Highlights of Vietnam

Meet and greet your guide upon arrival and transfer to your hotel (early check in is not included – flight should arrive before noon for the half day afternoon tour). Soon after, start the half day city tour in Hanoi. With a millennium-long history, Hanoi is a city of lakes, shaded boulevards and public parks dotted with French-style buildings and historical monuments. The city center is an architectural museum piece, retaining the air of a quaint and peaceful provincial town, contrary to the fast-paced atmosphere of Saigon. During the half-day city tour, you’ll see cultural and historical highlights, comprising the Ho Chi Minh Complex (Mausoleum from the outside only), One Pillar Pagoda, Temple of Literature and the Old Quarter. The tour gives you time for shopping and socializing with local people. Overnight in Hanoi.

After Breakfast start your transfer to magnificent Halong Bay. Transfer to Halong Bay in the morning. Halong Bay is one of the most magnificent scenic spots in all of Vietnam and was recognized as a world natural heritage site by UNESCO in 1994. Halong is a picturesque bay with almost 2,000 islets rising from the clear emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin. Cruise for 2 days in the tranquility of Halong Bay. Overnight on board.

Remark: your Focus Asia tour guide will not be on board with you in the overnight cruise. Surcharge is applied if you request Focus Asia tour guide on board with you. Only in-house tour guide is available on board.

*** Note for cruise in Halong Bay: Join cruise, private cabin; kayak offered free or surcharged depends on cruise

Continue cruising and disembark in the late morning. Afterwards return to Hanoi by vehicle. Overnight in Hanoi. Afterwards return to Hanoi – Airport by vehicle. Evening Flight to Hue, Transfer and Overnight in Hue.

After Breakfast you will start your city tour of Hue: Hue was Vietnam’s feudal capital from 1802 to 1945 under the Nguyen dynasty. It is widely known for the magnificent architecture of its citadels, palaces, royal tombs, pagodas and temples set in a poetic background of greenery on the banks of the Perfume River. All were laid out in harmony with nature and in accordance with the principles of Geomancy or Feng Shui. The Tomb of Tu Duc is one of the most beautiful works of royal architecture of the Nguyen Dynasty. In a sprawling lush pine forest 8km (5 miles) from Hue, this tomb is the final resting place of Emperor Tu Duc (1848-83) who enjoyed the longest reign of any monarch of the Nguyen dynasty. The construction of the tomb started in December 1864 and was completed in 1867. Visit the Old Imperial Citadel, which construction begun in 1805 on the northern bank of the Perfume River. Within the Imperial Enclosure is the Forbidden Purple City, which used to be the living quarters of the King. With more than 100 buildings such as palaces, temples and fortresses, the Citadel is one of the most interesting place to visit in Hue. Overnight in Hue.

In the early morning you will start with a relaxing boat ride on the perfume river to the Thien Mu Pagoda and then continue to the Tomb of Emperor Minh Mang. The Thien Mu Pagoda was created in 1601 and is one of the most famous architectural structures in Vietnam. The most striking feature is the 21m-high octagonal tower, the 7-storeyed Phuoc Duyen Tower. The tower has become the unofficial symbol of Hue.
The Tomb of Emperor Minh Mang is perhaps the most majestic of the Royal Tombs, built for Minh Mang who ruled from 1820-1840. On the way to Hoi An you’ll pass the Hai Van Pass. Hai Van pass means in Vietnamese the pass of ocean clouds. It is located on Highway 1 between Danang and Hue. One can see a spectacular stretch of scenery where mountains seem to fall into the sea. In the past, Hai Van Pass was the site of the historic struggle between several nations in the region (Kingdoms of Champa, Vietnam, Laos, etc.). Stop en route for a visit of Danang’s Cham Museum. The museum houses probably the best collection of Cham art in the world. More than 300 artifacts, many dating to the 4th century are waiting to be explored. Overnight in Hoi An.

Hoi An is an ancient trading post of seafaring Chinese, Japanese and European merchants. This picturesque town with colorful shops and temples was declared a Unesco World Heritage Site in 1999. Start your walking tour at the Culture and History Museum where you will learn about the history of this charming and peaceful town before walking around the Market regarded as more authentic than many other markets in Vietnam’s big cities. Walk along the main street to the Chinese Assembly Hall. The hall, built in 1697, was used as the worship place and also the meeting place for the Fujien Chinese community.

Continue to the riverbank along narrow streets – on both sides are old houses transformed into beautifully decorated shops with colorful lanterns in different shapes. Next stop is to see the Japanese Covered Bridge built in the early 17th century by Japanese traders who settled eventually in the town. The special pagoda-shaped bridge is now the official symbol of Hoi An. Finish with a visit to a historic old house.

In the afternoon embark on a public boat for a visit of Cam Kim – a small carpentry village. One can watch the locals building fishing boats and furniture using techniques dating back to as early as the 18th century. Continue to the pottery village of Thanh Ha, where clay objects for the everyday use are produced. Return to Hoi An. Overnight in Hoi An.

After Breakfast transfer to Danang airport.

Upon arrival at Saigon airport proceed directly to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels and revisit about Vietnam’s courageous past. CU CHI was part of the bitter battleground for many years during the Vietnam-American War. Visitors cannot miss a visit to this ‘underground village ‘, an intricate network of over 200km-long tunnels at Ben Duoc, 75km from Ho Chi Minh City. Enter a short segment of this labyrinth of interlaced tunnels and you will see the cunning and ingenuity of the local people. Overnight in Saigon.

After breakfast proceed to the amazing Mekong Delta and experience life on the mighty Mekong river. On board a public boat, sail to the Cai Be Floating Market, in the heart of the Delta. Wholesalers on big boats moor here, each specializing in different types of fruit and vegetables. Continue through small canals and stop at Mekong river islands where you will visit fruit orchards and the local cottage industry. Afterwards return to Vinh Long and drive back to Saigon. Overnight in Saigon

Join a half day city tour after breakfast: Ho Chi Minh City also known as Saigon is Vietnam’s largest city with a growing population of around 8 million. This is a city on-the-go 24 hours a day, where everybody seems to be busy either buying, selling, studying, working or just enjoying themselves. Despite the fact that modern high-rise buildings have begun to dominate the skyline in recent years there are still many fine examples of French colonial architecture in Ho Chi Minh City. The city tour will give you a general view of a developing city. You will get to know its history and culture with stops at the War Remnants Museum and at the Reunification Palace. See other places of interest such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office, Opera House and the City Hall. Take the rest of the time for shopping activities around Dong Khoi Street and Ben Thanh Market.

In the afternoon transfer to the airport.

*Small program is subjected to change without prior notice due to airlines unexpected changes of schedule or flight cancellations or weather situation.