Vietnam Hidden Charm Tour 12 days
 Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Delta – Cu Chi – Dalat – Buon Me Thuot - Nha Trang – Hanoi – Halong  

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City - Arrival  (D)
Arrive Tan Son Nhat airport on ----- Our guide will welcome you transfer to your hotel in the center of city. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City .

Day 2:  Ho Chi Minh city - Mekong Delta - Can Tho (B, L)
This Mekong Delta trip provides you a look at varieties of the life and scenery on the Mekong River itself as well as on the bank of the river. Start the trip by a drive to Vinh Long, which on the way is green/yellow rice paddy fields stretching towards the horizon. On arrival, you will embark on a boat for cruising on the Mekong River with a passing floating Cai Be market. Along the river we have more exploring of the local life, farmer and handicraft productions. We then access to An Binh Islet for enjoying the very peaceful atmosphere of Vietnam country side. You are invited to enjoy lunch at local House while listening to the folk songs of Nam Bo performed by the “local family artists”. In the afternoon we continue driving toward Can Tho. Overrnight in Can Tho.

Day 3: Can Tho - Ho Chi Minh city (B, L)
The watery world of the Mekong Delta is home to many bustling floating markets. This day we take a boat trip exploring the vibrant floating market of Cai Rang, in which the trading way is unique; each boat usually sells one particular item, they are whether pumpkins, pineapples or sugar canes and so on. After an impressive boat trip, you are back to Ho Chi Minh city via My Tho. Over night in Ho Chi Minh City .

Day 4: Ho Chi Minh City – Dalat (B, L)
Breakfast at hotel and transfer to Tan Son Nhat airport for short flight to Dalat – the misty highland city. After check-in at hotel, visit Xuan Huong Lake, Hang Nga Crazy House and XQ Art Embroidery Garden, Minh Tam Flower Garden. Overnight in Da Lat.

Day 5: Dalat – Buon Me Thuot (B, L, D)
In the morning you will take an excursion to Lang Biang Mountain , return to Dalat for lunch. After Lunch we proceed deep into the highland via National Highway 27 passing by many beautiful sceneries. Then transfer on to Jun village of the M’nong group. Check in a traditional wooden guesthouse on stilts by the lake.  Enjoy dinner and relax at the house surrounded by many local villagers’ houses and activities. Overnight in a basic but clean communal longhouse at the village

Day 6: Buon Me Thuot (B, L, D)
Take a 45 minutes elephant ride through M'Lieng Jarai village and along the shore of Lak Lake and take a pirogue (a canoe made from a hollowed out tree trunk) on the lake .Visit Dray Sap (meant smoke in local dialect) waterfall.

After dinner join in the traditional dancing and gong playing of the Jarai minority and try the potent local rice wine.

Day 7: Buon Me Thuot- Nha Trang (B, L)
We leave the highland city for Nha Trang coastal city by road via Highway no 26. Arrive at Nha Trang city at noon time. Have lunch at local restaurant before checking in. Free time in the afternoon for beach relaxation. Overnight in Nha Trang.

Day 8: Nha Trang islands (B, L)

You will have one day boat trip. Firstly we will visit Tri Nguyen Aquarium on Mieu Island . At this place, you will see the life of the many sea species of Nhatrang ocean that being made in a smaller world of this aquarium. Then we will go to Mun island, the best site for snorkeling where you will see lots of live colorful corals and fish. This site has been officially protected under the support of Danish Government. Relax, sunbath and swimming at Con Se Tre island, where a fresh sea food lunch waiting for you. Return to Nha Trang. Overnight in Nha trang.

Day 9: Nha Trang – Hanoi - Halong Bay (B)
You are met at Noi Bai Airport and escorted to Halong Bay – the World Heritage. Check in hotel up arrival, time for freshen up and relax. Overnight in Halong.

Day 10: Halong Bay - Hanoi (B, L)
After breakfast at hotel, you will embark on a sailing boat for cruising around several of rocks, islets, caves and grottos of Halong Bay. The boat will stop a while for you to take a short excursion visit Sung Sot ('The Cave of Surprise ') grotto. Sea food lunch served on board before leaving for Hanoi . Upon arrive Hanoi , check-in hotel and start the one hour cyclo (trishaw) ride around the Old Trading Quarter, Ngoc Son temple, Hoan Kiem Lake , then we stop at Thang Long theatre for enjoying the Water Puppets show. Overnight in Hanoi .

