Vietnam Exploration: History and Culture 11-Day (PKHAN114501)

Small Group Tour
  • Enjoy an unforgettable overnight cruise in the serene waters of Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Explore one of the most important Hindu temple complexes in Southeast Asia.
  • Discover the imperial treasures of Hue, the former capital of Vietnam
  • Experience the bustling energy of Ho Chi Minh City, visit the city's highlights
  • Learn about the history of the Vietnam War and explore the Cu Chi Tunnels
  • Cruise through the Mekong Delta and experience the daily life of the local people

Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival Hanoi, Vietnam
Day 2: Hanoi City Tour full day (B, L)
Day 3: Halong Bay with overnight on a cruise (B, L, D)
Day 4: Halong Bay Cruise - Hanoi/Fly to Hoi An (B, L)
Day 5: Half day Tour to My Son Sanctuary (B)
Day 6: Hoi An Excursion/Transfer to Hue. (B, L)
Day 7: Discovering Hue’s Imperial Treasures and Local Delights (B, L)
Day 8: Hue to Ho Chi Minh City by flight (B)
Day 9: Ho Chi Minh City Tour - Cu Chi Tunnels (B, L)
Day 10: Mekong Delta/River Boat Trip. (B, L)
Day 11: Departure from Ho Chi Minh City (B)
 
Day 1: Arrival Hanoi, Vietnam
On your first day, you have the flexibility to arrive in Hanoi at any time as the only scheduled activity is airport pick-up. Our car driver will be waiting for you at the airport to take you to your hotel. 
Once you have checked in, the day is free for you to take a rest or discover Ha Noi City and form your own first impressions of Vietnam. 
Spend the night in Hanoi and prepare yourself for an exciting adventure on the next day!
Day 2: Hanoi City Tour full day (B, L)
Highlight: 
Tran Quoc Pagoda
Ho Chi Minh Complex
Vietnam Ethnology Museum / Women’s Museum 
Temple of Literature
Hoa Lo Prison
 
