The detailed itinerary of Vietnam History Tour 14 days/13 nights
Day 01: Hanoi arrival.Overnight in Hanoi (D)
Upon your arrival at Hanoi Airport, obtain your Vietnam visa, and then clear Immigration and Customs. After collecting your baggage, exit the airport to meet your local guide. He/she will be holding a sign with your names on it. From the airport, you will be privately transferred to your lovely hotel. Settle in and enjoy few hours at your leisure.
Mid afternoon, enjoy an hour cyclo tour through the Hanoi’s Old Quarter, a network of narrow alleys and shop houses also known as “The 36 Streets.” This is a wonderful place to watch the local life, and peruse items from fabrics to crafts to exotic medicines. Next we will watch a traditional Vietnamese water puppet, a uniquely North Vietnamese art form celebrating rural life and folklore for over 1,000 years. End of the first day with a Welcome dinner at local restaurant.
Overnight in Hanoi
Day 02: Hanoi city tour & street food.Overnight in Hanoi (B/L)
Morning, you'll head out with your guide and begins with a visit Ba Dinh Square to see Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, the museum to his life and the simple cottage where he lived and worked, along with his "house on stilts" and his final resting place; and take in Hanoi's famous One-Pillar Pagoda, constructed in 1049 to resemble a lotus blossom. Continue to the Museum of Ethnology, where we'll learn about the fascinating cultural diversity of this ancient land.
This afternoon, drive through Colonial Hanoi, seeing the Opera House and other local sights. Go inside infamous Hoa Lo Prison (“Hanoi Hilton”), where Senator John McCain and Douglas “Pete” Wilson were once imprisoned, and continue to the Temple of Literature, which dates back to 1070 and is dedicated to the cult of Confucius before come back to hotel and enjoy the rest of day at your leisure.
Tip: If you're mainly interested in the Vietnam war (we had thousand years in war), you can choose visiting Vietnam Military Museum or Vietnam History Museum instead of Temple of Literature.
After finish city tour, back to your hotel to take a short rest before enjoy a Street Food on Foot tour with your guide. It is very difficult to find some local food stalls and mini restaurants on your own in hidden alleys and sidewalks, certainly the best way to make it easy is taking part in this special tour to learn about Vietnamese cuisine, culture, people and language. Food on Foot Tour will give you an unique experience to try the foods of the local Hanoi people, we ensure the food is handled hygienically and provide a comfortable venue for the tastings. The benefit also goes back to the vendors or restaurants/ families as you buy directly from them.
Overnight in Hanoi
Day 03: Hanoi - Halong bay, visit Halong bay & overnight on Halong bay Cruise (B,L,D)
After breakfast you will leave Hanoi for the 3.5 hour journey to Halong Bay, passing through a number of North Vietnamese towns and villages. Upon arrival you will be welcomed aboard your traditional junk; designed in the same style as those that have sailed the bay for 100’s of years. Begin a relaxing and unforgettable cruise around the breathtaking and unique limestone karsts and islets. A delicious fresh seafood lunch will be served as you cruise this spectacular bay, a UNESCO listed site. After lunch you will explore some of Halong Bay's fishing village by bamboo boat or kayaking based on your preference. And then reach on the top of Soi Sim beach to have a panorama view of Halong Bay. All activities arranged by the cruise are on a shared basis.
Return to your junk boat to watch a cooking class or fruits & vegetable carving on sundeck – How to make spring rolls. Then enjoy Sunset Party together and Happy Hour (buys two drinks, gets one free from 18.00 to 19.00). It is time for chit chat and relaxing before enjoy your dinner and evening activities around the bar.
Please note: Program may differ slightly base on cruise ships. An extra night can be added to the program. If your time is flexible, we highly recommend it.
Overnight on-board, in a private cabin with en-suite bathroom in Halong Bay.
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Day 04: Halong bay cruise - Hanoi.Overnight in Hanoi (B,L)
For early risers complimentary tea, coffee and pastries are served in the restaurant followed by – if you so desire – a Tai Chi Class on the terrace deck. A great morning activity to feel one with this natural wonder. Then it is time for an early morning bath – in the Bay. By tender boat we bring you to Sung Sot Cave – Amazing cave. Walk up about 100 steps to the cave entrance and tour the cave for approximately 45 minutes. Walk down about 100 steps and return to the boat. Proper shoes are highly recommended.
Return to the boat then check-out and payment in reception area. Have brunch while cruising back through Halong Bay to the pier. The crew will bid you farewell and you disembark with our tender boat to the Tuan Chau Pier. Return from Halong to your hotel in Hanoi by cruise's shuttle bus. Settle in and enjoy the rest of day at your leisure.
Overnight in Hanoi
Day 05: Hanoi flight to Hue & Hue city tour.Overnight in Hue (B,L)
After breakfast, you'll be picked up at hotel & private transferred to the airport in time for your flight to Hue. Fly Hanoi to Hue on Vietnam Airlines VN 1541, departing 08:55, arriving 10:55.
