This eventful journey begins in the capital Hanoi with its bustle of people, wide boulevards, charming alleys and swarms of alleys in the Old Town. In contrast to city life, you get to know life in a small village, before we make a wonderful boat trip in the fantastically beautiful Halong Bay with its sugar-top islands. Then we fly to central Vietnam with a visit to the ancient imperial city of Hue and the charming coastal city of Hoi An. In the southern parts of the country, we experience the metropolis of Saigon with excursions to both the guerrilla tunnels in Cu Chi and the Mekong Delta. We travel by bus, plane and boat and get to experience the cultural and geographical diversity that Vietnam constitutes. The trip can be supplemented with a few days of sunbathing and swimming in Mui Ne.
Day 1: Travel to Vietnam (Hanoi)
Flight to Vietnam’s capital Hanoi. Meals are included on board the long-haul flight.
Day 2: Arrival in Hanoi
Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, we are welcomed by our local guide who will arrange for a hotel check-in. Then there is free time to relax after the long flight. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 3: Excursion to the village An Vi
The day is devoted to an excursion to the village of An Vi-Hung Yen, an hour’s journey south of Hanoi. Here we get the opportunity to learn about the expanded family structure, ancestral worship of Vietnam and more. Then take a bike ride in the beautiful landscape, stop at orchards and go over herb fields. Then we come to a market with fruit, vegetables, cattle, clothes, etc. Here we also have lunch at the home of an ordinary Vietnamese family. Overnight in Hanoi. (Breakfast and Lunch)
Day 4: Hanoi
After breakfast, there will be a city tour of Hanoi, including Dinh’s historic complex. We arrive at Ba Dinh Square, where Ho Chi Minh declared Vietnam’s independence on September 2, 1945. Here we first visit Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum. We also see the nearby Buddhist One-Pillar Pagoda, one of the main symbols of Hanoi. Then we come to the “Hotel Hilton”, the prison where American pilots were held captive during the Vietnam War. In the afternoon we visit Hoan Kiem Lake. Then we take a cyclo (pedicab) journey through Hanoi’s older quarter dating from the 13th century. During the day we also see a water puppet show. Overnight in Hanoi. (Breakfast and Lunch)
Day 5: Hanoi – Halong Bay
After breakfast we go to Halong Bay, this wonderful bay, which is truly one of Vietnam’s most impressive scenic sights. A five-hour cruise gives us a fantastic view of the picturesque landscape mixed with the sky and about 3,000 limestone islands that rise in a fantastic way from the emerald-colored water. Overnight stay on the boat. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Day 6: Halong Bay – Hue
In the morning we continue our cruise in Halong Bay. We return to Hanoi to catch the flight to Hue. Overnight in Hue. (Breakfast)
Day 7: Hue – Hoi An
Today we travel by river boat along the Perfume River and visit the Thien mu pagoda and Minh Mang’s palace-like tomb monuments. After lunch we visit the Hues Citadel and the Forbidden City. Then we transfer to Hoi An. Overnight in Hoi An. (Breakfast and Lunch)
Day 8: Hoi An
The day is free for your own walks. The coastal city of Hoi An has a long history and was once one of Vietnam’s most important trading cities, where mainly merchants from China, but also more long-distance traders from, for example, Japan and Europe, sought to conduct international trade. Many foreigners, especially Chinese, came to settle in the city. This has left its mark on the local architecture, which usually goes in the South Chinese style or combines domestic and foreign elements. Hoi An with its rich cultural heritage and car-free city center is one of the most pleasant and peaceful cities in Vietnam. The city is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hoi An has a gaska relaxed atmosphere and there are many small boutiques and cozy restaurants. During the day you can also choose to visit one of the city’s nearby beaches. You can also take a boat trip on the river or rent a bicycle to explore the surroundings. Overnight in Hoi An. (Breakfast)
Day 9: Hoi An – Da Nang – Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
We go to Da Nang to visit the fascinating Cham Museum and the Marble Mountains. After lunch we fly to Ho Chi Minh City. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City. (Breakfast and Lunch)
Day 10: Cu Chi & Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
After breakfast we go on a day trip to the Cu Chi tunnels 60 kilometers northwest of Saigon. During the Vietnam War, the tunnel system was the Vietcong guerrilla’s most important base in South Vietnam and reached virtually all villages in the Cu Chi area. On site, we are shown, among other things, how the various traps of the guerrillas worked. Those who want can go down into one of the tunnels adapted for tourists (and safe). Back in Saigon, we go on a city tour and see some of the city’s architectural sights such as the War Memorial Museum, the Reunification Square (The Old Presidential Palace in Saigon), Notre Dame Cathedral and the Main Post Office. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City. (Breakfast and lunch)
Day 11: Mekong Delta
We go to Ben Tre Province 85 km from Saigon to take a boat trip in the Mekong Delta. The area is known for its coconut farms and we visit, among other things, a coconut candy manufacturer on one of the islands in the river delta. Ben Tre was hit hard during the Vietnam War but is now a popular excursion destination. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City. (Breakfast and lunch.)
Day 12: Ho Chi Minh City – Mui Ne
After breakfast we take a bus to the seaside resort of Mui Ne which is about four hours drive northeast of Ho Chi Minh City. Mui Ne is known for its fine sandy beaches and huge dunes. There is also a golf course and a large number of restaurants to choose from. Not far from the seaside resort is the port city of Phan Thiet for those who want to see more of the life in Vietnam. Overnight in Mui Ne. (Breakfast)
Day 13 – 14: Mui Ne
The day for beach life and own walks. Overnight in Mui Ne. (Breakfast)
Day 15: Return from Ho Chi Minh City
In the afternoon transfer to the airport just outside Ho Chi Minh City and flight to Sweden. Meals are included on board the long-haul flight. (Breakfast)
Day 16: Arrival at the boarding place
Meals are included on board the long-haul flight.