8:00- 8:30: After the delicious breakfast, our friendly tour guide picks you up from the hotel.
08:45: Visit Tran Quoc Pagoda which is situated on Golden Fish Island in West Lake. This pagoda, constructed in the 6th century, is the oldest in Hanoi
09.30: Visit the Ho Chi Minh complex, where you will have the opportunity to view the preserved body of Ho Chi Minh. Then, visit the One Pillar Pagoda, which worships the Goddess of Mercy and is considered the most unique pagoda in the world.
Please note that Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is closed on Mondays and Fridays. If your tour falls on either of these days, an alternative itinerary will be arranged.
11:15: Head to the Vietnam Ethnology Museum to learn about the culture of the 54 ethnic groups living in Vietnam. If your tour takes place on a Monday, the museum will be closed, and a visit to the Women's Museum will be substituted.
12:45: Indulge in a delicious lunch at our restaurant
14:00-14:10: Visit to the Temple of Literature, the first university of Vietnam established in the 11th century. This is a great place to learn about the education system of Vietnam in ancient times.
15:15: The first day trip ends to visit Hoa Lo Prison, originally used by the French colonists in Indochina for political prisoners and later by North Vietnam for U.S. prisoners of war during the Vietnam War. During this later period, it was known to American POWs as the "Hanoi Hilton."
After an exciting day of exploring Hanoi City, you will be transferred back to the hotel for check-in. Enjoy your free time at leisure and overnight in Hanoi.
Day 3: Halong Bay with overnight on a cruise (B, L, D)
08:00-08:30. Our air-conditioned transfer vehicle will pick you up at your hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter to bring you to Tuan Chau Pier. During the 3.5-hour drive, you will have the opportunity to view the simple countryside and rice paddy life along the way. 
11:45. Our crew will welcome you at the office of the pier.
12:00. You will be transferred to Cruises by tender boats, welcome drinks and cold towels will be served at first. The cruise manager will share common safety rules before check-in. A special lunch of fresh food and an assortment of appetizing delicacies will be served.
15:00. We will visit the Frog Pond area - famous for the pristine natural beauty and poetic, attractive seascape of Lan Ha Bay. This is also the best time for tourists to enjoy kayaking - which is an interesting activity to discover the truest beauty of the limestone mountains and the blue sky of Lan Ha Bay.
17:30. Return to Cruises. Enjoy sunset party on HaLong Bay. It is a ideal time for photography enthusiasts to capture the stunning moment of sunset at Lan Ha Bay.
19:30 - Midnight. Enjoy a romantic dinner at the restaurant.
Enjoy the nightlife of HaLong Bay from the deck. Immerse yourself in music, enjoy a glass of cocktail from the bar, sing karaoke and relax on the cruise. Otherwise, you can fish squid with the sailors or simply relax in the room and watch HaLong Bay from the balcony.
Day 4: Halong Bay Cruise - Hanoi/Fly to Hoi An (B, L)
7:00: Greet your new day with the soft movement of Tai Chi exercises on the sundeck. Enjoy breakfast served on the boat 
7:30: You will visit Amazing Cave, a famous beautiful area of Lan Ha Bay with the pristine natural scenery, charming emerald sea. You will enjoy the beautiful scenery here on the bamboo boat (indigenous people rowing boat) to mingle with nature.
9:30: Lunch will be served on the boat as we cruise back to the Halong pier. 
11:30. Disembark and move back to the port.
11:45-12:00: Our bus drives you back to Hanoi.
15:00. Arrive Hanoi. Our driver will be waiting for you to take you directly to the airport for your flight to Hoi An.
Upon arrival in Hoi An, our staff will greet you and transfer you to your hotel for check-in.You'll have some free time to explore the ancient town of Hoi An and its numerous attractions at your own pace. You may also hang out along the picturesque streets, savor local delicacies, or indulge in some souvenir shopping. Overnight stay in Hoi An Ancient Town.
Day 5: Half day Tour to My Son Sanctuary (B)
After breakfast, you will depart to visit My Son, a UNESCO World Heritage site located 50 km southwest of Hoi An. My Son was once a capital and religious center of the Cham people. It is renowned as one of Southeast Asia's most remarkable archaeological sites, along with Cambodia's Angkor, Myanmar's Bagan, Thailand's Ayutthaya, and Indonesia's Borobudur. The towers and sanctuaries were built between the 7th and 13th centuries.
 
Around 1:00 pm, you will return to Hoi An town for lunch on your own. In the afternoon, you will have leisure time to indulge in shopping or explore the town at your own pace. Hoi An is famous for its enchanting lanterns, custom-made clothing, and handmade souvenirs, providing ample opportunities to peruse local shops and markets.
The trip ends with an overnight stay in Hoi An.
Day 6: Hoi An Excursion/Transfer to Hue. (B, L)
Embark on a full-day excursion to Hoi An, a captivating and historically significant trading center known as "Faifo" to early Western traders. It served as a bustling port for merchants from various countries, including the Dutch, Portuguese, Italians, Chinese, Japanese, and others from the Far East.
Next, you will stop at the Sa Huynh Museum, which is located near the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge. The museum exhibits artifacts from Hoi An's earliest history, providing insight into the city's rich and captivating past.
In the afternoon, take a boat trip on the Thu Bon River to Kim Bong Village on Cam Kim Island. Here, you can take the unique opportunity to experience the traditional way of life in this part of Vietnam.
 
