The Best Tour of Vietnam

The City of Mist. Hue is known for its magnificent monuments built under the Nguyen Dynasty (1802 - 1945), and also famous for its amazing food, as well as its unique conical hats. Unlike Hanoi and Saigon, the city has a relaxed vibe, and evening walks by the Perfume River, and the delightful cafes that are found here, are highly recommended. The monuments that you will visit here make up one of Vietnam’s eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This honor was bestowed on the city in 1993 since it is such a fine example of an eastern feudal capital.
(Overnight – Azerai La Residence)

Day 6: Hue.
Royal Mausoleums. Your day will start in the morning with a visit to the impressive mausoleum of King Tu Duc (ruled 1848 - 1883). Close by is the next attraction, the unique mausoleum of King Khai Dinh (ruled 1916 - 1925). These ornate and colorful monuments, designed by the kings themselves, were also used as holiday retreats during their lifetimes.

Old Town Walk. Next you will enjoy a guided walk-through older part of Hue, including a busy market located next to the river. The market is teeming with local vendors selling a variety of goods, from fresh produce to handmade crafts. The air is filled with the aroma of exotic spices and the sounds of lively bargaining. People are bustling about, some buying, some selling, and some just enjoying the lively atmosphere. There are also local artisans displaying their crafts, including the traditional Hue hats. The river provides a serene backdrop to this lively scene, with small boats gliding gently along the water.

Hue Citadel. After a lunch break you will continue your exploration with a visit to the Royal Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The sprawling complex of palaces, fortifications and pagodas was, in its day, virtually impenetrable. It is enclosed by a massive square fortress with over 13-foot-tall walls and a wide moat fed by the Perfume River. The site was selected based on geomancy principles, with natural features like Ngu Binh Mountain and the Perfume River providing protection and auspicious omens. The layout reflects a blend of the Five Cardinal Points and elements of ancient oriental philosophy.

Imperial City. The Imperial City in the citadel includes structures such as the Thai Hoa Palace, which was used for official ceremonies, and the Can Thanh Palace. The Imperial City also contains various temples, residences, and administrative buildings, showcasing traditional Vietnamese architecture influenced by Chinese styles.

Purple City. The Forbidden Purple City is the innermost section and was reserved for the emperor and his close confidants. It featured the emperor's residence and many essential royal structures. Much of this area was heavily damaged during the Vietnam War but is undergoing restoration.
(Overnight – Azerai La Residence)

Day 7: Hue – Hoi An. (Breakfast)

Scenic Drive to Hoi An. Embark on a scenic 3.5-hour (approximately) drive to Hoi An. Some of this drive is through coastal fishing villages, and much of it is on one of Southeast Asia’s most spectacular roads, where you straddle the Pacific Ocean with amazing views on one side, and lush green hills on the other. At the highest point of the journey, you will have a breathtaking view of the Pacific, and on the other side a view of the modern city of Da Nang and its bay. You will drive through the outskirts of Da Nang as you head towards Hoi An, and a brief photo opportunity stop will be at the beach zone that was a favorite for American soldiers during the Vietnam war, immortalized in the television series China Beach.

Inland to Hoi An. Arrive near historic and charming Hoi An in the early afternoon, and we recommend a slightly late lunch at a very nice beachfront restaurant. After lunch, you will be driven inland for about 15 minutes and assisted with your check-in at your top-ranked boutique resort. Although the Heritage town of Hoi An is an ancient seaport, it is now about 3 miles from the coastline as the crow flies. Easy Tours uses the highest rated and top-ranked lodging in Hoi An, and the boutique lodge is located within Hoi An and is a very short walk or drive from the UNESCO Site.

Location and Comfort. You will be staying in a beautiful Verandah Suite in the more exclusive Club Section of the lodge, and the services and cuisine are among the best you will experience anywhere in Southeast Asia. A leisurely 10-to-15-minute walk, 3-minute taxi ride, or a 5-minute bike ride (complimentary at your resort) can bring you to the ancient town in case you want to return there at any time during your stay. Although the food at your lodge is excellent, we also recommend the extremely charming French inspired riverfront restaurants and cafes in the ancient town for dinner this evening.

