Danang - Hanoi - Halong - Ho Chi Minh 9 Days

Welcome to Danang! Da Nang is a vibrant coastal city in central Vietnam that is home to stunning beaches, modern bridges, and historical landmarks.

Upon arrival, welcomed by the local tour guide and transfer to hotel to leave your heavy luggage.

In the afternoon, we will explore the lively city of Da Nang. We will start our day by visiting Son Tra Peninsula, where we will enjoy stunning panoramic views of the city from above. We will then visit Linh Ung Pagoda, which is home to the tallest Buddha statue in Vietnam. After that, we will take a tour of the city and admire its modern bridges, pass by the Han River Bridge, Thuan Phuoc Bridge, and the Dragon Bridge. We will also visit the Love Bridge, which is a popular spot for couples to take pictures.

Next, we will walk in Apec Park, which is home to a kite-shaped icon that is one of the most popular photo spots in Da Nang. Our next visit is to Marble Mountain. Climb Thuy Son (Water Mountain) by the stone stairs (elevator cost excluded: USD 1/pax/way – to be paid on spot) and enjoy the panoramic view of the nearby countryside, and visit Huyen Khong cave before entering Tam Thai and Linh Ung pagodas where you will be rewarded by great city views and amazed by the main cave which houses a beautiful Cham Buddha sitting under a natural shaft of light.

We also visit Am Phu Cave with impressive rock formations featuring the Buddhist perception of hell or purgatory. Spend time if you wish to admire the masterpieces of exquisite stone sculptures created by the skillful hands of artisans in Non Nuoc village at the foot of the mountain. Transfer back to our hotel. Overnight in Danang. 

Please note: 
-    Normal check-in time at hotel is 14:00/15:00. Early check-in is not included. 
-    Normal check-out time at hotel is 11:00/12:00. Late check-out is not included.
 

After breakfast, we transfer to visit Cam Thanh village and Bay Mau coconut forest. Here you have chance to experience the traditional way of life. Take a bamboo basket boat tour through the coconut groves, learn how to paddle a traditional boat . Relax in the peaceful countryside by simply sit back and enjoy the views. Learn about traditional handicrafts by watching local artisans weave baskets and mats using coconut leaves and other natural materials. You can even try your hand at making your own.

In the afternoon, after our transfer to Hoi An Ancient Town, we will be immersed in a magical world of Oriental feel. We will walk over the Japanese Bridge, visit Chinese Assembly halls, and explore ancient houses. We can also listen to folk music at old club-houses or stroll into the market by Thu Bon river. Here, we may feel the same inspiration as artists who have found the rooftops of Hoi An to be a source of inspiration.

The rest of the time is free for shopping. Hoi An is legendary for its affordable yet quality tailoring services. The streets of the ancient town are also lined with shop houses and makeshift stalls selling handicrafts, jewelry, traditional apparel, and shoes. The central marketplace is filled with locals bargaining for fresh produce and foodstuffs. Hoi An town in the evening is a magical place, where is bathed in warm yellow light from the lanterns that hang from the shophouses, and the streets are filled with the sound of music and laughter. Drive back to hotel in Danang for overnight. 
 

After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel in Danang at 07:00-08:00. We'll transfer to Ba Na Hills, a French-inspired hilltop resort. We'll take the iconic cable car, which has been awarded 5 world records, to the Ba Na Hills station. From the iconic Golden Bridge, we can admire the lush vegetation and rich terrain of the Truong Son Mountains, which stretch to the East Sea. Just a few steps away from the village is the Linh Ung Pagoda, home to a 27-meter-high Buddha statue. The pagoda's impressive facade is a testament to traditional Vietnamese architecture. Next, we'll head to Loc Uyen Garden and Quan Am Pavilion for a walk through well-manicured landscapes that are perfect for photoshoots. 

The tour guide will take guests to visit Fantasy Park, join in adventurous, fun, and modern games such as Love Swing, Skiver Pilot, Fire Racing Track, Bumper Car, Ghost House... Have buffet lunch at the restaurant. 

Later in the afternoon, conquer the Peak of Chua mountain at the height of 1,487m – Visit Ba Chua Thuong Ngan Temple. Enjoy the panorama view of the Da Nang City and Da Nang Bay. Go downhill by cable car and return to our hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy the beach feeling. Overnight in Danang.

Please note: Wax Museum (USD 5/pax), Debay Wine Cellar (~USD 5/pax) entrance fees and coin games at Fantasy Park are not included, joining them will be at your own account. 
 

Have breakfast at the hotel. Check out and tranfer to Danang airport (without tour guide) for your domestic fligth to Hanoi (air tickets excluded). 

We will pick you up at Noi Bai Airport and transfer you to your hotel in the city center for checking-in. 

This afternoon, we take a memorable city tour around Hanoi. Our first stop will be Ba Dinh Square, the largest square in Hanoi. This is where all of the city's biggest cultural and political events take place. We will take some photos of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum from the outside.

