Grand Vietnam Discovery

Upon arrival at Noi Bai Airport, after you finish all customs and immigration procedures, please head to the exit gate and look for your driver who will be waiting for you, holding a welcome signboard with your name on it.

Then, you will be transferred to your hotel in town by a private vehicle.

Notes:

• For international at Noi Bai Airport, please head to the exit gate, column 5, where your driver will be waiting.

• Riding about in an open-air wartime Jeep is a great way to see the historic sites and lively culture of Hanoi. Relax and enjoy the ride to see three different areas of Hanoi with the help of our knowledgeable guide, who will give you a quick orientation and safety briefing.

17h00 – Journey through the backstreets, navigating a maze of alleys familiar only to residents, delving into secret stories and creating connections inside the community.

The next destination to be explored is the French colonial district and Old Quarter, which provide another enjoyable ride through lush boulevards and prominent buildings such as the embassy area, Hanoi Opera House, and Long Bien Bridge, highlighting the city's French architectural influences. 

Finish up by whizzing around West Lake, Hanoi's biggest lake and its sacred monuments, taking in the contrast between the quiet lakeside neighborhoods and the lively new districts.

Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to taste authentic Hanoian food, adding a delightful twist to this exciting adventure.

Notes:

• Tour duration: Half day tour (Evening: 17:00–21:30).

• Regarding train street, please prioritize your safety by staying alert and respecting any barriers or warnings. Avoid standing too close to the tracks. Your safety is paramount, so consider observing from a safe distance.

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014, Ninh Binh is home to amazing karst mountains, misty caves, and historical relics.

08:00 – This morning, enjoy a 2-hour drive from downtown Ha Noi to Ninh Binh province. It is a spectacular landscape of limestone karts peaks permeated with valleys, some of which are submerged, and surrounded by spectacular cliffs.

Visit the ancient capital of Hoa Lu to get an overview of the first three centralized feudal states of Vietnam: the Dinh Dynasty, the Le Dynasty, and the Ly Dynasty. While the ancient citadel has probably disappeared, the temples of the Dinh and Le Dynasties still remain surrounded by rice paddies and mountains. 

Visit Bich Dong which was conferred by a King as the “Vietnam's second most beautiful grotto”. The grotto is adorned with beautiful stalactites and stalagmites of different shapes and colors. Climb up the Ngu Nhac Son (Buddha's Palm Mountain) to enjoy the panoramic view that is created by mountains, rivers, pagodas, and temples.

Known as “Ha Long Bay on Land”, Tam Coc (“three caves” in Vietnamese) was formed by the river of Ngo Dong flowing through a mountain. This afternoon, a local skilled rower will take you on a magnificent waterway lined with rice paddies. Enjoy the spectacular view of the karst formation as you explore these caves amid by towering mountains. Disembark the boat and enjoy a follow a village trail to reach Thai Vi Temple. Enjoy the beautiful rural landscape as you pass by the endless rice fields and mysterious grotto with a sacred shrine inside.

Return to Ha Noi in the late afternoon.

Notes:

• Tour duration: Full day (08:00–17:00)

• March–April is the beginning of the rice farming season in Ninh Binh. The fields are greenest here around April and early May, turning golden in late May and early June when the harvest starts.

• Walking distance from disembarkation point to Thai Vi Temple: 200 meters, on flat road.

• You can choose to enjoy a leisure cycling trip around Tam Coc–Bich Dong area (7km, easy terrain flat road). The bike is available for hire on the spot with an approximate extra cost of US$ 3 per bike.

• You need to walk up 150–250 steps to explore Bich Dong grotto and pagoda.

• Overnight in Hanoi.

Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1994, Ha Long Bay covers an area of 43,400 hectares and includes over 1,600 islands and islets, most of which are uninhabited and untouched. Ha Long (literally “where the dragon descends into the sea” in Vietnamese) is world-renowned for its spectacular seascape of limestone pillars complemented by its biodiversity. 

08:00 – This morning, depart for a 2.5-hour journey to Ha Long Bay. On arrival at Tuan Chau Marina, settle in on board your boat where a welcome drink awaits. Listen to a cruise briefing as the ship cruises through many stone islets, small beaches of the magnificent Ha Long Bay. Enjoy kayaking or sitting on a small bamboo boat rowed by the villagers for an authentic look into life in the bay. Return to the boat and participate in a cooking demonstration with the chef or simply relax on the sundeck before dinner. In the evening, try your hand at some night squid fishing or relax in your cabin.

Note: 

• No tour guide escort on bus and English speaking staff is available on cruise.

• Itinerary is different from each cruise and subject to weather condition.

• Overnight in Ha Long.

