Classic Vietnam

This 12 days trip offers a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s people, culture and landscapes. From Hanoi to Ha Long Bay, famed for its beautiful landscapes, you also have the chance to journey from the peaceful, quiet beautifully preserved streets of old Hoi An and Hue to the busy avenues of Saigon then onward to the Cu Chi Tunnels and ending the trip with the bespoken Mekong delta.
Journey highlights:
Squeeze in the scrambling alleyways of Hanoi’s timeworn Old Quarter
Explore Halong Bay’s spectacular scatter of islands on a traditional junk boat
Visit once the Nguyen emperor’s home and picturesque resident surrounding in Hue
Stroll around the iconic ancient town of Hoi An and visit the most highlights
Discover the story of Saigon, from city of conflict to a modern metropolis
Squeeze through the famous Vietnam War-era tunnels at Cu Chi
Witness the solemn ceremony of the unique religion - Caodaism at Cao Dai Temple in Tay Ninh
Cruise onward further Southwest Vietnam to the legendary Mekong Delta

Day 1 - Hanoi arrival 
Welcome to our beautiful Vietnam! Upon arrival, our guide and driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel in the Old Quarter. Check-in and spend the rest of the day free to relax in your room or stroll down the Walking Street to enjoy the ambience of the capital of Vietnam.
 
Meal: None
Accommodation: hotel in Hanoi
 
Day 2 - Highlights of the charming Hanoi (B,L)
Full day tour of Vietnam’s capital city, including Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, his traditional stilt house and the revered One-Pillar Pagoda. After that, visit Vietnam’s first university, the thousand-year-old Temple of Literature. Have lunch with Pho bo Hanoi or Hanoi Noodle soup with beef and served with Hanoi flavorful spring roll. 
In the afternoon, visit the Ethnology Museum where you can learn about the customs and culture of Vietnam’s 54 diverse ethnic groups.
Finish your day with a walking through the maze of bustling streets that make up Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Your local guide will then take you to one of Hanoi’s best-kept secrets, a hidden café with stunning views over the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake.  This hard-to-find café is one of the few left in the city that still serves egg coffee, a scrumptious local delicacy that we will sample whilst admiring the hustle and bustle of the city centre below. Or, if coffee is not your style, a cold beer awaits! Return to your hotel later this afternoon.
 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi
 
Day 3 - Hanoi - Fascinating Halong Bay (B,L,D)
This morning, depart Hanoi through the Red River Delta for Halong Bay (3.5 hours driving). Upon arrival, embark on the cruise then start cruising among the limestone islands. Keep cruising to the quiet area while enjoy breath-taking seascape along the way, until enjoy sunset party on sundeck and admire the best moments of the day when the sun starts to set. Dinner is served around 19.00 then it’s time for you to socialize with other guests, to take part in board games, fishing for squid or just to laze around.
 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Overnight cruise
 
Day 4 - Halong Bay - Hanoi (B)
Early this morning, start your day with Tai Chi exercises or a photo hunt. Then, breakfast will be served on board while you immerse into the peaceful morning of Halong Bay. After check out of your cabin, continue your cruise exploring the Bay. While heading back to the harbor, watch the fruit carving demonstration and participate in the cooking class before enjoying a traditional Vietnamese lunch. Disembark around 12.00 then your driver will wait for you to take you back to Hanoi.
 
Meals: Breakfast, Brunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi
 
Day 5 - Hanoi - The royal ancient Hue (B)
You will have free time until being transferred to the Noi Bai airport for a flight to Hue where is known as the ancient romantic city and famous for its magnificent architecture including the Citadel, palaces, pagodas and royal tombs built under the 13 emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty against a poetic background of greenery on the banks of the Perfume River.
Hue was recognized as the World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 1993. Hue has represented the cultural and spiritual centre of Vietnam since ancient times.  Upon arrival, you will be picked up and transferred to hotel in Hue. The rest of day is free time at leisure.
 
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hue
 
Day 6 - Explore the former capital of Vietnam (B,L)
Today you will travel by private vehicle to an icon of Vietnam and as potent a symbol of Hue as Thien Mu pagoda. It is famous for its seven storeys, and dedicated to a Manushi-Buddha. After your visit, board a local boat to the peaceful outskirts of Hue, where you will then start cycling on a leisurely tour to Thuy Bieu village. There are plenty of opportunities to admire the quiet and superb landscapes of Hue: rice fields, fruit tree orchards and vegetable gardens, communal houses, primary schools and a valley of cemeteries. Along the cycling route, visit a homemade incense-producing household and observe the daily life of the farmers as they perform their strenuous work with seemingly incredible joy and enthusiasm. Don’t be afraid to greet those you meet along the way. Then, you’ll head to Tu Duc Mausoleum, one of the most beautiful tombs of Hue. It was inspired by the concept of tranquility and is a model of Vietnamese traditional art. It is also an opportunity to learn about the history of the Nguyen Dynasty and the French colonial period before returning to the city center.
In the afternoon, have a closer look at the home of the royal family with a visit to the impressive Citadel. Round off your day with a walk around Dong Ba Market for a glimpse of local life. Back to the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day free at your leisure.
 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hue
 
