Brief itinerary

Day 1:     Arrive Hanoi

Day 2:     Discover the old wolrd charm of Hanoi

Day 3:     Enjoy Halong Bay Cruise

Day 4:     Disembark cruise, fly to Hoian

Day 5:     Discover Hoian Ancient Town

Day 6:     Hoian at leisure

Day 7:     Transfer from Hoian to Hue

Day 8:     Discover the Imperial City of Hue

Day 9:     Fly from Hue to Saigon City

Day 10:   Explore the Mekong Delta

Day 11:   Discover Cu Chi Tunnels and Saigon City Tour

Day 12:   Departure

Day 1: Arrival Hanoi

Xin Chào! Welcome to Hanoi, the charming capital city of Vietnam. Upon arrival at Hanoi airport you will be welcomed by your local guide, and transferred to your hotel in a private chauffeur driven car.

The rest of the day is at leisure.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 2: Hanoi City Tour (B/L)

Hanoi brings together all of the charms of a colonial past with a modern buzz in one fast-paced yet graceful city. Exuding a wonderfully exotic aura, Hanoi is the perfect combination of old Asia and new.

Start your day in Hanoi with a visit to the famed Temple of Literature. Become fascinated with the stories of the building and get a glimpse of the past when it served as the Vietnam’s first university, dating back to 1076.

Next up is a short drive to Imperial Citadel of Thang Long – Hanoi’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Citadel was constructed on a Chinese fortress dating back from the 7th century and re-built in the 11th century by the Ly Viet Dynasty. The historical site and remains represent a unique fusion of traits, with influences from China in the North and the ancient Kingdom of Champa in the South.

Afterwards, continue to Hanoi’s picturesque West Lake area and the sixth century Tran Quoc Buddhist Pagoda. From here transfer or take a short walk to the nearby Taoist temple of Quan Thanh, dedicated to Tran Vu, one of the principal deities in Taoism. Have lunch at a local restaurant.

This afternoon enjoy a relaxing cyclo ride through Hanoi's Old Quarter. The best way to explore the picturesque area of the Old Quarter is by "cyclo" (a three-wheeled bicycle taxi). Also known as the "36 Streets District", it was once the thriving commercial center of the city. Each of the 36 short lanes used to specialize in a particular trade represented by one of the guilds. This is still reflected in the names of certain streets: like Silk Street, Gold Street and Fish Street. Among the ancient homes and attractive temples there is a multitude of tantalizing souvenir shops. Stop for an authentic Vietnamese coffee or traditional deserts, before heading to your final stop at Ngoc Son Temple on a tiny island of the iconic Hoan Kiem lake.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 3: Hanoi - Halong Bay (B/L/D)

This morning take a two hours drive from Hanoi to Halong Bay. Arrive at the jetty in Halong City or Hai Phong City towards noon and proceed with check-in formalities. After your welcome onboard, a lunch will be served while cruising towards the bay itself.

In the afternoon, enjoy some visits and/or activities (depending on each boat’s itinerary) or just spend some time relaxing on board. Activities are subject to change due to cruise selection and weather conditions. Sightseeing usually includes visiting floating villages or caves on the islands. Towards the end of the day the boat sets anchor for the night among the karst formations. Dinner is served on board.

Overnight on board in Halong Bay.

Day 4: Halong Bay - Hoian (B)

Enjoy the morning in the middle of Halong Bay as the sun rises on Halong and breakfast is served (brunch on some boats) while the vessel cruises slowly through the magnificent rock formations and back towards the port. Mid-morning the boat will return to shore.

Disembark and transfer to Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport or Hai Phong International Airport, board a short flight to Danang. Upon arrival at Danang airport, you will be welcomed by your local guide, and transferred to your hotel in Hoi An ancient town. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Overnight in Hoian.

Day 5: Hoian Ancient Town (B/L)

Explore one of Vietnam’s most charming coastal towns, Hoian. Home to some of the country’s most striking historical architecture, this former trading port once welcomed Chinese, Dutch, French, Japanese, Portuguese and Arab merchants and this varied cultural influence is still very much evident today.

