12 Days Vietnam South-North Compact
Duration : 12 days/ 11 nights
Route : Saigon - Mekong - Danang - Hoi An - Hue - Hanoi - Halong Bay (or vice versa )
This trip is designed for the traveler with limited time. It takes you around Vietnam's most popular sights in just 12 days. But we use our time well. The most popular sites are included and we save time by flying or traveling on the overnight train. Highlights include the wonders of Ha Long Bay, one of four World Heritage-listed sites in Vietnam. Also on the tour; Hanoi the capital with its fascinating Old Quarter, Hue, the Imperial City of the 18th and 19th centuries, the picturesque port town of Hoi An, a favorite with many travelers, and the vibrant Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 1 : Arrival Ho Chi Minh city
Tour guide and car pick up at the airport and then tranfer to the hotel for checking in. Visit Reunification Hall, Notre Dame Cathedral, General Post Office, City Hall. Free time . Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 : Mytho - Mekong delta tour (B, L)
Full day tour: Coach trip to Mekong Delta : Boat trip on the Mekong river to fruit orchards and visit Thoi Son Islet - Drink tea with honey and local wine. Return to Ho Chi Minh City - Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 3 : Cu Chi Tunnels & Cao Dai Temple (B, L)
In the morning we have an excursion to the famous Cu Chi tunnels (the tunnel system stretched from Saigon to the Cambodian border about 200km).
From Cu Chi we drive to Tay Ninh, the headquarters of the Cao Dai Sect, whose patron saints include Joan of Arc, Victor Hugo and Winston Churchill. Back to Saigon. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 4 : Ho Chi Minh City - Danang - Hoi An (B, L) ( Flight )
Transferring back to the airport this morning for another flight, you will be greeted on your arrival at Danang and driven to Hoi An. There will be a stop to visit the Marble Mountains along the way.
From here we make our way to Danang Beach for lunch before continuing on to Hoi An. You will have the remainder of the day free to explore some of the many tailor shops or cycle to Cua Dai Beach six kilometers from the town. Overnight at hotel in Hoian.
Day 5 : Hoi An (B, L)
Fullday visit Hoian: PhucKien Pagoda, Hoian Museum, Japanese Covered Bridge, TanKy Old house, Assembly Hall of Cantonese Chinese Congregation, Hoian market. Lunch and dinner at restaurant. Overnight at hotel.
Day 6 : Hoi An - Hue (B, L) ( 150km )
Drive to Hue at 8.00 am. On the way visit Hai Van pass and Lang Co beach. Arrive Hue.
In the afternoon, we embark on a cycling tour of Hue and the surrounding area to visit the Citadel, containing the Imperial City and the Forbidden Purple City. Lunch at restaurant. Overnight at hotel in Hue.
Day 7 : Hue - Hanoi (B, L) ( night train )
Cruise along the Perfume River to visit the ornate tomb of Emperor Minh Mang. From here we will cruise back to the eccentric Tu Duc's tomb, and discover this Emperor's opulent lifestyle. Back to the Perfume River and board our Dragon Boat. We enjoy lunch while cruising back down towards Hue, stopping on the way to visit the Thien Mu Pagoda, considered by many as the unofficial symbol of Hue.
This afternoon we board the Reunification Express E 2 for an overnight train journey. Our destination is the Hanoi capital, approximately 10 hours away
Day 8 : Hanoi - Halong bay ( B, L, D)
Arrival in Hanoi this morning is scheduled for around 05.00 with a transfer directly to Halong bay .
After the city tour we will depart Hanoi bound for Ha Long City. Upon arrival in Ha Long City we check in to our hotel. Free time at leisure in the afternoon. This evening have the chance to sample some delicious Vietnamese delicacies at one of the many local restaurants.
Day 9 : Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Island National Park ( B, L)
Today we board our own private boat for a five-hour cruise around the secluded and majestic Halong Bay. We have the chance to swim in the bay's emerald waters and also visit one of its many splendid caves. After lunch, drive to Cat Ba Island. Explore the township of Cat Ba or visit the National Park. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 10 : Cat Ba Island - Hanoi ( B, L)
Am: Catch the local ferry to Hai Phong, around three hours away.
Have breakfast on board the ferry before arriving in Hai Phong. Take a short ciy tour before coming back Hanoi.
Pm: arrive Hanoi. Making a tour to visit Ethonology Museum and Hoa Lo (former prison). Overnight at the hotel.
Day 11 : Hanoi City Tour ( B, L)
This morning we start our itinerary with a morning city tour of Hanoi, taking in the Ho Chi Minh Complex which includes the Mausoleum, the One Pillar Pagoda, the Presidential Palace, Fine Arts Museum as well as Ho Chi Minh's former stilt house residence. After lunch, visit Temple of Literature, Ngoc Son Temple on Hoan Kiem Lake and the vibrant old quarter . Overnight at the hotel.
Day 12 : Depart Hanoi (Breakfast included)
Free time until transfer hotel to the airport for your flight out of Vietnam.
Prices includes :
- 11 nights accommodation twin-sharing with daily breakfast at hotel.
- Half boat meal as indicated ( L = lunch ) at the local restaurant. Vietnamese food.
- All transfers and land transportation in private vehicles.
- Domestic airfare with airport tax: Saigon - Danang.
- Soft berth Train fare Hue - Hanoi ( Aircondition cabin of 4 persons )
- Local English or French speaking guides
- Entrances fees +sightseeing as indicated.
- Private boat for sightseeing in Mekong, Hue and Halong Bay
- Express boat from Cat Ba to Hai phong.
Prices not includes :
- International airfare and Airport Taxes in Hanoi: USD12/pax.
- Vietnam entry visa.
- Drinks and personal expenses and other meals not mentioned on the program.
