VIETNAM ODYSSEY: FROM SAIGON TO HALONG BAY’S HERITAGE

After arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, you will be transferred to the hotel.

Enjoy lunch with local specialties.

Free time to relax or explore Saigon.

Enjoy dinner with local specialties.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Have breakfast.

Depart for The Cu Chi Tunnels, located approximately 60 kilometers northwest of Saigon Center (travel approximately 02 hours).

This immense underground network played a crucial role during the Vietnam War (1954 – 1975), serving as a strategic base for the Viet Cong soldiers. You will have the opportunity to explore a section of the tunnels, witnessing the guerrilla fighters' remarkable engineering and survival techniques. Crawling through the narrow passages, you will gain insights into the harsh conditions and challenges faced by the soldiers during the war.

Enjoy lunch with local specialties.

Return to the center of Ho Chi Minh City.

In the afternoon, embark on a comprehensive city tour of Ho Chi Minh City. This tour includes visits to:

The War Remnants Museum showcases artifacts and exhibitions related to the Vietnam War.

Notre – Dame Cathedral, is a prominent landmark, a significant religious site, and a famous Roman Catholic cathedral in Vietnam.

Independence Palace holds great historical and political importance and symbolizes the country's journey towards independence and reunification.

Central Post Office, a historic post office built during the French colonial period in the late 19th century, is a significant architectural landmark in the city.

Enjoy dinner with local specialties.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Have breakfast. Check out the hotel.

Depart for the airport and take a domestic flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang City.

After arrival in Da Nang City, enjoy lunch with local specialties.

Depart for Ba Na Hills, and you will witness the mesmerizing transformation of the scenery, from bustling city streets to lush green mountains and misty landscapes. Ba Na Hills is known for its remarkable cable car system, one of the longest in the world, offering awe-inspiring panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and forests. Once you reach the top, you will step into a fairytale-like world. Ba Na Hills boasts a French village replica, cobblestone streets, and colorful gardens. Take a stroll through the village, marveling at the intricate details of the buildings and enjoying the serene atmosphere. Visit the Golden Bridge, a famous architectural masterpiece that has become an iconic symbol of Vietnam. This stunning bridge is held up by two enormous hands emerging from the mountainside, creating a truly unique and magical sight.

Depart Hoi An Ancient Town (traveling 60km in 02 hours) in Quang Nam Province.

Enjoy dinner with local specialties.

Overnight in Hoi An Ancient Town.

Have breakfast.

Embark on a comprehensive city tour of Hoi An Ancient Town.

This tour includes visits to:

Thanh Ha Pottery Village is renowned for its centuries-old pottery craftsmanship. Established in the 15th century, the village attracts travelers seeking an authentic cultural experience. Artisans preserve traditional techniques, using local clay to create a variety of products, from decorative items to religious artifacts.

Visitors can watch craftsmen at work and even try pottery making. The village's rustic charm, narrow alleys, and tranquil river views offer a serene escape. Thanh Ha's cultural heritage is cherished, and initiatives support local artisans. It's more than just pottery; the village also features a 400-year-old communal house, adding a spiritual dimension. A visit promises a memorable and culturally enriching experience.

Tra Que Vegetable Village offers an immersive and unique experience that takes you back to the roots of traditional Vietnamese agriculture. This idyllic village is renowned for its organic farming practices, providing a glimpse into the daily lives of local farmers and their sustainable cultivation techniques.

You'll be captivated by the lush green fields, neatly organized garden beds, and the invigorating scent of aromatic herbs in the air. With its fertile soil and favorable climate, this area is ideal for growing a wide variety of vegetables and herbs. Friendly farmers, often wearing traditional conical hats, can be seen tending to their crops with care and precision.

Practice organic farming, utilizing natural fertilizers and traditional methods passed down through generations, ensuring the highest quality and flavor of the produce.

Enjoy lunch with local specialties in Hoi An Ancient Town.

Bay Mau Coconut Forest, offers a captivating escape into a serene natural oasis. This hidden gem showcases the beauty of a lush mangrove forest intertwined with a network of narrow waterways, creating a picturesque setting that exudes tranquility and charm.

