The best of the best Vietnam Holiday
18 days – Outlined Itinerary
Day 1. Arrive Hanoi (D)
Day 2. Hanoi (B/L)
Day 3. Half Day City Hanoi with visit artist and dine in style, (B/L)
Day 4. Hanoi – Halong Bay Natural World Heritage on Vessel Cruise (B/L/D)
Day 5. Halong Bay – Hanoi – Hue (B)
Day 6. Hue World Heritage (B/D)
Day 7. Hue World Heritage (B/L)
Day 8. Hue – Hoian (B)
Day 9. Hoian (B/L)
Day 10. Free at leisure in Hoian or optional day trip to My Son Holly land (B)
Day 11. Danang – Nha Trang – Evason Hideaway Ana Mandara & Six Senses Spa (B)
Day 12. Evason Hideaway Ana Mandara & Six Senses Spa (B)
Day 15. Nha Trang – Ho Chi Minh City (B/D)
Day 16. Ho Chi Minh City – Cu Chi Tunnels (B/D)
Day 17. Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta on Cai Be Princess Sampan (B/L)
Day 18 . Depart Saigon (B)
The best of the best Vietnam Holiday 18 days
Day 1. Arrive Hanoi (D)
Upon arrival at Hanoi ‘s Noi Bai International airport, you will be greeted by our guide and transferred to your hotel for 3 night stay at Legendry Suite at Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi Hotel. www.sofitel.com. Welcome dinner at local restaurant followed by evening water puppet performance.
WHITE RICE RESTAURANT
6 Ngo Thi Nham, Hanoi
White Rice Restaurant portends to be authentic Vietnamese; everything from the decor to the dining is in fact an amalgam of traditions and customs. The place looks like an upmarket. The food is good Vietnamese-influenced fare. The grilled chicken in chili with lemon grass was deliciously spicy and savory. Try the barbecued squid or beef with coconut. Presentation is Zen simple: white linen with black chopsticks, a plate, bowl, and a candle on the table, and it’s as if the staff is playing a game of chess on your table, rearranging things as if they’d rather not disturb the utensil still life. It’s all a bit studied really, but the food is very good.
Day 2. Hanoi (B/L)
Vietnam ‘s artistic and intellectual capital. Full day visit Hanoi ‘s main cultural attractions, including the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, his House on Stilts, the One Pillar Pagoda, the Fine Arts Museum and the Temple of Literature , Ethnology Museum . Explore the fascinating Old Quarter and its hundreds of specialty shops selling silk clothing, lacquerware, embroidered linens, furniture, bamboo, cooking utensils, ceremonial objects and more. Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake.
Lunch in French colonial villas converted into gourmet restaurants. Enjoy people-watching at stylish cafes. Shop for impressive modern art in the city’s myriad galleries. Overnight in Hanoi .
Ba Mien Restaurant Hanoi
Setting: On the mezzanine level of th Hilton Hanoi Opera hotel, and sprawling over what used to be a sun deck, this contemporary, “open-sky” restaurant offers the perfect mix of Vietnamese culture and cuisine.
Chef: Pham Xuan Cuong.
Best dish:Try the poached lobster in lotus essence with lemongrass sabayon. Best table: A spot on the aromatic, candlelit terrace.
Contact: http://www.hanoi.hilton.com
Day 3. Half Day City Hanoi with visit artist and dine in style, (B/D)
In the morning you are free at leisure in Hanoi.
In the afternoon visit one of Hanoi’s most famous artists and his gallery. He will have the pleasure of inviting you to his home for a cup of tea and then ride a cyclo to dinner at the old French villa converted to a gourmet restaurant. You’ll get to know Vietnamese culture and food, and if you’re lucky, have a sample of his art.
You ‘ll enjoy then dinner and a wine tasting at the award-winning Press Club restaurant where international fare is laced with Asian influences and wines are selected to complement these tastes. Overnight in Hanoi.
THE HANOI PRESS CLUB
Setting: Modern decor with Indochine touches combine to create a hip interior reminiscent of Hanoi in the prospering 1920s.Chef: Marcel Isaak.
