Vietnam Rainbow Tour

Itinerary

B(breakfast), L(lunch), D(dinner)

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1. 
   Day 01

   HANOI ARRIVAL

   Welcome to Hanoi – Vietnam!
   Upon arrival, the tour guide & driver will be welcoming you at Noi Bai airport; it takes us 35 minutes driving to the centre of Hanoi then check-in at hotel. 
   Overnight in Hanoi. 
   Please note: Standard check in time is 14:00. Early check in is subject to availability of the hotel
   Night activities suggestion: enjoy local beer at Ta Hien Streets, experience the ambience of sleepless street with life music, the young people of Hanoi and also foreign tourists. Hundreds of bars and pubs in the Old Quarter are also at your disposal or just simple spend your time at shopping malls or various boutique Shops.
    

2. 
   Day 02

   HANOI CITY TOUR (B)

   Breakfast at hotel. 
   Morning, we start the day trip with a visit of the Ho Chi Minh Complex. This famous site compromises Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum (closed on Mondays & Fridays), his former stilt-house residence, the Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh Museum. We then visit the Temple of Literature constructed in 1070 to worship Confucius, which was served as the first University of Vietnam. 
   Afternoon, drive through Colonial Hanoi, seeing the Opera House and other local sights. Go inside infamous Hoa Lo Prison (“Hanoi Hilton”), where Senator John McCain and Douglas “Pete” Wilson were once imprisoned.
   Take a cyclo (rickshaw) ride through the Hanoi’s Old Quarter, a network of narrow alleys and shop houses also known as “The 36 Streets.” This is a wonderful place to watch the local life, and peruse items from fabrics to crafts to exotic medicines. 
   Late in the afternoon, enjoy the traditional and unique water puppet show in 1h.
   Overnight in Hanoi. 
    

3. 
   Day 03

   HANOI - NINH BINH (HOA LU CYCLING TO TAM COC) - HANOI (B/L)

   After breakfast, let have a 2-hour journey to Ninh Binh.
   We begin our day by cycling around the countryside and head to Hoa Lu, which was the capital city of Vietnam under the Dinh Dynasty between 968 and 980 AD. Here there are many ancient sanctuaries and tombs that can still be seen today. Apart from the historical importance, the area surrounding Ninh Binh is naturally beautiful, referred to many as the “Halong Bay on land” with limestone peaks and fertile green valleys. We continue riding through the limestone peaks to Tam Coc, passing rice paddies and through the rural villages. 
   Arriving in Tam Coc, we will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant overlooking the boat pier, which provides a great chance for photos.  You also take a paddle boat ride through the beautiful karts limestone fringed waterways of Tam Coc. Tam Coc, meaning Three Grottoes, includes Hang Ca, Hang Hai and Hang Ba, concealing a whole world underground. Ride your boat following the gentle Ngo Dong River, passing the golden floating paddy fields under the towering limestone cliffs, into the depth of the three caves’ chambers.
   We drive transfer back to Hanoi for the night.
   Overnight in Hanoi. 
    

4. 
   Day 04

   HANOI - HALONG BAY – OVERNIGHT ON BOAT (B/L/D)

   Breakfast at hotel. 
   We depart for Halong Bay (200km ~ approximately 3 hours driving), passing a peaceful countryside typical of Red River Delta with endless rice fields and winding rivers. 
   We will arrive at Halong’s tourist wharf around noon and embark an elegant wooden junk for a cruise through the limestone cliffs and emerald waters of Ha Long Bay to enjoy a fantastic view of the picturesque scenery blending with the sky and some 3,000 limestone this World Heritage Site. While being on board, we will be served a sumptuous fresh, local seafood lunch followed by swimming and exploring some of the limestone caves in this area. Try the feeling of witnessing the sunset on boat is really great. Dinner on board. Evening, there is the option for night fishing or just sit out on the deck and relax under the stars.
   Overnight on board (in a private room with ensuite bathroom). 
   Please note the program may be little varied upon the cruise you choose. Only Vietnamese & International food available on the boat. Depending on the cruise, kayak will be included or not. 
    

