Vietnam Highlights – 9 Days

Welcome to Hanoi!

Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, you will be transferred directly to your hotel in Hanoi. Take some time to rest and recharge after your long flight, preparing for the exciting journey ahead.

• Note: Please keep in mind that check-in begins at 14h00.

The remainder of the day is yours to explore the charming Hanoi Capital.

• Meals: NA
• Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Morning

Wake up and enjoy the early morning in Hanoi, followed by a hearty breakfast.

At around 8:00 AM, your tour guide will pick you up for a half-day city tour of Hanoi.

• Explore the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university and a symbol of Confucian influence on the country’s history and culture.
• Marvel at the unique structure of the One Pillar Pagoda and learn about its fascinating creation.
• Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the final resting place of the revered Vietnamese leader who fought for independence.
• Discover the scenic West Lake, surrounded by historical attractions, and visit Tran Quoc Pagoda, an important Buddhist site located right on the lake.
• Conclude the tour with a delightful traditional Vietnamese lunch at an authentic restaurant before bidding farewell.

Before saying goodbye, we will stop and have a delightful authentic traditional lunch at a Vietnamese restaurant.

Afternoon

Free time at leisure for the rest of the day. 18h00 Enjoy a water puppet show

• Meal: B, L
• Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Transfer to Halong Bay, fantastic sailing route, swimming at Titov beach, panoramic views

At 8:30 AM: Pick up from your hotel. Take a three-hour drive from Hanoi to Halong Bay, passing through the Red River Delta’s communities and rice farms.

• Make a pit stop for a drink and restroom break.
• Continue driving and arrive at the harbor around noon, where you will be warmly greeted at reception.
• 12:30 PM: Board the boat and receive a cruise briefing and safety instructions.
• Begin your cruise and visit Halong Bay, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
• Enjoy a buffet lunch with Vietnamese dishes while cruising along the bay, passing by beautiful spots like Incense Burner, Dog Stone Islet, Fighting Cock, Soi Sim beach, and Coconut Island (The Three Islands).
• In the afternoon, head to the Tung Sau area, known for its leaping fish. Witness cultured pearl fishing and explore the pearl-making process. You can also choose to go kayaking.
• Visit the scenic Titov beach for swimming (weather permitting) or climb the steps to the top of Titov Island for a panoramic view of Halong Bay.
• Return to the boat for some downtime before cruising to the Luon Bo area and anchoring for the night.
• 6:30 PM: Join a cooking lesson on the sundeck to learn how to make Vietnamese spring rolls. Enjoy Happy Hour (buy one drink, get one free) and witness the stunning sunset over Halong Bay.
• Dinner: Deluxe Vietnamese BBQ Set Menu.

Evening activities include relaxing, enjoying music, playing cards or chess, reading magazines in your room or the dining area, and trying your hand at squid fishing and boat fishing.

• Meals: B, L, D
• Accommodation: Overnight on cruise

 Exploring the well-known Sung Sot cave, sailing lazily, returning to Hanoi

6:30 AM: Start the day with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck, a gentle exercise combining relaxation and slow movements.

• Enjoy breakfast in the dining area with a stunning view of the bay.
• Take a tender to Sung Sot Cave, accessible via around 100 steps. Explore this large cave with impressive stalactites and stalagmites for approximately 45 minutes. Return to the cruise ship on the tender.
• Check out and settle your bill at the front desk.
• As you cruise back to Tuan Chau Wharf, savor a buffet meal while admiring the beauty of the bay.
• 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM: Disembark at the harbor and be welcomed by your driver. Begin the journey back to Hanoi with a break along the way.
• Drop off at your accommodation in the Old Quarter of Hanoi.

Welcome by the driver at the harbor and enjoy the journey back to Ninh Binh. Take a rest midway. Drop off at your hotel in Ninh Binh

The rice paddies and vast limestone mountains of Ninh Binh await us today, where we’ll be staying at a local homestay in traditional bungalows right by the river.

• Meals: B, L
• Accommodation: Overnight in Homestay

Heading out to explore the countryside retreat of Ninh Binh, we’ll take to two wheels to weave through the rice paddies before taking a local row boat through the network of rivers and caves. We’ll finish our time here with a hike to the Dragon Mountain viewpoint, before boarding our overnight train bound for Hoi An.

• Meals: B, L
• Accommodation: Overnight on the train

Upon arrival at Da Nang train station in the next morning, Our driver pick you up, then transfer you straight to Hoi An.

Beautiful, historical Hoi An will win you over in an instant as we arrive this morning. We’ll check in to our hotel, then this afternoon you’ll have time to explore, go shopping, or perhaps visit a local tailor to get a custom suit or dress made.

• Meals: B, L
• Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An

9:00 AM: Hotel pick-up for Hoi An tour. Hoi An was a prominent trading port from the 15th to 19th century, and the Old Town remains well-preserved, showcasing exchanged cultures and the authentic local lifestyle.

• First, visit Cam Pho, one of Hoi An’s oldest communal houses, symbolizing worship and cultural exchange between locals and Chinese/Japanese traders.
• Take a leisurely walk to Chua Cau, the Japanese Covered Bridge, connecting the Japanese and Chinese quarters with its original 17th-century style intact.
• Continue exploring, immersing in local life, and stop at Quan Thang ancient house, showcasing fine architecture and sculptures crafted by Kim Bong carpentry village craftsmen.
• Visit Phuc Kien or Fujian Assembly Hall, a gathering place for residents, traders, and visitors from Fujian, China, honoring deity Thien Hau. Admire colorful fountains, ornate gates, and beautiful carved dragons.
• In the afternoon, drive to Tra Que farming village, famous for aromatic herbs like mint and basil. Learn about its history, vegetable cultivation, and traditional medicinal usage. Interact with locals and take memorable photos.

After the tour, return to the city. Enjoy free time to explore or relax on the beach.

• Meals: B, L
• Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An

Exploring My Son Sanctuary, Champa culture, unique architecture, relax on beach

At 8:00 AM, your tour guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel. Embark on a half-day excursion to the sacred valley of the Champa Kingdom. My Son, located 40 km from Hoi An Town, held significant importance as the intellectual and religious center of the Champa Kingdom and possibly served as a burial site for Cham monarchs.

Designated as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, My Son preserves 70 ruined architectural structures made of bricks and stones, constructed between the 7th and 13th centuries. Your tour guide will provide insights into the cultural, historical, and architectural significance of each relic as you explore at a leisurely pace. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to witness a traditional Champa dancing show before departing from the sanctuary.

After the excursion, you will be transported back to the city.

• Meals: B, L
• Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An

Your unforgettable 9 day adventure will come to an end here. Those flying home will make their way to the airport, or keep living the dream and extend your stay in Vietnam or South East Asia with our help and the new friends you’ve made.

• Meals: B
• Accommodation: NA