Best dish: The fillet of Australian beef tenderloin with cabernet sauvignon sauce is a can’t-miss.
Best table: Dining in the cozy, private wine room.
Day 4. Hanoi – Halong Bay Natural World Heritage on Vessel Cruise (B/L/D)
This morning, we will depart Hanoi at 8.30 am for a four-hour drive through the Red River Delta to Ha Long City. On the way we will stop for refreshments. Upon arriving in Halong City we transfer to a boat cruise of the crystalline emerald waters of Halong Bay , giving us the chance to take in the stunning scenery of this UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site. Enjoy a refreshing cocktail upon boarding the Emeraude around noon at the Emeraude Pier. After checking in, have lunch at the restaurant. Cruise among hundreds of islets to discover unspoilt pockets of Halong Bay and its remote, floating fishing villages. After sunset, enjoy dinner at the restaurant, before retiring to your cabin for a good night sleep or join the crew and learn squid fishing.
SUITE EMERAUDE
Emeraude Cruise-Halong Bay
Why: It’s the only queen-bed room on the exquisitely restored paddle wheeler, which is also the perfect launch point from which to explore the bay’s myriad limestone karsts.
Day 5. Halong Bay – Hanoi – Hue (B)
Greet the day with a morning Tai Chi exercise with an opportunity to view the sunrise over the bay. After breakfast, visit a beautiful limestone grotto then back to the boat for a final glimpse of Halong Bay while cruising back to the dock.
Transfer to airport for flight to Hue . Upon arrival at Phu Bai Airport , you will be transferred directly to your hotel.
PRESIDENT SUITE
La Residence Hotel & Spa by Accor, Hue
Why: It’s where the last emperor of Vietnam slept, and where, in 1968, the Viet Cong captured the highest-ranking South Vietnamese official. Its view across the Perfume River to the imposing flagstaff of the Citadel is fit for a king, too.
Day 6. Hue World Heritage (B/D)
In Hue, one of Vietnam’s five UNESCO World Heritage sites, the court musicians in the Royal Theatre evoke the soundscape of imperial Vietnam with high fidelity. At the nearby Museum of Royal Fine Arts, 128 ironwood pillars complement an exquisite collection of Nguyen Dynasty artifacts.
You embark on a tour of Hue City including the Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City , the Imperial Museum and Dong Ba market. Tonight you enjoy the fine cuisine of Hue in the Tinh Gia Vien Restaurant. Overnight in Hue .
Day 7. Hue World Heritage (B/L)
Rising up in the ancient land, breakfast in hotel, we board on a private boat for cruising on the romantic Perfume River. This time we head out for the countryside. Being the ancient capital, Hue is surrounded with ancient tombs of emperors past, and a visit to some of these tombs will be on the itinerary for today. The charming Lady Pagoda (Thien Mu Pagoda) will be the first stop of the day. From here we will cruise further to the ornate Minh Mang’s tomb. In the afternoon we will continue our day by a drive to visit King Khai dinh’s tomb and King Tu Duc’s tomb. The day will end with a Royal Boat cruise on the perfume river.
Enjoy a Royal banquet dinner in this former Imperial Capital to enrich your experience in Hue, one of five World Cultural Heritages of Vietnam. Overnight in Hue .
Day 8. Hue – Danang – Hoian (B)
Drive to Danang and stay several days at the beachfront The Nam Hai Resort and Spa. Nearby, see ancient sculpture in the Cham Museum or My Son, and tour Buddhist cave temples in the Marble Mountains. Visit atmospheric Hoi An a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site and riverfront port town crammed with historic homes, tiny museums, cafes, and bustling silk and fish markets.
Once in Hoi An, we will check into our hotel and have some free time to explore and enjoy this award winning resort. On a prime stretch of Ha My Beach near historic Hoi An. The Nam Hai is a benchmark setting for sybarites in search of real class. Sprawled across 35 hectares, this splendid spa resort opened in December 2006 offering 60 elegant Villas and a further 40 Pool Villas each within landscaped gardens with unobstructed views across the South China Sea on to the misty Cham Islands. Care has been taken to harmonize with nature and the design flows along traditional lines with useful modern touches, like Internet. Bedrooms are spacious with en suite baths, walk-in closets, and high ceilings, all adding to a sense of space.
