Photos

Overview

Vietnam Insight offers a profound journey, not only through the scenic landscapes across Vietnam but also as a deep connection to and understanding of its rich culture, history, and people. This is a voyage spanning all three regions: North, Central, and South Vietnam.

The Northern leg of the journey begins in Hanoi, the cultural heart and capital of Vietnam, and then leads to the natural wonder of Halong Bay with its stunning seascape. Moving on to Central Vietnam, explore Hue, the former Imperial Capital. The Imperial City is a testament to 19th-century history and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Next is Hoi An, a charming town with breathtaking views from the Hai Van Pass, vibrant nightlife in the ancient streets, and renowned local cuisine. Continuing through Central Vietnam, we reach the liveliness of Da Nang, a city known for its beauty, friendliness, and beautiful beaches, as well as enticing local food. 

The journey takes us to the southern part of Vietnam, starting with the bustling economic hub of Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon. There are well-known local markets and historically significant architectural landmarks to be found there. Explore the Mekong Delta to see fascinating local life and take fascinating boat rides. Explore the Cu Chi tunnels, a remarkable underground tunnel that depicts the incredible history of the Vietnamese people during the war. For nine days and eight nights, you will be captivated by stunning scenery and moved by one-of-a-kind cultural and historical events.

Reviews from our customers:
"Our family just returned from an ERA-organized vacation. We had a great time and would recommend Mrs.Mai to anyone traveling there. We got everything we wanted, no nasty surprises. The Vietnamese people, food, prices, and hotels were great. We loved the Cu Chi tunnel tour, Mekong Delta, Hoi An Ancient Town, and Hanoi Old Quarter. Best trip ever. Very organized. We had great hotels, tours, and on-time airport guides. Price is reasonable."

Trip code: CLA0003VN9D

Destination: Vietnam

Itinerary

Arrive in Hanoi - Noi Bai International Airport.

You will be met at the airport by your English speaking guide and transfer to your hotel in downtown Hanoi. Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is a beautiful city of lakes, shaded boulevards and verdant public parks. 

After check-in we will enjoy a short walk through the Old Quarter of Hanoi, where we observe the daily life of the locals on busy markets and narrow shaded streets. The Old Quarter includes 36 old streets with each name representative of the type of merchandise sold in it.

Overnight in Hanoi
After breakfast, drive to Halong Bay (3 hours), a UNESCO World Heritage site. Whoever comes to Vietnam should not miss the chance to visit Halong Bay, a picturesque blend of harmonious transition between the mountains and the sea.

The program will be changed depending on which cruise choosing.

Halong Bay is in the Bac Bo (Tonkin) Gulf and stretches over an area of 1,500 km2 with three thousand green islands that look like jewels. Upon arrival at the harbor, we will embark on a junk. We will enjoy a fresh seafood lunch on the boat while experiencing the majestic beauty of Halong Bay. The Junk is a wooden sailboat designed in a traditional Vietnamese style while offering a full range of modern amenities.

Visit the fascinating Dau Go Cave called “The Cave of Marvels” and Thien Cung Cave, the “Heavenly Palace Cave” surrounded by spectacular stalactites and stalagmites.

After dinner, enjoy fishing with local fishermen. The reflection of the limestone outcrops, the sight of fishing boats lit up in the darkness; enjoy these precious moments in one of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world.

Overnight on board the junk.
06.30-07.00: Welcome a new day with an amazing dawn on Bai Tu Long Bay. Refresh your body and soul with a Tai-chi session on the sundeck.

07.00-07.30: Catch the morning view of the seascape while enjoying breakfast with cookies and tea, at the café in the restaurant.

07.30-08.30: Visit Vung Vieng fishing village - the famous fishing farm by bamboo boat and discover the life of local people living on the surface of Halong Bay. (No swimming).

08.30-09.30: Pack up the luggage and check out of the cabin.

09.30-10.40: Enjoy brunch in the restaurant while cruising back to the tourist harbor.

11.00: Disembark from boat.

12.00: Your driver takes you back to Hanoi.

In the afternoon, we visit Hoan Kiem Lake (The Restored Sword Lake) and the Ngoc Son Temple, which is on an island in the northern part of the lake, and then enjoy a Cyclo tour along the narrow streets of the Old Quarter of Hanoi. The Old Quarter includes 36 old streets each with a name conveying the type of merchandise sold in it.

In the evening we will attend a traditional Water Puppet show. This art form originates from rural festivals in Vietnam. The artists – men and women – stand waist deep in the water to manipulate the puppets, making them move, talk, laugh and even dance on the surface of the water. The audience is meant to experience the atmosphere of a village festival.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Distance  : Halong-  Hanoi -: 160 km => 4 hour transfer included breaktime on the way
08:00 am.  After breakfast we transfer to the airport for a short flight to Hue 

Arrive in Hue - Phu Bai Airport. You will be met at the airport by your English-speaking guide and transferred to your hotel in downtown Hue.

In the afternoon, We will visit to the Imperial City, an impressive royal complex built in the 17th century based on the ancient feng shui practice of geomancy. The Imperial City is a UNESCO World Heritage site. We will visit the Khai Dinh tomb and the colourful Dong Ba market. The tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh, who ruled between 1916 and 1925, was the last grand imperial tomb in Vietnam. It is almost entirely made of concrete and includes many European architectural details.

