14 Days Vietnam Trip through Natural Wonders and War Sites

ITINERARY

Day 1: Hanoi | Arrive Hanoi

International Flight: Excluded
Welcome to Vietnam! Upon arrival in Hanoi, our guide will greet you at the airport welcome area and transfer you to your hotel in the Old French Quarter 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: Silk Path Boutique Hotel

Day 2: Hanoi | Hanoi Highlights

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

In the morning, you’ll be escorted to the West Lake where you’ll visit the John McCain Monument – a landmark near the location where his plane crashed and he was taken prisoner. Then continue to the nearby Tran Quoc Pagoda. This 1,400-year-old temple features ten tiers surrounded by gardens and which also hosts a bodhi tree grown from a cutting of the original Buddhist tree under which Buddha sat.

Turtle Tower in the center of Hoan Kiem Lake

Next, you’ll take a stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake where you can see the Tortoise Tower sitting on the water. Then you’ll enjoy a half hour cyclo tour through the Old Quarter in Hanoi. The cyclo is a historic mode of transportation in the cities of Vietnam where a cyclist escorts you while you sit in a seat affixed to the front with a canopy over top. Continue to the Hilton Prison – the location where many American POWs were detained by the North during the war. Its name in Vietnamese is Hoa Lò which translates as “Hell’s hole”. Continue to a restaurant for lunch to try Northern Vietnamese cuisine.

Next, you’ll visit the One Pillar Pagoda – a pagoda situated on a pillar made of a single stone, in the middle of a lotus pond. This pagoda was built by a 9th-century emperor who saw it in a dream and regarded this as a divine inspiration to recreate the structure in the vision.

American B52

Continue to Huu Tiep Lake where a downed American B52 Bomber rests partly in the water. You’ll pass by the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum(where you can stop for photo) before visiting the highlight of this tour – The Temple of Literature. This ancient university was erected almost a millennium ago and has hosted many of the most prominent scholars through Vietnamese history. The site features many gardens, pools, buildings, and ancient trees where the best and brightest of Vietnam studied under the guidance of Confucius teachings.

The evening will start with a Water Puppet Show performed by the world-renowned Thang Long Opera House. This performance features a talent unique to Vietnam. You’ll watch as water puppets perform the folklore legends of Vietnam while live ethnic music sets the mood.

After the show, you’ll 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. Once you finish your dinner, transfer back to your hotel.

Accommodation: Silk Path Boutique Hotel

Day 3: Hanoi – Halong Bay | Voyage Halong Bay with Cruise by Pelican

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer in the morning to Halong Bay. Stopover at Hai Duong province for refreshments on the way. Arrive at Tuan Chau island around noon. Take a break and enjoy a welcome drink at the Pelican Halong Cruise Lounge. Then transfer by tender to the cruise.

Onboard, enjoy a welcome drink while receiving the cruise briefing and safety instructions. Then check in your room.

Head up to the panoramic dining hall to enjoy buffet lunch with Vietnamese dishes served while cruising through the bay, passing the most beautiful and quiet areas, such as Incense Burner, Dog Stone Islet, Fighting Cock, Soi Sim beach, Coconut Three Island.

Visit Tung Sau area covered by leaping rocks and cultured pearl fishery. You can learn about the process of harvesting and polishing pearls. Then have a chance to go kayaking.

Visit the beautiful Ti Top beach for swimming(if the weather permits). Ti Top Beach is especially famous for its fresh atmosphere, clean water, and smooth white sand. You can also ascend the hundreds of steps to Ti Top View Point for a panorama view of Halong Bay.

Sunrise in Ha Long Bay

Back to the boat for the free time while sailing to Luon Bo area where we will anchor overnight.

Attend a Cooking class on the sundeck and learn how to make Vietnamese spring rolls. After, enjoy viewing the sunset over the bay while distant sunlight makes it’s way through the karsts casting streaks across the sky.

