Vibrant Vietnam
Vibrant Vietnam
Vibrant Vietnam
13 Days Starting in Hanoi, Vietnam and ending in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Visiting: Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, Hoi An, Hue, Ho Chi Minh City
Tour operator:
Tour code:
2720-2024
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
5-99
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Activities:
Tour Overview
With its long history, interesting culture, and sprawling landscapes, Vietnam offers something for everyone. Sightseeing tours in the cities feature the must-see sites, including Hanoi’s One Pillar Pagoda, built in 1049; Hoi An’s Japanese Covered Bridge; and Hue’s impressive Imperial Citadel. In Ho Chi Minh City, your sightseeing includes the War Remnants Museum, and the Cu Chi region, where you'll get to explore the deep, narrow tunnels constructed by the Viet Cong during the war. Vietnam isn’t just home to beautiful temples and historic sites though! You'll enjoy seeing some of Vietnam's most gorgeous sights and destinations via the water. A highlight of the trip is your cruise on Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with some of the world's most amazing limestone formations. You'll sail by islets, caves, beaches, and floating villages. In Ninh Binh, a boat ride through the Trang An Landscape Complex, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, takes you through more spectacular scenery. You'll also enjoy a cruise in Hoi An on the Thu Bon River, where you'll pass unspoiled countryside.These are just some of the many highlights on this tour through Vietnam. From the historic sites to the stunning scenery, this Vietnam tour designed for savvy, value-minded travel lovers is a vacation of a lifetime!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Hanoi,Vietnam
Location: Hanoi
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Lapis Hotel
Welcome to Vietnam’s capital city. Hotel rooms are available for a mid-afternoon check-in.
Day 2 : Hanoi
Location: Hanoi
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Lapis Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today’s included sightseeing tour takes you to many of the city’s highlights, including the Temple of Literature, a peaceful series of walled courtyards and gateways, and One Pillar Pagoda, designed to resemble a lotus blossom. You will also see Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house, Hoan Kiem Lake, and the fascinating network of alleyways and shop houses that make up the Old Quarter. Enjoy lunch at Koto, a non-profit restaurant and hospitality program created to teach local children restaurant skills for stable employment opportunities. This evening, you may choose to join an optional performance of Hanoi’s famed water puppets.
Day 3 : Hanoi - Ha Long Bay
Location: Ha Long Bay
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ha Long Plaza Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Drive to Ha Long Bay, one of Vietnam’s most scenic destinations, and board your afternoon cruise through the stunning bay. Enjoy lunch on board as you sail through the dramatic limestone islands, then explore the Sung Sot (Surprising Cave) and visit Titov Island.
Day 4 : Ha Long Bay - Ninh Binh
Location: Ninh Binh
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Emeralda Resort Ninh Binh
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive to Ninh Binh, often referred to as Ha Long Bay on land. This afternoon, visit Trang An Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site for a cruise through the stunning scenery of rugged peaks and valleys lined with rice fields. You’ll also visit Hoa Lu, the first capital of Vietnam dating back to the 10th century. Continue to your resort.
Day 5 : Ninh Binh
Location: Ninh Binh
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Emeralda Resort Ninh Binh
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Start your day with a visit to the Bai Dinh Temple complex to see the towering 13-floor pagoda and 30-foot-high bronze Buddha statue. Then, visit Bich Dong Pagoda, a three-tiered ancient pagoda nestled into a mountainside along with a cluster of cave temples. Lastly, travel to Mua Cave viewpoint and marvel at the stunning vistas of this breathtaking area. Save your energy as there are approximately 500 steps to the top! Enjoy some time at leisure this afternoon.
Day 6 : Ninh Binh - Hoi An
Location: Hoi An
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: La Siesta Hoi An Resort and Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast
Drive to Hanoi and board a flight to Danang on Vietnam’s central coast. On arrival, transfer to nearby Hoi An, Vietnam’s active trading center. The well-preserved architecture here reflects the influence of Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, French, and British traders.
