Vietnam Beach Holiday

Vietnam's idyllic tropical beaches have long been a favorite among locals and intrepid travelers. In recent years, the beach scene has inevitably expanded as foreigners discover the turquoise waters and unique scuba diving along the country's central and south coast.

Day 1: Welcome to Hanoi, Vietnam (D)

Meeting & greeting at the airport and transfer to hotel for check in and tour briefing. Time allowing, we’ll tour the very center of Hanoi for an overview of the city. Enjoy welcome dinner at one of the city’s most decent restaurants.
Day 2: Hanoi (B)

This morning we visit the memorials to Ho Chi Minh to know his amazing life, taking in the mausoleum, the Presidential Palace, and the stilt house. Continue with the Single Pillar Pagoda and the Temple of Literature to gain understanding of the two driving forces in Vietnam culture. Afternoon we visit a museum out of many at hand. Next we take a rickshaw ride through the lively Old Quarter, a series of 36 ancient streets where peddlers trade their wares the way they have done for centuries. Visit an old house in Ma May Street that’s typical of dwellings in the Old Town then walk through the challenging traffic to the famed water puppet theatre for a performance of the art created by Red River Delta farmers.
Day 3: Hanoi – Halong (B, L, D)

We journey east through the rich farm land of the Red River Delta to Halong Bay, Vietnam’s greatest natural wonder. Arriving around 12:00, we board a nice junk and set sails. From the comfort of the junk, we’ll spend the day exploring this incredible setting and discovering the many islands and islets found in the bay made famous in the film Indochine. You can challenge yourself with kayaking, swimming, and even fishing. In the evening when the boat is anchored in the middle of the stunning lagoon, we enjoy a wonderful seafood meal. Spend the night aboard.
Day 4: Halong - Hanoi – Hue (B, L)

Wake up to fresh coffee and a wholesome breakfast before cruising back to the shore. En route the junk weaves through strange-shaped rock formations that invite comparisons from fighting cocks to dragons and even further! After brunch we disembark and return to Hanoi for a late afternoon/evening flight to Hue. Meeting and greeting upon arrival then transfer to hotel.
Day 5: Hue (B, D)

Enjoy a boat trip along the serene Perfume River to Thien Mu, a most revered pagoda in Middle Vietnam. We’ll then explore the ruins of the Imperial Citadel. Afternoon we pay a visit to a beautiful garden house once belonging to the royalty, the impressive tomb of former Emperor Tu Duc, and a handicraft village nearby. Stroll Dong Ba to experience sights and sounds of this old-aged market. For a completely joyful day, we’ll sample dinner in royal style.
Day 6: Hue - Danang - Hoian (B, L)

After breakfast we leave Hue for Danang, rewinding and photographing on Lang Co Beach and atop the Pass of Ocean Clouds. Visit the fascinating sculptures of Cham Museum and explore the sacred Marble Mountains, a group of five named Metal, Wood, Water, Fire and Earth. It's then on to the quaint merchant town of Hoian for the evening.
Day 7: Hoian - Tra Que Vegatable Village (B, L)

In the morning, you will drive to Tra Que village to learn about Vietnamese agriculture and how to cook some Vietnamese dishes. You’ll learn how to do organic farming; try your hand at farming works like hoeing the soil, getting waterweed from the lake nearby to make fertilizer, seeding, plucking grass, watering vegetable, harvesting then you prepare some food with the host. For lunch, we’ll enjoy the rural welfares we’ve prepared together. After lunch you proceed to Hoian to explore this charming and wonderfully preserved merchant port town. Hoian still retains Chinese, Japanese, and European influences from its flourishing old days. You have a chance to walk narrow colourful lanes, admire historic architectures, and hunt for the unexpectedly good bargains of silk wares. On foot we explore Hoian town, visiting the Japanese covered Bridge, a Sino-Vietnamese merchant house, Chinese Assembly Halls, and Hoian museum. We also enjoy a leisurely walk along the bank of the lively Thu Bon River, once a prosperous a prosperous and famous trading port.
Day 8: Hoian - Nha Trang (B)

Leaving Hoian for Danang, we board a French aircraft ATR 72 and make a short flight to the picturesque coastal town of Nha Trang. Nha Trang is an ideal for beach fans with the long sandy palm-fringed beach, turquoise waters and scenic islands. Enjoy the rest of the day lazing on the beach.
Day 9: Nha Trang (B, L)

Spend a morning cruising amongst tropical islands through turquoise water, enjoying swimming, snorkeling and seafood. Afternoon visit Po Naga Towers, the remnants of Cham Kingdom, Long Son Pagoda, the lively Dam Market and the vibrant beachfront streets.
Days 10 & 11: Nha Trang (B)

Two free days to relax and spoil yourself
Day 12: Nha Trang - Saigon (B)

Today we fly to Saigon and visit the city’s highlights such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, the French Post Office, the Reunification Palace, Ben Thanh Market, the frenetic Dong Khoi and Nguyen Hue boulevards, etc.…
Day 13: Saigon - Cu Chi Tunnels (B, L)

We begin today with a drive off the city to Cu Chi’s amazing tunnel system built by Communist guerrillas during the Vietnam War. Known as the “Iron Triangle” during the war of the 60’s, the story of Cu Chi is one of struggle, determination against all odds, and eventual victory. Now the tunnels are a major site of interest for tourists and historians, and those interested in Vietnam’s military history. After lunch we return to town. Some shopping may be a good idea to close the day.
Day 14: Saigon - Mekong Delta (B, L)

After breakfast we depart Saigon and journey to My Tho town in the heart of the Mekong Delta. Upon arrival we’ll embark on a boat trip to observe daily activities on the waters of the Mekong River. Next, we roam into the village on the Phoenix Island to tour family workshops producing handicrafts and coconut candies. At an exuberant orchard we have a chance to taste the freshest seasonal tropical fruits. Next, we ride a horse cart to a typical Delta house to taste homemade honey tea and enjoy folk music by amateurs. Proceed by local sampan through the small canals and side arms of the river to further experience river life. For lunch we’ll sample regional specialties such as Elephant Ear Fish, Hot Pot, etc. Following a nice break, we return to Saigon for the night. A visit to Vinh Trang Pagoda or Dong Tam Snake Farm or Cho Lon – Saigon’s Chinatown, can be arranged at your wish.
Day 15: Departure (B)

Free until transfer to the airport for your departure flight