TRAVEL SERVICE & RESERVATION – DAVID J POTTER

Day 1 – 05 May. Hanoi (arrival)

Arrive airport in Hanoi at 07:25 – VN778, our driver welcomes and transfers you to hotel.

Around 16.45 tour guide picks you up to watch a Thang Long Water puppet theater (57B P. Đinh Tiên Hoàng) enjoy water puppet show at 17:15 PM. The show is from 17:15 – 18:15.

Then go to the train street.

Have dinner at a restaurant we booked for you at Cai Mam Restaurant (20 Hoi Vu street).

Drop you off at the hotel at around 20:30

• Overnight at Shining Central Hotel in Hanoi.
• N/A

Day 2 – 06 May. Hanoi → Ha Long Bay

Breakfast at hotel. Check out the hotel, you can ask the hotel to keep big bags for you as you will be back and stay more at this hotel. Just bring small bags for Halong bay trip.

08:20 – 08:40AM , our guide picks you up at your hotel and go to Halong bay on a shuttle bus. Take a rest at Humanity center and enjoy local specialties after 2h.

11: 45 – 12: 00 – welcome at waiting room 26 Tuan Chau harbour in Halong Bay

12:00 . You will be taken on our tender from the wharf and make your way out onto the bay to board our luxurious craft, Sapphire Cruise. You will be welcome aboard and greeted with a complimentary drink. Our Crew will conduct a compulsory safety procedures session and then you are free to check into your cabin and freshen up. Take some time to have a look around the vessel or watch the magical landscape go by.

13: 15  While our boat starts to cruise ,  enjoy the special lunch of fresh  seafood and vietnamese food  cooked by one of the best Chef in halong bay . 

15:00  After cruising for nearly 2 hours to explore the tranquil Bay , passing by thousands of islands and islets , the boat reaches the best area to do kayaking to see a lot of amazing limestone karst landscapes . Our boat will not bring you to the crowded and tiny beach for swimming . Our boat will stop in the middle of the Bay so that you can have chance to jump into water , take a backflip or somersault ..

16:30  Keep cruising to admire the stunning beauty of the Bay from our Sundeck where you can capture great  photos

17:00  Attend the cooking class opened right on the Sundeck , our guide will show you how to prepare and make our vietnamese traditional dish that is spring roll

17: 45  Join the Sunset party , enjoy fresh fruit , making friends with other members in the group , listening to soft and light music.

19 :00  Enjoy the special Dinner with fusion food prepared by the excellent skills of decoration of our Chef .

20: 30  Your free time to relax with an exotic cocktail or whatever takes your fancy. Our bar has a wide range of wines, beers, and liquors and is always a welcome sight for guests after a day on Bay. Order a Spa service or take any activities on boat cruise such as watching documentary movies, squid fishing or simply relax on our rooftop deck under the cover of a star filled sky.

• Overnight on Sapphire Cruise in Ha Long Bay
• B,L,D

Day 3 – 07 May. Halong bay → Hanoi

05:45 – The nicest time of the day on Lan Ha Bay is the morning. Head to the upper deck to participate in our daily Tai Chi sessions. Relax with an early morning cup of tea, coffee or juice anywhere you wish on the boat and watch the never-ending miraculous scenery unfold before you.

06:30 – Light breakfast will be served in our restaurant (pastries, tea, coffee)

7:00 – 8:15 – Enjoy the last stage of your trip to Dark & Bright cave and islets by local rowing boats which is a wild and mysterious beauty in the middle of the World Heritage. Back to our main board afterward.

09:15-9:30 – Check out of your cabin as we draw closer to the mainland.

09:45 Enjoy your brunch on the boat.

11:00 you will board our tender and head back to the wharf where you will be met by your return trip vehicle to transfer you to Hanoi.

11:45 Tour ends at TuanChau habour in Halong

15:00 – 15:30 drop off your hotel.

Your leisure time in the city on your own.

