Day 1: Hanoi arrival (-/-/-)

Hanoi - Airport: 30km, ~40min drive

Upon arrival at Noi Bai Airport, meet our driver who then escorts you to the city centre. The check-in time is after 14:00. Check-in before 14:00, there will have an early check-in surcharge. After making sure of a successful hotel check-in, the rest of the day is free to relax or stroll around the streets.

Meals Included: None
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Day 2: Hanoi free day (B/-/-)

This morning, after breakfast at the hotel, today is completely free for your relaxation after long flights and jetlag.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Day 3: Hanoi city tour- To He (B/-/-)

After breakfast at hotel, at 8:30 am, we visit Museum of Ethnology (closed on Mondays, the alternative is the History Museum) dedicated to Vietnam's 54 officially recognized ethnic groups with both indoor and outdoor sections. While the in-housed exhibition is particularly informative, the outdoor display continues in the museum’s garden with fascinating examples of traditional houses of numerous minority groups, from the Kinhs to the ethnic groups of the Central Highlands.

Then, we contiue with a visit the Temple of Literature constructed in 1070 to worship Confucius. Otherwise known as the first university of Vietnam, the site also honours the eighty- two Vietnamese doctorates that each passedwat a number of rigid exams in the medieval ages. Their names, birthdays and birthplaces are each engraved in headstones perched on stone tortoises. It is widely believed that touching the heads of these tortoises will bring luck. Its peaceful green compound with its neatly maintained lawns, gardens and lotus ponds make it a tranquil hideaway from the city’s bustle and heat.

In the afternoon, we visit the Ho Chi Minh Complex. This famous site compromises Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum (closed on Mondays & Fridays), his former stilt-house residence, the Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh Museum. Following this, we head to.

In the late afternoon, we enjoy Tohe (Tò He) for about 30-50 minutes.

Tò he (toy figurine) is a traditional toy for children in Vietnam which is made from glutinous rice powder in form of edible figurine such as animals, flowers or characters in folk stories.  In the past, tò he was made and sold only on the occasion of festivals, especially Lunar New Year and the Mid Autumn which are the favorite festivals of Vietnamese children.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Day 4: Hanoi- Countryside rural life experiences - Kite Making (B/L/-)

8h00 - 8h30: Our driver and tour guide pick you up at your hotel then depart to Hiep Hoa - Bac Giang. It takes you 45 minutes to get village. You’ll have a chance to explore from a busy Hanoi to a peaceful countryside.

9h30: Arrive a local’s family and warmly - welcomed by a host. You’re invited to enjoy welcome drink with local sweeties. Here you will get the chance to see the house architecture and their daily life. Our guide’ll tell you about family’s tradition, ancestor worship of Vietnam...

9h45: You’ll take a bike then cycle through small alleys to see daily life of villagers. You’ll visit communal house. The guide’ll tell you about its history and importance to the villagers. Then, you’re heading to pagoda and temple along amazing rice fields.

11h00: You’ll have a chance to take part in “ cooking class”. Our guide’ll teach you how to make “ papaya salad”.

11h45: You enjoy local lunch with variety of local fresh food.

13h00: You’ll take part in “ Kite Making Class”. The kite is known as a “ child-hood toy” for kids in Vietnam. The guide’ll teach you how to make a kite by yourself. After that, you are able to use your “ own product” to fly it in the blue sky.

14h30: You get changed and disguised as a real fammer in farming uniform. Preparing farming equipments. Then, you’ll get on water buffalow cart (known as “ Rolls - Royce Phantom of Vietnam” for farming works). You’ll learn how to transplant rice, plough the land...explore the farming process of wet rice in Vietnam.

16h00: You’ll have chance to fly your hand-made kite in the blue sky along the rice field.

17h00: Back to family then get changed. You’ll say goodbye a peaceful village and leave for Hanoi.

18h00: Arrive your hotel. End of services.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Day 5: Hanoi - Halong (B/L/D)/ Sample itinerary of Dragon Legend Cruise

Hanoi - Ha Long: 170km, ~3.5h drive

After breakfast at the hotel, at about 8:00 am, we depart for Ha Long Bay. Sit back and enjoy the peaceful countryside symbolic of the Red River Delta.

Arrive in Hon Gai pier, check in the cruise and enjoy welcome drink.

12:30 - 13:00: Check-in. Cruise begins with welcome drink and safety briefing.

13:30 - 14:30: Set menu lunch served in the outdoor dining room (depending on the weather) while cruising into magnificent Bai Tu Long Bay; admire the fascinating limestone karsts on the way.

15:30 - 17:00: Visit Vung Vieng fishing village by a rustic row-boat, meet the local people and pass through the floating houses and fish farms.

17:00 - 20:30: Return to Dragon Legend Cruise and head to Tra San while refreshing yourself in Mineral Seawater Pool, Fitness Room or the Spa and Massage Services before dinner.

20:30: Spend the rest of your evening relaxing, talking with the on board team, watching movies, listening to traditional music… Overnight on Dragon Legend in Tra San area.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Overnigh on Cruise

Day 6: Halong exploration (B/L/D)

06:30 - 07:00: Start a new day with beautiful sunrise in the tranquil Bay.

