Vietnam Discovery 4*

Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our local guide then transfer to the hotel for check in (Standard Hotel Check in time: 2:00pm (local time) – early check-in is not included). Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.

Depart the hotel in the morning at 08:00 for the 2.5-hour drive through rural northern Vietnam to the site of Vietnam’s rst capital, Hoa Lu. Visit temples dedicated to Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang of the Dinh Dynasty (968-980), and Emperor Le Dai Hanh of the Le Dynasty (980-1009). The ancient Hoa Lu Citadel, most of which has since been destroyed, once covered an area of three square kilometers. After visiting Hoa Lu, if time and energy levels permit, choose to take a half-hour walk up one of the surrounding limestone karst hills. The climb is rewarded with spectacular views. In the late morning, depart for Tam Coc Town to enjoy a Vietnamese lunch. Along the way, stop to take pictures of local villages and the stunning landscape. After lunch, visit Trang An Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a relaxing boat ride on a peaceful river passing through a series of caves. Trang An is a spectacular landscape of limestone karst peaks permeated with valleys, some of which are submerged, and surrounded by steep, almost vertical cli s. As the boat gently slices through the water, notice the enormous limestone karsts jutting out from the green rice elds giving rise to other name, ‘Halong on Land’. Officially designated as an ‘eco-tourism’ area, the only interruptions here are the sound of birds and the gentle paddle of the oar upon the crystal clear river. From there, transfer back to the hotel and spend the rest of the afternoon is at leisure. Overnight in Ninh Binh.

Ninh Binh to Halong Bay (200km): 4hrs Following an early breakfast, leave Ninh Binh for a 4-hour (approximately) drive to Halong Bay, Vietnam’s most popular UNESCO World Heritage site! The name ‘Ha Long’ means ‘Bay of Descending Dragons’ and owes its origins to a Vietnamese myth. The towering limestone karsts represent the dragon’s back, surrounded by jade green water creating an unforgettable site. There are more than 1,600 limestone islands and islets with di erent shapes jutting out from the sea. Arrive at the Halong Bay jetty around noon and proceed with check-in formalities before boarding a boat for an unforgettable overnight cruise on Halong Bay. After being welcomed onboard, a lunch of Vietnamese food is served while cruising towards the bay itself. In the afternoon, enjoy some visits and/or activities (depending on each boat’s itinerary) or just spend some time relaxing on board. Towards the end of the day the boat sets anchor for the night among karst formations. Dinner is served on board. Overnight on board the boat in Halong Bay (private cabin on-board the join-in boat cruise).

Enjoy the fresh morning in the middle of the bay, the sun rises on Halong in the morning and breakfast is served (brunch on some boats) while the vessels cruise slowly through the magnificent rock formations and back towards port. Disembark and transfer back to Hanoi Arrive in Hanoi late in the afternoon, enjoy a leisurely one-tricycle hour tour through the streets of this fascinating city, you will come face to face with the daily lives and activities of Hanoi’s streets as you pass through the congested, but delightful, Old Quarter. Ride pass the fascinating streets, which still bear the names of the shops that could be found in them in the 15th to 18th centuries Afterward, take a walking through the Hanoi’s Old Quarter, also known as the ‘36 streets’. This bustling area of narrow streets and alleys is home to literally thousands of small businesses and shopkeepers. It's a great place to explore with plenty of photo opportunities all around you End the day with a Water Puppet show. This is a uniquely northern Vietnamese art form depicting scenes from rural life and episodes of national history. Transfer back to your hotel for your own activities. Overnight in Hanoi

After breakfast at hotel, you will visit The One Pillar Pagoda, which was founded by King Ly Thai To in 1049. This structure is one of Vietnam’s smallest but most iconic temples. Close by is the Mausoleum of the historic Father Figure of modern Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh, and the Former President's House on stilts where he lived from 1958 to 1969. His former home illustrates the modesty of this Vietnamese revolutionary (The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed Mondays & Fridays and from Jun.-Aug, you will view from the outside). Lunch will be served at local restaurant One of the best things about northern Vietnam is that while most provinces are rapidly modernizing, villages that boast histories spanning centuries can still be found here and there. What's better, not only their architecture but also their ambiance is almost intact. Afternoon you will enjoy 45 minutes drive from the hustle and bustle of the city to visit the 200-year-old Nom Village. The centre of this little town reveals a beautiful architectural complex consisting of a common house, an ancient well and a banyan tree. Meet with the head of the village. Then explore the narrow brick roads and visit another antique house. Engage in a conversation with the host over a cup of traditional tea to learn more about local life and the traditions that define this community. Trip end with a visit to the holiest place in the village, Nom Pagoda, embedded in a century-old pine forest which is famous for its ancient Buddhist statues Afterward transfer back to your hotel and free at your own leisure. Overnight at Hanoi

