TRIP OVERVIEW
Vietnam Timeless –Honeymoon is a 14-day travel itinerary which, as the name suggests, includes the most fascinating and traditional attractions of Vietnam, from Hanoi to the Mekong Delta.
Walking through the streets of beautiful Hanoi and visiting the Temple of Literature, the first university of Vietnam, the imposing monument dedicated to President Ho Chi Minh, the hidden charm and antiquity of the old quarter with the wonderful cuisine and the renowned show of puppets on the water.
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery of Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994 and one of the Seven Wonders of the World, surrounded by spectacular karst mountains.
Visit the historic imperial capital Hue, the ancient trading port town of Hoi An with millions of lanterns, and cosmopolitan Ho Chi Minh City.
Experience the enchantment of the Mekong Delta, sometimes known as the "rice bowl of Vietnam", as you sail aboard a traditional sampan between floating cities and colorful riverside markets.
The proposed itinerary can be adapted to your specific travel needs and combined with additional routes.
Group tour: Yes
Data: As you wish
Arrival - Departure: Hanoi – Saigon/ vice versa
Type of tour: Heritage and Relax
Tailor-made tours: Absolutely yes!
Itinerary
Day 01: Hanoi – arrival
Day 02: Hanoi – city tour
Day 03: Hanoi – Ninh Binh – ex-capital
Day 04: Ninh Binh – Halong Bay
Day 05: Halong – flight to Hue
Day 06: Hue – Da Nang – Hoi An
Day 07: Hoi An – My Son
Day 08: Hoi An – Saigon – Cu Chi tunnel
Day 09: Saigon – city tour – Can Tho – Mekong Delta
Day 10: Can Tho - floating market – Saigon – flight to Phu Quoc
Day 11: Free day on beach
Day 12: Free day on beach
Day 13: Free day on beach
Day 14: Free day on beach – flight back to Saigon – Departure
We have plenty choices for beach for each season
December - April: Con Dao island, Phu Quoc island
April - September: Nha Trang, Da Nang, Ninh Thuan
October - December: Mui Ne
Day 01: Arrival in Hanoi
Welcome to Hanoi – the capital, cultural and political city of Vietnam.
Arrival in Hanoi, welcome at Noi Bai international airport by the guide and driver, transfer to the hotel for a rest after the long flight. Free time for a walk in the old quarter around your hotel. Hanoi's Old Quarter is one of the oldest capitals in the world, home to well-preserved colonial structures, historic pagodas and distinctive buildings.
The room is available for check-in after 2pm.
Overnight in Hanoi.
o Assistance: private tour guide and driver
o Meals included: no
Day 02: Hanoi – city tour
Hanoi – the cultural and political capital city of Vietnam, was the imperial capital since 1010 with a lot of history and different names after different periods, but Hanoi – the present name which in Vietnamese means "the internal river", is located on the banks of the River Red and home to around 7 million people.
The Hanoi city tour will begin with a visit to Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam (Temple of Literature), the first university in Vietnam built in 1070. We will head to Ba Dinh National Square where you can see Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh, and the ancient Mot Cot Pagoda – Pagoda on a Pillar to represent the purity of the lotus flower.
We return to the center for a walk to the Sword Lake, the Ngoc Son Temple, the old quarter with 36 streets of its own goods, the ancient house of Hanoi.
During the tour here, you might taste some Hanoi specialties such as Egg Coffee. Our local guide will then take you to one of Hanoi's best kept secrets, a hidden cafe with breathtaking views of the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake. This hard-to-find cafe is one of the few remaining in the city that still serves egg coffee, a delicious local delicacy that we'll sample while admiring the hustle and bustle of the city center below. Or, if coffee isn't your style, a cold beer or fresh coconut awaits you!
We relax after the day with a water puppet show that reflects the daily life of Vietnamese farmers (growing rice and catching fish), community entertainment (swimming competition, dragon dance) and historical legends.
Overnight in Hanoi.
o Assistance: private tour guide and driver
o Meals included: breakfast in hotel
Day 03: Hanoi – Ninh Binh – ex-capital
After breakfast, we start the day with a scenic drive to Ninh Binh, also known as "Ha Long Bay on the mainland", the scenery is very similar to Ha Long, but surrounded by beautiful rice fields instead of the sea.
