Hue - Hoi An (B)
Sightseeing in Hue
Hue served as the capital of Vietnam for more than 140 years. It houses ancient temples, imperial buildings and French-style edifices. It was established in the 17th century.
Visit the Imperial Tombs of Tu Duc and Khai Dinh
Venture into the countryside around Hue to the Imperial Tomb of Tu Duc. Tu Duc, the longest reigning Vietnamese emperor, designed and built this elegant tomb during his lifetime, using it as a retreat for meditation, reading and theatre performances. Take some time to soak in the tranquil atmosphere, wandering among the gracefully proportioned pavilions, courtyards and lotus ponds. Afterwards visit the Imperial Tomb of Khai Dinh, dramatically located on a hillside. The last of the monumental tombs of the Nguyen dynasty, completed in 1931, this tomb incorporates distinct European elements into traditional Vietnamese architecture.
By vehicle from Hue to Hoi An with sightseeing in Danang
Drive south from Hue along scenic mountain roads with spectacular views over the coastline. Highlights along the way include the dramatic Hai Van Pass, the high dividing line between the climate zones of North and South Vietnam; Lang Co, a lovely stretch of beach curving outwards between a clear blue lagoon and the East Vietnam Sea; and the large coastal city of Danang. After arriving in Danang, visit the Cham Museum, an elegant colonial building which houses the finest collection of Cham sculpture in the world; and pass by Non Nuoc Beach, a famous spot for American soldiers during the Vietnam-American War. Continue south to Hoi An, stopping enroute to visit the Marble Mountains, a group of limestone and marble hills filled with caves. The mountain represents the five elements of the universe.
Overnight in Hoi An
Day 7 Hoi An (B)
Day 7 Hoi An (B)
Sightseeing in Hoi An with a boat trip on the Thu Bon River
The exquisitely preserved merchant town of Hoi An was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. Its colourful shop houses and temples reflect a diverse heritage, dating back to the 16th and 17th century, when it was a major port for Western, Chinese and Japanese traders. Today it is a thriving centre of traditional crafts and a shopper's paradise, best explored on foot.
Wander through the cobbled streets, past low tile-roofed buildings, the bustling central market and the small harbour where colourfully painted boats are moored. The walking tour will include visits to a private house, where members of the same family have lived continuously for centuries in a traditional setting; to one of the family chapels built by prominent merchants and official families as centres for ancestor worship; and to a typical Chinese-style Pagoda or assembly hall. Continue to Sa Huynh MUSEUM, located near the Japanese Covered Bridge, it contains exhibitions from the earliest period of Hoi An's history. Visit a handicraft workshop in Hoi An where local products are being made by the industry itself. Finally, continue to the famous Japanese Covered Bridge, first constructed in 1593 by the Japanese community of Hoi An to link the town with the Chinese quarters across the stream.
In the afternoon, board a local boat and cruise down the Thu Bon River, enjoying the unspoiled countryside and stopping to visit a pottery village and a woodcarving village before returning to Hoi An harbour.
Overnight in Hoi An
Day 8 Hoi An - Danang - Saigon (B)
Day 8 Hoi An - Danang - Saigon (B)
By vehicle from Hoi An to Danang airport
Flight from Danang to Saigon
Transfer
Old Saigon Walking Tour
Take a walk through the city streets to unearth the secrets of Saigon. Set off from your hotel to a thriving local market to see how these bustling and vibrant markets play a major role in the daily lives of Vietnamese people. From here stroll through the colourful back alleyways lined with flower shops and breathe in the aromas of the freshly cut blooms.
Pass through another street where mechanics specialise in restoring vintage Vespa scooters. Take in the scenes of local life as you wander these narrow lanes. Stop for a refreshing traditional iced coffee in a hidden cafe frequented by locals. The oldest coffee shop in Saigon, this old fashioned establishment has a colourful history stretching back over seven decades. Continue the walk through some other back lanes the go along to another famous street filled with shops selling locally-made guitars.
Continue on foot through adjacent blocks with some old yet lively apartment compound and where one will encounter authentic life scenes of the urban working class. Walk toward an interesting museum which displays an amazing collection of more than 3,000 artifacts relating to the history of Vietnamese traditional medicine. After the visit, hop on the vehicle and drive back to your hotel.
Overnight in Saigon
Day 9 Saigon (B)
Time at leisure. Transfer to airport for homebound flight. Tour ends.
Day 9 Saigon (B)
Time at leisure. Transfer to airport for homebound flight. Tour ends.
B-Breakfast / L-Lunch / D-Dinner
* Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum will be closed annually for maintenance from September - November.
* Hon Chen Temple festival will take place on Perfume river in Hue between March - April and August - September. Please check your traveling date with us in advance.
