The best of Vietnam itinerary is an extraordinary way to experience the highlights of Vietnam when you may have a restricted amount of time to see the country. Northern Vietnam and Hanoi sees fewer visitors than Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and the coastal cities in the south, but it's full of culture. Historically, and to this day, it has been significantly poorer than the southern part of the country. Cultural and political differences remain strong - the language is pronounced differently in some ways, and there's definitely a more authoritarian feel in the cities. The largest city in northern Vietnam is the capital of Hanoi. But there are numerous other locations such as: National Parks and the scenic privince of Ninh Binh, with rock formations - sometimes known as 'Halong Bay on land', the stunning Mai Chau Valley, the mountain resort of Sapa and the historical battlefield of Dien Bien Phu.
The old capital of the former South Vietnam, now renamed Ho Chi Minh City (the former Saigon), exhibits an obvious energy - with numerous motorcycles, bustling markets and an overall air of sophistication in this busy city. In Vietnam’s southern highlands the scenery is spectacular and the climate soothing. No wonder the colonial powers sought out Dalat as their Summer retreat. This is also the gateway to the Mekong Delta. where lifestyles and traditions have changed little over the years. A wonderful part of this amazing country.
The central region is one of the most diverse and least visited regions of Vietnam, stretching from Vinh down to the Central Highlands. There are outstanding beaches along the coast, notably around Da Nang and Hoi An. This region also boasts four of Vietnam’s eight UNESCO World Heritage sites: Phnog Na/Bang Ke Bang National Park, Hue Monuments, Hoi An Ancient Town and My Son Sanctuary. With stunning landscapes and ocean views, coupled with the serenity of local villages, this is among our favourite areas of Vietnam.
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‘At-a-Glance’ Illustrative Itinerary
DAY 2 - Discover Hanoi City
This day will take in the highlight sites and sights of Hanoi. Highlights will include : Streets of the Old Quarter, explored by the time honoured local transport - the Cyclo, the perfect way to get around and get a feel of this vibrant city! Following this, rejoin your car and to continue your discovery of the capital's gems : Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex, One-pillar Pagoda, Temple of Literature and museums of interest.
In the evening enjoy dining the Hanoi Way! An evening walk and streetfood tour will introduce you to some of Hanoi's finest local cuisine - Beef
spring rolls – Pho cuon or Hotpot – Lau. The area around Yen Phu street is a popular street for dinner and late night eating out. You will have the opportunity to see many other kinds of street foods that are only served after dark. A delightful and very different Hanoi dinner!
DAY 3 - Mai Chau Hideaway
Leave Hanoi around 7.45am (tbc) for the 3.5 hours drive south-west to National Road 6 to your resort. There will be stops along the way
After arrival at your resort, lunch is served in the restaurant and you'll have superb panoramic views of the Da River.
The afternoon activity is a cycle ride to Go Lao Waterfalls and you've have the opportunity to visit a local village on the way. This is an approximate 3 hours trip between 2.00pm and 5.00pm.
The remainder of the day is free and easy for you - dinner is included this evening.
DAY 6 - Halong Bay
Your private vehicle and driver will meet you at your hotel and drive you to your Halong Bay Cruise, a pleasant journey through the Red River Delta that takes around 3.5 hours, with a refreshment stop along the way.
Once at the dock side you will transfer by tender to Paloma Cruise and settle into your cabins for a two day tour around the magnificent bay.
DAY 8- Hoi An
The morning is free and easy at your own leisure and we can make the car available for use in and around Hoi An.
The afternoon would be a walking tour of the exotic Hoi An. Hoi An was a prosperous trading port between the 17th and 19th century, with a number of foreign occupations, including the Japanese and Chinese.Today, this UNESCO World Heritage listed ancient town is home to well-preserved buildings, pedestrianized streets, a quaint riverside and unique cuisines. The narrow lanes are ideal for a walking tour to give you a glimpse of this beautiful ancient town with its illustrious past.
DAY 10- Ho Chi Minh City
This morning you will transfer to Danang Airport for your flight to Saigon. You'll be meet on arrival and head direct to the Cu Chi Tunnels, an elaborate underground community made up of about 250 km of tunnels and chambers below the city.The tunnels were dug with simple tools and bare hands during the French occupation in the 1940s, and further expanded during the Vietnam War in the 1960s to provide refuge and a defensive advantage over the American soldiers. Despite all the bombings in their town, the Cu Chi people were able to continue day-to-day living beneath the soil, where they slept, ate, planned attacks, healed their sick, and taught their young. Some even wed and gave birth underground, but over 10,000 lost their lives here.
Return to Ho Chi Minh City by late afternoon.
In the evening experience Saigon the local way! As part of a small group you will ride on the back of typical Saigon transportation – the xe-om
(motorbike)... with an experienced driver to visit local Vietnamese Street food vendors on the pavement or in small local Vietnamese style restaurants . You will be with an English-speaking Vietnamese guide from a local university who will be your guide and also help explain all of the Vietnamese food as you spend your evening in a unique and highly enjoyable way!
DAY 11 - Mekong Delta - small group tour
Departing by speedboat from HCMC’s central pier, you will explore areas of the Mekong Delta that few other tourists get to experience. Quaint hamlets and busy towns are dependent on the innumerable canals, tributaries and markets in the region that overflow with fish and a variety of produce yielded by the delta’s rich alluvial soil, including rice, sesame, peanuts, cashews, pineapples, dragon fruit and durian.
Key cultural stops include a Cao Dai Temple, a riverside market, local workshops and a pagoda and other historical sites along the way. Enjoy countless opportunities to capture amazing photos of the scenery and local people as we cruise past buffaloes ploughing fruit orchards and rice fields. Spend time at a family homestead, where you’ll be invited to enjoy refreshing, freshly cut coconuts and fiery Mekong whisky.
Your chef will prepare many Vietnamese dishes for lunch, such as fried elephant ear fish – a Mekong Delta specialty – Vietnamese spring rolls and lemongrass chicken.
