Day 01: Home/ Ha Noi (HAN)

Take the flight to Ha Noi, Vietnam

Meal provided: No meal

Accommodation: On the flight

Day 02: Arrival-Hanoi

Meal provided: No meal

Welcome to Vietnam.

Upon arrival at Hanoi Airport, obtain your visa and clear Immigration and Customs.

After collecting your baggage, exit the airport to meet outside a local driver and guide.

Settle in and enjoy the rest of day at leisure.

Stay overnight in Hanoi.

Hotel: : Pullman hanoi/ Hanoi/Pan Pacific  or similar

Day 03: Hanoi full day city tour

Meal provided: breakfast, dinner

Start a new day by visiting Ho Chi Minh Complex, an important place of pilgrimage. A traffic-free area of botanical gardens, monuments, memorials and pagodas, it’s usually crowded with groups of all ages, from all over the nation, who has come to pay their respects. Within the complex you can visit Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum (Outside visiting as it’s closed for annual maintenance), Ba Dinh Square, the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House, Ho Chi Minh Museum

Closed by, the famous One Pillar Pagoda which is built of wood on a single stone pillar 1.25 m in diameter. It is designed to resemble a lotus blossom, which is a Buddhist symbol of purity, since a lotus blossoms in a muddy pond.

After that, continue to visit the Temple of Literature (Vietnamese name is Quoc Tu Giam) – The Vietnam’s first University, which was built in 1070 in honor of Confucius, his followers and Chu Van An, a moral figure in Vietnamese education.

In the afternoon, you are transferred to visit Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. Almost no foreign tourists to Hanoi refuse to visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, where they can look into a vivid picture of the miniaturized Vietnamese ethnic community’s life. Take a cyclo in Hanoi Old Quarter – 36 streets and guilds to discover the ancient feature of Hanoi and daily life. Stop to visit Ngoc Son Temple which is located at the northern end of Sword Lake (aka Hoan Kiem Lake). From the shore, walking on the Welcoming Morning Sunlight Bridge leads to the island.

* Please note: The city tour program is flexible. Your guide will be more than happy to adjust the tour itinerary to suit you. You can skip one site or add another if you so wish.

Stay overnight in Hanoi

Hotel: : Pullman hanoi/ Hanoi/Pan Pacific  or similar

Day 04: Hanoi – Halong – Night on cruise

Meal provided: breakfast, lunch and dinner on cruise.

In the morning, get transfer to Halong by private car (without guide).

*If the group size is from 2 pax, the guests will be transfer by sharing limousine bus  – VIP seat (without guide)

11:30-12:00 Upon arrival at Tuan Chau International Cruise Port, you will enjoy a warm welcome by our cruise staff in the waiting lounge and complete check-in procedure.

12:00 Upon boarding Amanda Cruise, our crew welcome you with a refreshing drink and cold towel before checking into your cabin. The vessel leaves Tuan Chau Marina, taking you on an exciting journey to discover the beauty of Ha Long Bay. Along the way, you can enjoy the view of some of the most beautiful spots in Ha Long and admire the grandeur of the Bay with thousands of limestone islands while the vessel heads to Trinh Nu Cave.

Enjoy your lunch at our luxurious restaurant on board while the vessel cruises toward Trinh Nu cave

14.00: You return to your cabin for a short rest and prepare for kayaking activities in Trinh Nu Cave area.

15.00: You will be transferred to Trinh Nu Cave by tender.

Arriving at Trinh Nu Cave area, you will take part in kayaking activities here. To get to Trinh Nu beach, you need to kayak around thousand-year-old limestone formations and then walk for 5 minutes through Trinh Nu cave. Trinh Nu beach will amaze you with its white sand, emerald water and mild pleasant weather condition.

17.30-18.00 Back on board, you will participate in Sunset party & cooking class while the vessel cruises toward the shore. You can enjoy relaxing moments while sipping a cup of traditional Vietnamese tea or coffee on the sundeck amid wonderful scenery and beautiful sunset. Ha Long Bay is calm during the day, but when the sun goes down, the Bay becomes even more tranquil and peaceful.