Hoi An (UWHS). Hoi An is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as the best-preserved ancient seaport in Southeast Asia. Easy Tours prefers not to take our guests to the ancient town during the late morning and early afternoon as, during those hours, it gets really crowded and noisy due to a large influx of tourist bus groups from the large Da Nang casino resorts. We begin your discovery of the ancient seaport in the late afternoon with a guided walk through the Japanese and Chinese Quarters of the tiny ancient town. One of the highlights is the beautifully crafted and much-photographed Japanese Bridge. You will also visit a number of temples, pagodas, communal houses, traditional shops, and other places of interest in the small town.

Evening in Hoi An. You can either head back to your resort in the early evening, or, continue experiencing the ancient town this evening and have dinner at one of the delightful cafes and restaurants located on the river – the better restaurants have a distinctly French ambiance.
(Overnight – La Siesta Resort & Spa)

Day 8: Hoi An. (Breakfast)
My Son Sanctuary Excursion. Excursion. Join your Guide for an excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of My Son Sanctuary. These remarkable structures lie about an hour away from Hoi An, and the structures go back as far as the 4th Century. It is one of the most important examples of Hindu influence in Southeast Asia. Although largely in a state of ruin today, My Son is often compared with other historical temple complexes in Southeast Asia, such as Angkor Wat of Cambodia or Ayutthaya of Thailand.

Champa Kingdom. After an introduction of Cham history and culture (and its Hindu influence) during your drive, you will arrive at the ancient site. My Son served as the capital of the Champa Kingdom and the site contains over 70 temples and structures built from the 4th to the 14th century. These temples were constructed using fired brick and stone, showcasing sophisticated Cham engineering and artistry. The temples are adorned with intricate sandstone bas-reliefs depicting scenes from Hindu mythology and Cham history. The temples are noted for their unique construction technique, which involves using a plant-based resin as mortar, making the structures remarkably durable and weather-resistant.

Return to Hoi An and break for a late lunch in the wonderful ancient town of Hoi An. After lunch you are driven to your nearby resort for leisure until the evening entertainment. Guests who want to explore more of the ancient town can choose to return on their own during the afternoon.

Hoi An Memories Show. A little after 7 PM you are escorted to the ancient city for a wonderful outdoor cultural performance, held on an island on the Thu Bon River. You have upgraded seating at the show which covers 400 years of Hoi An's history through five distinct acts performed by over 500 actors. It takes place on a 270,000 square foot stage designed to resemble the ancient town of Hoi An, complete with elaborate sets, merchant ships, and even a rolling elephant. Visitors are taken on a journey through time, witnessing Hoi An's transformation from a rural village to a vibrant trading port. The narrative is driven by the visual and emotional impact of the performances rather than dialogue, making it accessible to all audiences.
(Overnight – La Siesta Resort & Spa)

Day 9: Hoi An – Da Nang – Saigon. (Breakfast)

Fly to Saigon. Check-out of your resort in the morning and you are driven to Da Nang airport, crossing the charming Dragon Bridge on the way. You are assisted in boarding the noon flight to Saigon. Upon arrival at Saigon Airport, you are driven to Cu Chi, located in the countryside north of Saigon.

Cu Chi Tunnels. This area is famed for its elaborate network of over 200 kilometers of three-story underground tunnels hand-dug by local people during the Vietnam War. You have the option to experience climbing down into a tunnel and crawling around to get a taste of how the North Vietnamese soldiers (Viet Cong) lived during the latter part of the war. There are displays of weaponry that was used, as well as life-sized mud likenesses of the North Vietnamese soldiers depicting the lives they lived.

District 1. After this experience you are driven to Saigon where you are assisted with check-in at Vietnam’s most luxurious city hotel, the Reverie. You are in the heart of Saigon’s downtown (District 1), and restaurants, bars, and shopping are right at your doorstep, as are historical structures such as the Opera House.

