Vietnam Cities and Beach - 12 Nts

Vietnam Cities and Beach - 12 Nts Overview

A trip perfect for those with 2 weeks of work. Explore the bustling cities in the north and south along with a stay at one of Vietnams premiere beach destination.

Day 1 – Hanoi

Upon arrival in Hanoi you'll be met by your guide who will transfer you to your hotel.
Hanoi, Vietnam's capital, ranks amongst the world's most attractive and interesting cities. It was first the capital of Vietnam in A.D. 1010, and though the nation's capital moved to Hue under the Nguyen dynasty in 1802, the city continued to flourish after the French took control in 1888. In 1954, after the French departed, Hanoi was declared Vietnam's capital once again. The remnants of over 1,000 years of history are still visible here, with that of the past few hundred years wonderfully preserved.

The remainder of your day is at leisure.
Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 2 – Hanoi

After breakfast, visit Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum (closed Monday and Friday year-round and everyday throughout September to November), One Pillar Pagoda, the Temple of Literature and Hoan Kiem Lake before enjoying a walking tour of the Old Quarter and Dong Xuan Market.

Your afternoon is at leisure. There’s plenty to do and see or you may choose to find a spot on the lakeside and just watch the world go by - Hanoi is a truly unique city. In the evening you can choose from one of the many restaurants near Hoan Kiem Lake or in the Old Quarter. Hanoi is also a fascinating city to enjoy an alfresco drink.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 – Hanoi, Halong Bay

After an early breakfast it’s a three hour drive to Halong Bay, passing through some typical North Vietnamese countryside and a number of small towns.
A natural wonder of the world and one of Vietnam’s five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the magnificent Halong Bay is home to three thousand jagged limestone islands that emerge from emerald green waters. While some islands are no more than large rocks others are far more substantial in size. From May to August the warm waters of the bay are ideal for swimming.

You will be welcomed aboard a traditional junk, the same style that has been travelling the bay for 100’s of years. During your cruise you will disembark at several locations allowing you to explore huge caves, relax on sandy coves and enjoy panoramic views from cliff tops. In the evening enjoy dinner and drinks in the dining cabin whilst watching the sunset over the bay. Throughout your cruise the food will be in plentiful supply and lovers of freshly caught seafood will be particularly happy.
Overnight on board.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 – Halong Bay, Hanoi

In the early morning many of the islands are alive with the sound of various sea birds that nest in the thick green vegetation that engulf the limestone karsts. Enjoy coffee and breakfast onboard whilst cruising slowly back towards the mainland.
You will dock in the late morning and, having disembarked, you will transfer back to Hanoi. The remainder of your day is at leisure.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 – Hanoi, Nha Trang

Your morning is at leisure until you transfer to Hanoi airport for your flight to Nha Trang.
Upon arrival at Nha Trang airport you are met by your driver and transfered to your hotel where your next few days are at leisure.
Overnight in Nha Trang.
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 – Nha Trang

Your day is at leisure.
Overnight in Nha Trang.
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 – Nha Trang

Your day is at leisure.
Overnight in Nha Trang.
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 – Nha Trang

Your day is at leisure.
Overnight in Nha Trang.
Meals: Breakfast

Day 9 – Nha Trang

Your day is at leisure.
Overnight in Nha Trang.
Meals: Breakfast

Day 10 – Nha Trang, Ho Chi Minh City

Morning transfer to Nha Trang airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival you'll be met by your guide who will transfer you to your hotel. Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city in Vietnam and is located near the Mekong Delta. It was originally Cambodian territory before being conquered by the Vietnamese in the 16th century and named Saigon. The city was then renamed once again, after the North Vietnamese invasion of South Vietnam in 1975, becoming Ho Chi Minh City (named after the North Vietnamese leader). Today the city centre is still adorned with wide elegant boulevards and historic French buildings. However, as the undoubted economic centre of Vietnam, high-rise office towers are starting to take their place amongst this wonderful colonial architecture.

In the afternoon take a tour of the city centre. Your guide will be happy to personalise your programme, however we would recommend sites such as the Reunification Palace where the South finally fell to North Vietnamese troops in 1975; Notre Dame Cathedral; the Old Saigon Post Office; Thien Hau Pagoda in the city’s bustling Chinatown and the War Crimes Museum, highlighting the suffering of the Vietnamese people during recent conflicts – you won’t be too surprised to find it’s not exactly a politically balanced exhibition.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Meals: Breakfast

Day 11 – Ho Chi Minh City

Make a morning visit to the famous Cu Chi tunnels - an incredible underground tunnel network constructed by Vietnamese resistance fighters during the long struggle for independence. The tunnels, over 250km in length and up to three levels deep in places, played a huge part in the Viet Cong’s victory over the Americans, allowing them to control a large rural area surrounding Ho Chi Minh City. Today, some of the remaining tunnels have been opened to tourists, offering a unique insight into what underground life must have been like during the ‘American’ war.

Continue on to one of the countries more unusual sites. Having arrived in Tay Ninh you’d be forgiven for thinking you were at a Vietnamese Disney Land - The Great Cao Dai Holy See Temple is the home of the popular Cao Daism Religion where all the major faiths of the world blend together to form this unique religion. Watch the midday incredible midday service before returning to Ho Chi Minh City in the late afternoon.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Meals: Breakfast

Day 12 – Ho Chi Minh City

Your day is at leisure.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Meals: Breakfast

Day 13 – Ho Chi Minh City

Your day is at leisure until your transfer to Ho Chi Minh City airport for your onward flight.
Meals: Breakfast

Vietnam Cities and Beach - 12 Nts Reviews