VIETNAM ESSENTIALS – 8 DAYS 7 NIGHTS

• Arrival in Hanoi and transfer to the city.
• Depending on your flight arrival time, enjoy a gentle walking tour of Hanoi, offering a first glimpse of Vietnam’s charming capital. Discover the iconic Hoan Kiem Lake, admire the elegant Hanoi Opera House, and wander through the atmospheric Old Quarter, where traditional streets and local life create a unique and vibrant atmosphere.
• Dinner in the city.
• Overnight at the hotel in Hanoi.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Discover the cultural highlights of Hanoi, Vietnam’s elegant capital and a fascinating blend of ancient traditions and modern life.

• Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university and a remarkable symbol of the country’s long-standing scholarly tradition.
• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum – exterior visit only if the site is closed.
• One Pillar Pagoda, one of Hanoi’s most distinctive architectural and spiritual landmarks.
• Walking tour of the Old Quarter, traditionally known as the “36 Streets,” where each street was once associated with a particular craft or trade.

Lunch featuring Cha Ca, a delicious grilled fish specialty and one of the signature dishes of northern Vietnam.

Depart for Halong Bay, one of Vietnam’s most spectacular natural destinations.

En route:

• Stop at a local handicraft center to discover traditional Vietnamese craftsmanship.
• Visit Dong Trieu Pottery Village, renowned for its long-standing ceramic-making tradition and beautiful handcrafted products.

Arrive in Halong Bay and check in at the hotel.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Halong Bay.

Breakfast at the hotel.

• Transfer to the pier and board the boat for a 5-hour cruise through Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its emerald waters and spectacular limestone karsts rising dramatically from the sea.
• During the cruise, explore a fascinating natural cave, with impressive stalactites and stalagmites shaped over thousands of years.
• Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch on board, surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of the bay.
• Return to the pier and drive back to Hanoi in the afternoon.
• Transfer to Hanoi Airport for your flight to Hue.
• Upon arrival in Hue, transfer to the city center.
• Dinner in the city.
• Overnight in Hue.

• Discover Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam, peacefully nestled along the banks of the Perfume River. The city captivates visitors with its elegant and tranquil atmosphere, magnificent imperial monuments, lush gardens and rich cultural heritage.
• Begin your sightseeing with a visit to the Imperial City of Hue, the historic heart of the city and former residence of the Nguyen Dynasty. Behind its imposing walls, explore magnificent palaces, pavilions and gardens that reflect the grandeur and refinement of the Vietnamese imperial court.
• Continue to the Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, set amidst a lush and remarkably peaceful landscape. Surrounded by pine trees, tranquil ponds and beautifully landscaped gardens, the site reflects the emperor’s deep appreciation for poetry, nature and contemplation.
• Then visit Thien Mu Pagoda (Pagoda of the Celestial Lady), one of Hue’s most iconic landmarks. Perched on a hill overlooking the Perfume River, this historic pagoda offers a serene setting for quiet reflection while providing beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.
• In the evening, enjoy a Vietnamese royal-style dinner, inspired by the refined cuisine once served at the imperial court. This unique gastronomic and cultural experience offers a fascinating insight into the elegant culinary traditions of Hue.
• Dinner and overnight in Hue.

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Depart for Hoi An, travelling along the spectacular Hai Van Pass. Stop along the way to admire the breathtaking panoramic views: on the Hue side, enjoy views over the beautiful Lang Co Peninsula and lagoon, while on the Da Nang side, take in the sweeping panorama of China Beach and the coastline.
• Continue to Tra Que Village, a charming traditional farming community famous for its aromatic herbs and organic vegetable gardens.
• Enjoy a family-style lunch featuring Cao Lau in the heart of a local herb garden. This iconic Hoi An specialty dates back to the 17th century and is believed to reflect the culinary influences of the diverse communities that once settled in the town. Made with distinctive Cao Lau noodles, this unique dish is traditionally associated with Hoi An and is rarely found elsewhere in Vietnam.
• Discover the enchanting Old Town of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its beautifully preserved historic houses, traditional handicrafts and rich multicultural heritage. Explore the charming streets, historic temples and traditional merchant houses, as well as the lively local market.
• Visit a traditional silk workshop and discover the charming Hoi An Market, a colorful window into the local way of life.
• Dinner at leisure, allowing you to explore Hoi An independently and enjoy its magical atmosphere at your own pace.
• Overnight at the hotel in Hoi An.

• Early breakfast at the hotel.
• Transfer to Da Nang Airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).
• Upon arrival, depart immediately for My Tho, the gateway to the fascinating Mekong Delta, a region of lush tropical landscapes, winding waterways and traditional riverside life.
• Continue to Ben Tre, where you will board a boat for a scenic cruise along the Ben Tre River. Discover the authentic crafts and traditions of the Mekong Delta, including:
• Traditional brick-making, using age-old moulding and firing techniques.
• Local workshops producing the famous coconut candies, a beloved specialty of Ben Tre.
• Enjoy lunch at Hai Ho Restaurant, a charming family-run establishment nestled in lush vegetation along the Mekong River. Dine in a peaceful setting, with tables spread between traditional stilt houses and the main family home.
• Savor the region’s famous specialty, “Elephant Ear Fish”, a distinctive Mekong Delta delicacy.
• Continue with a relaxing sampan ride along a narrow canal, shaded by lush tropical vegetation, offering an intimate glimpse into the peaceful countryside of the delta.
• Return by boat to Ham Luong Pier.
• Transfer back to the hotel in My Tho.
• Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Return to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s vibrant southern metropolis, where historic heritage and modern city life blend together.
• Enjoy a city tour featuring:
• Saigon Central Post Office, an elegant masterpiece of French colonial architecture.
• Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon – exterior visit.
• Reunification Palace, an iconic historical landmark and symbol of the end of the Vietnam War.
• Ben Thanh Market, one of the city’s most famous markets, ideal for discovering local products, handicrafts and souvenirs.
• Lunch at a local restaurant.
• Enjoy free time for shopping or relaxation, allowing you to explore the city at your own pace.
• Dinner at a local restaurant.
• Overnight at the hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Enjoy a free day at leisure, depending on your international flight departure time. Take this opportunity to relax, do some last-minute shopping or enjoy the city at your own pace.
• At the appropriate time, transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your return flight.
• Optional airport transfer – without guide.
• End of services.