WHAT’S INCLUDED
- 10 nights First Class accommodations
- Flights LAX-Ho Chi Minh (Saigon)
- Airline taxes & fuel surcharges
- All intra-flights: Ho Chi Minh-Da Nang & Hue-Hanoi
- Hotel taxes, fees & service charges
- Hotel porterage
- All transfers
- 14 meals: 10 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners
- Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach
- Services of English-speaking tour manager throughout
- Entrance fees per itinerary
12 Day Vietnam Tour Including Airfare
Experience the best Vietnam has to offer on this 12 day tour that takes you from South to North. Start in Saigon, otherwise known as Ho Chi Minh, the largest city in Vietnam. Take in the beautiful landscape, as you take a guided tour exploring the rich culture of this city. Take in the French architecture and influences, and explore the heart of the major shopping center of the city. Your tour continues as you travel to the coastal city of Da Nang. Be amazed at the ancient past that is superbly preserved as you take in the pagodas and temples, while marveling in the heritage that is still very much alive today. Take a leisurely day to discover the delights of this marvelous city, or decide to go on a boat tour which will take you on a cruise downstream, past fishing villages, while you learn about the organically grown vegetables and herbs that support the locals. As you continue, be astounded in the stunning views of Da Nang Bay, and experience the former Imperial capital which was reserved for the use of the Emperor. There will be plenty of leisure time to explore on your own, and you can also choose to participate in the many tours and boat rides.This trip allows you to choose what you want to do. Incredible views await as you travel to Hanoi, the sparkling waters, caves, grottos, and waterfalls. This trip is the perfect escape mixing fantastic food, ancient culture, modern marvels, and will leave you with memories to last a life time!
Day 1: Depart for Vietnam Day 2: Arrive in Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) Day 3: Ho Chi Minh City Tour Day 4: Hoi An City Tour, Flight to Da Nang Day 5: Full Day in Hoi An Day 6: Travel to Hue, Hue Imperial City Tour Day 7: Full Day in Hue Day 8: Flight to Hanoi, Sightseeing en route to Halong Bay Day 9: Cruise Halong Bay, Travel to Hanoi Day 10: Hanoi City Tour & Evening Water Puppet Show Day 11: Full day in Hanoi Day 12: Depart VietnamVIEW ITINERARY
Depart for Vietnam.
Arrive in Ho Chi Minh (formerly Saigon), the largest city in Vietnam. Transfer to your hotel and enjoy the balance of the day at leisure
Overnight: Ho Chi Minh
This morning, following breakfast, join your Tour Manager for a Welcome Meeting. Afterwards, a guided tour in Ho Chi Minh City which includes the neo-Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral, and the French architecture of the Central Post Office, City Hall, and the magnificent Saigon Opera House. From here, visit lively Ben Thanh Market – where an unbelievable assortment of wares and crafts are sold under one roof. Continue to Dong Khoi Street, a major shopping street in the center of the city
Optional: Half Day Cu Chi Tunnels (PM)*
Overnight: Ho Chi Minh
Meals: Breakfast
Depart Ho Chi Minh on your flight to Da Nang, one of Vietnam’s major ports, situated on the coast of the South China Sea. Travel south to the picturesque ancient town of Hoi An, where people still wear the “ao dais”, Vietnam’s traditional dress. The ancient town of Hoi An, a World Heritage Site, was the most important trading ports in Southeast Asia in the 15th century. Its ancient past is superbly preserved in an enchanting collection of temples, pagodas, shop houses and magnificent private homes in the town’s Old Quarter. Walking tour of this artistic jewel, with its century’s old architecture includes the gorgeous Phuoc Kien Pagoda, the 400 year old bright-red Japanese Covered Bridge and the Ancient House. Afterwards, continue to dinner at a local restaurant
Overnight: Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Spend a full day at leisure discovering all of the delights of Hoi An independently. Walk through the Old City, stopping at one of the city’s many museums, or see artisans using age-old techniques to fashion a variety of crafts. Of special interest are the colorful and elaborate paper lanterns created by lantern artisans for which Hoi An is well known. Or, join the optional boat trip on the Thu Bon River visiting the Organic Village, including lunch. The boat trip begins at a local pier in the Old Town. You’ll cruise down streams and past many fishing areas before arriving in Kim Bong village, home of traditional woodworking and boat-building. Return to the mainland and drive to the Traque Organic Village for lunch. Here, you’ll learn about the many vegetables and herbs organically grown to support the people of Hoi An. After a Vietnamese culinary lesson and tasting, return to Hoi An
Optional: Boat Trip on the Thu Bon River & Organic Village with Lunch
Overnight: Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast
