Discover Sensational of Vietnam Tour 15D14N - Private journey

BRIEF ITINERARY
Day 1: Hanoi Arrival
Day 2: Full day Hanoi city tour (B)
Day 3: Hanoi – Halong Bay (B/L/D)
Day 4: Halong Bay – Hanoi (Brunch)
Day 5: Hanoi – Hue (B)
Day 6: Hue – Hoi An (B)
Day 7: Hoi An (B)
Day 8: Hoi An – Da Nang – Nha Trang (B)
Day 9: Nha Trang – Islands tour (B/L)
Day 10: Nha Trang – Da Lat (B)
Day 11: Da Lat – Saigon (B)
Day 12: Cu Chi Tunnels and Ho Chi Minh city tour (B)
Day 13: Ho Chi Minh – Mekong Delta (B/L)
Day 14: Mekong Delta  – Ho Chi Minh City (B/L) 
Day 15: Saigon Departure (B)

FULL ITINERARY

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival
You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in Hanoi. The rest of day is free at your leisure.
Overnight in hotel, Hanoi

Day 2: Full day Hanoi city tour (B)
Breakfast at hotel.
Today, we commence our exploration of Hanoi by visiting the Ho Chi Minh complex, starting at the President’s Mausoleum. We continue to his humble “house on stilts”, see the French colonial Presidential Palace and the 11th century One-Pillar Pagoda.
Afterwards we visit the Temple of Literature - one of the most interesting shrines in Hanoi, called “Le Pagoda des Corbeaux” by the French, because of the huge flocks of crows gathering in the mango trees near the entrance. Built in 1070, the complex consists of five courtyards dedicated to Confucius and the pursuit of Confucian thought and behavior. It is here that Vietnam’s first university was founded.
After lunch (by guest’s account), we go to the Museum of Ethnology, which is an excellent museum containing the ethnic costumes of the various minorities of VN, as well as relics, tools and even full size replicas of their homes and buildings.
We head to the downtown and enjoy a Cyclo ride through the Old Quarter. Here many tiny streets join to sell a huge diversity of products. In the old days, each street bore the name of the product sold – “Shoe street”, “Noodle street” and the like. Today, the streets sometimes sell a variety of items, but often the names are accurate. The Old Quarter also houses some of the most interesting art galleries and fashion houses.
Leaving the cyclo, you will walk around the Hoan Kiem Lake before attending a famous Water Puppet show.
Free evening at leisure and dinner on your own.
Overnight in hotel, Hanoi
Note: Ho Chi Minh complex closes on Monday, Friday and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum closes in every afternoon. All Museums in Hanoi closes on Monday.

Day 3: Hanoi – Halong Bay (B/ L/ D)
After breakfast, we leave Hanoi for 3-hour drive to the Halong Bay, a natural wonder with thousands of islands rising out of the water, creating an unique and beautiful landscape. On arrival, we board our traditional junk for a journey through the 3,000 limestone islands dotted with caves and grottoes.
You will savor a delicious Vietnamese buffet lunch while have a cool drink. The cruise heads to Bai Tu Long Bay passing the town of Hon Gai, Cam Pha, Oan Lagoon, Mat Quy (Monster Head) and Am Tich (Teapot) islets and Vung Vieng fishing village. Continue enjoy a fantastic cruise on Halong Bay to see amazing karsts with different formations.
There is time for exploring the Bay at a leisure pace: swimming, sunbathing, relaxing and experiencing the magic of falling asleep on board in this beautiful part of the world. Sumptious Seafoo Set-Dinner on board and relax under the starlit sky before retiring to the comfort of your cabin.
Overnight onboard Bhaya Classic, Ha Long Bay.

Day 4: Halong Bay – Hanoi (Brunch)
Early risers can enjoy a morning swim in a quite firth. Start your day with Tai Chi Class on the sundeck while complimentary tea and coffee are served. You will continue enjoy cruising through the Bay passing beautiful spots like Trong (Drum), Trinh Nu (Virgin), Mekong Caves, Coc Ngoi (Toad) islets… explore the Sung Sot cave (Surprise cave), one of the highlights of the bay. Buffet brunch is served on board before the vessel cruises leisurely back to harbor.
We drive back Hanoi with a stop at Dong Trieu ceramic and pottery village. Lunch enroute.
Overnight in hotel, Hanoi

Day 5: Hanoi – Hue (B) 
After breakfast, we transfer to the airport for the a morning flight to Hue, the last Imperial City of Vietnam. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
In the afternoon we begin to see the Imperial Citadel and Forbidden City, created in the 19th century for the Emperors under Nguyen Dynasty. We then drive outskirts of Hue to the impressive tomb of King Khai Dinh. Our last stop today is the Dong Ba Market.
Overnight in hotel, Hue

