Pearl of Indochina
9 Days
from
$2375 per person*
Highlights:
Vietnam
(Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City)
Trip Start/End:
Hanoi
/
Ho Chi Minh City
Let your mind wander and your spirit soar as the sunset casts its crimson light across the Bay of the Descending Dragon.
On our most popular tour of Vietnam, you’ll witness the incredible sights of the country's most prized natural treasure aboard a five-star luxury cruise ship as you enjoy an overnight exploration of the many of the bay’s eerie caves, pristine beaches, picturesque floating villages, and soaring rock formations. Back on land, discover the secrets of Hanoi as you tour the city’s many museums and the imposing Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh. You’ll also take a cyclo tour of nearby Ngoc Son Temple and Hoan Kiem Lake. Further afield, encounter the traditional fishing lifestyle of Hoi An, take a cycling tour of Cua Dai beach and explore the historic Vietnam War-era Cu Chi Tunnels in Ho Chi Minh City.
This immersive tour is full of unforgettable personal experiences. From witnessing a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show to practicing Tai Chi at dawn and participating in a cooking class at a local village, you’ll enjoy an active cultural experience. And the range of luxury accommodation that will be your home sweet home for the duration features world-class hotels and beach resorts that will ensure this remains one of your most memorable trips.
Enjoy a personalized vacation that best suits your needs, developed by one of our experienced destination experts. Relax during your trip with our 24/7 support and expert local guidance.
Overview
| Day | Activities | Hotel |
- Day 1
- Hanoi
| - Welcome to Vietnam - Visa Reminder
- Transfer - Private - Airport - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
| Movenpick (4.5*)
Premium Deluxe (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 2
- Hanoi
| - Private - Full Day Hanoi City Tour with Lunch - Vehicle/Driver/Guide
- Lunch (included)
| Movenpick (4.5*)
Premium Deluxe (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 3
- Hanoi - Halong Bay
| - Hanoi - Halong Bay
- Embark at Tuan Chau Island
- Lunch on Board
- Treasures along Halong Bay
- Leisure Activities Onboard
- Dinner on Board
| Paradise Luxury Cruise (5*)
Deluxe Balcony (B,L,D)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 4
- Halong Bay - Hanoi - Hoi An
| - Tai Chi Lesson & Exploration
- Breakfast on Board
- Disembark Cruise & Transfer to Hanoi
- Transfer - Private - Airport - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
- Air - Hanoi - Danang [Direct (1 hr)] - Economy
- Transfer - Private - Airport (Danang) - Vehicle/Driver/Guide
| Anantara Hoi An Resort (4.5*)
Junior Garden View Suite (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 5
- Hoi An
| - Private - 1/2 Day Hoi An City Tour - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
| Anantara Hoi An Resort (4.5*)
Junior Garden View Suite (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 6
- Hoi An
| - Private - Cycling, Cooking Class, and Cua Dai Beach with Lunch - Vehicle/Driver/Guide
- Lunch (included)
| Anantara Hoi An Resort (4.5*)
Junior Garden View Suite (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 7
- Hoi An - Danang - Ho Chi Minh City
| - Transfer - Private - Airport (Danang) - Vehicle/Driver/Guide
- Air - Danang - Ho Chi Minh City [Direct (1 hr)] - Economy
- Transfer - Private - Airport - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
- Private - Night Out In HCMC With Dinner - Vehicle/Driver/Guide
| Majestic Hotel (4.5*)
Colonial Room (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 8
- Ho Chi Minh City
| - Private - Full Day Ho Chi Minh City Tour & Cu Chi Tunnels with Lunch - Vehicle/Driver/Guide
- Lunch (included)
| Majestic Hotel (4.5*)
Colonial Room (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 9
- Ho Chi Minh City
| - Transfer - Private - Airport - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
| Depart
|
| B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, 1/2d = Half Day, Al = All Inclusive |
Trip Itinerary
Hanoi
Movenpick Entrance
Day 1: Hanoi
Welcome to Vietnam! Please be sure that your visa has been pre-arranged, or that your visa-on-arrival letter is in your carry on luggage. These documents will be presented to customs at your first point of entry into the country.
Transfer between downtown Hanoi and the International Airport.
