Day By Day Itinerary
DAY 1 UK – HO CHI MINH
Fly to Ho Chi Minh
DAY 2 HO CHI MINH
On arrival at Tan San Nhat Airport, you are met by our guide and transferred to hotel Eden.
DAY 3 HO CHI MINH – CU CHI – HO CHI MINH (B/D)
After breakfast, Leaving the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City behind journey into the countryside bound for the Cu Chi Tunnels. The tunnels were built by local fighters during the Indochina conflict as a base from which the Viet Cong could covertly operate from close to the Southern Vietnamese capital. Before arriving at the tunnel visit some local friends and get an insight into life in the area, past and present. The local guide will take you on a fascinating trip underground to learn more about the conditions the people lived in, the hardships they faced and the amazing ingenuity employed to make the tunnels habitable. Then we visit Reunification Palace, originally built in 1865 on the grounds of Norodom Palace as a residence for the French Governor General, Continue to Notre Dame Cathedral. Then we visit the old Central Post Office.
DAY 4 HO CHI MINH – MEKONG DELTA – HO CHI MINH (B/L/D)
We set off for My Tho, a port city on the Mekong Delta. Approximately half of Vietnam’s total agricultural output comes from this incredibly fertile delta. Life for villagers here revolves around rivers and canals. Upon arrival board a private boat for a cruise along the river. Visit an island with lush tropical gardens and sample tropical fruit accompanied by a traditional music performance. Continue to another island to see coconut candy being made. We have a chance to visit local villages in the area and learn more about traditional lifestyles, culture and customs. Continue by Xe Loi (motorised cart) to an apiary where we transfer to smaller rowing boats allowing us to get deeper into the narrow canals.
DAY 5 HO CHI MINH – DANANG – HOI AN (B/D)
After early breakfast transfer to Ho Chi Minh airport to board your flight to Danang. On arrival you are greeted by our guide and check in at hotel Sunrise beach resort. Then we driven to Danang center to visit the famous Cham Museum. This gleaming mansion contains the largest collection of Cham treasures in Vietnam. Today we catch a chance to see the Marble Mountain, whose peaks represent the five elements, and the China Beach on our way to Hoi An. This charming town was originally a Cham seaport but has been influenced down the centuries by a myriad of traders from various cultures. There are plenty to see in Hoi An, some of which are the famous Japanese Covered Bridges, the Pottery Museum, the 200 years old Tam Ky House, the Chua Ong Pagoda and the vibrant market.
DAY 6 HOI AN – MY SON – HOI AN (B/D)
Today we set off on a short drive to My Son which was once the sacred holy land of the Cham people. This sanctuary has left its legacy in the form of some towers, each one nearly a thousand years old. On arrival we stroll around these amazing structures representing an interesting culture and history of the Cham people. By mid afternoon we enjoy a boat trip on the Thu Bon River, catching a chance to admire the countryside and visit Thanh Ha Pottery Village as well as the boat construction. The remainder of day will be free for your own exploration or simply relaxation on a beach.
DAY 7 HOI AN (B/D)
After breakfast the day is free for your own leisure and other activities .Dinner and overnight stay at hotel Hoi An Beach Resort – Hoi An
DAY 8 HOI AN – HANOI
Morning is free for your own leisure and other activities. Then in the afternoon board your flight to Hanoi. On arrival Hanoi you will be welcomed and check in at hotel Hilton Hanoi Opera
DAY 9 HANOI (B/D)
Today we commence our exploration of Hanoi with the Ho Chi Minh Complex, which contains the mausoleum of the nation’s founder Ho Chi Minh, the Presidential Palace and the Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts. Close to this complex is the One Pillar Pagoda, whose origins date back to the foundation of city. we drive to the Tran Quoc Pagoda and Quan Thanh Temple. They are some major highlights set by the beautiful West Lake. We also visit the old quarters and the peaceful lake of Hoan Kiem with its sacred temple. Enjoy the puppet show in the evening.