Overnight at Halong Bay

Enjoy a dinner with barbequed seafood options and Vietnamese dishes. Evening activities include leisure time to enjoy a chat around the bar, watching movies, playing card and board games or relaxing in your room. You may also try your luck at squid fishing & fishing from the boat(subject to seasonal availability).

Accommodation: Pelican Cruise

Day 4: Halong Bay – Ninh Binh | Halong Bay Sunrise | Ninh Binh Bai Dinh Temple

Meals: Breakfast
Start with a Tai Chi Lesson on the sundeck to welcome the sun. Coffee, tea, and pastries for breakfast are served in the dining room with a morning view of the bay’s landscape.

Visit Sung Sot Cave, one of the biggest cave in Halong bay with beautiful stalactites and stalagmites. (Proper shoes are highly recommended.)

Return to the cruise for check out, and then enjoy a buffet brunch while cruising back to Tuan Chau Wharf. Disembark and say goodbye to the crew. Then transfer to Ninh Binh for overnight.

Check in at the Tam Coc Garden 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: Tam Coc Garden

Day 5: Hanoi – Hue | Wonders of Ninh Binh | Flight to Hue

Internal Flight: Included
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, go to visit Tam Coc, a spectacular excursion by small boat along the Ngo Dong River, proceeding thru a scenic landscape dominated by rice fields and karst hills towering overhead. You will travel through three natural caves by paddle boat.

Ninh Binh Grottoes

Check out in the afternoon 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.

After the adventure in Ninh Binh, transfer back to Hanoi and then take a flight to Hue. Upon arrival, our guide in Hue will transfer you to your hotel for check-in.

Accommodation: Eldora Hotel

Day 6: Hue | Hue Imperial Citadel and Highlights

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
In the morning, you’ll start with a visit to the Perfume River, a river famed for its natural scenery and numerous flowers that cover its shores. Along the river, you’ll see Vietnamese daily life up close. Your boat will take you to the Tomb of Minh Mang, featuring gardens, many steps, and beautiful decorations.

Then you’ll visit Tu Doc, a compound with the private royal residence and a tomb which also houses the body of one of the wealthiest emperors in Vietnam. Archaeologists have attempted to find his body and the vast treasures, legends have held, that are contained with it. However, these attempts have failed as the body was buried in an inconspicuous place in the large compound unknown to this day. You’ll then continue on to see the Khai Dinh Tomb, a more modern tomb with ornate decorations inside.

Hue Styled Lunch

Your ventures will take you to lunch at a royal residence. These imperial styled houses near the Royal Citadel feature beautiful gardens, intricate furnishings, and detailed ornaments at every turn. Each dish highlights different aspects of Hue traditional food enjoyed by the royalty. The brilliant food presentation will be sure to leave a fond memory with you of this family-owned garden and restaurant.

In the afternoon, you’ll press onward to see the famed Imperial Hue Citadel – the old capital of Vietnam. This Citadel has a moat and wall perimeter 10 km long. You’ll be able to view it’s vast gardens and structure relics. Then you’ll breach the outer perimeter of the Hue Imperial City. Inside, you’ll see many of the national treasures and structures which have survived the Vietnam War. Venture further inside and you’ll enter the Purple Forbidden City. This city was off limits to the commoners and only could be entered by the highest officials in Vietnamese government and royalty. Your driver will meet you on the other side of the city where you’ll then be escorted to a stop at the Dong Ba Market where you can see local fruits and produce for sale.

Accommodation: Eldora Hotel

Day 7: Hue | Phong Nha Caves

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
In the morning, you’ll transfer 200km North of Hue to visit the remote Phong Nha Caves. These caves were recently discovered and comprise some of the largest caverns in the world. They are still being mapped by a team of British and Vietnamese scientists. You’ll take a boat trip to visit some of the more easily accessible caverns. The caves are famous for their rock formations which have been given names such as the Lion, the Fairy Caves, the Royal Court, and the Buddha. Afterward, return to Dong Hoi for lunch before driving back to Hue.

