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DAY 1: LHR – Flight to Ho Chi Minh (Vietnam)
Depart from London Heathrow Airport to Vietnam.
DAY 2: Arrival Ho Chi Minh (Vietnam)
Welcome to Vietnam.
Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam, Follow sign for Arrival & Passport control, clear immigration, collect your luggage and follow sign for exit.
Our English speaking guide will greet you and transfer you to your hotel.
The rest of the day is at your leisure to recover from jet lag and get ready for the adventures awaiting you! (Vietnam is 7 hours ahead of UK GMT).
In the evening dinner at an Indian Restaurant.
Meals: Dinner Overnight: Ho Chi Minh
DAY 3: Ho Chi Minh City Tour
This morning after breakfast, begin our city tour at the Reunification Palace. Formerly the Independence Palace of the South Vietnamese president, this 60s style was famously stormed by tanks on April 30, 1975 signifying the fall of South Vietnam. It has been preserved in its original state, and the original tanks remain on display near the entrance gates. Pass by classic European-style landmarks such as the ornate City Hall (Hotel DeVille), the old Opera House (both may only be viewed from the outside), and pay a quick visit to the neo- Romanesque Notredame Cathedral and the Central Post Office.
Afterwards visit Emperor Of Jade Pagoda, one of Saigon’s most interesting pagoda.
In the afternoon, visit the harrowing War Remnants Museum, which comprehensively documents the travails of the long Vietnam- American War. Inside are detailed photographic exhibitions; outside is a collection of tanks, planes and weapons. A powerful experience, this museum is guaranteed to provoke strong emotions. We then head out to Cholon (Chinatown), which makes Saigon differ from other cities of Vietnam. Explore the highlights of this fascinating area, beginning with Thien Hau Pagoda, built by the Cantonese congregation and dedicated to the heavenly goddess.
End the day at Binh Tay Market, the vast wholesale market selling every kind of good from dried foods to T shirts to electronics. End our tour at the central Ben Thanh Market, where vendors display a vast array of goods and handicrafts, appealing to everytaste.
In the evening dinner at an Indian Restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Overnight: Ho Chi Minh
DAY 4: Cu Chi Tunnels
Today after breakfast, we depart to Tay Ninh to visit the Cao Dai Holysee, centre of the Caodaism Religion which combines Buddhism, Christianity, Taosim and Confucianism. We attend the High Mass, the most important one among 6 times per day to watch the only religion mass in the world.
This afternoon head outside the city to the region of Cu Chi to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels to see what life was like as a member of the Viet Cong based underground during the French and American wars.
Upon arrival at the tunnels, watch a short introductory video on the construction of the tunnels. The next hour is spent exploring the maze of tunnels, accompanied by the guide. You will have a chance to crawl into a short section of the tunnels to feel the oppressive narrowness and heat inside
Also on display are various mantraps and the remains of an American tank as well as numerous bomb craters made by 500-pound bombs from B52 bombers.
Late afternoon return to Saigon for the evening.
In the evening dinner at an Indian Restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Overnight: Ho Chi Minh
DAY 05: Cruise on Mekong Delta
After breakfast, we drive to TienGiang, one of the provinces of Mekong Delta. We visit My Tho City, the homeland of coconut and family factories with local products like coconut candy, rice paper.
Upon arrival, embark on the boat cruising on the mighty Mekong River viewing the life to the local people live along the banks. We stop at one of 4 islands in the area for sightseeing. Enjoy the fresh tropical fruits served in the heart of the garden accompanied by traditional southern Vietnamese folk music at the plantation. Embark on the small boats rowed the local people
thru the small cannels with water coconut tree to visit the local factories. There you will taste the honey tea and see the local people produce the coconut candy milk and of course you also can try it or mstroll in the garden where the locals feed honeybee.