After the excursion, you will leave Hoi An for Hue by car. Along the way, you will stop at Cham Museum and Ngu Hanh Son Mountain in Da Nang. Please note that you will need to purchase tickets for these attractions on your own. Then, continue your trip with the driver to Hai Van Pass, where you can take in the stunning views of the Son Tra Peninsula from the top. Have a short break at Lang Co Beach before arriving in Hue City in the afternoon.
Upon arrival in Hue, you will check into your hotel and have some free time to explore the imperial city. There are also several great restaurants and shops in the city to explore. Overnight in Hue.
Day 7: Discovering Hue’s Imperial Treasures and Local Delights (B, L)
Highlight
Hue Imperial Citadel
Thien Mu Pagoda 
Tomb of King Khai Dinh
Dong Ba market
 
8:00 - 8:30: After breakfast, a driver and vehicle picks you up at the hotel in Hue
09:15: Discover the Best Hue World Heritage Sites and learn about Vietnamese History and Royal Culture with: 
- Hue Imperial Citadel: Built from 1804 - 1833 by 2 first Emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty - Gia Long & Minh Mang. Here, our tour guide will explain to you about the daily life of the Emperors with their wives - concubines - eunuchs as well as the history of the country and region.
- Thien Mu Pagoda (Pagoda of the Celestial Lady), a beautiful Buddhist Pagoda located on a hill overlooking the Perfume River
- Enjoy Hue cuisine at local restaurant for lunch
- Tomb of King Khai Dinh (built from 1920 - 1931), this is the smallest tomb (48.5X117m) of the Nguyen Emperors. This is only 1 tomb built with blended architecture of Oriental & Western Styles.
- Dong Ba market, an amazing place where you can buy special cultural gifts and souvenirs.
This itinerary is just a suggestion, and you can customize it to fit your interests
16:00 – 17:00: Back to your hotel for a relaxing overnight stay in Hue. Get ready for more exciting adventures tomorrow
Day 8: Hue to Ho Chi Minh City by flight (B)
After breakfast, you have free time to explore Hue before transferring to the airport for a flight to Ho Chi Minh City. 
Upon arrival, you will be picked up and transferred to your hotel for check-in. 
The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore the bustling city of Ho Chi Minh City. Spend the night at your hotel before continuing your journey.
Day 9: Cu Chi Tunnels - Ho Chi Minh City Tour (B, L)
Highlight
Cu Chi Tunnels
War Remnants Museum/Reunification Palace
Notre Dame Cathedral
Central Post Office
Jade Emperor (King of Heaven) Pagoda
Ben Thanh Market
 
