8 Days Essence of Vietnam Tour

DAY 1: HANOI – ARRIVAL

Meet on arrival at Hanoi / Noi Bai International Airport and transfer to hotel for check in. Overnight in Hanoi.

DAY 2: HANOI CITY TOUR ( B/L)

AM: the city tour with visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex in Ba Dinh Square, one of the most visited attractions in Hanoi. First stop is Hochiminh Mausoleum (closed on Monday, Friday, all afternoon and during renovation period June – August yearly) to explore the architectural and historical aspects of Uncle Ho’s final resting-place, Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts and the One Pillar Pagoda, which was founded by King Ly Thai To in 1049 – the structure has become an important symbol for the people of Hanoi. Continue to the Temple of Literature and Quoc Tu Giam, see Vietnam’s first university, constructed in 1070 –  it’s gardens and well-preserved architecture will offer a relaxing glimpse into Vietnam’s past. Then visit the Buddhist Tran Quoc Pagoda at West Lake (One of the oldest pagodas in Vietnam) before heading to restaurant for lunch

PM: continue the city tour to visit History museum-one of the finest ones in Vietnam or Ethnology Museum. Head to one of the largest and oldest churches in Hanoi – St Joseph’s Cathedral – and admire the Gothic architectural style, often compared to Notre Dame de Paris. Then past Hoan Kiem Lake to see the peaceful waters, and take photo outside the beauty of Ngoc Son temple. You have the chance to stroll along Huc Bridge – featuring classical Vietnamese designs – that connects to a delightful island situated in the north part of the lake, and visit Ngoc Son temple.

Wander the streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, also known as the ‘36 streets’. Take a walking tour through charming Hang Be Market and around Hoan Kiem Lake. This bustling area of narrow streets and alleys is home to literally thousands of small businesses and shopkeepers. It’s a great place to explore with plenty of photo opportunities all around.

At the end, you will watch Water Puppet show a traditional performance that dates back as far as the 11th century in the villages of the Red River Delta area of northern Vietnam or spend time for 01 hour cyclo ride along street to explore the daily life in the Old quarter. Discover a unique part of Vietnamese culture before transfer back to hotel.

DAY 3: HANOI – HALONG BAY ( O/N on boat) (B/L/D)

AM: pick up at hotel and start a journey 165-km east of Hanoi to Halong Bay, listed as a World Heritage Area of outstanding natural beauty. “Dragon descending to the sea” as it is known in Vietnamese, picturesque Halong Bay has more than 1,000 limestone islets rising from the sea, many of them containing beautiful grottoes.

Upon arrival, have welcome drink on board prior to your check-in.

PM: Lunch with fresh seafood will be served while the boat is cruising through many stone islets, floating villages, and small beaches. Arrive in kayaking area “Luon Cave”. Enjoy kayaking through the karst and breathtaking nature. Cruising to Titov island. Go swimming and relaxing at the beach of Titov or climb up to the top of the island for a panorama view of Halong Bay. Return to cruise. Enjoy Sunset Party on sundeck and admire the best moments of the day when the sun starts to set. Dinner and overnight on cruise.

Note: Itinerary is subject to change without prior notice according to weather conditions or local administration regulations. 

DAY 4: HALONG BAY – HANOI – DANANG – HOIAN (B/Brunch)

AM: Early morning, start Tai Chi demonstration on sundeck.

We will pass by many islets before making a stop at Surprise Cave, one of the widest and most special caves of Halong Bay. So you can explore this stunning attraction of Ha Long Bay. Inside the cave, there have thousands of stalactites and stalagmites along the 500-meter paved passage. Light posts line the passage and serve as signposts and ornaments, illuminating various hidden shapes. The artificial additions may not be to everyone’s taste, but the space is impressive nonetheless.

Brunch is served on boat while the junk boat continues cruising towards the wharf. Be ready to disembark from boat at about 10.30-11:00 am prior board the transfer back to Hanoi.

PM: Transfer to the airport for flight to Danang.

