Behind The Scene Of Hollywood

Upon arrival in Hanoi, VietnamStay Travel’s driver kindly welcomes you. The driver will be holding a sign-board so you easily recognize him. You are then going to your hotel in the city center (about 35km away, one hour driving). Overnight in Hanoi.

Spend the whole day to explore Vietnam’s capital city with your family members. Firstly, visit Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, his modest stilt house where he chose to live and work and also the museum dedicated to his memory. We continue visit to the Temple of Literature, the first university in Vietnam dating back to the 11th century. Nowadays, students come and pray for a good luck in their exam. Enjoy lunch on your own expense.

In the afternoon, discover the famed Old Quarter on foot. Walk through the hidden alleys and be amazed at the old style tube houses, and visit the lively local market and lovely peaceful temple Bach Ma. Next, hop on a traditional bicycle rickshaws move at leisure pace that’s perfect for photos and slow-moving sightseeing. Seat back and relax while your driver weaves through the busy streets, dodging speeding motorbikes and rolling past French colonial houses. Followed by the Water Puppet show – a uniquely Northern Vietnamese art form depicting scenes from rural life and episodes of national history.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Note: Shorts and tank tops are not allowed in Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum & pagodas.

Located around 90km from Hanoi, Ninh Binh is famous for amazing karst mountains, misty caves, history relics and wildlife.
In the morning, you journey through the countryside to Ninh Binh province. This is the home for the stunning landscapes of Van Long Natural Reserve where the recent Hollywood blockbusters Kong: Skull Island (2017) and Pan (2015) were filmed. The daily life, the nature, local people and natural beauty here will greatly impress you.

In the afternoon, you get on a rowing boat for a visit in the Tam Coc area. The boat trip takes you through the beautiful canals, so called “Halong bay on land”. Transfer back to Hanoi in the late afternoon.

Overnight at your hotel in Hanoi.

After being picked up at hotel in Hanoi by sharing shuttle bus, today, you will have a chance to visit several Kong: Skull Island’s filming locations. These include Halong bay, a World Nature Heritage, recognized by UNESCO. Next in the itinerary is the junk cruise. This is when you will discover the corners of the bay, experience the daily life, the cave, the beach and enjoy the special seafood.

Overnight on boat in Halong Bay.

(Note: the itinerary can be changed due to weather condition, the junk cruise or authority permissions)

Early rise is advised to join a short Tai Chi class on the sundeck with stunning sunrise. Enjoy some coffee and release your feeling to the immense bay with thousands of island and islets.

Back in the harbor at 11:00 and drive back to Hanoi’s airport. Take a short flight to Dong Hoi.

Upon arrival, driver meets and transfers you to your hotel to check-in.

Overnight in Dong Hoi.

You will have one full day to discover Dong Hoi – the land of amazing caves. Visit Phong Nha Cave, which has been recognized by British Cave Research Association as the top cave in the world due to its 4 records: the longest underground river, the highest and longest cave, broadest and most beautiful fine sand beaches inside the caves, the most spectacular stalagmites and stalactites.

Paradise cave – the dry cave, called “underground palace” – is next in the list. Paradise cave is 31 km long. Overnight in Dong Hoi town.

Today, you get to discover the thrilled landscapes of Quang Binh. This is where many places were chosen as the filming studios for Kong – Skull Island: Yen Phu village, Tan Hoa commune, Minh Hoa district.

Next, you return to Dong Hoi for lunch before passing the DMZ with stops in Vinh Moc Tunels and Hien Luong Bridge.
Check in hotel and overnight in Hue City.

After breakfast at your hotel, we explore Hue major attractions including the Imperial Citadel where Kings of Vietnam’s last feudal dynasty ruled from 1802 to 1945, Nine Holy Cannons, Ngo Mon Gate, Thai Hoa Palace, Nine Dynastic Urns, and Forbidden Purple City. Continue to the last resting place of the 12th King Khai Dinh, who left behind a magnificent and huge burial idyllically located in Chau Chu Mountain just outside of Hue, home to a mix of eastern and western architecture.

Afterward, say goodbye to your tour guide and transfer to Hoian, taking a ride on the Highway 1. This ride is reputedly the most beautiful in all Vietnam. It passes many coastal fishing settlements. One of them is Lang Co, famous with its stunning lagoon backdrop. You also go over the famous Hai Van Pass – pass of the ocean clouds. Arrive in Hoi An in the late afternoon.

Overnight in Hoian.

Today is filled with interesting activities. Setting off from your hotel, your waiting motorbike driver will carry you over the bridge to Cam Kim Island, a rural area of Hoi An. First, visit the 100 year old ancestral house of Mr. Huynh Ri and a traditional boat builders yard. Zig-zag ride through peaceful villages, passing rice paddies, farmlands and beautiful villages. Stop at local families, chat with them about local life and daily routines like farming, mat weaving, and rice cracker making. Follow your curiosity and create your own hands-on experience.

Finally, it’s up high and over the Cua Dai Bridge for spectacular panoramic views of Hoi An, which takes us to the water coconut palm fringed Cam Thanh. Enjoy bamboo basket boat rowing on the water coconut river, and then enjoy a meal at a local restaurant.

Overnight in Hoian.