Upon arrival in Ninh Binh, a visit to Tam Coc to make a climb to the Dancing Caves (Mua Caves) where they offer a stunning panoramic view of Ninh Binh. (Note: You have to climb 486 steps)
Then reward yourself with a delicious lunch at a local restaurant before continuing your cycling adventure to explore the hidden corners of Ninh Binh. Explore the cultural treasures of Ninh Binh with a visit to the famous Bich Dong Pagoda. Immerse yourself in Vietnamese history and immerse yourself in the serenity of this sacred place, guided by knowledgeable experts who will enlighten you about its rich heritage and traditions. Travel through picturesque valleys, capture breathtaking views of the limestone mountains, and capture timeless photos of authentic Vietnamese rural life.
Afterwards, boarding traditional rowing boats that float down the winding river in Tam Coc, passing three majestic caves. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the rural villages and the lush landscapes that open up before your eyes.
Overnight in Ninh Binh.
o Assistance: private tour guide and driver
o Meals included: breakfast in hotel
Day 04: Hanoi – cruise to Halong Bay
After breakfast, depart for Halong Bay – the eighth wonder of the world through the rice fields and countryside of the Red River Delta. Arrive in Halong at around noon, boarding a boat for a magnificent cruise in the bay. During this cruise, you will be able to admire many karst mountains, caves, lagoons in all forms. Furthermore, the light, clouds and fog create a magical atmosphere. Free time to swim or discover the bay by kayak. In the late afternoon, the ship drops anchor for the night in the bay. After your seafood dinner on board, you can participate in squid fishing or sing karaoke.
Overnight stay on board in a private cabin.
NB: The program will be as on the website of the boat you choose
- Assistance: private tour guide and driver (the private guide does not come on board)
- Meals included: breakfast in the hotel, lunch and dinner on board
Day 05: Sunrise at Halong Bay – flight to Hue
In the morning at 6:00, those who get up early can participate in doing Taichi in the middle of the bay and admire the sunrise. After breakfast, we leave our junk and with sampans (typical boats) and leave to visit a famous cave/island or we will have time for a few swims in these small and splendid beaches (if the climate allows). After brunch (early lunch) on the junk, we return to the port of embarkation. At the end of the morning, we return to Hanoi. On the way, we make a stop to visit the Phu Lang pottery village.
Arriving at the airport in Ha Noi, we take the direct flight to Hue. Arrival in Hue, meeting with private driver and transfer to hotel in the center (about 15 km).
Overnight in Hue.
(The cruise itinerary will vary depending on the type of junk used and the sea conditions. The common guide on board will be in English/French)
- Assistance: private tour guide and driver/ private guide in Hue
- Meals included: breakfast and lunch on board (brunch)
Day 06: Hue – city tour – Da Nang – Hoi An
Hue - a charming city located on the banks of the Perfume River, where the last feudal Nguyen dynasty of Vietnam was located, offers a tour of cultural heritages and royal architecture.
After breakfast, we begin to visit Thien Mu Pagoda - Celestial Woman Pagoda - one of the oldest religious buildings in Hue and Vietnam. Next, we head to visit the imperial citadel which was the home of Vietnam's last royal dynasty. It is composed of three distinct parts: the capital city, the imperial city and the forbidden city with the Pavilion of the Five Phoenixes, the Palace of Supreme Peace and the Dynastic temple The Mieu: grandiose buildings arranged in a harmonious succession according to the principles sanctioned by science geomantics.
Before exiting the city of Hue, we stop to visit the tomb of Ming Mang - a carefully planned place of peace and rest that reflects the peaceful and contemplative spirit of the eponymous emperor.
In the following, departure for the city of Hoi An, located about thirty kilometers south-east of Da Nang, on the banks of the Thu Bon River. In the 16th century, this ancient port of Champa was called Faifo. You can take a walk in the historic center to admire the glittering and most romantic town with millions of lanterns in Vietnam.
Overnight in Hoi An.
- Assistance: private tour guide and driver
- Meals included: breakfast in hotel
Day 07: Hoi An – My Son sanctuary – Hoi An – city tour
In the morning visit to the ancient "Holy Land of My Son" of the Kingdom of Champa, the My Son Sanctuary, a group of ruined temples and sanctuaries built about 30 km from Hoi An, which was contemporary and antagonist of the great Empire of Angkor, classified "World Heritage" by UNESCO. In a magnificent rocky amphitheater surrounded by thick wild vegetation, the ancient Cham rulers have them built brick and sandstone sanctuaries between the 6th and 14th centuries, where they venerated the gods Shiva and Vishnu. Ceremonies in honor of the gods have been celebrated for centuries.
