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GENERAL INFORMATION
Tour Route: Hanoi - Halong Bay - Hue - Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Delta - Ho Chi Minh City
Duration: 9 Days/ 8 Nights
Date: No fixed departure dates. You may go whenever you wish.
Start/ End: Hanoi/ Ho Chi Minh City
Tour Customizable: Definitely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
Dive into Hanoi’s street food scene & hidden egg coffee cafés
Cruise, kayak & chill in Ha Long Bay’s surreal limestone seascape
Discover ancient citadels, royal tombs & pagodas in Hue
Experience Hoi An: Old Town walking tour, Marble Mountains, sunset at My Son, countryside biking, cooking class & more
Boat through the Mekong Delta’s canals, cook with locals & visit floating markets
FULL ITINERARY
Day 1: Hanoi Arrival - Walking Tour with Street Foods (D)
On your arrival, our guide and car will wait you in the arrival lobby before we transfer to hotel for check-in. After a short rest, we will start walking around the Old Quarter along different streets, try to taste many kinds of local food such as beef/chicken noodle soup, oil-fried pastry, tofu, rice pancake, pillow cake, sweet soup, stuff pancake with pork, draught beer… and one of our best surprised is a stop at Dong Xuan whole sales market where we know many kinds of ingredients being sold.
Last but not least is our happy ending at a hidden coffee in the Old Quarters enjoy its famous ‘egg coffee’ in a pleasant surrounding overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake. It would be a great chance to immerse in the local life of the local at weekend here. After the tour, we return back to hotel in old quarter Hanoi.
Overnight in Hanoi
Meal: Dinner
Day 2: Hanoi - Old to Present Tour (B, L)
Today, at 8:30 am, our guide pick you up at the hotel in Hanoi where we will venture out to explore Hanoi the first stop will be a coffee shop on Phung Hung Street. The train will run through this area while we enjoy our coffee here. After spending around 1 hour here, we continue to visit the Temple of Literature, which was originally built as a temple to Confucius. Let's continue the tour by visiting Quan Thanh Temple represents the Taoist religion dating from Ly Dynasty. Lunch is inclusive and served after the Quan Thanh Temple visit.
Then, we go to the Ho Chi Minh Complex as the first attraction. With a fixed route, you will see Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (visit outside) which houses his corpse everlasting so that Vietnamese people and friend countries can come to pay expectation to him as the greatest president ever in Vietnam; his stilt-house described as Ho Chi Minh's final resting accommodation since his death in 1969, and One Pillar pagoda with a long history back to 1049 during Ly dynasty in Vietnam- the period that Buddhist was most magnifically prosperous. The architecture followed special meanings as well. You absolutely find out how special this city means to Vietnamese people.
After the tour here, we will spend time in the infamous Hoa Lo Prison Museum. Hoa Lo is also known as the ‘’Hanoi Hilton’’ and was where former US presidential candidate John McCain was incarcerated for over 5 years.
Later this afternoon, we enjoy 1-hour cyclo tour of the French-inspired "Old Quarter". We will be free to shop in the old Quarter ranges from markets through to designer boutique stores to amazing contemporary art galleries. Then, we sit down to enjoy a performance of the city’s famous Water Puppets then we will return back to the hotel in Hanoi and relaxing.
Overnight in Hanoi
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3: Hanoi - Halong Bay Day Trip on Cruise (B, L) - Joined Service
06:45 – 07:15: Our car will pick up guests from various hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter.
09:45: Upon arrival at Tuan Chau Harbour, you will check-in, get on board, enjoy welcome drink then starts a trip to discover the Halong bay.
10:00: The cruise departs from Tuan Chau Harbor for a joyful journey to discover the beauty of the world heritage. Along the way, you will have chance to pass through the grandeur of the legendary bay with thousands of limestone islands such as: Fighting Cock, Incense Burner,…
11:00: Have a huge buffet lunch with variety of dishes including seafood and Vietnamese traditional food.
12:00: The cruise heads to Luon Cave. In this area, it’s time for you to heat up with kayaking, about 30 minutes.
13:15: Our tour guide will take you to Surprising Cave, the largest and the most beautiful cave in Halong bay. You will discover the cave in about 45 minutes before getting back to the cruise.
14:30: Stop at Titov Island. On this island, you can climb halfway up the mountain to enjoy a panoramic view of Halong bay. Looking down from high above gives you a wonderful sensation; at the same time offers you a spectacular view of every corner of the bay.
16:00: After that, you will get back to cruise and ready for our Sunset Party. Vietnamese tea, cakes, fresh fruits and snacks will be served when you’re relaxing on the sundeck or in the Jacuzzi. On the way back, cruise will pass by Hoa Cuong area, one of the most beautiful spots in the bay.
17:15-17:30: Arrive in Tuan Chau Harbour.
20:15 – 20:45: Drop off our guests in Hanoi Old Quarter, end of the trip.
Thank you for choosing Maia Day Cruise. See you in the next journey!
