Timeless Vietnam Tour For Escape 12 Days

Day 01: Hanoi Arrival

You will be warmly welcomed upon arrival in Hanoi airport and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon you will take a private walking city tour to visit local markets and Hanoi’s Old Quarter, known for its 36 streets and former craft guilds. Overnight in Hanoi.

Meal: No

Tour guide: English Speaking guide

Day 02: Hanoi – Halong Bay

Enjoy breakfast. You will then leave Hanoi for Halong Bay, arriving at the jetty around 12:30 p.m. Upon arrival, you will set out on a junk cruise on the bay while lunch is served. You will pass through the magical bay, where thousands of sculpted limestone islands rise from the waves like dragons’ teeth. After lunch, you will take a short trek to a nearby summit for a panoramic view of the bay, swimming on a quiet beach or sunbathing on the sundeck. You will stay overnight onboard.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Tour guide: English Speaking guide on board

Day 03: Halong Bay – Hanoi – Flight to Danang – Hoi An

Rising to the sound of lapping bay waters, you will have time for an early morning dip followed by breakfast. Sitting on the upper deck, you can relax while taking in the breath-taking beauty of the rocky islands rising from the emerald water of the bay. After breakfast, explore Sung Sot cave (8 a.m. to 9 a.m.), swim and relax at Soi Sim beach. At 9:30 a.m., your boat cruises back to the jetty while brunch is served from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. You will continue cruising through the bay, along the way seeing more of the fascinating formations. Cabin check-out is at 11:45 am. The boat arrives at the harbor around noon and you will drive directly from Halong to Hanoi airport for your short flight to Danang. Upon arrival at  Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay in Hoian.

Meal: Brunch

Tour guide: English Speaking guide

Day 04: Ancient Town Hoi An

From the 16th to 18th centuries, Hoi An was a thriving international commercial port for Chinese, Dutch, French, Japanese, Portuguese and Arab traders. These people came primarily to trade in the high grade silk, which is still produced in the area, as well as ceramics. Today, Hoi An is a quaint riverside town, popular with tourists for its eclectic architecture, tailors shops, and numerous cafes. Some of the buildings in the narrow streets have remained unchanged for more than a century. You will enjoy a half-day walking tour through the narrow winding streets of the Ancient Quarter visiting Chua Ong Pagoda, Chinese Assembly Halls, the 200- year old Tam Ky ancestral house, and the Japanese Bridge. Following the tour there will be free time to shop or relax. You will stay overnight in Hoi An.

Meal: Breakfast

Tour guide: English Speaking guide

Day 05: Hoi An – Danang – Nha Trang

You will then leave Hoi An for Danang Airport to take flight to Nha Trang. Upon arrival, pick up then transfer to hotel. Overnight in Nha Trang.

Meal: Breakfast

Tour guide: None

Day 06: Nha Trang

Leisure time on beach. Overnight in Nha Trang.

Meal: Breakfast

Tour guide: None

Day 07: Nha Trang

Breakfast at hotel. Free at leisure. Overnight in Nha Trang.

Meal: Breakfast

Tour guide: None

Day 08: Nha Trang

Breakfast at hotel. Free at leisure. Overnight in Nha Trang.

Meal: Breakfast

Tour guide: None

Day 09: Nha Trang – Saigon

You will then leave Nha Trang to take a one hour flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

Meal: Breakfast

Tour guide: None

Day 11: Ho Chi Minh City Tour

In the morning you visi

• The Reunification Palace : This is one of the most important buildings in the city. Here on April 30, 1975, what the Vietnamese refer to as the ‘American War’ officially ended when tank number 843 of the North Vietnamese Army crashed through the gates of what was, at the time, the residence of the President of the Republic of Vietnam .

• War Remnants Museum : Formerly known as the Museum of American War Crimes , this is a poignant display of the futility of war. Some of the black and white photography in the ‘Requiem’ exhibit is particularly touching, dedicated to both foreign and Vietnamese journalists and photographers who perished during the conflict. The exhibit includes the last shots these photographers had taken before their deaths. The courtyard outside contains the spoils of war, namely rusting jets, tanks and cannons captured from the American military machine.

• Notre Dame Cathedral and Old Post Office : Built between 1877 and 1883 this is one of the best examples of classical French colonial architecture. Remarkably every stone used in its creation was shipped from France to Vietnam . Her two 40m towers, topped with iron spires dominate the city’s skyline. The Old Post Office is another example of French colonial architecture and is also the country’s largest post office.

• Ben Thanh Market: This bustling and well-organized market is very popular with tourists, primarily due to its central location. It has a wide selection of goods ranging from fake Nike shoes to beautiful silk Ao Dais. After lunch at local restaurant you continue to visit:

• Giac Lam Pagoda: This is HCMC’s oldest pagoda, dating back to 1744 and one of the finest in Vietnam . Inside, 98 pillars and 113 statues and myriad mini-Buddhas vie for your attention. Don’t miss the amazing Tree of Wandering Souls where people pray for their sick relatives by writing the names of their loved ones on slips of paper and then attaching them to the tree.

• Cholon, including the Thien Hau Pagoda: Cholon actually means Big Market – a claim that is well justified as Vietnam ‘s largest market, the Binh Tay, is located here. The district is home to the city’s 400,000 Chinese and has many beautiful temples and pagodas.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch

Tour guide: English speaking guide

Day 11: Mekong Delta for a day to Ben Tre

Ben Tre is the best option for a day trip to the Mekong Delta from Saigon, since it is only around 2 hours away, and 15 minutes from My Tho. However, this wonderful destination retains an authenticity which has been somewhat lessened in nearby My Tho.

This picturesque and friendly Mekong Delta town has historically seen very few travelers, but the recent opening of a bridge connecting Ben Tre and My Tho has made it far easier for day trippers to visit from Saigon.

Our one day cruise excursion starts at 8:00 am from the lobby of your hotel in Saigon with a drive to Ben Tre. While there, you can take a walk along the waterfront, lined with French era shops and houses, and you’ll see plenty of coconuts being unloaded from boats for dispatch around the country. Then, jump on a boat for a couple of hours of cruising on the Mekong River. You will enjoy your delicious lunch at a local restaurant or on board. The excursion will end at around 4:00pm where the vehicle will await you for your transfer back to Saigon.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch

Tour guide: English speaking guide

Day 12: Ho Chi Minh Departure

There is no activity planned for today so you are free until transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

Meal: Breakfast

Tour guide: English speaking guide