Begin your day with a gentle Tai Chi demonstration that combines deep breathing and relaxation with slow and gentle movements. Coffee, tea, and pastries for breakfast are served in the dining room with a morning view of the bay's landscape. Enjoy breakfast in the fresh air of Ha Long Bay while the boat continues cruising around the bay passing the most beautiful and quiet areas, such as Incense Burner, Dog Stone Islet, Fighting Cock, Soi Sim beach, Coconut Three Island.

Visit one of the most magnificent caves in Ha Long bay with beautiful stalactites and stalagmites, then return to your boat to cruise towards the wharf. Relax on the sundeck or in the dining room enjoying the bay scenery while approaching the wharf. 

The vehicle is ready awaiting your disembarkation at approximately 10:30 for driving back to Hanoi. Then transfer from Hanoi to Noi Bai airport for flight to Da Nang.

Upon arrival at Da Nang Airport, after you finish all airport formalities, please head to the exit gate and look for your driver who will be waiting for you, holding a welcome signboard with your name on it. Then, you will be transferred to your hotel in town by a private vehicle.

Notes:

• For domestic arrivals at Da Nang Airport, please proceed to the arrival hall through exit A4, where your driver will be waiting for you.

• Please check the link for the meeting airport map.

• Overnight in Hoi An.

07:00 – Today, let's do something unique and thrilling by discovering the hidden beauty and history of Hoi An from the back of a trendy Vespa. Indulge in Hoi An's sights and sounds on this fascinating excursion to the town's hidden gems that is not listed out on any guidebook. Be amazed by the workmanship of the local homes, temples, and busy markets.

Also, don't miss the trendy Roving Chill House Coffee, a trendy café that will blow your mind. Leave the bustle of the city behind and let the charming alleys and quiet back roads lead you to the peaceful countryside, where you will take in the sights of green rice fields and serene waterways. Paddling a bamboo basket boat through a water coconut forest is a breathtaking experience that should not be missed. Wrap off this amazing excursion at an authentic restaurant to savor delicacies that truly capture the essence of the town.

 Notes: 

• Duration: 4–5 hours (07:30–12:00)

• Guests sit pillion behind driver.

• Overnight in Hoi An.

08:30 – Today, drive about 1.5-hour from downtown Hoi An to Ba Na Hill, a scenic mountainous area with panoramic vistas reminiscent. Standing more than 1,400 meters (4,878 feet) above sea level, the temperature of this place is mostly cool year-round. 

Arrive at Ba Na Hills cable car station, ride on a modern system of cable cars and get a bird's-eye view of nature which is strikingly beautiful, while enjoying a feeling of flying in the blue sky among the clouds and wind. Experience the feeling of walking in the clouds when you walk on the Golden Bridge which seems to be supported by a pair of giant hands jutting out of the mountain.

Then, enjoy your leisure time on Ba Na Hills for further activities such as European Architecture Villas, in-door game, flower beds and pagodas, French Wine Cellar (with extra cost on own). Transfer to your hotel in Da Nang & check in hotel/resort. Have free time at leisure in this afternoon.

Notes:

• Tour duration: Half day (07:30–13:00).

• Ba Na hills entrance ticket includes most of games but exclude French Wine Cellar, Wax Museum, Alpine Coaster and some games in Fantasy Park.

• Overnight in Da Nang.

This day is free at leisure as: walking, shopping, swimming, relaxing on the beach, visiting Han Market, Dragon Bridge, or Da Nang Museum, etc. (optional for one day tour with additional charge).

Overnight in Da Nang.

07:00 – After being picked up from your hotel, you'll transfer to Hue city. Along the way, drive along the legendary Hai Van Pass, a thrilling 23-kilometer mountain road rising 450 meters above sea level – the highest along Vietnam's central coast. As you wind through its curves, sweeping panoramas of turquoise seas, rugged peaks, and endless sky unfold before you, making this a true highlight of your journey. Stop on the way at Lap An Lagoon.

Note: In case of unfavorable conditions, for safety reasons the journey will be made through the Hai Van Tunnel instead of the Hai Van Pass.

Step into the heart of Vietnam's royal history with a full day of exploration in Hue, the former imperial capital. This tour immerses you in the city's cultural heritage, taking you from ancient pagodas to royal tombs, bustling markets, and traditional crafts.

Start with a dragon boat cruise along the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue's oldest and most iconic pagoda. With its striking seven-story tower, Thien Mu is a serene and sacred space that captures the spiritual heart of the city.

