VIetnam
Vietnam, a Southeast Asian gem, is known for its rich history, diverse landscapes, and vibrant culture. From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the serene waters of Ha Long Bay, Vietnam offers a blend of ancient temples, lush rice terraces, and delicious cuisine, making it a captivating destination for travelers.
ITINERARY
DAY 01: HANOI ARRIVAL
Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport, welcome by our guide and transfer to your hotel. The transfer
distance is approximately 40 munites. Hanoi or “River-bound City” as its name literally means is
Vietnam’s capital with a thousand-year-old history dating back to 1010. The city’s fascinating beauty
which is characterized by unique cultural relics, ancient streets of antique houses, elegant French
colonial buildings, tree-lined boulevards and romantic lakes has made it one of the most charming
cities of Asia. Meals: No Meal Accommodation: A hotel used in Hanoi
DAY 02: HANOI FULL DAY CITY TOUR
Morning: Visit Ho Chi Minh Complex which features the life of Ho Chi Minh, the nation’s founder. At
the complex, visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the colonial Presidential Palace, the One Pillar
Pagoda. Continue to the Temple of Literature, known as the first university of Vietnam built in 1070
by the Ly Dynasty to honor Confucius, sages and outstanding Vietnamese scholars. Afternoon:
continue the tour to one of the following museums of choice namely: the Museum of Fine Arts, the
National Museum of Vietnamese History, the Museum of Revolution, the Museum of Military
History or the Museum of Ethnology. Late afternoon, visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple
located on an islet in the lake. Hoan Kiem Lake is the center point of Hanoi and home to a rare
endangered giant turtle species. Its name “Returned Sword” comes from a legend of a sacred sword
being lent to an ancient Vietnamese King by a holy turtle from the lake and later returned to the
turtle. Shop or walk at leisure in the Old Quarter of 36 ancient streets.
Meals: Breakfast Accommodation: A hotel used in Hanoi
DAY 03: HANOI – HA LONG
Morning pickup at 8:00 AM from your hotel for transfer to Ha Long Bay, which is about 160 km or
3.5-hour drive away. On the way, you will see some rural areas of the Red River Delta with plenty of
chances to take photos of Vietnamese farmers working in paddy fields. Stop half way to visit a
handicraft workshop of fine clothes and embroidered paintings. Arrive in Ha Long City at 11:30 AM
and check in aboard the booked junk right after the
welcome drink is served. Start cruising while having lunch on board and enjoy the mighty bay view.
Ha Long Bay meaning Descending Dragon Bay in Vietnamese as legend has it that it was where a
holly dragon landed down from sky. The bay, famous as one of the world’s wonders and heritage
sites whose formation dates back 500 million years, consists of around 2,000 karst islands and islets
scattered over an area of 1,553 km2. The bay cruise will continue with up close sighting of Dinh
Huong Island, Ga Choi Island, Dog Island, Sail Island, a visit to Sung Sot Cave and swimming stop at
Titov Beach. Relax to enjoy the bay view at sunset, have dinner after, go fishing at 09:00 PM and
spend a night on board. Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Accommodation: A cruise used in Ha Long
DAY 04: HA LONG – HANOI – FLIGHT TO SAIGON
Early risers can enjoy the splendid yet tranquil view of the bay at the crack of dawn. Breathe the
sea’s fresh air, feel the morning breeze and hear the sounds of birds above. Have breakfast and
cruise to visit Human head shaped island and Tortoise Island. Continue to cruise into Bai Tu Long Bay
to discover the adjacent bay of “The Little Dragon Bowing to His Mother” as it is named. Check out
and have lunch on board while heading to shore. Disembark and transfer back to Hanoi airport for
flight to Ho Chi Minh Arrive in Saigon city, welcome by our guide and transfer to hotel for check in.
Ho Chi Minh City formerly named Saigon is the largest city and economic center of Vietnam always
bustled with activities of modern life. It is where businesses converge and shoppers indulge
themselves into unlimited choices. However the city also carries with it a rich historical legacy in
contrast with its dazzling glamor. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch or Brunch Accommodation: A hotel used in
Saigon
DAY 05: SAIGON FULL DAY CU CHI TUNNEL AND CITY TOUR
Morning, take a half-day tour to the Cu Chi Tunnels, 75 km Northwest of downtown Ho Chi Minh
City, which were once a major underground hideout and resistance base of Viet Cong forces during
the two wars against the French and later on Americans. The tunnels, entirely hand-dug, formed a
highly intricate network of interlinked multilevel passageways at times stretched as far as the
Cambodian border and totaling over 120 km in length. Its complexity was beyond imagination
containing meeting rooms, kitchens, wells, clinics, schools, depots, trenches and emergency exits all
aimed for guerrilla warfare. The tunnels were deep and strong enough to withstand destructive
bombings and self-contained enough to outlast prolonged sieges. Back to Saigon Afternoon, take a
half-day city tour to visit outside of Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica (is renovating until 2023), a
neoRoman cathedral built by the colonial French with materials entirely imported from Marseilles,
Saigon Central Post Office, which was designed and constructed in the early 20th Century by the
famous French architect Gustave Eiffel. Then, visit the War Remnants Museum, which features an
extensive collection of exhibits including weaponry, photos and documentation on Vietnam’s wars
with the French and Americans. End of day, you have free time to go shopping at Ben Thanh Market
Meals: Breakfast Accommodation: A hotel used in Saigon
DAY 6: SAIGON – FULL DAY MYTHO (MEKONG DELTA)
65km–2hour driving Morning, after breakfast, travel by road to the Mekong Delta, the world’s
largest delta and Vietnam’s largest rice bowl. On arrival in My Tho City, capital of Tieng Giang
Provine, embark on a boat and navigate through intricate canals while observing the local daily life
up close as well as the landscape of waterways and lush islands. Land on the Unicorn Island to enjoy
wandering through verdant orchards, tasting fresh fruits and listening to some Southern style
traditional music. Move on to the second delta province, Ben Tre, where you will watch local
villagers make coconut candy in a rural workshop, walk around briefly and try riding a horse-pulled
carriage. More cruising to some bee-keeping households to taste fresh homegrown honey and
honey tea. Go back Ho Chi Minh City and spend time at leisure. Meals: Breakfast Accommodation: A
hotel used in Saigon
DAY 07: SAIGON DEPARTURE
Free at leisure until transfer to airport for departure flight. Meals: Breakfast