Day 6: Hue – Hoi An (B)
This morning we take a boat ride along the romantic Perfume River. We stop at Thien Mu Pagoda to see the 7-storey octagonal tower and an old Austin car which transported the bonze Thich Quang to Saigon in 1963 for his self-immolation. Continue tour by boat to Minh Mang Tomb built between 1841 and 1843. The Emperor’s tomb complex consists of 40 constructions (palaces, temples, pavilions etc) designed on a symmetric axis.
After lunch (by guest’s account) we travel southward to the enchanting port town of Hoi An, passing the scenic fishing villages of Lang Co and the Hai Van tunnel. The rest of the day is free at leisure.
Overnight in hotel, Hoi An

Day 7: Hoi An (B)
In the morning, we 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, the Japanese Covered Bridge and the colorful local markets.
The afternoon is free at leisure to get some tailor-made clothes, relax at riverside restaurants or take a short journey to the nearby beach.
Overnight in hotel, Hoi An

Day 8: Hoi An – Da Nang – Nha Trang (B)
This morning, we transfer to Da Nang airport for a short flight to Nha Trang, a coastal town being listed as the member of the Most Beautiful Bays of the World Club. Upon arrival, pick up at the airport and transfer to your hotel.
This afternoon, we start our city tour to the Po Nagar temple, a sacred Hindu site dating back to the 7th century and the rest of the day is free at leisure.
Overnight in hotel, Nha Trang

Day 9: Nha Trang – Islands tour (B/L)
A day of leisure and indulgence as we cruise through the blue clear waters amongst the islands of Nha Trang. Our first stop at Mieu Island is to visit the Tri Nguyen Aquarium, a small world of many sea species. We then spend time for some snorkeling, fishing and swimming at Islands. Enjoy a fresh local seafood lunch. Return to the Nha Trang in mid afternoon to explore the town by your own way or swim at the main beach.
Overnight in hotel, Nha Trang

Day 10: Nha Trang – Da Lat (B)
Morning we take a road journey to Da Lat (250km) - a beautiful town in the Central Highlands developed by the French colonialists as a health resort and hunting center. Stop for refreshment in Phan Rang and visit the Pokong Garai tower, the historical relic of Cham Kingdom occupied most of the central parts of Vietnam for several centuries.
In the afternoon, our sightseeing in Da Lat includes Xuan Huong Lake, which is located at the center of Da Lat. Continue to Central Market where you will be bewildered with a riot of multi-colored flowers as well as various kinds of fresh vegetable and mouthwatering fruit. We then visit Linh Son Pagoda – the oldest active monastery in the city. This pagoda was built in 1938 on a hill overlooking the centre of Dalat and we end of the day for visiting City flower garden.
Overnight in hotel, Da Lat

Day 11: Da Lat – Saigon (B)
We travel overland from Da Lat to Ho Chi Minh city (315 km), crossing many rubber plantations. On the way we stop at Dambri waterfall and Bao Loc tea farm to taste the local Green tea. On arrival Ho Chi Minh city, check in hotel. The rest of day is free at leisure.
Overnight in hotel, Ho Chi Minh city

Day 12: Cu Chi Tunnels and Ho Chi Minh city tour (B)
This morning, we leave Ho Chi Minh city to Cu Chi tunnels, an incredible underground system covering nearly 250km, was shelter to over 16,000 communist guerillas during the war. Come back the City at noon for lunch (by guest’s account).
We spend the rest of the day to explore city’s grand boulevards, passing famous sites such as the Re-Unification Palace, the Old Saigon Post Office, the Notre Dame Cathedral and end of the day for shopping at Ben Thanh market.
Overnight in hotel, Ho Chi Minh city

Day 13: Ho Chi Minh – Mekong Delta (B/L)
We travel overland through beautiful countryside of Mekong Delta to Vinh Long province. On arrival, we take a boat ride to visit a local orchard and the Cai Be floating market, a famous place in Mekong Delta. Everyday, approximately 400-500 boats filled with fruits, vegetables and other local products anchor along the banks of the River, waiting for traders and customers. Here we can see local people being selling, buying, and exchanging goods from their boats. Leave Cai Be, we visit a local family producing coconut candy and girdle cake shop, a specialty of the region.
Lunch with local delicacies served in a bonsai garden. We then transfer to Can Tho.
Overnight in hotel, Can Tho

Day 14: Mekong Delta  – Ho Chi Minh City (B/L) 
We spend this morning for a boat trip to visit the Cai Rang Floating market, one the busiest floating markets in the South East Asia. After the boat trip, we drive back to Saigon.
Overnight in hotel, Ho Chi Minh city

Day 15: Saigon Departure (B)
You are free at leisure until the time transfer to Tan Son Nhat airport for departure flight.

Trip concludes./.