Accommodation: Movenpick (4.5*) The Movenpick is conveniently located in the heart of Hanoi’s business district, a 40-minute drive from Noi Bai International Airport and only 5 minutes from the city centre. Mövenpick Hotel Hanoi is specially tailored to meet the needs of discerning corporate travellers. There are well-appointed rooms and suites equipped with LCD flat screen TVs and a wide selection of international cable TV channels. Mini-bar, personal safe, tea and coffee making amenities are also available. Broadband cable and WiFi Internet is accessible in all guest rooms and throughout the public areas of the hotel. Mangosteen, our all-day dining restaurant offers an interactive buffet as well as à la carte menu.
Dragon & Incense sticks in Temple of Literature
Day 2: Hanoi
You will be picked up at your hotel by private car with an English speaking guide and taken to visit the Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh and his former residence, One pillar Pagoda, and the Temple of Literature. After lunch, continue your city tour to one of Hanoi's many museums featuring Fine Art, History, Revolutionary, War, Ethnology of your choice, then head to Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple and experience a 1 hour cyclo tour. Finish your day off at the Thang Long Opera Theatre for a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show. For lunch, enjoy a lovely meal at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Movenpick (4.5*) 
Halong Bay
Paradise Luxury Cruise
The Paradise
Day 3: Hanoi - Halong Bay
Transfer this morning from Hanoi to Halong Bay. The drive is roughly 3 hours.
Your heavenly journey across Halong Bay starts around noon on Tuan Chau Island at the doorstep of Vietnam's most fascinating wonder. As the vessel sets sails, you will be greeted by Paradise Crew and Cruise Manager who will aim throughout your stay at providing you with the highest standards of service for a pure pleasure and utmost comfort onboard the ship’s luxury facilities in stunning surroundings.
Discover some of the treasures disseminated across the Bay of the Descending Dragon during the afternoon like fascinating caves, pristine beaches, picturesque floating villages, fantastic rock formations rising up out of the emerald water.
While onboard, at your leisure you can take advantage of the Spa, Beauty and the Massage services provided. You will also have the opportunity to attend the chef's cooking demonstration and try your skills in the art of traditional Vietnamese cooking. Defined to be one of the highlights of your Paradise stay, a highly refined, innovative and varied cuisine will be presented for lunch and dinner in the elegant dining-room, accompanied by a wide selection of wines and beverages from around the world.
Accommodation: Paradise Luxury Cruise (5*) Paradise Luxury I, II, III & IV were built according to the traditional Vietnamese junk design and present a lavish outfit blending in subtle harmony with the natural environment. The 4 Paradise Luxury Cruises offer 68 luxurious cabins and suites as well as an exciting array of activities to be enjoyed while experiencing the spectacular scenery of the "Bay of Descending Dragons". Each vessel features a stylish restaurant and bar for an exclusive dining experience on the third deck. The top deck serves as a perfect place to enjoy lingering in the sunshine and discovering the splendid beauty of Halong bay with a 360° view while benefiting from the presence of a 'Moonlight Bar". Celebrated for being the only Cruisers in Halong Bay to provide complete spa facilities with dry sauna, Jacuzzi, massages and beauty treatments, Paradise luxury boats dispose of Spa facilities aiming at reviving the senses and nurturing well-being. The Paradise Luxury fleet is committed to granting guests a genuine yet prestigious experience in Halong Bay.
Hoi An
Anantara Hoi An Resort
Day 4: Halong Bay - Hanoi - Hoi An
In the morning, early risers can attend a Tai Chi demonstration on the sundeck at the break of dawn. Start the day enjoying some Paradise delights with a colourful buffet breakfast. Continue exploring Halong Bay sailing across its 2000 islets and visiting some of its major highlights.
The Paradise Luxury Cruise will come to an end on Tuan Chau Island between 10.30am and 11.00am. From here you will drive back to Hanoi.
Transfer between downtown Hanoi and the International Airport.
Fly one way from Hanoi to Danang.
Airport transfer between Danang airport and Hoi An with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide. (40 mins)
Accommodation: Anantara Hoi An Resort (4.5*) At Anantara Hoi An Resort experience an idyllic blend of riverside relaxation in Anantara luxury, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on your doorstep, and beautiful beach life just a short bicycle or boat ride away. Scenically positioned on the banks of the Thu Bon River, Anantara Hoi An Resort is a charming boutique retreat in the historic port town of Hoi An. Designed with French, Dutch, Chinese and Japanese influences that reveal Hoi An’s fascinating cultural diversity, split level rooms and suites open onto porches with comfortable daybeds, overlooking the river or a garden courtyard. Delve into Vietnamese culture with language, savour authentic local dishes and popular world flavours in elegant and casual settings beside the river. Meet up at the heritage inspired wine bar for an atmospheric view of Hoi An’s street life or laze by the pool and let the staff bring an exotic cocktail to your sun bed.
