BRIEF ITINERARY

Day 1:     Hanoi Arrival

Day 2:     The Hanoi Old Quarter

Day 3:     Bat Trang Pottery Village - Cooking Class - My Village Show

Day 4:     Halong Bay Overnight Cruise

Day 5:     Fly to Hoian

Day 6:     Hoian Ancient Town

Day 7:     Hoian Rural Life  

Day 8:     Fly to Nha Trang

Day 9:     Nha Trang at leisure (no guide)

Day 10:   Nha Trang at leisure (no guide)

Day 11:   Fly to Ho Chi Minh City

Day 12:   Mekong Delta

Day 13:   Cu Chi Tunnels and Saigon

Day 14:   Departure

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival

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)

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 stroll along the lakeside) 700 meters to the nearby Taoist temple of Quan Thanh, dedicated to Tran Vu, one of the principal deities in Taoism. Enjoy lunch with Vietnamese delicacies in 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. Among the ancient homes and attractive temples there is a multitude of tantalizing souvenir shops. Stop for an authentic Vietnamese coffee (Cà Phê) or traditional deserts (Chè), before heading to your final stop at Ngoc Son Temple on a tiny island of the Hoan Kiem Lake.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 3: Bat Trang Pottery Village - Cooking Class - My Village Show (B/L)

This morning drive to the ancient village of Bat Trang, a traditional porcelain and pottery community on the outskirt of Hanoi. Start exploring the old charms of the pottery village by walking through ancient and narrow alleys while admiring the unique architecture. Step into a local house and learn the intricate steps involved in making ceramic works of art from skillful craftsmen. Next, try your hands sunk into soft clay while creating pottery under the instructions of the local craftsmen.

Back to Hanoi Old Quarter, join a cooking class for making rice pancakes (Bánh Cuốn), a traditional dish of Northern Vietnam. Learn the art of creating this specialty with a local master chef. After this fun and rewarding experience, sit down and enjoy a tasty self-made lunch. Spend the afternoon at leisure to relax and enjoy the hotel.

This evening enjoy a world-renowned cultural show of My Village (Làng Tôi) at the Hanoi Opera House or Vietnam Tuong Theater (subject to availability). Experience an awe-inspiring performance of art that highlights the poetic beauty of Northern Vietnam villages’ life, presented through story-telling circus, unique folk live music and creative use of bamboo.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 4: 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 group off-shore excursions, onboard activities or just spend some time relaxing on board. 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 the boat in Halong Bay.

Day 5: Halong Bay - Hoian (B)

Enjoy the morning in the middle of Halong Bay. 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 6: Hoian Ancient Town (B/L)

Explore one of Vietnam’s most charming coastal towns, Hoian. 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. 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 Hoi An’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 Hoi An delicacies. The rest of the day is your free time at leisure.

Overnight in Hoian.

Day 7: Hoian Rural Life (B/L)

Start the day with a short drive or a scenic bicycle ride passing rice paddies to the village of Tra Que on the outskirts of Hoi An. This charming village is well known for its luscious fields where local farmers grow organic vegetables and herbs. Discover the many types of the fresh and fragrant greens and lend a hand working the fields. Learn about organic planting and harvesting techniques and even get the unique chance to ride a buffalo! Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant.

This afternoon take a boat trip to the village of Cam Thanh on the bank of Thu Bon River. Explore a seven-hectare mangrove forest filled with water coconut trees while on bamboo basket boats. Meet the local fishermen for a hands-on fishing net experience. Learn how to paddle the boats, watch in awe as some villagers put on an amazing basket boat performance and go boat racing! Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 8: Hoian - Danang - Nha Trang (B)

After breakfast you are at leisure, then transfer to Danang airport for a short flight by Vietnam Airlines to Cam Ranh airport of Nha Trang.

Flight recommended: VN1945 (12:25 – 13:35) by Vietnam Airlines. Airfare is not included in tour cost.

Upon arrival to Cam Ranh Airport, you will be met and taken to the resort. The rest of the day is at your leisure.

Overnight in Cam Ranh or Nha Trang

Day 9-10: Days at leisure by the beach (B)

You have a couple of days free at leisure to relax by the beach at your resort. For families travelling with kids, a fun-filled holiday at Vinpearl Resort Nha Trang on Hon Tre Island with all-inclusive meals, unlimited access to Vinpearl Land Theme Park would be an ideal option. Please contact us for a tailor-made itinerary and quotation if your kids wish to stay and play there.

Overnight in Cam Ranh or Nha Trang.

Day 11: Nha Trang - Saigon City (B)

You are at leisure then transfer to Cam Ranh airport for a short flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

Flight recommended: VN 1347 (14:30 – 15:35) by Vietnam Airlines. Airfare is not included in tour cost.

Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, meet your guide at the airport and transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Saigon.

Day 12: 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 13: Mekong Delta Watery Life (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 14: 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.

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.