Meet on arrival and transfer to hotel in Hoian for check in. Overnight at hotel in Hoian

DAY 5: HOIAN CITY TOUR (B)

AM: Start for a walking tour around Hoi An ancient town – the impressively well-preserved trading town is as colorful and lively as it was before hundred years ago.. Follow the narrow lanes lined with centuries-old houses influenced by Chinese, Japanese, French and European architectures and visit its numerous places of interest such as: the majestic Kwan Temple, Phuc Kien Chinese Assembly Hall, Tan Ky Old House, the 400-year old Japanese Cover Bridge and the Historic and Cultural Museum. After witnessing the historic architectural structures, you will be entertained by a traditional music performance if time permits, and a visit to Hoi An’s handicraft workshop, art galleries and tailor shops, get some made-to-order clothes if you like. End the tour with visit to Hoi An’s colourful market, and experience the amazing sights, sounds and aromas of this busy market.

PM: free at leisure for your own activities. Overnight in Hoian

DAY 6: HOIAN – DANANG – HOCHIMINH CITY TOUR (B/L)

AM: Depart for Danang airport for morning light to Hochiminh city.

Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat International airport, pick up by our guide and transfer to city

Start the city tour with the War Remnants Museum has a wealth of images from the wars, the most moving being a gallery entitled ‘Requiem’ which is dedicated to Vietnamese and foreign journalists and photographers who perished during the French and American conflicts. Photo stop at The Reunification Palace was the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until April 30, 1975 when the North Vietnamese tanks came crashing through the front gates, bringing the U.S.-Vietnam War to a dramatic end. Close to the palace some of the best examples of French colonial architecture are represented in the forms of Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office. Notre Dame Cathedral was built between 1877 and 1883 and the stone used to create it was imported entirety from France. Next to the cathedral stands the Central Post Office, finished in 1891. It is another fine example of French architecture and is Vietnam‘s largest post office. For all its French colonial history though, Ho Chi Minh City is by far and away Vietnam‘s most modern city. It has numerous shopping malls, cinemas, discotheques and a bewildering number of bars. End the trip at shopping malls or biggest wholesales Ben Thanh market.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

DAY 7: HOCHIMINH CITY – CU CHI TUNNELS – MEKONG DELTA (B/L)

AM: Have an excursion to the famous Cu Chi tunnels, which stretched for over 200km from Saigon to the Cambodian border, became legendary during the 1960s. The Cu Chi tunnels played a vital part in the U.S.-Vietnam War in that they allowed the Viet Cong to control a large rural area only 30 to 40 km from Saigon. The network, parts of which were several levels deep, included innumerable trap doors, specifically constructed living areas, storage facilities, weapons factories, field hospitals, command centres and kitchens. Today the remaining tunnels have been widened and become a major tourist attraction giving the visitor a unique experience and feel of what underground life during the war must have been like. For those interested there’s even the opportunity to try an AK47 or MK16 at the nearby rifle range. Later, proceed to My Tho, depart for My Tho, the Gateway to the Mekong Delta and the capital of Tien Giang Province 72 km from Ho Chi Minh City (Former Saigon). The Mekong Delta is known as the Delta of Nine Dragons for the 9 tributaries that splinter from the main Mekong River.

PM: Upon arrival, enjoy fantastic lunch with special Elephant Ear fish at a local restaurant then visit Vinh Trang pagoda, the most beautiful pagoda of the province with a mixture structure of many styles. Then take a boat trip round 4 beautiful islets: Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix, and Tortoise. These evergreen islands among the Mekong River still remain unknown to many people. You will discover beautiful landscapes along the river and observe the typical Mekong delta rural life. And we also enjoy seasonal fruit and honey tea or Mekong whiskey and listen to the sound of Southern Vietnamese folk music performed by locals.

Continue to take a boat ride to Ben Tre province. Experience a hand-rowed sampan under the shadow of the water coconut trees along natural canals and visit traditional house (all made from coconut). The next place is a family business which epitomizes the idyllic rural lifestyle. Here, we will have the chance to particular visits or photos making and taste the delicious coconut candy, observe the pastoral life as you wander through the fruit plantation and village. Disembark and transfer back to Hochiminh city.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city

DAY 8:  HOCHIMINH CITY – DEPARTURE (B)

Leisure time until transfer to Ho Chi Minh City / Tan Son Nhat International Airport for departure.