Return to Hoi An for a walking tour of Hoi An Old Town, one of the most precious jewels of Vietnam's historical heritage, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Hoi An is a city full of buildings from this period, including the famous Japanese bridge built in the style of a pagoda in the 16th century, meeting halls where locals gathered for celebrations, and traditional houses that still stand today, still the descendants of the first owners still live here. We stop at a workshop to learn about silk production and crafts in Hoi An. You have a chance to make a bamboo and silk lantern and you could take home as a beautiful memory of this romantic town.
Overnight in Hoi An.
- Assistance: private tour guide and driver
- Meals included: breakfast in hotel
Day 08: Hoi An – Da Nang - flight to Saigon – Cu Chi tunnel
After breakfast, transfer to Da Nang for the flight to Saigon - the vital city but also rich in testimonies of the past.
Arrival and transfer to visit the Cu Chi tunnels located 60 km from Saigon. The tunnels connected command posts, hospitals, shelters and weapons factories during World War II. The famous underground fortress of the Viet Cong who built an incredible underground network of warehouses, dormitories, armories, kitchens, medical departments and command posts, connected by 250 kilometers of tunnels, and resisted every bombing and attack by American forces for years. The visit begins with a documentary on the tunnels and wars of the 60s and 70s. Then we enter underground tunnels, which are only large enough for one person at a time, where there are offices, kitchens, conference rooms, an armory and even a hospital.
Return to Saigon.
Overnight in Saigon.
- Assistance: private tour guide and driver
- Meals included: breakfast in hotel
Day 09: Saigon – city tour – Mekong Delta – Can Tho
In the morning, we visit six of the city's most important places: the War Museum, designed to denounce American aggression in Vietnam; Central Post Office, with rich colonial reliefs, gracious shuttered windows, and a vast concourse with arches resembling those of a Victorian railway station; Notre Dame Cathedral, an elegant combination of red brick and white stone, overlooks a large tree-lined square; Chinatown with Thien Hau pagoda.
In the following, departure towards Can Tho, along the way we stop to visit the ancient house of Binh Thuy, which is filmed in the romantic and famous movie of “the Lover” (1992). The house contains a mixture of Eastern and Western cultures, the place of worship inside the house is still purely Vietnamese. This demonstrates the sophistication and aesthetics of the family owner: absorbing new things but still retaining the soul of the nation.
Arrival at the hotel in the afternoon and check in.
Overnight in Can Tho.
- Assistance: private tour guide and driver
- Meals included: breakfast in hotel
Day 10: Can Tho - Floating Market – Saigon – Flight to Phu Quoc
In the morning visit Cai Rang floating market, one of the largest floating markets in the Mekong Delta. Here we have the opportunity to see the hustle and bustle of hundreds of boats of different sizes, canoes, boats loaded with fruits, vegetables, rice, spices, clothes and goods of all kinds. A beautiful background for photos and impressive memories of lively life Mekong Delta.
Next, visit a local orchard where we can taste many tropical fruits.
After the visit, return to Saigon and you will head to the airport, possibly in the evening, to take the return flight to Italy, or the flight to Siem Reap, to continue the trip to Cambodia.
- Assistance: private tour guide and driver
- Meals included: breakfast in hotel
Day 11: Free day on beach
- Assistance: no
- Meals included: breakfast in hotel
Day 12: Free day on beach
- Assistance: no
- Meals included: breakfast in hotel
Day 13: Free day on beach
- Assistance: no
- Meals included: breakfast in hotel
Day 14: Free day on beach – flight back to Saigon – Departure
- Assistance: private car for drop off
- Meals included: breakfast in hotel
End of the services
*****
The tour includes:
• Tours and transfers in private air-conditioned vehicles
• 2 bottles of water/per day/person
• All domestic flights – with Vietnam Airlines (23kg hold and 7kg carry-on)
• All overnight stays with daily breakfast in selected hotels
• Private Italian speaking guide
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary with local foods (B=breakfast; L=Lunch; D=Dinner)
• Boat cruise as indicated
• Entrances and permits for all places visited
• Mineral water and towel
• Government taxes and service charges
The tour excludes:
• International airfare and airport tax
• Personal travel insurance
• Personal expenses such as telephone and laundry bills.
• Tips