Day 7 : Hoi An
Location: Hoi An
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: La Siesta Hoi An Resort and Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Start today with a walking tour of Hoi An Ancient Town including an old merchant house, the Hoi An Museum, a Chinese assembly Hall, and the Japanese Covered Bridge. For lunch, sample Cao Lao noodles, Hoi An’s most famous dish. The smoked, chewy noodles have a distinctive taste and are unique to Hoi An. Afterwards, take a cruise on the Thu Bon River, passing unspoiled countryside before visiting with a local farmer to learn about life on the river. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.
Day 8 : Hoi An
Location: Hoi An
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: La Siesta Hoi An Resort and Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a full day to explore on your own. Perhaps spend it at the beach, take an excursion to My Son, or explore pottery and wood carving villages.
Day 9 : Hoi An - Hue
Location: Hue
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Indochine Palace
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Visit the Cham Museum, then continue through the spectacular Hai Van Pass (weather permitting) to Hue. After lunch, get a glimpse of Vietnam’s unique past when you visit the tombs of the Nguyen Emperors: the Khai Dinh Mausoleum and the Royal Tomb of Tu Duc.
Day 10 : Hue - Ho Chi Minh City
Location: Ho Chi Minh City
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: La Siesta Premium Saigon Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Begin today with a visit to the Imperial Citadel and Thien Mu Pagoda, the unofficial symbol of the city. The Thien Mu Pagoda has seven tiers, each dedicated to a step assumed by Buddha to reach enlightenment. Later, fly to Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 11 : Ho Chi Minh City
Location: Ho Chi Minh City
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: La Siesta Premium Saigon Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today explore Vietnam’s largest and most vibrant city. Your walking tour takes you along Dong Khoi Street (formerly Rue Catinat) past the Rex Hotel, Ho Chi Minh Square, the Municipal Theatre, Central Post Office, and Notre Dame Cathedral. Next, visit the War Remnants Museum, followed by Ben Thanh Market, the largest and oldest in the city. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.
Day 12 : Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnels Excursion
Location: Ho Chi Minh City
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: La Siesta Premium Saigon Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today, visit the Cu Chi tunnels, an extraordinary network of tunnels more than 120 miles long used by the Viet Cong as a hideout and secret village during the war. See secret trapdoors, underground kitchens, living areas, and meeting rooms. If you are feeling adventurous, you may enter and explore the deep, narrow tunnels. This evening, join your travel companions for a farewell dinner in a local restaurant.
Day 13 : Ho Chi Minh City
Location: Ho Chi Minh City
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your tour ends with breakfast this morning.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Accommodation includes stays at The Lapis Hotel in Hanoi, Ha Long Plaza Hotel in Halong city, Emeralda Resort Ninh Binh, La Siesta Hoi An Resort and Spa, Indochine Palace in Hue, and La Siesta Premium Saigon Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. It may occasionally be necessary to use alternative hotels of a similar standard to those shown.
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Fully Guided
The tour includes fully guided sightseeing tours in various cities, including visits to must-see sites such as Hanoi’s One Pillar Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house, and the Cu Chi tunnels.
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Meals
The tour includes 12 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 3 dinners.
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Transportation
Transportation includes drives to various destinations such as Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, and Hoi An, as well as flights from Hanoi to Danang and from Hue to Ho Chi Minh City.
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Cruises
Enjoy a cruise in Ha Long Bay and a cruise on the Thu Bon River in Hoi An.
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
Tipping and gratuities are not included in the tour package.
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International Travel
International travel to and from Vietnam is not included in the tour package.
UNESCO Sites
Ha Long Bay|Hoi An Ancient Town|Imperial Citadel Hue|Kai Dinh Mausoleum|Royal Tomb of Tu Duc|Thien Mu Pagoda|Trang An Landscape Complex
Small Group
Cosmos offers Small-Group Discoveries on select Asia tour dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 20 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Cosmos escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized tour—without the crowds.
