13 Days Vietnam Highlights Tour plus Cat Tien Wild Life

ITINERARY

Day 1: Saigon | Arrive in Saigon

International Flight: Excluded

Welcome to Vietnam! Upon arrival in Saigon, our guide will greet you at the airport welcome area and transfer you to the hotel for check-in.

Saigon(officially Ho Chi Minh City) is a bustling metropolis of the South and the economic muscle of Vietnam. During the Vietnam War, it was the main base center of the US military with the largest airport in the region. Prior to that, it was under French colonial rule and was an Asian hub of sea trade. The city is based in the Mekong River Delta region – the rice basket of Southeast Asia and where many exotic fruits are cultivated. Full of history and culture, Saigon will certainly be an interesting visit.

Accommodation: Renaissance Riverside Hotel Saigon

Day 2: Saigon | Impressions of Saigon

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
See the highlights of Ho Chi Minh City today while enjoying the culture, history and the iconic landmarks.

After you’ve finished breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to see some of the most important places in Ho Chi Minh. You’ll start by visiting the War Remnants Museum. This museum provides an interesting perspective of the Vietnam War. The museum shows the realities of the war from the Vietnamese point of view.

The next stop is the Reunification Palace. This residence was the home of the president of South Vietnam during the war. The war ended when a tank from the North came through the gate.

Then you’ll visit the Notre Dame Cathedral constructed by French colonists during their settlement. Crossing the road is the Old Saigon Post Office, a neoclassical architectural building which is considered one of the main tourist attractions in the city.

Saigon City at Night

As dusk is setting, take a cyclo tour around 45 minutes to the Dang Pier on Saigon River, where you’ll enter a replica of the emperors Saigon Boat Cruise for a magnificent and memorable dining and entertainment spectacle along the Saigon river. The dinner cruise features soft traditional ethnic music while you enjoy the passing lights of the city. The captain will welcome you onboard and introduce you to the specialties which have made this boat a culinary experience in Ho Chi Minh City. While on board, relax on the upper deck and enjoy a panoramic view of Saigon lighting up the evening sky.

Accommodation: Renaissance Riverside Hotel Saigon

Day 3: Saigon – Cat Tien | Cat Tien Wild Life Day 1

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Drive to Nam Cat Tien National Park, 4 hours from Ho Chi Minh City. On the way, you’ll pass through large areas of rubber plantations. The park features an incredible diversity of birds and mammals in the forest and wetland habitats of Nam Cat Tien, including an estimated 230 species of birds. Upon arrival, you’ll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, we’ll trek 8 km along the naturesque route. You may see some of the following species: Lagerstroemia Ovalfolia (BangLang), Tetrameles nudiflora (Tung), Cycas rumphii (Thien Tue), Ancistrolandus Tectorius (Trung quan), Afzelia cyclocarpa (Go). After the trek, we’ll return to the hotel to relax. In the evening, around 8.00 PM our Jeep will transfer us to the Ta Lai buffer zone for nocturnal animal spotting.

Accommodation: Cat Tien Jungle Lodge

Day 4: Saigon | Cat Tien Wild Life Day 2 | Return to Saigon

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast, we’ll continue deeper in the Park jeep, and begin a 5km trekking to the Crocodile lake station. We’ll take a short break at the lake watching tower and continue trekking on the main road again. Finish the day with a ferry boat across the river before returning back to Hochiminh.

Accommodation: Renaissance Riverside Hotel Saigon

Day 5: Saigon | Mekong Delta Discovery: My Tho

Meals: Breakfast
Discover the Mekong River, essential to Vietnamese life.

Mekong Delta

You’ll transfer to the remote My Tho.

This burgeoning capital rests in the Mekong Delta and is surrounded by beautiful countryside known as the “rice basket of Vietnam”. First, you’ll visit Vinh Trang Pagoda which is decorated with mosaics made from broken pottery. Overlooked by a tall white Buddha, it is set amongst lovely gardens packed with flowers, shrubs, lotus pools, and tombs and ornate gates which provide entry.

Next, you’ll take a boat ride along the river to view the stilt houses, fruit plantations, and fishing villages.