Day 11: Ha Noi full day visit (B, L)
From your hotel, we will go north to visit Ba Dinh Square with the Mausoleum of President Ho Chi Minh, Quan Thanh temple, Tran Quoc pagoda, Army Museum and Hanoi Flag Tower. After lunch, continue to visit Hanoi Hilton prison and Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam ( Temple of Literature ). Over night in Hanoi .

Day 12: Ha Noi - Departure (B)
Free time for shopping or optional visit before transfer to Noi Bai airport for departure.

Inclusive:  Hotel accommodation as specific or similar
Private car/mini van ,Private boat in Ha Long
All entrance fees 
English/ French speaking guide. Other languages can be arranged upon request
All meals as per program

Exclusive: Domestic & International flight and all airport taxes
Drinks, except otherwise mentioned
Insurance
Personal expenses & Tips
Vietnam Visa

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Essential Viet Nam Tour 12 days

Destinations: Hanoi | Halong bay | Hue | Hoian | Nha Trang City | Dalat | Ho Chi Minh City

Experience the charm of Hanoi, the scenic impressive sight of Halong Bay, the ancient capital of Hue, the charming Hoi An, Nha Trang, the hill station of Dalat, the vibrant Ho Chi Minh City and the mighty Mekong Delta. This is a wonderful trip designed for those who want to experience the very best of Vietnam , but only have limited time.    
Day 1: Arrival - Hanoi

 Ha Noi, Vietnam's capital, is a stylish and gracious city that retains an unique old world charm and some Asia‘s most striking colonial architecture. The many lakes and parks make for relaxing atmosphere. If time permits then we enjoy a short cyclo excursion through the bustling old quarter streets named after the specific goods once offered for sale at these places.
Stay overnight in Ha Noi (B). 
Day 2: Hanoi - Halong

Today, we enjoy a half day city tour starting with the Ho Chi Minh Complex, which contain the Mausoleum of the nation’s founder Ho Chi Minh, the Presidential Palace and the Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts. The complex also comprises the One Pillar Pagoda, whose origins date back to the foundation of Hanoi . We follow this with a trip to the Temple of Literature , well known as Vietnam ’s first university, and the History Museum which displays an excellent collection of artifacts illustrating the Vietnamese history. The peaceful lake of Hoan Kiem and the bustling Dong Xuan Market are also visited before we depart for Halong Bay through the scenic countryside. Stay overnight in Ha Long (B, L, D).
Day 3: Halong - Hanoi
The wondrous Halong Bay is truly one of Vietnam ’s most impressive scenic sights. Heading out of the town we embark on a boat for an exploration of the legendary Halong Bay . This exciting five hour cruise will provide us a fantastic view of the picturesque scenery blending with the sky and some 3,000 limestone islands rising amazingly from the clear and emerald water. The limestone karst formations are littered with beaches, grottoes and beautiful caves. Along the way we will anchor for a leisurely swim in a secluded cave and an enjoyable visit to one of the many hidden grottoes beneath towering cliffs

After a seafood lunch on board, we return to Ha Noi, stopping en route at Dong Trieu pottery village. We arrive in time to see an evening performance of Hanoi 's famous water puppets. Stay overnight in Ha Noi (B, L). 
Day 4: Hanoi - Hue

An impressive way to commence the day is a walk around Hoan Kiem Lake at dawn, where hundreds of people come to do their morning exercise (on your own).

The next destination of our trip is Hue via a short flight from Hanoi . As Vietnam ’s last feudal capital, the small and quiet city of Hue is widely known for magnificent architectures, pagodas and royal tombs laid in many small villages and surrounding hills. We spend this afternoon to visit Hue with the massive citadel, which contains the Imperial City and the Purple Forbidden City. This royal residence was all but destroyed during the 1968 Tet Offensive, however it is still fascinating to walk among the ruins.

After an impressive boat trip, we return to the town and enjoy a walk to the bustling Dong Ba Market that sells a wide variety of local goods and handicrafts. Along the way we pass by many fantastic eating spots, ideal places for visitors to sample some local delicacies. Stay overnight in Hue (B, L).
Day 5: Hue - Danang - Hoian

The beautiful riverside pagoda of Thien Mu which now becomes the symbol of Hue , and the elaborate royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc are not to be missed. We include these in a guided cruise on the Perfume River .