You will be instructed to make delicious traditional Vietnamese steamed rice rolls by our chef and then enjoy the rolls made on your own

17.30-18.30 Happy hour – BUY 2 DRINK GET 1 FOR FREE

19.30 Gala Dinner. Enjoy your dinner on the Sundeck (if the weather is favorable)

20.30 After dinner, you will enjoy a peaceful view of the Bay at night on the deck. You can also participate in evening activities such as massage (subject to additional charge), herbal wood foot bath in your room (free of charge 01 herbal bag for each cabin) or enjoying music and some drinks at Sky Bar while admiring breathtaking view of the Bay at night and squid fishing.

Overnight on Cruise.

*Subject can change prior notice.

Cruise in Halong: indochine cruise / La regina grand  or similar

Day 5: Halong – Hanoi/Haiphong – Hue – Afternoon Flight

Meal provided: Breakfast, Dinner.

06.15: Start your day with Tai Chi class on the sundeck.

06.30-07.00 Enjoy a light breakfast with coffee, tea, cake and fruit.

07.30 Exploring Sung Sot cave. This is one of the largest and most beautiful caves in Ha Long Bay. The cave has some unique rock formations which couldn’t be found anywhere else. The path to the mouth of Sung Sot Cave is under a canopy of leaves. Walking through steep stone steps, tourists may have the feeling of climbing on mountains and experience the excitement as if they are stepping to the sky.

08.30-09.30 Back on board, you can rest in your room, enjoy the herbal foot bath prepared by our crew, sunbathe on the sundeck, take pictures of Ha Long Bay or shop for souvenirs on the boat.

09.30 Check-out time.

Please put your luggage outside your cabin and leave the room key at the reception desk. Our staff will transfer your luggage to the waiting area. While waiting, you can shop for some products of Amanda cruise.

10.00 Enjoy early lunch buffet at the restaurant on the 2nd floor and settle the bills if any.

11.00 Arrival at Tuan Chau Marina. The trip ends.

*Subject can change prior notice.

After that, you will be transferred to Hanoi airport by private car (without guide).

*If the group size is from 2 pax, the guests will be transfer by sharing limousine bus – VIP seat (without guide).

When arrive in Hanoi airport take a flight to Hue. When arrive in Hue, met driver and guide to be transfer to hotel.

Overnight in Hue.

Hotel: Senna hue hotel or similar

Day 06: Hue – Hoi An – Da Nang

Meal provided: Breakfast, Dinner.

In the morning, visit the Royal Palace which has three perimeters of rampart, namely from outside to inside: Kinh Thanh (Capital Citadel), Hoang Thanh (Royal Citadel) and Tu Cam Thanh (Forbidden Citadel)

• Capital Citadel: This construction started in 1805 under the reign of Emperor Gia Long and completed in 1832 under the reign of Emperor Ming Mang. Under Nguyen’ reign, Kings have ordered to build ramparts, palaces and constructional works of royal. Over 200 years to now, it is still original with nearly 140 small and large constructions.
• Royal Citadel: The Imperial City is located in the center of the Citadel where established highest offices of Viet Nam’s feudalism and sanctums honoring the cult of decreased Emperors. The Citadel, also has a nearly square form, with more than 600m long for each side, built of brick 4m high, 1m thick, around which is ditched a system of protection trench. Access to the Imperial City can be made by four entrance gates. Noon Gate is only used for the King. Royal Palace consists of more 100 beautiful constructional works divided many sectors.
• King Tu Duc’stomb is located in a narrow valley in Duong Xuan Thuong village (currently Thuong Ba village, Thuy Xuan Commune, Hue City). It is one of the most beautiful works of royal architecture of the Nguyen dynasty. The tomb lies in a boundless pine forest, 8 km from Hue. Its construction started in December 1864 and finished in 1867. Inside the surrounding wall about 12 hectares wide, nearly 50 constructions were built on terraces of various levels (about 10m difference). All constructions include the word Khiem (Modesty) in their names. In general, Tu Duc’s tomb is not only one of the most beautiful works of the Nguyen dynasty, but it is also a romantic scenery of mounts and lakes.

