11 Days Discovery Vietnam – From Hanoi to Mekong Delta

Noi Bai International Airport Phú Minh, Sóc Sơn, Hà Nội, Vietnam Our driver will meet you at the airport and will transfer to your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter. After check in the hotel you will have free time to explore the surrounding area at your pace.

The colonial capital city Hanoi is a unique Asian city with tree-lined boulevards, French colonial architecture, peaceful lakes and oriental pagodas and temples dating back a thousand years ago. AM: 7.45 – 8.15: Free pick up at your hotel. Then visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum to explore the architectural and historical aspects of Uncle Ho’s final resting-place. Just next door is Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts and lying to one side of the Mausoleum is the One Pillar Pagoda, which was founded by King Ly Thai To in 1049 – the structure has become an important symbol for the people of Hanoi. Then continue on to the Buddhist Tran Quoc Pagoda at West Lake. Then enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch proceed to visit the Ethnology Museum (apply on Sun, Tue, Thu & Sat), the Literature Temple, see Vietnam’s first university, constructed in 1070 – it’s gardens and well-preserved architecture will offer a relaxing glimpse into Vietnam’s past. Take you past Hoan Kiem Lake to see the peaceful waters and the beauty of Ngoc Son temple. At the end of the journey through Hanoi’s Old Quarter, come back to your accommodation in Hanoi for relaxing.

Enjoy a Vietnamese traditional lunch before boarding into a private sampan to visit Tam Coc, well-known as “Halong Bay inland” and see the beauty of the karst formations as you pass along their base and row into one of the many caves carved through the limestone. You will then continue with a cycling tour through the stunning scenery of rice fields, karst formations, river and tranquil village (around 5km). Then return back to Hanoi

In the morning, after breakfast at the hotel, the Cruise team will pick you up. Take the most scenic route to reach Halong Bay, taking you across the Red River Delta with emerald green rice paddies stretching for as far as the eyes can see. On arrival to Halong, you will enjoy a cruise on the Bay and explore the limestone rocks and the karst grottoes. After you are done with your exploration of the bay, it is time to enjoy an utterly delicious seafood lunch, after which there will be a trip to the famous limestone cave in Ha Long Bay, you’ll get to spend some time here, kayaking or swimming, so that you can get closer to the floating villages and shops. Towards the evening, you will return to the boat for an early dinner, followed by some time at leisure. You can optionally attend the activities taking part on the boat or just relax.

Start your day with a 6:30 A.M. Tai Chi session on the sundeck to help focus the mind and condition the body. Enjoy a light breakfast while taking in stunning views of the Bay and its dramatic limestone islets. Sail through the calm emerald waters to Ao Ech for a kayaking trip of the caves. After exploring the caves either on your own in a kaya, enjoy a lunch of Vietnamese cuisine. Disembark from the cruise and take a speedboat back to Tuan Chau Marina before driving back to your Hanoi hotel.

Today your English-speaking guide will meet you at the hotel around 8:00 am and take you for a cycling trip to the countryside and rivers around Hoi An. As you meander through the countryside you will experience the friendliness of the local people greeting you along the way. After that, you will board the Hoi An Eco-tour boat for a river cruise to meet and engage with local fishermen. Enjoy a hands-on experience of traditional net fishing. You will also take a paddleboat trip in a unique Vietnamese bamboo basket boat down the waterways of a coconut palm paradise.

Hue city tour (L) Our driver and guide pick you up at hotel visit Thien Mụ near the Perfume River, watching the river life and peaceful scenery along the banks. Stop en route to visit the iconic Thien Mu pagoda (Heavenly Lady pagoda), the symbol of Hue. Lunch in local restaurant with Hue best food. The afternoon spent on visiting Hue Imperial City – the last royal city of Vietnam with three ramparts and beautiful constructions including the Flag Tower, Ngo Mon Gate, Nine Dynastic Urns, Nine Holy Cannons, Thai Hoa Palace and Forbidden Purple City (Tu Cam Thanh). We then visit Tomb of Empe Khai Dinh – Or Minh Mang which was built between 1864 to 1867 by 3000 soldiers and workers. It includes 50 monuments surrounded by a 1500m long wall and covers an erea of 12ha. Take time to soak in its tranquil and relaxing settings. where you can see the vibrant colors of vegetables, spices, fabrics, etc, and watch the daily life in Hue. Fantastic chance for phototaking and shopping too. Transfer back to the hotel afterwards. End of Tour Services.

Have breakfast at the hotel and have a relaxing time before your driver transfers you to the airport. Take the flight to Ho Chi Minh City and meet our guide who is waiting for you at the airport with a sign with your name on it and will transfer you to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh. Please Note the flight from Hue to Ho Chi Minh is not included

Pick up at your hotel in Ho Chi Minh city and depart to My Tho. Upon arrival, visit Vinh Trang pagoda constructed in the 19th century. Then board the sampan and cruise down the river around the four beautiful islands. Stop over at Unicorn Island, go walking in the village paths to contemplate orchards, and enjoy tropical fruits, and Vietnamese folk music performed by the local people. Visit the fruit plantation. Be rowed in a small sampan through the Thoi Son canal and treat yourself to the beauty of the countryside, visit the family business & bee-keeping farm, and enjoy honey tea and coconut candy workshop. Have lunch at the local restaurant. Break time. The afternoon is time for cycling around the Tan Thach village, meeting the local people to experience their daily life in the Mekong delta. Relaxing on hammocks to enjoy the cool breeze is for those who do not want to join the cycling trip. Proceed to Can Tho City and overnight in Can Tho

Breakfast at the hotel. Take a leisure boat trip to explore the picturesque tributaries of the Lower Mekong River (Bassac River) then visit to Cai Rang floating market which is the liveliest one in the whole of region. Walking trip to visit the fruit plantation and local noodle factory. Visit Binh Thuy communal house and Munir Ansay Pagoda – a Khmer pagoda, renowned for its unique structure. Have lunch and return to Ho Chi Minh City.

Relish a healthy breakfast on the final day of your trip. Complete the hotel check-out formalities after which you can visit the local markets and buy souvenirs for your loved ones. Later, proceed for departure and board your flight back home. Trip Ends.