    

5. 
   Day 05

   HALONG - HANOI – FLIGHT TO DA NANG - HOI AN (B/BR)

   Waking up surrounded by the tranquil beauty of the bay, we have time for an early morning dip with joys and emotions for watching sunrise on sea followed by breakfast. The cruise continues to move around the bay for us to discover more secluded areas, we then take kayaking and swimming in the stunning bay. Brunch on board while the cruise returns to the main harbor. Arrive at Halong Wharf around 11.00. 
   Transfer directly to Noi Bai airport for short flight to Danang. 
   Upon arrival at Danang airport, you will be picked up by our guide and driver for a drive to Hoi An which was originally a Cham seaport but has been influenced down centuries by a myriad of traders from various cultures.
   Overnight in Hoi An.
    

6. 
   Day 06

   HOI AN ANCIENT TOWN - AT LEISURE (B)

   Breakfast at hotel. 
   Let’s spend our full day visiting the town of Hoi An today. Together with our guide in Hoian, we’ll walk over the tile-roofed Japanese Bridge, visit taciturn Chinese Assembly Halls, visit ancient houses and Trading Houses, pagodas and stroll into the market located by Thu Bon river, where we may find out the same feelings of the artists, who see the rooftops of Hoi An a magical old world of Oriental feel and source of inspiration. 
   Afternoon at leisure for yourself exploration of the town. This is also a wonderful town to shop for lanterns, soft silk, raw silk, or get your clothes tailored within a day. Overnight in Hoi An. 
    

7. 
   Day 07

   HOI AN - BANA HILLS/GOLDEN BRIDGE – TRANSFER TO HUE (B/L)

   After having breakfast at hotel, check out and move on to Hue with stopover in Da Nang. 
   Drop off at Ba Na Hills station. You have a chance to ride on a modern system of cable cars helps you get a bird’s-eye view, very miraculous and attractive while enjoying a feeling of flying in the blue sky amidst the clouds and wind. You will visit some old French villas en route, as well as the suspension bridge, Nui Chua & the Mountain Peak (at the height of 1,487m) and a new amazing spot - Bridge in Hands of God. 
   Buffet lunch served at restaurant at Ba Na Hills. 
   Transfer directly to Hue by the route of Hai Van Pass (if good weather) or the route of Hai Van Tunnel (2,5 -3hrs driving). Free at leisure to explore the ancient capital in the evening.
   Overnight in Hue. 
    

8. 
   Day 08

   HUE CITY TOUR - FOOD TOUR (B)

   Being recognized by UNESCO as the 1st Cultural World Heritage for Vietnam, Hue is highlighted by the old royal architectural works and the most traditional Vietnamese lifestyle. 
   After breakfast, we will discover the charm of the city from the Royal Citadel, Forbidden City.  Move on to the colorful Dong Ba market where you can see many of ingredients for making Hue local food, and explore the local business life. 
   In the afternoon, we will visit the Tomb of Khai Dinh - the last emperor mausoleum built in Hue and Vietnam. It’s famous for one-of-the-kind architecture and art that was never seen in the country at that time. Under a concrete canopy is a gilt bronze statue (cast in Marseilles) of Khai Dinh, we will learn about the story of Khai Dinh who is presumed to have been homosexual, though he did produce one heir. His remains are interred 18m below the statue.
   The best way to explore local culture is through its unique cuisine. Around late afternoon time, we shall embark on a special street food tour to discover the other side of Hue. Our journey start from Sticky rice dumplings on a fried dumpling (Ram It) or Filtered tapioca dumplings (Banh Loc) to the well-known Hue beef vermicelli soup (Bun Bo Hue). The street food tour finish at a small restaurant serve Sweet soup (Che), a scrumptious local delicacy made of tapioca and various local ingredients. Or, if sweet soup is not your style, a Vietnamese coffee with condensed milk awaits.
   Overnight in Hue. 
    

9. 
   Day 09

   HUE - SAIGON CITY TOUR - SAIGON BY NIGHT BY VESPA (B)