Visit the Imperial Citadel, a sprawling complex that once served as the seat of the Nguyen Dynasty, Vietnam's last royal dynasty. Wander through ancient gates, palaces, and temples as you explore the citadel's remarkable architecture and learn about the lives of Vietnamese emperors.

Experience the lively atmosphere of Dong Ba Market, where you can observe the vibrant daily life of locals, shop for unique souvenirs. Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, savoring Hue's traditional flavors and culinary heritage.

Explore Khai Dinh King's Tomb, an architectural marvel that fuses Eastern and Western design influences, from elaborate mosaics to ornate statues. 

Notes:

• Tour duration: Full day (07:00–17:00). It is subject to change depending on the hotel location and traffic conditions.

• You will need to climb up 127 steps to visit the whole compound of Khai Dinh's tomb.

• During your visit to the Imperial Citadel, you may have the opportunity to enjoy several traditional performances as follows:

• Changing of the Guard ceremony at Noon Gate: 08:30.

• Performance of Tieu Nhac at the yard of Thai Hoa Palace: 08:45–09:00.

• Hue Singing at Nhat Thanh Lau: 09:00–09:45 and 15:00–15:45.

• Royal music, royal dance, and royal drama program at Duyet Thi Duong Theatre: 10:00–10:35 and 15:00–15:35 (ticket required).

• Performance of Dai Nhac at The Mieu: 15:30–15:45.

• Performance schedules may be adjusted depending on actual operation at the site.

• Overnight in Hue.

Have breakfast at hotel, then transfer from your hotel in Hue to the Phu Bai Airport.

Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport, after you finish all customs and immigration procedures, please head to the exit gate and look for your driver who will be waiting for you, holding a welcome signboard with your name on it. Then, you will be transferred to your hotel in town by a private vehicle.

Notes:

• For international arrivals at Tan Son Nhat Airport, please proceed to arrival hall, between column 8 and column 9, where your driver will be waiting.

• Please check the link for the meeting airport map.

Formerly known as “Saigon” before 1975, Ho Chi Minh City today is Vietnam's commercial centre that never sleeps. Although the city is a dynamic metropolis undergoing dramatic change, the remnants of its past are still discoverable in the historic landmarks and beautiful French colonial buildings dotted throughout the city.

13:00 – Set off with your guide for a half-day excursion taking in some of the important sites of the city. Visit the War Remnants Museum which presents a partial yet vivid view of the American War through the Vietnamese's eyes as it contains fascinating remnants and photographs of the past including US armored vehicles, artillery pieces, bombs, and infantry weapons. (Please note that some of the displays are very graphic and sensitive).

Wind your way to one of the most significant historical sites of the city, the Reunification Palace which is former Residence of the Indochina Governor-General and later of the President of the Republic of Southern Vietnam until the down fall on April 30, 1975. Take a stroll around the palace and admire the amazing work of its architecture while learning from your guide the untold stories connected to great changes in Ho Chi Minh City's history.

A short drive or walk away is one of Saigon's most historic landmarks, the Notre Dame Cathedral, a red brick edifice with twin spires, based on the original construction from Paris. Then head across the square to the Central Post Office, a beautifully preserved colonial landmark showcasing elegant French architecture.

Opt to wander along with the many tantalizing shops of Dong Khoi Street, once known as Rue Catinat, the boulevard where the high society flocked and shopped in colonial times. Conclude your visit to the bustling Ben Thanh Market to enjoy shopping and discover your bargaining power and come away with unusual items that will always remind you of this exciting day.

Notes: 

• Tour duration: Half day (13:00–17:00).

• Outside visit only due to the renovation at Notre Dame Cathedral until further notice from the government.

• Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

08:30 – This morning, take a 2-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City to Ben Tre (now Vinh Long Province) in the Mekong Delta. This province is well-known for its traditional coconut products and tropical fruit orchards. Arriving at the waterfront pier, set off for a slow journey along the Mekong River on the charming Apricot Boat, a newly tradition-inspired river barge that features the combination of modernity and tastefully traditional riverboat style. Indulge yourself in countryside scenery and river life while enjoying seasonal tropical fruits and local specialties. 

The shore excursion includes a brick factory where you can discover how bricks are manufactured by hand using centuries-old traditional methods, a coconut workshop where nearly every part of the coconut is used for candies and crafts, and a family-run mat workshop where you can try your hand at making the ubiquitous straw sleeping mats.

Board on a rowing sampan and get a bird's-eye view of the Delta's rivers surrounded with palm trees. After lunch at a local restaurant, drive back to Ho Chi Minh City, arriving at the end of the day. 

Notes:

• Tour duration: Full day (08.30-17.00)

• Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city.

Have free time at leisure until transfer from your hotel to Tan Son Nhat Airport for departure flight.