Upon leaving Hue we drive south to Hoian which was originally a Cham seaport but has been influenced down the centuries by a myriad of traders from various cultures. The scenic road is hugging the coastline before crossing over the winding Hai Van pass. A view from the top of the pass is one of Vietnam ’s most impressive panoramic scenes. We stop en route to visit the Cham Museum in Danang City , the China Beach and the Marble Mountain , whose peaks represent the five elements of the universe (B, L).
Day 6: Hoian

The ancient architecture of Hoian is a fascinating combination of Vietnamese traditional characters with Chinese and Japanese influence.

There are plenty to see in this delightful town, some of which are the famous Japanese Covered Bridges, the Pottery Museum, the 200 years old Tamky House, the Chua Ong Pagoda, the vibrant market.

Today, we include these on a walking tour past many low tiled houses scattered along the small streets and assembly halls which reflect the town's multi-cultural past. A perfect way to round off the day is a boat trip on the Thu Bon River , which also gives us a chance to admire the spectacular countryside and explore a handicraft ceramic village and boat building yards (B, L).
Day 7: Hoian - Nha Trang

An early morning transfer to Danang Airport for a short flight to Nha Trang. The fabulous sunny weather, turquoise water surrounding a string of offshore islands, and white sandy beach stretching the whole length of the city make Nha Trang an ideal place for anyone seeking an enjoyable escape.

After checking into hotel we visit Nha Trang's some major sights, including the Oceanographic Institute, the Long Son Pagoda with its famous giant Buddha image, the Hon Chong Rock formation and the impressive Ponagar Cham Towers , which are overlooking the colourful fishing port. The remainder of the day will be free for a well earned rest on a beach (B).
Day 8: Nha Trang - Dalat

Upon leaving Nhatrang we head south towards Dalat, sometimes known as the "City of Eternal Spring". The journey will pass by the famous Cam Ranh Bay before arriving at the Po Klong Jarai Towers which represent an interesting culture and a colorful history of the Cham people.

At an elevation of over 1,000 meters, the hill station of Da Lat was founded in the early year of the last century for the colonials to escape the heat and chaos of Saigon . On arrival in Dalat we start our tour taking us through plenty of the French colonial architectures to the summer residence of Vietnam ’s last Emperor Bao Dai, who was forced to abdicate in 1945, shortly after the end of the World War II. The following sights are the Lam Ty Ni Pagoda and Hang Nga Guesthouse, known as the Crazy House because of its bizarre architecture (B, L).
Day 9: Dalat - HCMC

The following destination of our trip is Ho Chi Minh City , still called Saigon by many locals. This bustling metropolis, contradiction of its northern counterpart, is crowded with motobikes and cars, excited by numerous shopping area and sidewalk cafés.

After an enjoyable visit to the busy Hoa Binh Market, we make our way down hill to Ho Chi Minh, travelling through the many tea and coffee plantations. The drive is long, but views are fantastic. Along the way we can make stops as we please, to stretch our legs and take some wonderful photographs (B).
Day 10: HCMC - Cu Chi Tunnels - HCMC

The sightseeing tour of Ho Chi Minh begins with a visit to the Reunification Palace which was the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until end of April 1975. Close to the palace are some striking French colonial structures including the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Sai Gon Post Office. We also visit the Jade Emperor Pagoda and the War Remnant Museum before continuing to the bustling Ben Thanh Market where everything and anything is for sale!

We then transfer out to explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, an incredible underground network of approximately 200 km constructed by Vietnamese fighters during the long struggle for independence. The tunnels contained hospitals, plus accommodation and schools, and were used as a military base for the Vietcong in the American war (B. L). 
Day 11: HCMC - Mekong Delta - HCMC

Heading out of the town, we travel by roads to the Mekong Delta, Vietnam 's largest rice bowl.

On arrival in My Tho we embark on a boat navigating around the intricate small canals in the delta region, which is a great way to observe the local lifestyle close-up and catch a view dotted by many islands. The exciting excursion will pass the lush green vegetation before arriving at the famous Unicorn Island . Here we have opportunities to stroll around an orchard, taste many seasonal fruits and enjoy wonderful traditional music.

