Day 1: Hanoi arrival (-/-/-)

Hanoi - Airport: 30km, ~40min drive

Upon arrival at Noi Bai Airport, you will meet your guide and driver who then escort you to the city center. After making sure of a successful hotel check-in, they will be pleased to leave you for some free time in order to recover after your long flight.

In the afternoon, we take a 45-min-cyclo tour to discover the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake surroundings where you can see streets with century-aged trees and French Colonial buildings. Finishing the trishaw tour, we will drop a visit to Ngoc Son Temple built on Jade Islet dedicated to Confucian & Taoist Spirits as well as our national hero, Tran Hung Dao, who defeated the Mongols in the 13^th century. The rest of the evening is yours to discover Hanoi or take it easy.

Meals Included: None
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Day 2: Hanoi City (B/L/-)

Following breakfast at the hotel, we enjoy a full-day city tour starting with the Ho Chi Minh Complex. This famous site contains the Mausoleum of the nation’s founder Ho Chi Minh (Close on Monday, Friday & November), the Presidential Palace and the Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts. Close to this complex is the One Pillar Pagoda, whose origins date back to the foundation of city. We follow this with the Temple of Literature which is known as the first university of Vietnam. We’ll stop for lunch at a popular local restaurant. In the afternoon, we visit the impressive Ethnologic Museum, dedicated to Vietnam's fifty-four ethnic groups, several of which we will see on our forthcoming trek. In the late afternoon, enjoy the unique Vietnamese traditional art, a Water Puppet Show. This art is originated from rural festivals in Vietnam. The artists-men and women stand waist-deep in the water to operate the puppets, making them move, talk, laugh and even dance on the surface of the water. The rest of the night is free for your own discovery.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Day 3: Hanoi - Halong overnight on boat (B/L/D)

Hanoi - Halong: 180km, ~3h30m drive

After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for Halong Bay via Thai Binh and Nam Dinh, passing through endless rice fields and winding rivers typical of the Red River Delta. We will arrive at Halong’s tourist wharf around noon and embark an elegant wooden junk for a cruise through the limestone cliffs and emerald waters of Halong Bay. Here we enjoy a fantastic view of the picturesque scenery blending the sky and some 3,000 limestone of this World Heritage Site. While being on board, we will be served a fresh, local seafood lunch followed by swimming and exploring some of the limestone caves in this area. At dusk, to witness the sunset is truly unforgettable.  Dinner will be served on board and then the captain will anchor for the night nearby a remote island.  In the evening, there will be the option for night fishing or just sit out on the deck and relax under the stars.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Overnight on Junk

Day 4: Halong - Hanoi - Flight to Hue (Br/-/-)

Hanoi - Hue: 770km, 1h flight

Waking up surrounded by the tranquil beauty of the bay, we have time for an early morning dip. Enjoy watching the sun rise on the sea followed by a delicious breakfast. The cruise continues to move around the bay for us to discover more secluded areas. We then go kayaking and swimming. The junk will be near us at all times serving as an alternative for those that would prefer to relax on board. Around midday, we will return to the main harbour before transferring to our awaiting vehicle for a 3-hour journey to Noi Bai airport for our flight to Hue. Upon arrival in Hue, you will be collected and transferred to the hotel for a breezy check in.

Meals Included: Brunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hue

Day 5: Hue City (B/-/-)

After breakfast at the hotel, we then set out for exploration of Hue's famous highlights, starting with a Dragon Boat trip along Perfume River to the picturesque Thien Mu, otherwise know as the Heavenly Lady Pagoda. The fresh and peaceful atmosphere here at the pagoda will help you ease your mind from stresses of daily life. After disembarking, we continue our day with a visit to the elaborate mausoleum of former emperor Tu Duc, which was built between 1864 and 1867 by 3000 soldiers and workers. It includes 50 monuments surrounded by a 1500m long wall covering an area of 12m². From here, you are driven back to Hue center for lunch (on your own cost) at a local restaurant.