Welcome to Hue. Upon arrival at Phu Bai Airport. After collecting your baggage, exit the airport to meet our guide. He/She will be holding a sign with your names on it. From the airport, you will be privately transferred to your lovely hotel. Settle in and enjoy few hours at your leisure.
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Afternoon tour of the Imperial Citadel, Royal Tomb & Thien Mu Pagoda: This afternoon visit the Imperial Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City nearby. Modelled on the Forbidden City in Beijing by the Nguyen emperors in the early 19th century, the city was badly damaged during the war but the imposing city walls surrounded by a large moat afford good views of Hué. The palace retains a feeling of its past scale and importance, with detailed stonework and pavilions and it is at the moment in the process of being restored to its former magnificence.
Next visit to the Minh Mang Royal tomb, set amidst a lush pine hill by the river and considered to be one of the most beautiful mausoleums. Stop en route at a local workshop to witness the process of incent stick and conical hat making. Continue to Thien Mu Pagoda, sitting on the riverbank outside the city, this octagonal seven tier stupa has long been regarded as the symbol of Hué and was founded in 1601. It is still a site of Buddhist worship and its huge bell is said to be audible from the city. Lastly, enjoy a cruise downstream to watch sunset on the Perfume River, named after the tree resins and blossoms it carries on its way to the Pacific.
Overnight in Hue
Day 06: Hue day trip to DMZ.Overnight in Hue (B,L)
In the morning, we departing from Hue and ride along highway 1A to Quang Tri town. First we will visiting “ The high way of Horror ’’ where in the summer of 1972 a host of Southern soldiers lost a battle, retreated to Hue and were shoot to death here. Along this road are the most military Cemeteries in the country. Then, we will visit Long Hung Church and Quang Tri Old Citadel which was a battlefield in 1972 between North and South Vietnam for 81 days and nights. We also stop at Hien Luong bridge and Ben Hai river (as know 17th Parallel and also the border line between the South and the North Vietnam during the American war). The place where dividing border of South and North Vietnam during the 20 years of Civil war. Continue to visit the Doc Mieu Firebase and stop for lunch and relax at Cua Tung Queen Beach. After that, we will visit The Vinh Moc Tunnel and have short stop at the Cemetery of military to pay respects to the soldiers who fought and died on the trail during the American War. In the late afternoon we come back to Hue city.
Overnight in Hue.
Day 07: Hue - Hoi An ancient town.Overnight in Hoi An (B/L)
After breakfast, you’ll be driven south along highway 1 to Hoi An, a journey of approximately 3 hours with a short visit Cham architecture & art museum in Danang.
We discover how the traditions of the past are treasured in the present in Hoi An on the Thu Bon River, a key international trading port between the 15th and 19th centuries – now a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its well-preserved, centuries-old streets, dwellings, temples and pagodas, touring Hoi An's historic highlights, explore its shop-lined streets, view the red-painted Japanese Covered Bridge - the three Chinese characters over the door mean "bridge for passers-by from afar" and tour the 200-year-old "Phung Hung" house, noted for its unique architecture. What you'll see there will reveal much about the lives of Hoi An merchants long ago. Visit the workshop of a traditional lantern maker for a demonstration of this time-honored craft; meet the artisans and try your skills as you create your own lantern to take home. Hoi An, the cobblestone streets in the old French Quarter are a delight to roam with many cafes, art galleries and handicraft shops. Hoi An is especially well known for its local artists and tailor made clothing, with over sixty shops providing this service in town. The remainder of the day is free at leisure.
Overnight in Hoi An
Day 08: Hoi An day tour for a special experience.Overnight in Hoi An (B,L)
Day guided tour to discover Hoian Fishermen & Palm Paradise (4 hours )
With this tour, you will enjoy a wide range of experiences - from learning traditional fishing techniques to paddling the strange and unique Vietnamese bamboo basket boats while exploring the now tranquil coconut-palm flanked waterways of a past war. On this tour we provide an authentic social and cultural insight into the local Vietnamese way of life. As well you will take part in some hands-on activities that are fun, safe and interesting to people all of ages.
Overnight in Hoi An.
Day 9 : Hoi An departure to Ho Chi Minh city.Overnight in HCMC(B)
Morning is free at leisure. We can also hire a bicycle to see the countryside of Hoian or soak up the sun at the beautiful Cua Dai Beach.
At 12:00 , you'll be picked up at hotel & private transferred to the airport in time for your flight to Ho Chi Minh. Fly Danang to HCMC on Vietnam Airlines VN 117, departing 14:20, arriving 15:40.
Welcome to HCMC. Upon arrival at HCMC Airport, after collecting your baggage, exit the airport to meet outside your driver. He will be holding a sign with your names on it. From the airport, you will be privately transferred to your lovely hotel . Settle in and enjoy rest of day at your leisure.
Overnight in HCMC.