Free at your own activities until check out and transfer to enjoy the lunch at Local Restaurant before transfer to Noi Bai Airport for a domestic flight to Hue. Upon arrival Phu Bai Airport in Hue - the former Imperial City of the last dynasty of Vietnam. Located in Central Vietnam, Hue is the only place in the country where many historic, cultural, architectural as well as artistic values have been preserved. Tangible cultural heritage - the system of historic monuments - and intangible cultural heritage - the Imperial court music - have their own national and international values that were acknowledged as World Cultural Heritages. Hue is also the site where the northern and southern ecosystems meet, the area of river-hills, greenery and beautiful landscapes. You are warmly welcomed by our local guide and transfer to check in the hotel for chec in. Tonight you will be brought back to the splendid history of ancient Royal time in Vietnam, you will be charmed with the Royal style decoration of the Royal Dining room, the atmosphere of the diner that you are the King with royal wears., beside you are the Queen accompanied by the servants in traditional royal clothes, all wearing traditional royal clothes. All the food served is royal dishes symbolizing the dragon, phoenix, or peacock. Table is decorated by Hue’s colorful silk and flowers, large candle lights, colorful lantern with dragon pattern and spotlights … All meticulously prepared to the finest details for a sumptuous dinner that fits for royalty. It will surely surprise you with its authentic cuisines of Hue’s royalty. You will discover how Royal life was by enjoying the "Royal meal" while listening to melodious music and having a feeling of being a real King. Overnight at hotel in Hue.

Morning you will meet with our guide at the hotel lobby and start the day to enjoy a scenic boat trip on the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the oldest ancient architectural structures for religious worship in Hue. Afterward you will explore the Imperial City of Hue. The Hue Citadel is situated on the Northern bank of the Perfume River and built by Emperor Gia Long it was designed for the exclusive use of the Emperor and his household. The Citadel is a square 2 km wall encompassing 3 walled enclosures; the Citadel, Kinh Thanh Hue, the Yellow Imperial city, Hoang Thanh and in the centre the Forbidden Purple city Tu Cam Thanh where the Emperor lived. The Hue royal complex has been officially recognized by the UNESCO as a World Heritage Site Hue's environment is famous for it’s tombs of past emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty. Most of the tombs have courtyards, a temple for worship, statues of elephants and figures and a pond, but the layout of each is different reflecting differing each king's personality and style. They have a lovely peaceful atmosphere. Visit Khai Dinh Royal Tomb considered as one of the most beautiful mausoleum in Hue. Khai Dinh Tomb - Emperor of Vietnam from 1916 to 1925. The tomb represents a fusion of traditional Vietnamese style and modern influence. The construction of the tomb began in 1920 and lasted 11 years. On the way back to your hotel you stop at a village that is well-known for its production of typical Vietnamese conical hats Lunch will be served at local restaurant Afternoon, we start the spectacular drive over Hai Van Pass to Danang with a whole view of Pacific Ocean and famous Lang Co fishing village. Continuing to the charming historic city of Hoi An which lies on the banks of the Thu Bon River. Hoian was one of the major trading centers of Southeast Asia in the 16th century and was declared a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999. En route, you will visit the Cham Museum - The world's foremost collection of the sculpture of the ancient King-dom of Champa, and the Marble Mountain, whose peaks represent the five elements of the universe. Continuing to the charming historic city of Hoi An which lies on the banks of the Thu Bon River. Hoian was one of the major trading centers of Southeast Asia in the 16th century and was declared a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999. Overnight at hotel in Hoian.

