Flavors of Vietnam 14 Days

Upon arrival, you will be met outside the baggage claim area by your guide who will escort you to a waiting vehicle for your transfer to downtown with a brief introduction en route. Your guide will be holding a welcome signboard with the ASIA TOUR ADVISOR LOGO & your name. The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore the tree-lined boulevards, French Indochinese architecture and tranquil lakes of this unique city.

Hanoi is Vietnam’s capital city and home to seven million people. Traditional and refined with French colonial architecture, tree-lined boulevards, scenic lakes and a bustling Old Quarter, Hanoi has a sophisticated charm. Observe locals practicing Tai Chi by the lake, with barbers and food vendors plying their sidewalk trade.

The capital of Vietnam, a city that celebrated 1.000 years in 2010 has countless fascinating cultural and historic sites and our days' tour will visit the highlights. See the grand and solemn mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh (viewed from outside; closed Mon and Fri and from Oct-Nov), the 'icon of Hanoi' - The One Pillar Pagoda, the beautiful Temple of Literature, West Lake's Tran Quoc temple and Quan Thanh pagoda as well as the fascinating Ethnology Museum, the bustling Old Quarter and at the end of the day - a water puppet performance.

We'll pick you up in Hanoi by 8:00am and drive through the verdant Red River Delta to make our way to the famous UNESCO World Heritage site, Halong Bay. You'll board a luxury junk ship for an overnight cruise-- while you relax on-board you can marvel at the incredible limestone karsts that jut out of the sea and the thousands of jungle-covered islands that seem to float on the waves. The turquoise waters of the Gulf of Tonkin swirl around hidden grottoes and ancient caves to create an enchanting, timeless world.
We'll serve you a fresh seafood lunch while you sit back and relax as you enjoy the incredible view with a drink in your hand. We'll take you to a traditional fishing village where the locals have created an entire town on the decks of their boats, then you can explore Tien Ong Cave before returning to the cruise for cocktails, canapés, and a spectacular sunset. End your day with a romantic, candlelit dinner

Begin the day with a Tai Chi class on deck in the early morning mist or just admire the beautiful scenery as the sun rises over the azure waters. Choose between an excursion to a secluded island with a sandy beach for a swim or join the chef for a cooking demonstration to learn more about Vietnamese cuisine. Enjoy a leisurely brunch while your junk cruises Halong Bay, passing islets and caves as you make your way back to the dock.

Your driver will meet you when you disembark and transfer you to Noi Bai airport for your flight to Hue. When you arrive in Hue we'll pick you up and transfer you to your hotel.
Hue served as an imperial capital to the Nguyen Lords, a feudal dynasty which reigned from the 17th to the 19th century. Despite heavy bombing during the Vietnam-American war, many historic monuments from this period remain, and even though Imperial rule ended more than six decades ago, Hue still bears the marks of its royal past. The city retains its royal charm with its emperors’ tombs, ancient pagodas and the remains of the Citadel.

Start your day with a visit to the Imperial Citadel where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945. After exploring the ruins of this wonderful monument take a cyclo through the 'Old City' to Tinh Tam Lake where the Emperors used to come to relax. This afternoon, visit Mu Pagoda overlooking the Perfume River End the day at Khai Dinh's Tomb which boasts a traditional Vietnamese design with a European touch, making it unique from the other tombs in Hue. Then free time.

Breakfast at your hotel, the guide pick you up and transfer you to Hoian. On the way to Hoian, stop over for visiting the picturesque fishing village of Lang Co Beach Cham Museum, ascending the Pass of Ocean Clouds for panoramic views of the surrounding. Arrive in Hoian, check in hotel and free time.