Day 7 - Hue - Danang - Hoi An (B,L)
In the morning, we will drive over the mighty Hai Van Pass, take in the spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean and famous Lang Co fishing village.  On the way, we also visit the Cham Museum where remains evidence of the fascinating Champa civilization and then visit the Marble Mountain, which is a maze of caves and temples, hidden with five sacred marble rocks. 
 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An
 
Day 8 - Xin Chao Hoi An (B,L)
At good time, take a stroll to visit Hoi An town, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site because of its unusually well-preserved ancient streets and homes. Set out to explore the quaint cobblestone streets of the town with the more than two-century-old Chinese houses. Sites include the Japanese Bridge, the Chinese Temple, and Phung Hung Chinese-trading house. After the visit, free to wander around, our guide is happy to suggest some best tailor shops in town for you. Or if you are looking for a relaxing end, try out a cup of tea or coffee at "Reaching Out Tea House" - a very special and unique ancient house that offers fabulous drinks served by impaired staff. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning to your hotel for relaxation. The rest of day is then free at your leisure.
 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An
 
Day 9 - Hoi An - Danang - The story of Ho Chi Minh City (B,L)
Following your breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Saigon. When arriving, you will be met our tour expert and transferred to your hotel.
Saigon half-day city tour includes the Notre Dame Cathedral, Post Office, and the Museum of History to see some interesting displays and photographs following the path of the revolution. Then visit the Reunification Palace for a glimpse into the lifestyle of the democratic regime of former South Vietnam.
Note: Notre Dame Cathedral is under renovation; therefore, only outside visit is allowed. You may ask your guide to switch to a visit of Tan Dinh church and Tan Dinh market next door.
 
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon
 
Day 10 - Back to history: Cu Chi tunnels and Cao Dai temple (B,L)
Having breakfast at the hotel then the trip will be continued to Cu Chi Tunnel system that was created to assist the Vietnamese Revolutionists against the French in 1948. It was an underground city with living areas, kitchens, storage, weapons factories, etc. Especially, you will have the opportunity to take part in the unique experience of guerillas living underground during the war, with a crawl through 20/30/50 meters of the tunnel system.
We then drive 30km toward Tay Ninh, and visit The Great Temple of Caodaism (a famous local religion). It was built on 9 levels that represent 9 steps to heaven at which you will see a prayer session at noon with beautiful music prayer with Vietnamese folk instrument in a very spiritual environment.  
We then come back to Ho Chi Minh City in the afternoon.
 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 
Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City
 
Day 11 - Into the Mekong delta (B,L)
The program starts with the visit to Cai Be a colorful floating market, cruising among local barges full of fruits and vegetables. Then, an optional stop can be made at local workshops where you can see how rice paste, coconut candy, pop-rice, and popcorn are made. It is so interesting to visit the handicraft village where you can see how they make some special products like making rice-net for spring-rolls, or sewing coconut-leaves… A delicious lunch will be served under the shade of local orchards on An Binh Island.
After lunch, the rowing boat will take you deeper into the countryside on smaller canals to enjoy the peaceful time. Here, you will be able to see traditional houses made of wood and palm tree leaves and to see some local activities. You will have an opportunity to get on with the local people and see how they catch fish or pick up fruits by ancestral ways in Mekong Delta.
One more stop can be made at the nursery garden where you can learn how to have some high quality fruit trees. This offers you a choice to know the real famous farmers – Mr. Tiger & his son who are very successful in Vietnam agriculture. We will enjoy some kinds of fruit from their garden as well as home made rice wine when listening to the traditional music. The boat will take you to visit the floating village to see how people farm catfish under their houses.
The cruise ends at around 3:30 pm in Vinh Long where your driver will be waiting for your transfer back to Ho Chi Minh City.
 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh
 
Day 12: Goodbye Vietnam (B)
At good time, our driver will pick you up at your hotel and transfer back to Tan Son Nhat airport for boarding your flight onward home or other destinations.
Tour ends.
 

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.
The prices are quoted in US Dollars per person based on 2 pax/room
 

Categories

2 pax

4 pax

6 - 8 pax

Single Sup.