Japanese Covered Bridge
Day 5: Hoi An
You will be picked up at your hotel by private car with an English speaking guide and taken on a city tour to visit the ancient architecture of Hoi An. The city is a fascinating combination of Vietnamese traditional characters with Chinese and Japanese influence. There are plenty to see in this delightful town, some of which are the famous Japanese Covered Bridges, the Pottery Museum, the 200 years old Tamky House, the Chua Ong Pagoda and the vibrant market.
Accommodation: Anantara Hoi An Resort (4.5*) 
Chef Thanh making Eggplant in Clay Pot
Day 6: Hoi An
You will be picked up by car today for a full day tour. Join a small group for the cooking school portion. Pick out your ingredients at the local market and take a boat 25-minutes up the river to the cooking school. Watch the fishermen cast their nets on the water and experience the life along the river. We arrive at a small town and walk to the cooking school. The lesson is in an open-air pavilion next to the river. Chef Thanh will teach you how to cook a traditional Vietnamese meal. Work off that lunch with an afternoon cycling tour to Cua Dai beach (5km) and relax. You will return back to your hotel by about 4:00PM.
Accommodation: Anantara Hoi An Resort (4.5*) 
Ho Chi Minh City
Hotel Majestic
Day 7: Hoi An - Danang - Ho Chi Minh City
Airport transfer between Danang airport and Hoi An with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide. (40 mins)
Fly one way from Danang to Ho Chi Minh City.
You will be picked up by a private car with an English-speaking guide and transferred between Ho Chi Minh City airport and your hotel.
At 6:30pm you will start your cyclo tour with the private guide to experience the life of locals. The cyclo will transfer you to the restaurant that serves Vietnamese cuisine. The restaurant is surrounded with trees. After dinner you will visit the Ben Thank Market for walking tour.
Accommodation: Majestic Hotel (4.5*) Opened in 1925 as the city’s finest abode, the Majestic has gone through several reincarnations over the years, changes that reflect the tumultuous history of Vietnam. During World War II, the Japanese Imperial Army used this French colonial structure as a military barracks. During the Vietnam War, it was frequented by foreign correspondents and espionage agents. A Hotel of Tradition - Hospitality - Elegance.
Post Office Ho Chi Minh City
Day 8: Ho Chi Minh City
In the morning, you will visit the Cu Chi Tunnels which is 70 km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City. Here you will find an amazing complex of underground tunnels used during the Vietnam war. The residents of Cu Chi took their war underground, literally, developing a network of tunnels that, at its height, stretched as far as Cambodia and included meeting rooms, kitchens, and triage area. In the afternoon, return to the city for a tour of the Notre Dame Cathedral, Post Office and the former Presidential Palace. Next, continue onto visit the War Museum. Afterwards, enjoy a lovely Vietnamese lunch at local restaurant before exploring the China Town area and visiting Thien Mu Pagoda. Towards the end of the day, you will be able to visit and experience Ben Thanh Market.
Accommodation: Majestic Hotel (4.5*) Day 9: Ho Chi Minh City
You will be picked up by a private car with an English-speaking guide and transferred between Ho Chi Minh City airport and your hotel.
Accommodation: Depart Depart from Ho Chi Minh City International airport - end of itinerary.
Accommodations
- Movenpick Entrance
Movenpick (4.5*) - Hanoi
The Movenpick is conveniently located in the heart of Hanoi’s business district, a 40-minute drive from Noi Bai International Airport and only 5 minutes from the city centre. Mövenpick Hotel Hanoi is specially tailored to meet the needs of discerning corporate travellers. There are well-appointed rooms and suites equipped with LCD flat screen TVs and a wide selection of international cable TV channels. Mini-bar, personal safe, tea and coffee making amenities are also available. Broadband cable and WiFi Internet is accessible in all guest rooms and throughout the public areas of the hotel. Mangosteen, our all-day dining restaurant offers an interactive buffet as well as à la carte menu.