Saigon. You are a couple of minutes’ away from the scenic Saigon River. Dinner and/or a drink is recommended at the Saigon Saigon Rooftop Bar at the nearby (5-minute walk) upscale Caravelle Hotel – this is the spot where American correspondents such as Dan Rather, Tom Brokaw and Peter Jennings received their daily war briefing and it was their favorite watering hole during that time. Both the food and the drinks are very good.

Ho Chi Minh City. Located near the mouth of the Mekong, this city was once nothing more than swampland inhabited by a few Khmer people. Today it is Vietnam’s largest and most metropolitan city, with its official name, but most everyone still calls it Saigon. The city of over 9 million people is a prototypical large Asian city with an impressive modern skyline overlooking busy streets overflowing with, for western visitors, chaotic scooter, motorcycle and other traffic.
(Overnight – Lotte Hotel Saigon)

Day 10: Saigon. (Breakfast)
Reunification Palace. You will start your day in the morning with a visit to the Reunification Palace. This was the headquarters of the United States supported South Vietnamese government and has been left largely as it appeared on the day the Viet Cong’s tanks crashed through the gate and claimed victory for the North. The original furniture, equipment rooms, and war rooms remain untouched, all the way down to the rotary phones on the desks and strategic maps on the walls.

Travel Back Half a Century. In the middle of the crowded city, this large structure and its vast grounds are a fascinating time warp taking you back to the early 1970’s. Next, enjoy a visit to the beautiful colonial building housing the Central Post Office, with its amazing collection of century old western telegraphs and other machines. This is an active place of business, and the gorgeous antique interior includes wooden phone booths and counters that the locals will be standing at while buying services.

Central Post Office. After lunch you will enjoy a walk-through Saigon, including the famous shopping street of Dong Khoi. Your guided walk will begin at the Saigon Central Post Office, a stunning example of colonial architecture with its ornate facade and grand interior. This post office is not just a place for mail services; it's a historical landmark, showcasing French colonial influences and featuring a large portrait of Ho Chi Minh.

Notre Dame Cathedral. From the post office, you'll stroll next door to Notre Dame Cathedral, another architectural marvel. This Romanesque cathedral, with its twin bell towers and red brick facade, is a serene oasis amidst the bustling city. It's a revered place for local worshippers but is currently under multi-year renovation and entry is not permitted.

Dong Khoi Street. A leisurely walk leads you down Dong Khoi Street, a vibrant and bustling thoroughfare in the heart of Saigon. This street is a mix of old and new, with luxury shops, charming boutiques, and historic sites. Along Dong Khoi Street, you'd experience the dynamic pulse of the city, with the blend of colonial-era buildings and modern establishments. This street has a lively atmosphere and is a great place to absorb the local culture. Throughout the walk, you'd witness the blending of historic and modern elements, showcasing Saigon's rich history and its rapid development. It's a journey that offers insights into the city's past and present, making it an unforgettable experience.
(Overnight – Lotte Hotel Saigon)

Day 11: Saigon – International Flight. (Breakfast)

War Remnants Museum. You are assisted with your check-out in the morning and a short drive will bring you to the War Remnants Museum. We do not recommend this museum to guests who may find gruesome war atrocities photos, descriptions, and exhibits. Also, please bear in mind that the atrocities exhibited are those attributed to American soldiers, during what Vietnam calls the American War. For those that want to forego the museum, you can enjoy your spectacular hotel until the mid-morning or explore surrounding District 1 with your guide.

Ten Thousand Buddha Temple. In the mid-morning you will be driven to this unique Temple in District 5 of Saigon. Although Vietnam is not a Buddhist nation, this unique temple draws locals for prayer and tourism. The temple features beautifully carved wooden altars, granite staircases, and detailed reliefs that depict various Buddhist tales and figures. The decorations include golden gilt carvings and vibrant paintings of Guanyin and other deities. The central attraction on the fourth floor is a large Buddha statue surrounded by 10,000 smaller Buddha statues creating a mesmerizing visual experience for visitors. This main hall is a sight to behold with its intricate decorations and serene atmosphere.

International Flight. You are driven to Saigon Airport and assisted in checking-in for your international flight. Additional Services such as additional lodging and/or transfers, can be arranged with your U.S. based Guest Care Specialist after tour reservation.
Our Services End at Saigon Airport.

