DISCOVERY
CRUISE
BEACH LEISURE
01.11.23 Our travel adventure will start from Yerevan. And on 02.10.23 arriving in the morning in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, we will be met by a local guide and escorted to the hotel. We will have some time to rest and recover from the flight before lunch, and in the afternoon we will start a city tour of Hanoi.
Hanoy - City Tour
Our city tour kicks off with a visit to the Temple of Literature, established in 1076. Vietnam's first national university, the temple offers a captivating glimpse into the country's educational heritage. Its well-preserved architecture and serene gardens are a chance to delve into Vietnam's past.
Next, we'll visit the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake and the historic Ngoc Son Temple situated on a small island within the lake.
Then, get ready for an exhilarating adventure! We'll embark on a one-hour cyclo tour through the vibrant streets of Hanoi. This unique experience will immerse you in the daily life and hustle and bustle of the locals, allowing you to soak up the atmosphere of the Old Quarter.
Our next stop is the famous Dong Xuan Market, a shopper's paradise where you can find the perfect souvenirs for your loved ones.
This exciting day concludes with a must-see experience in Hanoi - the famous water puppet show! This traditional Vietnamese art form dates back to the 10th century and involves puppeteers skillfully maneuvering puppets on a stage submerged underwater. Mastering puppetry is a family tradition passed down through generations, making the show even more special. Sounds impressive, right?
Today, you will enjoy the journey to Ninh Binh for the 2.5-hour drive through rural northern Vietnam to the site of Vietnam’s first capital, Hoa Lu.
Arrive Ninh Binh you will start to explore rural village, valley by bicycle. Along the way, stop to take pictures of local villages and the stunning landscape.
Then visit Thai Vi Temple was dedicated Tran king and see the huge valley
In the late morning, enjoy a Vietnamese lunch at local restaurant
After lunch, get on the bus and transfer to visit Trang An Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a relaxing boat ride on a peaceful river passing through a series of caves. Trang An is a spectacular landscape of limestone karst peaks permeated with valleys, some of which are submerged, and surrounded by steep, almost vertical cli s. As the boat gently slices through the water, notice the enormous limestone karsts jutting out from the green rice elds giving rise to other name, ‘Halong on Land’. Officially designated as an ‘eco-tourism’ area, the only interruptions here are the sound of birds and the gentle paddle of the oar upon the crystal clear river.
Then transfer to the hotel in Ninh Binh and spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure. Overnight in Ninh Binh.
After breakfast, we'll embark on a scenic drive to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where your luxurious 5-star cruise awaits. Our spacious and elegant cruise ship promises exceptional comfort and breathtaking views.
Upon arrival at the pier, settle into your comfortable cabin and prepare to be awestruck by the bay's emerald waters and towering limestone formations. As we set sail, a delicious lunch will be served onboard.
After a delightful dinner, enjoy some free time to unwind on the sundeck, socialize with fellow travelers, or perhaps indulge in a spa treatment (own expense). As day turns to night, our cruise ship will find its tranquil anchorage amidst the majestic karst formations, ready for an evening of relaxation under the stars. In the morning, you'll wake up surrounded by the beauty of Halong Bay.
Another beautiful day dawns in the heart of Halong Bay. Rise and shine! Before breakfast, energize your body and mind with an optional Tai Chi class on deck. Alternatively, explore the hidden corners of Halong Bay with a thrilling kayaking adventure (choose one activity). Afterward, a delicious breakfast awaits onboard as our majestic cruise ship navigates slowly through the awe-inspiring limestone formations.
Upon arrival in Hanoi in the late afternoon after brunch, we will be transferred by comfortable car to Noi Bai Airport for your flight to Da Nang.
Upon arrival at Da Nang Airport, we will be met by our local guide and whisked away to your luxurious beachfront hotel in Da Nang, where you'll spend the night in style.
After breakfast at the hotel, we'll journey to the charming village of Cam Thanh, also known as the "water coconut village." Here, you'll delve into the village's unique history and traditions.
Then, get ready to try your hand at a local skill! Our expert fishermen will guide you through the art of catching shrimp during a relaxing bamboo boat cruise along the coconut river.
After the cruise, we'll return to Hoi An for a delicious lunch.
The afternoon is dedicated to exploring the captivating town of Hoi An on foot. Wander along narrow lanes lined with colorful shophouses, inhale the fragrant aromas of local delicacies, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere. We'll visit historical landmarks like the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge and delve into places of worship and traditional houses, gaining insights into the daily life of the locals. Endless rice fields, vegetable gardens, markets, temples, and historic houses will leave you breathless. Of course, capture all this with your camera to share unforgettable memories with friends.
After a day filled with discovery, we'll overnight in Hoi An, allowing you to explore further at your own pace in the evening.