This afternoon, we return to Saigon, with stop on the way to visit Vinh Trang pagoda, one of the biggest pagoda in the region. The beautiful structure features a mixture of Chinese, Vietnamese and Angkor (Cambodian) architectural styles. Continue visit the Dong Tam snake farm before returning to Ho Chi Minh City.
In the evening dinner at an Indian Restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Overnight: Ho Chi Minh
DAY 6: Flight Ho Chi Minh to Siem Reap (Cambodia)
Today after breakfast, free time at leisure. Later check out hotel and transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport (Ho Chi Minh City) to board your flight for Siem Reap in Cambodia.
Note: Meals are not provided on the flight. However you can purchase light refreshments.
Upon arrival at Siem Reap airport, collect your luggage and follow sign for exit. Watch out for our English speaking guide who will be holding a placard with ‘Welcome Cobra Holidays’ on it.
** Room check-in at 2pm in the afternoon. **
In the evening dinner at an Indian Restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Overnight: Siem Reap
DAY 7: Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Sunset – Apsara show
Today, you’ll understand why the architectural masterpieces of Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat, are designated as one of the “Seven Wonders of the World”.
After breakfast, we explore South Gate of Angkor Thom known as Big Angkor, 3km2 walled and moated royal city and was the last capital of the Angkorian Empire, The famous Bayon Temple was an architectural muddle, in part because it was constructed in a somewhat piecemeal fashion for over a century. Terrace of the Elephants is an impressive, two and a half meter tall, 300 meter long terrace wall adorned with carved elephants and gradual that spans the heart of Angkor Thom in front of Baphuon – huge temple mountain in the heart of Angkor Thom, Royal Palace Area and Phimeanakas – impressive rite and sandstone pyramid.
Terrace of the Leper King is at the north end of the Terrace of the Elephants, a double terrace wall with deeply carved nag as, demons and other mythological beings.
Last visit Ta Prohm temple which is a wonderful combination of human genius and natural beauty!
Giant trees have grown here for centuries!
This afternoon we visit Angkor Wat temple, the Cambodia ancient temple is one of the wonders of the oriental world. Masterpieces of decorative details as well as of architectural style, its awe-inspiring ruins survive as testament to the spectacular achievements of Southeast Asia greatest civilization. It is a replica of the universe according to the Hindu mythology. It is composed by the Mount Meru, surrounded by the continents and the oceans.
Its extraordinary bas-reliefs, describe some Khmer epics and myths. Angkor Wats five famous towers rise into the sky, a geometrical arrangement of numerous galleries, adorned with beliefs and the stone images of celestial Apsara dancers, as well as portals, chambers and courtyards. Last visit Prerup was built in the 10th Century by Rajendravarman and enjoy sunset there.
Enjoy sunset at Prerup temple.
In the evening dinner at a Indian Restaurant.
Entertainment: After dinner enjoy an Apsara dance show, a taste of traditional Khmer culture performance, Apsara performances portray a story or message through the dance.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Overnight: Siem Reap
DAY 08: Siem Reap – Angkor – Floating Village
After breakfast, we transfer to visit Banteay Srei temple – the Citadel of women. This Hindu temple, dating back to the 10th century, has three central towers each decorated with superbly intricate reliefs of male and female divinities, carved from pink sandstone contrasting with the main walls made of laterite. While many of Angkor temples are impressive because of their sheer size, Banteay Srei stands out by the quality of craftsmanship. Along the way, we make stopover at the Preah Dark village then visit the Banteay Samre temple, adorned with impressive relief’s depicting scenes of Vishunu as well as Krishna legends. Fulfill the remaining time to visit Pradak village to see the simple natural way of local people are producing palm sugar from palm juice (Toek Tnot in Khmer). This afternoon, we visit Chong Kneas Floating Villages, located 10 kilometers south of Siem Reap.