• Overnight at Shining Central Hotel in Hanoi.
• B,L

Day 4 – 08 May. Hanoi (city tour)→ Hoi An

Morning, breakfast at hotel. Please check out after breakfast, you can leave your big luggage at your hotel (please ask staff there to keep in store for you), as you will be back and go to the airport from the hotel. 

08:30AM, Get picked up by our friendly guide and start to explore Hanoi City.

08.45: Arrive at Tran Quoc Pagoda located on Golden Fish IsLand in West Lake. It is the oldest pagoda in Ha Noi built in the 6th century.

09.30: Visit Ho Chi Minh complex, you have a chance to see the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh then walk around the garden to see 2 houses where he lived & worked from 1954 to 1969

Then visit One Pillar Pagoda where worships the Godess of Mercy – It is the most unique padoga in the world.

• Should dress modestly by covering from shoulders to knees when visiting Ho Chi Minh mausoleum, temples, pagodas…
• Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is closed on Mondays and Fridays.
• Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is closed at least 2 months (15thJune -15thAugust) for the annual maintaining but still can take picture Mausoleum and visit around that area

11.15: Visit Vietnam Ethnology Museum to learn about the culture of 54 ethnic groups living in the whole country of Vietnam.

Special Note: we will visit Women Museum instead of Ethnology Museum closed on Mondays

12.45: Have lunch at our restaurant. You have an opportunity to enjoy Vietnamese cuisine.

14.00 – 14.15 : Continue to visit Temple of Literature – the first university of Vietnam, established in the 11 century.

15.15: Leave for Hoa Lo Prison Museum which originally used by the French colonists in Indochina for political prisoners, and later by North Vietnam for U.S. prisoners of war during the Vietnam War. During this later period, it was known to American POWs as the “Hanoi Hilton“.

After tour, back to hotel.

After that, at 17:00 we transfer you to airport for flight to Da Nang – VJ515 (19:30 – 20:50). Once arrived in Da Nang airport, you’ll be taken to Hoi An hotel for your stay.

• Overnight at Silkotel Hoi An in Hoi An.
• B,L

Day 5 – 09 May. Hoi An (My Son Sanctuary)

Morning breakfast at hotel.

At 08:30AM, Our guide picks you up at hotel and leave Hoi An for visiting My Son Holly Land – the ruins of Cham people and was an imperial city during Cham dynasty. Here you can have more chance to explore and understand of technique of Old Cham people in making red bricks to build Tower which still now a secret to everyone, you can see a large complex of religious relics that comprises more than 65 architectural works. It also surprises for those who are curious with architectural art. In 1999, UNESCO labeled the Cham architecture in My Son as a World Cultural Heritage Site.

Have lunch at local restaurant. Afternoon, your leisure time in Hoi An.

• Overnight at Silkotel Hoi An in Hoi An.
• B,L

Day 6 – 10 May. Hoi An (Leisure)

Morning breakfast at hotel. Your leisure time for walking around the Old Town for shopping and relax.

• Overnight at Silkotel Hoi An in Hoi An.
• B

Day 7 – 11 May. Hoi An → Da Nang

Morning, breakfast at hotel. It’s your leisure time for walking around the Old Town for shopping and relax.

Around 12:00PM, our driver transfers you to Da Nang. Rest of the day is your leisure time to discover the city on your own.

• Overnight at Stella Maris Danang Hotel in Da Nang.
• B

Day 8 – 12 May. Da Nang (visit Bana hills)

Breakfast at hotel.

08:30 AM: our tour guide picks you up at hotel lobby. Reach Ba Na Hills via Cable Car. Spend your time on the most modern Cable Car in Southeast Asia, visit Dream Stream Cable car Station and see the panorama of Quang Nam – Da Nang City on high.

After finishing the first cable car, you will visit The Golden Bridge – which has the most exotic structure and also the world’s most prominent pedestrian bridges highlighted by the British Guard newspaper, France wine cellar, Le Jardin D’amourn (consists of 9 gardens), Linh Ung pagoda.

