The Best of Vietnam 12 Days

Fly to Hanoi via connecting cities. On arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, you will be greeted by your guide and transfer to your hotel. Hanoi is over 1000 years old and is currently the capital of Vietnam, as well the commercial, political, and cultural heart of the country.
Note: Your flights may depart the day before.

Visit the infamous Hoa Lo Prison – the ‘Hanoi Hilton’. Those incarcerated at Hoa Lo included Pete Peterson, who became the first US Ambassador to a unified Vietnam in 1995, and the late Senator John McCain, the Republican nominee for the US presidency in 2008. Next, visit the Temple of Literature, the first university in Vietnam, built for the sons of mandarins (high government officials). Then it’s on to West Lake and Tran Quoc Temple, the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi, which is located on a small island near the southeastern shore of the lake. After lunch, visit Ba Dinh Square, where Ho Chi Minh read Viet Nam’s Declaration of Independence on 2 September 1945. Visit Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum (reminiscent of Lenin’s Mausoleum in Moscow) from the outside, and Ho Chi Minh’s House, a modest residence from which he led the country until his death in 1969. Then, explore the ancient ’36 Meandering Streets’ of Hanoi’s Old Quarter. You may watch the stunning Water Puppet Show and relax yourself with some local street food and fresh homemade beer (at your own expense) before returning to hotel.

Optional Program: Water Puppet Show and Hanoi Street Food Tour

NOTE: Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is only viewable from outside if your visit is on a Monday or Friday, and from 5 Sep. to 5 Nov. due to annual maintenance. Rules regarding dress and behaviour are strictly enforced by staff and guards. Legs must be covered (no shorts or miniskirts).

Travel by coach to Halong Bay and take a boat trip to explore one of the world’s great natural wonders, cruising the thousands of limestone islands filled with caves of all shapes and sizes. The sails of junks and sampans gliding along the clear and emerald waters of the bay form a magnificent picturesque scene that blends with the sky. You also get a chance to visit some of the hidden grottoes beneath the towering cliffs. A seafood lunch and dinner will be served on board the charming junk. Stay overnight on board.

Enjoy the aquamarine waters of the bay at its best as the junk continues to cruise quietly through spectacular limestone formations. Disembark from the junk at noon and transfer to Hanoi airport for a short flight to Da Nang. On arrival, you will be picked up and transferred to Hoi An, an ancient town recognised as a World Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO. Check into your hotel in Hoi An.

Note: In the event that insufficient seats are available for the Hanoi to Da Nang flight, you may instead fly from Hai Phong to Da Nang.

You will be escorted by our local guide to discover Hoi An by walking tour through the narrow streets of this charming town. Perhaps more than any other place in Vietnam, Hoi An retains the feel of centuries past. Once known as Faifo, Hoi An was an influential port along the Silk Road. For over 500 years merchants from China, Japan, France, and Portugal settled in the prosperous town resulting in a distinctive blend of culture, cuisine, religions and architecture. In 1999, the town was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The rest of the day is at your own leisure. You may join the below optional activities (at your own expense).

Optional Program:
 – Evening Cultural Stage Show – Lune Production (with pre-show cocktail & Vietnamese tasting platter) Note: If Lune Production is not available, you will instead watch the Hoi An Memories Show.
OR
 – Evening Cultural Stage Show – Hoi An Memories Show (with pre-show cocktail & Vietnamese tasting platter)

This morning, you will visit the Réhahn Museum, to view the ‘Precious Heritage Collection’, by French Photographer Réhahn. This work focuses on the endangered cultural heritage of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic minority groups, attempting to document their rapidly-changing ways of life. Afterwards, you have free time at leisure, or you may enjoy the following optional activities (at your own expense):

Optional Program:
– Photography Foodie Tour – Hoi An At Dawn
– Fishing Village & Waterways Eco-Tour
OR
– Ba Na Hills & Golden Bridge Tour

Depart Hoi An to Hue City (the driving takes about 3 hours excluding stops). Along the way, you will have the opportunity to stop en route to take pictures at Lang Co Beach. Hue City, during the Nguyen Dynasty (1802 – 1945), was the political, economic and cultural capital of Vietnam and its historical monuments were recognised as a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO since 1993. On arrival, you will take a boat trip to Thien Mu Pagoda – a historic pagoda on the banks of the Perfume River in Hue, Vietnam. Apart from their scenic riverside and hilltop location, the Thien Mu Pagoda and its environs are also rich in history, standing witness to almost four hundred years of tumultuous nation-building in Vietnam. Then travel to the centre of Hue city to visit the massive Kinh Thanh Citadel, comprised of the Imperial City, several museums, lakes, and lovely gardens, all laid out in a series of concentric circles.

