Beach & Culture: Discover Vietnam in 12 days – Halong Bay/ Danang/ Phu Quoc Island

12 - days tour
Daily Departure
Handcrafted Travel

Overview

Day 1 – 4: Hanoi – Halong Bay
Arrive in Hanoi. Hanoi City tour. Cruise in Halong Bay. Discover the charm of the karst islets and caves in the bay
Day 4 – 5 – 6: Danang - Hoi An
Head to Danang/ Hoi An.
Relaxing at the beach in Danang - one of the most beautiful beach in the world.
Stroll around the narrow alleys of the old town. Learn to make a few of Hoi An’s delightful dishes.
Day 7 – 8: Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta
Touch base at Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC). Sightsee HCMC’s highlights.
Embark on a motorized boat trip through the narrow canals in Mekong Delta.
Day 9 – 10 – 11 – 12: HCMC – Phu Quoc Island
Fly from HCMC to Phu Quoc Island. Spend the days at your leisure
Say goodbye to HCMC and be ready for your departure flight.

Customizable itinerary

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Are you dreaming of exploring Vietnam's captivating landscapes and basking in the serenity of its picturesque beaches? Look no further – this tour allows you to do just that! Embark on a comprehensive day-long excursion through the enchanting city of Hanoi, delving deep into its rich history and vibrant culture. Afterwards, set sail on a mesmerizing cruise through the majestic karst islands of Lan Ha Bay. Take a well-deserved break on the unspoiled shores of My Khe beach in Da Nang, a true paradise for beach lovers.

Immerse yourself in the heart of Hoi An, a former bustling trading port that now showcases a unique blend of cultures. Witness the daily rhythms of life along the banks of the Thu Bon River in the charming villages. Continue your journey with a captivating exploration of the bustling metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City, uncovering its iconic highlights and vibrant atmosphere. Navigate the scenic waterways of Ben Tre, soaking in the tranquil beauty of this region.

Delve into the intriguing tunnel system of Cu Chi, gaining insight into its complex history. Finally, head to Phu Quoc for the ultimate relaxation experience on its pristine, white-sand beaches, truly a Vietnam beach lover's paradise.

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Day 1: Welcome to Vietnam – Hanoi Arrival

Xin Chao! Welcome to Hanoi, Vietnam.

Upon arrival at Hanoi Airport, your driver will hold a welcome signboard with your name on it & you can easily see him when you arrive. Enjoy a transfer directly from airport to your hotel in Hanoi.
Check in the hotel & have time to relax and adjust to the pace of Hanoi after the flight.

Overnight in Hanoi

Day 2: Hanoi City Tour (B/L/_)

After enjoying a delicious breakfast at the hotel, we will start our journey to explore the city’s top attractions & immerse yourself in local culture, sample Hanoi’s authentic local dishes.
Begin with a tour of Ho Chi Minh Memorial Complex where the Vietnamese people honour the country’s ‘Great Father’. Here you’ll visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum which contains the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh and his House on Stilts to observe how he lived and how his life unfolded to become one of modern history’s greatest names. Nearside his house is the miniature 11th-century One Pillar Pagoda, a Buddhist temple of historical and cultural significance. Please note that Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is closed on Mondays and Fridays, then we will see it from outside.
From HCM Complex, you will take a leisurely walk through the small laneways toward Huu Tiep Lake. Explore the grounds of a 400-year-old temple, followed by a stroll through traditional local market streets to see the B52 crash site at the lake. This US bomber was shot down during the 1972 bombing raids of Ha Noi, a poignant reminder of Vietnam’s recent history.
Take a short drive to the outskirt of Hanoi to visit the fascinating Museum of Ethnology to learn about the culture of the 54 ethnic groups living in Vietnam. However, if your tour falls on a Monday, the museum will be closed, and you will visit the Women’s Museum instead.
Today you will have Pho for lunch, a Vietnamese Noodle shop. Some of the local people call this world-famous Noodle soup “Mac-Noodles” since it is as popular here as MacDonalds is in other parts of the world! At the restaurant, your tour guide will explain the routine during Vietnamese meal times, and also tell you which special ingredients are needed for you.
After lunch, continue to visit Temple of Literature, the first university of Vietnam established in the 11th century. This is a great place to learn about the education system of Vietnam in ancient times. Next is Hoa Lo (so-called Hanoi Hilton), a prison used by the French colonists in Vietnam for political prisoners, and later by North Vietnam for U.S. Prisoners of War.
Finish the day with a walking tour around Hoan Kiem Lake and the surroundings before going back to the hotel to relax. Free at leisure and stay overnight in Hanoi.