The City of Mist. Hue is known for its magnificent monuments built under the Nguyen Dynasty (1802 - 1945), and also famous for its amazing food, as well as its unique conical hats. Unlike Hanoi and Saigon, the city has a relaxed vibe, and evening walks by the Perfume River, and the delightful cafes that are found here, are highly recommended. The monuments that you will visit here make up one of Vietnam’s eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This honor was bestowed on the city in 1993 since it is such a fine example of an eastern feudal capital.
(Overnight – Azerai La Residence)

Day 6: Hue.
Royal Mausoleums. Your day will start in the morning with a visit to the impressive mausoleum of King Tu Duc (ruled 1848 - 1883). Close by is the next attraction, the unique mausoleum of King Khai Dinh (ruled 1916 - 1925). These ornate and colorful monuments, designed by the kings themselves, were also used as holiday retreats during their lifetimes.

Old Town Walk. Next you will enjoy a guided walk-through older part of Hue, including a busy market located next to the river. The market is teeming with local vendors selling a variety of goods, from fresh produce to handmade crafts. The air is filled with the aroma of exotic spices and the sounds of lively bargaining. People are bustling about, some buying, some selling, and some just enjoying the lively atmosphere. There are also local artisans displaying their crafts, including the traditional Hue hats. The river provides a serene backdrop to this lively scene, with small boats gliding gently along the water.

Hue Citadel. After a lunch break you will continue your exploration with a visit to the Royal Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The sprawling complex of palaces, fortifications and pagodas was, in its day, virtually impenetrable. It is enclosed by a massive square fortress with over 13-foot-tall walls and a wide moat fed by the Perfume River. The site was selected based on geomancy principles, with natural features like Ngu Binh Mountain and the Perfume River providing protection and auspicious omens. The layout reflects a blend of the Five Cardinal Points and elements of ancient oriental philosophy.

Imperial City. The Imperial City in the citadel includes structures such as the Thai Hoa Palace, which was used for official ceremonies, and the Can Thanh Palace. The Imperial City also contains various temples, residences, and administrative buildings, showcasing traditional Vietnamese architecture influenced by Chinese styles.

Purple City. The Forbidden Purple City is the innermost section and was reserved for the emperor and his close confidants. It featured the emperor's residence and many essential royal structures. Much of this area was heavily damaged during the Vietnam War but is undergoing restoration.
(Overnight – Azerai La Residence)

Day 7: Hue – Hoi An. (Breakfast)

Scenic Drive to Hoi An. Embark on a scenic 3.5-hour (approximately) drive to Hoi An. Some of this drive is through coastal fishing villages, and much of it is on one of Southeast Asia’s most spectacular roads, where you straddle the Pacific Ocean with amazing views on one side, and lush green hills on the other. At the highest point of the journey, you will have a breathtaking view of the Pacific, and on the other side a view of the modern city of Da Nang and its bay. You will drive through the outskirts of Da Nang as you head towards Hoi An, and a brief photo opportunity stop will be at the beach zone that was a favorite for American soldiers during the Vietnam war, immortalized in the television series China Beach.

Inland to Hoi An. Arrive near historic and charming Hoi An in the early afternoon, and we recommend a slightly late lunch at a very nice beachfront restaurant. After lunch, you will be driven inland for about 15 minutes and assisted with your check-in at your top-ranked boutique resort. Although the Heritage town of Hoi An is an ancient seaport, it is now about 3 miles from the coastline as the crow flies. Easy Tours uses the highest rated and top-ranked lodging in Hoi An, and the boutique lodge is located within Hoi An and is a very short walk or drive from the UNESCO Site.

Location and Comfort. You will be staying in a beautiful Verandah Suite in the more exclusive Club Section of the lodge, and the services and cuisine are among the best you will experience anywhere in Southeast Asia. A leisurely 10-to-15-minute walk, 3-minute taxi ride, or a 5-minute bike ride (complimentary at your resort) can bring you to the ancient town in case you want to return there at any time during your stay. Although the food at your lodge is excellent, we also recommend the extremely charming French inspired riverfront restaurants and cafes in the ancient town for dinner this evening.