This vast and verdant forest has thrived for centuries, providing a sanctuary for diverse flora and fauna. The maze-like waterways that meander through the forest create a mesmerizing landscape, inviting you to explore its hidden corners and embrace the wonders of nature.

To fully immerse yourself in the magic of the Bay Mau Coconut Forest, you'll embark on a traditional bamboo basket boat ride. These small, circular boats are navigated by skillful local fishermen who effortlessly steer you through the narrow channels.

As you glide along the tranquil waterways, you'll be surrounded by the lush greenery of the mangrove trees, their tangled roots submerging into the water, creating an otherworldly atmosphere.

Enjoy dinner with local specialties.

Experience The Hoi An Memories Show (optional, reference link: https://hoianmemoriesland.com/), a mesmerizing spectacle that brings the town's history and culture to life through a vibrant and captivating performance.

Held in a grand open-air theater, the show takes you on a visually stunning journey through time, showcasing Hoi An's rich heritage, legends, and traditions. With dazzling costumes, intricate set designs, and cutting-edge technology, it offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Hoi An's vibrant heritage and history.

Overnight in Hoi An Ancient Town.

Have breakfast. Check out the hotel.

Depart for Da Nang City, and embark on a comprehensive city tour of Da Nang City. This tour includes visits to:

Linh Ung Son Tra, a serene Buddhist pagoda nestled on the Son Tra Peninsula. With its awe-inspiring ocean views and tranquil ambiance, the pagoda provides a peaceful retreat from the city's hustle and bustle. Marvel at the intricate architectural details and the towering statue of the Lady Buddha, an impressive sight that exudes spirituality and serenity.

Ngu Hanh Son (Marble Mountains), a cluster of five majestic limestone hills with great cultural significance. Each mountain represents one of the five elements of the ancient Vietnamese belief system.

Ascend the stone steps to explore the caves, pagodas, and grottoes that adorn these mountains, discovering hidden sanctuaries, ancient artifacts, and breathtaking vistas that showcase the harmonious blend of nature and spirituality.

Enjoy lunch with local specialties.

Depart for the airport and take a domestic flight from Da Nang City to Ha Noi City.

After arrival in Ha Noi City, you will be transferred to the hotel.

Free time to relax and explore Ha Noi City.

Enjoy dinner with local specialties.

Experience a Water Puppet Show (since the 11th century), is a traditional art form that originated in Vietnam. It is a unique and captivating performance that combines music, storytelling, and puppetry.

The puppets, made of wood and controlled by puppeteers standing waist-deep in water, appear to be moving on the water's surface.

Overnight in Ha Noi City.

Have breakfast.

In the afternoon, embark on a comprehensive city tour of Ha Noi City. This tour includes visits to:

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum & Museum and One Pillar Pagoda: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum & Museum is a significant cultural and historical site, that serves as a tribute to Ho Chi Minh, the revered leader of the Vietnamese independence movement.

One Pillar Pagoda is a small but iconic Buddhist pagoda, built on a single pillar rising from a lotus pond, symbolizing purity and enlightenment in Buddhism.

Temple of Literature (since 1070), is a historic complex that holds great cultural significance, was originally dedicated to Confucius, and served as Vietnam's first national university.

Hoan Kiem Lake, also known as “Lake of the Returned Sword”, is a picturesque landmark located in the heart of Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. This charming lake holds significant cultural and historical importance and is a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

Ngoc Son Temple and The Huc Bridge (since the 11th century), are two captivating landmarks situated on Hoan Kiem Lake. Ngoc Son Temple, also known as the Temple of the Jade Mountain, is a historic Buddhist temple that dates back to the 18th century.

The temple is located on a small island in the northern part of Hoan Kiem Lake and is accessible via the red-painted The Huc Bridge. The Huc Bridge, meaning "Morning Sunlight Bridge," is a vivid red-painted wooden bridge connecting Hoan Kiem Lake's shores to Ngoc Son Temple. The bridge is an iconic symbol of Hanoi and adds a touch of charm to the surrounding landscape.