Take a ride in a traditional wooden boat on the Tonle Sap, the “Great Lake” of Cambodia and the largest in Asia. Here we will see plenty of examples of the Khmer way of life on the Tonle Sap. We continue to one of the city’s lively open markets, Psar Chars, also called the “Old Market”, where anything and everything is for sale
In the evening dinner at an Indian Restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Overnight: Siem Reap
DAY 09: Flight to Hanoi
Today after breakfast, free time at leisure. Later check out of hotel by 11:00. After late lunch at an Indian restaurant, transfer to Siem Reap airport to board your flight for Hanoi in Vietnam.
Note: Meals are not provided on the flight. However you can purchase light refreshments.
Upon arrival at NoiBai Airport (Hanoi) follow sign for arrival & passport control. After immigration formalities, collect your luggage and follow sign for exit.
Watch out for our English speaking guide who will be holding a placard with ‘Welcome Cobra Holidays’ on it.
He will greet and welcome all the passengers, direct you to board the coach for transfer to the hotel.
In the evening dinner at an Indian Restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Overnight: Hanoi
DAY 10: Hanoi – City tour
This morning after breakfast, free time at leisure.
This afternoon meet our guide and proceed to visit two of the interesting museums of Hanoi: Museum of Ethnology, widely considered the finest modern museum. This fabulous collection relating to Vietnam’s ethnic minorities features well-presented tribal art, artefacts and everyday objects gathered from across the nation, and examples of traditional village houses. National Museum of Vietnamese History, the museum retains unique Indochina architectural style. It also houses the large number of precious artifacts. The artifacts, historical documents in the museum offer the full and comprehensive knowledge about the historical periods of Vietnam country from prehistoric times until the period of struggling for national construction and defense.
In the evening dinner at an Indian Restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Overnight: Hanoi
DAY 11: Hanoi – Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum – Cyclo Tour & Water Puppet Show
NOTE: The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed all day on Monday and Fridays, as well as from 1st September to 30th November (approx.) for annual conservation.
Today after breakfast, we meet our guide at 08:00am and proceed t ovisit to the Ho Chi Minh Complex, inclusive of Ba Dinh Square, Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, as well as his private residence from 1954 until 1969. The wooden ethnic minority style house, which was built on stilts, is surrounded by lovely peaceful gardens. In the same complex you will see the One Pillar Pagoda, founded by King Ly Thai To in 1049. This structure has become an important symbol for the people of Hanoi. Continue visit Tran Quoc Pagoda, located on a small peninsula on the East side of the dazzling West Lake, this is the most ancient pagoda in Hanoi with its history line of more than 1,500 years. We then visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university. Constructed in 1070, the gardens and well-preserved architecture offer a relaxing glimpse into Vietnam’s past.
This afternoon, we visit the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake and experience a CYCLO tour round the Old Quarter of Hanoi, a fascinating network of narrow alleys and shop houses also known as ‘The 36 Streets’ – each street being named after the merchandise traditionally sold there, ranging from fabrics, medicines to crafts.
Entertainment:
Early evening, we attend a fascinating performance of the world-famous Water Puppet Show, accompanied by a traditional Vietnamese orchestra and Cheo (a form of opera). The show depicts a series of ancient Vietnamese folktales, acted out by puppets over a pool of water
In the evening dinner at an Indian Restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Overnight: Hanoi
DAY 12: Overnight Cruise Ha Long Bay
Today we check out of hotel at 08:00am, board our coach with the guide and transfer to Ha Long Bay – Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site since 1994 for it thousands of natural islands and one of the most magnificent scenic spots in Vietnam as well. which is dotted with sandy coves, grottoes and 1600 limestone islands formed over millennia by wind and water erosion (approximately 4 hours). On the way to Halong city enjoy the journey through the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta and the scenery of rice fields, water buffalo and everyday Vietnamese village life.
