Classic Vietnam: Hanoi & Ho Chi Minh City

When you arrive at Noi Bai International airport in Hanoi, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel in the downtown. The remainder of the day will be your own.

Meals:
Accommodation: Angel Palace Hotel Silk Path Luxury Hotel Hilton Hanoi Opera Hotel Hotel
Transportation: Private vehicle

This city tour of Hanoi takes in essential sites which will commence from your hotel lobby at 08.30 am. In the morning, you’ll visit the Ho Chi Minh Complex including the Mausoleum, his former stilt-house residence, the Presidential Palace and the Ho Chi Minh Museum; The Temple of Literature – Vietnam’s first university dating back to 1070.

After lunch at a local Vietnamese restaurant, you’ll continue visiting the Museum of Ethnology, widely acknowledged as the best in the country, containing an extensive display of life-size structures dedicated to Vietnam’s 54 ethnic minority peoples; Ngoc Son Temple and Hoan Kiem Lake – the Ngoc Son Temple is set on a tiny island on Hoan Kiem Lake, its history dating back to the 13th century; a cyclo ride for 1 hour touring through the narrow, chaotic streets of the Old Quarter – a must for any visitor to Hanoi! The day finishes with a traditional performance of the famous Vietnamese water puppets.

Note: the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed all day on Monday and Fridays, as well as from 15th June to 15th August (approx.) for annual conservation.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Angel Palace Hotel Silk Path Luxury Hotel Hilton Hanoi Opera Hotel Hotel
Transportation: Private vehicle

After breakfast, you’ll leave for Halong Bay with a refreshment break en route. Meet the crew upon boarding the traditional wooden junk, then relax and enjoy lunch while the boat heads towards the secluded islands. Visit ancient limestone caves and go sea kayaking and swimming if the weather permits. Return to the junk refreshed and invigorated and relax on deck with a drink to watch the sunset. Enjoy a freshly prepared seafood dinner under the stars.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Overnight Cruises
Transportation: Private vehicle, Boat

Enjoy an early morning swim (if weather permits) followed by breakfast. The tour then visit one of the famous caves in the middle of the bay before cruising back to the main harbor for the 4 hour drive straight to Noi Bai airport in Hanoi for a late afternoon flight to Ho Chi Minh City. On arrival, pick up and transfer to your hotel in the downtown.

Meals: Breakfast, Brunch
Accommodation: Paragon Saigon Hotel Hotel
Transportation: Private vehicle, Boat, Plane

After breakfast, you will drive to Cu Chi Tunnels where you will visit the amazing network of underground tunnels was used during the Vietnam War by the Viet Cong. This huge construction was a habitation for villagers in the war time. With 3 levels of depth, it was never discovered by the US during the Vietnam War despite its proximity to Saigon. Visit the fighting tunnel system with your local guide.

After lunch, return to Ho Chi Minh City for a guided city tour, starting with the War Remnants Museum – a real eye-opening part of Vietnam’s proud history; followed by the Reunification Palace; the former South Vietnam Presidential Palace; the Notre Dame Cathedral and Old Post Office, as you get your camera working overtime peeking into the past of Vietnam’s biggest, most energetically progressive city. Return to your hotel at around 18.00. You’ll spend the night in Ho Chi Minh City.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Paragon Saigon Hotel Hotel
Transportation: Private vehicle

At 8.00 am, depart for a 2 hour drive to Ben Tre, one of the country’s southern provinces, situated in the Delta of the Mekong River. Take in the highway as you leave behind the busy city. On arrival, take a boat on Ben Tre river – one of tributaries of Mekong river to witness lively activities along river such as fishing, water transferring. Stop at brickwork to see how to make bricks in traditional style by printing and baking. You will visit one of plenty of coconut processing workshops located along canal. Turn on natural scissors creeks where they look smaller and smaller to go to village. Take a walk to family workshop making sleep mats and enjoying some fruits. Later, take a moto-cart on shady village paths, passing by green rice fields and vegetable plains to be able to touch on real life and find out about tropical culture from peasants.

After lunch at a riverside restaurant, enjoy rowing-boat along water palm creek, and boat back to pier where you will be taken to Ho Chi Minh City, arriving at around 17.00

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Paragon Saigon Hotel Hotel
Transportation: Private vehicle, Boat

Your time will be your own until being picked up to Tan Son Nhat airport in Ho Chi Minh City for your onward journey or departure flight.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: None
Transportation: Private vehicle