In the afternoon, get transfer to Hoi An. Arrive in Hoi An, spending the afternoon for a walking tour around this enchanting port town of Hoi an, follow the narrow lanes lined with centuries-old houses influenced by Chinese, Japanese, French and European architectures and visit its numerous places of interest: the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, the Phuc Kien Assembly Halls, the Tan Ky old house, the local market …

• Japanese Covered Bridgedated back to the 18th century and is a beautiful historical piece of Japanese architecture. It is claimed that it was created by the Japanese then living in Hoi An as a way to reach the Chinese quarter across the water. The bridge was opened by Nguyen Phuc Chu Lord in 1719 who carved three Chinese symbols above the door in commemoration. The bridge also features the sculptures of two dogs and two monkeys representing the Chinese years in which many Japanese Emperors were born along with the fact that the building of the bridge began in the year of the dog and was completed in the year of the monkey.
• Phuc Kien AssemblyHalls was built around 1690 and functions as a traditional assembly hall for the Chinese ethnic group from Fujian, China to socialize, but later was transformed into a temple dedicated to their deity named Thien Hau – the goddess of sea who protects sailors from danger.

Fujian Assembly Hall bears all the fundamental features in structure of a Chinese Assembly Hall. Its ornate gate and colourful courtyard with fountains make the temple very photogenic. The main hall is the biggest room, where lies a shrine and many delicate-carved dragons. Behind the central altar are the God of Properity and the figures of the goddess of fertility, three fairies and twelve midwives (who are said to teach newborns such skills as sucking, smiling, etc.).

In addition to its architecture, nowadays its many events and activities to celebrate Chinese’s festivals make the Fukien Assembly Hall a wonderful destination for visitors from both inside and outside of Vietnam.

• Tan Ky old houseis an almost perfect example of a 18th merchant’s residence in this major commercial port town. The name Tan Ky, meaning “Progress Shop”, was given to the house by the second generation to express the owner’s wish for a prosperous business. There are many of the house’s details, which have remained unchanged to this day, including the storage area, the outside structure made of bricks and tiles, floor covered with Bat Trang bricks. The use of jack-fruit trees, ironwood and peck-wood for inside furniture with thick roofs and wooden walls has kept the house cool in summer and warm in winter.

Around the town you can see numerous art galleries and tailor shops. You are also free to get some made-to-order clothes if you like. Drive back to Da Nang.

Stay overnight in Da Nang.

Hotel: Rosamia / Blu radision Hotel &resort or similar

Day 07: Da Nang – Nha Trang – Morning Flight

Meal provided: Breakfast, Dinner.

In the morning, get transfer to Da Nang airport (without guide) to take a flight to Nha Trang.

When arrive in Nha Trang, meet driver and local guide, enjoy a visit to the Institute of Oceanography. Since the establishment, the Institute of Oceanography has implemented many worth studies that have contributed significantly to the exploitation and conservation of the East Sea.

Visit Po Nagar Temple is a Cham temple tower founded sometime before 781 and located in the medieval principality of Kauthara, near modern Nha Trang in Vietnam. It is dedicated to Yan Po Nagar, the goddess of the country, who came to be identified with the Hindu goddesses Bhagavati and Mahishasuramardini, and who in Vietnamese is called Thien Y Thanh Mau. Long Son Pagoda is a Buddhist temple in the city of Nha Trang, sits at the foot of Trai Thuy mountain. Long Son Pagoda was erected on another hill in 1886 under the abbotship of Thich Ngo Chi (1856–1935), who hailed from the district of Vinh Xuong in Khanh Hoa province. From the Long Son Pagoda, there is a large road leading up to Hai Duc Pagoda along the crest of the hill, where there is a large white concrete statue of Gautama Buddha. The statue was built on the site of the original temple and the statue was cast in 1964 before being installed the following year, under the auspices of the abbot Thich Duc Minh, who was the Head of the Buddhist Association of Khanh Hoa Province. From the ground up, the statue is 24 m, and from the base of the statue, it is 21 m. The figure of the Buddha is 14 m while the lotus blossom comprises 7 m. Around the statue, there are seven arhats. In front of the statue, there is a pair of dragons, which are 7.20 m long. The statue is visible from afar as one enters the city, from either the national highway or by train.

Stay overnight in Nha Trang.

Hotel: Havana Nha Trang Hotel or similar

Day 08: Nha Trang free day leisure (No tour)

Meal provided: Breakfast.

No guide. No transportation. Explore Nha Trang by yourself.

Overnight in Nha Trang.

Hotel: Havana Nha Trang Hotel or similar

Day 09: Nha Trang – Mui Ne.

Meal provided: Breakfast, Dinner.

