7-Day Hanoi – Saigon

Day 1: Ha Noi Arrival

A bustling metropolis in combination with tranquility, Hanoi offers the elegant French charms of its colonial architectures, the rush rhythm of life along 36 old streets to the anarchy traffic by plenty of motorbikes. It seemed like a typical picture for South East Asia life and spirit. Welcome to Ha Noi, our friendly tour guide and driver will meet and greet you at Noi Bai International airport. After a short ride to the city center, you will check in your hotel and save the remaining time of this day at leisure.

Day 2 Ha Noi Tour

(Private with local lunch)

After breakfast, start your morning ride to West Lake – the biggest lake in Hanoi and you take a visit to nearby Tran Quoc Pagoda. This is the oldest pagoda and is considered as a typical example of Vietnamese Buddhism with its history of more than 1500 years. The next stop is Hoa Lo Prison Museum, ironically nicknamed the ‘HaNoi Hilton’ by US prisoners of war (POWs) during the American War. Most exhibits relate to the prison’s use up to the mid-1950s, focusing on the Vietnamese struggle for independence from France. Exist and drive you to a must-visit site, you will hear stories about Great Leader – Ho Chi Minh while going on an orientation walk at Ho Chi Minh Complex (Mausoleum & Museum). Pass through the One Pillar Pagoda – a unique architecture that is only available in Vietnam. Take a break and enter in the ancient landscaped courtyards, gardens and pavilions of Temple of Literature, this is the first university of Vietnam, where many monuments still remain to dedicate to the scholars who graduated here. This afternoon continues walking to explore the Ha Noi Old Quarter. Walk through narrow and evocative streets; you will have the closest view to the French-colonial architectures of ancient buildings and family-run vendor stores.

(SIC with local lunch)

8.00- 8.30: Get picked up by our friendly guide and start to explore Hanoi City
08.45: Arrive at Tran Quoc Pagoda located on Golden Fish IsLand in West Lake. It is the oldest pagoda in HaNoi built in the 6th century.
09.30: Visit Ho Chi Minh complex, you have a chance to see the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh then walk around the garden to see 2 houses where he lived & worked from 1954 to 1969. Then visit One Pillar Pagoda where worships the Goddess of Mercy – It is the most unique pagoda in the world Should dress modestly by covering from shoulders to knees when visiting Ho Chi Minh mausoleum, temples, pagodas… Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is closed on Mondays and Fridays. Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is closed at least 2 months (15thJune -15thAugust) for the annual maintaining but still can take picture Mausoleum and visit around that area
11.15: Visit Vietnam Ethnology Museum to learn about the culture of 54 ethnic groups living in the whole country of Vietnam Special Note : we will visit Women Museum instead of Ethnology Museum closed on Mondays
12.45: Have lunch at our restaurant. You have an opportunity to enjoy Vietnamese cuisine with 8 delicious dishes.
14.00-14.15 : Continue to visit Temple of Literature – the first university of Vietnam, established in the 11 century
15.15: Leave for Hoa Lo Prison Museum which was originally used by the French colonists in Indochina for political prisoners, and later by North Vietnam for U.S. prisoners of war during the Vietnam War. During this later period, it was known to American POWs as the “Hanoi Hilton
16.15 -16.30: Tour finishes. Back to the hotel.

Day 3 : Ha Noi - Ha Long Bay - Overnight on Cruise

From Hanoi, you will travel to Halong Bay in an air-conditioned car. After that, board your traditional junk, where the crew welcomes you with a scrumptious lunch buffet. You can take memorable family photos on the sundeck with the backdrop of thousands of limestone karsts, dotted with isles covered in lush green nature.
If you’d prefer exciting family activities, kayaking is a must-try activity, especially when it is sunset. Paddle your boat through the emerald water and unveil the amazing wonders of this proud UNESCO Heritage Site. You will have exclusive breathtaking photo ops from the boat. Before dinner time, you can join a cooking course to make Vietnamese nem, another delicious recipe for your family meal. At night, if the weather conditions are ideal, you can have a fun fishing competition with your kids on deck. The thrill of catching fresh cuttlefish in the magical scenery is an experience you will never forget.

