Vietnam Tour 13 days: High-end Trip

We welcome you at the airport and transfer to hotel for check in. Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital is a unique city with tree-lined boulevards, French colonial architecture, peaceful lakes and oriental temples. You can start your own Vietnam Tour 13 Days right at that moment.

The rest of the day is at your leisure and yours to explore on your own pace. You may prefer to wander through the atmospheric street of the old quarter. Or enjoy a cup of coffee with an overview of night settings in a café overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake. From here you take panoramic pictures of nightlife around the lake. Our tour guide is always available and ready for you. Overnight in Hanoi

Today, we enjoy a full day city tour starting with the Ho Chi Minh Complex. This famous site contains the mausoleum of the nation’s founder Ho Chi Minh.
 
Our first stop is to visit the mausoleum of the nation’s founder Ho Chi Minh. Located in the center of Ba Dinh Square, this is the most important monument of Vietnam in which Ho Chi Minh’s body is preserved. This site only opens on Tuesday to Thursday and weekends from 08:00 – 11:00.
 
The next destination is the Presidential Palace and the Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts. The Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house was completed on May 19th, 1958 as a birthday present for uncle Ho and becomes a symbol of his simple life.
 
Close to this complex is the One Pillar Pagoda. The pagoda looks like a lotus blossoming from the square pond. It was constructed in 1049 by King Ly Thai Tong based on his dream of Goddess of Mercy seating on a lotus flower and giving him a boy. In 1954, it was destroyed by the French and then restored in 1955.
 
We follow this with the Temple of Literature, which is well known as the first university of Vietnam. This temple provides an opportunity to learn more about education in Vietnam since 1000 years ago until recent history.
 
In the afternoon, visit the impressive Ethnologic Museum that is dedicated to Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups. This museum has both indoor and outdoor exhibition area with the most popular architectural styles of house’s ethnic people. The museum closes on every Monday
 
In the late afternoon, you will be drive to visit the house of a dedicated local artisan born from a family with traditions for a private solo water puppet show (Mr. Liem is a seventh generation puppeteer, he could not speak English but our guide would be a good translator). You will talk and see all things related to this kind of art and the kids could have hands-on experience controlling the cute puppets as the water puppet performer do. The house owner is also willing to show you his technique of how to make and paint the wooden water puppets right at his workshop on the 3rd floor.  

Say farewell to Hanoi as depart from the Noi Bai International Airport by seaplane to the coastal port town of Halong Bay.
 
Declared as a World Heritage site by the UNESCO in 1994, Ha Long Bay is one of Vietnam’s most spectacular natural attractions. Nearly 200 km far from Hanoi, the bay is dotted with 1600 limestone islands, capturing visitors’ attention.
 
Enjoy fabulous aerial views over the countryside and experience the thrill of a water landing at the Tuan Chau Marina. The flight takes around 30 minutes and included of 15 minutes scenic flight over Ha Long Bay. Upon arrival, transfer and board a luxury wooden boat for a cruise through the limestone cliffs and emerald waters of Ha Long Bay, giving us the chance to take in the stunning scenery of this World Heritage Site.

While on board we will be served a sumptuous fresh, local seafood lunch followed by a swim and exploring some of the limestone caves in this area. When the sun comes down we drop anchor for the night nearby a remote island.  Dinner served on board. Overnight on Junk

Rising to the tranquil beauty of the bay we have time for an early morning dip with joys and emotions for watching sunrise on sea followed by breakfast. This morning we continue to move around the bay to find more secluded areas. The junk will be near us at all times serving as a back-up vessel for those that require it.

At around midday we will return to the main harbor and say goodbye to the breathtaking beauty of limestone pillars pulling out of Halong Bay, you are welcome onboard with Hai Au seaplanes before enjoying the moment of landing off the Tuan Chau dock to get back to hustle bustle Hanoi within 30 minutes. Take some time to record your experience of a lifetime with us before your new busy days come.​ Arrive at Noi Bai airport, we will pick up and transfer you back to your hotel in Hanoi for overnight. 

Today you have free time for relaxing or shopping in the old quarter until we transfer you to the airport for your flight to Hue- the central of Vietnam.
 
Hue was the capital of Vietnam under the Nguyen Dynasty. Not only is it famous for the splendid architecture of citadels, palaces, royal tombs and pagodas but the ancient traditions of Hue also create a unique romantic city.
Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for check-in. Overnight in Hue

We then set out for the exploration of Hue's famous highlights, including a boat trip to visit the picturesque Thien Mu, or Heavenly Lady Pagoda
 
Built in 1601, it is one of the best know religious and must-see sites in Hue. Both landscape and monuments here are always in harmony and bring a feeling of peace for travelers 
 
Disembark the board for a visit the elaborate mausoleum of former emperor Tu Duc.
 
Stretching along the Perfume River, Tu Duc mausoleum is considered to be the most picturesque site of Hue. The tomb was designed by the Emperor Tu Duc himself and this is the largest architectural work of Nguyen Dynasty’s royal palaces and tombs.
 
