Classic Vietnam

Overview
Experience the very best of Vietnam on this captivating 8-day journey spanning from North to South. Begin in the historic capital of Hanoi and cruise through the legendary limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay. Head south to Central Vietnam to explore the ancient charm of Hoi An, ride the record-breaking cable cars at Ba Na Hills, and unwind in coastal Da Nang. Conclude your adventure in the bustling southern metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City, diving deep into history at the Cu Chi Tunnels and discovering the vibrant, maze-like waterways of the Mekong Delta.

Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi & Capital Sightseeing
Morning: Arrival at Noi Bai International Airport. Meet and greet with your guide and transfer to the hotel for check-in.

Full Day: Visit the historic Ho Chi Minh Complex, viewing the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum from the outside, followed by the Presidential Palace, the Stilt House, and the iconic One Pillar Pagoda.

Evening: Immerse yourself in local culture with a guided walking tour through the bustling streets of the Hanoi Old Quarter before returning to your hotel.

Day 2: Hanoi – Ha Long Bay Cruise
Morning: After breakfast, check out and depart from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay via a comfortable shuttle bus.

Full Day: Arrive at the harbor and board your cruise. Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch as you sail past spectacular limestone karsts, explore ancient caves, and visit an island featuring a pristine beach and panoramic viewpoint.

Evening: Join an interactive Vietnamese cooking class on deck, enjoy a multi-course dinner on board, and try your hand at optional evening squid fishing.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Ha Long Bay – Hanoi – Flight to Da Nang
Morning: Start your day peacefully with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck as the sun rises over the Eastern Sea, continuing to sail through the bay.

Full Day: Enjoy a signature brunch on board as you cruise back to the harbor. Disembark and take the transfer back to Hanoi.

Evening: Transfer directly to the airport for your domestic flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and unwind.

Meals Included: Breakfast (Brunch)

Day 4: Cam Thanh Eco-Village & Hoi An Ancient Town
Morning: Travel to the lush Cam Thanh Coconut Village to learn traditional fishing techniques and experience a fun ride in a traditional bamboo basket boat.

Full Day: Explore the beautifully preserved UNESCO World Heritage site of Hoi An Old Town, visiting the Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, historic ancient merchant houses, and the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge.

Evening: Experience the magic of the city with a scenic lantern boat ride on the Hoai River, followed by free time to explore the lively Hoi An Night Market.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 5: Ba Na Hills Day Trip
Morning: Depart early for Ba Na Hills and enjoy a spectacular, world-record-setting scenic cable car ride up the mountain.

Full Day: Walk along the world-famous Golden Bridge held up by giant stone hands, wander through Le Jardin D’Amour Flower Garden, and visit the serene Linh Ung Pagoda. Enjoy an included lunch and spend the afternoon experiencing the rides at Fantasy Park.

Evening: Descend the mountain by cable car, return to your Da Nang hotel, and enjoy a relaxed evening.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Da Nang – Flight to Ho Chi Minh City
Morning: Check out from your hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

Full Day: Upon arrival, begin a city exploration visiting the historic Independence Palace, the French-colonial Notre Dame Cathedral (viewed from the outside), and the stunning Central Post Office.

Evening: Delve into history at the moving War Remnants Museum, followed by a shopping excursion through the vibrant stalls of Ben Thanh Market.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 7: Mekong Delta Excursion (My Tho)
Morning: Drive south from the city center to My Tho to visit the historic and ornate Vinh Trang Pagoda.

Full Day: Board a boat to cruise the majestic Mekong River. Step ashore at Unicorn Island to stroll through tropical fruit orchards, visit a local honey farm, enjoy traditional folk music, and tour an authentic coconut candy workshop.

Evening: Return to Ho Chi Minh City by late afternoon and relax at your hotel.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 8: Cu Chi Tunnels & Departure
Morning: Travel to the historic Cu Chi Tunnels to explore the legendary underground network utilized during the Vietnam War and learn about its fascinating tactical history.

Noon: Return to Ho Chi Minh City to check out of your accommodation and enjoy last-minute free time for shopping or personal leisure.

Evening: Transfer to the airport for your onward departure flight back home.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodation
Hanoi (1 Night): First Eden Hotel (Standard Category)

Ha Long Bay (1 Night): Le Journey Premium Cruise or similar (Standard Cruise Category)

Da Nang (3 Nights): Fivitel King Hotel or similar (Standard Category)

Ho Chi Minh City (2 Nights): Prague Hotel (Standard Category)

Inclusion and Exclusion
Inclusions
7 nights accommodation across the destinations in the selected standard hotel categories.

Daily breakfasts at hotels, 2 local lunches, 1 local dinner, and 1 on-board cruise brunch.

All standard entrance, sightseeing, and activity fees as explicitly mentioned in the program.

Specialized boat trips, including the basket boat experience in Hoi An, the Ha Long Bay cruise, and the Mekong Delta river cruise.

Comprehensive transportation in air-conditioned vehicles, featuring private airport and tour transfers, shared vehicles for Seat-In-Coach (SIC) tours, and the Ha Long Bay cruise shuttle bus.

Complimentary bottled water provided during active tour days.

Professional English-speaking local guides throughout the itinerary (varying by region and specific day tours).

Exclusions
Return International and Domestic flight tickets.

Vietnam Visa approval letters and the physical Visa Stamp fee (approximately USD 30 per person paid on arrival).

Personal travel, medical, and cancellation insurance.

Meals, drinks, and snacks not specifically highlighted in the inclusions.

Expenses of a personal nature (laundry, telephone calls, alcoholic beverages, souvenirs, etc.).

Early check-in or late checkout charges at hotels.

Compulsory tour driver and guide tipping/gratuities (approximately USD 5 per person, per day, to be paid in cash).

Seasonal holiday surcharges for peak event windows (such as Christmas, Lunar New Year, Reunification Day, or the Da Nang International Fireworks Festival).