Meridian Holidays - Good Morning Vietnam

10 days / 8 nights visiting Hanoi, Halong (4 hours boat cruise), Danang, Hue & Saigon

DAY 01 DEPART VANCOUVER
Depart Vancouver to Hong Kong via award-winnign Cathay Pacific Airways.

DAY 02 HONG KONG / HANOI
Arrive Hong Kong early morning and connect onto your flight to Hanoi. Welcome to Hanoi! Day at leisure for your own activities. Welcome dinner at local restaurant or at hotel.

DAY 03 HANOI
Hanoi is a city of lakes, shaded boulevards and French style buildings; it is the capital of Vietnam. Sightseeing will include the Temple of Literature, One Pillar Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh Stilt House, Tortoise Pagoda in Hoan Kiem Lake and Old Quarter. Overnight in Hanoi.

DAY 04 HANOI - HALONG BAY (Wooden boat cruise)
Cruise on a traditional wooden boat (4-hour) among the emerald waters and craggy limestone cliffs of Halong Bay, stopping to explore one of the many caves in the area. Sail pass picturesque islands, floating villages, fishermen casting their nets and pearl fisheries and observe the rhythms of daily life on the bay. Lunch will be served onboard. Overnight in Halong.

DAY 05 HALONG - HANOI - DANANG - HOI AN
Transfer to Hanoi airport for your flight to Danang and on arrival, transfer by vehicle to Hoi An. Journey south through the Marble Mountains and small villages. Overnight at Hoi An.

DAY 06 HOI AN - HUE
Hoi An is a picturesque riverside town, it was a major international port during the 17th to 19th centuries. This beautifully preserved historic city is best seen on foot. The walking tour will visit the Central Market; Family House; Tran Family Chapel and the Japanese Covered Bridge constructed in 1593. Visit Phuoc Kien Assembly Hall and a Lantern Making Workshop. By vehicle from Hoi An to Hue with sightseeing in Danang, passing through China Beach and visit the Cham Museum. Overnight in Hue.

DAY 07 HUE
Embark on a local boat and cruise down the Perfume River to the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda. Afterwards visit the Imperial Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, Imperial Citadel and Dong Ba local market. Overnight in Hue.

DAY 08 HUE - SAIGON (CU CHI TUNNELS)
Flight from Hue to Saigon. Saigon is the largest of Vietnamese cities, this teeming metropolis are 300 years of timeless traditions and the beauty of an ancient culture, one will see the hustle and bustle of Vietnamese life everywhere. The city churns and bubbles. We will visit the Cu Chi Tunnels. Never discovered American Forces, the Cu Chi Tunnels were an important Vietcong base during the American War. Stretching over 200km, this incredible underground network, dug by hand out of hard laterite, connected command posts, hospitals, shelter and weapon factories.

DAY 09 SAIGON
Begin your sightseeing of this exciting city with a tour of the historic center, strolling along Dong Khoi Street, formerly known as the Rue Catinat, the main shopping throughfare and heart of old colonial Saigon. Pass by classic European-style landmarks such as the ornate City Hall also known as “Hotel De Ville”, the Old Opera House and the neo-Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral set in the heart of Saigon’s government quarter and the Central Post Office. In the afternoon, head out to Cholon (China Town). Visit Binh Tay Market, the vast wholesale market selling all kind of goods from dried foods to T-shirts to electronics. Continue to Thien Hau Pagoda and Ben Thanh Market, where vendors display a vast array of goods and handicrafts, appealing to every taste. Overnight in Saigon.

DAY 10 SAIGON - VANCOUVER
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight back home. Homeward bounds.