Overview
Vietnam – From Emerald Bays to Lantern-Lit Streets
Hotels
Meals
Sightseeing
Transfers
Tour Style: Cultural Discovery • Natural Wonders • Scenic Cruising • Ancient Towns • Iconic Experiences • Photography • Leisure
Discover the captivating charm of Vietnam on a memorable journey that blends cultural heritage, breathtaking natural landscapes, enchanting river experiences and vibrant city life. From the historic landmarks of Hanoi and the spectacular limestone formations of Halong Bay to the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An and the iconic Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills, this thoughtfully curated itinerary showcases Vietnam’s most celebrated highlights, complemented by an overnight cruise, fascinating historical discoveries and opportunities for shopping and leisure.
Itinerary
Day 1
ARRIVAL IN HANOI – A WARM VIETNAMESE WELCOME
Board your flight to Hanoi, Vietnam’s charming capital. Upon arrival, meet the local representative and transfer to your hotel for check-in and some time to relax after your journey.
Later in the afternoon, proceed for a sightseeing tour of the historic Ho Chi Minh Complex, where you will visit the Presidential Palace and the iconic One Pillar Pagoda, an architectural landmark renowned for its distinctive design. Continue to the Temple of Literature, originally built as a temple dedicated to Confucius and celebrated as one of Vietnam’s most significant historical and cultural landmarks.
Return to the hotel for an overnight stay in Hanoi
Day 2
HANOI – NINH BINH – A JOURNEY THROUGH VIETNAM’S SCENIC COUNTRYSIDE
After breakfast, embark on a full-day excursion to Ninh Binh, a destination celebrated for its dramatic limestone landscapes, tranquil waterways and remarkable natural beauty.
Explore the spectacular Tam Coc Caves, where striking limestone formations and scenic waterways create an unforgettable landscape. Continue to Bich Dong Pagoda, a picturesque ancient pagoda set amidst limestone hills, offering a glimpse into Vietnam’s spiritual heritage and traditional architecture.
After a day immersed in the region’s natural and cultural attractions, return to Hanoi.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Hanoi.
Day 3
HANOI – HALONG BAY – AN ENCHANTING OVERNIGHT CRUISE
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and travel by coach to the magnificent Halong Bay, renowned for its emerald waters and thousands of dramatic limestone islands. Upon arrival at Tuan Chau Island, board your cruise and receive a warm welcome drink, followed by a briefing on the cruise experience.
Settle in and savour a delicious lunch on board as the vessel sails through the breathtaking seascapes of Halong Bay, offering spectacular views of its iconic limestone formations.
Sightseeing and Experiences:
Tung Sau Pearl Farm: Discover the fascinating process of pearl cultivation or opt for a kayaking experience, subject to availability and applicable arrangements.
Titop Island: Enjoy time on the beach or undertake the climb to the viewpoint for panoramic vistas of Halong Bay’s extraordinary landscape.
As evening approaches, the cruise anchors in the bay, creating the perfect setting to unwind amidst the tranquil surroundings. Enjoy a delightful Western-style dinner on board, followed by leisure activities such as live music, squid fishing, movies in your cabin or a relaxing evening at the Piano Lounge.
Overnight stay on board the Halong Bay cruise.
Day 4
HALONG BAY – HOI AN – FROM NATURAL WONDERS TO ANCIENT CHARM
Begin the morning with a refreshing Tai Chi session on the sundeck, surrounded by the serene beauty of Halong Bay, followed by a light breakfast on board.
Continue the cruise with a visit to Sung Sot Cave, the largest and one of the most spectacular caves in Halong Bay. Admire its impressive stalactites and stalagmites, dramatic cavern formations and panoramic viewpoint.
Enjoy a leisurely brunch as the cruise sails past the striking landscapes of Thien Cung Cave, Dau Go Cave and the famous Fighting Cock Islet, one of the bay’s most recognisable natural landmarks.
Later, disembark from the cruise and proceed for lunch before transferring to the airport for your flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival, transfer to Hoi An and check in to your hotel.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Hoi An.
Day 5
CAM THANH COCONUT VILLAGE & HOI AN ANCIENT TOWN – CULTURE, CRAFT AND LANTERN-LIT EVENINGS
After breakfast, proceed to Cam Thanh Coconut Village, a charming destination known for its lush water coconut groves and peaceful waterways. Experience the local way of life as you explore the scenic surroundings aboard a traditional bamboo basket boat.