Continue the 2nd Cable Car to visit the French Village (enjoy Street Music, watch Art’s statue), Campanile, Nine Floor Goddess Shrine, Tombstone Temple, Linh Phong Monastery, Linh Chua Linh Tu Temple & Tru Vu Tea Shop.

Watch Carnival Performance Show, Square Du Dome. Challenge the most popular adventure ride – Slide of Tube Car (free ride).

The new funicular railway will take tourists from Kingdom of the Sun to the new construction launches – The Castle of the Moon.

Lunch at Restaurant (Buffet).

Join in Fantasy Park with Walking in Fairy Forest, discover Dinosaur Park, play 5D wild west, enjoy 4D death race ride, watch 3D mega 360 degree, ride on Journey into the underground, enter Jurassic Park, challenge Freefall Tower and participate in adventure in Horror House and over 90 free games.

15:00: Return to the Cable Car for leaving Ba Na Hills.

16:45 – 17:45: Our Minivan brings you back to your hotel.

• Overnight at Stella Maris Danang Hotel in Da Nang.
• B,L

Day 9 – 13 May. Da Nang (visit Marble mountains/Monkey mountain/Am Phu cave)

Morning, breakfast at hotel.

At 08:30AM, The tour starts from the morning where our guide will pick you up from the hotel.

Firstly, we will visit Marble Mountain, is the group of five hills, made of limestone and marble. They look like 5 fingers lying close to the sea. There are several caves,temples, pagodas. The marble mountain has become one of the must-see destinations for those who enjoy the beauty of nature and want a respite from the busy urban areas.

At the foot of the mountains there is a traditional marble fine art village which is over 300 years old. You will admire its talented craftsmen, their creativity and their uniquely beautiful works.

Say good bye to Marble Mountains we will come back local family for Vietnamese lunch.

After lunch, we continue to visit Am Phu cave (the hell cave). We will learn many interesting philosophies of buddhism. The Am Phu cave features a harmonious combination of folklore and buddhism’s valuable philosophy of humanity. The scenes of horror mentioned-above intend to educate human beings about doing good deeds in life and to ‘turn over a new leaf’ to stop a bad habit or make a positive change to their characters.

Returning to the bus we will continue to explore Monkey Mountains, here we will enjoy panorama view  from high position. In Monkey Mountain, you will visit Linh Ung pagoda,one of the biggest pogoda in Da Nang city  and the highest lady buddha statue in vietnam – 67m. We have plenty of time to take photo and relaxing  at this beautiful area if we are lucky, we can see a lot of monkey around the pagoda.

End tour and transfer back to your

• Overnight at Stella Maris Danang Hotel in Da Nang.
• B,L

Day 10 – 14 May. Da Nang → Ho Chi Minh

Morning, breakfast at hotel.

At 07:30, Our driver transfers you to airport for flight to Ho Chi Minh – VN113 (10:00 – 11:35)

Rest of the day is your leisure time to discover the city on your own.

• Overnight at Harmony Sai Gon Hotel in Ho Chi Minh.
• B

Day 11 – 15 May. Ho Chi Minh (Cu Chi & city tour)

Breakfast at hotel.

At 8:30 AM, our guide picks you up to visit Ho Chi Minh city. Depart for Cu Chi tunnel, the trip will take approximately one and a half hours bus driving. Upon arrival, before exploring the tunnels, you will have some short introduction followed by introductory video about how the tunnels were constructed and how the people survived in the harsh conditions of the war time. Then, spend your time to explore the remaining area and tunnel systems which included the special constructed living areas with kitchens, bedrooms side by side with other martial facilities like storage, weapons factories, field hospitals, and command centers helping whoever lives inside the tunnels meet their basic needs. Besides, there are also many hidden trap doors and dangerous traps within the maze-like tunnels for security
purpose during the war. Afterward, special tea and cassava (guerilla’s food during the war) will be served.

Break time for relax or time for those who want to try the real shooting gun.

Have lunch at restaurant in HCM city.