07:00 - 08:00: Take in the morning view of the Bay’s landscape with a cup of tea or coffee and enjoy breakfast in the fresh air.

08:30 - 09:00: Enjoy a morning cruise from Tra San to Vung Dang, Cong Dam area.

09:30 - 11:30: Discover the hidden charm of Vung Dang area and the geological park by kayaks. Swim or relax on a wild sandy beach. (Optional: For the guests who are not interested in kayaking, swimming or outdoor activities, we offer cruise from Vung Dang to Tra Gioi)

13:30 - 15:00: Enjoy a BBQ lunch on a wild beach.

15:00 - 16:00: A short cruise back to Tra San area.

16:00 - 20:30: Enjoy a cooking class. After that, refresh yourself in Mineral Seawater Pool, Fitness Room or the Spa and Massage Services before dinner.

20:30 : Spend the rest of your evening relaxing, talking with the on board team, watching movies, listening to traditional music… Overnight in Halong Dragon Legend.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Overnigh on Cruise

Day 7: Halong - Hanoi - Flight to Hue (B/Br/-)

06:30 - 07:00: Start a new day with a Tai Chi demonstration on the sun-deck.

07:00 - 07:30: Enjoy the surrounding tranquilities of the stunning Bay with a cup of tea or coffee and enjoy breakfast in the fresh air while cruising to Hon Co Island

08:00 - 08:45: Explore the well- hidden Thien Canh Son Cave

08.45 - 09:15: Swim in the crystal water at Hon Co beach

10:00: Check out your cabin.

10:45 - 11:30: Enjoy a lunch at Paradise Restaurant. 

Then we transfer to our awaiting vehicle for an about 3.5 hour journey to Hanoi airport for the flight to Hue. Upon arrival, our new driver will pick you up and then transfer to the hotel in Hue for your relaxation.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hue

Day 8: Hue - Imperial city - Sunset in Chuon Lagoon (B/-/-)

After breakfast at our hotel, at about 8:30 am, we set out to explore Hue's famous highlights, starting with a boat trip along the Perfume River to reach the picturesque Thien Mu otherwise known as the Heavenly Lady Pagoda. One of the most poignant displays here is the car belonging to a former monk, who in 1963, drove to Saigon and set himself alight to protest against the South Vietnamese regime and its treatment of Buddhists. We then disembark the boat for a visit the elaborate tomb of former emperor Tu Duc, which was built between 1864 and 1867 by 3000 soldiers and workers. It includes fifty monuments surrounded by a 1500m long wall covering. We then head back to Hue for a well-deserved lunch!

In the afternoon, we visit Hue Imperial City, the last royal city of Vietnam with beautiful structures including the Flag Tower, Ngo Mon Gate and Nine Dynastic Urns to name a few. Built in the 19th century by the Nguyen dynasty, the City was home to the former Emperors of Vietnam from 1802 until 1945. We then do some shopping at the Dong Ba Market to enjoy the specialties of Hue city.

The late afternoon is dedicated to an excursion on Chuon lagoon, the first part of the famous Tam Giang - Cau Hai lagoon system. You start with an amazing bicycle tour along the poetic Nhu Y River towards Chuon lagoon. Visitors will be captivated by the charming, traditional architectural beauty of old pavilions, known as the pattern of family temples with dragon carvings. Gorgeous winding paths meandering river streams will take visitors through golden paddy fields until reaching Chuon lagoon. Upon arrival, the sampans will be ready for your lagoon adventures. Travelling through a labyrinth of “traps” lets visitors enjoy the beauty of the lagoon and also explore the daily life of fishermen. Visiting a local house stilts and enjoying some delicious grilled seafood with local beer.

Back to hotel before dark.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Snack at Chuon Lagoon
Accommodation: Hotel in Hue

Day 9: Hue - Danang - Hoian - Ancient town (B/-/-)

After breakfast at the hotel, at about 8:30 am we bid Hue farewell and continue our south bound journey to the old trading town of Hoi An via Danang. Along the way, we will stop at Lang Co beach for refreshments. From here we head up to the Hai Van pass, stopping at the top to take in the stunning views towards Da Nang city.

 Our next destination is the Marble Mountains - a cluster of five marble and limestone hills located in Ngu Hanh Son District, south of Danang City. All of the mountains have cave entrances and numerous tunnels, and it is possible to climb to the summit of Mt. Thuy. Several Buddhist sanctuaries can also be found within the mountains, making this a popular destination.

Upon our arrival in Hoi An, we take a walking tour to Hoi An Ancient Town - an exceptionally well-preserved example of a South-East Asian trading port dating from the 15^th to the 19^th century.

We start our day with the Japanese Covered Bridge - one of Vietnam’s most iconic attractions. Created by the Japanese living in Hoi An in the 1590s as a way to reach the Chinese quarter across the water, the bridge is a beautiful historical piece of Japanese architecture. It would be a shortcoming without a visit to Tan Ky House - one of the many ancient houses that making up Hoian Ancient Town. Built two centuries ago with both Japanese and Chinese influences on architecture, this house has been preserved through seven generations. While walking, we will encounter pretty houses of Chinese merchants. Another must-see destination is Phuc Kien Assembly Hall - an excellent work of architecture considered as a heritage of historical significance. Built in 1690, this Assembly Hall is in fact a temple dedicated to the sea goddess Thien Hau.

