Highlights of Vietnam Tour - 9 Days
Hanoi - Halong Bay - Hue - Hoi An - Saigon

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Includes:
- Accommodation and meals as described (please note that some hotels provide only CBF).
- All transfers within the journey, including pick-up at airport.
- Domestic airfares as states in the itinerary in economy class.
- All entrance fees.
- English, French or German speaking guides (other languages available upon request).

Excludes:
- Visa fees.
- Airport taxes.
- Personal expenses such as drinks, laundry, souvenirs.

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Itinerary
Day 1 - Hanoi • Arrival in Hanoi
• Transfer
• Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 2 - Hanoi • Sightseeing in Hanoi with a visit by cyclo to the Old Quarter
Although it is the modern-day capital of Vietnam, HANOI still retains the mystery and charm of past centuries. Narrow lanes and traditional shophouses invite exploration by cyclo, while its 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. Begin your day visiting the TEMPLE OF LITERATURE, a peaceful series of walled courtyards and graceful gateways, and one of the best surving examples of traditional Vietnamese architecture. Founded in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius, this was also the site of Vietnam's first university. Continue to the miniature ONE PILLAR PAGODA. Also dating from the 11th century, this monument was rebuilt after being destroyed by the French in 1954. Today it stands near the vast HO CHI MINH MEMORIAL COMPLEX, a lovely park setting which is home to Ho Chi Minh's final resting place, as well as a museum and other memorials. Stroll past the HO CHI MINH MAUSOLEUM (closed to visitors on Mondays and Fridays), where visitors can pay respects to the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh. Continue through the park to HO CHI MINH's STILT HOUSE, the simple two-room dwelling where Ho Chi Minh lived from 1948 until his final days. Preserved in the same condition as during his life, it may be viewed through the windows. Finally, discover the OLD QUARTER of Hanoi by cyclo. This fascinating network of narrow alleys and shophouses is also known as 'The 36 Streets,' each street being named after the merchandise traditionally sold there, ranging from fabrics to crafts to medicines to tombstones. A handicraft-lover's paradise and a endlessly interesting place to explore local life.
• Excursion to Thay Pagoda
THAY PAGODA: the Master's Pagoda, also known as Heavenly Blessing, is dedicated to Thich Ca Buddha. Eighteen arhats appear on the central altar. Water puppet shows are performed on a small stage which is raised on stilts above a pond.
• Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 3 - Hanoi • Excursion to Halong Bay with boat trip including lunch
The day cruise start at 12.30 pm. Cruise on a traditional wooden boat among the emerald waters and craggy limestone cliffs of Halong Bay, stopping at different islands to explore some of the many caves in this area. Sail past floating villages, fishermen casting their nets and pearl fisheries and observe the rhythms of daily life on the bay. The boat returns to Halong pier at approximately 16.30 pm.
• Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 4 - Hue • Transfer
• Flight from Hanoi to Hue.
• Transfer
• 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 Old Imperial City
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 visit DIEN THO Residence ( Dien Tho palace) is where the Queen mother lived, visit THAI HOA PALACE, the magnificently decorated reception hall, the HALLS OF THE MANDARINS, and the original NINE DYNASTIC URNS, among other sites.
• Visit the Imperial Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc
TU DUC TOMB: Emperor Tu Duc, who ruled Hue more than 100 years ago, built his tomb when he was still alive and used it for meditation, reading and theater performances. There are pavilions in a tranquil setting of forested hills and lakes. The tomb was constructed between 1864 and 1867. Tu Duc, who was the longest reigning Emperor, lived a luxurious life.
• Overnight in Hue.
Day 5 - Hoi An • Excursion to Thien Mu Pagoda with a boat trip on the Huong Giang river
Embark on a local boat and cruise down the PERFUME RIVER to the iconic THIEN MU PAGODA, an elegant seven-tiered octagonal tower which has become Hue's most widely recognizable monument. During the early 1960s, this became a center of anti-government protest, and the site of the famous self-immolation of the monk Thich Quang Duc.
• By vehicle from Hue to Hoi An
Journey from Hue over scenic mountainous roads with spectacular views over the coastline. Halfway between Danang and Hue lies the dramatic HAI VAN PASS, the high dividing line between the climate zones of north and south Vietnam. Continue southwards passing LANG CO, a lovely stretch of beach curving outwards between a clear blue lagoon and the South China Sea, and the large coastal city of DANANG before arriving in Hoi An.
• Visit Cham Museum
CHAM MUSEUM: this houses probably the best collection of Cham art to be found anywhere in the world. There are more than 300 artifacts in the museum, many dating to the 4th century. There are beautiful sculptures reflecting the 1000 year Cham period.
• Overnight in Hoi An.
Day 6 - Hoi An • 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 colorful shophouses 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 center of traditional crafts and a shoppers’ paradise, best explored on foot. Wander through the cobbled streets, past low tile-roofed buildings, the bustling central MARKET and the small HARBOUR where colorfully 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 merchant or official families as centers for ancestor worship; and to a typical CHINESE-STYLE PAGODA or ASSEMBLY HALL. 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 7 - Saigon • By vehicle from Hoi An to Danang
• Flight from Danang to Saigon.
• Transfer
• Excursion to Cu Chi Tunnels
Never discovered by American forces, the CU CHI TUNNELS were an important Vietcong base during the American War. Stretching over 200 km, this incredible underground network, dug by hand out of hard laterite, connected command posts, hospitals, shelter and weapon factories. Today, you can walk through the area and learn about the day-to-day life of the VC, see the cleverly disguised entrances and elaborate booby-traps, and even venture inside the tunnels, some of which have been modified to accommodate tourists.
• Overnight in Saigon.
Day 8 - Saigon • Excursion to Cai Be
• Cruise aboard a traditional wooden boat along the canals of Phu An
In the morning, embark on a traditional wooden boat, stylishly fitted out with bamboo chairs and lounging cushions. Tour the colorful floating market of Cai Be, afterwards visiting a historic Mandarin house dating from the 19th century. Continue to the untouched area of Phu An, where life continues largely undisturbed as it has for decades. Continue exploreing the small canals and bywaters, passing under traditional bamboo bridges and weaving between fishing nets. Stops can be made during the cruise to visit fruit plantations or local cottage workshops.
• Overnight in Saigon.
Day 9 - Saigon • Transfer

