[ Print This Page ]
Avanti Destinations
OFFER ID 1243750
Vietnam Essentials
Experience the highlights of Vietnam journeying from North to South. From the colonial charm of the capital Hanoi, and the sweeping vistas of Halong Bay of the north, to the quaint, UNESCO-listed Hoi An of the center, and onwards south to Ho Chi Minh City and the lush Mekong Delta, this comprehensive program offers an insightful look into this fascinating country.
Includes:
7 nights | Call for pricing
Avanti Destinations: Vietnam Essentials
Day 1 Arrive Hanoi
Arrival in Hanoi.
Transfer.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Centrally Located Hotel In Hanoi, ()
Day 2 Hanoi
Sightseeing in Hanoi
Although it is the modern-day capital of Vietnam, Hanoi still retains the mystery and charm of past centuries, with its narrow lanes and traditional shop houses. Begin with an exploration of the vast Ho Chi Minh Memorial Complex. Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum which contains the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh (closed Mondays, Fridays and during September and October); and Ho Chi Minh's Stilt House where Ho Chi Minh lived from 1958 until his final days in 1969. Preserved in the same condition as during his life, it may be viewed through the windows.
Continue to the miniature 11th century One Pillar Pagoda which was rebuilt after being destroyed by the French in 1954, and then to the Temple of Literature with its walled courtyards and graceful gateways. Founded in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius, this was also the site of Vietnam's first university. Afterwards head to the Museum of Ethnology (closed Mondays and during Vietnam New Year). This museum showcases art, traditional clothing and reconstructions of traditional longhouses from 54 different ethnic groups.
In the afternoon, visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple which contains an islet with the tiny Tortoise Pagoda. Along the way pass by other colonial landmarks such as the magnificent Opera House (may be seen from the outside only) and St Joseph's Cathedral.
See a Water Puppet Show, a fantastic art form originating in northern Vietnam, best seen in Hanoi.
Overnight in Hanoi
Centrally Located Hotel In Hanoi, (B)
Day 3 Hanoi to Halong Bay
By vehicle from Hanoi to Halong Bay
Transfer to Tuan Chau Marina Port
Cruise aboard the Paradise Luxury Cruise through Halong Bay
Arrive at Tuan Chau Island. Transfer to cruise ship. Welcome Drink - cruise briefing, safety instructions, check-in cabins. Depart to Halong Bay - cruise and program commence. Serve Vietnamese lunch while cruising through Hoa Cuong Fishing Village, Ti Top area and Bai Tu Long Area. Visit Thien Canh Son Island where you can go swimming, kayaking (with supplement) or explore the mysterious dark cave. Enjoy cooking demonstration with Chef to discover the Vietnamese cuisine of traditional spring rolls. Pre dinner cocktail with complimentary nuts & canapes. Dinner is served on board.
Overnight in Cruise.
Centrally Located Hotel In Halong Bay, (B,L,D)
Day 4 Halong Bay to Hoi An
Cruise aboard the Paradise Luxury Cruise through Halong Bay
Tai Chi session on the Sundeck. Serve tea, coffee and pastry for light breakfast. Explore Sung Sot Cave. Back to the cruise and have breakfast buffet. Check-out of cabins and settle bills. Arrive at Tuan Chau Island.
By vehicle, transfer from Halong to Hanoi (Noi Bai Airport)
Flight from Hanoi to Danang
Transfer by vehicle from Danang to Hoi An
Journey south past the Marble Mountains and small villages.
Overnight in Hoi An.
Centrally Located Hotel In Hoi An, (B)
Day 5 Hoi An
Excursion to My Son
Journey to My Son, the former religious centre of the Champa Kingdom, a sophisticated civilization which held sway over the region from the 4th to the 13th centuries. Today, all that is left are five archaeological sites from different periods, in a beautifully green setting of hills and winding streams. After a brief visit to the Visitor's Centre for an overview of Cham history and culture, visit each ruin in turn, walking along forested paths.
Sightseeing in Hoi An
Hoi An, a picturesque riverside town, was one of South East Asia's major international ports during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. This walking tour includes many of the town's highlights. Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, constructed in 1593 by the Japanese community to link the town with the Chinese quarters across the stream. Near the bridge is Sa Huynh Museum which houses exhibitions from the earliest period of Hoi An's history. Wander into the Tran Family Chapel, a 200 year old house built for worshipping ancestors. Visit Phuoc Kien Assembly Hall, a Chinese pagoda built around 1690 and enlarged in 1900. It is typical of the Chinese clans in the Hoi An area and is dedicated to Thien Hau Thanh Mau, the Goddess of the Sea and Protector of Sailors and Fishermen. Also enter into a Lantern Making Workshop to see how the frame is made and the silk cloth put onto the lantern.
Overnight in Hoi An.
Centrally Located Hotel In Hoi An, (B)
Day 6 Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City
Transfer to Danang airport
Flight from Danang to Saigon
Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City Transfer
Sightseeing in Saigon
A vibrant metropolis, Saigon teems with energy, activity and motion. Everywhere you look, you see the meeting of traditional and modern life. Begin with a tour of the historic centre, strolling along Dong Khoi Street, formerly known as the Rue Catinat, the main shopping thoroughfare and heart of old colonial Saigon. Pass by classic European-style landmarks such as the ornate City Hall (Hotel De Ville), the old Opera House (both may only be viewed from the outside), and pay a quick visit to the neo-Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office.
Afterwards dive into modern history with a tour of the Reunification Palace. Formerly the Independence Palace of the South Vietnamese president, this 60s style was famously stormed by tanks on April 30, 1975 signifying the fall of South Vietnam. It has been preserved in its original state, and the original tanks remain on display near the entrance gates. Continue to the harrowing War Remnants Museum, which comprehensively documents the travails of the long Vietnam- American War. Inside are detailed photographic exhibitions; outside is a collection of tanks, planes and weapons. A powerful experience, this museum is guaranteed to provoke strong emotions. Finally, visit the Emperor Of Jade Pagoda, one of Saigon's most interesting pagodas.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Centrally Located Hotel In Ho Chi Minh City, (B)
Day 7 Ho Chi Minh City
Excursion to Cai Be Floating Market with a boat trip to Vinh Long
From Saigon, drive into the heart of the Mekong Delta to Cai Be, and embark on one of the local boats to explore Cai Be floating market, a lively market of fruit and vegetable barges with a picturesque Catholic cathedral on the riverside. Continue along smaller waterways and canals, stopping at the Mekong River Islands to visit orchards and local cottage industries. Enjoy watching how the delta residents make traditional treats such as dried longyans, rice pancakes and puffed rice candies, with the chance to sample the local delicacies. Disembark at Vinh Long and return to Saigon.
Overnight in Saigon.
Centrally Located Hotel In Ho Chi Minh City, (B)
Day 8 Depart Ho Chi Minh City
Transfer to the airport and continue on to your next Avanti destination!
Centrally Located Hotel In Ho Chi Minh City, (B)
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
217 SW Manatee Springs Way
Port St. Lucie, FL 34986
USA
(772) 873-7766