Optional Program: Full Royal Dinner in Hue

Enjoy the morning at your own leisure (time permitting) before transferring to the airport for your direct flight to Ho Chi Minh City. On arrival, transfer to visit the imposing Dong Khoi Street (formerly Catinat street) before going to the Notre Dame Cathedral. This is the most famous landmark in Vietnam, as the twin bell towers can be seen from a great distance. In the same square is the famous Saigon Post Office, the largest functioning post office in Vietnam. Continue on to visit Reunification Palace, the palace of the presidents of South Vietnam before 1975, and the War Remains Museum, where you can learn about the Vietnam War. At the end of the day, visit Ben Thanh Market before returning to your hotel.

Depart with our guide and driver for a scenic drive through the Mekong Delta, home to the richest agricultural lands in Vietnam. On arrival at My Tho City, take a boat trip on the Mekong River to fishing villages and Dragon, Unicorn, Turtle and Phoenix Islands. Crossing the Mekong River, you’ll cruise along a small canal to see the daily life of locals in Bến Tre Province, visiting Quới An bee farm and handicraft workshop to enjoy some honey-tea and see how people make things from coconut wood. Take a horse-cart along country roads to visit fruit orchards, enjoy tropical fruit and listen to traditional music. Then, take small sampans back to your cruise to ‘Coconut Village’ for a coconut candy workshop and tasting. Visit Phoenix Island for a rice-paper workshop, then return by boat to My Tho and then by road back to Ho Chi Minh City. Enjoy the rest of the day free at leisure.

After breakfast, we visit the amazing Cu Chi Tunnels, a well-known historical vestige of the Vietnamese revolution. This cobweb-like tunnel complex is a network of underground dug-outs over 200 km long, consisting of many layers and turnings with meeting, living, and fighting quarters where we learn firsthand how the Viet Cong survived their extraordinary underground existence during the Vietnam War. Visit a lacquerware factory on the way back to the city, and then enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure in Ho Chi Minh City.

Optional Program: Lunch at Hoi An Sense Restaurant

Optional Program: Dinner Cruise on Saigon River

Enjoy the day at your own leisure (time permitting) before transferring to the airport for your return flight home.

Fly to Hanoi via connecting cities. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your tour guide and transferred to the hotel.
Note: Your flight may depart the day before.

Transfer by bus to Sapa. Upon arrival, you’ll check in to your hotel. In the afternoon, visit Cat Cat village (medium to advanced trekking required), where you may wish to try the local apple wine or purchase a hand-woven blanket, and Sapa town.

Drive southwards and up Den Thang Mountain. Explore Hang Da, a Black Hmong village by foot, which displays the age-old lifestyle of the Hmong. Then follow the village path downhill through the stunning valley of Sa Seng. Along the way, you will pass several hamlets which are organised in the typical Hmong style. The walk ends after visiting Sa Pa, another hamlet of the Hmong which is located near the former Sapa traditional market.

This morning is free at leisure. Relax at the hotel or go shopping in Sapa town before transfer back to Hanoi to begin the core tour.

On arrival at Phnom Penh International Airport, you will be greeted by your guide and transfer to your hotel. Check in to hotel and enjoy the rest of day at leisure.
Note: Your flights may depart the day before.

Breakfast at hotel, today visit to the private quarters of the Royal Palace. At the northern area of the palace grounds is Silver Pagoda, the most sacred temple in the country. Later, walk up to visit the legendary Wat Phnom and enjoy a fantastic view over the surrounding areas. Afternoon visit Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum.

Enjoy the morning free at leisure (time permitting) before you transfer to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap. On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. At night, you can watch the astonishing Phare Circus Show (at your own expense).

