Day 1. Hanoi Arrival
Arrival in Hanoi. – Welcome to Vietnam!
Upon clearing Customs and Immigration, your guide will present you with all necessary documentation and contact information of your guide and local offices.
Vietnam is rapidly developing but holds onto the charming traditions and culture which make it such a fascinating holiday destination. History has left its mark on Vietnam by way of Chinese, French and American influence.
Transfer by air-conditioned vehicle to your hotel and time at leisure. Early check in the hotel and free at leisure.
Overnight in Hanoi
Meal(s): Nil
Note: Hotel check-in time is 14h00; early check-in can be arranged at additional cost.
Day 2. Hanoi
Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is a blend of long established traditions and modern imprints of Western influence.
Begin the day visiting Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum where his embalmed body is kept for homage visits in the cooled, central hall of the mausoleum, protected by a military honour guard. The body lies in a glass case with dim lights. Take a walk from the mausoleum through the park to see the former French Governor’s Palace and the wooden cabin commonly known as Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House in which he lived from 1958 till his final days in 1969. This humble house has been preserved just as he left it. Continue to visit the 11th century lotus shaped One Pillar Pagoda.
Then visit the 11th century Temple of Literature, dedicated to Confucius and once the Mandarin Training School in the olden days.
In the afternoon, enjoy an orientation of Hanoi, exploring its tree-lined streets adorned with French colonial architecture, including the exquisite Opera House. Pass by Hoan Kiem Lake, also known as the 'Lake of the Restored Sword' and visit the historical Ngoc Son Temple, built on a lush green islet. Ngoc Son Temple is reached via the red painted, wooden The Huc (Rising Sun) Bridge, which was constructed in 1885. The temple was erected in the 18th century to honour the 13-century military leader Tran Hung Dao who distinguished himself in the fight against the Yuan Dynasty, Van Xuong, a scholar, and Nguyen Van Sieu, a Confucian master and famous writer in charge of repairs made to the temple in 1864. From here you can see the tiny Tortoise Pagoda at the lake’s center.
Experience the vibrant daily life of the locals with a walking tour through the Old Quarter, the oldest continuously developed area of Vietnam. This densely populated section of Hanoi was once a major commercial center where goods were sold on streets named after specific guilds. Visit an ancient merchant house nestled among modern shops and appreciate its unique rustic charm. Engage in a casual conversation with the host to learn about Hanoi's past and present through her stories. Discover her passion for trading the 800-year-old Zó paper, made from tree bark, and her efforts to keep this traditional craft alive. As a memento, take home a piece of traditional folk art painted on this ancient paper.
To cap off the trip, mingle with the locals, savor a cup of coffee, and watch the bustling life pass by.
Overnight in Hanoi
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 3. Hanoi
Village Handicraft & Artisan Encounters
Northern Vietnam is rich in traditional handicrafts, a cradle of age-old skills. Some crafts have flourished, while others are fading. Today’s trip lets you meet an artisan and discuss how they innovate and preserve their craft, followed by a hands-on workshop to understand the effort behind each piece. A one-hour drive west of Hanoi takes you to a silk village, once the "mulberry capital of the north." Despite economic challenges, one artisan has dedicated herself to keeping and evolving silk-making. Inspired by the national flower, she creates silk from its fibers. Watch her work magic with the stems, then enjoy tea as she shares her story and passion. A delicate silk keepsake will be given to each guest as a token of this memorable experience.
Next, visit a village known for lacquerware since the 18th century. The villagers once crafted gold-plated items for royalty. Explore the village, visit a small workshop to see the “behind the scenes” activities. Observe how the locals prepare wooden armatures and decorations, see the preparation of wooden armatures. Then walk to a colorful studio and learn the essential steps of creating lacquerware. Try your hand at assembling decorative items on a lacquerware board to make a meaningful DIY souvenir. Transfer back to Hanoi.
Overnight in Hanoi
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 4. Hanoi. Halong. Cruise
Today we will drive by shuttle bus from Hanoi to Halong Bay (170 km) and stop en-route for stretching our legs. Transfer to/from Tuan Chau Marina Port (10 km).
Surrounding by the hundreds of limestone karst-mountains and rock formations rising dramatically from the emerald green water; Halong bay is listed as one of the must-see place in Vietnam. Let's spend a night on the cruise with the stunning view of this wonder.
Arrive at the harbor at noon time and do the check in procedure on your boat. You will be welcome and served lunch while cruising towards the bay. This afternoon is full of activities such as cave visit, floating farm, beach relax or simply enjoy the sunbathing on the sundeck (the program is varied depending on each boat cruise).
Prepare your camera for the amazing photos of the bay, hundreds of boats or sunset. Dinner will be served on boat and enjoy the relaxing night while boat is anchoring at the quiet water area.
Overnight on board
Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
No ICS guide on board with guests. On-board English speaking guide is arranged by the junk.
Day 5. Cruise. Halong. Hanoi. Hoi An
Wake up and enjoy the fresh morning in the middle of the bay. Start your day by joining in a Tai Chi lesson on the sundeck. Rejuvenate your body and mind with the slow movement of Tai Chi. Breakfast (or brunch) will be served on boat while cruising back to the port, passing the majestic peaks. Disembark from the cruise.
Note: The program can be changed due to the weather condition, tide condition and local authorization.
Transferred without guide back to your previous hotel in Hanoi.
Being picked up and transferred to the Airport for the flight to Danang. As arrival, being picked up and transferred without a guide to your hotel. Check in the hotel and free at leisure.
Overnight in Hoi An
Meal(s): Breakfast or brunch.