Pool Villa with Club Benefits
The Nam Hai
Hamlet 1, Dien Duong Village
Dien Ban District, Quang Nam Province – Vietnam
Day 9. Hoian (B/D)
Morning free at leisure, at 02:00 pm a half day private city tour with guide. From the 16th to 18th centuries, Hoi An was a thriving international commercial port for Chinese, Dutch, French, Japanese, Portuguese and Arab traders. These people came primarily to trade in the high grade silk, which is still produced in the area, as well as ceramics. Today, Hoi An is a quaint riverside town, popular with tourists for its eclectic architecture, tailors shops, and numerous cafes. Some of the buildings in the narrow streets have remained unchanged for more than a century. We enjoy a half-day walking tour through the narrow winding streets of the Ancient Quarter visiting Chua Ong Pagoda, Chinese Assembly Halls, the 200- year old Tam Ky ancestral house, and the Japanese Bridge.
Following the tour there will be free time to shop or relax or shop. At Thu Thuy in Hoi An (www.hoianthuthuysilk.com), clients can get a tailor-made suit of the highest or Yaly Couture http://www.yalycouture.com/ Address 47 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Phone 0510/3910-474
The Brother Restaurant Hoian
Address: 27-29 Phan Boi Chau St | Hoi An town, Quang Nam province, Hoi An, Vietnam
Day 10. Free at leisure in Hoian or optional day trip to My Son Holly land (B)
Today there will be free time to shop, relax, unwind or take a trip to discover another My Son World Heritage. My Son is the former capital of the ancient Cham civilization that ruled Central Vietnam from the second to the thirteenth century. Their religion was primarily derived from Indian Hinduism. My Son is considered to be one of the best-preserved Cham structures in Vietnam. The complex is comprised of seventy Hindu-like towers and temples dating from the second century. This site is a must-see for those people who are interested in architecture and ancient civilizations and is now one of five UNESCO World Heritage sites in Vietnam.
Day 11. Danang – Nha Trang – Evason Hideaway Ana Mandara & Six Senses Spa (B)
Pick up at your hotel and transfer to Danang airport for your short flight to the the resort of Nha Trang to spend 3 nights in a secluded private Beach Pool Villa overlooking beautiful Ninh Van Bay at the Evason Hideaway Resort at Ana Mandara.
THE PRESIDENTIAL VILLA
EVASON HIDEAWAY & Six Senses Spa, Ana Mandara, Nha Trang
Why: Seclusion and style don’t blend together any better than this. Set on dramatic Ninh Vanh Bay, the space features everything from a floating terrace to a personal butler, and can only be accessed – via a series of wooden walkways set into the mountainside – by the key holders themselves.
Day 12. Evason Hideaway Ana Mandara & Six Senses Spa (B)
Free time to snorkel or dive among the coral reefs in crystal blue waters, hike nature trails, cool off in your private plunge pool, indulge in spa treatments or just relax on the white sand beach and admire the unspoiled mountain and sea views.
Day 13. Evason Hideaway Ana Mandara & Six Senses Spa (B)
Enjoy your time and facilities of the resort at your leisure.
Day 14. Evason Hideaway Ana Mandara & Six Senses Spa (B)
Enjoy your time and facilities of the resort at your leisure.
Day 15. Nha Trang – Ho Chi Minh City (B/D)
Transfer and flight to HCMC. Welcome pick up and transfer to hotel. At leisure. In the afternoon take a private tour of Ho Chi Minh City , the country’s commercial center and home to a growing number of upscale restaurants and shops. Visit the Reunification Palace , the Opera House and Hotel de Ville. If desired, also visit the powerful War Remnants Museum. Explore colorful outdoor markets and Dong Khoi Street, the city’s main shopping boulevard with fashionable boutiques and accessories designed by up-and-coming Vietnamese designers, hill tribe crafts, high quality linens and housewares. Diner at Vietnam House and Overnight in HCMC.