Day 3: Hanoi – Ha Long Bay – overnight on a cruise (B/L/D)

In the morning, after breakfast, the cruise team will pick you up at your hotel lobby & start the journey to Ha Long Bay. On arrival, you are welcomed to the Cruise by our friendly crew and begin your amazing cruise through the stunning Ha Long Bay, a World Heritage Site.
Lunch will be served on board and feature a variety of the freshest seafood options.
During the cruise, we’ll embark on a journey to the Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave and afterward, indulge in a refreshing swim in the serene emerald waters of Halong Bay. We will then venture further into a quiet area, drop anchor, and settle in for the night. As the sun sets over the bay, you’ll savor a delightful dinner and unwind. Later, you are free to swim in the luminescent waters, retire to your cabin, or even fall asleep under stars on the upper deck, surrounded by the enchantment of Halong. Your overnight stay on the boat will be a memorable experience, as you soak in the breathtaking beauty of the bay.

Day 4:Ha Long Bay Cruise – Hanoi/ Flight to Hoi an (B/L/_)

Wake up early in the morning to behold a beautiful sunrise and breathe in the fresh ocean air. Begin your day with a Tai Chi lesson on the sundeck, followed by a delightful breakfast as you cruise through thousands of stunning landscapes in Halong Bay. This is an amazing opportunity to capture some truly breathtaking photographs of this picturesque setting. The exploration continues with an amazing time exploring the stunning cave, full of stalagmites and stalactites.
Lunch will be served on boat as we cruise back to the harbor and back to Hanoi around 4:00pm.
An Open Asia Driver will be waiting for you to take you directly to the airport for your flight to Danang.
Upon arrival, our driver in Danang will pick you up and transfer you directly to your beach hotel for check in. Danang beach is one of the most beautiful in the world. The soft sand, crisp sunshine, coconut palm trees, and a pristine coral reef here are things you couldn’t miss.
Overnight in Danang.

Day 5: Da Nang – Hoi An Walking and Food Tour

The whole morning is at your leisure. Spend time to relax at the pristine beach.
In the afternoon, your tour guide and driver will pick you up from the hotel and take you to Hoi An Ancient Town for a walking and food tour.
we will explore Hoi An on foot - one of the best ways to absorb the beauty of this city. While walking around Hoi An, exploring the small yet beautiful town, which tourists (even frequent visitors) find to be a place of quiet and peace. The unique atmosphere combines elements of Vietnam, China and Japan. The most remarkable views are from the ancient houses, reminding visitors of a long gone past and providing a momentary glimpse of a more subdued and simple time. The tour includes visits to Hoi An market, Hoi An Museum, many of the town’s renowned Ancient Houses which boast remarkable architecture, Assembly Halls of Chinese influence and of course must-see Japanese architecture, in accordance with the history, the Chinese, Japanese used to come here for settling down and doing business. Every day at 4 pm, Hoi An’s streets filled with a myriad of street food carts, stalls, and vendors. The street food tour is a great introduction for you to enjoy a few of the Hoi An specialties cooked up by the locals, to introduce you to the faces behind the stock pots and to teach you how the Hoi An locals deal with those condiment trays!
Overnight in Danang.

Day 6: Da Nang – Day at leisure

Today is at your leisure to enjoy the comforts of the resort and its private beach.

Overnight in Da Nang
Meals: (B/_/_)

Day 7: Da Nang – Flight to Ho Chi Minh City

After breakfast, you will be picked up and driven to the airport to board a short flight to Ho Chi Minh City, still called Saigon by the locals.
Your private guide and driver will wait for you at the arrival terminal and take you to Cu Chi, which are located approximately 1.5 to 2 hours driver from Ho Chi Minh City (75km).
Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, a vast underground network which span over 200km used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. Cu Chi tunnels were functioning underground cities that included trap doors, living areas, storage facilities, weapon factories, field hospitals, command centers, and kitchens. You can even crawl through some of the tunnels if you’re up for it. Learn about the history and tactics used by the Viet Cong through informative exhibits and demonstrations.
Try some of the simple cuisine that local fighters survived on with a cassava tasting. After experiencing the Cu Chi Tunnels, transfer back to Ho Chi Minh city with lunch en route at Ben Nay restaurant.
Spend the rest of the day visiting some of Ho Chi Minh City’s key highlights. Visit the Notre Dame Cathedral, a stunning example of neo-Romanesque architecture built by the French in the 19th century. Next, stop at the historic Central Post Office, designed by Gustave Eiffel and featuring a beautiful interior of intricate maps, intricate designs, and arched windows. Then, explore the Reunification Palace, the former presidential palace of South Vietnam and a symbol of the country's tumultuous past.
After the tour, back to your hotel and free to relax. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city.