In the afternoon, visit Independence Palace, also known at the Reunification palace, was built on the sight of the former Norodom palace. The Independence palace is a widely known Landmark of Ho Chi Minh City and was designed by the architect Ngo Viet Thu. Continue seeing the beautiful structures from the French Colonial times such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, the historic Central Post Office. Followed by the remarkable site of the War Remnants Museum the museum has a vast display of the both the Indochina wars.

Return to Ho Chi Minh.

• Overnight at Harmony Sai Gon Hotel in Ho Chi Minh.
• B,L

Day 12 – 16 May. Ho Chi Minh → Mekong Delta

Breakfast at hotel. Check out the hotel, you can ask the hotel to keep big bags for you as you will be back and stay more at this hotel. Just bring small bags for Mekong delta trip.

At 8:30 AM, Pick up guests at the hotel in Ho Chi Minh City and depart for My Tho Port.‬ Boat cruise on the Tien River to view the four islets: Long, Lan, Quy, Phung.‬
‭The‬ ‭boat‬ ‭passes‬ ‭by‬ ‭floating‬ ‭fish‬ ‭farms‬ ‭along‬ ‭the‬ ‭Tien‬ ‭River,‬‭ offering ‬‭a ‬‭view‬ ‭of ‬‭Rach ‬‭Mieu‬ Bridge.‬
‭Arrive‬ ‭at‬ ‭Thoi‬ ‭Son‬ ‭islet:‬ ‭Stroll‬ ‭through‬ ‭village‬ ‭paths,‬ ‭visit‬ ‭fruit‬ ‭orchards,‬ ‭enjoy‬ ‭seasonal‬ fruits, and listen to traditional Southern Vietnamese music.‬
‭Rowing‬ ‭boat‬ ‭through‬ ‭small‬ ‭canals:‬ ‭Enjoy‬ ‭the‬ ‭peaceful‬ ‭riverine‬ ‭scenery,‬ ‭visit‬ ‭a‬ ‭honey‬ ‭bee‬ farm, and taste honey tea and banana wine.‬
‭Continue‬ ‭down‬ ‭the‬ ‭Tien‬ ‭River‬ ‭to‬ ‭Tan‬ ‭Thach‬ ‭Canal‬ ‭(Ben‬ ‭Tre):‬ ‭Visit‬ ‭a‬ ‭coconut‬ ‭candy‬ workshop, and explore traditional handicrafts.‬
‭Motor boat ‬‭excursion ‬‭on ‬‭Tan ‬‭Thach ‬‭canal: ‬‭Discover ‬‭the ‬‭daily ‬‭life ‬‭of‬ ‭local‬ ‭people, ‬‭have ‬‭lunch‬ at‬‭ a ‬‭local ‬‭restaurant.‬‭ The ‬‭eco-restaurant‬ ‭features‬‭ crocodile,‬‭ porcupine ‬‭farms,‬‭ frog, ‬‭and‬ ‭snake‬ farming‬ ‭models,‬ ‭hammocks‬ ‭for‬ ‭relaxing,‬ ‭and‬ ‭bicycles‬ ‭for‬ ‭exploring‬‭ fruit‬‭ or chards, ‬‭coconut‬ groves, and rice fields.‬
‭Horse-drawn‬ ‭carriage‬ ‭tour‬ ‭through‬ ‭village‬ ‭paths:‬ ‭Learn‬ ‭about‬ ‭the‬ ‭everyday‬ ‭life‬ ‭of‬ ‭local‬ ‭residents.‬
‭Return to My Tho Port to continue to Can Tho.‬

• Overnight at TTC Can Tho Hotel in Can Tho city.
• B,L

Day 13 – 17 May. Mekong Delta → Ho Chi Minh

Have breakfast at hotel.