The afternoon is spent at Hue Imperial City, the last royal city of Vietnam with various beautiful structures including the Flag Tower, Ngo Mon Gate, Nine Dynastic Urns, Nine Holy Cannons, Thai Hoa Palace and the Forbidden City. Built in the 19th century by the Nguyen dynasty, the City was home to the former Emperors of Vietnam from 1802 until 1945. We then do some well-deserved shopping in Dong Ba Market to enjoy the specialties of Hue city.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hue

Day 6: Hue - Danang - Hoi An (B/-/-)

Hue - Hoi An: 140km, ~2h30m drive

After breakfast at the hotel, we bid Hue farewell and continue our south bound journey to the old trading town of Hoi An via Danang. Along the way, we will stop at Lang Co beach for coffee and refreshments. From here we head up to the Hai Van pass, stopping at the top to take in the stunning views over Lang Co beach and  over Danang city. Continuing on our way into Da Nang, we will stop at the Museum of Cham Sculpture where the mix between French-colonial architecture and Cham elements are set in picturesque surroundings. Founded during the colonial French rule in 1915, this museum preserves sculpture items featuring the cultural, spiritual and ritual lives of the Cham people. Our next destination is the Marble Mountains – a cluster of five marble and limestone hills located in Ngu Hanh Son District, south of Danang City. All of the mountains have cave entrances and numerous tunnels, and it is possible to climb to the summit of Mt. Thuy. Several Buddhist sanctuaries can also be found within the mountains, making this a famous destination.

Upon arrival in Hoi An, we transfer to your hotel for check-in and the rest of the day is free for your own exploration of this ancient town. We highly recommend the night markets but we’re sure you know all about that!

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An

Day 7: Hoi An Ancient Town (B/-/-)

Morning after breakfast at the hotel, we take a walking tour to Hoi An Ancient Town - an exceptionally well-preserved example of a South-East Asian trading port dating from the 15^th to the 19^th century. We start our day with the Japanese Covered Bridge - one of Vietnam’s most iconic attractions. The bridge was created by the Japanese (living in Hoi An) in the 1590s as a way to reach the Chinese quarter, and is a historical piece of Japanese architecture. However, no visit to Hoi An would be complete without a visit to Tan Ky House – one of the many ancient houses that define Hoi An Ancient Town. Built two centuries ago with both Japanese and Chinese influences on the architecture, this house has been preserved through several generations. While walking, we will encounter many lavish houses of former Chinese merchants. Another ‘must-see’ destination is Phuc Kiem Assembly Hall – an excellent work of architecture considered of great historical significance. Built in 1690, this Assembly Hall is in fact a temple dedicated to the sea goddess Thien Hau.

There will also be visits to colourful riverside markets and workshops where artisans make Hoi An's famous lanterns. Here, you can learn how the lanterns are made and you will then have a chance to create your own lantern.

In the afternoon, we head to Thu Bon river to board a river cruise. Sailing down the river you will experience local daily life, such as fishing, farming and catching clams. We then visit Thanh Ha ceramic village to admire its intricate pottery and see old men who create intricate jars and vases. Back onboard, we cruise down to the Cua Dai sancuary for a spectacular view of the sun setting over Thu Bon River and the sea before returning back to harbour where our driver is waiting to take you back to your hotel.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An

Day 8: Hoi An - Cooking Class (B/L/-)

After breakfast at the hotel, we start the day at 8:45am with a drink at Hai Scout Cafe - our meeting point. Our guide will escort you to a colorful market where you can experience the amazing sights, sounds and aromas of this busy market. We will have the opportunity to interact with the local sellers and purchase some of the ingredients to be used in a cooking lesson later. We board the Red Bridge boat for a leisurely cruise (25 minutes) along the Hoi An River to the Red Bridge Cooking School. This is a chance to view local river life, so make sure your camera is handy ! On arrival, we explore the cooking school’s herb and vegetable garden, before learning about some of Hoi An’s and Vietnam’s well-known dishes. The cooking lesson runs for about 2 hours – each dish is first created by the Red Bridge chef’s, before we then prepare the same dish ourselves. Included in the class is a brief introduction to Vietnamese food carving (plate decoration). After the lesson, you sit down and eat exactly what you’ve just cooked. Bon appetite !