Begin the walking tour through the charming streets lined with honey-yellow buildings until reaching Chua Ong Pagoda. This ancient, Chinese-inspired structure dates back to 1653, and within its walls, visitors can smell the sweet aroma of incense. From here, walk onward to nearby Phuc Kien Assembly Hall and Jinshang Temple, dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea.

After taking in the fascinating 200-year-old Tan Ky House, enjoy a short rest at one of Hoian’s most iconic structures, the beautiful and intricately decorated Japanese Covered Bridge. Next, relax with a revitalizing cup of tea at Reaching Out Tea House - an establishment that aids members of the community who are living with disabilities. For lunch, witness a cookery demonstration of traditional Hoi An delicacies before enjoying the delectable meal. The rest of the day is your free time at leisure.

Overnight in Hoian.

Day 6: Hoian at leisure (B)

The whole day is your time to relax. Alternatively there are opportunities to visit the An Bang beach or Cua Dai beach, cycle in some peaceful countryside, visit My Son Sanctuary – an UNESCO World Heritage Site, discover the artists of Hoi An or see a tailor to get some clothes made.

Overnight in Hoian.

Day 7: Hoian - Hue (B)

Spend the morning at leisure before leaving Hue to Hoi An. Drive through the Pass of Ocean Clouds and drop down to the wonderfully photogenic fishing village of Lang Co.

On arrival, check in hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Overnight in Hue.

Day 8: Imperial City of Hue (B/L)

Start this morning with a visit to the Imperial Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City nearby. Modeled 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 Hue. 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.

Continue to Thien Mu Pagoda, sitting on the riverbank outside the city, this octagonal seven tiers stupa has long been regarded as the symbol of Hue 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.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant featuring an authentic Hue style cuisine. Continue to former Emperor Minh Mang’s tomb located in a tranquil setting of gardens and ponds. Journey on to Emperor Khai Dinh’s tomb designed in traditional Vietnamese style with a European touch making it unique from the other tombs in Hue. The evening is at leisure.

Overnight in Hue.

Day 9: Hue - Saigon (B)

After breakfast you are at leisure, then transfer to Hue Airport for a short flight by Vietnam Airlines to Ho Chi Minh City (Recommended flight: VN 1373 13:15 – 14:45). Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, transfer to the hotel and spend the rest of the day strolling around this dynamic city, formerly known as Saigon.

Overnight in Saigon.

Day 10: Cu Chi Tunnels - Saigon City Tour (B/L)

Depart to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, an incredible underground tunnel network constructed by Vietcong guerrillas during the wars. Hear the tales of how these tunnels were built, visit two sections of the tunnel where it is possible to crawl inside to experience first-hand what life was like living underground. Return to Ho Chi Minh City at noon and enjoy a late lunch.

This afternoon, continue to visit to the city’s most iconic building: the Reunification Hall. Formerly called the Presidential Palace, images of the building were seen around the world on 30 April 1975 when tanks stormed the gates as Saigon fell to the North Vietnamese. Then take a stroll to Ho Chi Minh City’s colonial quarter, walking past scenes of everyday life on the way. Admire the beautiful architecture of the Sai Gon Opera House, the City Hall, the Old Saigon Post Office. Hear about the glory days of French Indochina and how that era continues to influence aspects of modern Vietnamese culture.

Overnight in Saigon.

Day 11: Day Tour to Mekong Delta (B/L)

Leave the hustle and bustle of Saigon and drive deep into the Mekong Delta. Start with a visit of Cai Be floating market, take a boat trip to Tan Phong Island, then a relaxing cycle ride through small villages on the island. Ride along the pathways and visit local families making traditional products such as handicraft items made from water hyacinth, roofs made from palm leaves, hammocks made from coconut ropes.