Relaxing‬ ‭boat‬ ‭ride‬ ‭to‬ ‭explore‬ ‭the‬ ‭picturesque‬ ‭tributaries‬ ‭of‬ ‭the‬ ‭Hau‬ River, followed by a visit to the bustling Cai Rang Floating Market.‬
‭Visit‬ ‭a‬ ‭local‬ ‭noodle-making‬ ‭factory.‬ ‭Explore‬ ‭Munir‬ ‭Ansay‬ ‭Pagoda,‬ ‭a‬ ‭renowned‬ ‭Khmer‬ ‭pagoda with unique architecture.‬
‭Then, proceed to Son Islet, visit fish farms, fruit orchards, and enjoy seasonal fruits.‬
‭Lunch and return to Ho Chi Minh City, ending the tour.‬

• Overnight at Harmony Sai Gon Hotel in Ho Chi Minh city.
• B,L

Day 14 – 18 May. Ho Chi Minh → Siem Reap

Breakfast at hotel. Your leisure time until at 12:30 we transfer you to airport for flight to Siem Reap – K6 0829 (16:00 – 17:30)

• Overnight at Hari Residence & Spa in Siem Reap
• B

Day 15 – 19 May. Siem Reap (Explore the Angkor)

Breakfast at your hotel. 

At 08:30AM, our guide picks up you visit to the antique capital of Angkor Thom (literally: “Great City”), located in present day Cambodia, was the last and most enduring capital city of the Khmer empire. Continue your visit at the South Gate with its huge statues depicting the churning of the ocean of milk, the Bayon Temple, unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara, the Phimeanakas, the Royal Enclosure, the Elephants Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King.

Continue your visit to Ta Prohm, one of the most beautiful temples in Angkor. Ta Prohm has been relatively untouched since it was discovered and retains much of its mystery. Neak Pean, a fountain built in the middle of a pool (representing the paradisiacal Himalayan mountain-lake), Ta Som, built in late 12th century C.E. the most distant temple on the grand circuit, small but classic.

In the afternoon, visit Angkor Wat the most famous of all the temples on the plain of Angkor. The temple complex covers 81 hectares and is comparable in size to the Imperial Palace in Beijing. Its distinctive five towers are emblazoned on the Cambodian flag and the 12th century masterpiece is considered by art historians to be the prime example of classical Khmer art and architecture.

In the evening, enjoy a delicous dinner at a nice local restaurant in Seam Reap. Watch a Apsara dance show while dining.

• Overnight at Hari Residence & Spa in Siem Reap
• B,L,D

Day 16 – 20 May. Siem Reap (explore Beng Mealea)

At 08:00AM, we drive out of the city to go to Koh Ker. Abandoned to the forests of the north, Koh Ker, capital of the Angkorian empire from AD 928 to AD 944. It takes about 1.5 hour to reach Koh Ker. On arrival, we start to explore the complex.

We drive back to Siem Reap. On the way back, we stop at two famous temples: Prasat Neang Khmaw & Prasat Pram. Lunch at a local restaurant near Beng Mealea temple.

We visit Beng Mealea temple. Enjoy a short walk through the dense jungle and discover the wonders of an overgrown temple, Beng Mealea, which lay undiscovered for centuries. We proceed to the last one that we visit today, Banteay Srey, the “gem” of the Angkor area.

• Overnight at Hari Residence & Spa in Siem Reap
• B,L

Day 17 – 21 May. Siem Reap (Departure)

Morning, your breakfast at hotel.

8:30AM, start the tour by visiting the National Museum. Here, you can explore a collection of Khmer art, artifacts, and historical exhibits that provide insights into the culture and history of Cambodia.

After the museum, take a boat trip on Tonle Sap Lake, one of the largest lakes in Asia. This is an opportunity to enjoy stunning views of the lake and see some of the local fishing villages and floating communities that call it home.

After the lake tour, head to downtown to visit Artisan’s D’angkor, the carving art school, where you can witness the intricate art of stone carving and other traditional crafts. Next, continue your visit to Wat Thmei, a beautiful pagoda that is known for its memorial stupa that contains the skulls of Khmer Rouge victims.

Afterward, enjoy lunch and spend some leisure time in Siem Reap until at 14:50 our driver transfers you to Siem Reap airport for your departure flight home – VN812 ( 18:20 – 19:35).

• NA
• B,L

End of service!