Accommodation
The Lapis Hotel in Hanoi offers a central location near the French and Old Quarters, with amenities like an on-site restaurant and rooftop pool. Ha Long Plaza Hotel in Halong city provides excellent services and relaxation options. Emeralda Resort Ninh Binh features spacious rooms and beautiful gardens. La Siesta Hoi An Resort and Spa combines Hoi An charm with modern influences. Indochine Palace in Hue offers a variety of amenities including a pool, gym, and spa services. La Siesta Premium Saigon Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City offers elegance and proximity to famous sights.
Mode of Transport
Transportation includes drives to various destinations such as Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, and Hoi An, as well as flights from Hanoi to Danang and from Hue to Ho Chi Minh City.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of transportation is included in the tour?
Transportation includes drives to various destinations such as Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, and Hoi An, as well as flights from Hanoi to Danang and from Hue to Ho Chi Minh City.
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What types of meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes 12 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 3 dinners.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
The tour includes stays at various hotels such as The Lapis Hotel in Hanoi, Ha Long Plaza Hotel in Halong city, Emeralda Resort Ninh Binh, La Siesta Hoi An Resort and Spa, Indochine Palace in Hue, and La Siesta Premium Saigon Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. It may occasionally be necessary to use alternative hotels of a similar standard.
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Are there any UNESCO World Heritage Sites included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes visits to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Ha Long Bay, Hoi An Ancient Town, Imperial Citadel Hue, Khai Dinh Mausoleum, Royal Tomb of Tu Duc, Thien Mu Pagoda, and Trang An Landscape Complex.
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Is there an option for a small group tour?
Yes, Cosmos offers Small-Group Discoveries on select Asia tour dates, limited to an average of just 20 guests per departure. These include all the features of a traditional Cosmos escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides.
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What activities are included in the Hanoi city tour?
The Hanoi city tour includes visits to the Temple of Literature, One Pillar Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house, Hoan Kiem Lake, and the Old Quarter. You will also have lunch at Koto, a non-profit restaurant and hospitality program.
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What can I expect during the Ha Long Bay cruise?
During the Ha Long Bay cruise, you will sail through dramatic limestone islands, explore the Sung Sot (Surprising Cave), and visit Titov Island. Lunch will be served on board.
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What are the highlights of the Ninh Binh visit?
In Ninh Binh, you will visit the Bai Dinh Temple complex, Bich Dong Pagoda, and Mua Cave viewpoint. You will also have a cruise through the Trang An Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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What will I see during the Hoi An walking tour?
The Hoi An walking tour includes visits to an old merchant house, the Hoi An Museum, a Chinese assembly hall, and the Japanese Covered Bridge. You will also sample Cao Lao noodles for lunch and take a cruise on the Thu Bon River.
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What is included in the Ho Chi Minh City tour?
The Ho Chi Minh City tour includes a walking tour along Dong Khoi Street, visits to the Rex Hotel, Ho Chi Minh Square, the Municipal Theatre, Central Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral, the War Remnants Museum, and Ben Thanh Market.
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What can I expect during the Cu Chi tunnels excursion?
During the Cu Chi tunnels excursion, you will visit an extraordinary network of tunnels used by the Viet Cong during the war. You will see secret trapdoors, underground kitchens, living areas, and meeting rooms. If you are feeling adventurous, you may enter and explore the deep, narrow tunnels.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1961
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Cosmos is committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and to reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. We are committed to complying with all relevant legislation and/or regulations.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
All guests are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for travel through February, 2023. Beginning March 1, 2023, while we highly recommend vaccination, we will no longer require it. We ask all guests to comply with airline and destination requirements, which still may apply. To check your destination requirements for your travel dates, view the Latest Travel & Health Restrictions for Travel.
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Low Deposit
Cosmos requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of cosmos charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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