HOI AN, MEKONG & MORE

Day 1 – Arrival Ho Chi Minh City – Overnight in Ho  Chi Minh 

A driver will meet you on arrival at Tan San Nhat airport and transfer you to your hotel in district one.

The rest of the day is free and you can relax or explore the area around your hotel before enjoying a welcome dinner at the hotel.

Overnight in HCMC

Day 2 – Ho Chi Minh City Tour – Overnight in Ho Chi Minh (B/L)

Soak up cultural delights of bustling Ho Chi Minh City on your full day adventure. Ramble though the streets of Chinatown and discover the real Ho Chi Minh City, from its traumatic past to its beautiful French-colonial architecture and discover the cultural heart and hidden treasures that are scattered around the busy city.

0800h – 0830h – Your City tour will start from your hotel with a local guide by first heading to Chinatown for a walking tour through back streets of China town near Cho Lon market to experience the local daily life. Next is a stop to visit Thien Hau temple which was built in the early 19th Century and is dedicated to Thien Hau, the goddess of seafarers. We then move deeper into Chinatown, visiting the amazing Cho lon and Binh Tay Markets for an insight into where locals shop and be amazed at the wide range of goods for sale. Then you will enjoy a short stop at a local café for a coffee and to watch the hectic pace of life pass by in the streets of Ho Chi Minh City. Following your market visit, it will be time for a traditional local Vietnamese lunch of “Pho” or noodle soup.

Once you finish lunch you visit the haunting but very interesting War Remnants Museum and take a walking tour to Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, General Post office, Opera house and downtown Saigon. The War Remnants Museum was originally opened in September 1975, it displays items from the American War. In the courtyard there are some larger exhibits including a F5A fighter and a UH1-Huey helicopter. The Reunification Palace, formerly known as the Presidential Palace was the sight of South Vietnam’s surrender in April 1975. Notre Dame Cathedral, General Post Office and the Opera House are beautiful examples of architecture from the French colonial period. The trip is designed to give you an insight into the history, culture and the daily life activities of the locals in Ho Chi Minh City.

1500h – Return to your hotel and overnight at the Hotel.

Overnight in HCMC

Day 3 – Cu Chi Tunnels – Cao Dai Temple  – Overnight in Ho Chi Minh (B/L)

0800h – After breakfast you journey to Cao Dai Temple in Tay Ninh. Cao Dai Holysee Temple is the cathedral of the Cao Daism religion with the Divine Eye – official symbol of Caodaism. Cao Dai followers worship Jesus Christ, Confucius, Taoism, and Buddha. You will arrive in time to observe the midday service.

Following lunch you will drive to visit Cu Chi Tunnels. Cu Chi and the famous system of tunnels. Hidden deep underground, the 3 floors of tunnels is a intricate labyrinth of winding ways with a total length of approximately 250 kms.

It is very interesting to discover how the tunnels were constructed and how the habitants combated two foes, the invading troops and the confines of the tunnels themselves. Visit, Hoang Cam’s smoke-less store, some of the secret hide-outs, fighting bunkers, and view many of the dangerous booby traps.

For the adventurous, you can have the opportunity to try firing an AK-47 assault rifle which was the weapon of choice for the North Vietnamese Army during the American war. (fees not included) There is also the opportunity to taste boiled tapioca, drink hot local tea and visit the rice paper village where you can try to making it by yourself.

Overnight in HCMC.

Day 4 – HCMC – Cai Be – Mekong – Overnight on cruise(B/L/D)

0800h – Pick up from your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City and transfer by road to the Mekong Delta, also known as the land of nine dragons. Once you are outside of the city, you will see many interesting sights in the rural villages on your drive to the delta region.

1000h – Arrive at the Cai Be River Wharf and board a charming shuttle boat that will take you to your Oasis in the Mekong Delta. On arrival you will be welcomed by the smiling staff wearing local traditional costume who will meet you at the iconic front bamboo-shaped gate. After checking into your private bungalow, you will be able to enjoy a delicious lunch in the restaurant.

Relax over lunch and then begin a private walking tour to discover the nearby village where you will visit families making coconut candy which is a specialty of the region. You will also have the opportunity to meet and talk with local people, known for their friendliness, warmth and generosity, so you can experience their way of life.

