DAY 01: HANOI: FULL DAY CITY TOUR

Experience a captivating exploration of Hanoi's rich history and delve into its cultural heritage and significant landmarks with your guide.
Begin your journey at the Ho Chi Minh Complex to honour Vietnam's revered leader and explore his role in the nation's history. Next, visit the poignant Hoa Lo Prison, or 'Hanoi Hilton,' for a glimpse into Vietnam's struggle for independence. In the afternoon, discover Vietnam's rich cultural diversity at the Museum of Ethnology, followed by a stroll through the bustling 36 streets of the Old Quarter, where vibrant markets and historic architecture await. End the day at scenic Hoan Kiem Lake, uncovering the legend of an emperor, a magical sword, and the giant turtle that gave the lake its name.
Meeting point: Flower Garden Hotel (No. 46 Nguyen Truong To, Truc Bach ward, Ba Dinh district, Hanoi)

Please note:

The Day starts at 08:30 AM and finishes around 5:30 PM. Block Out Dates: Tet Holidays.
The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed every afternoon as well as on Mondays and Fridays. During closure, the Ho Chi Minh Residence and other places in the complex can be visited as normal. From mid-June to mid-August, the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum will be closed for the annual renovation.
Please wear clothes that cover your knees and shoulders.

Hotel: Flower Garden Hanoi Hotel (ROH) or similar

DAY 02: HANOI - HALONG: HALONG BAY DAY CRUISE (BL)

Take a captivating journey through the heart of Halong Bay aboard the day cruise, beginning with a heartfelt welcome from our attentive crew. Your day is set against a backdrop of limestone karsts and emerald waters, starting with a scenic sail through the Island area complemented by a delicious onboard lunch.
As the cruise ventures further, explore Halong Bay's iconic islets. The adventure continues to a Cave, a vibrant cavern where nature's artistry is displayed in the form of intricate stalactites and stalagmites.
Concluding back at the pier, your journey through Halong Bay's stunning landscapes and cultural landmarks promises an unforgettable day.

Please note:

The drive begins at 8:00 AM but pickup times may vary. We cover around 180KM.
The itinerary is subject to change or cancellation due to weather conditions.
The Emeraude Min is subjected upon availability; we will find alternative will similar standard.

Hotel: Peace Hotel Halong (ROH) or similar

DAY 03: HALONG - NINH BINH: HOA LU ANCIENT CITADEL & TAM COC-BICH DONG (B)

Today we will venture south to Hoa Lu, the former heartland of the Dinh and Le dynasties. Here, nestled amidst breathtaking scenery, you'll explore the remnants of a rich past where ruins and tombs have withstood the test of time.
Proceed to Tam Coc, a natural marvel where rivers meander through caverns with limestone karsts towering above lush rice fields, offering a tranquil escape and spectacular photo opportunities at the Bich Dong Pagoda. Boarding a small boat, you’ll meander down the river to the ancient caves, seeing limestone karsts reaching skywards out of emerald rice paddies - some wonderful photo opportunities are to be had. Head back to the pier where your driver will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel in Ninh Binh.

Please note: The drive begins at 8:00 AM and we cover around 230 KM.

Hotel: Tam Coc Rice Fields Resort (Bungalow with Mountain View and Rice Fields) or similar

DAY 04: NINH BINH – VINH: PHAT DIEM STONE CATHEDRAL & KIM LIEN RELIC SITE (B)

Drive to Phat Diem Church in the morning, then head south to Kim Lien, the hometown and birthplace of Ho Chi Minh.
Begin your day with a visit to the magnificent Phat Diem Church, known for its unique blend of Vietnamese and European architectural styles it will offer insight into Vietnamese religious history and heritage. Afterwards, continue south to Kim Lien, the birthplace of Ho Chi Minh. Here, you'll have the opportunity to explore his former residence, a simple thatched house that reflects his modest upbringing.
Visit the Kim Lien Museum, which houses artifacts and documents related to Ho Chi Minh's life gaining insights into the early life and humble beginnings of Vietnam's revered leader. This journey offers a blend of cultural, historical, and architectural experiences, providing a deeper understanding of the country's rich heritage.

Please note: The drive begins at 8.00 AM and we cover around 275 KM.