Prices
USD p.p 1 Pax2 Pax3-6 Pax SGL S/C Booking
Var A1,8001,070930230
Var B1,9401,1401,000300
Var C2,6301,4801,340640
  • All prices are per person in USD, based on twin-sharing in double rooms in the default hotel for the listed category.
    * Meal plan: ABF.
    ** Reduction for 3rd pax in triple room Var. Var. A:$56; Var. B:$20; Var. C:$171br>*** Child reduction (sharing bed of parents): under 2 years FOC; under 12 years -30%.

    NOTE: The itinerary can slightly change according to the season, local conditions, climate, flight schedules and room availability.
    • Hotel Var AVar BVar C
    HanoiPhuc Loi Hotel
    Standard
    Ha Long Hotel Hanoi
    ROH
    Prince Hanoi Hotel
    ROH
    Huy Hoang 1
    2nd Class    		Ocean Hotel
    ROH
    Green Park Hotel
    ROH    		Melia Hotel
    Deluxe
    Nikko Hotel Hanoi
    ROH-Leisure
    Sofitel Plaza Hanoi
    Deluxe
    HueImperial Garden Hotel
    Deluxe
    Ngoc Huong Hotel
    ROH    		Hue Heritage
    ROH
    Huong Giang Hotel
    Superior Gardenview    		Saigon Morin Hotel
    Superior
    Imperial Hotel
    Deluxe City View
    La Residence Hotel And Spa
    Superior
    Hoi AnPhu Thinh 2 Hotel
    2nd Class
    Vinh Hung 2
    1st Class    		Lotus Hotel
    Standard
    Ancient House Resort
    Superior
    Glory Hotel
    Executive Superior    		Life Heritage Resort Hoi An
    Superior
    Palm Garden Beach Resort & Spa
    Superior Gardenview
    Hoi An Riverside Resort
    VN Standard
    SaigonSaigon Star Hotel
    ROH
    Saigon Royal Hotel
    ROH
    Bong Sen Annex
    Economy    		Chancery Hotel
    Standard Room
    Vien Dong Hotel
    ROH    		Windsor Plaza Hotel
    Executive
    Moevenpick Hotel Saigon
    Superior
    Equatorial Hotel
    Deluxe
    For bookings of roundtrip or module packages, we will confirm one of the hotels mentioned above according to the selected category. Please note that compulsory gala dinners and peak season surcharges may apply during peak periods surrounding the public holidays of Christmas and New Year - these surcharges will be confirmed at the time of booking.

    Included in the price(B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner):

    Accommodation and meals as described (please note that some hotels provide only CBF).
    All transfers within the journey, including pick-up at airport.
    Domestic airfares as states in the itinerary in economy class.
    All entrance fees.
    English, French or German speaking guides (other languages available upon request).

    Not included in the price:

    Visa fees.
    Airport taxes.
    Personal expenses such as drinks, laundry, souvenirs.

    Customizing Your Tour

    The tour above is a typical tour. If it doesn't fit your requirements, do not hesitate to talk to us about your preferences. In most cases, we will be able to customize this tour or package to match your expectations. Please click here to tell us about your request...

    Classic Packages

    9D Vietnam Classic 10D Vietnam Classic 12D Vietnam Classic
    9D Highlights of Vietnam 13D Vietnam Overland 13D Vietnam Comprehensive
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