The next stop of our trip is Ben Tre Province to visit some fascinating local industries. After feasting on a huge lunch we return to Ho Chi Minh, stopping off along the way to see the beautiful Ving Trang Pagoda and the Cho Lon, Saigon’s Chinatown, which is crammed with sacred temples and mysterious, narrow lanes (B,L)
Day 12: HCMC - Departure

There is a free time for you to relax or further explore Ho Chi Minh. The trip ends after your transfer to Tan San Nhat Airport for departure. End of the tour (B)

 Tour includes:

·                                 Internal flights: Hanoi-Hue & Danang- Nhatrang with Vietnam Airlines, economy class

·                                 All land transportation as shown in the program

·                                 11 nights in comfortable accommodation in twin sharing room

·                                 21 meals - 12 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 1 dinner

·                                 English-speaking local guides

·                                 Boat cruising on Halong bay, Perfume river ( Hue ), Thu Bon river (Hoian) and Mekong Delta (Vinh Long)

·                                 Cyclo rides in Hanoi and Hue

·                                 All entrance and sightseeing fees

Tour excludes:

·                                 International airfares & airport taxes in/out Vietnam

·                                 (Single) Entry visa to Vietnam  

·                                 Meals that not mentioned in the program

·                                 Travel insurance

·                                 Personal expenses ( drinks, laundry, telephone...)

·                                Tips

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Distinctions of Vietnam 12 Days

Hanoi - Halong Bay - Hue - Hoi An - Nha Trang Beach - Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Delta

Day 1 : Arrival Day - Hanoi City

You are welcomed by our guide at Noi Bai airport and then be transferred to your hotel in the center of Hanoi city. Vietnam 's capital is stylish and stately. Experience its thousand-year-old history, tree-lined boulevards and faded colonial architecture during our transfer to Hotel

Overnight in Hanoi  

Breakfast & Lunch inclusive

Day2 : Hanoi City Tour

We will have a all day Hanoi city tour to visit the most attractions of Hanoi: Hoan Kiem lake (the lake of the Restored Sword), Tran Quoc Pagoda and Quan Thanh Temple, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Presidential palace (open only in the morning), one pillar pagoda. Lunch at Vietnamese restaurant.

Afternoon: more sightseeing: Ethnology Museum where is showing 54 ethnic group in Vietnam ...Rickshaw tour around Old Quarter and Water Puppet show.

Overnight in Hanoi  

Breakfast & Lunch inclusive

Day 3 : Hanoi - Halong Bay - Cruise

We spend 2 day/ 1night cruising the world heritage listed halong bay – a natural wonder halong bay vietnam with thousands of islands creating a unique and beautiful landscape. - Pick up at hotel and drive to Halong bay through Red River Delta ,Nature of countryside is beautiful on country land. Arrival to Halong bay. Board our Junk boat for a cruise amongst towering limestone backdrops. Visit to caves, grottoes, floating fish villages and beaches. Have fresh seafood lunch on Cruiser .More cruise, swimming on nice beach. Cruise Halong Bay for 2days

Overnight on Cruise in Halong Bay

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner inclusive

Day 4 : Halong Bay - Hanoi

6:00: Welcome sunrise and enjoy sea air in the morning or swimming.

7:30 - 8:30 European buffet breakfast is severed in the restaurant.

8:30 - 9:30 Check out and say good bye cruise. Car pick up us transfer back to Ha Noi, it takes 4 hours. After having lunch in the restaurant, check in Hotel. Free at leisure time or shopping.

Overnight in Hanoi

Breakfast & Lunch inclusive

Day 5 : Hue city tour

Take a flight to Hue in the morning. In the afternoon visit the Imperial Citadel, the spectacular Citadel is built on the same principles and design as Beijing's Forbidden Palace and contains a series of palaces, ornate halls, libraries, residences, and colleges, visit the elaborate tombs of Emperor Tu Duc.

Overnight in Hue

Breakfast & Lunch inclusive

Day 6 : : Hue city tour - the Royal Tombs

Morning: visit the Royal Tombs: Minh Mang and Khai Dinh, enjoy the quick look at Dong Ba market.

Afternoon: You will embark on the Dragon boat along Perfume river, while cruising enjoy Royal music - World Intangible Heritage, and admire sunset on boat.