Transfer back to Hue center Hue for lunch at local restaurant. You can try some traditional Hue specialties at Huynh Anh Kim Long. Frequented only by the locals, this restaurant specializes in banh uot, a steamed rice pancake stuffed with delicate, finely chopped pork, and bun thi nuong, a rice noodle dish served with grilled meat
 
In the afternoon we continue to visit the Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City
 
Built in the 19th century by Nguyen dynasty, the Citadel becomes the most important historical and cultural monument in Vietnam. It is a square 2 km wall encompassing 3 walled enclosures: the Citadel, the Yellow Imperial city, and the Forbidden Purple city.
 
If time permits, we continue to do the walking and shopping in Dong Ba Market to enjoy the specialty of Hue city. Overnight at the hotel in Hue

After having breakfast, we continue our south journey by road to Hoian

The ancient town of Hoian is a small town in Central Vietnam. In the 16th and 17th centuries, Hoian was a busy international commercial port for foreign merchants. Today, Hoian is popular for its peaceful beauty, eclectic architecture, tailors and cafes.
 
The scenery en route is very beautiful. We make a stop at Lang Co beach for coffee and refreshments before winding our way up the spectacular Hai Van Pass to admire the stunning views north to Lang Co beach and south to Danang City. Continue on our way down to the other side and head to Da Nang where we will stop at the Cham Museum, the famed China Beach, and the Marble Mountains. Arrival in Hoi An, we will have our first glimpse of this beautiful boutique town recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site. The tranquil and charm of Hoi An with its low tiled houses of Chinese appearance, Japanese covered bridge, and the colorful riverside market make it one of Vietnam’s most delightful places. Overnight at hotel in Hoian 

Today you will have full day at leisure. Overnight in Hoian

You have your free day to relax on the beach or enjoy the resort facilities until you are transferred to the airport for the flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival you have free time to explore this hustle & bustle city. Overnight at the hotel in HCM city

Today we depart our hotel for the Reunification Palace
 
Reunification Palace is a unique construction designed for the President of South Vietnam during Vietnam War. When entering, visitors can not only admire its architectural beauty but also enjoy fresh atmosphere created by trees and grasses around.
 
After that we continue to visit War Remnant Museum
 
War Remnants Museum primarily contains exhibits relating to the American phase of the Vietnam War. War Remnants Museum comprises a series of themed rooms in several buildings, with period military equipment placed within a walled yard.
 
Before our lunch we stop at Notre Dame Cathedral and Old Post office to get our good shots for our memory of the biggest city in Vietnam. Our lunch served at a traditional restaurant in the central city. In the afternoon we will visit: Chinese town and Binh Tay market- one of the biggest markets in Saigon. Here you can experience our Vietnamese Southern daily life. Overnight in Saigon

Morning pick up from hotel in Saigon and departure for Cai Be. Start at our own pier in Phu An Hamlet: 10.00 AM. Welcome on board and fresh towels are served. Start to visit some local home factories to observe the traditional procedure of making rice ice paste, coconut candies and other specialties. Proceed to Cai Be colorful floating market, cruise among local barges full of fruits and vegetables. Take a direction to Vinh Long and Sa Dec, cruise upstream on Tien Giang River, one of the two largest arms of the Mekong. Sail into a narrow canal to discover the hideaway unspoiled landscapes, luxuriant gardens and enjoy the airy atmosphere in countryside. Pass several traditional brick factories while cruising and have an interesting onsite visit to one of them. Continue the journey to Sa Dec, the little “Venice” in the Mekong Delta with numerous narrow canals, and different kinds of trading activities. Disembark at the local market place and begin your exploration in this charming Sa Dec town by walking along its narrow streets and take photos of beautiful old houses and Chinese temples. Stop at an ancient house dating from 1890, home of Ong Huynh Thuy Le, former “lover” of famous French novelist Marguerite Duras. Lunch will be served on board while cruising down to Can Tho along a beautiful narrow canal. Passing under several wooden “monkey bridges” and tiny typical villages before pulling a stop to visit Cao Dai Temple. The last stop before sunset is a splendid ancient house or “Nha Co” dating from the early 19th century. After the personal welcome of owner, a romantic candlelight dinner will be catered in an unique atmosphere. After dinner, continue to proceed to Can Tho.
 
Can Tho, situated in the heart of the Mekong delta, is well-known for Ninh Kieu wharf and Bang Lang garden. With plenty of restaurants, floating markets and friendly people, this riverside province never fails to capture the traveler’s heart.
 
Overnight on board.

The journey starts at 6.00 AM with breakfast being served at 7.00 PM, while approaching Cai Rang floating market
 
One of the most enjoyable things to do in Mekong Delta is visiting Cai Rang Floating Market where you can see fruits, specialties of Mekong Delta. Beside, you can also buy garden tools or enjoy a Vietnamese breakfast dishes like rice noodle “Pho”.
 
The excursion ends at around 10.00 AM at Ninh Kieu Pier after visiting Can Tho’s local market. Pick up and transfer by private car back to Saigon. Overnight in Saigon

After breakfast spend the rest of your time in Saigon until transfer to airport for flight to Saigon for your international flight back home. End of service.