After lunch, you’ll visit An Khanh, a small village that specializes in fruit orchards and coconut sweets. If time permits, you can take a short cycling trip through the island.

Then enjoy seasonal fruit, honey tea, and delicious coconut candies all to the sound of “Southern Vietnamese folk music”, performed by locals. After the tour is finished, you’ll return to Saigon. The evening is at your leisure.

Accommodation: Renaissance Riverside Hotel Saigon

Day 6: Saigon – Hoi An | Flight to Hoi An | Leisure

Internal Flight: Included
Meals: Breakfast
Board a morning flight to Danang. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel near Hoi An ancient port town for check-in.

At the end of a long lane of sandy beaches, palms and the blue sea turns the Thu Bon River. Take a step back in time 300 years to cobblestone alleys and aged wooden and stone homes. Time stands still in this quiet part of the world where ornate doorways and bridges could keep the curious passerby entranced in amusement. The setting – a Far Eastern port that was forgotten in time. Japanese, French, Chinese and Vietnamese designs and styles melt together along every street.
Accommodation: Hotel Royal Hoi An – MGallery Collection

Day 7: Hoi An | 4th Century Cham Ruins and Hoi An Ancient Port Town

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
In the morning, you’ll transfer to My Son Holy Land. Tucked in the mountains up winding roads with serene views, lay the 4th century My Son Holy Land Ruins. The surrounding mountains are strictly forbidden from living or development. The ruins lay in a beautiful surrounding mountainous landscape. You’ll enter the temples while your tour guide gives you the history and stories of the Cham and the site. Afterward, you’ll watch an Apsara show nearby the site, passed through the Cham tradition. The show features live music and colorful costumes.

In the afternoon, you’ll continue to visit Hoi An Ancient Town. This town features the 16th-century Hoi An port town in it’s preserved state. You’ll start the day visiting the Museum of Trade Ceramics. This museum houses art and pottery dating from the 1,500s to the 1,700s.

Hoi An Ancient Port Town – 13 Days Vietnam Highlights Tour plus Cat Tien Wild Life

Then you’ll briefly visit the Chua Ong Pagoda, a temple from the 17th century which features China’s influence in the region. You’ll continue through the Ancient Town as the streets take on a magic of their own with old lanterns, French-style houses, intricately carved wooden doors and more. You’ll take a stroll through the Old Tam Ky House to see it’s imperial styles meshed with French overtures. Continue on to stroll along the river and see traditional boats and locals on bicycles passing by. You’ll then approach the Japanese Covered Bridge. This bridge has connected the Chinese and Japanese sides of town over the waterway for centuries. The old wooden structure has shown amazing resilience for more than 400 years.

At dusk, enjoy walking along the riverside as colorful lanterns light up the town.

Accommodation: Hotel Royal Hoi An – MGallery Collection

Day 8: Hoi An – Hanoi | Cham Island Getaway

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Discover the amazing Cham Island.

In the morning, you will be transferred to the pier where you will continue by boat to the island. Then you will start with a visit to the Cham Island Museum where you’ll see relics from the ancient Cham civilization which were found on the island and learn some quick facts about Cham history. Next, visit Au Thuyen which shelters smaller boats during big storms. Next, you’ll walk along rice fields to the temple of Hai Tang for a brief visit. Then you’ll return back to the boat for snorkeling for half an hour at Xep beach. Here you can see the forests of tropical coral under the sea. After, you’ll go to Chong beach for lunch and relaxation.

You’ll return be returned to the hotel when you’re ready.

Accommodation: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

Day 9: Danang – Hanoi | Flight to Hanoi | Leisure

Internal Flight: Included
Meals: Breakfast
In the morning, board a flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel for check-in.

After check-in, enjoy a stroll on your own around Hoan Kiem Lake outside your hotel. Feel free to also pick up a souvenir at the night markets or at one of the many trinket shops in the alleys and small roads of this historic part of town.

Accommodation: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

Day 10: Hanoi – Halong Bay | Voyage to Emerald Halong Bay

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
In the morning, our guide and chauffeur will transfer you to Haiphong where you’ll enjoy some time at Orchid’s Private Lounge for refreshments until boarding. Then board Orchid Cruise.