In the morning, you start to go on an easy walking tour around Hoi An ancient town, recently named as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Follow the itinerary, you visit Tan Ky House, a late 18th-century merchant’s residence. The Fukhien Association, also known as the Assembly Hall of the Fujian Chinese Congregation (a place where minority Fujian Chinese could hold meetings) and the Japanese bridge are next. Lastly, you tour the temple of Thien Hau, goddess of the sea and protector of fishermen and sailors.

Then transfer to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap.

On arrival, picked up by driver and transfer to your hotel to check-in.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

First, you visit the Angkor Thom (big Angkor) – the 3 square km walled. This includes the South Gate of Angkor Thom, Bayon – the giant stone faces with 37 standing tower 4 carved faces, Baphoun – huge temple – mountain in the heart of Angkor Thom, Terrace of Elephants – 2.5m tall wall, the heart of Angkor Thom in front of Baphoun and Phimean Akas, carved elephants and giant graduals. Also, the Terrace of Leper King – a double terrace at the north end of Terrace of Elephants with deeply carved, demons and other mythological figure – is for you to visit. The famous Ta Phromh temple where the first Tomb Raider movie was shot is to be explored as well. Lunch at local restaurant.

*Angelina Jolie famously appeared at Ta Prohm as Lara Croft in the well-known Tomb Raider (2001) movie makes it is now commonly known as the "Angelina Jolie temple". One site in Ta Prohm that has become famous from the movie is the “Tomb Rider tree” – it is where Lara Croft (in the movie) picked up a jasmine flower before falling into the earth. It would be interesting to stand where she once stood to do the act.

The next activity is a visit to the famous Temple of Cambodia, Angkor Wat – a visually, architecturally and artistically masterpiece. Its massive three tired pyramid crowned by five beehive-like towers rises 65 meters from ground level is ready to impress you. This temple is the centerpiece of any visit to the temple of Angkor. After that, you return to the hotel for some resting time. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Sail around the Tonle Sap (Great Lake) lake, the largest lake in Indochina, declared a Biosphere Reserve by Unesco and place of one of the strangest events in the world. During the rainy season the stream of the river changes the direction and the lake increases its surface hugely (2,500 km2to 16,000 km2). Explore the gorgeous landscapes, the floating villages in the lake with its floating school, houses, markets…, and meet their inhabitants and their lifestyles.

Then transfer to the airport for your flight to Bangkok.

Upon arrival, picked up by driver & transfer to the city centre to check-in.

Overnight in Bangkok.

To discover the way Bangkok used to be, travel approx.100 km. outside of Bangkok, to the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market where you can catch a glimpse of where James Bond acted, with its many colors, flavors and exotic fragrances. Start with a scenic ride on a narrow longtail-speedboat, passing riverside villages and fruit plantations, before entering the vibrant market. There will be many photo- opportunities along the way and on the colorful market on the water. Afterwards return to Bangkok. Lunch will be at a local restaurant. The Grand Palace is a “must see” for every visitor to Bangkok. Located close to the banks of the Chao Phraya (The River of Kings) the Grand Palace is the perfect example of an ancient Siamese court. Within the compound is the “Temple of The Emerald Buddha” (Wat Pra Kaew), which houses Thailand most precious image of the Lord Buddha. The Emerald Buddha is believed to have supernatural powers and is dressed in robes according to the season by the King of Thailand himself.

Overnight in Bangkok.

Important: Please note that for visiting the Grand Palace, you will be required to wear proper attire (no bare shoulder, bare knees or strapless-heel shoes). Shoes must be removed before entering all temple buildings as a matter of respect.

Free time on your own until transferring to the airport for your flight to Phuket.

On arrival, picked up by driver and transfer to your hotel to check-in.

Overnight in Phuket.

*Phuket can be seen as a “Hollywood studio” with many well-known movies being shot here, including Leo DiCaprio’s “The Beach”, two James Bond movies, a Star War movie and many more.

Free time on your own or joining the Optional Tour (with surcharge) as below:

JAMES BOND ISLAND (JOINING TOUR)

Pick up from your hotel. Depart from pier at Royal Phuket Marina to Phang Nga Bay. Arrive at Panak Island for exploring: Cave & Lagoon. Depart to Hong Island for cave canoeing. Visit Koh Tapu, known as James Bond Island and Ping-Gun Island. Lunch at Koh Panyi, a Muslim village built on pillars. Depart to Khai Nai Island Relax, snorkel and sunbathing at Koh Khai Nai. Return to our pier at Royal Phuket Marina and transfer back to your hotel.

Note: This program is subject to change according to the weather and sea condition.

PHI PHI ISLAND (JOINING TOUR)

Pick up from your hotel and arrive at the prestigious Royal Phuket Marina. Depart for Phi Phi Island. Snorkeling and swimming in clear water at Pileh Cove, sightseeing the Viking Cave now home to bird nest producing swallows, Feeding the local inhabitants at "The Monkey Beach". The scenes of Bond in the movie The Man With The Golden Gun are to be seen. Appreciate the magnificent marine life at the GREAT CORAL REEF. Lunch will be served at Phi Phi Cabana hotel. After lunch, explore to "Bamboo Island" is flat beautiful island with blending white sand and very clear water. Take your relaxing on beach or Swimming and Snorkeling. There is also a nice coral reef near the beach. Relax and swimming at Khai Nok Island or Rang Yai Island (depending on the tide and weather condition). Return to the Royal Phuket Marina and transfer back to your hotel.

This program is subject to change according to the weather and sea condition.

Today is for you to relax before returning to Bangkok for the flight back home.