Trafalgar
OFFER ID 1494541
Highlights Of Vietnam
Float on the sparkling emerald waters of Halong Bay on a traditional Vietnamese Junk. Glide past hidden islets and giant limestone karsts, stopping only to practice T’ai Chi in exquisite surroundings.
Dining Summary
11 nights from $3,895 per person
Trafalgar Tours: Highlights of Vietnam
Day 1 - Welcome to Hanoi
Relish the warm embrace of Vietnam and her welcoming people, who will touch you with their humility and entrepreneurial spirit throughout your journey across this intoxicating land. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant
Accommodations: Melia Hanoi
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 - A Day to Discover Hanoi Dive Into Culture
This morning is dedicated to the revolutionary leader who fanned the flames of Vietnam’s independence. We begin our day with a visit to the final resting place of “Uncle Ho”, the imposing Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. A short walk from here, we’ll find Ho Chi Minh's house on stilts, where we’ll Dive Into Culture exploring the grounds surrounding the humble abode of Vietnam’s most famous son. We’ll continue to the Temple of Literature, the first university for the sons of Mandarins, to gain insights into Hanoian culture. We’ll embark on a cyclo tour, weaving through the lively Old Quarter past colorful shopfronts and street food vendors. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure or consider joining one of our recommended Optional Experiences to watch a show that uses the ancient art of water puppetry to story-tell the daily lives of Vietnamese people.
Accommodations: Melia Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 - Set Sail for Halong Bay Stays With Stories
We leave the busy streets of Hanoi behind, bound for the serenity of Halong Bay where we’ll board a traditional-style Vietnamese Junk boat. The limestone karsts and tropical islets rising up from the emerald waters provide an ethereal backdrop for our leisurely cruise. Once welcomed aboard, enjoy lunch whilst cruising one of the New Seven Natural Wonders. Visit Trung Trang cave on Cat Ba Island, the cave is 300m long through the mountains, possessing a mysterious beauty due to the geological tectonics in million years along with many historical vestiges and stalactites. Followed, weather permitting, by a stop at the quiet Tra Bau beach in Lan Ha Bay with its smooth white sand. You may choose to relax or take a nice swim in the green, emerald waters. We return to our Junk boat for a cooking class with the chef and enjoy a mesmerizing sunset on the top deck before dinner and a peaceful overnight stay in this UNESCO-listed natural wonder.
Accommodations: Orchid Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 - Onwards to Danang and Hoi An
It is a perfect time to refresh and indulge yourself in the peaceful beauty of the bay with a Tai Chi session. After breakfast discover the hidden charm of the Ao Ech area by kayak. There will be time to relax on the sundeck and take in the last views of the bays landscape, whilst cruising back to the Wharf before your drive to Hanoi Airport to catch your flight to Danang. On arrival, transfer to your hotel in Hoi An where you have the evening at leisure.
Accommodations: Royal Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 - Uncover Historic Hoi An Dive Into Culture
Dive Into Culture this morning, embarking on a walking tour around the ancient town of Hoi An. Embrace its charm of yesteryear – the narrow lanes, colorful marketplaces and ancient temples providing insights into the Vietnam of old. See the old merchant houses and 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, before visiting Thanh Dong Organic Village where you’ll spend some time helping local farmers and learning about their daily working routines. Kick back and enjoy a relaxing foot massage that will set the pace for the rest of the day and evening at leisure.
Accommodations: Royal Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 - Local Life in Hoi An Dive Into Culture
Enjoy some free time this morning to explore Hoi An further or simply relax at your hotel. Your choice of activities this afternoon could see you learn how to craft your own colorful lantern or gain insights into life as a local fisherman (subject to weather conditions). Create a work of art to bring your home luck and happiness, or cast your net wide for the catch of the day – the choice is yours.
Accommodations: Royal Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 - Head to Hue via Red Beach Dive Into Culture
The healthy flavors of Vietnamese cuisine take center stage as we travel by boat to the Red Bridge Cooking School to learn about the traditional ways of preparing and cooking Vietnamese food. We’ll have an opportunity to savor the dishes we’ve prepared for lunch before returning to Hoi An. This afternoon, our journey takes us over Hai Van Pass en route to Red Beach, where the American Marines first landed in Vietnam during the decades-long war. We continue to Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam, for our overnight stay.