Note: Due to operation or weather conditions, itineraries and food may change without prior notice. Thank you for your kind understanding!
Overnight in Hanoi
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4: Hanoi - Fly to Hue - Half Day City Tour (B, L)
On your arrival, we will board the Dragon Boat on the romantic Perfume River heading out for the countryside. Being the ancient capital, Hue is surrounded by ancient tombs of emperors past, and a visit to the most beautiful tombs will be on the itinerary for today. The charming Lady Pagoda (Thien Mu Pagoda) will be the first stop of the day. We will enjoy a great view of the Perfume River and the surrounding area. Thien Mu Pagoda is considered the symbol of Hue and of Buddhism in Vietnam. From here, we rejoin our van and go visit King Khai Dinh's Tomb or King Tu Duc's Tomb. After the tour, we transfer back to the hotel and relaxing.
Overnight in Hue
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Day 5: Hue 1/2 Day Tour - Transfer to Hoi An - Marble Mountain - Walking Tour (B, L)
This morning, we visit the Imperial Citadel where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945, after exploring the ruins of this wonderful monument. We will then depart to the Hue Royal Fine Art Museum, which is housed within the former Dien Long An Royal Palace. After the tour, we travel by vehicle to Hoi An along scenic highway 1A. Along the way, we will stop to contemplate the stunning views North of Lang Co Beach, and South of Danang city.
On arrival in Danang, we will have a brief visit to Marble Mountain – the five elements of the Universe (water, wood, air, fire, and earth). We will arrive in Hoi An in the afternoon. Then, we will start our walking tour around the ancient town to visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, the Pottery Museum, Tan Ky’s old house, the Cantonese congregation, the silk street of Hoi An, the temples, and pagodas of Chinese appearance. Then we are back to our hotel for relaxing.
Overnight in Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Day 6: Hoi An - Free Time (B)
OPTIONAL 1: Red Bridge Cooking Class 1/2 Day (Lunch) - Joined Tour - US$40/person
Tour Time: 08:00 – 12:00
Group Size: 2 – 12 people
This morning, we start the cooking class tour by a welcome drink at Hai Café. Then, we visit Hoi An’s colourful main market, and experience its amazing sights, sounds and aromas. We will have an opportunity to interact with the local sellers, to see and taste the wonderful variety of foods on display.
After that, we arrive at Cooking School and have a chance to freshen up before beginning our class. Working together with our Chef we learn the traditional ways of preparing and cooking Vietnamese food from scratch. On arrival, we explore the cooking school’s herb and vegetable garden, before learning about some of Hoi An’s and Vietnam’s best-known dishes. The cooking lesson runs for about 2 hours – each dish is first demonstrated by our chef, before we prepare the same dish ourselves. The class will include a brief introduction to Vietnamese food carving (plate decoration). After the lesson, we sit down and eat exactly what we have cooked. We will finish at approximately 12.30pm – transfer back to central Hoi An arriving approximately 1.00pm
Recipes (our food contains no MSG):
*Vegetarians are provided with replacement ingredients.
- Making fresh Rice paper
- Fresh Rice Paper Rolls of Shrimp
- Crispy Hoi An Pancakes with Shrimp, Herbs & a Peanut Sauce
- Seafood Salad with Tra Que Herbs
- Mi Quang Chicken Noodles
- Food Decoration – Tomato Rose & Vietnamese Cucumber Hand Fan
* Lunch includes the above meals as well as:
- BBQ Lemongrass Beef (not included in the demonstration)
OPTIONAL 2: Farming & Fishing Eco Tour (L) - Joined Tour - US$80/person
Tour Time: 08:30 – 13:00
Group Size: 4 – 15 people
We have an early start this morning as we head off to our Farming & Fishing Life Eco Tour. Starting at Tra Que Village, we will get a personal insight into the local farming communities. We set about joining the farmers in preparing their land for sowing, helping to fertilize the garden using seaweed from the local river and watering it in using huge tin cans strapped to our backs. Following this, we will begin our leisurely cycling tour through the countryside witnessing local Vietnamese rural life first hand. Late morning we will board our Hoi An Eco-tour boat for a river cruise. Here we will meet and witness local fishermen working their craft, before enjoying a hands-on experience of traditional net fishing. We then transfer to a Vietnamese bamboo basket boat for a quick race and ride down a coconut palm lined waterway. Lunch today, is on board our boat, which is prepared using vegetables picked earlier at Tra Que Village.
After lunch, we have some free time to wander around Hoi An town centre before heading back to the hotel.
OPTIONAL 3: Rural Villages Experience (L) - Joined Tour - US$79/person
Tour Time: 13:30 – 17:00
Group Size: 1-7
Set off on the back of our Vespas to discover the villages and countryside around Hoi An! Zoom out of town, following the banks of the Thu Bon River to a bustling local fish market. After a short walk through the market stalls, continue by Vespa into the lush countryside, filled with rice paddies and sleepy hamlets.
