DISCOVERY
CRUISE
BEACH LEISURE
Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, we are warmly welcomed by our local guide, then transferred to check in at the hotel (early check-in is included). Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at a 5* hotel in Hanoi.
After breakfast at the hotel, we will start the day with a visit to the Temple of Literature. Built in 1076, The Temple of Literature was Vietnam's first university and was established to educate Vietnam's royalty, mandarins and members of the elite. The university functioned for an incredible 700 years. Its gardens and well-preserved architecture offer a fascinating glimpse into Vietnam’s past.
Afterwards, we will visit The One Pillar Pagoda, which was founded by King Ly Thai To in 1049. This structure is one of Vietnam’s smallest but most iconic temples. Close by is the Mausoleum of the historic Father Figure of modern Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh, and the Former President's House on stilts where he lived from 1958 to 1969. His former home illustrates the modesty of this Vietnamese revolutionary. Lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon we will visit the beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple. Hoan Kiem Lake was already considered the most beautiful lake in Hanoi when Ngoc Son Temple was built on an island in the 19th century. Initially, the temple was called Ngoc Son Pagoda and was later renamed Ngoc Son Temple, since temples are dedicated to saints. Saint Van Suong, considered to be one of the brightest stars in Vietnam's literary and intellectual circles, was worshiped there along with other National heroes.
Afterward we’ll enjoy a leisurely one-hour buggy tour through the streets of this fascinating city. We will come face to face with the daily lives and activities of Hanoi’s streets as we pass through the congested, but delightful, Old Quarter. Ride pass the fascinating streets, which still bear the names of the shops that could be found in them in the 15th to 18th centuries.
Tour continues to explore the famous Dong Xuan Market, where you can purchase souvenirs for your beloved ones.
Then we will attend a performance of the famous water puppet show. The Vietnamese traditional art of water puppetry has roots that date back to the 10th century when it originated in the Red River Delta area of northern Vietnam. The farmers in the region celebrated festivals and harvests by performing this unique art form. Learning to manipulate the puppets is usually a tradition that is passed on as a family secret. It takes a great deal of skill and because the puppeteer’s hands are underwater, it is easy for them to hide their methods. The fascinating part is that the central stage is below the water line, and the puppeteers stand in the waist-deep water. A rattan curtain hides them, but they can see the stage and the audience through the bamboo slats. Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.
After breakfast, we will enjoy the 2.5 – 3.0hrs drive to Halong Bay. Arrive at the jetty in Halong City towards noon and proceed with check-in formalities. After being welcomed on board we will have lunch while cruising towards the bay itself. In the afternoon, enjoy some visits and/or activities or just spend some time relaxing on board. Towards the end of the day the boat sets anchor for the night among the karst formations. Dinner is served on board. Overnight on Halong Bay.
Enjoy the fresh morning in the middle of the bay, the sun rises on Halong in the morning and breakfast is served while the vessels cruise slowly through the magnificent rock formations and back towards port. Disembark and transfer back to Hanoi.
Arrive in Hanoi late in the afternoon, transfer to Noi Bai Airport for our flight to Danang.
Arriving at Danang Airport, we will be warmly welcomed by our local guide and transferred to check in the hotel. Overnight in Danang.
After breakfast at the hotel, we will visit Cam Thanh Water coconut village, have a brief introduction to the history there. Take on the basket boat along the water coconut river. Fishermen will teach us how to catch the crabs (02 pax/ boat). Disembark on the boat, back to Hoian Town. Lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon we will discover Hoi An. One of the best ways to discover Hoi An and its surroundings is by walking, during our leisurely walk we will visit some of the historic merchant and community houses, places of worship and famous Japanese Covered Bridge, the daily life of the local people: green paddy fields, vegetable gardens, markets, temples, historic houses, fishermen and stunning countryside scenes will simply mesmerize you. This tour offers great photo opportunities and you may find yourself chatting with the locals and inhaling unforgettable memories. Overnight at hotel in Danang.