Optional Program: Phare Circus Show in Siem Reap

Early morning Visit Ta Prohm Temple, one of the most popular attractions of Angkor as much of the jungle has not been discovered. After breakfast, visit the largest, best preserved, and most religiously significant of the Angkor temples. Angkor Thom covers an area of 10 square km. Enclosed by a wall and wide moats, the city includes many of Angkor’s most popular sights. Enter by the monumental South Gate over a causeway lined on either side by statues of demons and gods, each carrying a giant naga (a mythical serpent symbolising the transition from the mundane to the sacred world). Continue to the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King, former spaces for public ceremonies that are both adorned with dramatic bas-relief carvings. Visit the ruined Baphuon, Royal Enclosure and Phimeanakas, before continuing to the mysterious Bayon Temple. In this temple, one of the most popular and compelling in Angkor, explore the galleries of beautifully preserved bas-reliefs and ascend narrow stairs to reach the central sanctuary, where giant stone Buddha faces smile enigmatically down from every angle. Continue your visit to Angkor Wat, the Crown Jewel of Khmer architecture. Angkor Wat is the national symbol and the highlight of any visit to Cambodia.

Enjoy the morning free at leisure or join the half day Tonle Sap Lake and Floating Village Tour (at your own expense) before you transfer to the airport for your flight to Luang Prabang. On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel.

Optional Program: Tonle Sap Lake and Floating Village Tour

Early morning you can go to see the daily alms-giving ritual, which is a must-see activity for any visitor to Luang Prabang, and ‘Monks’ life encounter’ offers you the opportunity to participate in this practice in an authentic manner at a local temple. After Breakfast, visit the Luang Prabang town and Vat Aham Temple, which was built in 16th-18th century. Buddhism is the basis of Laos’s culture and temples play an important role in Laotian daily life. Later, you will learn how typical Laos dishes like Laap Laos, Olam soup and papaya salad are prepared, offer food to a local temple and receive a blessing where the monks chant for you as a part of this traditional ritual. Later, join an open talk on Buddhism with monks and enjoy lunch. Later in the afternoon, visit the top of Phou Sy Hill to capture a sunset with a panoramic view of the city. Coming down from other side of the hill, you will go pass part of Wat Phra Buddabhat (Buddha’s Footprint Temple) and its quirky statues. In the evening, feel free to explore the local night market (by your own).
Note: There are 350 steps walk to the top of Phou Sy Hill, if you are not comfortable with the walk, you can ask the tour guide to transfer you back to hotel or into town for free time.

After breakfast head down south of town to Khuang Si Waterfalls. On the way you will visit the Butterfly Park. Then visit the Bears Sanctuary. The sanctuary was opened in 2003 and houses Asiatic Black Bears which were cubs when rescued by the Forestry Department as they were being taken to the black markets for sale. All are now growing rapidly and are in good health. Later you will arrive the beautiful Khuang Si Waterfalls, where water tumbles over multi-tiered limestone formations into cool and crystal-clear pools. These waterfalls are paradise setting surrounded by lush forest. Spend your time splashing around in the pools or walking along the forest paths in the upper part of the falls. In the afternoon, you will visit the Ock Pop Tock weaving centre. It is an organization offering the weavers in the area the chance to earn a decent income through their weaving skills. Transfer back to Luang Prang.

Free at leisure until transfer to airport for your flight. On arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, you will be greeted by your guide and transfer to your hotel. Hanoi is over 1,000 years old and is currently the capital of Vietnam, as well the commercial, political, and cultural heart of the country.

Fly to Siem Reap. Your expert guide will meet you and transfer you privately to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day free at leisure. This is your opportunity to experience (optional at your own expense) the world-renowned Phare Circus, where young local dancers and acrobats enact Khmer folk tales and modern stories. Developed by the charity Phare Ponleu Selpak, this performance expresses the history, challenges, and resilience of the people of Cambodia.