After breakfast, we'll depart for Da Nang, Vietnam's fourth-largest city and a vibrant seaside hub. From here, we'll ascend to Bana Hills, a captivating theme park nestled atop a mountain at 1,500 meters. Established in the 1920s by the French as a summer retreat, Bana Hills offers a unique blend of history and thrilling adventures.
Our exhilarating journey begins with a ride on the world's longest single-track cable car system, offering breathtaking panoramic views of endless forests, lush jungles, and cascading waterfalls.
At the first station, we'll explore Le Jardin's French colonial charm, including old wineries, villa ruins, and the Ling Ung Pagoda, where a majestic 27-meter Buddha statue presides.
Continuing to the second station, we'll ascend further up the mountain and delve into the ruins of bygone villas.
Reaching the peak at 1,487 meters, panoramic vistas of Da Nang will unfold before us. We'll then embark on a scenic hike along the Dreaming Stream Trail, encountering Rainbow Falls, the thrilling Suspension Bridge, the Golden Valley, and the enigmatic Opera House ruins. Keep your eyes peeled for playful monkeys along the way! Finally, we'll walk across the iconic Golden Bridge, its form resembling a giant hand cradling the city below, capturing breathtaking views of Da Nang bathed in mist.
After lunch and a thrilling descent via cable car, we'll continue our exploration of Da Nang by visiting the Lin Ung Pagoda, a revered Buddhist sanctuary offering panoramic views of the sea and the Cham Islands. Here, we'll encounter the towering 67-meter statue of Guanyin, the compassionate goddess who protects seafarers.
We'll end the day with a visit to the famous Han Market, where you can find the perfect souvenirs before returning to our hotel in Da Nang.
We will have 1 free day in Da Nang to recover, enjoy various water entertainment, fishing and simply enjoy fresh seafood.
Enjoy a relaxed morning at your leisure before our transfer to Da Nang Airport for your domestic flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport, our local guide will greet you and whisk you away to your hotel for check-in.
This afternoon, we'll embark on a captivating discovery tour through Ho Chi Minh City, the vibrant heart of Southern Vietnam. We'll travel by both bus and foot, allowing us to soak in the city's unique atmosphere. Our exploration encompasses iconic landmarks like the Independence Palace, a symbol of Vietnam's reunification, and the War Remnants Museum, offering a poignant glimpse into the country's past. We'll also marvel at architectural gems like the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office, remnants of French colonial influence. No tour is complete without a stroll down Dong Khoi Street, lined with elegant shops and historical sites like the Continental Hotel and the Opera House. Finally, we'll be awestruck by the grandeur of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Building, famed for its beautiful gardens, ornate facade, and sparkling crystal chandeliers illuminating the elegant interior. After dinner, we'll return to the hotel for a well-deserved rest.
In the morning, we'll venture into the verdant heart of the Mekong Delta, known for its sprawling rice fields, hidden waterways, and warm hospitality. Our first stop is Ben Tre, a charming town brimming with local life and traditional crafts.
Hop on a traditional tricycle and feel the warm breeze in your hair as we journey along narrow country roads. Lush orchards bursting with exotic fruits and vibrant rice fields stretching as far as the eye can see will create a picture-perfect backdrop for this unique experience.
Our scenic river cruise will begin with a fascinating visit to a local coconut processing factory. As we glide along the tranquil delta waters, sipping on refreshing coconut juice, you'll gain insights into this important industry and witness the stunning scenery of the Mekong Delta.
We'll continue with a visit to a brick-making workshop, where the locals still use centuries-old traditional methods. From here, we'll embark on a bike ride to Mrs. Huong's house, where you can experience the warmth of Vietnamese hospitality. Her family lives by fishing, crabbing, and farming. Enjoy a taste of the tropics with fresh fruit and honey tea in her garden before embarking on a unique sampan and paddleboard adventure, allowing you to explore the maze of small canals and hidden waterways.
After a delicious local lunch (mention location if known), we'll delve deeper into the region's traditions. We'll visit Mr. Ba Tai's house to learn about the fascinating process of making rice wine. Finally, a memorable visit awaits us at Mr. Sau Tuong's home. A former Viet Cong soldier, he will share his story of resilience. Now, he and his wife make a living by creating rice paper, the most famous delicacy in Mai Long Village. We'll chat with him, enjoy some crispy rice paper made by his wife, and see how it's traditionally made.
The boat will be waiting for us at a nearby pier to take us back to Ben Tre, where the car will be ready to whisk us back to Saigon after an unforgettable day immersed in the Mekong Delta's rich culture and natural beauty.
This is how our journey will end and we will leave for our lovely Yerevan with unforgettable impressions.