After breakfast at the hotel, our local guide will meet us at the lobby and transfer to Danang - the fourth largest city in Vietnam, the gateway to the central provinces and a sea port with nice beaches and resort
Today we will visit this mountainous theme park perched 1,500m high on a mountain, a hill resort inherited from the French – Bana Hills. The site was first developed by the French in the 1920s, who escaped the summer heat for its cool, mountain air.
Arrive at the Cable car station at the foot of Ba Na Mountain. Enjoy the first leg cable car, which achieved two Guinness World records in 2009, longest non-stop cable car (5,042m) and highest non-stop cable car (1,292m). Sitting in the cabin, in mid-air, looking upon the endless tree line of the forests, brings you with spectacular views of the lush jungle and fairly waterfalls along the way. Experience pristine ecological systems of the Ba Na Mountains will leave you with a sense of unforeseeable discovery.
You will visit the Le Jardin, old wineries, remains of French Villas and Ling Ung Pagoda with 27m high Buddha status. We then leave Le Jardin for the second cable car station to visit the top of the mountain and see the remains of old villas. Conquer the Peak of Chua Mountain at the height of 1,487m. View the whole Danang city under the cluster of white clouds. Leave Peak of Chua Mountain, visit the trail of Dreaming Stream, Rainbow Waterfall, Suspension Bridge, Golden Valley, and ruined Opera House, play with wild monkeys and take photos, Stroll through the Golden Bridge amid the foggy hills of the mountain, enjoy the gorgeous view of Da Nang city. Buffet Lunch on Bana Hills. Return to Cable car station and get back to Danang.
Tour continues to explore Danang with a visit to the Linh Ung Pagoda. This serene compound features stunning views over the sea and the Cham Islands. The pagoda is dominated by a 67-meter statue of Guanyin, the goddess of mercy. The locals believe Guanyin protects fishermen from danger so it is not uncommon to see devotees making offerings or saying prayers at the base of the statue.
Afterward, you will explore the famous Han Market, where you can purchase souvenirs for your beloved ones. Overnight at hotel in Danang.
Three more free days in Da Nang are waiting for us. If you have already enjoyed the sun and the beach, today you are welcome to visit museums and historical and cultural sites. For example, visit the Museum of Cham Sculpture and get acquainted with Cham tribe’s history. Another place worth to visit is The Fifth Military Division Museum, where you can see tanks, military aircraft, historical photos. Shortly saying, you will not get bored in Da Nang as well.
Free at your own leisure time until transfer to Danang Airport for your domestic flight to Hochiminh.
Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport, all guests are warmly welcomed by our local guide then transfer to check in the hotel.
Afternoon, you will visit Independence Palace (Reunification Palace), War Remnants Museum (closed Mondays). Afterwards, stroll through the major sights of colonial Ho Chi Minh City: the Old Saigon Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral inaugurated in 1880 became the spiritual and cultural crucible of the French presence in the Orient as was the Post office designed by Gustav Eiffel and resembling a grand railway station, Dong Khoi Street (formerly Rue Catinat), Continental Hotel, Opera House and Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee (formerly Hôtel de Ville) which is one of the most photographed buildings in Vietnam - notable for its gardens, ornate facade and elegant interior lit with crystal chandeliers. Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at hotel in Hochiminh.
Morning meet our local guide in the lobby of your hotel and drive to My Tho, the heart of the Mekong delta, famous for its vast rice fields and most beautiful landscapes. Visit the Vinh Trang Pagoda en route and stop by the bank of Tien Giang river. Take a boat trip on Mekong River to Phoenix Island where local handicrafts and sweets from coconut are being produced. Enjoy fresh seasonal fruits and traditional live music and songs performance. Take a short ride on a Tuk Tuk to a typical local house to taste some homemade honey-tea. Proceed by small sampan boats through the small canals and side arms of the river to observe the daily life along the river banks with a stop and short leisurely walk at the Turtle Island. Lunch at a local restaurant.
Driving back to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. Overnight at hotel in Hochiminh.
This is how our journey will end and we will leave for our lovely Yerevan with unforgettable impressions.