Accommodations: Imperial
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 8 - See the Sights of Hue Connect with Locals
We’ll navigate the busy streets of Hue on the back of a cyclo en route to the UNESCO-listed Imperial Citadel, once home to Nguyen emperors. From here, we drive to Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue's best-preserved religious monument. Boarding a local dragon boat next, we cruise along the Perfume River to the house of the former Princess Ngoc Son where we’ll Connect With Locals and meet a family member for a Be My Guest lunch to gain a glimpse of their life in this historic house. The afternoon is ours to enjoy at leisure or consider joining one of our Optional Experiences.
Accommodations: Imperial
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9 - Journey to Ho Chi Minh City Make Travel Matter
A short flight this morning brings you to Ho Chi Minh City, where you’ll enjoy a the iconic sights of Ho Chi Minh revealed on a walking tour of Dong Khoi Street. See the Opera House and the former Hotel de Ville. Then, wander up to Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office, designed by the renowned Gustave Eiffel. Continue to the War Remnants Museum where you’ll have a vivid glimpse of the war through the eyes of the locals. Your final stop is Ben Thanh market, one of the earliest surviving structures in old Saigon. Finish with dinner at KOTO restaurant. Your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience visit supports those affected by poverty to provide opportunities and a vocational education in the hospitality sector.
Accommodations: Sofitel Saigon Plaza
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10 - Meander Along the Mekong Delta
The mighty Mekong beckons today, as we take a day trip to Cai Be town, in the heart of the Mekong Delta. We’ll transfer to a charming traditional boat and where we cruise and explore the bustling riverbanks. Visit a beautifully preserved ancient house dating back to the 19th century that has been passed down through many generations of the family. Enjoy a leisurely sampan ride through the narrow canals. topping for a home hosted lunch of delicious Mekong Delta specialties. Before returning to Ho Chi Minh City for an evening at leisure.
Accommodations: Sofitel Saigon Plaza
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 11 - Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels Dive Into Culture
We’ll delve into Vietnam’s turbulent history from the previous century with a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels, an immense network of connecting underground tunnels built to protect the Viet Cong guerrillas from the French air and ground sweeps. We’ll explore the underground compounds with a VC veteran and gain an understanding of the history of the tunnel, which once served as living quarters and housed hospitals, food and weapons caches. Returning to Ho Chi Minh City by private speedboat, we’ll enjoy some free time this afternoon. Later, we’ll Dive Into Culture during a visit to the home of the former American Ambassador to South Vietnam in the 1960s, Mr. Henry Cabot Lodge, followed by a Farewell Dinner.
Accommodations: Sofitel Saigon Plaza
Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
Day 12 - Farewell to Ho Chi Minh City
Our discovery of the iconic and unexpected highlights of Vietnam at its end, take a transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Meals: Breakfast
Ha Noi City Tour & Street Food Tour – 12 hours - Hanoi
Highlights:
Shore Excursion Hai Phong - Halong City
Cu Chi Tunnels & Sai Gon Highlights Tour – 10 hours - Saigon
Highlights:
Highlights of Ho Chi Minh City Tour – 10 hours - Saigon
Highlights:
Mekong Delta Tour – 10 hours - Saigon
Highlights:
Saigon - History of Architecture with History Researcher
Saigon - Cooking Class at Ambassador's Former Residence
Saigon City Tour on Vintage Car
Saigon - City Highlights & Musician Family Visit
Saigon - In The Dark: A Blind Experience
Saigon - City Highlights & Lunch at Ambassador's Home
Hoi An’s Countryside & Ancient Town – 8 hours - Hue
Highlights:
Hue - Full Day Hue Classic Tour / Chan May Port
Hue - Royal Culinary & Historic Landmark
Hue - Home Hosted Lunch & Historic Landmark
Hoi An - Full Day Hoi An Town with Lantern Making
FULL DAY HOI AN TOWN WITH LANTERN MAKING
Destination: Hoi AnHoi An Culinary Experience at Market Restaurant
Hanoi - Hon Gai / Hai Phong Port
Hanoi Full Day Tour (10 Hours)
Shore Excursion Hai Phong - Hanoi
Shore Excursion Halong - Hanoi
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
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