Pop into a family’s workshop to see how they make local rice crackers. Then continue across the Thu Bon River and ride through more quiet villages. Take a break for local snacks and drinks in a picturesque spot, giving you a chance to soak up the views and learn about the seasonal vegetables being grown in the area.
As the day winds to a close, the Vespas continue through the rice paddies, passing duck farms and other scenes of rural life. Pull over to see a family using traditional weaving to make floor mats and then on to another small workshop where potent rice wine is brewed!
We then ride back to Hoi An, across the Cam Kim Bridge, and drop you at your hotel as the sun begins to set on this beautiful heritage town!
OPTIONAL 4: My Son Champa Kingdom for Sunset (L) - Joined Tour - US$29/person
Tour Time: 13:30 – 18:30
Group Size: 15 maximum
14:00: Our tour guide pick you up at your hotel and depart to My Son Sanctuary - The World Cultural Heritage.
15:00: Arrive at My Son and we'll have 2 hours to discover the site by walking throughout the landscape, learning histories with our local English speaking guide, enjoying the Champa's traditional performances.
15:15: Get back to mini van for transfer to the Cau Lau’s wharf for taking a boat trip to Hoi An with nice and cool breeze on boarding, beautiful sunset river scenery on the biggest river in the Central of vietnam named as Thu Bon River. Get your camera ready for the amazing moment of local people activies along the river
18:30 Arrive at Hoi An, we will drop you at your hotel. Tour ends!
Overnight in Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7: Hoi An - Fly to Ho Chi Minh City - 1/2 Day City Tour (B)
After breakfast, we will be free until your driver arrives to take you to Danang International Airport for your next flight to Ho Chi Minh City
On arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, welcomed upon arrival by a local tour guide and driver then we start visiting all the highlights in Ho Chi Minh City such as the Reunification Palace, the palace of the old President in South Vietnam during the American war; Notre Dame Cathedral and Old Post Office, the two sites that we can’t ignore when we visit the city. We then head to the center to do shopping at the famous Ben Thanh market, this bustling and well-organized market is very popular with tourists, primarily due to its central location. It has a wide selection of goods ranging from fake Nike shoes to beautiful silk Ao Dai. Our free evening activities should be: walking around at the night market in the Ben Thanh market area; and exploring the highest building in Ho Chi Minh City, Bitexco… After the tour, we transfer to the hotel and relaxing.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City
Meal: Breakfast
Day 8: Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Delta Group Tour (B, L)
Group size: 25 pax
Around 7 - 7.30 am, we pick you up at your hotel or 112 Tran Hung Dao street, Ward Pham Ngu Lao, District 1, and depart for Cai Be by car/van via Trung Luong Expressway.
Upon arrival in Cai Be, we have a boat ride to the remaining site of a renowned wholesale floating market on the Tien River many years ago. This site entitles you to know something about the local trading habit that has changed due to the age of modern society when more terrestrial transportation and high-technique of agriculture have dominated everywhere. There, you can realize how diverse the area is and how rich orchard gardens are, which makes it the basket of fruit in the lower part of the Mekong River.
Next, we ramble in small villages where you will uncover the beauty of an ancient house and learn about the indigenous culture. Then we make a short visit to a small family business where the locals make coconut fudges and crispy rice popcorn. We can savor delicious fresh fruit and feel the slow rhythms of Southern Vietnamese folk music – a kind of music entwined with the life and culture of the Mekong Delta people. Then we paddle through small canals – an exciting experience since we can look around, unwind, and soak up the wonderful atmosphere of the Upper Mekong Delta. Additionally, after arrival on Tan Phong Island, immerse yourself in nature's tranquility.
At lunch time, you not only enjoy luscious food but also get closer to the locals as it is a chance to learn how to prepare Vietnamese specialties. The meal is cooked on your own and served in the heart of the local garden. After that, we cycle on the village path through orchards. Meet the local islanders to learn more about the local daily life in the Mekong Delta and visit Ba Kiệt’s ancient house.
Around 6 – 6.30 pm, we take a boat ride back to Cai Be and meet your bus for the trip back to Ho Chi Minh City.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 9: Ho Chi Minh City - Departure (B)
Time will be free until our car arrives at the hotel to take us to the airport in good time to board our departure flight. Trip ends.
INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS
Inclusions:
- Transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle with experienced driver (7-seater Car).
- Meals as specified in the itinerary with Vegan/Western/Indian food available on request. (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).
- Local-stationed English-speaking tour guide
- Entrance fees & permits (if have)
- Overnight cruise excursion and kayaking in Halong Bay
- Boat/sampan rides as per mentioned
- Bottles of drinking water
Exclusions:
- Surcharge for early check-in or late check-out if not stated in the itinerary
- International and domestic flights and airport taxes
- Vietnam Visa Arrangement (kindly advise us your nationality if you need assistance)
- Travel Insurance
- Other meals which are not indicated above
- Surcharge and Compulsory dinners (if any)
- Beverages in the restaurants where meals are included
- Gratuities to guides and drivers