Hotel: Sai Gon - Kim Lien Hotel (Deluxe) or similar

DAY 05: VINH - DONG HOI: HOANH SON QUAN & GENERAL GIAP'S TOMB (B)

Today we make for Dong Hoi, stopping at the tomb of a beloved general, driving down the Ngang pass and exploring Vietnam's incredible and vast caves.
On our drive today we will first pause at Hoanh Son Quan, a historical gate built during the Nguyen Dynasty that offers a glimpse into Vietnam's past. Next, we will see the revered tomb of General Vo Nguyen Giap, a significant figure in Vietnamese history, where your driver and guide will be able to share details of the man and why the locals so revere him. Continue your journey down the picturesque Ngang Pass, known for its breathtaking views of the mountains and coastline. Upon reaching Dong Hoi, your driver will transfer you back to your hotel for tonight.

Please note: The drive begins at 8:00 AM and we cover around 250 KM.

Hotel: Duy Tan Quang Binh Hotel & Resort (Superior) or similar

DAY 06: DONG HOI – HOI AN: EMPEROR TOMB & HAI VAN PASS (B)

Today we drive to the beautiful UNESCO town of Hoi An. On our way, we'll stop at a plethora of fascinating locations from the Hai Van Pass to the Tomb of a former Emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty.
Begin your journey, pausing first for a photo stop at the historic Hien Luong Bridge, which once marked the divide between North and South Vietnam. We will then venture into the picturesque countryside of Hue to discover the tomb of one of Vietnam's former ruler, encapsulating the legacy and lore of his reign. Once we’ve finished exploring the mausoleum we will head down the Hai Van Pass and take in the stunning coastal road enjoying the views over the ocean before making our way along the beachfront promenades of Danang and finding ourselves at the charming lantern-lit city of Hoi An.

Please note: The drive begins at 7:00 AM and covers 320 KM.

Hotel: EMM Hoi An Hotel (Superior) or similar

DAY 07: HOI AN - FREE DAY: BA NA HILLS (B)

Today is at leisure to enjoy the town of Hoi An and its picturesque avenues, perhaps head to the beach or book onto our Optional tour and explore the iconic Ba Na Hills.
Tour ends, your room is available until 12:00 PM on the following day.

Optional: SIC\FD\DISCOVER BA NA HILLS FROM HOI AN (L)

Explore the mystical Ba Na Hills on a captivating day tour from Hoi An, ascending via cable car to marvel at panoramic views, ancient pagodas, and the iconic Golden Bridge cradled by giant stone hands.
Journey to the Ba Na Hills, where you'll be lifted to the heavens aboard a cable car, revealing sweeping landscapes and leading to revered sites like the Linh Ung Pagoda and the monumental Giant Buddha. The enchanting Le Jardin D’Amour awaits with its kaleidoscope of flora, followed by the architectural splendour of the Golden Bridge, a marvel of design suspended by mossy hands. This region's French colonial heritage enriches its charm, blending European elegance with Vietnamese tradition. Relish a traditional Vietnamese lunch, then savour leisure time to discover attractions such as Fantasy Park or meander through serene walks.

Please note: The tour starts at 7.30 AM and finishes at 5.30 PM. Times may vary and a surcharge for Hotels outside the city centre may apply. Lunch is not included.

Hotel: EMM Hoi An Hotel (Superior) or similar

Tour Inclusion

Accommodation is based on a shared Twin/Double room including breakfast unless otherwise mentioned
Meals as mentioned (B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner)
01 Throughout Local English-speaking guide (supplements may apply for other languages)
Transfer as mentioned for the whole group travel together unless otherwise mentioned
Activities as outlined in the itinerary
Service charge and current government VAT/GST tax
Check-in time is usually 2 pm and check-out time is 12 pm for Asia. This is subject to individual hotel regulations. Early or late service is subject to availability, often with a surcharge.

Tour pick up location : Flower Garden Hotel (46 Nguyen Truong To, Ba Dinh, Hanoi) - Hotel lobby

Tour drop off location : EMM Hoi An Hotel (187 Ly Thuong Kiet, Hoi An) - Hotel lobby

Departure Dates: Departing on every Thursdays

Meals Included: 7 x breakfast

Adult/Child sharing rules: