Vietnam Discovery: Hanoi, Hoi An, & Saigon
7 Days
from
$1610 per person*
Highlights:
Vietnam
(Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City)
Trip Start/End:
Hanoi
/
Ho Chi Minh City
Take in stunning early morning visas of Halong Bay as you practice Tai Chi on the deck of a luxury cruise ship at sunrise.
This is part of your overnight cruise experience on Vietnam’s most beautiful natural wonder. Limestone rock formations rise from the serene water, picturesque floating villages wake to greet the day and the sun casts it golden glow across untouched tropical beaches on uninhabited islands. This is a fitting introduction to the natural splendor of Vietnam, but you’ll also encounter the country’s rich and difficult history as you visit Hanoi’s many museums; witness the guards that stand in silent protection of Ho Chi Minh’s tomb; discover the ancient architecture of Hoian; and visit the Notre Dame Cathedral and stirring Emperor Jade Pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City.
From staying in the heart of Hanoi’s old quarter to waking on the banks of the Thu Bon River, a selection of great accommodation options have been carefully selected to place you in the center of the action. Your experienced English-speaking guides and private drivers will lead you through a thrilling cultural labyrinth of bustling local markets, street food stalls and welcoming rural villages as you reach out and touch the real Vietnam.
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
| - Transfer - Private - Airport - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
| Silk Path (4*)
Premium Deluxe Room (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 2
- Hanoi
| - Private - Full Day Hanoi City Tour with Lunch - Vehicle/Driver/Guide
- Lunch (included)
| Silk Path (4*)
Premium Deluxe Room (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
| Vinh Hung Riverside Resort (4*)
The Superior Garden View (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 5
- Hoi An
| - Private - Ancient Town with Lunch - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
- Lunch Included
| Vinh Hung Riverside Resort (4*)
The Superior Garden View (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 6
- 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 - Full Day Ho Chi Minh City Tour with Lunch - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
- Lunch (included)
| New World (4*)
The Deluxe Room (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 7
- Ho Chi Minh City
| - Transfer - Private - Airport - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
| Depart (Int`l Airport)
|
| B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, 1/2d = Half Day, Al = All Inclusive |
Trip Itinerary
Hanoi
Silk Path Hotel Lobby
Day 1: Hanoi
You will be transferred between downtown Hanoi and the International Airport by private car and driver.
Accommodation: Silk Path (4*) The Silk Path is located in the heart of the charming old quarter of Hanoi, which has countless tourist attractions, government and diplomatic institutions, as well as proximity to the business district of the city. With the hotel's 106 well-appointed exclusively designed rooms and suites, it is no surprise that Silk Hotel is a preference choice of a traveler. The hotel has a 2 level restaurant with private dining rooms, a unique bar, and a fitness center and sauna. Silk Path Hotel guarantees a comfortable stay with all luxury amenities within reach.
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: Silk Path (4*) 
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
Vinh Hung Resort Deluxe Room
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.
You will be transferred between downtown Hanoi and the International Airport by private car and driver.
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: Vinh Hung Riverside Resort (4*) Vinh Hung Riverside Resort is located right on Thu Bon River, just a few minutes walk from the World Heritage site of Hoi An Town and set in a superb location of great natural charm with a magnificent view on the sleepy and romantic Thu Bon River. Here guests enjoy the resort’s splendid blend of fine old Vietnamese traditions with superb modern equipped rooms and excellent services.
Covered Bridges
Day 5: Hoi An
Visit the ancient architecture of Hoian in a fascinating private guided tour. There is plenty to see in this delightful town including the famous Japanese Covered Bridges, the Pottery Museum, 200 years old Tamky House, Chua Ong Pagoda, and the vibrant market. Enjoy lunch (included) then round off the day with a boat trip on the Thu Bon River, giving you a chance to admire the spectacular countryside.
Accommodation: Vinh Hung Riverside Resort (4*) 
Ho Chi Minh City
Presidentia Palace
Exterior of the five-star New World hotel
Day 6: 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.
In the morning, you will be met by your English speaking guide at your hotel and transferred to visit the War Remnants Museum, which features a comprehensive collection of the machinery, weapons, photos, and documentation of Vietnam's wars with the both the French and Americans. The museum is a call for peace, and the hope that the horrors of that war will never be repeated. The tour continues to the Reunification Palace, which was the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until end of April 1975. Afterwards, stop at Ben Thanh market for shopping. You will then eat lunch at a local restaurant which is included. After, visit Notre Dame Cathedral, a Neo-Romanesque Cathedral constructed between 1877 and 1883 using bricks from Marseilles and stained-glass windows from Chartres. Also visit the Old Saigon Post Office and Cholon, the Chinatown of Ho Chi Minh City. During your tour you will also visit the Emperor Jade Pagoda (Phuoc Hai), one of the most interesting pagodas in Vietnam. It is filled with smoky incense and fantastic carved figurines. It was built by the Cantonese community around the turn of the 20th century and is still buzzing with worshippers, many lounging in the front gardens.
Accommodation: New World (4*) Located in downtown Saigon, The New World Hotel is just steps away from world famous Saigon markets, restaurants and business district. This hotel features 552 tastefully furnished and spacious suites. Only 20 minutes from the airport and with the business and commercial districts at its doorstep, it is the best located hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. Enjoy a game of tennis, workout in the state of the art health club or take a dip in Saigon’s largest swimming pool. Dine at the Parkview Restaurant overlooking the City Park or at Dynasty which serves delicious Cantonese cuisine. The hotel is an easy walk to the legendary Ben Thanh Market, the largest indoor market selling everything from clothes to hardware to fresh food.
Day 7: 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 (Int`l Airport)
Accommodations
- Silk Path Hotel
Silk Path (4*) - Hanoi
The Silk Path is located in the heart of the charming old quarter of Hanoi, which has countless tourist attractions, government and diplomatic institutions, as well as proximity to the business district of the city. With the hotel's 106 well-appointed exclusively designed rooms and suites, it is no surprise that Silk Hotel is a preference choice of a traveler. The hotel has a 2 level restaurant with private dining rooms, a unique bar, and a fitness center and sauna. Silk Path Hotel guarantees a comfortable stay with all luxury amenities within reach.
- 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.
- Vinh Hung Resort
Vinh Hung Riverside Resort (4*) - Hoi An
Vinh Hung Riverside Resort is located right on Thu Bon River, just a few minutes walk from the World Heritage site of Hoi An Town and set in a superb location of great natural charm with a magnificent view on the sleepy and romantic Thu Bon River. Here guests enjoy the resort’s splendid blend of fine old Vietnamese traditions with superb modern equipped rooms and excellent services.
- New World
New World (4*) - Ho Chi Minh City
Located in downtown Saigon, The New World Hotel is just steps away from world famous Saigon markets, restaurants and business district. This hotel features 552 tastefully furnished and spacious suites. Only 20 minutes from the airport and with the business and commercial districts at its doorstep, it is the best located hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. Enjoy a game of tennis, workout in the state of the art health club or take a dip in Saigon’s largest swimming pool. Dine at the Parkview Restaurant overlooking the City Park or at Dynasty which serves delicious Cantonese cuisine. The hotel is an easy walk to the legendary Ben Thanh Market, the largest indoor market selling everything from clothes to hardware to fresh food.
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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