Later, discover the timeless appeal of Hoi An Ancient Town, a beautifully preserved historic quarter celebrated for its architectural heritage and distinctive cultural influences. Visit the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, Tan Ky Ancient House and Cantonese Assembly Hall, along with local temples, pagodas and the vibrant Silk Street.
As evening falls, enjoy a memorable boat ride on the Hoai River. Experience the enchanting tradition of releasing a lantern onto the water, symbolising wishes for good fortune, health and happiness. The atmosphere of illuminated streets and softly glowing lanterns makes this a particularly memorable highlight of Hoi An.
Return to the hotel for an overnight stay in Hoi An.
Day 6
BA NA HILLS & GOLDEN BRIDGE – A WORLD ABOVE THE CLOUDS
After breakfast, proceed to Ba Na Hills, a spectacular mountain destination known for its impressive scenery, distinctive architecture and celebrated attractions.
Discover the remarkable Golden Bridge, an architectural icon seemingly supported by enormous stone hands, offering sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and lush landscapes.
Continue to the charming French Village, where European-inspired architecture creates a distinctive atmosphere. The excursion also includes visits to Tinh Tam Garden, Linh Ung Pagoda, the majestic Buddha Statue and Quan Am Pavilion, combining scenic beauty with cultural and spiritual landmarks.
After exploring the attractions of Ba Na Hills, return to Hoi An.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Hoi An.
Day 7
DA NANG – HO CHI MINH CITY – DISCOVER SOUTHERN VIETNAM
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and transfer to Da Nang Airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s dynamic southern metropolis.
Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and complete the check-in formalities.
If time permits, enjoy a city tour covering some of Ho Chi Minh City’s highlights, offering an introduction to its lively urban atmosphere and distinctive character. The remainder of the day is available for leisure and shopping, allowing you to explore the city at your own pace.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 8
CU CHI TUNNELS – A JOURNEY INTO VIETNAM’S HISTORY
After breakfast, proceed on an excursion to the renowned Cu Chi Tunnels, an extraordinary underground network that played a significant strategic role during the Vietnam War.
Begin with a short introductory film that provides historical context before exploring sections of the tunnel network. Discover displays of wartime bunkers, traps, military equipment and historic bomb craters, offering insight into the ingenuity, resilience and challenging conditions associated with this remarkable historical site.
Return to Ho Chi Minh City. In the evening, enjoy free time for shopping and independent exploration.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 9
HO CHI MINH CITY – DEPARTURE
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and make the most of your final moments in Vietnam with some last-minute shopping, subject to your flight schedule.
After breakfast and the completion of hotel check-out formalities, transfer to the airport for your onward journey, carrying wonderful memories of Vietnam’s cultural treasures, spectacular landscapes, historic discoveries and unforgettable experiences.
End of a memorable Vietnam holiday.
Inclusions
- Accommodation: 8 nights in well-appointed 4-star hotels, as per the itinerary.
- Domestic Airfares: Hanoi to Da Nang and Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City.
- Transportation: Transfers and sightseeing by comfortable coach, as per the itinerary.
- Meals: 8 breakfasts and 13 major meals comprising lunches and dinners, with a combination of Indian and local Vietnamese cuisine.
- (Three major meals will be at guests’ own expense)
- Local Assistance: Services of English-speaking local guides.
- Sightseeing: Entrance fees and permits for the attractions included in the itinerary.
- Halong Bay Experience: One-night overnight cruise, including the cruise programme and meals as specified.
- Visa Assistance: Vietnam e-visa service.
- Gratuities: Tips for local guides and drivers.
- Travel Insurance: Coverage for guests up to 69 years of age. Guests aged 70 years or above will be subject to the applicable additional insurance premium.
- GST: Applicable GST as per prevailing regulations.
Exclusions
- International airfares to and from Vietnam.
- Three major meals (lunches/dinners), which will be payable directly by guests.
- Peronal Expenses
- 2% TCS (Tax Collected at Source): Applicable as per Government norms and claimable during income tax return filing, subject to eligibility and prevailing regulations.
Important Notes
- The itinerary is subject to flight schedules, local conditions and operational requirements.
- Sightseeing and activities are subject to weather conditions, local regulations and availability.
- The city tour on Day 7 is conditional upon arrival time and the time available after airport transfers and hotel check-in.
- Travel insurance for guests aged 70 years or above will attract an additional premium, as applicable.