Overnight in Hue.

Distance: Hanoi Central-Noi Bai Airport: 30 km => 50 minute transfer
Hue airport – Hue centre: 20 km => 40 minute transfer
In the morning we will take a dragon boat trip along the Perfume River.

We will stop at the Thien Mu Pagoda, which is located on the southwest bank of the Perfume River and was the center of Buddhism in Central Vietnam. 

After finishing the Hue city tour, we head on to Hoi An with a photo stop on the summit of the breathtaking Hai Van Pass.

Arrive in Hoian, and enjoy a walking tour of Hoi An Old Town. Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, Tan Ky's old house, a handicraft market where you can see the artists at work making beautiful silk lanterns, the Cantonese Assembly Hall, temples and pagodas in the Chinese architectural style, and the large colorful market.

Afternoon at leisure. In the late afternoon take a boat trip on the Thu Bon River to enjoy the sunset.

Evening at leisure. Overnight in Hoi An.

Distance: Hue center- Hoi An: 150 km => 3-hour transfer
08:00 am.  Free morning at leisure in Hoi An, then transfer to Danang airport for the short flight to Saigon.

Arrive in Saigon - Tan Son Nhat International Airport. You will be met at the airport by your English-speaking guide and transferred to your hotel in downtown Saigon

Then enjoy a city tour to visit Reunification Palace, Ben Thanh Market, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the beautiful French-style Post Office with its glass canopy and iron structure designed by Gustave Eiffel. Visit the famous War Remnants Museum, with armored vehicles, artillery pieces, bombs and infantry weapons displayed in an outside walled courtyard. Continue to Cholon, the Chinese quarter, and see Binh Tay Market with its big clock tower in the centre. Discover the Thien Hau Pagoda, build by the Cantonese congregation in the 19th century. Evening at leisure.

Overnight in Saigon.

Have a breakfast at hotel

8:00A.M: Heading out of town we travel by roads to the Mekong Delta, Vietnam's largest rice bowl.

On arrival in My Tho, we embark on a boat navigating around the intricate small canals in the delta region, which is a great way to observe the local lifestyle close-up. This thrilling excursion will pass the lush green vegetation before arriving on an island. Here we have opportunities to visit some fascinating local industries, stroll around an orchard and taste many delicious seasonal fruits. In the afternoon, we return to Ho Chi Minh, stopping off along the way to see the beautiful Vinh Trang Pagoda.

The trip ends after arrival back in Ho Chi Minh

Overnight in Saigon.   
08:00A.M: Morning departure to the small town of Cu Chi, located 35 km from Saigon (1h30), an incredible underground tunnel network constructed by Vietnamese resistance fighters during the long struggle for independence.

Visit the famous Cu Chi Tunnels Network which became legendary during the 1960s for its role in facilitating Viet Cong control of a large rural area. At its height, the tunnel system stretched from the South Vietnamese capital to the Cambodian border; in the district of Cu Chi alone, there were over 250 km of tunnels. The network, parts of which were several stories deep, included innumerable trapdoors, specially constructed living areas, storage facilities, weapons factories, field hospitals, command centers, and kitchens. The tunnels of Cu Chi were built over a period of 25 years beginning in the late 1940s.

Return to Saigon.

Overnight in Saigon.

Ho Chi Minh Central – Cu Chi: 50 km => 1hour 20 minute transfer
After breakfast at hotel. Free time at leisure for last-minute shopping before transferring to the airport for departure home

Distance:     Ho Chi Minh City centre  -  Tan Son Nhat airport : 10 km => 30 minute transfer

Reviews

"Our family just returned from an ERA-organized vacation. We had a great time and would recommend Mrs.Mai to anyone traveling there. We got everything we wanted, no nasty surprises. The Vietnamese people, food, prices, and hotels were great. We loved the Cu Chi tunnel tour, Mekong Delta, Hoi An Ancient Town, and Hanoi Old Quarter. Best trip ever. Very organized. We had great hotels, tours, and on-time airport guides. Price is reasonable."

Inclusions

  • Accommodation in the category chosen or similar (we haven't block any room yet) based on double/twin sharing with daily breakfast.
  • All local boat rentals as mentioned in the program. Seat in coach (SIC) junk in Ha Long bay with 1 Lunch+1 Dinner + 1 Brunch.
  • Transportation by private vehicle with A/C.
  • Local English speaking guide(s) in Vietnam.
  • Meals as mentioned in the program. B: Breakfast only
  • All entrance fees and sightseeing as mentioned in the program. Mineral Water (01 bottle/pax/day)
  • 01 FOC in ½ Twin room for group of 16pax onward (excluding internal airfares and visas). Maximum 02 FOC per group.

Exclusions

  • Late check out or Early check in
  • Visa fee upon arrival in Vietnam. Vietnam visa authorization letter.
  • Meals and drinks are note mentioned in the program.
  • International flight/ Domestic flight tickets and airport taxes.
    All internal/ regional flight tickets in economy class with/without departure tax.
  • Tips & personal expenses. Personal insurance. Any service not clearly mentioned in the program.

Accommodation

First : 3-Star Hotel

Superior : 4-Star Hotel

Deluxe : 5-Star Hotel

Important Info

From

$627/Pax

Applied for group 16-20 persons