Accommodation
| Hotel | Option A | Option B |
| Hanoi | 3* May De Ville City Centre 2 | 4* Flower Garden Hotel |
| Cabin / onboard (Vietnam) | Oriental Sails Cruise / Deluxe (2Days 1Night) | Pelican Halong Cruise / Pelican Deluxe (2Days 1Night) |
| Hue | 4* Park View Hotel | 3.5* EMM Hotel Hue |
| Hoi An | 3* Indochine Hoian Riverside Hotel & Spa | 4* Hoi An Rosemary Boutique Hotel |
| Saigon | 3* Sonnet Saigon Hotel | 4* Northern Hotel |
*Accommodation will be provided in the above hotel or similar in case priority hotel is unable to accommodate the booking
Package Price (Twin Sharing): CAD$/Per Person
Tour Periods (Arrival Hanoi on every Tue.) | Option A | Option B | ||
| Land Package Rate | Single Supplement | Land Package Rate | Single Supplement | |
| 01 Nov 2019 ─ 30 Apr 2020 | $1,789 | $509 | $1,970 | $670 |
| 01 May 2020 ─ 31 Oct 2020 | $1,755 | $475 | $1,915 | $619 |
*All prices are per person in CAD$, based on twin-sharing in double rooms in the default hotel for above listed category.
Single supplement will be charged starting from 2 passengers up for each passenger occupying a single room.
Cost Includes:
- Program is based on English speaking guide. For other languages, a supplement charge will apply.
- Accommodation as mentioned above or equivalent
- Meals according to itinerary (B-Breakfast/ L-Lunch/ D-Dinner)
- When very early morning flights are scheduled, a breakfast box may replace the standard hotel breakfast
- Flight ticket(s), in economy class unless otherwise specified, according to the itinerary (Flight from Danang to Saigon; Flight from Hanoi to Hue)
- Porter fees at the airport where guide service is booked
- Ground transportation in private A/C vehicle. Round trip airport transfer
- 1 complimentary bottle of drinking water and 1 cold towel per person per half day tour/ 2 bottles of water and 2 cold towels per person per full day tour
- Sightseeing incl. admission fees according to itinerary.
Cost Excludes:
- International flights in/out Vietnam
- Visa fees (if needed, please contact us for Visa procedures)
- Meals and drinks not mentioned in tour itinerary above
- Travel insurance
- Vietnam domestic airport taxes (if any, approx. CAD10-15 per person per flight)
- Tipping fees (based on your satisfaction) and other personal expenses
Dates of Arrival in Hanoi First day of tour (Tuesday) | ||||
| 05 Nov 2019 | 12 Nov 2019 | 19 Nov 2019 | 26 Nov 2019 | 03 Dec 2019 |
| 10 Dec 2019 | 19 Dec 2019 | 24 Dec 2019 | 31 Dec 2020 | 07 Jan 2020 |
| 14 Jan 2020 | 21 Jan 2020 | 28 Jan 2020 | 04 Feb 2020 | 11 Feb 2020 |
| 18 Feb 2020 | 25 Feb 2020 | 03 Mar 2020 | 10 Mar 2020 | 17 Mar 2020 |
| 24 Mar 2020 | 31 Mar 2020 | 07 Apr 2020 | 14 Apr 2020 | 21 Apr 2020 |
| 28 Apr 2020 | 05 May 2020 | 12 May 2020 | 19 May 2020 | 26 May 2020 |
| 02 Jun 2020 | 09 Jun 2020 | 16 Jun 2020 | 23 Jun 2020 | 30 Jun 2020 |
| 07 Jul 2020 | 14 Jul 2020 | 21 Jul 2020 | 28 Jul 2020 | 04 Aug 2020 |
| 11 Aug 2020 | 18 Aug 2020 | 25 Aug 2020 | 01 Sep 2020 | 08 Sep 2020 |
| 15 Sep 2020 | 22 Sep 2020 | 29 Sep 2020 | 06 Oct 2020 | 13 Oct 2020 |
| 20 Oct 2020 | 27 Oct 2020 | |||
| *All Seat-In-Coach tours have guaranteed departure for minimum 2 passengers | ||||
Remarks:
- This is a land-only tour, please contact us for international flight rate. If you wish to book your own international flights to Vietnam, please feel free to consult us about your trip schedule before booking your flights
- Please note that compulsory gala dinners and peak season surcharges may apply during peak periods surrounding the public holidays of Christmas and New Year and Lunar New Year (TET Festival) - these surcharges will be confirmed at the time of booking
- Pre-night and post-night are available, please contact us for more details
- All prices per person and subject to change
- Hotel room based on twin share (double occupancy)