This morning, travel to Da Nang, with stunning views of bowl-shaped Da Nang Bay. Drive by Marble Mountain, a village well-known for its sophisticated hand-made marble products. Journey over the towering mountains to Hue, home to a wealth of palaces, temples, libraries and museums. Afternoon tour of this former Imperial capital, modeled after the Forbidden City in Beijing. Enter the Ngo Mon Gate, principal entrance to the Imperial Enclosure and the central passageway reserved for use by the Emperor. Continue to the Thai Hoa Palace with its spacious hallways and ornamental roof, the Halls of the Mandarins, the Nine Dynastic Urns, and the ruins of the Forbidden Purple City, once home to the royal family. Tonight, spend time at leisure to explore on your own
Optional: Cyclo Ride with Dinner at the Citadel
Overnight: Hue
Meals: Breakfast
Day at leisure to explore Hue independently. Or, participate in the not-to-be-missed optional afternoon boat excursion on the gentle Perfume River, which explores the life along the banks of the ancient royal capital city. The river, with its shimmering blue color is dotted with a poetic landscape of boats, gardens, pagodas, towers and temples. The tour continues to the legendary Thien Mu Pagoda, on the north bank of the Perfume River, built in seven successive tiers. Then, a drive to the Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, final resting place of Vietnam’s longest reigning emperor and to Khai Dinh, the last monument of the Nguyen dynasty. Here, a Vegetarian Lunch will be prepared by Buddhist nuns of the Dong Thien Pagoda. Return to Hue
Optional: Perfume River Boat Trip and Lunch at Dong Thien Pagoda
Overnight: Hue
Meals: Breakfast
Depart Hue on the flight to sparkling Hanoi, cultural center of the country. Upon arrival, travel overland and through the lush Vietnamese countryside to picturesque Halong Bay, considered one of Vietnam’s most celebrated attractions. As you approach, you’ll see thousands of limestone islands rising out of the sea creating a truly magical scene. Arrive at your hotel in Halong Bay for overnight
Overnight: Halong Bay
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Incredible views await you today! Halong Bay is considered one of the most breathtaking places on the planet, added to the list of UNESCO Heritage sites and declared recently as one of the “New Seven Natural Wonders of the World”. There are over 3000 islands in the emerald waters and over 1000 have their own names. Numbers of caves and grottos of all sizes and shapes are filled with small waterfalls, stalactites and stalagmites. Sail on a traditional wooden boat on the tranquil bay with lunch served on board. Visit to one of the caves. Afterwards, drive to Hanoi, Vietnam’s vibrant capital and check in to your hotel. This city’s history is tied to French colonialism – its architecture, cuisine and local culture still bear evidence of the French influence
Overnight: Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Today, we visit the Museum of Ethnology, center for the preservation and exhibition of cultural heritage for over 50 ethnic groups in Vietnam. In the evening, attend a performance of the world-famous Water Puppet Show, accompanied by a traditional Vietnamese orchestra and Cheo (a form of opera). The show depicts a series of ancient Vietnamese folktales, acted out by puppets over a pool of water
Overnight: Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast
Spend a full day at leisure discovering Hanoi on your own, or, take the optional tour to the stunning Thay Pagoda and So Village, including lunch, also known as the “Pagoda of the Master”. Nestled against the hillside in Sai Go Village, it shares its compound with the smaller Ca pagoda. Here, you’ll also see Thuy Dinh Stage, a water palace on Long Tri Pond, where the ancient form of water puppetry is performed. Continue to So Village, a well-preserved ancient village. Walking tour around the village with its traditional layout and small alleyways in-between the houses. Stop at one of the communal houses to meet villagers who earn their living from making noodles. Tonight, your journey to Vietnam ends with many lasting memories. Farewell dinner with your fellow travelers and Tour Manager
Optional: Thay Pagoda & So Village with lunch
Overnight: Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
Pricing & Departures
Dec 15, 2015 | $2,219 |
Dec 17, 2015 | $2,569 |
Dec 21, 2015 | $2,799 |
Jan 4, 2016 | $2,229 |
Jan 4, 2016 | $2,229 |
Jan 6, 2016 | $2,149 |
Jan 13, 2016 | $1,879 |
Jan 20, 2016 | $1,819 |
Jan 21, 2016 | $2,099 |
Jan 27, 2016 | $1,769 |
Feb 17, 22, 2016 | $1,929 |
Feb 24, 2016 | $1,859 |
Feb 29, 2016 | $1,929 |
Mar 7, 14, 2016 | $1,879 |
Mar 16, 23, 28, 2016 | $1,599 |
Mar 30, 2016 | $1,789 |
Or, call 1.800.788.0829 to speak with one of our travel experts.
Notes:
- Prices are per person based on double occupancy
- Prices are subject to availability
- Some tours are optional & not included
- Nov 18 & Nov 19 departures will be accommodated at Grand Royal Hoi An Hotel & Spa
- Prices in US dollars unless otherwise noted
- We have limited space on this package and it is subject to availability and prior sale
- All package prices are per person based on double occupancy unless otherwise noted
- Prices reflect cash discount
- Due to constantly changing policies to baggage restrictions, please check with your airline directly for latest updates and restrictions
- Information, including prices are subject to change without notice
- Restrictions and change and/or cancel penalties apply
- UBI-600-307-872-WA