Take a trip to Phan Thiet, the capital of Binh Thuan province, in Southeastern Vietnam. This area used to belong to the ancient kingdom of Champa and was later absorbed into the Dai Viet Empire (former name of Vietnam). On the way, we stop by to visit the Fairy Stream, a little river that winds its way through bamboo forests, boulders and the dunes behind the village, in parts resembling a miniature version of a grandcanyon. You can walk up via the sandy hills overlooking the oasis-like valley and return by wading in the waters.

Upon arrival Mui Ne, enjoy a visit to:

• The White Sand Dunes, or Bau Trang (White Lake) is the top attraction at Mui Ne, after the beach itself. The massive, saharan dunes lay 65 km NE of Phan Thiet. The dunes range from gold to pure white. Sand-sledding is a common and fun activity here, but it is hard to nail down where the best location to do so is as the sands shift from season to season so it’s best to look around. Dry sand is much more enjoyable to sled on. The white sand dunes has long been a creative subject of artistic photographs and paintings.
• The Red Dunes, as the name suggests, features reddish-brown sand that makes them a more popular place for photography. Smaller than White Dunes, they are easier to reach. It is also called “Flying Sand Dune” by its constant – changing shape in each day and each hour… This is considered a unique sand dune in Vietnam originating from hundreds of year ancient iron mine. Sand here has several dozens of colors that have encharmed sand-painting artists when they are searching for materials to create exquisitely colorful sandpaitings

Check in hotel. Stay overnight in Mui Ne

Hotel:Sealink mui ne resort or similar

Day 10: Mui Ne – Saigon

Meal provided: Breakfast, Dinner.

In the morning, get transfer to Saigon.

When arrive in Saigon, visit Reunification Palace formerly known as Independence Palace, built on the site of the former Norodom Palace, is a landmark in Hochiminh City. It was designed by architect Ngo Viet Thu and was the home and workplace of the President of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. It was the site of the end of the Vietnam War during the Fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975, when a North Vietnamese Army tank crashed through its gates.

Continue to visit City Hall, Ho Chi Minh Monument and Central Post Office which was constructed when Vietnam was part of French Indochina in the early 20th century. It has a neoclassical architectural style. It was designed and constructed by the famous architect Gustave Eiffel in harmony with the surrounding area. Today, the building is a tourist attraction. Right nearby, you can see Notre Dame Cathedral, a magnificent building located in the heart of the city and was established by French colonists. This cathedral was constructed between 1863 and 1880. It has two bell towers, reaching a height of 58 meters (190 feet).

Visit Thien Hau pagoda which is dedicated to Thien Hau, the Lady of the Sea. She is not specifically a deity of Taoism or of Buddhism, though she has been brought into connection with figures and themes from Taoism and Buddhism. This temple is located right on busy Nguyen Trai Street in the Cho Lon (China town). It can be accessed by entering through an iron gate and crossing a small courtyard. The roof is decorated with small delicately fashioned porcelain figurines expressing themes from Chinese religion and legends. Lanterns and wooden models of Chinese theaters hang over the entrance

Check in hotel. Stay overnight in Saigon.

Hotel:Rex Sai gon / Pullam Sai gon/Lotte Saigon or similar

Day 11: Saigon-My Tho-Saigon

Meal provided: Breakfast, Dinner

In the morning, we leave Saigon behind and head to Vietnam’s rice basket of Mekong Delta. We will pass through idyllic, rural scenes until we arrive at My Tho, a peaceful town on the bank of the Mekong River, where we will visit the Vinh Trang Pagoda. Next, we will have a boat ride on the Mekong, visit local homes and orchards, a coconut candy workshop, a honeybee farm, take a sampan ride on palm-shaded creeks, try a taste of seasonal fruit and honey tea and enjoy a performance of traditional Southern singing.

Back to Saigon.

Enjoy a shopping at Ben Thanh market, one of the earliest surviving structures in Saigon and one of symbols of Hochiminh City, popular with tourists seeking local handicrafts, textiles, ao dai, and souvenirs, as well as local cuisine. Stay overnight in Saigon.

Hotel:Rex Sai gon / Pullam Sai gon/Lotte Saigon or similar

Day 12: Saigon-Departure

Meal provided: Breakfast

Free time for shopping or optional visit before transfer to the airport for flight back home.

It’s time to say goodbye, we thank you for travelling with us and warmly welcome you to come again.

Services end.