Trendy Vietnam: Enchanting China and Vietnam | Exploring Four World Heritage Sites and Wandering in Secret Landscapes

Day 1 Hanoi ★ Meeting Day

All day

丨Itinerary presentation

Today is the gathering day for the activity. All tourists gathered in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. They checked in at the designated gathering hotel and checked in according to the instructions.

If more than 2 people register, we will provide free airport/station pick-up service (one free pick-up service for 2 or more people registering on the same flight)


How to get to Hanoi

Noi Bai International Airport, airport code HAN

There are many flights to Hanoi, the meeting point. We recommend that you purchase direct flights to Hanoi from all over the country:

1. Direct flights to Hanoi from many domestic destinations (Vietnam Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Xiamen Airlines, etc.)

2. In addition, you can choose airlines such as Hong Kong Airlines to transfer in a third country or region, which will provide more favorable prices.

3. Book discounted fares in advance. If purchasing connecting flights, make sure there is a certain amount of time between them: generally more than 3 hours, to avoid being late and missing your flight.


About the number of people in the group

The price is for 4 people. If you want to form an independent group of 2, you need to pay the difference of 700 yuan per person after registration.

Note: Note 1: Airport/station pick-up service is arranged separately and is not part of the itinerary. It only provides transportation from the airport/station to the hotel. We are unable to accommodate additional itinerary requests. Please note.

Day 2 Hanoi → St. Joseph's Cathedral → Jeep Tour of the Ancient City → Ninh Binh → Crouching Dragon Mountain

·morning

丨Itinerary presentation

After breakfast at the hotel, we'll visit St. Joseph's Cathedral. Modeled after Notre Dame de Paris, it's a representative example of French architecture in Hanoi. The cathedral's intricate altar, stained glass windows, and square towers are all truly remarkable.

Afterward, we'll experience Hanoi's urban splendor with a unique Jeep Tour of the Old City. Riding in a vintage Soviet-era army jeep, we'll pass by famous landmarks like Ba Dinh Square, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Hoan Kiem Lake, West Lake, and Long Bien Bridge, while learning about Vietnam's history from our guide.

·afternoon

For lunch, we offer a complimentary Vietnamese Pho set meal, featuring a refreshing beef broth and snow-white flat noodles. This is a local delicacy with a fresh, sweet, sour taste.

After lunch, we'll depart for Ninh Binh and embark on a hike to Wolong Mountain, enjoying some light outdoor fun before sunset. We'll ascend approximately 450 stone steps to the summit of Ninh Binh's highest point, offering panoramic views of karst peaks nestled among rice paddies and rivers. We'll pass a giant dragon stone sculpture and gaze upon an ancient mountain pagoda. During lotus season, we'll even witness a sea of ​​pink blossoms at the foot of the mountain, a breathtaking display of rural beauty amidst nature.


Ninh Binh's Trang An Archaeological Complex: Inscribed as a UNESCO
World Heritage Site in 2014 (Cultural and Natural Heritage), the Trang An Archaeological Complex, known as the "Halong Bay on Land," encompasses historical and natural sites such as the ancient capital of Hoa Lu and Tam Coc Bich Cave, with boat tours of the caves a specialty. Ninh Binh Province, just over 100 kilometers from the capital Hanoi, is steeped in Vietnamese national characteristics. Here, you can witness the mystical landscapes of the Red River Delta, where karst peaks intertwine with rice paddies and emerald rivers.


Upgraded to Ninh Binh's Five-Diamond Pool Resort Hotel

The hotel features a blend of natural landscapes and modern design. Rooms feature separate living rooms, balconies, or terraces, and some feature unique layouts and decor incorporating local cultural elements, creating a sense of privacy. The hotel's overall design emphasizes a relaxing experience, with poolside areas and spa facilities that complement the lush surroundings, creating a comfortable and natural ambiance.

Driving distance: Hanoi - Ninh Binh: about 101 kilometers, 2.5 hours

Note: Note 1: There are about 450 stone steps to the top of Wolong Mountain on foot. The climbing time is about 0.5-1 hour depending on your physical strength. The main road is steps. The section before the summit is quite steep and challenging.

Day 3 Ninh Binh → Trang An Cruise → Hanoi Airport → Hue

·morning

丨Itinerary presentation

After breakfast at the hotel, we will experience the Chang'an Cruise, where we will take a boat tour of the Lulong Bay scenic area of ​​Chang'an, a world natural and cultural heritage site. Along the way, you can see green mountains reflected in the green water, pass through caves, rice fields and thousand-year-old riverside temples, and feel the magical healing power of nature.

·afternoon

After lunch, we departed for Hanoi Airport to board our flight to Hue. Upon arrival in Hue, we checked in to the hotel and rested.


Upgrade to a Five-Diamond Pool Hotel in Hue | Stay Two Nights

The hotel's modern minimalist style incorporates natural elements into its architecture, including a rooftop infinity pool. The design emphasizes a sense of spaciousness, with wood accents and neutral tones creating a light and elegant resort atmosphere. Guests can enjoy the outdoor pool, steam room, and fitness center.