Superior

1052

826

738

342

First-class

1207

981

892

497

Deluxe

1532

1306

1217

822

Child from 4 – 10 years old: 75%

Please click on CUSTOMIZE YOUR TRIPS 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 suite your requirements, but may incur price changes

 

WHAT'S INCLUDED?
Accommodation with daily breakfast at selected hotels 
Private vehicles and drivers
Transport from Hanoi to Halong and return by mini van
Private English speaking guides (Other languages if available, upon request)
Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner)
Entrance fees for all mentioned sights visited
Vietnam visa authorization letter
Drinking water available on the vehicles
Service Charge & Government Taxes
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED?
International flights and domestic flights
Personal expenses (such as laundry, telephone, drinks, etc.)
Any bank fees or charges at your end
Meals other than those mentioned in the itinerary
Personal travel insurance
Tips for tour guide and driver in each region
Peak season or public holidays surcharge if any
Compulsory gala dinner on Christmas or New Year’s Eve if any
Vietnam visa stamp fee 
Other services not mentioned above
 

HOTEL SELECTION:

The hotels listed below are our suggestions for the best value on this tour.  However, Asia Essence Tours offers many more options of hand-picked hotels, with different "star ratings", allowing you to customize the vacation to meet your taste and budget.
  

LOCATIONS

SUPERIOR CATEGORY

FIRST CLASS CATEGORY

DELUXE CATEGORY

LUXURY CATEGORY

Hanoi

Mercury Center  Hotel Emerald Waters Classy  Ambassador  Golden Rooster

Hotel du Larc  Hanoi Garden Hotel & Spa  Imperial Hotel & Spa

La Siesta Premium
  La Siesta Classic Ma May
La Sinfonia Del Rey

Capella
Sofitel Legend Metropole

Halong Bay

Venezia Cruise

Aspira Cruise Genesis Cruise Luxury Regal Cruise
Dora Cruise Madeline Cruise

Heritage Cruise Binh Chuan
 Le Theatre Cruise

Ginger Cruise

Hue

Emm Hue

Alba Spa

Pilgrimage Resort & spa

Azerai La Residence Hue

Hoi An

Hoi An Luna Villa  Eden Hoian Villa  HoiAn Merrily de Art

Hoi An Ancient House Village Resort & Spa  
La Siesta Resort & Spa

Palm Garden Resort
Boutique Hoi An

Four Seasons The Nam Hai
 Intercontinental Peninsula Danang

HCM City

Hoang Lan Hotel
 Ben Thanh Retreats
 Acnos Hotel

Au Lac Charner
 Silverland Yen

Mia Luxury Saigon

Park Hyatt
Reverie



ABOUT HOTELS:

We, at Asia Essence Tours, are aware that a good tour must have good hotels. As the hotel cost will be the major expense of your vacation in Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos, it is essential that all of the hotels chosen by us are the highest quality for the price paid. All of our prices are based on twin, double or queen shared rooms.

BELOW IS AN EXPLANATION OF THE HOTEL "STAR" RATINGS:

Superior/ 3 Star (from US$ 50 - US$ 80 per room/night)

The Superior/ 3 Star Hotels are good value and normally centrally located. They all have comfortable en-suite rooms, good amenities and public areas to relax in. They are usually family run hotels, so offer great personalized service for your enjoyment and comfort. Most first class properties offer an in-house restaurant, and some may even have a swimming pool!

First-Class/ 4 star (from US$ 100 - US$ 150/ per room/night)

The 4* First-Class Hotels offer a wide range of services. Many superior hotels feature a choice of several in-house restaurants. In addition virtually all of them have a swimming pool. Some may even feature a spa or health club. This grade of hotel offers more for your enjoyment and comfort, while still remaining affordable.

Deluxe/ 5 Star (from US$160 - US$ 240++/ per room/night)

These 5* Deluxe hotels are usually owned by Worldwide, well known Hotel chains. The deluxe hotels feature excellent locations, offer the highest standards of service and facilities, and are known as the best hotels in each region. Facilities such as swimming pools and spas are the norm, and guest rooms are luxurious. These hotels offer first class service and amenities throughout.

ASIA ESSENCE TOURS™ BESPOKE STYLE SUITS EVERYONE

Flexibility: The sample itinerary can be modified to suit your interests, budget as well as your personal wishes including departure date, duration, accommodation used & how long you spend in each destination.

Tailor-Made Journey: This trip can be tailor made to create a unique holiday for your individual requirements by travel experts with intimate knowledge of the destination. It is a more individual trip that will suit those who enjoy immersing themselves in new cultures and environments, with the flexibility to plan a trip at your own pace. Quality and value are the hallmark of the trips, with most services being provided on a private basis.

Commitment to Excellence: We enjoys excellent relationships with all of the highly regarded hotels and finest properties in our destinations as well as with service suppliers so that we are able to negotiate the most attractive prices for our clients, which enables us to provide exclusive holidays and affordable special offers. We create one-of-a-kind vacations for groups and individuals. We love our destinations and do our best to make sure that our customers feel the same way. Our job is to make sure that everyone gets the right balance of comfort and excitement to enjoy the experience of a lifetime.

 

Extend This Tour With...

Best of Northern Vietnam


Best of Southern Vietnam


Hanoi Saigon Experience


Best of Central Vietnam