Enjoy dinner with local specialties.

Overnight in Ha Noi City.

Have breakfast.

Depart for Ninh Binh Province (traveling 95km in 02 hours).

Visit The Ancient Capital of Hoa Lu. Hoa Lu was the capital of Vietnam during the Dinh and Le dynasties in the 10th and 11th centuries. Explore the historic relics and learn about this former royal city's rich history and cultural significance.

Visit the temples dedicated to Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang and Emperor Le Dai Hanh, which are nestled amidst picturesque landscapes.

Enjoy lunch with local specialties.

Explore the beautiful landscapes and limestone karsts of Tam Coc – Bich Dong:

Tam Coc is often referred to as the "Halong Bay on Land" due to its resemblance to the iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, the landscape is characterized by towering limestone karsts jutting out of the emerald-green waters of the Ngo Dong River.

The best way to explore Tam Coc is by taking a traditional sampan boat ride along the river. Local boatwomen skillfully navigate through the waterways, taking you on a scenic journey through three natural caves carved into the karsts.

Bich Dong, situated nearby, is an ancient temple complex dating back to the 15th century. The complex is built into the side of a mountain and consists of three levels: Lower Pagoda, Middle Pagoda, and Upper Pagoda.

Each level is adorned with intricate architectural details, stone carvings, and ancient statues.

Enjoy dinner with local specialties.

Overnight in Ninh Binh.

Have breakfast.

Depart for Ha Long International Cruise Port in Ha Long City (traveling 150km in 02 hours), and visit the most beautiful bay in the Gulf of Tonkin – Ha Long Bay by cruise.

You will be transferred to the cruise by a tender boat. The Cruise Manager and the whole crew member welcome you onboard, a safety briefing and clearing out the itinerary will be delivered while you are enjoying our signature welcome drink

Lunch is served at our cozy restaurant. As the cruise departs towards Ha Long Bay – a natural wonder of the world, absorb yourself in the gorgeous scenery and famous sights of limestone.

The cruise stops at Bo Nau Cave (Pelican Cave), the core area of the world’s natural heritage. Transferring by tender to Sung Sot Cave (Surprising Cave) – Ha Long Bay's biggest and most beautiful cave.

Leaving the Surprising cave, keep moving by tender to the Titov Island was named by Uncle Ho, after Gherman Stepanovich Titov - the Soviet astronaut who visited in 1962.

Enjoy swimming, relaxing on the beach, or climbing the steps of the Rock to the top of the island. A magical panoramic view of Ha Long Bay will surprise you there.

Back to the main cruise, it’s the best time for doing whatever you want. Relaxing at the outdoor jacuzzi, sunbathe on the sundeck, experience a spa treatment,...The cruise moves to the overnight place.

Take advantage of the Happy Hours “Buy 1 get 1 free” drink while the sun is giving way to stunning twilight.

A Cooking Demonstration of traditional Vietnamese dishes will be organized by Head Chef. A fusion set menu will be served to warm up your stomach after a long active day

Freetime for evening activities: film entertainment, mini-games (in the dining room); squid fishing; massage.

Overnight on the cruise.

Good morning the Bay by joining Tai-Chi Exercise on the sundeck in 30 minutes whilst cruising to Luon Cave.

A light breakfast is ready to serve at the restaurant.

Visit Luon Cave - one of the caves open to the form beautiful endemic then vegetation of Ha Long Bay.

Two options to choose from how to discover it: Kayaking for free and a traditional woven (bamboo) boat rowed by a local boatman (expense).

Come back to the cruise, relax, and pack the luggage. Leave the luggage. outside the door. The staff will collect and get them ready on the Pier.

Enjoy a brunch buffet at the restaurant after check-out while cruising toward the port.

Transfer by tender back to Ha Long International Cruise Port and disembarkation.

Enjoy lunch with local specialties.

Return to Ha Noi City (traveling 155km in 02 hours).

Enjoy dinner with local specialties.

Depart to Noi Bai airport and mark the end of your memorable journey.