Christmas in Vietnam

Overview

Want to exploreVietnam’stop sights at the most wonderful time of year? December is a perfect month to visit Vietnam, so why not enjoy a change of pace and celebrate Christmas there too? Begin your adventure in the historic city of Saigon before heading to the coast to see the charming towns of Hoi An and imperial Hue. From here, fly north to Vietnam’s leafy capital, Hanoi. Come Christmas Eve, embark on an exciting two-night cruise into the waters of Halong Bay and its secret twin, the ethereally beautiful Lan Ha Bay, where you can swim, kayak and relax to your heart’s content.

Touring with Guides and entrance fees

Breakfasts: 11 , Lunches: 10 , Dinners: 11

International flights and current taxes

12 nights in 4 star accommodation

Halong Bay Cruise

Max Group Size: 28

Itinerary

• DAYS 1-2

  FLY TO SAIGON

  Fly overnight to Saigon, Vietnam’s largest and most evocative city. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

• DAY 3

  DISCOVER SAIGON

  This morning, contemplate the struggles of guerrilla warfare at the Cu Chi Tunnels before returning to Saigon. This exuberant city is driving Vietnam forward into the modern world, but it is also a treasure trove of fascinating heritage. See the colonial Notre Dame Cathedral and visit the Central Post Office, the Reunification Palace, and the chilling War Remnants Museum.

• DAY 4

  MEKONG DELTA

  Journey to Ben Tre to take a cruise on the Mekong. Paddle through the maze of palmlined canals and get a glimpse of daily life on the Mekong Delta. Enjoy a lunch of typical Mekong dishes. Make a stop at Vinh Trang Pagoda en route back to Saigon.

• DAY 5

  JOURNEY TO HOI AN

  Fly to Danang and transfer to Hoi An. This afternoon take a walking tour of this charming town a wonderfully laidback and wilfully traditional place, whose streets are a delight to wander. Visit an old merchant’s house, Quan Cong Temple, the elaborate Japanese Bridge and the bustling market.

• DAY 6

  TRA QUE VILLAGE

  Head out into the countryside to Tra Que, a small farming community that supplies many hotels and restaurants in the area with vegetables and herbs. Here you can enjoy the lush green countryside and stroll through the gardens to see the farmers at work. Later spend the afternoon at leisure back in Hoi An.

• DAY 7

  IMPERIAL HUE

  Leave Hoi An for Hue, taking a scenic route over the Hai Van Pass. The epitome of Vietnam’s dynastic past, Hue is a dignified and scholarly city. Visit the imposing Imperial Citadel and Forbidden Purple City. The magnificent centrepiece of the Royal Empire, the citadel was extensively damaged during the Vietnam War. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Royal Tomb of Minh Mang, a complex of 40 monuments set in surroundings of gardens and pools. Continue to the old Thien Mu Pagoda before taking a cruise on the Perfume River.

• DAY 8

  FLY TO HANOI

  This morning, fly 1 hour and 20 minutes to the charming city of Hanoi, where the afternoon is at leisure. This evening, attend The Quintessence of Tonkin show, a famously artistic open-air performance celebrating the rich history of northern Vietnam.

• DAY 9

  EXPLORE HANOI

  Sightseeing today includes a wander through the Ho Chi Minh Quarter, where you’ll visit Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum (closed at certain times of year) and the Stilt House set in the gardens of the Presidential Palace. Also visit One Pillar Pagoda and the Confucian Temple of Literature. End the day’s explorations with a cyclo tour through the Old Quarter and enjoy a flavourful Vietnamese coffee at a caf overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake.

• DAY 10

  CHRISTMAS EVE IN HALONG BAY

  Travel to Halong and embark on an unforgettable adventure a two-night cruise out to the far-most corners of the bay. Settle in with lunch on board and enjoy the passing scenery as you journey out into the waters. This afternoon, enjoy the included activities on offer, such as swimming and sunbathing at Trinh Nu Beach, or exploring Trinh Nu Cave. End the day on deck with a drink in hand to watch the sunset over the bay, and watch or even enter a light-hearted spring roll making competition on deck MasterChef in Halong Bay!

• DAY 11

  CHRISTMAS DAY IN HALONG BAY AND LAN HA BAY

  Begin a Christmas Day like no other watching the sun rise over Halong Bay. Sail into Lan Ha Bay Halong’s equally beautiful but lesser-known twin! Far fewer cruise ships are permitted to operate in Lan Ha Bay, thanks to its protected status as part of Cat Ba National Park. Enjoy the Halong experience without the crowds. Today, choose from included activities such as kayaking at Ho Ba Ham (Three Tunnel Lake). Here, limestone tunnels connect three peaceful lakes within the bay an extraordinary place where time seems to stand still. Alternatively, join a tour of Cua Van Fishing Village, a colourful floating village inhabited by multiple generations of fishermen and their families. This evening, enjoy a drinks reception on deck, exclusively for Wendy Wu Tours travellers.

  DAY 12

  RETURN TO HANOI

  Begin the morning with a choice of activities a revitalising Tai Chi session on deck at sunrise, or an early morning adventure to Sung Sot Cave! This vast grotto has two impressive chambers filled with stalactites and stalagmites, and is one of the biggest and most beautiful caves in Halong Bay. Return to the ship and enjoy brunch on board as you sail back to the embarkation point. Drive back to Hanoi, where the rest of the day is at leisure.

  DAY 13

  DEPARTURE

  Transfer from the hotel to the airport, according to the departure time of your onward flight. Any time before your flight is at leisure to enjoy the city.