DAY 10 HANOI – HALONG BAY (B/D)
After breakfast transfer to Halong Bay to board Pelican cruise luxury boat. Check in and enjoy Welcome Drink, receive cruise briefing and safety instructions. You sail toward Da Chong Islet, passing Vung Dai, Ba Cua, Con Vit islet. Pass over Soi Sim beach. By mid-afternoon, you will have a chance to venture to Surprise cave and swim by Titop Island. Anchor nearby Ho Dong Tien or Trong Cave. Spend overnight on board.
DAY 11 HALONG BAY – LUANG PRABHANG (B/L)
Start your day with Tai Chi on the Sundeck 07:00 -Have breakfast while cruising towards Luon Cave, passing by Dau Nguoi islet (Men head islet), Con Rua islet (Tortoise islet).Back to the boat, relax before checking out round 09:30 while passing by Hoa Cuong area, Ngon Tay islet (Finger Islet), Ga Choi islet, Lu Huong islet, Ba Hang area, Dog islet. 10:45 Lunch is served in the restaurant. 11:30 Disembark at the harbor. Take our shuttle bus to return to Hanoi. You will get back to Hanoi at 4:00PM approximately.Then transfer to Hanoi airport to board your flight to Luang Prabhang .On arrival check in at hotel Villa Santi Resort.
DAY 12 LUANG PRAB ANG (B/D)
Today we continue seeing this charming town with the famous Wat Xieng Thong, which nestles at the meeting of the Mekong and the Nam Khan River. The temple structures are decorated in various ways with gilded stuccoes, doorways and marvellous tree life mosaic pattern on an outer wall, representing the ancient temple architecture of Luang Prabang. We board a boat for a leisurely trip on the Mekong River, stopping en route at Ban Xang Hai to visit the distillation of potent local rice wine. Upon leaving this riverside village we wave our way through the stunning mountain landscape to the mysterious Pak Ou Caves. We explore these famous grottos and cruise back to Luang Prabang Town.
DAY 13 LUANG PRAB ANG (B/D)
Today we catch a drive southwards to Phosi Market that sells a wide array of local goods and handicrafts. Upon leaving this lively market we make our way through the verdant and rugged scenery to Ban Thapene, Ban Xom and Ban Namai which are conquered by the Lao Loum, Khmu and Hmong people. These tribal groups have originally settled in mountain side therefore it may involve some short walks to visit their villages. We arrives at Khouang Si Fall and spend the time relaxing in marvellous setting of waterfall and lush forest. The waterfall tumbles over multi tiered limestone formations into the cool and clear pools ideal for anyone seeking an enjoyable escape.
DAY 14 LUANG PRABANG – SIEM REAP (B/D)
After breakfast the day is free for shopping activities . Then in the afternoon transfer to Luang Prabang airport to board your flight to Siem Reap . On arrival check in at hotel Tara Angkor .
DAY 15 SIEM REAP (B/D)
After breakfast we explore the complex of the Angkor Temples. We visit the South Gate of Angkor Thom with various colossal human faces carved in stone, Bayon Temple, Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, Elephant Terrace and Terrace of the Leper King. The sightseeing tour also includes the Angkor Wat Temple with many galleries with columns, libraries, pavilions, courtyards and ponds.
DAY 16 SIEM REAP (B/D)
Today visit to the jungle covered temple of Ta Prohm , Banteay Kdei, Sra Srong, Ta Keo, Thommanon,Chau Say Tevado are some major temples of the small circuit. We walk to Phnom Bakheng Hill to enjoy the spectacular sunset.
DAY 17 SIEM REAP (B/D)
Heading out of town we drive beyond the Angkor Complex to visit the intricately Banteay Srei Temple. This beautiful landmark which was designed to leave no space undecorated. We also visit the scenes of Vishunu and Krishna legends at Banteay Samre Temples before we enjoy a boat trip on Tonle Sap Lake, seeing the floating village, friendly children and fishermen at work.
DAY 18 SIEM REAP – UK
The morning is free for your own leisure and other activities. Then We transfer to Siem Reap airport to board your flight to UK. overnight flight to UK
DAY 19 UK
Arrive home today