Private car tour of Vietnam

Day 1: En Route

Depart the U.S.A./Canada on your flight to Hanoi, Vietnam.

Day 2:  Arrive Hanoi

Welcome to Vietnam! Arrival Hanoi. Meeting, assistance and private transfer to your hotel for overnight.  Rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 3: Hanoi

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is a blend of long-established traditions and modern imprints of Western influence. Begin the day visiting Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (subject to opening schedule) where his embalmed body is kept. Then walk through the park to see the former French Governor’s Palace and the wooden cabin commonly known as Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House in which he lived from 1958 till his final days in 1969. Continue to visit the 11th century lotus-shaped One Pillar Pagoda, the 11th century Temple of Literature dedicated to Confucius and once the Mandarin Training School in the olden days, and Old Quarter where is the heart and soul of the locals. Head on to Hoan Kiem Lake to visit the historical Ngoc Son Temple, built on a lush green islet. Return to the hotel. (B)

Optional: Evening enjoy a Water Puppet Show – a fantastic art form originating in northern Vietnam, best seen in Hanoi.

Day 4:  Hanoi / Halong Bay Cruise

Today depart Hanoi to Halong Bay. Welcome on board the deluxe Halong Bay Cruise for the night with the stunning view of this wonder. While enjoying lunch on board, cruise sets sail through landscape of thousands islets, limestone cliffs and caves. Enjoy a sumptuous dinner and overnight on board of the cruise. (B.L.D)

Day 5:  Halong Bay Cruise / Hanoi / Hue

Wake up and enjoy the fresh morning in the middle of the bay. Start your day by joining a Tai Chi lesson on the sundeck. Breakfast will be served on board while cruising back to the port, passing the majestic peaks. Disembark and depart for Hanoi Airport for flight to Hue – the last imperial dynasty of Vietnam ruled for more than 140 years with majestic citadel, ancient palaces and emperors tombs. Arrive Hue, transfer by private car to the hotel and overnight. (B)

Day 6: Hue

Hue is a city of history and culture in central Vietnam. Start your discovery of Hue with a relaxing boat trip journey on the Perfume River; visit Thien Mu Pagoda – one of the oldest pagodas and the most famous structure in the country. Depart to visit the ruins of the Royal Imperial City and the Imperial Citadel. Drive back to the city past the striking Flag Tower, to the imposing Ngo Mon Gate. Enter into an area of spacious courtyards and serene lotus ponds and visit the Hue Royal Antiquities Museum. Continue to the Imperial Tomb of Tu Duc – the longest reigning Vietnamese emperor, designed and built this elegant tomb during his lifetime. Also visit the Garden House before returning to your hotel in Hue.  (B)

Day 7: Hue / Hoi An

Morning depart Hue, drive along the incredible scenic mountain pass to Hoi An – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of South East Asia’s major trading ports during 17^th to 19^th centuries. Start your walking tour to explore the picturesque Hoi An Ancient Town. The quirky mix of Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese and European influences make this ancient town a photographers’ paradise. Walk through the narrow winding streets of the old quarter with ancient temples and merchant homes over 200 years old. Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, Sa Huynh Museum, Tran Family Chapel, and Phuoc Kien Assembly Hall. Transfer to your hotel in Hoi An and overnight. (B)

Day 8: Hoi An

In the morning, journey to My Son, the former religious centre of the Champa Kingdom, a sophisticated civilization which held sway over the region from the 4th to the 13th centuries. After a brief visit to the Visitor’s Centre for an overview of Cham history and culture, visit each ruin in turn, walking along forested paths.  Afternoon drive back to Hoi An and afternoon is free at leisure. (B)

Day 9: Hoi An / Danang / Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Morning depart by private car to Danang, pass by the famous My Khe Beach also known as “South China Beach”. Arrive Danang, visit the Cham Museum with the finest collection of Cham sculpture in the world, and the Marble Mountains. Transfer to Danang Airport for flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) – the ever-vibrant buzzing city with sleek skyscrapers loom over incense-infused temples and motorcycles rule the roads. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel in the city center of Saigon. (B)

Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City

Morning depart by private car to the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels, a 125-mile-long underground network; this tunnel system stretched to the Cambodian border. Return to the city and visit the classic European-style landmarks such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Opera House (view from outside only), the ornate City Hall and the art-deco Post Office. Continue to the Reunification Palace and the War Remnants Museum.  Free time to browse the stalls in the bustling Ben Thanh Market before returning to the hotel. (B)

Day 11: Depart Ho Chi Minh City

Transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport for your departure flight; or extend your journey to Cambodia. (B)

CAMBODIA EXTENSION by Private Car

4 Days / 3 Nights

Day 11:  Ho Chi Minh City / Siem Reap, Cambodia

Welcome to the Kingdom of Cambodia! Arrival in Siem Reap and transfer by private car to the hotel. Cambodia is much more than temples. Its history is both inspiring and sobering, uplifting and heartbreaking. Start your walking tour today to the Angkor National Museum to discover more about Khmer history and culture. Wandering through the streets to Preah Ang Chek Preah Ang Chorm Shrine, once a royal palace during the reign of King Sisowath. Continue your journey to Wat Preah Prom Rath, an ancient pagoda. Free time to explore the new and old markets located on either side of the river before returning to the hotel. (B)

NOTE: Flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap NOT included and must be added) 

Day 12: Siem Reap: Angkor

After breakfast this morning, depart to visit Angkor, a legendary UNESCO World Heritage Site and the “Wonder of the Ancient World”. Explore the Angkor Wat, one of the world’s most impressive temples constructed between the 9th and 13th centuries and the largest Hindu structure in the world. Continue the visit to the picturesque Ta Prohm. This beautiful temple is one of Angkor’s most impressive structures and is overgrown with fig trees, giving a haunting and exotic atmosphere. The fortified city of Angkor Thom includes many of Angkor’s most popular sights. Continue to the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper Kings, former spaces for public ceremonies, both adorned with dramatic bas-reliefs. Your guide will take you to a serene viewpoint where you can experience the dramatic sunset over the magnificent Angkor. Transfer back to the hotel. (B)

Day 13: Siem Reap: Angkor

This morning, continue your tour to Angkor for many other magnificent temples, including the Banteay Srei Temple, Bagon Temple, Preah Khan, Ta Keo and Banteay Kdei Temple. Later, aboard a boat excursion on the Tonle Sap Lake visit the Kampong Phluk Floating Village, where close to 1,000 families live and make their living fishing on the Tonle Sap. Return to the hotel and remainder of the day is at leisure. (B)

Day 14: Depart Siem Reap

Transfer to Siem Reap Airport for your departure flight or optional extension to Thailand, Myanmar or Laos, please inquire.  (B)

These are sample itineraries which can be further customized to suit your preference. Prices will be quoted upon request according to the date of travel and the number of  passengers in your vehicle.

(B) Breakfast        (L) Lunch        (D) Dinner

VISA REQUIRED FOR VIETNAM & CAMBODIA

Deluxe Hotels & Halong Bay Cruise:

Other hotels are available, please inquire.

Land cost on request based on number of participants and category of hotels.

For further details and booking
Contact Noor at
905-771-7800 Ext.484
noor@aufgangtravel.com