Today you will visit the largest, best preserved, and most religiously significant of the Angkor temples. Angkor Thom covers an area of 10 square km. Enclosed by a wall and wide moats, the city includes many of Angkor’s most popular sights. Enter by the monumental South Gate over a causeway lined on either side by statues of demons and gods, each carrying a giant naga (a mythical serpent symbolising the transition from the mundane to the sacred world). Continue to the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King, former spaces for public ceremonies that are both adorned with dramatic bas-relief carvings. Visit the ruined Baphuon, Royal Enclosure and Phimeanakas, before continuing to the mysterious Bayon Temple. In this temple, one of the most popular and compelling in Angkor, explore the galleries of beautifully preserved bas-reliefs and ascend narrow stairs to reach the central sanctuary, where giant stone Buddha faces smile enigmatically down from every angle.
Visit Ta Prohm temple, one of the most popular attractions of Angkor as much of the jungle has not been cleared and it looks very much as most of the Angkor monuments would have appeared when European explorers first stumbled across them. Continue your visit to Angkor Wat, the Crown Jewel of Khmer architecture. Angkor Wat is the national symbol and the highlight of any visit to Cambodia.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kompong Kleang floating village. This is a settlement of over 20,000 people where houses tower up to ten meters above the water. Greeted by waves of the friendly locals, here you can glimpse Cambodia’s rural culture and traditional family lifestyle through a nice boat trip. Enjoy a picnic lunch with the locals in Kompong Kleang, then transfer back to Siem Reap and enjoy free time at leisure or for shopping.

Transfer to the airport for your flight home via connecting cities.

Arrive back in Australia.

Take a short flight to Phu Quoc Island. Located in the Gulf of Thailand just off the coast of Cambodia & Vietnam, the heart-shaped island of Phu Quoc is rapidly becoming one of Vietnam’s premier tour destinations as visitors discover the charms of its white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. On arrival, you’ll be picked up and transferred to your hotel by the driver to check in. The rest of the day is free at leisure. In the evening you may wish to join our optional sunset cruise and barbeque.

Optional Activity: Sunset Barbecue & Squid Fishing Cruise. Watch a beautiful sunset over Phu Quoc as you sail out on a fishing boat. A barbecue dinner is provided – if you can hook a squid, you get to eat it!

Today you’re free to explore the island’s rugged jungle, striking white sand, and sparkling cobalt waters. Phu Quoc also offers varied options for you to explore, or take our wide-ranging and fascinating full day island tour.

Optional Activity: Full Day Tour, East and South Phu Quoc Island. Head south to visit a pearl farm, An Thoi Port, a dried sea food market, and Phu Quoc Prison Museum. Built in 1967-68 by the U. S. Army to detain captured Viet Cong and North Vietnamese soldiers, many of the high ranking leaders of Vietnam were detained in Phu Quoc Prison. At Sao Beach – one of the most beautiful beaches of the Island, we enjoy a simple lunch (included in package). Continue on visit Cau Temple, a traditional fish sauce factory, a pepper garden, Su Muon Pagoda & Ham Ninh fishing village.

Enjoy the whole day at leisure for relaxing at your hotel/resort or on the beach, or join our optional excursion to Vinpearl Land Amusement Park and Vinpearl Safari Park.

Optional Activity: Discover Vinpearl Land Amusement Park & Safari Park. This world-class recreational paradise is located by one of the most beautiful sea gulfs in the world. Exciting activities & games such as the Compact Coaster, Swing Carousel, Evolution, Merry-go-round, 4D Movies, Bumpers Cars, Crazy Bull riding, 3D & Video games are available, and much more. Vinpearl Land will definitely not disappoint! Vietnam’s largest wildlife conservation park is nestled in Bai Dai, on the Northwest coast of Phu Quoc Island. Vinpearl Safari Park conserves abundant indigenous and exotic flora and fauna. This is a unique opportunity to see wildlife that can’t be seen anywhere else!

Optional Meals Package: Taste world-renowned Vietnamese classics at Vinpearl Land. Your lunch and dinner are freshly prepared by incredibly talented, specialist chefs with 5-star experience. Savour an appetising array of local, regional and international cuisine with a delicious serving of classic and contemporary dishes from Vietnam, as well as Japan, Thailand, China and South Korea and from as far as Russia, the US, France and Italy.

Enjoy the morning at leisure before checking out and transferring to the airport for your onward flight to Saigon then connecting with your flight home.

Arrive back in Australia.