Buddhism reached Vietnam at least 18 centuries ago. Today Buddhism is arguably the most visible religion in Vietnam, although it is estimated that fewer than 10 percent of the Vietnamese actively practice. To the wide world, Vietnamese Buddhism may be mostly known for a self-immolating monk of Saigon and the teacher and author Thich Nhat Hanh.
Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is known for its centuries-old architecture and a rich culture with Southeast Asian, Chinese, and French influences. At its heart is the chaotic and fascinating Old Quarter, where the narrow streets are roughly arranged by trade.
Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, our guide will welcome and transfer you to the check-in hotel. Overnight in Hanoi.
Accommodation
Transfer
Start your city tour with Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and “House on stilt” in the same area as the Presidential Palace and the famous One Pillar Pagoda. Visit the Temple of Literature – the first university of Vietnam, which is now dedicated to Confucian worship.
In the afternoon, the trip will be followed by continuing to visit the fascinating Ethnology Museum, which is located west of the city center. This museum offers informative and well-documented displays on the country’s 54 ethnic groups, including elaborate and colorful hill-tribe costumes, weaving designs, musical instruments, fishing implements, work tools, and other functional objects. The display continues to the garden outside with fascinating examples of minority housing from the King’s to the ones of the ethnic groups in Central Highlands.
Then you take an hour walking tour through the busy Old Quarter where you can see peddlers selling wares as if they have done that for centuries! In front of the peaceful Hoan Kiem Lake is the famous water puppet theatre where we will see a fantastic performance at the end of the day.
Come back to your hotel for overnight.
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After breakfast, you are picked up and transferred for three hours drive to North East of Hanoi, taking you across the Red River delta, the second biggest in Vietnam, and through the scenic countryside to reach Halong Bay.
You aboard the cruise vessel and travel from the wharf via the bay to board the luxurious craft, Era Cruise. You will be welcomed aboard and greeted with a complimentary drink. The friendly and professional crew will conduct a compulsory safety procedure session, and then you are free to check into your cabin and freshen up. We encourage you to explore luxuriously-appointed ships and watch the magical landscape cruise past.
A special lunch of fresh seafood and an assortment of delicious delicacies will be served. You will be enchanted when decadently dining on luxury junk, the lavish interpretation of a traditional Vietnamese boat. Life doesn’t get better than this! We then set sail for Lan Ha Bay, passing Da Chong islet, where you can see an ancient lighthouse built by the French over a century ago.
The final part of the cruise takes us through the Cua Van area to Lan Ha Bay (part of Halong Bay). The 300 or so karst islands and limestone outcrops of Lan Ha are stunning with their pristine, snow-white beaches. You can explore Ba Trai Dao beach via kayaks or immerse yourself in the crystal clear waters.
It’s time to return to your lavish liner and cruise to your evening accommodation.
The Vietnamese cooking demonstration is a great way to learn how to prepare delicious appetizers, and we will guide you through the process.
You can spoil yourself with a unique Signature Dinner in our distinctive restaurant.
The bar offers a wide range of wine, beer, and liqueurs and is always a welcome sight for guests after a day sailing on the Bay. You can order an indulgent spa service, watch movies, go squid fishing or relax on our rooftop deck under cover of a brightly illuminated sky. It is time to relax with an exotic cocktail and drink in the evening.
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Lunch
Dinner
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Cruise/Boat
The morning is the best time of the day on Lan Ha Bay. You might like to head to the upper deck to participate in our daily Tai Chi sessions or relax with an early morning cup of tea, coffee, or juice to watch the stunning scenery unfold before you.
A light breakfast of pastries, tea, and coffee will be served in our restaurant.
The final stage of your trip is to be taken through the mysterious caves and amongst the remote islets via local rowing boats. The breath-taking beauty of this World Heritage region will certainly impress you. Following this, you will journey back to the main ship.
It’s time to check out of your cabin as we draw closer to the mainland. After a final early brunch, you will board our transfer boat and head back to the pier, where you will be met by your return trip vehicle to transfer you to Hanoi.
Transfer back to the airport in Hanoi for a flight to Ho Chi Minh city. Upon arrival, you meet the tour guide and transfer to the hotel for check-in and overnight.
Ho Chi Minh, formerly Saigon, is the largest city in Vietnam and is named after the late communist leader Ho Chi Minh. It is also known for its French colonial landmarks. It is now the most populated city in Vietnam. Modern office skyscrapers, amidst Oriental-style pagodas and food stalls along the street, create a dynamic urban area in a very special sense.
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Cruise/Boat
After breakfast, we depart 37 miles (60 km) to visit Cu Chi Tunnels. Cu Chi Tunnels consist of more than 200 km of underground tunnels. This central axis system has many branches connecting underground hideouts, shelters, and entrances to other tunnels. The network included innumerable trap doors, specially constructed living areas, storage facilities, weapons factories, field hospitals, command centers, and kitchens. Today the remaining tunnels have become a major tourist attraction giving the visitor a unique experience and a feel of underground life during the U.S. – Vietnam War.
In the afternoon, we continue to visit the city, urban experience in bustling Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), the country’s commerce center and home to a growing number of upscale restaurants and shops. Visit the Reunification Palace, the Opera House, the Hotel de Ville, War Remnants Museum. Shopping at Ben Thanh market if time permits.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.
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This morning, your driver will pick you up and transfer you to Ben Tre, where you will start the Mekong Delta exploration. Arrive at HuuDinh Market – Chau Thanh district – Ben Tre province; you will meet a local tour guide, then walk in the milpa and feel the daily life of the people of coconut origin where you can weed, fertilize and harvest with the local peoples. Biking on the village paths has sightseeing of local people’s daily activities, peaceful landscapes in BenTre’s countryside.
After taking a rest at a local home to see the local people make sugar cane juice, you will join in a biking tour to visit the coconut handicrafts workshop to make a house by coconut trunk. Next, you will continue the trip by cycling along with the village to the paddle pier and taking the rowing boat along palm creek to feel the daily activities of the local people on the riverside.
Stopping to visit Thanh Thuy coconut’s gardens, where you can pick up and enjoy coconut water and tropical fruit. Before having lunch with featured dishes of the Mekong River region at the local restaurant.
You will cycle on the village road with the vast garden of coconuts and cocoa.
In the afternoon, walk to the boat station and take a boat trip along the Ba Lai legend river with the coconut stretches to see how local people fish on the river. After that, we will stop to visit the coconut coir manufacturing facility and cruise on the Ba Lai river to see the local people’s daily activities on the river. We also have a chance to see the coconut processing workshop along the river before driving back to Ho Chi Minh overnight.
Breakfast
Lunch
Accommodation
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Cruise/Boat
After breakfast, free and relax in your leisure until to be picked up by your driver, then transferred to the airport for the departure flight back home.
It’s time to say goodbye; we would like to thank you for traveling with us and warmly welcome you to come again in the future!
Breakfast
Transfer
Price per person in double occupancy
The rate is based on luxury accommodation
Price excludes international flights, includes in-tour flight
This trip is customizable for your private travel.
Please inquire to request a quote for your custom trip!