Hoi An (UWHS). Hoi An is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as the best-preserved ancient seaport in Southeast Asia. Easy Tours prefers not to take our guests to the ancient town during the late morning and early afternoon as, during those hours, it gets really crowded and noisy due to a large influx of tourist bus groups from the large Da Nang casino resorts. We begin your discovery of the ancient seaport in the late afternoon with a guided walk through the Japanese and Chinese Quarters of the tiny ancient town. One of the highlights is the beautifully crafted and much-photographed Japanese Bridge. You will also visit a number of temples, pagodas, communal houses, traditional shops, and other places of interest in the small town.

Evening in Hoi An. You can either head back to your resort in the early evening, or, continue experiencing the ancient town this evening and have dinner at one of the delightful cafes and restaurants located on the river – the better restaurants have a distinctly French ambiance.
(Overnight – La Siesta Resort & Spa)

Day 8: Hoi An. (Breakfast)
My Son Sanctuary Excursion. Excursion. Join your Guide for an excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of My Son Sanctuary. These remarkable structures lie about an hour away from Hoi An, and the structures go back as far as the 4th Century. It is one of the most important examples of Hindu influence in Southeast Asia. Although largely in a state of ruin today, My Son is often compared with other historical temple complexes in Southeast Asia, such as Angkor Wat of Cambodia or Ayutthaya of Thailand.

Champa Kingdom. After an introduction of Cham history and culture (and its Hindu influence) during your drive, you will arrive at the ancient site. My Son served as the capital of the Champa Kingdom and the site contains over 70 temples and structures built from the 4th to the 14th century. These temples were constructed using fired brick and stone, showcasing sophisticated Cham engineering and artistry. The temples are adorned with intricate sandstone bas-reliefs depicting scenes from Hindu mythology and Cham history. The temples are noted for their unique construction technique, which involves using a plant-based resin as mortar, making the structures remarkably durable and weather-resistant.

Return to Hoi An and break for a late lunch in the wonderful ancient town of Hoi An. After lunch you are driven to your nearby resort for leisure until the evening entertainment. Guests who want to explore more of the ancient town can choose to return on their own during the afternoon.

Hoi An Memories Show. A little after 7 PM you are escorted to the ancient city for a wonderful outdoor cultural performance, held on an island on the Thu Bon River. You have upgraded seating at the show which covers 400 years of Hoi An's history through five distinct acts performed by over 500 actors. It takes place on a 270,000 square foot stage designed to resemble the ancient town of Hoi An, complete with elaborate sets, merchant ships, and even a rolling elephant. Visitors are taken on a journey through time, witnessing Hoi An's transformation from a rural village to a vibrant trading port. The narrative is driven by the visual and emotional impact of the performances rather than dialogue, making it accessible to all audiences.
(Overnight – La Siesta Resort & Spa)

Day 9: Hoi An – Da Nang – Saigon. (Breakfast)

Fly to Saigon. Check-out of your resort in the morning and you are driven to Da Nang airport, crossing the charming Dragon Bridge on the way. You are assisted in boarding the noon flight to Saigon. Upon arrival at Saigon Airport, you are driven to Cu Chi, located in the countryside north of Saigon.

Cu Chi Tunnels. This area is famed for its elaborate network of over 200 kilometers of three-story underground tunnels hand-dug by local people during the Vietnam War. You have the option to experience climbing down into a tunnel and crawling around to get a taste of how the North Vietnamese soldiers (Viet Cong) lived during the latter part of the war. There are displays of weaponry that was used, as well as life-sized mud likenesses of the North Vietnamese soldiers depicting the lives they lived.

District 1. After this experience you are driven to Saigon where you are assisted with check-in at Vietnam’s most luxurious city hotel, the Reverie. You are in the heart of Saigon’s downtown (District 1), and restaurants, bars, and shopping are right at your doorstep, as are historical structures such as the Opera House.

Saigon. You are a couple of minutes’ away from the scenic Saigon River. Dinner and/or a drink is recommended at the Saigon Saigon Rooftop Bar at the nearby (5-minute walk) upscale Caravelle Hotel – this is the spot where American correspondents such as Dan Rather, Tom Brokaw and Peter Jennings received their daily war briefing and it was their favorite watering hole during that time. Both the food and the drinks are very good.