   After breakfast at hotel, at your own leisure until our driver come to pick you to Phu Bai airport for departure flight to Saigon. 
   Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat airport, pick-up and transfer to hotel in Saigon (standard check-in time at 14:00). 
   In the afternoon, we visit some major sights of the city including the Reunification Palace, the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Old Saigon Post Office and the War Remnant Museum - originally opened in September 1975 which displays old military equipment and other related items from Vietnam War. If time permits, we continue our trip on to the bustling Ben Thanh Market which is a fantastic place for bargains of every kind. There are a number of vendors and food stalls in the market food section that offers guests many freshly delicious dishes. You also can find any goods for daily use as well as variety of eye-catching local handicrafts, souvenirs here.
   Evening, let’s have a Saigon after dark by Vespa. A foodie night out on the town. This Saigon night tour is part night excursion, part street food adventure. Experience Saigon nightlife the way locals do, all from the back of a vintage Vespa scooter.
   To start off this Saigon night tour, enjoy drinks at our Vespa-themed café, Café Zoom, to watch “as the world goes by” (as said in the Lonely Planet guide book). Throughout the night, try a variety of food and drinks at 2 local restaurants and samplings of Saigon’s best authentic local food. Zoom past the famous must-see sights of Ho Chi Minh City while in the bustling traffic. We’ll also go to a Vietnamese-style coffee shop with special live music bar, and then wrap up the evening at an exciting music bar where the new generation of Vietnamese unwind and flaunt their unique styles.
   Guests ride pillion behind our drivers to enjoy and experience the Vietnamese nightlife with friends. This tour includes free flowing drinks and all you can eat, so come with an appetite!
   Overnight in Saigon. 
    

10. 
    Day 10

    SAIGON – MEKONG DELTA (MY THO) - CAN THO (B/L)

    Breakfast at hotel. 
    This morning, we will leave the bustling city of Saigon behind us and depart for the Mekong Delta known to locals as ‘Vietnam’s biggest rice basket’. 
    Upon arrival at My Tho, embark a boat to cruise along Tien River, get over Tien River to the other side (Ben Tre land). We will do some sight-seeing to fish farms, floating fish market along the Dragon Island on the way. Through the canal in Bến Tre (land of coconuts) to see coconut collection set and how the locals make handicrafts from coconut trunk and shell. 
    Enjoy seasonal fruits and listen to traditional music. After that, take the horse-cart on village path and stop at the orchard farm of Mr Ngo to taste honey with tea or wine and see bees-breeding in wooden boxes under logan trees.
    We will take a trip on small rowing boats through a maze of waterways lined by two rows of palm trees. We will have lunch in islets and boat to see local people make coconut candy, tasty candy (special products of Ben Tre province) before cruising back to the pier and disembark for a drive to Can Tho where we will spend the night.
    Overnight in Can Tho. 
     

11. 
    Day 11

    CAN THO – CAI RANG FLOATING VILLAGE – TRANSFER BACK TO SAIGON (B)

    Rising early to the sounds of the Delta coming to life for another day, start our day with a boat cruise along the seemingly endless waterway of Mighty Mekong River. Cai Rang floating market begins at about 05:00 and operates until midday, so you have to get up early if you want to visit the floating market at the most exciting moment.
    We arrive amongst Cai Rang floating market during the early morning market hours. Though the floating market here is not nearly as busy as day’s past, you might still spot locals tossing watermelons or pineapples between their boats!  Sellers do not have to cry out about their goods because their goods can be seen in a distance and their cries would not be heard in the vastness of the river and the noise of boat engines. There are some small boats that sell beer, wine and soft drinks to serve sellers and visitors. 

    We visit the lush orchards and are treated to a delicious tropical fruit. After having lunch at the local restaurant (at own cost), we drive back to Saigon.
    Overnight in Saigon. 
     

12. 
    Day 12

    SAIGON - CU CHI TUNNELS TOUR - SAIGON AT LEISURE (B)

    After breakfast at hotel, we depart for the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, an incredible underground tunnel network constructed by Vietnamese resistance fighters during the long struggle for independence. The Cu Chi Tunnel system had been created long time back, from 1948 to assist Viet Minh in the combat with French. And it was continuing built over 25 years later. It was an underground city with living areas, kitchens, storage, weapons factories, field hospitals, command centers. In places, it was housed up to 10,000 people who virtually lived underground for years.... getting married, giving birth. During the American War the entire area of Cu Chi was designated a free fire zone and was heavily bombarded. From 1988, two sections of tunnels have been open for visitors.
    We return to Saigon for lunch at a local restaurant (on your own cost).  Free time in the afternoon. 
    Overnight in Saigon. 
     

13. 
    Day 13

    SAIGON DEPARTURE (B)

    Breakfast at the hotel. 
    If your flight is in the afternoon, you will have a half day more for the sightseeing and shopping before the departure till check out time and transfer to the airport for the departure flight back to your sweet home. End of service!
    Please note: Hotel Check-out time is around 12.00.