丨Reference flights

Vietnam Airlines VN1545

HAN Noi Bai T1- HUI Phu Bai, Hue

16:30 - 17:45, flight duration approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes

Driving distance: Ninh Binh - Hanoi: approximately 128 km, 2.5 hours

Day 4: Hue Imperial City → Khai Dinh Tomb → Thien Mu Temple → An Dinh Palace → Free exploration

·morning

丨Itinerary presentation

After breakfast at the hotel, we headed to the Hue Imperial Citadel, which was built in the style of Beijing and the Forbidden City. It was the imperial palace of the Nguyen Dynasty of Vietnam and the largest and most complete ancient architectural complex in Vietnam, representing the highest achievement of ancient Vietnamese architectural art.


Next, we headed to Khai Dinh Tomb, located 15 kilometers south of Hue City in Vietnam. This mausoleum is the tomb of Khai Dinh, the puppet emperor of Vietnam. Construction took 11 years, and while small, it's one of the most exquisite of all the imperial tombs. Its grandeur is remarkable, with three levels rising higher than the last, nestled against the mountainside. The entrance is marked by two rows of sculptures, a group often featured on Vietnamese postcards.


We then headed to Thien Mu Temple, located on the northern bank of the Perfume River in the western suburbs of Hue. Also known as Linh Mu Pagoda, Thien Mu Temple is a renowned ancient Vietnamese temple with nearly 400 years of history. It was first built in 1601 AD, the second year of the Hong Dinh reign of the Le Dynasty, by Nguyen Hoang, the second son of Nguyen Gan, the founder of the Nguyen clan.


Finally, we went to the An Dinh Palace, which is an artistic building of the Nguyen Dynasty. It is a unique architectural style that cleverly blends Asian and European styles. It is completely different from the hundreds of ruins in the existing Hue ancient capital ruins. It has become a representative project of Vietnam's ancient and modern architectural style in the early 20th century.

·afternoon

After the tour, it's your free time to explore.

You can slow down and visit the local Dongba Market, stroll along the Xiang River to watch the sunset, and check out the special beef noodles and Huangcheng cuisine.


丨World Heritage Archives

Hue Historic Complex: Hue, the capital of Vietnam's last dynasty, is located in central Vietnam and is now the capital of Thua Thien Hue Province. For over 300 years, from 1635 to 1945, it served as the capital of the Nguyen, Tây Sơn, and Tan Nguyen dynasties. Its magnificent palaces, towering city walls, and imposing royal tombs are a source of pride for the Vietnamese. The Hue Historic Complex includes the capital city, seven imperial tombs, the Southern Suburbs Altar, Thien Mu, the Temple of Literature and the Temple of War, the Jade Cup Hall, the Tiger and Dragon Pearl Temples, and the Zhenhai City, scattered along the winding Perfume River.

Note: Note 1: Hue Imperial City offers a special headphone tour service. Tourists can listen to professional explanations while touring and gain a deeper understanding of the historical context.

Day 5 Hue → My Son Sanctuary → Hoi An Ancient Town → Lantern Night Market → Thu Bon River Cruise

·morning

丨Itinerary presentation

After breakfast at the hotel, we will drive from Hue to My Son Sanctuary today. This is a very famous Hindu architectural complex of the Cham people in Vietnam. It is the largest religious site in Vietnam and one of the most important religious sites in Southeast Asia. It is also a major place for studying the art of ancient Champa and its development process.

·afternoon

After lunch, we will drive to Hoi An, the Jiangnan water town in Vietnam.

We will explore Hoi An by taking a rickshaw tour of the ancient town. Along the way, we will see a series of guild halls. These buildings are usually built by people from the same hometown or with the same surname. They are used for activities such as ancestor worship and gatherings, and are an important place for the life of the Chinese community.

Afterwards, you can explore the ancient town freely. You can find a cafe to enjoy afternoon tea and feel the ancient beauty of the ancient town.


In the evening, we'll continue exploring the Lantern Night Market, where lanterns come in a variety of shapes, including round, octagonal, and hexagonal. As night falls, the exquisitely crafted lanterns light up in courtyards and street-facing buildings, making the ancient city's nightscape even more dreamy and enchanting.

Afterwards, we will take a Thu Bon River Cruise and immerse ourselves in the shimmering beauty of the Thu Bon River while releasing water lanterns to express our wishes and feel the "flowing starlight."


Upgrade to Hoi An's Five-Diamond Pool Resort | Stay Two Nights

Just across the bridge from Hoi An Ancient Town, the hotel offers a prime location, convenient for exploring, while avoiding the hustle and bustle of the ancient town. With a comfortable outdoor pool and beautiful dining options, the hotel is the perfect choice for a relaxing getaway in Hoi An.


