SET – Vietnam Overture 13days

Day 1: Hanoi arrival

On arrival at Noi Bai Airport in the afternoon, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Free for your leisure. Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 2: Hanoi – Halong Bay (B, L, D)

Breakfast, leave Hanoi by road for Ha Long Bay. Arrive in Ha Long and board our traditional sailing junk. While cruising the exquisite waters, sample the local fresh seafood. Start a fantastic cruise in Halong bay and sightseeing Dog Island, Incense Urn Island, Fighting Coq Island, Finger Island, Hoa Cuong Island and explore the mystery of Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave). Enjoy a swim in the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay at any spot that you wish to visit. Watch the sun set over the bay whilst enjoying a delicious dinner. Overnight on board .

Day 3: Ha Long Bay – Hanoi (B, L)

Wake up to fresh coffee and a wholesome breakfast before cruising to visit Man’s head island, Tortoise island, Bai Tu Long bay and take small bamboo boat to visit Luon cave. After another wonderful fresh seafood lunch on board, transfer back to Hanoi . Overnight in Hanoi .

Day 4: Hanoi – Mai Chau (B, L, D)
In the morning, pick up at your hotel and transfer by road to Hoa Binh province, 74km southwest of Hanoi. Enjoy your time to take snapshots of very beautiful single landscapes in North on the way. After arrival in Hoa Binh, we take a boat cruise on Hoa Binh lake for 3 hours to visit a village of the Muong ethnic minority. Return to Hoa Binh at noon and continue to our road trip to Mai Chau to visit Thai minority in Pom Coong village. In the evening, we will have chance to participate in the folklore festival with typical dances, songs, and taste “can” wine, an ethnic specialty. Overnight in a stilt house of Thai family’s in Lac village .

Day 5: Mai Chau – Hanoi (B, L)
In the morning, we will visit Xa Linh village, 30km from Mai Chau, home to the H’mong minority. There is a local market here every Sunday morning. Stopover on the way to take photos at a beautiful forest. For visitors who would like more adventure, a trek to Hang Kia village to discover the daily life of local inhabitants is also worthwhile. Transfer back to Hanoi.

Day 6: Hanoi – Hue (B, L)

In the morning, transfer to Ba Dinh Square. Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, which was built in the 11th century in the shape of a lotus according to the legend of the King’s dream. Tour continued with the Temple Of Literature, the first university in Vietnam, dedicated to Confucius and Vietnamese most successful scholars. Study about Vietnamese craft at Craftlink. Proceed to visit the Museum of History. Back to hotel. In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for flight to Hue. Transfer to hotel for check in. Lunch and dinner on your own. Overnight in Hue.

Please note that Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum is closed annually in September and October, during which, you’ll not be able to visit the inside. The surounding attractions include Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh’s houses, Ho Chi Minh’s museum, and One Pillar Pagoda are still opened.

Day 7: Hue – Hoi An (B, L)

In the morning, take a boat cruise on Perfume River to visit Thien Mu Pagoda and Minh Mang tomb, the impressive tomb of Nguyen Emperors. After lunch at local restaurant, visit the Imperial Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City.

In the late afternoon, depart to Hoi An via Danang. Upon arrival Hoi An, check in hotel and overnight in Hoi An.

Day 8: Hoi An (B)

Free time to discover Hoi An ancient town: visit its network of Heritage streets, Chinese assembly halls, cultural museum, old shop houses and the famous Japanese Bridge, the art galleries, hand crafted woodwork, ceramics, lanterns, embroidery and tailor shops. Overnight in resort.

Day 9: Hoi An – Danang – Ho Chi Minh city (B)

Free morning at your leisure. In the afternoon, transfer to Danang airport for flight to Ho Chi Minh city. Pick up and transfer to hotel. Lunch and dinner on your own. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city.

Day 10: Cu Chi tunnels (B, L)

After breakfast, we venture beyond the city limits to the former Viet Cong stronghold at Cu Chi, where we explore this remarkable tunnel network. Return to Ho Chi Minh city for lunch.

In the afternoon, free time to visit the dynamic energy of Ho Chi Minh City with Notre Dame Cathedral and the former US Embassy and shopping at Ben Thanh market. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city.

Day 11: Ho Chi Minh city – My Tho – Can Tho (B, L,D)

In the morning, you will depart for My Tho Town in the Mekong Delta, 70km from Ho Chi Minh City. Stop to visit Ben Luc Temple which belongs to local Cao Dai Religion. After arrival in My Tho, you will take the motorized boat through the natural canal, view the fish market and islets of Dragon, Phoenix, Tortoise and Unicorn. Lunch at a local house on the island with local specialties. Transfer to a sampan row boat along the natural canal. Visit fruit plantation farm, bee farm, coconut candy factory & enjoy taking a horse-cart ride. Back to My Tho wharf by boat and visit Dong Tam snake farm if time permits.

unch at a local house with local specialties. Drive to Can Tho in the afternoon. Overnight in Can Tho.

Day 12: Can Tho – Ho Chi Minh city (B, L)

In the morning, take a boat cruise to visit Cai rang floating market. The market is filled with small boats darting through the water as vendors buy and sell their wares. Cruise through small canals and stop at a fruit orchard to taste some of the succulent fruits of the Mekong Delta. After lunch at local restaurant, drive back to Ho Chi Minh city. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city.

Day 13: Departure (B)

A good opportunity to do some last minute shopping before your transfer to Ho Chi Minh City Airport for your ongoing flight.