Highlights of Vietnam with Tourcan Vacations
Price: $3,545 CAD Per Person
(Price per person, based on double occupancy.)
Offer: Save $150 CAD Per Couple
Photo: Tourcan Vacations | Highlights of Vietnam | Danang Dragon Bridge
Visiting: Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue, Hoi An and Saigon
Highlights:
Hanoi: Peridot Hanoi 5*
- Stilt House
- The Old Quarter
- Water Puppet Show
Halong Bay: Paradise Grand 5*
- 1 Night Cruise
Hue: Silk Path Grand Hue 5*
- Thiem Mu Pagoda
- Royal Imperial City
- Tomb of Tu Duc
Hoi An: Allergro Hoi An 5*
- Marble Mountain
- Old Quarter
- River Cruise
Ho Chi Minh City: Mai House 5*
- Reunification Palace
- Cu Chi Tunnels
- Ben Thank Market
Inclusions:
- Arrival and departure transfer
- Meals per itinerary
- 1-night Halong Bay Cruise
- Sightseeing per itinerary
- Local English-speaking guides for sightseeing only
- Entrance fees per itinerary
- Economy class airfare on domestic flights
Photo: Tourcan Vacations | Highlights of Vietnam | Halong Bay
Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi
Arrival in Hanoi. - Welcome to Vietnam! Upon clearing Customs and Immigration, your guide will present you with a welcome packet including all necessary documentation and vouchers and all 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 for leisure.
Day 2: Hanoi
There's no arguing - Hanoi is the coolest city in Vietnam. And no, we're not just referring to the climate. This chaotic, colourful, motorbike-clogged, 1,000-year-old city is a delicious mix of East and West. Hanoi clings on tightly to its heritage - the Temple of Literature is one of the oldest landmarks. More recent history can be seen in Ho Chi Minh's Stilt House, while the man himself, lies embalmed in an austere mausoleum. There's picturesque lakes and parks, as well as museums and prominent colonial buildings. Let's jump right in and experience it all. We'll even go green and explore the Old Quarter by electric buggy.
In the evening, see a Water Puppet Show - a fantastic art form originating in northern Vietnam, best seen in Hanoi.
Photo: Tourcan Vacations | Highlights of Vietnam | Hanoi Water Puppet Show
Day 3: Hanoi/Halong - Cruise
Today we will drive from Hanoi to Halong Bay (160 km) and stop en-route to stretch our legs and use the restroom at one of the souvenir shops for charity. 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 places 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 welcomed and served lunch while cruising towards the bay. This afternoon is full of activities such as a cave visit, floating farm, beach relax or simply enjoy 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, and sunset. Dinner will be served on the boat and enjoy a relaxing night while the boat is anchored in a quiet water area.
Day 4: Halong/Hue - Cruise and flight
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 the boat while cruising back to the port, passing the majestic peaks. Disembark from the cruise.
Day 5: Hue
Hue served as the capital of Vietnam for more than 140 years. It houses ancient temples, imperial buildings, and Frenchstyle edifices. It was established in the 17th century. Starting your day by taking a boat trip to visit one of the oldest pagodas which is called Thien Mu Pagoda. Its iconic sevenstory pagoda is regarded as the unofficial symbol of the city and the temple has often been the subject of folk rhymes about Hue. Visit the Royal Imperial City, located in the heart of Hue is the Imperial Citadel, a vast complex built in the early 19th century and modeled after the Forbidden City of Peking. The original walls stretched for 10 km and were surrounded by a wide moat. Today, most of the buildings have been destroyed due to bombing during the Vietnam-American War, but the monuments that remain provide a fascinating glimpse into the court life of the Nguyen Dynasty. Approach the city past the striking Flag Tower, where a giant Vietnamese flag waves proudly overhead, to the imposing Ngo Mon Gate, the main entrance to the Imperial Enclosure.
Enter an area of spacious courtyards and serene lotus ponds, including a visit to the Hue Royal Antiquities Museum. Next, venture into the countryside around Hue to the Imperial Tomb of Tu Duc. Tu Duc, the longest reigning Vietnamese emperor, designed and built this elegant tomb during his lifetime, using it as a retreat for meditation, reading and theatre performances. Take some time to soak in the tranquil atmosphere, wandering among the gracefully proportioned pavilions, courtyards, and lotus ponds. Visit Garden House, a special place that reflects the ancient atmosphere of the imperial city. The house has a garden covered with fruit trees including mangosteens, sapodilla plums, apricots, lychee, figs, and grapefruit.
Day 6: Hue/Hoi An
Twisting winding curves, sudden bends, views that take your breath away - welcome to the Hai Van Pass. We get to drive along this incredible mountain pass on the way to Danang. This city is home to beaches made famous by American soldiers during the Vietnam War, several quirky bridges and the wonderful Cham Museum containing the best collection of Cham sculpture. We'll also stop at the Marble Mountains - a group of limestone and marble hills filled with caves.
Photo: Tourcan Vacations | Highlights of Vietnam | Optional activity: Hoi An Evening Foodie Tour by Electric Scooter (Join - in Tour)
Day 7: Hoi An
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. One of the most iconic sights is the Japanese Covered Bridge. There are also ancient temples and merchant homes over 200 years old. In the afternoon, we'll take a lazy cruise along the river to traditional pottery villages.
Day 8: Hoi An/Saigon Flight
Transfer by vehicle from Hoi An to the Danang airport (35 km). Arrival in Saigon where we ae going underground - deep into the Cu Chi Tunnels! These hand-dug tunnels changed the course of the Vietnam War. The well-camouflaged entrance holes lead into a network of incredibly narrow tunnels that stretch for over 200 kilometers connecting command posts, hospitals, and shelters. We'll learn about the life of the Vietcong and venture into some of the tunnels. The deadly, bamboo-spiked booby traps are another must-see.
Photo: Tourcan Vacations | Highlights of Vietnam | Saigon City at Night
Day 9: Saigon - Half day visit/Hanoi flight
Ever-vibrant, ever-changing - this is the buzzing city of Saigon, where sleek skyscrapers loom over incense-infused temples and motorcycles rules the roads. There are 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. We'll visit all the main sights of the city and make time to browse the stalls in the bustling Ben Thanh Market.
Day 10: Departure home
Transfer to the airport by air-conditioned vehicle. Departure from Saigon Airport.