12:00: You will be taken aboard our support vessel and travel from the wharf via the bay to board our luxurious craft, Era Cruises. You will be welcomed aboard and greeted with a complimentary drink. Our friendly and professional crew will conduct a compulsory safety procedure session and then you are free to check into your cabin and freshen up. We encourage you to explore our luxuriously-appointed ship then watch the magical landscape cruise past.
13:15: A special lunch of fresh seafood and an assortment of appetizing delicacies will be served. You will be enchanted when decadently dining on our luxury junk, our lavish interpretation of a traditional Vietnamese boat. Life just doesn’t get better than this! We then set sail for Lan Ha Bay, passing Da Chong islet where you can see an ancient lighthouse built by the French over a century ago.
15:00: The final part of the cruise takes us through the Cua Van area to Lan Ha Bay (part of Lan Ha Bay). The 300 or so karst islands and limestone outcrops of Lan Ha are stunning with their pristine. You can explore Tra Bau via kayaks or immerse yourself in the crystal clear waters.
17:00: It’s time to return to your lavish liner and cruise to your evening accommodation.
17:30 – 18:30: Who doesn’t love happy hour? We offer an extensive drinks list including special offers such as two for one drinks (at your own cost).
18:00: Our Vietnamese cooking demonstration is a great way to learn how to prepare delicious appetizers and we will guide you through the process.
19:15: You can spoil yourself with a unique Signature Dinner in our distinctive restaurant.
20:45 – 12:00: It is now time to relax with an exotic cocktail and drink in the evening landscape. Our bar offers a wide range of wine, beer, and liqueurs and is always a welcome sight for guests after a day sailing on the Bay (drinks are on your own expenses). You can order an indulgent spa service (own cost), watch movies, go squid fishing or simply relax on our rooftop deck under the cover of a brightly illuminated sky. Overnight on cruise.
Note:
- Please note that this is a 1 Over Night Trip, so carry hand luggage with adequate clothing & ample toiletries for the duration. Your main luggage will be kept in the hotel luggage storage room whilst away for the 1 night.
- There is no Indian Vegetarian food on the boat, so we have arranged Vietnamese vegetarian food for the group.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Overnight: Cruise Boat
DAY 13: Ha Long Bay – Depart Hanoi
After a night on board our deluxe junk boat, you will awake to see daylight filtering through the early morning mist and the towering rock formations, leaving you with unforgettable memory of your visit.
06.30: The morning is the best time of the day on Lan Ha Bay. You might like to head to the upper deck to participate in our daily Tai Chi sessions or relax with an early morning cup of tea, coffee or juice to watch the stunning scenery unfold before you.
07:00: A light breakfast of pastries, tea and coffee will be served in our restaurant.
7:30 – 9:15: The final stage of your trip is to be taken through the mysterious caves and amongst the remote islets via local rowing boats. The breath-taking beauty of this World Heritage region will certainly impress you. Following this you will journey back to the main ship.
09:30: It’s time to check out of your cabin as we draw closer to the mainland. After a final brunch and a last farewell from our crew at 11:30, you will board our transfer boat and head back to the wharf.
Note: The cruise itinerary can be changed according to weather conditions.
We will be met by our guide, board our coach, and drive back to Hanoi through Red River delta (3.5 – 4-hour driving). Enjoy the scenery of tranquil villages embellished by peaceful green paddy field in rural Vietnam
On arrival at NoiBai Airport Hanoi (Hanoi), check-in and proceed to board our flight to London Heathrow Airport.
Your flight includes meals, drinks, and in-flight entertainment for your journey.
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 14: London Heathrow Airport
On arrival at London Heathrow Airport, follow signs for arrival/baggage claim, clear immigration, collect baggage and follow sign for exit.
Proceed with your homeward journey (own arrangements).
Note:
- Return flight – If your flight departs in the morning, you will arrive in U.K. on the same day.
- Return flight – If your flight departs in the afternoon / evening, you will arrive in U.K. on the next day.
** Your tour ends, leaving you with many pleasant memories of a wonderful holiday.