Recipes:

1. Making fresh Rice paper
2. Fresh Rice Paper Rolls of Shrimp
3. Crispy Hoi An Pancakes with Shrimp, Herbs & a Peanut Sauce
4. Marinated Beef on a Sizzling Plate
5. Vietnamese Eggplant in Clay Pot
6. Food Decoration - Pineapple Boat, 3 Colored Flowers & Vietnamese Hand Fan

Vegetarians are provided with replacement ingridients

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An

Day 9: Hoi An - Danang - Flight to Saigon (B/-/-)

Danang - Saigon: ~850km, 2h flight

After breakfast at the hotel, our driver will meet and transfer you to Danang Airport for your flight to Saigon. Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport, meet your new guide and driver who escort you to the hotel in the city center for an easy check-in. You will then have time to get some lunch on your own and relax. In the afternoon, we take a half day to visit all famous sites of this bustling city. The first destination is the Reunification Palace (outside visit) which was the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until April 30, 1975 when North Vietnamese tanks came crashing through the front gates thus bringing the Vietnam War to a dramatic end. This will be followed by some French colonial structures including , the Notre Dame Cathedral & the Old Saigon Post Office. Notre Dame Cathedral was built between 1877 and 1883, and the stones used to create it were exported entirely from France. Apart from the religious meaning, the most captivating point of this Cathedral is its neo-Romanesque style of architecture. Next to the cathedral stands the Central Post Office, finished in1891. It is another fine example of French architecture and is Vietnam's largest post office (still in operation !). After visiting the War Remnant Museum, we continue our trip to the bustling Ben Thanh Market, which is a fantastic place for bargains of every kind! There are a number of vendors and food stalls in the market food section that offers guests many delicious dishes. You also can find many goods for daily use as well as variety of eye-catching local crafts and souvenirs.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon

Day 10: Saigon - Ben Tre Mekong Delta (B/L/-)

Saigon - Ben Tre: 107 km, ~2h drive

08.00a.m, our tour guide and driver will pick you up and we head to My Tho province. 10:00a.m Arrive at the Nam Bo branch in My Tho town. Take a boat trip on Tiền river, get over  Tiền river to The other side (Bến tre land). Sight-seeing fish farms, floating fish market along the Dragon island on the way. Through Xếp canal in Bến Tre (land of coconuts) to See coconut collection set and how the locals make handicrafts from coconut trunk and shell. Enjoy seasonal fruits and listening to traditional music. Take the horse-cart on village path and stop at Mr Nam Ngô orchard, taste honey with tea or wine. See bees-breeding in wooden boxes under longans tree.

Take rowing-boat along water palm creek. Lunch on islets (included). Boat to see local people make coconut candy, taste candy (special products of Bến Tre  province). After tour, we will get on the car and head back Saigon in late afternoon for the night.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon

Day 11: Saigon - Agricultural Village - Cu Chi Tunnels (B/L/-)

Saigon - Cu Chi: 30km, ~50m drive 

After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for the village of ‘organic vegetables’ in Cu Chi (30km - 1h drive). In this village, you will be guided by the farm’s owner and become a farmer for the day yourself. The tour will commence by walking around lush fields, where there are over a hundred species of herbs, vegetables and other crops typical of Vietnam. The owner not only explains the features and usefulness of vegetables including herbs – ingredients often used in the preparation of traditional dishes of Vietnam but also teaches you how to grow and harvest them. After a morning full of discovery and joy on the fields, with vegetables you have harvested yourself, you will be guided in the preparation of simple & easy to make Vietnamese dishes such as mushroom soup, sauté vegetables, vegetable salad with shrimp and pork. During lunch, you will taste the dishes you have just prepared. After lunch, you will also get further instructions on Vietnamese cuisine and dishes that you have any questions about.

Our next destination is the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, which were an incredible underground network constructed by Vietnamese fighters during their long struggle for independence. The tunnels contained hospitals, accommodation, schools, and were used as a military base for the Viet Cong in the Vietnam War. Upon arrival, we proceed to an underground hut to watch a short video and presentation about Cu Chi tunnels before having a real hand-on experience of what it took to live in the tunnels. We return to hotel Saigon in the late afternoon for the night.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon

Day 12: Saigon - Flight to Siem Riep (B/-/-)

Time is free until your driver meets you for a drive to the airport in Saigon for your flight to Siem Riep. Upon arrival, our guide and driver will meet and transfer you to your hotel in the city centre and assist with check in.