Enjoy dinner with delicious Vietnamese food meticulously prepared by skilled chefs in the restaurant and relax at the bar until you are ready for sleep.

Overnight in Mekong Delta

Day 5 – Cai Be Floating Market – Mekong Delta – Overnight on Cruise  (B/L/D)

Start the day with a delicious buffet breakfast, before boarding your rowed sampan for a visit to Cai Be floating market which is an exciting feature of life on in Mekong Delta. Visit the market early and you will see the most vibrant scene on Tien River with hundreds of boats gathering to trade their fresh produce and other goods.

On your return from the floating market, you will continue on your discovery of the Mekong Delta by either cycling down tranquil winding lanes or cruising peacefully along the network canals. You will enjoy the fresh air, beautiful views and have the opportunity to taste some freshly picked fruit in local orchards.

In the evening, you will have the opportunity to improve your culinary skills by joining a Vietnamese cooking class. Expert chefs will instruct you on how to prepare some of the areas signature dishes while you have fun and learn some interesting recipes to take home with.

Enjoy dinner in a cozy atmosphere and relax in the bar.

Overnight in Mekong Delta.

Day 6 – Mekong – HCMC – Overnight in Ho  Chi Minh (B/L)

After 2 days of exploring and busy activities, take some time out to relax and simply enjoy your surroundings or take a walk around and discover the unique design of your accommodation which has been achieved using inspirations from traditional local building styles.

1100h – Unfortunately it will be time to check out and once again board the shuttle boat back to Cai Be Harbor. Travel back to Ho Chi Minh City

1430h – Arrive HCMC and overnight in the hotel.

Overnight in HCMC

Day 7 – HCMC – Flight to Da Nang – Hoi An – Overnight in Hoi An  (B)

After checking out of your hotel, your driver will arrive to transfer you to the HCMC airport for your morning flight to Da Nang.

On arriving in Da Nang, your driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel near the beach in Hoi An.

The rest of the afternoon is yours to relax and enjoy the surrounding of the Resort.

Overnight in Hoi An

Day 8 – Hoi An Ancient Town – Overnight in Hoi An (B)

0900h – Your English speaking guide will meet you at your hotel and take you on a two hour walking tour of Hoi An Old Town. Famous for its quant mixture of Chinese, Japanese and European architecture, the old town was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999. You will visit, the Japanese bridge built in the 16th century and famous for being the only covered bridge known to incorporate a Buddhist pagoda, the 200 year old Tan Ky house, museum of trade ceramics and several other historical sites. You will then have free time to continue exploring the old town or to go shopping for those special items.

Overnight in Hoi An

Day 9 – Hoi An – My Son – Overnight in Hoi An (B)

0830h – Start from your hotel and travel 50km from Hoi An to My Son holy land in a private air conditioned vehicle with your English speaking guide. My Son was a major religious site for the people of the ancient Champa Kingdom which flourished between the 4th and 13th centuries The Champa people ruled Central Vietnam until it was finally annexed by the Vietnamese in the 19th Century. The Champa King lived in the political capital of Tra Kieu (whose commercial capital was the port of Hoi An) and so the My Son complex became the most important temples of the Champa Kingdom. Bricks were used to build the temples without the aid of mortar and sculptures of gods, priests, animals, and scenes of mythical battles adorned the walls. The temples were places of worship to the Hindu God Vishnu. My Son was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. After exploring the ruins and history of My Son and viewing a short traditional Champa Peoples music concert, you will start your journey back to Hoi An arriving at approximately 1230h.

Overnight Hoi An

Day 10 – Hoi An – Spa Treatment – Overnight in Hoi An  (B)

Enjoy a day off to yourself to sit around the pool, walk along the beach or catch the hotel shuttle bus into town to check on the progress your new clothes.

Please ask us to arrange your 60 min appointment at our approved Spa

Overnight in Hoi An

Day 11 – Hoi An – Da Nang –  Departure (B)

Free time to relax or to do some last minute shopping.

After you have checked out of your hotel your driver will transport you to the airport in Da Nang where your time with us will sadly come to an end.