Minerva Holidays

Stunning Vietnam

Hanoi (2N) - Calypso Cruise Halong (1N) - Da Nang (3N) - Saigaon (3N)

Day 1   Hanoi

On arrival Hanoi, pick up by our guide and driver from the airport and transfer to Hotel check-in and relax. Later Lunch at an Indian restaurant (buffet).

After lunch, we enter in the ancient landscaped courtyards, gardens and pavilions of Temple of Literature, this is the first university of Vietnam, where many monuments still remain to dedicate to the scholars who graduated here. The next stop is Hoa Lo Prison Museum, ironically nicknamed the ‘Hanoi Hilton’ by US prisoners of war (POWs) during the American War. Most exhibits relate to the prison’s use up to the mid-1950s, focusing on the Vietnamese struggle for independence from France. Continue to explore the Hanoi Old Quarter by a “cyclo” visit, which will start around the Old Quarter of Hanoi, wandering through narrow and evocative streets; you will have the closest view to the French-colonial architectures of ancient buildings and family-run vendor stores. Stop at Hoan Kiem Lake (the “Sword” Lake). Take a photo of The Huc Red bridge. 

Evening proceed for the water puppet show, where you will enjoy a special folk art performance.

Night stay at Hanoi.

Day 2   Hanoi – Halong Bay – Overnight at Cruise

After breakfast and check out hotel, we transfer to Halong through Red River delta (3,5 – 4-hour driving, highway option is available with extra toll fee of USD 20/bus, which helps saving 1 hour driving per way). 

Upon arrival in Halong, we check in the overnight cruise to discover the magnificent beauty of this “Descending-dragon” bay, created by thousands odd-shaped limestone rocks and karst grottoes. 

Lunch on board (water and drinks at meal excluded).

This afternoon, we can visit the Grottos, stop for swimming or kayaking (at your own cost), passing floating houses and approach islets to enjoy their beauty in close distance. 

Back to the cruise, enjoy cooking demonstration (optional) and sunset view from sundeck.

Dinner on board (water and drinks at meal excluded).

Evening attend activities on the boat or relax at your own leisure. Overnight on the cruise.

 
 
 

Day 3   Halong Bay – Hanoi

Have breakfast on board. This morning, we visit by boat to Luon Cave, a ring-shaped pool inside an island in Halong with absolutely tranquil landscape and emerald water. Back to the Wharf of Halong passing the most densely area with many islands that have been named like the Cock-Fighting Rock, Sail Island, Incense burner rock or Sea Dog Rock. 

Early lunch/brunch will be served on board (water and drinks at meal excluded).

Note: The cruise itinerary can be changed according to weather conditions.

Disembark at Halong Wharf, we return to Hanoi through Red River delta (3,5 – 4-hour driving, highway option is available with extra toll fee of USD 20/group, which helps saving 1 hour driving per way). 

On arrival Hanoi, we visit to the Ho Chi Minh Complex, inclusive of Ba Dinh Square, Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum (closed in the afternoon), as well as his private residence from 1954 until 1969. The wooden ethnic minority style house, which was built on stilts, is surrounded by lovely peaceful gardens. In the same complex you will see the One Pillar Pagoda, founded by King Ly Thai To in 1049. This structure has become an important symbol for the people of Hanoi. Continue the city tour to West Lake the biggest lake in Hanoi and you take a visit to nearby Tran Quoc Pagoda. This is the oldest pagoda and be considered as a typical example of Vietnamese Buddhism with its history of more than 1500 years. Proceed to check in hotel.

Night stay in Hanoi.

 
 
 

Day 4   Hanoi – Da Nang City

Have breakfast on board. This morning, we visit by boat to Luon Cave, a ring-shaped pool inside an island in Halong with absolutely tranquil landscape and emerald water. Back to the Wharf of Halong passing the most densely area with many islands that have been named like the Cock-Fighting Rock, Sail Island, Incense burner rock or Sea Dog Rock. 

Early lunch/brunch will be served on board (water and drinks at meal excluded).

Note: The cruise itinerary can be changed according to weather conditions.

Disembark at Halong Wharf, we return to Hanoi through Red River delta (3,5 – 4-hour driving, highway option is available with extra toll fee of USD 20/group, which helps saving 1 hour driving per way). 

On arrival Hanoi, we visit to the Ho Chi Minh Complex, inclusive of Ba Dinh Square, Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum (closed in the afternoon), as well as his private residence from 1954 until 1969. The wooden ethnic minority style house, which was built on stilts, is surrounded by lovely peaceful gardens. In the same complex you will see the One Pillar Pagoda, founded by King Ly Thai To in 1049. This structure has become an important symbol for the people of Hanoi. Continue the city tour to West Lake the biggest lake in Hanoi and you take a visit to nearby Tran Quoc Pagoda. This is the oldest pagoda and be considered as a typical example of Vietnamese Buddhism with its history of more than 1500 years. Proceed to check in hotel.

Night stay in Da Nang.

Day 5   Da Nang City

Have breakfast on board. This morning, we visit by boat to Luon Cave, a ring-shaped pool inside an island in Halong with absolutely tranquil landscape and emerald water. Back to the Wharf of Halong passing the most densely area with many islands that have been named like the Cock-Fighting Rock, Sail Island, Incense burner rock or Sea Dog Rock. 

Early lunch/brunch will be served on board (water and drinks at meal excluded).