Phong Nha Cave – 14 Days Vietnam Trip Natural Wonders War Sites

Accommodation: Eldora Hotel

Day 8: Hue – Hoi An | Mountain Coastal Road Trip to Hoi An | Ancient Port Town

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Your tour guide will assist with checking you out of your hotel and then you’ll be escorted by vehicle for a scenic ride along the mountain coasts of Vietnam. Start by riding through the mountains, valleys, countryside, and shorelines where you’ll find numerous breath-taking scenes. Feel free to request your driver to stop for photos along the way. Then you’ll continue to a summit where the clouds will meet you. In Chinese, the summit is referred to as “Where the Clouds Meet the Ocean”. After you cross the summit, you’ll approach a steep and narrow descent where you’ll find the scenery surreal. Along the way, there is a stretch of road which overlooks a beautiful bay with a small fishing village, perfect for a Facebook portrait.

As reach the base, you’ll travel alongside the beaches of Danang where you’ll see hundreds of traditional fishing boats scattered out along the water with beautiful mountains lining the horizon.

Then you’ll approach Hoi An with beautiful countryside, hills, river views, and seaside coasts. Continue to your hotel for check-in.

Ancient Port Town of Vietnam

In the afternoon, transfer with our guide to 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 – 14 Days Vietnam Trip Natural Wonders War Sites

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 old colorful lanterns light up the town. After you’ve finished the tour, return to the hotel.

Accommodation: Vinh Hung Heritage Hotel

Day 9: Danang – Saigon | Flight to Saigon | Cu Chi Tunnels and War Sites

Internal Flight: Included
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
In the morning, take a flight to Saigon.

Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport. Then you’ll continue to the Cu Chi Tunnels.

Discover the amazing systems developed by the guerrillas fighting in the Vietnam War. You’ll have an opportunity to see the various weapons used in the war on display.

Then you’ll be taken to see the innovative ways the guerrillas survived and fought back in the war. See how they built an impressive underground system as your tour guide tells of the stories and history of the Vietnam War.

You’ll also have an opportunity to shoot the various guns used in the war at a firing range near the tunnels(extra charges apply). Then you’ll have the chance to see rice paper and coconut candy being made. After, you’ll enjoy jasmine tea and a boiled cassava root snack that was a common food eaten by guerrillas during the war.

Cu Chi Underground Tunnels – 14 Days Vietnam Trip Natural Wonders War Sites

Accommodation: Charm Suite Residence

Day 10: Saigon | Mekong Delta: Vinh Long | Saigon River Cruise Dinner

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Discover the Mekong River, essential to life in the heart of Vietnam.

After you’ve finished breakfast at the hotel, we will take you to Vinh Long where you’ll embark on a boat cruise to the vibrant Cai Be floating market. Be prepared to see fresh spices, mints, and local fruits. If you’re adventurous, you can take one of the many colorful fruits in season.

The next stop is the Hoa Binh Phuoc islet, full of local homes where the families produce tiles and ceramics. You’ll visit the rice-paper kiln and coconut candy kiln where you can walk around and observe daily country life. You can have the opportunity to taste fresh made coconut candy which has a soft and chewy consistency.

After the tour, you’ll return to Ho Chi Minh.

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 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: Charm Suite Residence

Day 11: Saigon – Vung Tau | Impression of Saigon | Road Trip to Vung Tau

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
In the morning, go 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. There are several retired American military aircraft and artillery outside.

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 front 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.

The next stop is Cholon, the Chinatown of Saigon, a thickly settled district rife with tea-houses and pagodas, and the famous Binh Tay Market. Visit the market and return to the hotel when you are ready.

Accommodation: Ho Tram Beach Boutique Resort & Spa

Day 12: Vung Tau | Leisure Day

Meals: Breakfast
Today is at your leisure to relax and enjoy the beaches of Vung Tau.

Accommodation: Ho Tram Beach Boutique Resort & Spa

Day 13: Vung Tau | Leisure Day

Meals: Breakfast
Today is at your leisure to relax and enjoy the beaches of Vung Tau.

Accommodation: Ho Tram Beach Boutique Resort & Spa

Day 14: Saigon | Return to Saigon | Farewell

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

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