Hoi An was a prosperous port from the 16th to 19th centuries trading with merchants from China, Japan, India, Indonesia and Europe who came to buy silk, spices and porcelain. Hoi An’s UNESCO World Heritage Old Quarter is beautifully preserved with ornate pagodas, antique trading houses and old tile-roofed shops. It is a rich architectural fusion of Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese and European styles. Many of the historic buildings lining the canals and pedestrian streets have been converted into art galleries, boutique restaurants, bars and cafes. Hoi An is surrounded by attractive countryside with traditional farming and fishing, and by sandy beaches with modern seaside resorts.

Breakfast at your hotel a walking tour of Hoi An's ancient town centre will take you back in time to when its was a major trading port in Asia. Visit old shophouses, the 400 year-old Japanese Bridge, a Chinese communal hall and the colorful market in this well-preserved town. Then free time for relaxing on Cua Dai Beach.

Breakfast at your hotel, free time until transfer to Danang airport for a flight to Nha Trang. Arrive in Nha Trang, pick you up and transfer you to hotel. Free time.

Nha Trang is relatively small and easy to find your way around and your guide can point you in the right direction regarding restaurants, bars and beach activities. If in doubt and you’re looking for a western style experience, head down to the classy Sailing Club restaurant, bar and nightclub on the beach. Run by an Australian, it’s a favourite among visitors.

Start from your hotel to Cau Da port. Tri Nguyen Aquarium on Mieu Island is the first place to visit, many sea species of Nha Trang/Khanh Hoa province make a small ocean world there. Mun Island is the best island for snorkeling where you can see lots of lives colorful corals and fish. You will also be able to see caves in which the sea swallows make their nest.Then relaxing, swimming & doing water sports or other activities at Mot Island, Tranh Beach Island or on a small island calling “Mini beach”. Taking a fresh lunch at the island. On the way back you will visit a fishing village before going to the shore. Relax yourself at Thap Ba Mud Spa after the trip.

You have the day in Nha Trang to spend as you choose-- you can head to the beach for a day by the sea or to take part in water sports, go to the spa and mud baths, or explore the markets.

Breakfast at your hotel, free time until transfer to airport for a flight to Ho Chi Minh city. Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City, pick you up and transfer you to hotel. Free time.
Saigon is a city that never sleeps and offers a plethora of great restaurants and bars catering to all tastes, from street food vendors to the rooftop bar at the Rex Hotel, where international.

correspondents covered the Vietnam War and where the U.S. military attaché’s press briefing was held daily and dubbed the “Five O’clock Follies”. Whatever your interests, be sure to ask your guide for personal recommendations.

Breakfast at your hotel, transfer for visiting Cu Chi Tunnels. After lunch in Cu Chi, driver back to Ho Chi Minh City. This afternoon, depending on your preference, visit either the War Remnants Museum or History Museum, and the former Presidential Palace. Finish the day with a stroll around the city's colonial architecture, including the Old Saigon Post Office, Dong Khoi Street (formerly Rue Catinat), Continental Hotel, Opera House and City Hall

Leave Ho Chi Minh city, enjoy the scenic journey along the National Highway bordered by green rice fields. On arrived at My Tho, visit Vinh Trang pagoda, take a leisurely boat ride along the river, view stilt houses, fruit plantations and fishing villages along the river bank. Proceed to Tortoise islet, have lunch in the orchard garden. Then a boat ride to An Khanh – a less touristy attraction in Ben Tre, enjoy cruising on a hand-rowed sampan under the shade of the water coconut trees along natural canals. Have a short cycling tour (applied for private tour/if time permitted) then enjoy seasonal fruit & honey tea to the sound of "Southern Vietnamese folk music", performed by the locals. Visit a family business which epitomizes the idyllic rural lifestyle, taste delicious coconut candy & observe the pastoral life as you roam through fruit plantations and villages. Then transfer back to Ho Chi Minh City

Your time will be your own until your private car and driver arrives to take you to the airport for your flight to next destination.

Finish unforgettable Vietnam Tour with Asia Tour Advisor. Good bye & see you in the next time! AsiaTourAdvisor can arrange additional customized trips for you if the above itinerary does not match your expectations