PARK SUITE
Park Hyatt Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City
Why: It’s the ultimate five-star experience in Ho Chi Minh City, right down to the marble-tiled bathroom with oversized whirlpool bath and built-in LCD TV panel. Naturally, it’s on the 10-storey building’s highest floor.
Day 16. Ho Chi Minh City – Cu Chi Tunnels (B/D)
Afternoon half-day private excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels. At its height, the tunnel system stretched over 250km. from Saigon to the Cambodian border and was three levels deep. 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 what underground life during the U.S.-Vietnam War must have been like. Dinner at Square One at Park Hyatt Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City.
You should not miss the near by Saigon Saigon Bar at Caravelle Hotel Saigon.
Setting: On the 10th floor of the historic Caravelle Hotel, cover bands rock out, jet-lagged tourists converge with smartly-clad locals and views from the expansive patio stretch for miles.
Best drink: The Slammer, a potent mix of amaretto, sambuca, cognac, lime and triple sec.
Day 17. Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta on Cai Be Princess Sampan (B/L)
Spend the day on the beautiful Cai Be Princess exploring the fascinating life on the Mekong River. Visit a floating market, a beautiful island and lunch at a superb Indochine restaurant, this trip is the ideal way to spend the day on the delta in style.
Drive to Cai Be – Phu An where you will board the Cai Be Princess at around 11.00 am. The tour will start with the visit of Cai Be colorful floating market. You will proceed by the visit of some local home factories such as rice paste making, rice pop corn, coco candies, and longans drying processing. The trip continues along the Mekong canals to Dong Hoa Hiep Island located between Vinh Long and Cai Be. During this 40 minutes cruise you will discover beautiful landscapes along the river and observe the typical Mekong delta rural life. Stops on the way can be made upon request for particular visits or photos making. These evergreen islands among the Mekong River still remain unknown to many people. Lunch awaits you at Le Longanier restaurant at La Residence de Phu An resort, a superb Indochine style resort. After a short walk along a narrow canal we drive back to HCMC.
Farewell Dinner on Bonsai Cruise on the Saigon River
Day 18 . Depart Saigon (B)
There are no activities planned for today. You enjoy your free time until transfer to airport for your onward flight.
| Cities | Hotels List or in the same category | Room Type | ||
| Luxury / 5-star hotel | ||||
| Hanoi | Hilton Opera Hotel Hanoi | Deluxe | ||
| Sofitel Plaza Hanoi | Luxury room | |||
| Halong Bay | Indochina Sails | Deluxe Cabin | ||
| Hue | La Residence Hotel & Spa | Deluxe Riverview. | ||
| Hoi An | The Nam Hai resort | One-bedroom villa | ||
| Nha Trang | Evason Hideaway Ninh Van Bay Nha Trang | Beach Pool villa | ||
| Ho Chi Minh | Park Hyatt Saigon Hotel | Park Deluxe | ||
| Luxury Category / Luxury 5-star hotel | ||||
| Hanoi | Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi | Legend Suite
Old wing |
||
| Halong | Halong Jasmine Junk | Jasmine Junior Suite | ||
| Indochina Sails | Suite Cabin | |||
| Hue | La Residence Hue | Presidential Suite | ||
| Hoi An | The Nam Hai resort | Pool One-bedroom villa | ||
| Nha Trang | Evason Ana-Mandara Nha Trang | Presidential Villa | ||
| Ho Chi Minh | Park Hyatt Saigon Hotel | Park Suite | ||
Tour price includes:
- All private transfer and transportation
- Accommodation shared in Twin/Double room with daily breakfast
- French or English Speaking Guide.
- All In-tour flights on Business Class where available
- Boat trip & cruise as per tour.
- Meals as stated in the itinerary (B: breakfast ; L: lunch ; D: dinner)
- All sightseeing tickets.
- Vietnam visa on arrival approved letter.
- Services charges and government tax.
Tour price excludes:
- International flights & departures taxes
- Beverage
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses, tips and gratuities
- Vietnam visa stamp fee ( US$ 25 & 02 passport photos per person)
- Others not mentioned above
Trip Code: VCBOB18D
- Private tour with English/French speaking guide
- Date of Departure is at your wish
- Starting from Hanoi & end in HCMC or vice versa
