Vietnam with Luxury & Style (10 Days):
Sample Itinerary Outline
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DAYS
1 & 2: Hanoi, VIETNAM
A blend of the modern with the mystery and charm of past centuries,
Hanoi offers an air of elegance and harmony with nature. Today’s
sightseeing begins with a visit to the Temple of Literature. Founded
in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius, it is one of the best surviving
examples of traditional Vietnamese architecture. Next, see the
miniature One Pillar Pagoda, and the nearby Ho Chi Minh Memorial
Complex, containing a museum and Ho Chi Minh's final resting place.
Stroll through Hanoi’s Old Quarter, a network of narrow alleys and
shop houses also known as The 36 Streets. This is a wonderful place
to watch the local life and peruse items from fabrics to crafts to
exotic medicines. Later enjoy a delightful water puppet show, a
fascinating art form that originated in northern Vietnam.
Intercontinental Hanoi Westlake, Hanoi (B)
DAY 3: Ha Long Bay, VIETNAM
Today drive to Ha Long Bay, an area of picturesque islands, floating
villages and pearl fisheries. Take a relaxing private boat excursion
on a traditional wooden boat and cruise on the emerald waters
between craggy limestone cliffs. Novotel Ha Long Bay, Ha Long
Bay (B, L)
DAYS 4 & 5: Hué, VIETNAM
Drive to Hanoi for your flight to Hué. Sightsee in the Old Imperial
City and visit the Imperial Citadel, a vast complex built in the
1800s. With a six-mile wall and a surrounding moat, it was modeled
after the Forbidden City in Beijing. See the Flag Tower and the
imposing Ngo Mon Gate entrance to the complex. In the spacious
courtyard area visit the Dien Tho Palace, Thai Hoa Palace, Hall of
Mandarins, and the original Nine Dynastic Urns. Travel into the
countryside to see the Tomb of Tu Duc. The longest reigning
Vietnamese emperor, Tu Duc designed and built this elegant tomb
during his lifetime, using it as a retreat for meditation, reading
and theater performances. Explore a local incense-making village
before embarking on a boat excursion down the Perfume River to the
iconic Thien Mu Pagoda, an elegant seven-tiered octagonal tower that
has become Hué’s most widely recognizable monument. La
Residence Hotel & Spa, Hué (2B)
DAYS 6 & 7: Hoi An & Danang, VIETNAM
Drive south over scenic mountainous roads to Danang. Stop at the
dramatic Hai Van Pass and admire the spectacular views. Just south
of Danang stop to explore Hoi An, a picturesque riverside town. Your
walking tour of Hoi An includes visits to the Japanese Covered
Bridge, constructed in 1593, and the nearby Sa Huynh Museum. Stop at
a lantern making workshop to observe locals making the silk cloth
for the lanterns. The next morning, explore the Hoi An Market to
mingle with the local vendors and shop for ingredients for today’s
cooking class. Take a boat ride on the Thu Bon River to the Red
Bridge Restaurant and Cooking School. Learn and help prepare five
traditional dishes to enjoy for lunch. You will be entertained and
learn some special techniques at the fruit and vegetable carving
demonstration. Furama Resort, Danang (2B, L)
DAYS 8 & 9: Ho Chi Minh City & the Mekong Delta, VIETNAM
Fly from Danang to Ho Chi Minh City, where colonial buildings and
traditional temples stand beside the emerging modern skyline. Learn
about Vietnam’s recent history at Reunification Palace. Visit the
War Remnants Museum featuring a detailed photographic exhibition and
vast collection of planes, tanks and weapons. See the Emperor of
Jade Pagoda and Notre Dame Cathedral before ending the day at the
Ben Thanh Market. Drive into the heart of the Mekong Delta to Cai
Be, and embark on one of the local boats to explore Cai Be Floating
Market, with its lively market of fruit and vegetable barges.
Continue along smaller waterways and canals, stopping at the Mekong
River Islands to visit the local orchards and cottage industries,
with the chance to sample the local delicacies. Drive back to Ho Chi
Minh City. Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers, Ho Chi Minh City
(2B)
DAY 10: Ho Chi Minh City, VIETNAM
Today you are taken to the airport for your flight home or on to
your next destination.
DAYS
1 & 2: Hanoi, VIETNAM