Halong Bay Sunrise – 13 Days Vietnam Highlights Tour plus Cat Tien Wild Life

Receive a safety briefing and check in your cabins. The boat sets adrift for Da Chong islet, home to an old French lighthouse. Enjoy a sumptuous feast in the panoramic dining hall while en route to the isles of Con Vit and Gia Luan. The bay opens up to you with stunning green karsts towering above the water. This area receives very few cruise ships as it has just been newly opened up. Continue to Ba Trai Dao beach of Lan Ha Bay. A paradise with perfect beaches and natural beauty. Stop at one of the beaches for swimming or kayaking during the afternoon.

As dusk approaches, welcome the sunset with a local specialty – “Ba Kich”(a liquor made from Noni fruit). Back on board, you’ll join a cooking demonstration to learn a few Vietnamese culinary secrets. Enjoy your creation! Then time for supper in the dining hall. Delicious Vietnamese cuisine and seafood in a romantic setting. After dinner, you may enjoy watching the stars from the sundeck, watching a movie in the restaurant, or give night squid fishing a try with the staff(subject to seasonal availability).

Accommodation: Orchid Cruise

Day 11: Hanoi – Ninh Binh | Sunrise Halong | Bai Ding Temple Sunset

Meals: Breakfast
Rise early for one of the top best sunrises in the world. Then head to the sundeck for an invigorating Tai Chi session amongst a picture-perfect backdrop of karsts, sea, and nature. Enjoy a breakfast in the dining hall before taking a journey to explore the area around Sang Tai sea cave via canoes.

Then disembark for a road transfer to Ninh Binh.

Check in at the Emeralda Resort with stunning views all around.

Time to stretch your legs! Go with our guide to visit Bai Dinh Temple, the largest temple in Vietnam. This Buddhist temple was built into the mountain with 3 terraces and faces the river. Explore the many halls, rooms, carvings, and statues during the late afternoon. Our guide will then take you to the best place for watching the sunset over this untouched part of Vietnam. Shortly afterward, you’ll witness the 13-tier pagoda – Chau Bai Dinh – be lit up for the evening: a true spectacle to behold! Return to the resort for overnight and leisure.

Accommodation: Emeralda Resort Ninh Binh

Day 12: Hanoi | Wonders of Ninh Binh | Return to Hanoi

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, enjoy some time at the resort to relax and take in the stunning views. Check out late morning and then you’ll go to visit Hoa Lu, the ancient capital. In 968, Dinh Bo Linh declared himself as the King. Since then Hoa Lu existed as the capital for only 41 years. In 1010, King Ly Thai To moved the capital from Hoa Lu to Thang Long – present-day Hanoi. Hoa Lu became the old citadel. In Hoa Lu there are now two temples dedicated to two Vietnamese kings, which have been built on the grounds of the old royal palace. The visit offers a chance to learn more about the feudal dynasties and historical periods in Vietnamese history.

Trang An Grottoes – 13 Days Vietnam Highlights Tour plus Cat Tien Wild Life

Next, you’ll take an amazing boat trip through Trang An Grottoes. A gathering of 31 valleys and 50 cross-water caves are home to 600 kinds of flora and over 200 kinds of fauna many of which are listed in the Red Book of Vietnam. Rowing through the Trang An Grottoes is a peaceful trip of serenity. The highland air is a respite from modern living and the sounds are only that of birds and the oars stirring the clear water. Towering overhead is magnificent forested mountains upon which you might catch a glimpse of grazing white-bearded goats. Then return back to Hanoi for overnight.

Enjoy traditional Vietnamese cuisine at Home Restaurant – a historic French colonial residence restored in between the Old Quarter and the serene West Lake. Enjoy fine Vietnamese cuisine as you reminisce about your journey through Vietnam. Once you finish your dinner, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel.

Accommodation: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

Day 13: Hanoi | Farewell!

Meals: Breakfast
Today our guide will transfer you to the airport before your homeward flight and will bid you a fond farewell. Thank you for traveling with us!

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