Perfect Vietnam In 12 Days

Explore the captivating capital of Vietnam, often called the 'Paris of the East,' renowned for its elegant colonial buildings, leafy boulevards, and picturesque lakes. Join your guide at the hotel and commence your tour at the historic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, a grand monument housing the preserved body of revered revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh. Visit the One Pillar Pagoda, an exquisite Buddhist temple shaped like a lotus blossom and perched on a single stone pillar. Next, venture to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first national university established in the late 11th century. Marvel at the traditional Vietnamese architecture and tranquil garden surroundings before enjoying a delectable lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, delve into the captivating Museum of Ethnology (closed on Mondays), offering insights into the rich history and cultural diversity of Vietnam's 54 ethnic minority groups. Return to the Old Quarter for a delightful stroll through its renowned "36 streets of 36 wares," named after the original artisan guilds dating back to the 13th century. Conclude your day of exploration with an enchanting water puppet performance, a unique art form originating from the flooded rice fields of the Red River Delta. Colorful wooden puppets dance on water, depicting scenes of rural life and Vietnam's national history. Overnight in Hanoi. Departure: 8:00 am Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Note: The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed every Monday and Friday mornings from June 15 to August 15.

Join your guide at the hotel and depart from Hanoi for a scenic 2-hour drive to the Trang An Landscape Complex in Ninh Binh Province. This UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts breathtaking limestone karst peaks that majestically soar 200 meters (656 feet) above the surrounding land and water. Delight in the mesmerizing vistas of lush rainforests intermingled with rice paddies and winding rivers. Commence your Ninh Binh adventure with a visit to Hoa Lu, Vietnam's ancient capital and the first centralized feudal state during the late 10th century. Explore the remaining temples of the Dinh and Le dynasties, nestled amidst picturesque rice fields. Next, proceed to Tam Coc, renowned as the "Halong Bay on Land," where you'll embark on a tranquil 2-hour rowboat journey along meandering rivers and canals. Marvel at the captivating karst formations as you glide through three of the numerous natural caves nestled beneath the hills. On the return to Tam Coc, visit the Thai Vi temple before enjoying a delightful lunch. Return to Hanoi in the late afternoon. Overnight in Hanoi. Departure: 7:30 am Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, the cruise team will pick you up and transport you to the mesmerizing Halong Bay, known for its enchanting scenery of thousands of limestone islands emerging from the emerald waters. An overnight cruise is the ultimate way to experience this iconic Vietnamese destination. Arrive at the Halong City jetty around noon and board the cruise. Upon a warm welcome and check-in, savor a delicious lunch as the cruise navigates through the captivating islets. In the afternoon, engage in various activities such as swimming, kayaking, or cave exploration (depending on the boat's itinerary), or simply unwind and soak up the serenity on board. As the day draws to a close, the boat anchors in a picturesque location, allowing you to relish the breathtaking sunset before indulging in a delightful dinner. Overnight on board. Departure: Between 8:00 and 9:00 am (exact time confirmed by your travel consultant the day before the tour). Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Note: In case of inclement weather, the itinerary may be altered or the cruise canceled if departure from the port is not permitted. Your travel consultant will make alternative arrangements in such circumstances.