丨World Heritage Archives

My Son Sanctuary

From the 3rd to the 12th century, My Son Sanctuary served as the ruling center of the Champa Kingdom. It is the oldest and largest surviving architectural complex from the Champa era. The first wooden temple at My Son Sanctuary was built in the late 4th century AD and destroyed by fire 200 years later. Reconstruction employed more durable materials. From the 4th to the 13th century, over 70 temples were constructed. Abandoned in the late 13th century, My Son Sanctuary has survived intact, with its ruins discovered by archaeologists over 100 years ago.

Driving distance: Hue to My Son Sanctuary: approximately 132 km, 3 hours; My Son Sanctuary to Hoi An: approximately 38 km, 1.5 hours

Day 6: Canaan Island Dustbin Boat Ride → Hoi An Cooking Class → Free Time to Explore → Special Farewell Dinner

·morning

丨Itinerary presentation

After breakfast at the hotel, we will head to Canaan Island to experience the Vietnamese-style winnowing basket boat, a round bamboo basket boat. The boatman will lead everyone through the coconut grove. Tourists who like excitement can also experience a "water disco".

Canaan Island, located across the Thu Bon River from Hoi An, is a tranquil and picturesque village. Its distinctive thatched houses, constructed from bamboo and coconut leaves and elevated above the river, evoke a sense of the charm of a waterside village.

·afternoon

Afterwards, we will continue to experience the [Hoi An Specialty Cooking Class], where tourists will learn about Vietnamese special spices and taste their own Vietnamese spring rolls,


We have also arranged a special farewell dinner. After dinner, you can continue exploring Hoi An. If you are interested in Hoi An culture, we recommend that you enjoy the large-scale live performance "Hoi An Impression" from 8pm to 9pm or the "AO Show" at the Performing Arts Center (not included in the price) to gain a deeper understanding of Hoi An through watching special performances.


丨World Heritage Archives

Hoi An Ancient Town

Located in central Vietnam, Hoi An was the trading center of Quang Nam Province and a well-preserved traditional trading port in Southeast Asia from the 15th to the 19th century. Today, its many well-preserved ancient buildings and streets embody a harmonious blend of Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese cultural and architectural styles.

Day 7 Hoi An★ Dismissal day

All day

丨Itinerary presentation

Today is the end of the event. Tourists can return to the airport according to their own flights, or continue to visit other destinations, thus ending the pleasant journey.

Free airport/station drop-off service for 2 or more people (one free service for 2 or more people who register for the same flight)


Remember to fill out a review on the "China-TravelNoteAPP" after your trip to win a voucher. You are also welcome to record the wonderful memories of your trip and post them in the "Tourists Circle"!

Note: Note 1: Airport/station drop-off service is a separate arrangement and is not part of the itinerary. It only provides transportation from the hotel to the airport/station. We are unable to accommodate additional itinerary requests. Please note.

Hanoi

In Hanoi's city center, the main thoroughfares are wide and flat, lined with trees, while the winding back alleys create a visual feast. The French architecture of the past remains undiminished, and the colonial villas and government buildings in the French Quarter have been renovated and converted into elegant fine-dining restaurants. Furthermore, the Old Quarter, with its rows of traditional Vietnamese tube-shaped houses, has been designated a historical preservation area by the government. Its 36 ancient streets are considered a special cultural heritage of Hanoi, the millennium-old literary capital.

Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh Province, just over 100 kilometers from the capital Hanoi, is a province steeped in Vietnamese national characteristics. The Red River Delta offers a breathtaking landscape of mountains and rivers, where karst peaks intertwine with rice paddies and emerald waters. You can witness the spectacular sight of Tam Coc Bi Cave, where boats traverse the caves, egrets flit across the crimson lotuses of the Trang An wetlands, climb Wolong Mountain for panoramic views of the ancient imperial city, and cycle through the countryside to experience the vibrant harmony of nature and humanity.

Hue

Hue, the capital of Thua Thien Hue Province in central Vietnam, was formerly known as Phu Xuan. Historically, it served as the capital of the Tây Sơn Dynasty (1778-1802) and the Nguyen Dynasty (1802-1945). It is Vietnam's ancient capital and renowned for its historical sites. In 1993, Hue City and the Hue Imperial City (Hue Historic Complex) were designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Hoi An

Hoi An, located in central Vietnam, was originally a foreign trade port for the Cham Kingdom and was known as the "Great Cham Port." As early as the 17th century, it, along with Malacca, became a significant commercial port in Southeast Asia. It was also Vietnam's earliest Chinatown, where numerous Chinese merchants settled and established themselves. Over the centuries, the Chinese community has flourished and thrived, forming a thriving Chinese community. Hoi An boasts numerous Chinese associations, such as the Chung Wah Guildhall, the Teochew Guildhall, the Fujian Guildhall, the Cantonese and Chaozhou Guildhall, and the Hainan Guildhall. There are also Guandi Temples, Buddhist temples, and ancestral halls of various clans. These associations are magnificent and resplendent, preserving traditional Chinese architectural styles.