- The Paradise
Paradise Cabin
Paradise Luxury Cruise (5*) - Halong Bay
Paradise Luxury I, II, III & IV were built according to the traditional Vietnamese junk design and present a lavish outfit blending in subtle harmony with the natural environment. The 4 Paradise Luxury Cruises offer 68 luxurious cabins and suites as well as an exciting array of activities to be enjoyed while experiencing the spectacular scenery of the "Bay of Descending Dragons". Each vessel features a stylish restaurant and bar for an exclusive dining experience on the third deck. The top deck serves as a perfect place to enjoy lingering in the sunshine and discovering the splendid beauty of Halong bay with a 360° view while benefiting from the presence of a 'Moonlight Bar". Celebrated for being the only Cruisers in Halong Bay to provide complete spa facilities with dry sauna, Jacuzzi, massages and beauty treatments, Paradise luxury boats dispose of Spa facilities aiming at reviving the senses and nurturing well-being. The Paradise Luxury fleet is committed to granting guests a genuine yet prestigious experience in Halong Bay.
- Anantara Hoi An Resort
Colonial Style Accommodation
Anantara Hoi An Resort (4.5*) - Hoi An
At Anantara Hoi An Resort experience an idyllic blend of riverside relaxation in Anantara luxury, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on your doorstep, and beautiful beach life just a short bicycle or boat ride away. Scenically positioned on the banks of the Thu Bon River, Anantara Hoi An Resort is a charming boutique retreat in the historic port town of Hoi An. Designed with French, Dutch, Chinese and Japanese influences that reveal Hoi An’s fascinating cultural diversity, split level rooms and suites open onto porches with comfortable daybeds, overlooking the river or a garden courtyard. Delve into Vietnamese culture with language, savour authentic local dishes and popular world flavours in elegant and casual settings beside the river. Meet up at the heritage inspired wine bar for an atmospheric view of Hoi An’s street life or laze by the pool and let the staff bring an exotic cocktail to your sun bed.
- Hotel Majestic
Majestic Hotel (4.5*) - Ho Chi Minh City
Opened in 1925 as the city’s finest abode, the Majestic has gone through several reincarnations over the years, changes that reflect the tumultuous history of Vietnam. During World War II, the Japanese Imperial Army used this French colonial structure as a military barracks. During the Vietnam War, it was frequented by foreign correspondents and espionage agents. A Hotel of Tradition - Hospitality - Elegance.
Travel Info
Travel tips of Vietnam
VISA/PASSPORT
A valid passport and Vietnamese visa are required prior to arrival for both US and Canadian citizens. A visa must be obtained from a Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate prior to traveling to Vietnam; entry visas are NOT available upon arrival. Processing generelly takes 5 working days along with a visa processing fee of approximately $93. Vietnamese visas are usually valid for only one entry. Persons planning to leave Vietnam and re-enter from another country should be sure to obtain a visa allowing multiple entries prior to arrival.
Please note obtaining a visa is your responsibility. These requirements change often and therefore it is best that you check with the Embassy of Vietnam for the most up to date visa information.
HEALTH
Health insurance is required. Medical facilities are not widespread and poor quality. We recommend that you see a health-care provider who specializes in Travel Medicine. The doctor or health-care provider will determine what vaccinations and medication you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities. For more information on travel requirements, visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/vietnam.aspx
COUNTRY INFO
Capital: Hanoi.
Government: Socialist republic since 1980. Gained independence from France in 1954.
Language: Vietnamese is the official language. English, French, Chinese and occasionally Russian and German are spoken.
Religion: Buddhist majority. There are also Taoist, Confucian, Hoa Hao, Caodaist and Christian (predominantly Roman Catholic) minorities.
Time: GMT + 7.
Electricity: 220/110 volts AC, 50Hz; two-pin flat plugs are in use.
Telephone: Country code +84.
Mobile Telephone: Roaming agreements exist with some international mobile phone companies. Coverage is available throughout large parts of the country.
Internet: Internet cafes are widely available throughout the country.
What's Included:
- Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services
What's not Included:
- Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance
Trip Terms & Conditions
- Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $350). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure.
- Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of 30% of program price. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to loss of 100% of program price.
- Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
- Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
- Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
- Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions
- Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.
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