Enjoy lunch with specialties of the Mekong Delta in an orchard. After lunch, walk around the orchard, enjoy some cups of tea while listening to Mekong traditional music (đờn ca tài tử) in an ancient house. Continue cruising on the Mekong River, witness everyday life in the watery world passing by while sampling local fresh fruits. Leave the boat to visit local family-run businesses producing rice wine, pop rice, coconut candy, rice paper and interact with the host learning about their daily lives. Stop at a brick kiln and get a chance to observe how bricks are made in a traditional style. Disembark the cruise at Vinh Long City and drive back to Saigon late afternoon.

Overnight in Saigon.

Day 12: Departure (B)

Enjoy the morning at leisure. Your guide will meet you at your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your onward flight home or next destinations.

HOLIDAY EXTENSIONS (OPTIONAL)

Siem Reap Discovery 4 days 3 nights

Beach Escape to Phu Quoc Island 4 days 3 nights

Beach Escape to Con Dao Island 4 days 3 nights

Beach Escape to Ho Tram, Vung Tau 4 days 3 nights

Please contact us for the best rates.

+ Hotel accommodation in half-twin/double shared room with daily breakfast

+ Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner)

+ English, French or Chinese speaking local guide (for other languages supplements apply)

+ Tours and transfers as mentioned by private air conditioned vehicle unless stated otherwise

+ Entrance fees for mentioned visits

+ Taxes and service charges

+ International and domestic flights (quoted separately)

+ Visa fee, travel insurance

+ Meals other than mentioned above

+ Early check-in or late check-out fees

+ Camera/video entrance fees (if any)

+ Personal expenses (drinks, laundry, telephone, etc)

+ Additional transfer required due to emergency situation

+ Peak season surcharge and compulsory gala dinner on 24 Dec and 31 Dec

+ Guide and driver tips

+ Other services not clearly indicated in the package inclusions above

PAYMENT

Booking is made more than 30 days prior to arrival date: a 50% deposit of total value is required upon confirmation. The balance must be paid at least 30 days prior to arrival date.

Booking is made less than 30 days prior to arrival date: 100% of total value is required upon confirmation.

Payment method: by bank transfer or by credit card. Client/remitting party must cover their own bank charges. Credit card payment incurs a merchant service fee of 2% for Visa, Mastercard and 3% for American Express, in addition to the total amount payable.

Booking will be cancelled if payments are not received on due date(s).

CANCELLATION/AMENDEMENT

Cancellations or amendments must be informed in writing. E-mail cancellation or booking amendments are only effective once re-confirmed by FantaSea Travel. We strongly recommend you to purchase travel insurance to cover cancellation cost if any. We do not cover any costs related to your travelling risk. Should you have to cancel or amend, the following terms will apply:

Normal Season:

More than 30 days: 10% of total value

From 15 to 30 days: 25% of total value

From 8 to 14 days: 50% of total value

Within 7 days or no show: 100% of total value

Peak Season (20 DEC - 10 JAN):

More than 45 days: 10% of total value

From 31 to 45 days: 25% of total value

From 15 to 30 days: 50% of total value

Within 14 days or no show: 100% of total value

Certain special offers may be non-refundable/non-amendable. These will be advised to you at the time of booking. Refund can take up to 45 days after cancellation date.

COVID-19 POLICY

For all new bookings made from 1 January 2021, we grant free cancellation up to 7 days prior to arrival (thereafter 100% charge) if the reason for cancellation is related to COVID-19 such as the following:

+ Guests suspected or confirmed to carry the virus

+ Guests being denied to board an airplane

+ Border closures in Vietnam, in a neighboring country for tour bookings or in the guests’ country of residence

+ Quarantine obligation

+ New lockdown

In such circumstances, FantaSea Travel will allow you to change the dates of your tour or offer you a credit for another tour. This policy is only valid if the ability to travel is beyond the control of the guest. Guests are required to provide reasonable documentation confirming that their inability to travel is due to COVID-19 related matters. The final decision to waive cancellation charges lies entirely with FantaSea Travel at all times.

For cancellations or booking modifications due to reasons not related to COVID-19 our standard policies as stipulated in this offer apply.