(The itinerary is subject to change depending on the cruise we book and the weather conditions)

Day 4 Ha Long Bay - Ha Noi

A Tai Chi course is offered in the refreshing morning air on the sundeck before breakfast. Optionally, you can continue exploring the magnificent nature of Halong Bay by visiting Sung Sot Cave or the charming Ti Top Island. Continue cruising through the tall limestone karsts. After lunch, you will return to Hanoi. Check in at the hotel and have the rest of the day at your leisure.

Day 5 Cu Chi Tunnels - Saigon Tour

(Private with local lunch)
Enjoy the breakfast at the hotel before your friendly tour guide and driver come over and lead you to exciting destinations all day long.
Built over a period of 25 years since the 1940s, Cu Chi tunnels is an immense network of underground construction that spans over 250 kilometers of the district, honeycombed into layers and layers of underground living accommodation. Exploring the network of tunnels to understand the tenacious will of the Vietnamese in their fight against foreign invasion.
In the afternoon, visit all the cultural and outstanding landmarks of the city. Built during the French colonial era, most of them inherit from the romances of French architectural design. The round city tour includes Notre Dame Cathedral, Saigon Old Post office, Ho Chi Minh Hall, and War Remnant Museum.

(SIC with local lunch)
Ho Chi Minh City, also known as the Pearl of the Far East, boasts over 300 years of history and is home to many ancient architectural structures, renowned sights, and famous vestiges. Its unique culture is a harmonious synthesis of traditional values and northern and western cultural elements. HCMC serves as a trade, industrial, scientific, technological, and cultural center, as well as one of the largest tourist destinations in Vietnam.
Join our one-day or half-day HCMC city tour to explore this beautiful city! In the morning, visit the Independent Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon, Central Post Office, War Remnants Museum, and Jade Emperor Pagoda. Upon arrival at the Cu Chi – Ben Duoc Tunnels, which is approximately an hour and a half drive away, you will be transported to a beautiful and wellmaintained site that showcases the history of the Vietnam War. During the tour, you will witness the remarkable techniques employed by the Viet Cong during the war and have the chance to crawl through one
of the tunnels used during that time, offering a unique perspective on the resilience and intelligence of the Vietnamese people. Exploring the tunnels that played a significant role in history is an exceptional experience. During the journey, we will make a stop to observe the craftsmanship of lacquer paintings created by a disabled people’s association. Additionally, for an exhilarating wartime experience, you may rent an M-16, AK-47, or carbine rifle at the National Defense Sports Shooting Range (at your own expense).

Day 6 Saigon - Mekong Delta

(Private with local lunch)
Enjoy the scenic journey along the way bordered by green rice fields. On arriving at My Tho, visit Vinh Trang pagoda, take a leisurely boat ride along the river, and view the stilt houses, fruit plantations and fishing villages along the river bank. Proceed to Tortoise islet, have lunch in the Orchard garden. Then a boat ride to An Khanh – a less touristy attraction in Ben Tre, enjoy cruising on a hand-rowed sampan under the shadow of the water coconut trees along natural canals, then enjoy seasonal fruit & honey tea to the sound of; Southern Vietnamese folk music & performed by locals. Visit a family business which epitomizes the idyllic rural lifestyle, taste the delicious coconut candy, observe the pastoral life as you roam through the fruit plantation and village. Meet your vehicle and return to HCMC. This trip provides a fascinating insight into daily life in the Mekong Delta and you are guaranteed to take home your own private collection of beautiful memories.

(SIC with local lunch)
A new air-conditioned touring van will pick you up at 7:30 a.m. to begin your tour south of HCMC towards Tien Giang, which is approximately 1.5 hours away. The first stop will be at Vinh Trang Pagoda, the largest pagoda in Tien Giang and one of the most beautiful and revered Buddhist shrines in Vietnam. Covering an area of over 2,000 square meters, this nineteenth century pagoda is a must-see attraction.
Next, you’ll arrive in My Tho and board a cruise to the Unicorn and Phoenix Islands, where you’ll visit a coconut candy factory and witness the local honey making process. Mingle with the locals, sample fruits, honey tea, and honey wine, and learn about their lives and traditions while listening to traditional music. This will give you an opportunity to learn more about Vietnamese culture and way of life.
At the conclusion of the tour, you will be safely returned to your residence or hotel.

Day 7 Sai Gon Departure

You are free at leisure time to visit around until time to check out and then transfer you to the airport for your return flight. Pack your luggage and unforgettable memories. Have a safe flight to come back home and see you later.