Witness the captivating sunrise over Halong Bay as the day begins. Indulge in a delightful breakfast while the cruise leisurely sails back to the port. Enjoy an early lunch before disembarking the vessel. You will then be transferred to the Hanoi airport for your flight to Hue. Upon arrival in Hue, your driver will be waiting to greet you and transfer you to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to relax and explore. Overnight in Hue. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Embark on a captivating journey through the former imperial capital of the Nguyen Dynasty, discovering its rich cultural heritage and regal allure. Begin your morning with a delightful cyclo ride from your hotel to the Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enter through the grand main gate and marvel at the splendid architecture and meticulously maintained gardens, while your guide unveils the fascinating history and secrets of the former royal court. Despite the destruction it endured during the Vietnam War, some sections of the citadel have been remarkably preserved, providing a glimpse into its majestic past. Continue to the Thien Mu Pagoda, a striking religious monument that overlooks the Perfume River. With its seven-tiered tower, this pagoda stands as an iconic symbol of Vietnam. In the afternoon, venture outside the city to explore the elegant Khai Dinh Royal Tomb. Witness the harmonious blend of Eastern and Western architectural styles in this exquisite tomb, considered the most beautiful in the country. Next, visit the magnificent Tu Duc Royal Tomb, the final resting place of Emperor Tu Duc. The exact location of his burial remains a mystery, as all the servants involved in the funeral were executed to safeguard the emperor's secret resting place. Overnight in Hue. Departure: 9:00 am Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Indulge in a delightful breakfast at your hotel before bidding farewell and checking out. Embark on a picturesque 3.5-hour journey to Hoi An, following a captivating coastal route that unveils breathtaking mountain vistas on one side and the sparkling ocean on the other. Upon reaching Hoi An, settle into your hotel and savor the freedom of leisure time. Overnight in Hoi An. Departure: 09:00 am Meals: Breakfast.

Embark on an enriching morning adventure as we drive to Vong Nhi village, where our cycling journey begins (approx. 6 km). Marvel at the serene countryside scenery, including verdant water coconut forests, tranquil fish farms, and picturesque rice fields. Arrive at Thanh Dong organic farm, a sprawling 10,000sqm garden that sustains the livelihoods of 10 local families. Take a leisurely stroll through the vegetable garden while hearing the inspiring stories of the farmers and their organic cultivation methods. Join the farmers in their gardening activities and then embark on a captivating basket boat ride along the Do River to The Field Restaurant. Along the way, immerse yourself in the captivating scenery and observe the daily lives of local fishermen. Disembark from the boat and partake in a brief cooking class with a local family, followed by a delectable Vietnamese family-style lunch. Return to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure in Hoi An. Overnight in Hoi An. Departure: 8:00 am Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Be ready at your hotel lobby as we pick you up and transfer you to Danang Airport for your flight to Saigon. Upon arrival, our team will warmly welcome you and escort you to the hotel for check-in. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Overnight in Saigon. Meals: Breakfast.

Leave Saigon behind and embark on a scenic 1.5-hour drive to Ben Tre in the Mekong River Delta. Swap urban landscapes for verdant rice fields and fruit orchards. At the pier, board a captivating motorboat cruise and begin with a brief visit to Cai Be floating market. Explore the tranquil countryside as you navigate the narrow canals. Continue to An Binh Island and savor a delicious lunch at Ut Trinh homestay. In the afternoon, stroll through the orchard and indulge in a cup of tea while enjoying traditional music in an ancient house. Wander around the village and witness the local craftsmanship, such as rice paper making, coconut candy production, and pop-rice preparation. Join a cycling tour along village paths to immerse yourself in the local way of life, passing by orchards, schools, churches, pagodas, and traditional houses. Visit a brick kiln to witness the fascinating process of pottery making from clay. The cruise concludes in Vinh Long City before returning to Saigon. Departure: 8:00 am Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of Saigon, a bustling metropolis that seamlessly blends tradition and modernity. Begin your tour at the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral, an architectural gem adorned with twin spires and constructed from imported French materials (entrance allowed when no services are held). Adjacent to the cathedral is the Central Post Office, an exquisite building dating back to 1891. A short distance away lies the former Presidential Palace, once the nerve center of the Saigon Government during the American War. Gain further insights into the historical period at the War Remnants Museum, where the Vietnamese perspective on the American War is vividly portrayed (note: some exhibits contain graphic content). Conclude the day by experiencing Saigon's beloved street coffee culture, accompanied by a language lesson and an insider's glimpse into the daily life of the locals. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City Departure: 08:30 am Meals: Breakfast

Savor your final moments in Ho Chi Minh City with some leisure time in the morning. Later, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward journey back home. Meals: Breakfast.