PRICE INCLUSIONS
• All land transportation by private air conditioned vehicle
• Tour arrival and departure airport transfers
• 13 night twin-share accommodation in comfortable hotels
• 1 night twin-share accommodation in air-conditioned carbin on junk in Halong Bay
• 13 Breakfasts (B), 4 Lunches (L), 1 Dinner (D), 1 Brunch as shown in the itinerary
• 02 domestic flights (economy class): Hanoi- Hue, Danang – Nha Trang
• Local English speaking guides
• Private boat trips on Perfume River, Nha Trang and Mekong Delta
• All sightseeing fees

PRICE EXCLUSIONS
• International airfare and airport tax in & out Vietnam
• Drinks and other meals do not indicate in the program
• Visa to Vietnam, if any
• Early check-in and late check-out at all hotels
• Kayak, Massage, Tai Chi Class
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, shopping...)
• Tipping/ Gratuities
• Any additional expenses caused by reasons beyond our control such as natural calamities (typhoon, floods), flight delays, rescheduling or cancellations, any accidents, medical evacuations, riots, strikes etc.

HOTELS TO BE USED

In Hanoi:
Deluxe: Melia Hanoi Hotel/ Sheraton Hanoi Hotel/ InterContinental Hanoi Westlake/ Sofitel Plaza Hanoi Hotel or similar
Superior: Zephyr Hotel/ Sunway Hanoi Hotel / Fortuna Hotel/ Serenade Hotel or similar
Standard: Maison D’Hanoi/ Jasper Hotel/Majestic Salute Hotel/ Galaxy Hotel/ Hoa Binh Palace Hotel/ Rosaliza Hotel or similar
Economy: Hong Ngoc Hotel / Gia Bao Hotel / Flower Hotel or similar

In Halong:
Deluxe: Bhaya cruises (Deluxe cabin)
Superior: Bhaya cruises (Deluxe cabin)
Standard: Hai Long Suite (Deluxe cabin)
Economy: Hai Long Suite (Deluxe cabin)

In Hue:
Deluxe: La Residence Hotel & Spa/ Imperial Hotel/ Pilgrimage Village Resort or similar
Superior: Saigon Morin Hotel/ Huong Giang Hotel or similar
Standard: Green Hotel/ Park view Hotel/ Festival Hotel/ Asia Hotel or similar
Economy: Duy Tan hotel/ Hoa Hong Hotel or similar

In Hoian:
Deluxe: Victoria Hoi An Resort/ Palm Garden Resort/ Golden Sand Resort/ Life Heritage Resort or similar
Superior: Hoian Beach Resort/ Hoian Riverside resort/ Hoian Trails Resort or similar
Standard: Ancient House Resort/ Hoi an Hotel or similar
Economy: Thuy Duong 3 Hotel/ Vinh Hung 2 Hotel/ Hoai Thanh Hotel or similar

In Nha Trang:
Deluxe: Vinpearl Resort/ Sunrise Beach Resort or similar
Superior: Novotel Nha Trang Hotel/ Yasaka Hotel/ Nha Trang Lodge Hotel or similar
Standard: Asia Paradise Hotel/ Violet Nha Trang/ The Light Hotel or similar
Economy: Green Hotel/ Que Huong Hotel or similar

In Dalat:
Deluxe: Sofitel Dalat Palace or similar
Superior: Novotel Dalat  Hotel/ Golf 3 Hotel or similar
Standard: Empress Dalat Hotel/ Sammy Hotel or similar
Economy: Golf 1 Hotel/ Golf 2 Hotel l or similar

In Ho Chi Minh City:
Deluxe: New World Hotel/ Caravelle Hotel/ Renaissance Riverside Hotel/ Legend Hotel/ Equatorial Hotel or similar
Superior: Rex Hotel/ Kim Do Hotel/ Continental Hotel/ Park Royal Saigon Hotel/ Windsor Plaza Hotel or similar
Standard: Bongsen 1 Hotel/ Palace Hotel/Vien Dong Hotel/ Metropole Hotel/ May Hotel/ Thang Long-Oscar/ Tan My Dinh II Hotel/ Le Duy Hotel or similar
Economy: Empress Hotel/ Chancery Hotel/ Saigon Hotel/ Elios Hotel or similar

In Can Tho:
Deluxe: Victoria Can Tho Hotel (Deluxe Room) or similar
Superior: Victoria Can Tho Hotel (Superior Room) or similar
Standard: Golf 4 Can Tho Hotel or similar
Economy: Saigon Can Tho Hotel/ Asia Hotel or similar

NOTES:
* This Private Journey will depart on your desired date. It can also be taken in reverve starting in Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) and finishing in Hanoi.
* All flights & hotels are subject to availability

For further information, please visit our website: www.discovermekong.com or email us at bookings@discovermekong.com

DISCOVER MEKONG
Address: 99 Ba Trieu str., Hai Ba Trung dist., Hanoi, Vietnam
Tel: +84-4 3943 9211
Fax: +84-4 3943 9209
Email: bookings@discovermekong.com or customercare@discovermekong.com
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