7:45 - 8:15: Get picked up from your hotel in the center of Ho Chi Minh City.
8:30 - 10h00: Depart from Ho Chi Minh City and head towards the Cu Chi Tunnels, located just 60 kilometers away from the city. Enjoy the picturesque rural scenery of rice paddies, and observe ducks and water buffalos swimming in the rivers alongside the road  (take 1,5-hour).
10:00 - 11:00: We arrive at the tunnels where you will
Enjoy both countryside with big farming and jungle sightseeing.
Watch a short documentary film about Cu Chi during the war
Discover the cover of a secret refuge and an incredible network of Cu Chi tunnels.
Crawl through the narrow tunnels which are totally made by hand.
Gain more knowledge about history, weapons and damaged self-construct traps, etc.
Try to shoot with AK47 or MK16 riffles in a well supervised area (*optional with surcharge)
11:30 - 12:00: Enjoy lunch and go back to Ho Chi Minh City (take 1,5-hour).
13:00 - 13:30: Arrive to Sai Gon, you will have a chance to visit
War Remnants Museum to know more about the American war in Vietnam OR the Reunification Palace – the former presidential palace of South Vietnam and a symbol of the country's tumultuous history.
Notre Dame Cathedral, a stunning example of neo-Romanesque architecture built by the French in the 19th century
Central Post Office, designed by Gustave Eiffel and featuring a beautiful interior of intricate maps, intricate designs, and arched windows
Jade Emperor (King of Heaven) Pagoda, a most spiritual place for local Viet and Chinese people.
Ben Thanh Market, a must see attraction in Saigon for the lively market activities and photos.
17:30 - 18:00: Return to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City for a comfortable overnight stay
Day 10: Mekong Delta/River Boat Trip. (B, L)
7:45 - 8:15: Get picked up from your hotel in the center of Ho Chi Minh city
8:30: Start your journey to My Tho, the capital city of Tien Giang Province. This picturesque city is located on the Mekong River, about 75 kilometers southeast of Ho Chi Minh City, and is known for its lush orchards and rice fields that produce grains for the entire country. (take around 2-hour )
10:30 - 11:00: We will arrive at the port for a leisurely cruise on the Tien River, where we'll visit four islets symbolizing mythical animals of Southeast Asia: Dragon, Kirin, Tortoise, and Phoenix.
Then you have the chance to explore one or two of the islands known for producing traditional handcrafts, such as coconut candy and bee farms. Enjoy the melody of “Don Ca Tai Tu”, a genre of traditional folk music which is an indispensable spiritual cultural activity in Mekong Delta people’s lives and officially recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
12:30 - 13:00: Enjoy a lunch in the restaurant 
14:00 - 14:30: Visiting Vinh Trang Pagoda, considered as the biggest and oldest ancient pagoda in Southern Vietnam influenced by Asian and Western architecture and culture, which is located in My Tho Town.
15:00 - 15:30: Travel back to Saigon. Arrive approximately at around 17:00 - 18:00 p.m
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh
Day 11: Departure from Ho Chi Minh City (B)
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before departing for the airport for your international flight home or to your next destination. We hope you've had an incredible time exploring Vietnam with us and have made unforgettable memories!
Please note that airport transfer is included in your itinerary. Our team will ensure that your departure from Ho Chi Minh City is as smooth and hassle-free as possible.
Included
Accommodation
Accommodations based on single/twin/double/triple sharing with daily buffet breakfast. All taxes and service charges included.
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Hanoi: Anatole Hotel or similar
Halong Bay: La Regina Cruise or similar
Hoi An: Palm Garden Resort or similar
Hue: La Residence Hotel or similar
Saigon: Liberty Central Saigon Riverside Hotel or similar
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"Please be aware that all accommodations are subject to change until 4-6 weeks before the departure date. The final accommodation details will be provided to you with your finalized travel documents.
"Subject to change" means that we may use an alternative hotel if the hotel listed in the tour package is fully booked or not available during your stay period. The alternative hotel must be of the same quality as the indicated hotel or better than the indicated hotel in the package."
 
Flights
Included:
Internal Flights: Hanoi - Hoi An, Hue - Ho Chi Minh City (Economy class by Vietnam Airlines or similar, airport taxes and service charges included).
Checked baggage allowance: 20kg + Handing Luggage: 7kg.
 
Guide
Professional tour guides with excellent English skills in every destination.
 
Meals
Meals mentioned in the program include Vietnamese cuisine, Asian cuisine, and Western cuisine. The meals are categorized as B (breakfast), L (lunch), or D (dinner). The program includes 10 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 1 dinner.
 
Additional Services
Arrival and departure transfers.
Entrance fees and Sightseeing tickets.
Boat trips in the Mekong Delta, Hue and Hoi An.
Kayaking in Halong Bay is complimentary.
All Transport and Transfers
All taxes & services charge.
 
Transport
Air-conditioned vehicles will be provided for transportation during the tour. This includes pick-up and drop-off at airports, hotels, and all other tour destinations.
For any flights included in the itinerary, plane transportation will be arranged with reputable airlines to ensure a safe and comfortable journey.
For boat trips, comfortable and secure vessels will be used to take you to your destinations. Our boats are equipped with life jackets and other necessary safety equipment, and operated by experienced and licensed captains.
We take your safety and comfort seriously and strive to provide the best transportation options for your travel needs.
Excluded
Insurance
Insurance is not covered by Charming VietNam Travel
 
