VIETNAM EMOTION

(12 days / 11 nights)

Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Halong – Hoian – Cooking Class My Son – Hue – Ho Chi Minh – Vinh Long – Can Tho

Day 1: ARRIVE IN HANOI

Arrive in Hanoi, transfer to the hotel. Hanoi, Vietnam's capital, a stylish and gracious city that retains an unique old world charm and some of Asia's most striking colonial architecture, many peaceful lakes, parks and oriental temples making for a relaxing atmosphere. Take a short sightseeing tour by cyclo through the bustling old quarter streets.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 2: HANOI (B)

Today we visit the Vietnam’s thousand-year-old capital city including Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum (close on Monday & Friday),  Presidential Palace, One Pillar pagoda, West Lake, Tran Vu Pagoda, Lake of the Restored Sword, Ngoc Son Temple and Temple of Literature.

Overnight in Hanoi.

DAY 3: HANOI – NINH BINH (B)

Drive to Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam late 10th century - early 11th century, which is called “the terrestrial Ha Long Bay” as its towering limestone cliffs and mountains spring up form the green, lush paddy field instead of blue water. Visit two temples dedicated to Dinh and Le Rulers, climb 200 steps to the top of Ma Yen mount for a fantastic view over the surrounding areas. Take a boat trip on a river through the quiet and peaceful landscape to Tam Coc caves. Then continue our route to visit the amazing Phat Diem stone cathedral built in 1875.

Overnight in Ninh Binh.

DAY 4: NINH BINH – HALONG (B,L,D)

Overland to Ha Long Bay, the most wonderful scenic sight of Vietnam, the World Natural Heritage Site with over 3000 limestone islands and islets rising fantastically from the clear and emerald water. Board a traditional-style wooden junk to travel around this magnificent landscape visiting its amazing grottoes and caves. Opportunity to dive off the boat and have a pleasant swimming in the deep blue water of East Sea.

Overnight on board.

Day 5: HA LONG – HANOI – DANANG – HOI AN (B, L)

Morning continue our cruise exploring the natural beauty of the World Heritage. Afternoon return to Hanoi, Transfer to Noi Bai airport for flight to Danang, then transfer to Hoi An.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 6: HOI AN - MY SON - HOI AN (B)

Transfer to My Son Holy land, once the spiritual capital of Champa Kingdom that dominated South East Asia for nearly a thousand years and occupied most of the central parts of Vietnam from 2nd century to 16th century with very rich in history and culture. Contemplate its remarkable red brick towers and sanctuaries dating from between the 7th and 13th centuries.

Afternoon drive back to Hoi An, visit the 200 year-old Tan Ky house, Phuc Kien Pagoda, the former merchants’ houses, the 400 year-old Japanese Covered Bridge and the colorful riverside market.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 7: HOI AN – COOKING CLASS - HUE (B,L)

Morning start our Cooking Vietnamese lesson first by visiting Hoi An’s colorful market, and experience the amazing sights, sounds and aromas of this busy market. We will have the opportunity to interact with the local sellers and purchase some of the ingredients to be used in the cooking lesson .The cooking lesson runs for about 2 hours – each dish is first demonstrated by chef, before we prepare the same dish ourselves. Included in the class is a brief introduction to Vietnamese food decorating art (plate decoration).

After the lesson, we sit down and enjoy food that we have cooked. In the afternoon we drive to Danang, where we visit the Museum of Cham, then continue to drive to Hue.

Overnight in Hue.

Day 8: HUE (B)

Enjoy a morning cruise on the romantic Perfume River to visit Hue’s oldest and most revered site Thien Mu Pagoda, then the Mausoleum of Emperor Minh Mang. In the afternoon, visit the Imperial Citadel, the Purple Forbidden City, the Mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc and the bustling Dong Ba market.

Overnight in Hue.

Day 9: HUE - HO CHI MINH CITY (B)

Morning flight to Ho Chi Minh city, the most exciting city of Vietnam, a Mecca of commerce, also a city with a chequered history and a rich culture, its pagodas, museums, public buildings, parks and boulevards make it one of the most delightful places to visit in Vietnam. Visit the Reunification Palace, the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Old Saigon Post Office and the War Museum, Ben Thanh Market.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city.

Day 10: HO CHI MINH CITY - VINH LONG – CAN THO (B)

Travel by road into the Mekong Delta (125 km), stopping in the town of Cai Be, well-known for its floating market. We start boating to Cai Be Floating Market for first – hand experience of various commercial activities such exchanging goods, fruit and many other commodities on their vessels.

Landing on the small villages to contemplate panoramic views and fresh fruits; we keep cruising to Vinh Long Province via small canals to enjoy the charm of the Upper Mekong Delta. We also pay a visit to some hand – made family business products such as the coconut candy mill and the crispy rice popcorn. We continue visiting Binh Hoa Phuoc village known as the green pearl of Vinh Long town where you can pamper yourself in incredible nature. Continue to Can Tho, the heart of the Mekong Delta region.

Overnight in Can Tho.

Day 11: CAN THO - HO CHI MINH CITY (B)

Morning visit the famous floating market Cai Rang, the biggest floating market of Mekong River whose trading way is unique; each boat usually sells one particular item, whether it be pumpkins, pineapples or sugar canes…Continue to visit a vermicelli making shop, a rice husking mill and fruit gardens.

Back to Ho Chi MInh City

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city.

Day 12: HO CHI MINH CITY - DEPARTURE (B)

Free at leisure until transfer to Tan Son Nhat airport for departure flight.

Inclusion:

•   All transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned vehicle with driver

•   10 nights hotel base on twin sharing room

•   1 night on board the junk in Ha Long

•    Cooking class in Hoi An

•    Meals as mention in program

•    English speaking tour guide

•    Entrance fees

•    Boat trips in Ha Long, Tam Coc, Hue, Vinh Long and Can Tho.

•    Traditional music show in Mekong Delta

•    Cyclo ride    

•   1 FOC for group of 15 paying pax up, base on twin sharing room, for landcost only.

Exclusion:

•    Visa to Vietnam

•    International and domestic flights

•    Drinks and other meals

•    Single room

•    Travel insurance

•    Tip

•    Personal expenses