Next, we will visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university. The temple was built in 1070, and the gardens and well-preserved architecture offer a relaxing glimpse into Vietnam's past. After visiting the temple, we will walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, a picturesque lake in the heart of Hanoi. We will then take a leisurely walk around the Old Quarter of Hanoi, a fascinating network of narrow alleys and shophouses. The Old Quarter is also known as "The 36 Streets," as each street is named after the merchandise that was traditionally sold there. Overnight in Hanoi.
 

Breakfast at the hotel, then check out. At around 8:00 am, you will be picked up at your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarters and transferred to Ha Long Bay, the pride of the Gulf of Tonkin, a Natural World Heritage as recognized by UNESCO in 1994 and 2006.

Upon arrival at the Cruise Port, you will enjoy a warm welcome from cruise staff and complete the check-in procedure for the overnight cruise to discover the magnificent beauty of this "Descending Dragon" bay, created by thousands of odd-shaped limestone rocks and karst grottoes.

After a lunch on board, we can visit the Grottos, stop for swimming or kayaking, pass floating houses, and approach islets to enjoy their beauty in close proximity. Later in the afternoon, go back to the cruise and enjoy the cooking demonstration before having dinner. In the evening, attend activities on the boat or relax at your own leisure.

Overnight on the cruise.
 

Please note: The program may be a little varied depending on the cruise you choose. You will have stationed English speaking guide on board. 
 

You should wake up early to enjoy the dawn on the sea in the early morning. The Vietnamese call the "East Sea" by a point-oriented name "Eastern Sea", so you may guess how miraculous seeing the sunrise over the islets of the Bay. After breakfast our boat will continue to cruise in marvelous areas, where almost each islet has its own name, adopting its shape or reminiscent like Sail Island, Fisherman’s head rock, Butterfly rock or Turtle islet etc. Check out your room and have brunch on board while the cruise coming back the pier. 

Disembark from the cruise, return to Hanoi by shuttle bus. Your driver pick you up from Hanoi and transfer to Noi Bai airport (without tour guide) for your flight to Ho Chi Minh city (air tickets excluded), also called as Saigon, the most dynamic city in Vietnam. 

Upon arrival, welcomed by the local tour guide and transfer to the down town. Check in your hotel. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city.
 

Breakfast at the hotel. You will be picked up from pick-up point in District 1 at 07:30-08:00 am. Take the morning city tour to visit Independence Palace, also known at the Reunification palace, a witness to the fierce Vietnam War that ended in 1975. The grand building today is a Museum and Hall for official receptions.

Continue seeing the beautiful structures from the French Colonial times such as the Notre Dame Cathedral (view from outside only) built between 1877 and 1883, the historic Central Post Office - one of the city’s major landmarks. Followed by the remarkable site of the War Remnants Museum, one of the most famous historical attractions in Saigon. Coming to the War Remnants Museum, you can learn a part of how Vietnamese struggled and fought for their independence, freedom, and peace of the nation, as well as the locals' perspective of the Vietnam War. Have lunch with Vietnamese food at local restaurant. 

Afternoon drive to Cu Chi Tunnels: the network of over 200 km of tunnels became legendary when they played a vital role in the war. In their heyday, the tunnels were functioning underground cities, including numerous trap doors, specially constructed living areas, storage facilities, weapons factories, field hospitals, command centers, and kitchens.

After a short introduction video showing how the tunnels were constructed, you will have a chance to crawl into a short section of the tunnels to feel the oppressive narrowness and heat inside. Experience the thrill of firing an M15, AK-47, and carbine rifle (at guests own extra cost). 

Return to Saigon later in the day. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.  
 

Breakfast at hotel. You will be picked up from pick-up point in District 1  at 07:30-08:00 am. Leaving the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City and start your trip to depart for My Tho, the town lies on the left side of the Mekong River. Upon arrival, visit Vinh Trang pagoda which sated back to the late 19th century.

Then  boarding the sampan and cruising down the river around the four beautiful islands known as Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix and Tortoise islands.  Stop over at Unicorn Island, go walking around country lane and seeing orchards, enjoy tropical fruits, folk song music which performed by the local people. Visit the fruit plantation. Riding a hand-rowed sampan through Thoi Son canal and treat yourself in the beauty of the countryside, visit the family business, visit honey-bee farm, enjoy honey tea and coconut candy workshop. Have lunch at local restaurant. 

In the afternoon, time for cycling around the Tan Thach village, meet the local villagers to experience the local daily life in the Mekong delta. Hammock relaxing and enjoy cool breeze for those can’t join the cycling trip. Return to Ho Chi Minh City late in the afternoon. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city.

Breakfast at the hotel. Time at leisure or shopping until check out time and transfer to the airport with driver only (no guide) for the departure flight back to your sweet home.