Interestingly, there will be a visit to Assembly Hall in the ancient town, which you will learn about Vietnamese calligraphy writing. Traditional Vietnamese calligraphy is strongly affected by that of China for historical and geographic regions. As part of the East Asian cultural sphere, Chinese was often used as the written medium of communication, and as a result, Vietnamese calligraphy thus also follows Chinese calligraphy’s standard and use Han script (Chinese language) in many of its writings.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An

Day 10: Hoian - free at the beach (B/-/-)

Relax and enjoy your Hoi An sandy beach: swim, sunbathe and take in the delights of this beautiful holiday resort. Optional sightseeing is available, go scuba diving and enjoy water sports. Or, just relax and enjoy the resort.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An

Day 11: Hoian - free at leisure - Danang - Flight to Saigon (B/-/-)

After breakfast at hotel, this morning is free for your own exploration.  Then  in the afternoon, our driver will pick you up at the hotel and then transfer to the airport for the flight to Saigon in the late afternoon.

Upon arrival, you will meet our new driver who then escorts you to the hotel in Saigon for checking in.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon

Day 12: Saigon city tour (B/-/-)

After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, at about 8:30 am our guide will appear at the hotel for your first official tour of Saigon. We begin with some beautiful French colonial structures including the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Saigon Post Office. Notre Dame Cathedral was built between 1877 and 1883, and the stones used to create it were exported entirely from France. Apart from the religious meaning, the most captivating point of this Cathedral is its special neo-Romanesque style of architecture.

Next, to the cathedral stands the Old Saigon Post Office, finished in 1891. It is another fine example of French architecture and is Vietnam's largest post office. The tour continues along Dong Khoi Street, where the Opera House and the Peoples’ Committee building were built in 1897 by French architect Ferret Eugene.  The 800 seat Opera House served as the home of the Lower House Assembly of South Vietnam after 1956.

After this, we head to the Reunification Palace which is the former residence of the President of South Vietnam. This is until April 30th, 1975 when North Vietnamese tanks came crashing through the front gates thus marking of the Vietnam War.

In the afternoon, you will visit the War Remnants Museum formerly known as the Museum of American War Crimes. This is a poignant display of the futility of war. For a more relaxing afternoon, next on the sightseeing list is Thien Hau Pagoda located in Cho Lon, the city’s Chinatown. This pagoda is dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea. The most impressive features of the structure are the intricate friezes and the carved tableaus towards the front of the pagoda. Another site that cannot be missed the bustling Ben Thanh Market. There are a number of vendors and food stalls which provide fresh & delicious dishes. You also can find many goods for daily use as well as a variety of eye-catching local handicrafts and souvenirs.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon

Day 13: Saigon - Cai Be - Sadec - Can Tho on private Song Xanh sampan (B/L/D)

After having breakfast, we leave for Cai Be to embark on Song Xanh Sampan and begin cruising from Phu An Jetty at 10:00am. From the sampan, observe life as it plays out on shore - people going about their daily activities against picturesque landscapes - while your attentive crew serves tea and seasonal fruit. Before arriving at Sa Dec, stop at various points along the river for a look into some of the cottage industries of the region including a brick factory where everything is made by hand, pass monkey bridges and tiny villages to visit Cao Dai temple.

Arrive in Sa Dec and stroll to the outdoor market. Visit one of the highlights of the charming town, the ancient house of Huynh Thuy Le, a real-life character in the celebrated novel and film « The Lover » by Marguerite Duras.

Lunch is served on board while cruising towards Can Tho along a narrow canal teeming with life. Explore the countryside surroundings by local rowboat.

Your last stopover before sunset is an ancient house Binh Thuy (“Nha Co - Binh Thuy” in Vietnamese), dating back to the 19th century. The owner will welcome you and a candlelight dinner is served in this authentic countryside setting. After dinner, return on board while the Song Xanh continues its cruise towards Hau River.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Overnight on Song Xanh Private Sampan

Day 14: Can Tho - Cai Rang floating market - Saigon (B/-/-)

Can Tho - Cai Rang- Saigon: 250 km, ~4h30m drive

Rising early to the sounds of the Delta coming to life for another day, we have breakfast and start our day with a boat cruise along the seemingly endless waterway of Mighty Mekong River. We arrive amongst Cai Rang floating market, the biggest and most famous floating market in the Mekong Delta. View hundreds of boats which are packed with mango, bananas, papaya and pineapple, etc. all for selling, buying and exchanging.

We visit the lush orchards and are treated to a delicious tropical fruits.

After the market, you then visit noodle and rice paper producing family before coming back to Saigon for overnight.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon

Day 15: Saigon departure (B/-/-)

After having breakfast at the hotel, you have free time to relax until our driver meets and transfer you to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your departure flight to your next destination. We thank you for choosing Tonkin-Travel!

Meals Included: Breakfast