Flight Hanoi – Danang offered separately
Day 6. Hoi An
Hoi An City Tour
In the afternoon, take a city tour of Hoi An town. Pretty as a picture Hoi An! The quirky mix of Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese and European influences make this ancient town a photographers' paradise. We'll walk through the narrow winding streets of the old quarter past ochre-hued stone houses, lantern-filled shops and colourful fishing boats. The most iconic sights is the Japanese Covered Bridge, Sa Huynh Museum, the Tran Family Chapel, Phuoc Kien Assembly Hall. There are also ancient temples and merchant homes over 200 years old.
Overnight in Hoi An
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 7. Hoi An
Countryside Cycling Tour
Today's 2-wheeled pedal adventure begins at 08:00 at a rustic steel bridge leading to a charming village that keeps varieties of traditional handicrafts.
Depending on the season (from February to May and from June-July to September), you may see golden paddy fields during harvest season or verdant groves of jute along the banks. Meet the head of the craft village and follow his trails to experience daily life activities along the river.
Cycling along the scenic countryside view of immerse rice field, bamboo forests and idyllic village road to a local house where they make traditional fishing boat from rattan and palm leaves. Continue to visit a family weaving mats on wooden loom from sedge grass. See the way locals manage to keep their traditional occupation in a modern and constantly evolving time. Stop along the way to watch local fishermen practicing their age-old fishing techniques. Roll up your sleeves a nd join them in lifting the net, all while joining in the lively folk songs of “Hò Khoan,” creating a shared moment of tradition and joy.” Opportunity to visit a village wordship temple to get a glimpse into the traditional belief of Vietnamese fishermen who treats Whales as their god. End the trip at the home of the village head – Mr. Hung – who is himself a bamboo craftsman. Chance to see some of his works and also experience how his wife makes Mi Quang noodle for living. Enjoy simple yet friendly home-hosted lunch prepared by his wife.
Overnight in Hoi An
Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch
Day 8. Danang. Saigon
Free at leisure before being transferred to Danang Airport for the flight to Saigon.
Saigon city tour
Ever-vibrant, ever-changing - this is the buzzing city of Saigon, where sleek skyscrapers loom over incense-infused temples and motorcycles rule the roads. There's classic European-style landmarks such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Opera House, the ornate City Hall and the art-deco Post Office. Reminders of a recent past can be seen in the Reunification Palace, famously stormed by tanks in 1975. Make sure you save some energy for browsing the stalls in the bustling Ben Thanh Market. We'll also get to try a cup of Vietnamese coffee - strong and flavourful, and often made with yoghurt or eggs!
Overnight in Saigon
Meal(s): Breakfast
Flight Danang – Saigon offered separately
Day 9. Saigon
Rise up early today to experience the authentic local life of Saigon through the rare and nostalgic viewfinder of an analog camera. Around 07.30am, enjoy a private Saigon Street Life Black and White Film Photography tour, you'll embark on a unique journey using a TLR analog camera and a roll of 120 film—an increasingly rare opportunity in today's digital age. After learning some tips of the art of analog photography, you'll weave through bustling alley markets and uncover the city's hidden oldest apartment, capturing its essence in timeless black and white. The final leg of your tour takes you to Saigon's oldest neighborhood, where your camera becomes a bridge to the local people. Sit down with a local and view Saigon through her lens from before and after the wartime. This tour offers a fresh perspective on street life, blending nostalgia with discovery. After lunch at the rustic yet authentic Ricefield restaurant, embark on a 1½ hour drive to Cu Chi tunnels. Synonymous with the Vietnam War and a testament to the determined spirit of the Vietnamese, the underground network of passages at Cu Chi is a fascinating day trip out of the city.
Work on the tunnels began during the war against the French in the 1940s and over the next 25 years as the conflict with America escalated, they were improved and expanded to create an underground city of meeting areas, storerooms, living quarters and much more. The tunnels allowed the Viet Cong to control a vital area of South Vietnam and at their height, extended for more than 200KM in length and stretched from what was then Saigon to the Cambodian border. Transfer back to the city.
Overnight in Saigon
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 10. Saigon Departure
Free at leisure before being picked up and transferred without guide to Saigon Airport for the flight coming back home.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Note: Hotel check-out time is 12h00; late check-out can be arranged at additional cost.
Where to stay
Hanoi
La Siesta Premium Hang Be 4☆
Deluxe.
Halong Calypso Cruise 4☆
Deluxe/2D1N/kayaking included
Hoi An Cozy Savvy Boutique Hotel Hoi An 4☆
Deluxe
Saigon
Liberty Central Saigon Centre 4☆
Deluxe
Note: Alternative hotels will be offered if quoted hotels are not available at the time of booking.
Things we include...
• All services as mentioned in the above itinerary.
• Accommodation in twin occupancy incl. breakfast
• English speaking local guides, assistants and drivers as mentioned in the itinerary.
• Transfers and touring as mentioned.
• Entrance fees for the above itinerary
• Fully licensed and insured to international standard.
• All applicable local taxes
Things we don’t include...
• Visa fees
• Personal expenses, tips and gratuities
• Domestic and International Flights unless mentioned separately.
• Early check-in and late check-out
• Any sightseeing or excursions during leisure time
Picture Source: ICS Travel Thailand
Picture Source: ICS Travel Thailand
Picture Source: ICS Travel Thailand
Picture Source: ICS Travel Thailand
Picture Source: ICS Travel Thailand
Picture Source: ICS Travel Thailand
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Lufthansa City Center
Lufthansa City Center