Ho Chi Minh City. Located near the mouth of the Mekong, this city was once nothing more than swampland inhabited by a few Khmer people. Today it is Vietnam’s largest and most metropolitan city, with its official name, but most everyone still calls it Saigon. The city of over 9 million people is a prototypical large Asian city with an impressive modern skyline overlooking busy streets overflowing with, for western visitors, chaotic scooter, motorcycle and other traffic.
(Overnight – Lotte Hotel Saigon)

Day 10: Saigon. (Breakfast)
Reunification Palace. You will start your day in the morning with a visit to the Reunification Palace. This was the headquarters of the United States supported South Vietnamese government and has been left largely as it appeared on the day the Viet Cong’s tanks crashed through the gate and claimed victory for the North. The original furniture, equipment rooms, and war rooms remain untouched, all the way down to the rotary phones on the desks and strategic maps on the walls.

Travel Back Half a Century. In the middle of the crowded city, this large structure and its vast grounds are a fascinating time warp taking you back to the early 1970’s. Next, enjoy a visit to the beautiful colonial building housing the Central Post Office, with its amazing collection of century old western telegraphs and other machines. This is an active place of business, and the gorgeous antique interior includes wooden phone booths and counters that the locals will be standing at while buying services.

Central Post Office. After lunch you will enjoy a walk-through Saigon, including the famous shopping street of Dong Khoi. Your guided walk will begin at the Saigon Central Post Office, a stunning example of colonial architecture with its ornate facade and grand interior. This post office is not just a place for mail services; it's a historical landmark, showcasing French colonial influences and featuring a large portrait of Ho Chi Minh.

Notre Dame Cathedral. From the post office, you'll stroll next door to Notre Dame Cathedral, another architectural marvel. This Romanesque cathedral, with its twin bell towers and red brick facade, is a serene oasis amidst the bustling city. It's a revered place for local worshippers but is currently under multi-year renovation and entry is not permitted.

Dong Khoi Street. A leisurely walk leads you down Dong Khoi Street, a vibrant and bustling thoroughfare in the heart of Saigon. This street is a mix of old and new, with luxury shops, charming boutiques, and historic sites. Along Dong Khoi Street, you'd experience the dynamic pulse of the city, with the blend of colonial-era buildings and modern establishments. This street has a lively atmosphere and is a great place to absorb the local culture. Throughout the walk, you'd witness the blending of historic and modern elements, showcasing Saigon's rich history and its rapid development. It's a journey that offers insights into the city's past and present, making it an unforgettable experience.
(Overnight – Lotte Hotel Saigon)

Day 11: Saigon – International Flight. (Breakfast)

War Remnants Museum. You are assisted with your check-out in the morning and a short drive will bring you to the War Remnants Museum. We do not recommend this museum to guests who may find gruesome war atrocities photos, descriptions, and exhibits. Also, please bear in mind that the atrocities exhibited are those attributed to American soldiers, during what Vietnam calls the American War. For those that want to forego the museum, you can enjoy your spectacular hotel until the mid-morning or explore surrounding District 1 with your guide.

Ten Thousand Buddha Temple. In the mid-morning you will be driven to this unique Temple in District 5 of Saigon. Although Vietnam is not a Buddhist nation, this unique temple draws locals for prayer and tourism. The temple features beautifully carved wooden altars, granite staircases, and detailed reliefs that depict various Buddhist tales and figures. The decorations include golden gilt carvings and vibrant paintings of Guanyin and other deities. The central attraction on the fourth floor is a large Buddha statue surrounded by 10,000 smaller Buddha statues creating a mesmerizing visual experience for visitors. This main hall is a sight to behold with its intricate decorations and serene atmosphere.

International Flight. You are driven to Saigon Airport and assisted in checking-in for your international flight. Additional Services such as additional lodging and/or transfers, can be arranged with your U.S. based Guest Care Specialist after tour reservation.
Our Services End at Saigon Airport.