DAY 1: HANOI ARRIVAL
Welcome to Hanoi. The Old Quarter, known for its ‘36 streets of 36 wares’, is also home to a number of passionate artisans who continue to practice their age-old crafts.
DAY 2: HANOI CITY TOUR
Start the tour by visiting Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Enjoy the architectural and historical aspects of Uncle Ho's final resting-palace. Just next door is Ho Chi Minh's house on stilts where he used to live in the past. Lying to one side of the Mausoleum is the One Pillar Pagoda, built by King Ly Thai To in 1049 the structure has become an important symbol for the people of Hanoi. Continue to visit the Quan Thanh Temple and Buddhist Tran Quoc Pagoda on West. Lunch at local restaurant. After lunch proceed to visit the Literature Temple – Vietnam’s first university constructed in 1070, Its gardens and well-preserved architecture offer a relaxing glimpse into Vietnam’s past. Take a cyclo tour to go around city center. After that we will visit Hoan Kiem Lake, see the peaceful water, and visit Ngoc Son temple as the last stop of the day.
DAY 3: HANOI – HALONG BAY
Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Asia’s most magnificent natural splendours with over 1,600 largely uninhabited limestone islands jut out of the Gulf of Tonkin’s emerald green waters. This impossibly romantic seascape reveals grottoes, secluded coves, coral beaches and hidden lagoons. Meaning ‘Descending Dragon’, Halong Bay’s outstanding mythical beauty is complemented by major biological and geological significance. Cruise through the bay aboard the cruise, topping at leisure at several hidden caves and pearl farm villages.
DAY 4: HALONG BAY – HANOI
In the morning, doing exercise morning on Sundeck, enjoy light breakfast with coffee, tea, seasonal fresh fruit and bread before keep going to visit Halong Bay, passing by many other rocks, Islets as well as fishing villages. Brunch (lunch) will be served on board before disembarking time. Return to Hanoi, take a rest and enjoy your free time.
DAY 5: FLY TO DANANG – HOI AN ANCIENT TOWN EXLORING
Take a flight to Danang. Then take a short drive to the riverside town of Hoi An. You will set off on a walking tour to explore this World Heritage Site. Highlights include an ancient merchant house, the Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, and the vibrant riverside market.
DAY 6: HOI AN – COCONUT VILLAGE
Cam Thanh coconut village (Bay Mau coconut village) is located just about 5kms from the southeast of the Hoi An Old Town. Coming to Cam Thanh Coconut village, you will have a chance to experience many activities such as basket ride, fishing on the river with fishermen, making things from coconut leaves, and enjoying the sweet taste of ripe coconut.
DAY 7: HOI AN FREE DAY
Take a rest on this day. You can explore ancient town or bike to some traditional villages nearby.
DAY 8: FLY TO SAIGON – CITY TOUR
Take a flight to Saigon. Your program includes the Reunification Hall, formerly known as the Presidential Palace. Continue to the Jade Emperor Pagoda located on the fringes of District 1. Dating from 1909 and built by Cantonese Buddhists this quiet oasis was designed using feng shui principals showcasing ornate statues and effigies. From there stroll to the major sights of colonial Saigon: The Old Saigon Post Office, Dong Khoi Street, Theater, Opera House.
DAY 9: MEKONG DELTA – BEN TRE
Arrive at Ben Tre town, get on boat to cruise along the Ben Tre river. Visit a brick workshop where bricks are still painstakingly made by hand. Then we go through the zigzag canals to visit local a coconut processing workshop where you can try fresh coconut candy and see how every single part of this versatile nut is turned into food and other products.
The boat will then stop at a quiet village where you can visit a mat weaving house, where straw mats are woven using a hand loom – you can even have a go at weaving by yourself! Enjoy some tropical fresh fruits and have a cycling tour to experience real Mekong Delta village life. Stop at a riverside restaurant for a delicious and filling lunch, featuring such local specialties as elephant-ear fish, freshwater prawns…, washed down with some cold drinks or beers.
After lunch. You will then hop onto a “tuk tuk" for a fun ride through the coconut forest to go to Mr Khanh’s. He is a passionate antique collector and his house is jam packed full of fascinating artifacts from Vietnam and elsewhere in Asia. He also has some fascinating family albums dating back to French colonial times. You will then get back on your tuk tuk and head to a rowing boat station. Go down the water way on such a boat and enjoy a mesmerizing time.
DAY 10: SAIGON DEPARTURE Transfer to Ho Chi Minh City airport for your onward departure.
To request for this customized tour, please reach out us via email sales@despacetravel.com
