VIETNAM 12 DAYS & 11 NIGHTS

ABSOLUTE VIETNAM

DAY 01: HO CHI MINH CITY ARRIVAL

Meet on arrival at Ho Chi Minh City / Tan Son Nhat International Airport, you will be welcomed by your guide and transferred to your hotel. Ho Chi Minh City, still called Saigon by many locals, is a center of commerce, finance, culture and tourism in Vietnam. This afternoon, the sightseeing tour acquaints us with the city’s major sights. We pass the now-demolished wartime American Embassy before exploring the Reunification Palace which was the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until end of April 1975. Close to this palace are some French colonial structures including the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Sai Gon Post Office. Then, we continue our trip on to the bustling Ben Thanh Market where anything and everything is for sale. Dinner on floating restaurant and cruise on Saigon River & Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.

 

DAY 02: HO CHI MINH CITY – CU CHI TUNNELS (B)

Breakfast at the hotel, drive to Cu Chi (75 km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City) to visit an amazing complex of underground tunnels the former stronghold of Viet Cong with a network of tunnels three levels deep stretching over 200km. Return Ho Chi Minh City. Lunch at local restaurant.

Afternoon, visit Chinatown, Thien Hau Pagoda, the History Museum (in case this visit falls on Monday we will visit the War Remnants Museum instead)and make a quick photo stop at the former Presidential Palace.

Dinner and accommodation at hotel.

 

DAY 3: HO CHI MINH – MY THO (Full day) (B)

Today, we leave the bustle of the city behind for a day of exploring scenic rice fields, waterways and colourful markets of the Mekong Delta .Arrive My Tho city, get on private boat (with cover) cruise on the Mekong river(Tien river) visit Quy island, enjoy tropical fruits in the orchard. Continue to a part of Ben Tre province you will have the opportunity to watch local villagers producing coconut candy in the workshop, 5- minute trekking on the village way and try rickshaw or cart (draw by horse),Cruising through the smaller canals on local sampans, try honey in bee keeping house…Lunch at a local restaurant with specialty of Mekong region: Deep fried “Elephant ear fish” rolled with rice paper … Back to HCMC in the afternoon(16:00). Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

 

DAY 4: HO CHI MINH – DANANG (Flight) – HOI AN (B)

After breakfast, transfer to airport for short flight to the central port city of Danang. On arrival Danang airport met and transfer to Hoi An on the way stop to visit Marble Mountain and Cham Museum. Lunch at a local restaurant in Danang. Arrive Hoi An check-in hotel.

 

DAY 5: HOI AN WALKING TOUR AND FISHING TOUR (B)

After breakfast at hotel, take a walking tour of the ancient town centre to visit the former merchants’ homes, the 400 year-old Japanese Covered Bridge and Hoi An Culture Museum.

Afternoon, enjoy fishing experience with local fishermen by basket boat and explore the local daily life in Hoian.

Overnight in Hoian.

 

DAY 6: HOI AN – HUE CITY (B)

Morning depart to Hue by road. In the afternoon visit the Imperial Citadel from where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945.

 

DAY 7: HUE CITY (B)

Begin your day with a boat trip on the romantic Perfume River. Explore Hue’s best-known religious site, Thien Mu Pagoda. Visit the Mausoleum of Minh Mang.Afternoon, visit conical hat and incense stick making villages.Cap-off the day with a visit to Dong Ba market before coming back to hotel. Overnight in Hue.

 

DAY 8: HUE – HANOI (Flight) (B)

Transfer to Hue Airport after breakfast for the short flight to Hanoi.Arrive at Noi Bai airport, you are welcomed and transfer to the city. Visit Museum of Ethnology.Afternoon, take a walking tour to visit the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem lake and Ngoc Son temple. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show. Overnight in Hanoi.

 

DAY 9: HANOI – HALONG BAY – HANOI (B)

After breakfast, travel by air-conditioned bus through the Red River Delta to beautiful Ha Long Bay – a Bay with more than 3000 islands, which time, wind and waves have sculptured into fantastic shapes. Upon arrival, embark on a cruise ship. You will have about 5 hours cruise to explore the mystery and beauty of Ha Long Bay. Lunch on board. Return to Hanoi. Overnight in Hanoi.

 

DAY 10: HANOI – COOKING CLASS & CITY TOUR (B, L)

Morning, join a cooking class to learn Vietnamese cuisine. You’ll visit a local market before arriving the cooking center. Our chef will lead you through each dish, giving you plenty of opportunities to get involved and try your hand at reproducing the flavours. Enjoy on the dishes you have just prepared. We will also supply you with a recipe booklet containing all the information you need to reproduce an authentic taste back home. Afternoon, visit the One Pillar Pagoda and Temple of Literature. Overnight in Hanoi.

 

DAY 11: HANOI FAREWELL DINNER (B/D)

Full day free until farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Hanoi.

 

DAY 12: HANOI DEPARTURE (B)

The day is at your leisure for last minute sight-seeing or shopping until your transfer to Noi Bai airport for your departure flight.