Day 10 : HCMC day tour to visit its attractions & Cu Chi tunnels.Overnight in HCMC (B,L)
In the morning, at 7.00, pick up at hotel & enjoy scenic drive through the countryside as people work on their rice paddies and thatched hut villages scattered along the way. Visit a local village making rice paper, a well-known product used to make the delicious spring rolls. Arriving at the Cu Chi Tunnels to explore part of the 151-mile underground network that zigzagged from the southern tip of the Ho Chi Minh Trail near Cambodia to the Saigon River. Cu Chi is a must for anyone interested in understanding a vital aspect of guerrilla warfare fought by the Vietnamese against both the French and the Americans. These criss-crossing tunnels were begun in the late 1940s by local resistance fighters looking for a place to hide their weapons from the French. Discover secret trapdoors, field hospitals, command posts, underground kitchens, living areas and meeting rooms
In the afternoon,we’ll discover Saigon's historic landmarks including the War Remnants Museum, established in September 1975 in Ho Chi Minh City, it contains countless artifacts, photographs and pictures documenting some of the less heroic activities carried out by the US army in Vietnam. Planes, tanks, bombs and helicopters are also on display.Continue visiting to the 1880's General Post Office and the late 19th century Notre Dame cathedral, located in a peaceful part of the city. Ending at Ben Thanh Market for shopping and café.
Overnight in HCMC.
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Day 11: HCMC day trip to Mekong river delta.Overnight in HCMC (B,L)
Leave the city and drive south to Cai Be in the Mekong delta, a journey of approximately 2 hours. The Mekong Delta is Vietnam's 'rice bowl' - a fertile region of flat farmland interlaced with thousands of waterways and tributaries of the Mekong. The delta's waters are interspersed with rice fields, colorful floating markets and isolated villages accessible only by boat. The boat trip will start with the visit of Cai Be colorful floating market. We will proceed by the visit of some local home factories such as rice paste making, rice popcorn, coco candies, and longans drying processing. You will then return on board to proceed the excursion to Dong Hoa Hiep island located between Vinh Long and Cai Be during a 40 minutes cruise to 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. After a short walk along a beautiful canal, the excursion will end at Vinh Long market. Return back to Ho Chi Minh for a night.
Overnight in HCMC.
Day 12 :HCMC - Vung Tau, visit Long Tan & Mui Dat battle site.Overnight in Vung Tau (B,L)
At 7:30 am, you will be picked up at hotel and transferred to Ba Ria town to get Travel permit to the Long Tan site. Our first stop is the sight of the former Nui Dat Task Force Base in the Hoa Long village. Little remains of this camp except the columns of the main gate. The former runway is now a wide street in the local village and the old heli-pad is now a soccer field. Next visit Nui Dat Kindergarten which is built by Australian Veterans for children in the village. We drive past the location of the Horseshoe (access not permitted these days due to mining activity) to the Discourtesy Rubber Plantation. Continue to Long Tan village to visit the Long Tan Cross Memorial, which was re-built by Australian veterans for soldiers in the battle of Long Tan in 1966; then travel to The Horse shoe- fire support base; Long Phuoc Tunnel, Minh Dam hill (no longer the ‘Secret Zone’) called Long Hai hill.
Later on, we transfer to Ba Ria town for our lunch at local restaurant and then keep driving to Vung Tau city to visit Radar Hill Vung Tau by cable car, you will have very nice view of whole city from the top of the hill, enjoy the beautiful scenery on the hill with a nice lake, flower garden. Travel to the Back Beach – the site of an Australian logistics group and the Peter Badcoe Club and Harold Holt Pool (nothing remains at all). The area is now dominated by a massive war memorial, the airport area (many will remember as the home of ‘Wallaby Airlines’ and our ‘hueys’), the ever bustling town centre and the market area.
Overnight in Vung Tau
Day 13. Vung Tau city visit - HCMC.Overnight in HCMC (B,L)
Morning is free at leisure. We can also hire a double bicycle to see around Vung Tau city or soak up the sun at the beautiful Vung Tau Beach.
Afternoon lunch at local restaurant, we will visit The White Palace, also named as Villa Blanche which was built in 1897 for Indochina governor. Next we visit the Statue of Jesus Christ on the top of Small Mountain. The statue is 32 metres high, standing on a 4 metres high platform, for a 36 metres total monument height with two outstretched arms spanning 18.3 metres , there is a 133-step staircase inside the statue. Continue visiting to The Old Vung Tau Lighthouse and Nirvana Temple which is also known as the Pagoda of the Lying Buddha . We then transferred back & arrive in Ho Chi Minh City around 17:00
Overnight in HCMC.
Day 14. HCMC departure (B)
Today is your final day. You are free to chill out and relax. Depending on your departure flight, your private driver will pick you up from the hotel and transfer you to the airport in time for your flight to the next destination. They will ensure you are the correct gate. We wish you a safe and pleasant journey.
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