Day 8: HCM City – Mekong Delta (B/L/_)

8:00 Pick up in the hotel lobby and transfer to Mekong Delta.
Enjoy the scenic journey along the National Highway bordered by green rice fields.
On arrival at My Tho, visit Vinh Trang Pagoda, take a leisurely boat ride along the river, and view the stilt houses, fruit plantations and fishing villages along the river bank.
Have lunch in an orchard garden.
Then a boat ride to An Khanh – a less touristy attraction in Ben Tre, enjoy cruising on a hand-rowed sampan under the shadow of the water coconut trees along natural canals, then enjoy seasonal fruit & honey tea to the sound of “Southern Vietnamese folk music” performed by locals.
Visit a family business which epitomizes the idyllic rural lifestyle, taste the delicious coconut candy & observe the pastoral life as you roam through the fruit plantation and village.
15:30 Get on car to return to Ho Chi Minh
17:30 Arrive in Ho Chi Minh
This trip provides a fascinating insight into daily life in the Mekong Delta and you are guaranteed to take home your own private collection of beautiful memories.

Day 9: HCM City – Flight to Phu Quoc Island (B/_/_)

End your exploration of Vietnam with a relaxing stay on one of her many beautiful beaches. We have picked Phu Quoc Island, a stunningly beautiful and peaceful tropical paradise that floats in the warm and sparkling cobalt waters of the Gulf of Thailand. Despite being fringed by perfect white sand beaches and tropical waters, the tear-shaped island of Phu Quoc is still relatively undiscovered.

After breakfast, you will be picked up by your private driver and taken to the airport for a short flight to Phu Quoc Island.

On arrival, transfer to the beach resort for check-in. Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure.

Overnight in Phu Quoc Island

Day 10: Phu Quoc Island – Day at leisure (B/_/_)

The whole day is at your leisure. You can spend time exploring the rustic fishing villages and unspoiled beaches that dot the landscape. Watching the sunset on the beach with a few cocktails shouldn’t be missed. Phu Quoc is also a great place to sample some of Vietnam’s best seafood, with regional specialities of sea snake, octopus, shrimp and lobster.

Overnight in Phu Quoc Island

Day 11: Phu Quoc Island – Day at leisure (B/_/_)

Today is another free day for you to enjoy everything that Phu Quoc has to offer. Spend time to chill out at the beach or book a diving trip. The warm waters of the Gulf of Thailand make Phu Quoc a great spot for diving and snorkeling. The reefs that surround the island abound with colourful marine life while the clear waters guarantee a great view. The best time to do this is from November until March.

Overnight in Phu Quoc Island

Day 12: Phu Quoc Island – HCM City – Departure (B/_/_)

After breakfast and a leisurely morning on your own, you will check out of the resort by midday and your private driver will pick you up and take you to Phu Quoc airport to board a short flight back to HCM City and then connect via your departure flight home.

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Useful Information
This tour is built upon our firsthand knowledge & experience, offering you the best choices available. The price of this trip varies depending on the number of people in your party, dates of departure, and availability of ground services. Please click on REQUEST A FREE QUOTE (above) and supply the required information, enabling us to send you your personalized quote within 24 hours! Note: Amendments CAN be made to this tour to suit your requirements.

Sightseeing Highlights

  • Discover Hanoi’s best-known landmarks, Enjoy the local food discovery tour
  • Spend a night onboard an overnight cruise in Lan Ha Bay
  • Climb the Marble Mountain in Da Nang, Stroll through streets of Hoi An Ancient town and taste the delicious local food
  • Discover the spectacular maze of Cu Chi tunnels below ground
  • Visit Ho Chi Minh City landmarks: War Remnant Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, Reunification Palace and Ben Thanh Market…etc.
  • Take a discovery day trip in lush green Ben Tre town – Home of coconut in Mekong Delta
  • Discover an island paradise off the south coast of Phu Quoc, Lounge and make the most out of your relaxing on the beach.

Dining Experience

  • 11 buffet breakfasts.
  • 4 dinners and 4 lunches at well-selected restaurants
  • 2 street food tours
  • 1 Cooking demonstration on Lan Ha Bay boat

Travel Highlights

  • Your own private guide and driver for in-depth cultural touring based on your interests
  • Firsthand, sophisticated destination knowledge and recommendations from our locally born travel specialists
  • Itineraries that are customized according to your interests and preferences
  • A seamless travel experience, including all logistics, hand-picked hotels and restaurants, private airport transfers, internal transportation, and entry visa assistance…etc
  • Around-the-clock support from your travel designer and concierge before, during and after your trip

What’s Included?

Private English speaking guide, accommodation, private tours and transfer, domestic flights, A/C vehicles, some main meals, all entrance fees, tax, and service charge.

What’s Not Included?

Your international flights from and to Vietnam, the entry visa to Vietnam, personal expense, tips to guide and driver.
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