Highlights
See the best of Vietnam on a 10 days tour designed to give you enough time to savor your travel experience at a leisurely pace. Visit cultural highlights along with ancient back alleys in Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi. Cruise through emerald waters and towering limestone pillars at Halong Bay. Admire the country’s most beautiful ancient architecture in Hoian. Travel through the small waterways of the Mekong Delta. Feel the metropolitan pulse of Ho Chi Minh City and experiencing its highlights.
Details
Brief itinerary
Day 1: Hanoi Arrival
Day 2: Hanoi Sightseeing
Day 3: Hanoi - Halong Bay Cruise
Day 4: Halong - Danang - Hoian
Day 5: Hoian Ancient Town Sightseeing
Day 6: A day at leisure in Hoian
Day 7: Hoian - Ho Chi Minh City
Day 9: Mekong Delta Sightseeing
Day 8: Cu Chi Tunnel - Ho Chi Minh City Sightseeing
Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City Departure
Day 1: Arrival Hanoi
Xin Chào! Welcome to Hanoi, the charming capital city of Vietnam. Upon arrival at Hanoi airport, meet with your guide at the airport and head to your hotel to refresh yourself.
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 and the sixth century Tran Quoc Buddhist Pagoda. From here transfer or stroll along the lakeside to the Taoist temple of Quan Thanh, dedicated to Tran Vu, one of the principal deities in Taoism. Have lunch at a restaurant nearby.
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 depart Hanoi for a two hours drive 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 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.
Flight recommended: VN1673 (14:00 - 15:15) or VN181 (16:00 - 17:20) by Vietnam Airlines. Airfare is not included in tour cost.
Upon arrival at Danang airport, you will be welcomed by your local guide, and transferred to your hotel in Hoian 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. Enjoy lunch with traditional Hoian delicacies. 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 - Danang - Ho Chi Minh (B)
After breakfast you are at leisure, then transfer to Danang Airport for a short flight by Vietnam Airlines to Ho Chi Minh City. Flight recommended: VN125 (13:00 – 14:30) by Vietnam Airlines. Airfare is not included in tour cost. 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 Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 8: Cu Chi Tunnles - Ho Chi Minh 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 Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 9: 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 Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 10: 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
Cambodia 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
Special Rates
Please contact us for the best rates.
Services included
+ 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
Services not included
+ 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
Terms & Conditions
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.