Overnight in Hue  

Breakfast & Lunch inclusive

Day 7 : Hue to Hoian - China Beach

Depart Hue for Danang across the Hai Van Pass (Pass of the Ocean Clouds), passing through many pretty red-tiled villages with fruit orchards, enjoying spectacular views of sky and sea. Visit Marble mountain, then to Hoi an about 25km away. Being the most tiny town of Vietnam, you can finish the visit Hoi an by walk within a 2hours, but Hoi an previous was an importance port of Vietnam, where Chinese and Japanese traders had come over to trade and live. transfer by car back to China Beach for a night there.

Overnight in Hoi An  

Breakfast & Lunch inclusive

Day 8 : China Beach - Nha Trang .

Today head back to Danang for Flying to the picturesque coastal town of Nha Trang . Arrive Nha Trang, meet and transfer to hotel. Visit the Ponagar Temple , the lively Dam Market,  then enjoy a pleasantly healthy mud bath at the hot spring nearby. Back to the hotel for relaxation

Overnight in Nha Trang

Breakfast & Lunch inclusive

Day 9: Nha Trang .

You will have one day boat trip. Firstly we will visit Tri Nguyen Aquarium on Mieu Island . At this place, you will see the life of the many sea species of Nha Trang Ocean that being made in a smaller world of this aquarium. Then we will go to Coral  Island, the best site for snorkeling where you will see lots of live colorful corals and fish. This site has been officially protected under the support of Danish Government. Relax, sunbath and swimming at Con Se Tre Island, where a fresh sea food lunch waiting for you. Return to Nha Trang. Overnight in Nha Trang.

Breakfast & Lunch inclusive

Overnight in Nha Trang

Breakfast & Lunch inclusive

Day 10 : Nha Trang to Hochiminh City

Half day on the Beach before take a flight to Ho Chi Minh City , Upon arrival Pick up and transfer to hotel.

Afternoon city tour around Saigon is characterised by a vast variety of sights and sounds, from ancient pagodas, mosques and cathedrals to the former Presidential Palace and the War Museum , from historic Dong Khoi Street (the Rue Catinat from Graham Greene's novel The Quiet American) to the bustling markets of Ben Thanh and Cholon ( Chinatown ). Much of the city life takes place on the streets which are lined with stores, shops, stalls and vendors with their wares spread out on the footpath selling everything from soup to sophisticated electronics. The French influence is evident in the excellent baguettes and coffee.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh

Breakfast & Lunch inclusive

Day 11 : Mekong Delta Tour

Cai Be Floating Market: is a famous place in Mekong Delta, here the Tien River forms the border between Tien Giang, Vinh Long and Ben Tre Provinces . Every day, approximately 400 -500 boats filled with fruits, vegetables and other products anchor a long the banks of the river, waiting for traders and customers. The merchandise sold in each boat is hung on a high pole in front of the boat as a sample to attract customers from a distance.

Our car will pick up at your hotel in early morning. Upon arrival at Cai Be, embark a private boat to cruise around Cai Be Floating Market to see local people being selling, buying, exchanging goods from their boats. Visit local garden and house to see orchard, rice crisped producing process, etc.. After lunch cruising along river to see peaceful tranquil life of villagers, admire marvelous natural natural setting of Mekong Delta region. About 3 pm, the boat will arrival at Vinh Long Market, walking around to explore Vinh Long Market. On the way back to Ho Chi Minh with stop at bonsai garden. Arrival at your hotel in the late afternoon.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh

Breakfast & Lunch inclusive

Day 12 : Departure from Ho chi minh City

Spend last minutes shopping (embroideries, silk, lacquer ware, ...)or at leisure before check out. Your journey ends with your airport transfer. Breakfast inclusive.

Trip inclusive :

- All accommodation on double basis with daily breakfast

- All transfers/ transports

- English speaking guide

- Meals as indicated

- Boat cruising in Hue & Halong Bay

- Admission fees and permits where applicable

- Domestic flights

- Visa and visa arrangement

Trip exclusive:

- Pre/post trip arrangement

- Travel insurance

- Meals not indicated

- Other personal expenses

- Tips and gratuities

   Save Time and Money by pre-booking your shore excursions before departure .

                     0914047406 Mr Dung Pham ( English French Russian speaking)

                                         Email: globaltravelvietnam@yahoo.com