Note: The cruise itinerary can be changed according to weather conditions.

Disembark at Halong Wharf, we return to Hanoi through Red River delta (3,5 – 4-hour driving, highway option is available with extra toll fee of USD 20/group, which helps saving 1 hour driving per way). 

On arrival Hanoi, we visit to the Ho Chi Minh Complex, inclusive of Ba Dinh Square, Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum (closed in the afternoon), as well as his private residence from 1954 until 1969. The wooden ethnic minority style house, which was built on stilts, is surrounded by lovely peaceful gardens. In the same complex you will see the One Pillar Pagoda, founded by King Ly Thai To in 1049. This structure has become an important symbol for the people of Hanoi. Continue the city tour to West Lake the biggest lake in Hanoi and you take a visit to nearby Tran Quoc Pagoda. This is the oldest pagoda and be considered as a typical example of Vietnamese Buddhism with its history of more than 1500 years. Proceed to check in hotel.

Night stay in Da Nang.

Day 6   Da Nang City

After breakfast, transfer to Ba Na hills and take Cable Car which gains 5 world scores to Ba Na hills station. Reach the French-inspired hilltop resort, we visit the Old Villas, French Stable, and Tinh Tam Garden with our English-speaking guide for a walk down the hills’ memory lane. Admire the lush vegetation and the rich terrains of Truong Son mountain that stretches to the East Sea from the iconic Golden Bridge. Just a few steps away from the village stands the Linh Ung Pagoda, home to the 27-meter high Buddha statue. See an impressive facade of traditional Vietnamese architecture when we visit the pagoda. Next, head to Loc Uyen Garden and Quan Am Pavilion for a walk through well-manicured landscapes that serve as gorgeous backdrops for photoshoots. We reach Nui Chua Peak, marvel at the natural reserve’s beauty and remember to snap a photo or two. 

Have lunch at Ba Na Hills restaurant (Vietnamese buffet with added Indian items). 

Our next stop will be the Fantasy Park, an amusement park inspired by French chateaus and palaces. Hop on a rollercoaster and make it a memorable one by getting our pictures taken while riding. Have fun with exciting rides fit for all ages. For our last destination, drop by Linh Chua Linh Tu Temple for a glimpse of Vietnam’s Buddhist culture. Tour the temple complex, where a 9-story pagoda and teahouse sit 1,487 meters above sea level. 

Please note: Wax Museum entrance fee (USD 5/pax), Debay Wine Cellar entrance fee (USD 5/pax for Silver ticket, including 1 glass of wine, or cocktail, or fruit juice), coin games at Fantasy Park are not included in the entrance ticket, joining them will be at your own account. 

Go downhill by cable car and return to our hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy the beach. 

Night stay at Da Nang.

Day 7   Da Nang City – Saigaon

After breakfast, at leisure until checking out of hotel. 

Lunch at an Indian restaurant (buffet). 

Transfer with our guide and driver to the airport for our flight to Saigon. 

On arrival, pick up by our guide and driver from the airport and transfer to check in hotel. 

Night stay in Saigon.

Day 8   Saigaon City Tour

After breakfast, at leisure until checking out of hotel. 

Lunch at an Indian restaurant (buffet). 

Transfer with our guide and driver to the airport for our flight to Saigon. 

On arrival, pick up by our guide and driver from the airport and transfer to check in hotel. 

Night stay in Saigon.

Day 9   Saigaon Mekong Delta – Saigaon 

After breakfast, we explore the Mekong Delta. Upon arrival, embark on the boat cruising on the mighty Mekong River. We stop at one of 4 islands in the area for sightseeing. After that you will embark on the  mall boats rowed the local people through the small cannels. There you will taste the honey tea and see the local people produce the coconut candy milk and of course you also can try it or stroll in the garden where the locals feed honeybee. After that enjoy the horse-cart trip through the tranquil road of the village. 

Lunch at a local restaurant (family style set menu). 

Evening, drive back to Saigon with stop to visit Vinh Trang pagoda, a famous pagoda in the area that its architecture is a mix of Chinese, Cambodian, and French culture. 

Night stay in Saigon.

Day 10   Saigaon Departure

After breakfast and check out hotel, we visit Dong Khoi Street to observe traditional French architecture surrounded by modern sky-rises, find stores selling popular international merchandise, and relax in comfortable cafes and restaurants. Although famous for its history, Dong Khoi Street has undergone many changes. Once, it was the epicenter of power during French colonization and at that time was known as Rue Catinat. Today, Dong Khoi Street has become the center of the city’s commercial activity, as well as a central destination for tourists. Continue visiting the Vietnam History Museum, which portrays Vietnam’s history from ancient times (approximately 300,000 years ago) up to the 1930s, when Vietnam’s Communist Party was founded. Through the different exhibits, visitors will have an opportunity to experience the nostalgic and ancient feeling of the proud, long-lived history of Vietnamese. We then visit the Temple of Jade Emperor (Ngoc Hoang Temple), one of the most atmospheric temples in Saigon. The pagoda attracts visitors from all over the country and the world for its unique interior and exterior designs, hundreds of statues and figurines, wood carvings, and the relaxing smell of incense filling the air. Vietnamese believers worship the Jade Emperor as the supreme god, and pray to him for salvation or good fortune.

Shopping drops after lunch as per your choice. 

TOUR AND SERVICE ENDS.

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