After breakfast at hotel, you will be transferred to the meeting point where chefs will highlight some of the daily produce sold, such fruits, vegetables, meat, silk worms, etc. surely, this market visit will provide you with endless photo opportunities You will start visit Hoi An’s colourful main market, and experience its amazing sights, sounds and aromas. You will have the opportunity to interact with the local sellers, to see and taste the wonderful variety of foods on display. The tour continues to board the Red Bridge boat for a leisurely cruise (25 minutes) along the Hoi An River to the Red Bridge Cooking School. This is a chance to view local river life, so make sure your camera is handy. Return to the Cooking School and get started. The chefs will explain how to prepare about some of Hoi An’s and Vietnam’s best-known dishes. The cooking lesson runs for about 2 hours – each dish is first demonstrated by the Red Bridge chef’s, before you prepare the same dish yourself. Finally, enjoy the meal you have prepared Included in the class is a brief introduction to Vietnamese food carving (plate decoration). Afternoon you will discover Hoi An - known to early Western merchants, Hoi An was one of the major trading centres of Southeast Asia in the 16th century. Hoi An has a mixed Chinese-Vietnamese atmosphere with low, tile-roof houses and narrow streets. Having been through many ups and downs in the past, the original structures, however, are still virtually intact. That was the reason to persuade the UNESCO to recognize Hoi An as a World Heritage in 1999. Besides, the surroundings of Hoi An, especially the countryside, are one of the most outstanding highlights that visitors should experience during their stay in Hoi An. One of the best ways to discover Hoi An and its surroundings is by walking. During your leisurely walk you will visit some of the historic merchant and community houses, places of worship and famous Japanese Covered Bridge, the daily life of the local people: green paddy fields, vegetable gardens, markets, temples, historic houses, fishermen and stunning countryside scenes will simply mesmerize you. This tour offers great photo opportunities and you may find yourself chatting with the locals and inhaling unforgettable memories. This tour offers great photo opportunities and you may find yourself chatting with the locals and inhaling unforgettable memories. Then you will enjoy “the TOP world-best show” and “A feast for the eyes” - Hoi An Memories Show. The setting is sprawling and magnificent, grandly depicting the nearby mountains, the sodden river flood plains that typify Vietnam and the old port of Hoi An. The music is exquisite, the lighting hi-tech and the choreography superb. The traditional performing art is not simply a tale that balances legend with history, tradition with progress, and peace with turbulence but also a way to help enrich the community of which they’re a part of. The Show will remain with you, an enthralling experience that brings one closer to Vietnam’s unique spirit and time-honoured traditions. It acts as a door to the larger world of performing arts by staging high-quality productions and attracting any one who loves the arts. It is both a must-see cultural spectacle and a mind-blowing entertainment. After the show, you will be transferred back your hotel. Overnight at hotel in Hoian

Morning free at your own leisure until proceeding to Danang Airport for your domestic flight to Ho Chi Minh Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, all guests are warmly welcomed by our local guide then transfer to enjoy the lunch at local restaurant Afternoon you will explore the city and visit Independence Palace (Reunification Palace), War Remnants Museum. Afterwards, stroll through the major sights of colonial Ho Chi Minh City: the Old Saigon Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral inaugurated in 1880 became the spiritual and cultural crucible of the French presence in the Orient as was the Post office designed by Gustav Eiffel and resembling a grand railway station, Dong Khoi Street (formerly Rue Catinat), Continental Hotel, Opera House and Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee (formerly Hôtel de Ville) which is one of the most photographed buildings in Vietnam - notable for its gardens, ornate facade and elegant interior lit with crystal chandeliers. Transfer to your hotel for check in. Free at your own activities. Overnight at hotel in Hochiminh.

Morning meet our local guide in the lobby of your hotel and drive to My Tho the heart of the Mekong delta, famous for its vast rice fields and most beautiful landscapes. Visit the Vinh Trang Pagoda en route and stop by the bank of Tien Giang river. Take a boat trip on Mekong River to Phoenix Island where local handicrafts and sweets from coconut are being produced. Enjoy fresh seasonal fruits and traditional live music and songs performance. Take a short ride on a horse carriage to a typical local house to taste some homemade honey-tea. Proceed by small sampan boats through the small canals and side arms of the river to observe the daily life along the river banks with a stop and short leisurely walk at the Turtle Island. Lunch will be served at local restaurant before driving back to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. Overnight in Hochiminh.

Morning you will enjoy the journey to of 75 km from Saigon to Cu Chi Tunnels - a complex of an incredible underground tunnel network constructed by Vietnamese resistance fighters (Viet Cong) during both the French and American wars. There are more than 200 km of tunnels, comprising a main axis system with many branches connecting to underground hideouts, shelters and other tunnels. You have the chance to crawl through this amazing system of tunnels. For a more “thrilling” experience, you can even test your shooting skills on original AK47s and other guns from past war times (subject to a surcharge). Lunch will be served at local restaurant. Afternoon transfer back to your hotel and free at your own activities. Evening you will enjoy the Buffet dinner (included food and 01 welcome drink, excluded waters soft drinks, alcohols) on the floating restaurant - Bonsai Cruise which offers a Vietnamese dining experience with a difference and the perfect way to soak up the atmosphere along the Saigon River. Upon arrival the captain will welcome you aboard with a welcome drink; an introduction will then be given on the European and Asian cuisine on offer which have made this Ho Chi Minh City dinner cruise a must-do culinary experience. Relax on the decks and enjoy the panoramic view during the 90-minute journey cruise of the Saigon River. The food, organic and fresh is presented and prepared on interactive buffet stations and a live band is on board to entertain. Note: The cruise is operated on a join in basis with two decks seating up to 200 guests with the central buffet areas offering modern moorish cuisine inspired by flavors, species and tastes which can be found in the Indochinese region. Live entertainment will be performed throughout the cruise journey. Afterward, the cruise will return to the pier where your driver is waiting to take you back to your hotel. Overnight in Hochiminh.

Fee at your own leisure time until transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your international flight home. We hope you had an exciting holiday with us. Making it an affair to remember!