Additional Services
International airfare and airport tax in Vietnam
Pre and post tour accommodation
Beverages and other meals that are not indicated in the program
Visa to Vietnam if applicable
Early check-in and late check-out at all hotels
Massage services on board
Travel insurance
Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone, shopping, etc.
Tipping/Gratuities
Single supplement fees
Any additional expenses caused by reasons beyond our control such as natural calamities (typhoons, floods), flight delays, rescheduling or cancellations, accidents, medical evacuations, riots, strikes, etc.
Cancellation policy
Cancellation received before 60 days: FREE of charge
Cancellation received from 30 days to 59 days prior arrival date: 10% of total rate
Cancellation received from 15 days to 29 days prior arrival date: 30% of total rate
Cancellation received from 7 days to 14 days prior arrival date: 50% of total rate
Cancellation received less than 7 days prior arrival date or No show: 100% of total rate
Children policy
Child under 5 years old is = 50% Adult`s cost.. Sharing the same existing bed with parents
Children from 5 - 11 years old = 75% Adult`s cost. Private Bed (extra Bed) within the same room as parents
Child from 12 - up = 100% Adult`s cost. Private Bed (extra Bed) within the same room as parents
Triple room = 3 Persons sharing one room (01 Double Bed + 01 Single Bed)
What to bring
Original passport
Sunscreen
Wide-brimmed hat
Swimsuit
Insect repellent
Sunglasses (especially from April to October)
Light jacket (from November to March)
How to book and payment
Dragonfly Cruise - Charming Vietnam Travel offers you a “Instalment Payment Plan”, you will be required to settle instalments when you select to book your departure tour.
 
Flexible Cancellation
If you change your mind within 7 days of making your booking online, you can request a refund. Once your purchase date falls outside of the 7-day period, our standard terms and conditions will apply.
 
Please ensure that any request to cancel your booking is received via email to info@charmingvietnamtravel.com, including the reason for cancellation
Flight information
In this packages, we will use some different airlines such as: Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air or similar airlines (20kg for checked baggage per passenger and 7kg hand luggage per passenger, 01-piece check-in baggage).
Some flights will require a minimum of 1 transit (maximum 2).
All tickets will include 20 kilos checked baggage per person, along with 7 kilos of hand luggage.
Despite the airlines baggage allowance, we recommend travelling with 20 kilos per person due to restrictions with internal flights (where applicable), as well as coach and train transportation. Also, you will be responsible for handling your luggage at all times as the services of porters is not included. If travelling over this amount, you will be liable for any excess baggage fees enforced by the airline, payable direct.
Once ticketed, flights are non-refundable. Any changes will be subject to the airline rules and change fees.
Full names as per passport (including all middle names) are required.
Any airline schedule changes or cancellations are beyond our control.
Any airline ‘extras’ such as pre-allocated seating is at your own arrangement (additional charges apply)
Important information
Physical Requirements
A reasonable level of fitness is required but it’s more about spending time on your feet rather than covering large distances. You’ll be getting on and off coaches and boats, walking around the sights and climbing some steps.
 
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. Tipping is AU$10/person per day. Tipping is collected by agent before travelling or the day of your arrival.
 
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences however any changes are beyond our control.
 
Special Refund Policy
You will receive a refund for the price difference between staying in 2 rooms for 3 adult and staying in a triple room if you want to stay at the triple room
 
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling.
We have partnered with NibTravel Insurance to offer our customers competitive rates for their travel insurance. You can book Comprehensive or Essentials cover for your domestic, international or multi-trip journeys simply with us.
 
Visa & Passport information
It is the traveler’s responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return and must have more than 2 blank pages.
A visa is required for travel to Vietnam. The visa is easiest to complete with Charming Viet Nam Travel and just need to pay $160 for single entry (30-day-stay-limited)
 
Tour Documentation
Final documentation, including e-tickets and hotel details, will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
 
Tour Length
The total length of the tour in days includes time spent in flight and is subject to change depending on the flight schedule, please refer to the day by day itinerary for the time spent on land.
How to extend your stay
If you wish to do so, please follow these steps:
 
Follow the “Book Now” prompts, until you reach the “Anything else we need to know?” field
Here, please specify your preferred flight arrangements and if you require additional accommodation, with the number of nights needed.
After finalizing your purchase and submitting your booking form, a member of our Reservation team will be in contact with you via email to verify your request.
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour. On this tour you can pay extra for arriving early or extension your trip.
Pre-tour night: Depend on the hotel standard and availability
Post-tour night: Depend on the hotel standard and availability

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