After lunch (at your own cost), we will visit the Roluos Group which served as the capital of Indravarman I (reigned 877-89). These are among the earliest large, permanent temples built by the Khmers and mark the beginning of Khmer classical art. Preah Ko  was erected by Indravarman I in the late 9th century & dedicated by the King to his ancestors in 880. Bakong the largest and most interesting of the Roluos group temples, is an active Buddhist monastery just to the north of the east entrance. Lolei is in the center of a large reservoir (now rice fields) and built by Yasovarman I, the founder to the first city at Angkor. Bit confusing !  Don’t worry, your guide will be able to assist with all queries.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Riep

Day 13: Siem Riep - Angkor Wat (B/-/-)

After breakfast, we visit the most famous of all the temples, Angkor Wat. The temple complex covers 81 hectares and is comparable in size to the Imperial Palace in Beijing. Its distinctive five towers are emblazoned on the Cambodian flag and the 12th century masterpiece is considered by art historians to be the prime example of classical Khmer art and architecture. Angkor Wat's five towers symbolise Meru's five peaks - the enclosed wall represents the mountains at the edge of the world and the surrounding moat, the ocean beyond. 

After lunch at a local restaurant (at your own cost), we visit the South Gate , the ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12th century), Bayon Temple (unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara), the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephants Terrace and finally, the Terrace of the Leper King. We end the day with a sunset at Angkor Wat. This is absolutely phenomenal.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Riep

Day 14: Banteay Srei - Ta Prohm - Preah Khan (B/-/-)

After breakfast, we travel to Banteay Srei temple (10th century) which is regarded as the jewel of the crown of Classical Khmer Art. Our next destination is Ta Prohm - one of the area's most beautiful temples. Ta Prohm has been relatively untouched since it was discovered and retains much of its mystery.

In the afternoon, we continue our temple visits to Preah Khan. Built by the King Jayavarman VII, Preah Khan is, like Ta Prohm, a place of towering enclosures and shoulder hugging corridors. Unlike Ta Prohm, however, the temple of Prea Khan is in a reasonable state of preservation and ongoing restoration efforts should maintain and even improve this situation. We will follow this by Neak Pean, Ta Som and Banteay Samre. Your guide will be able to explain in detail what you are looking at.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Riep

Day 15: Siem Riep - Tonle Sap Lake - Apsara Dance (B/-/D)

After breakfast at the hotel, we drive south to visit the floating village of Chong Khneas, located 10km from Siem Reap. Upon arrival, we will take an excursion in a traditional wooden boat on the Tonle Sap Lake, the "Great Lake" of Cambodia, one of the largest in Asia.

After lunch (at your own cost) at a local restaurant, we visit "Les Artisans d'Angkor - Chantiers Ecoles" of Siem Reap. You then have free time to check out a local market before heading back to the hotel for your last night in Cambodia.

In the evening, we enjoy Dinner with Apsara Dance Show. No visit to Cambodia is complete without at least a quick glimpse of women performing the ancient art of Apsara dancing, as depicted on the walls of Angkor’s temples. Wearing glittering silk tunics, sequinned tops (into which they are sewn into before each performance to achieve the requisite tight fit) and elaborate golden headdresses, they execute their movements with great deftness and deliberation, knees bent in plié, heels touching the floor. Every position has its own particular symbolism – a finger pointing to the sky, for instance, indicates “today”, while standing sideways to the audience with the sole of the foot facing upwards represents flying. We hope you enjoy it and we’ll see you in the morning.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Riep

Day 16: Siem Riep - Departure (B/-/-)

After having breakfast at the hotel, you have free time to relax until our driver meets and transfer you to Siem Reap International Airport for your departure flight to your next destination. We thank you for choosing Tonkin Voyage Travel !

Meals Included: Breakfast