11Days - CLASSIC OF VIETNAM

Classic of Vietnam is inspired by the many unique sights and flavors Vietnam has to offer. Your 11-days journey will take you from the North to the South of Vietnam visiting attractions across the country. Special features of this tour include an experience aboard to see one of the Eight Wonders of the World – Halong Bay; for those historically intrigued, this tour will take you to explore the ancient capital of Hue, ancient town of Hoi An and for the culturally inclined, and you will witness first hand life at the floating market in Mekong Delta.

Day 1: Singapore – Hanoi

Welcome to Hanoi! You will be met at the airport for transfer to your hotel in Hanoi. The rest of the day is free. Renowned as the "Paris of the East", Hanoi is one of Asia's most fascinating cities. Rich in culture and history, this diverse city draws on its influences from both French and Chinese culture. Overnight in hotel, Hanoi.

Day 2: Hanoi City Tour (B)

In the morning, commence your exploration of Hanoi by visiting the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university dating to 1070. The excursion continues on to Ho Chi Minh's humble “stilt house” before visiting the French colonial Governor's Palace and the 11th century One-Pillar Pagoda. Then take a fascinating Cyclo ride to explore the bustling Old Quarter and the 36 “Guild streets”. The evening is free. Overnight in hotel, Hanoi.

Day 3: Hanoi — Halong Bay – Bhaya Cruise (B, L, D)

Depart Hanoi in the morning for the scenic three-hour drive through the countryside to Ha Long Bay, a natural wonder with thousands of islands rising out of the water, creating a unique and beautiful landscape. On arrival, embark on one of the Bhaya Classic vessels for an overnight cruise through the 3,000 limestone islands, many punctuated by caves and grottoes. Savor a delicious Vietnamese buffet lunch as Bhaya Classic heads to Bai Tu Long Bay passing the towns of Hon Gai and Cam Pha, Oan Lagoon, Mat Quy (Monster Head) and Am Tich (Teapot) Islets. Take a row boat to visit the Vung Vieng fishing village. Enjoy a range of fantastic recreation or relaxation activities onboard: a cooking demonstration, traditional massage, swimming, kayaking etc. Finish the day with a sumptuous set-menu dinner. Overnight onboard Bhaya Classic, Ha Long Bay.

Day 4: Halong Bay — Hanoi — Hue (Brunch)

Start the day with calming Tai Chi on the Sundeck while complimentary tea & coffee are served. Bhaya Classic weighs anchor to cruise through the Bay passing beautiful spots like Trong (Drum), Trinh Nu (Virgin) and Me Cung Caves, Coc Ngoi (Toad) Islet, etc. Explore the Surprise Cave (Sung Sot). A buffet brunch is served onboard. The vessel cruises leisurely back to Ha Long harbor. From Ha Long Bay, transfer to Hanoi airport for the short flight down to Hue. On arrival, you will be met at the airport for the transfer to your hotel. Overnight in hotel, Hue.

Day 5: Discover Hue, the Imperial City (B)

In the morning, take a boat ride along the romantic Perfume River. Stop off at the Thien Mu Pagoda on the banks of the river to see the 7-storey Stupa. The pagoda is also home to the old Austin car driven to Saigon by the Venerable Thich Quang Duc in 1963 for his self-immolation. Continue on to visit the mausoleum of Emperor Minh Mang (1791-1841), built between 1841 and 1843. The Emperor's mausoleum complex consists of 40 constructions (palaces, temples, pavilions etc.) designed on a symmetrical axis. In the afternoon, visit the Imperial Citadel and Forbidden City, created in the 19th century for the Emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty. Enjoy some “retail therapy” at Dong Ba Market before transferring back to the hotel. Overnight in hotel, Hue.

Day 6: Hue — Danang — Hoi An (B)

After breakfast at the hotel, visit the mausoleum's of the Emperors Tu Duc (1829-1883) and Khai Dinh (1885-1925). On the way down to Danang, stop in for a refreshment break at Lang Co beach, one of the World‟s most beautiful bays. Afterwards, head to the World Cultural Heritage Site of Hoi An Ancient Town. Check-in to your hotel. Enjoy some free time on a walking tour through the narrow lanes of the town, lined with century-old buildings and illuminated at night by hundreds of colorful lanterns. Discover the traditional shop-houses and temples, and the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge. Overnight in hotel, Hoi An.

Day 7: Hoi An — Free Time On The Beach (B)

Breakfast at hotel. Free day in Hoi An Ancient town. For something different, you can join in a fun cooking class, head to the nearby Cua Dai beach or observe local life on a sunset cruise on the peaceful Thu Bon River. Overnight in hotel, Hoi An.

Day 8: Hoi An — Danang — Saigon (B, D)

In the morning, transfer to Danang airport for the flight to Saigon, Vietnam's vibrant southern metropolis. In the afternoon, discover the city's most attractive sites, taking in the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office before ending the day with a visit to Chinatown. In the evening, enjoy our Highlight Dinner. Overnight in hotel, Saigon. 

Day 9: Saigon — Mekong Delta — Can Tho (B)

In the morning, travel overland into the beautiful countryside of the northeastern Mekong Delta and Vinh Long province. On arrival, take a boat ride to visit a local orchard and the famous Cai Be floating market. Approximately 400-500 boats loaded to the gunnels with fruit, vegetables and other local produce anchor or moor along the banks of the river every day waiting to offload their goods to wholesale traders or local customers. Everybody here buys, sells and barters their goods only from their boats. Leaving Cai Be, visit a local family producing coconut candy, a regional delicacy. Drive on to Can Tho, the hub of the Mekong Delta and its largest city. Overnight in hotel, Can Tho.

Day 10: Can Tho — Saigon (B)

After breakfast, cruise some of the narrow and picturesque canals and waterways by small boat. Visit the Cai Rang–Phong Dien floating market with its hordes of small vendor boats. Take in the sultry scenery and witness the daily activities of the locals who live along these Mekong canals. After lunch, drive back to Saigon. The rest of the day is free. Overnight in hotel, Saigon.

Day 11: Saigon – Singapore (B)

Breakfast at the hotel, leisure time until the airport transfer for the flight to Singapore.