TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

  • Experience local life and learn more about culture and locals’ lifestyle in Ho Chi Minh city
  • Learn and understand the rich Vietnamese history & culture through stunning sights of One Pillar or Temple of Literature, site of Vietnam’s first university …
  • Sumptuous local meals & informative tales from your guide
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ITINERARY

DAY 1 : ARRIVE HO CHI MINH CITY (D)

Right after landing to Tan Son Nhat Airport, you will see our representative holding the signboard with your name on it to welcome you at the Immigration area, he/she will assist you with all immigration process and lead you to the luggage area. You will then move out and meet our tour guide waiting for you outside, then we transfer to our hotel for check – in. Dinner will be sever in Saigon Cruise. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

DAY 2 : CU CHI TUNNELS & SAIGON CITY EXPLORATION (B/L)

This morning, we drive 70km scenic drive to Cu Chi Tunnels, a system created to assist the Vietnamese Revolutionists against the French in 1948. It was an underground city with living areas, kitchens, storage, weapons factories, field hospitals, command centers etc and in certain areas, housed up to 10,000 people, who virtually lived underground for years. You will have the opportunity to take part in the unique experience of guerillas living underground during the war, with a crawl through 20/30/50 meters of the tunnel system. In the afternoon, we visit Chinatown, or more commonly known as Cho Lon, to the bustling Binh Tay Wholesale Market. Here we witness the local people rushing about selling an array of fresh and dried produce, clothing, shoes, home wares and fabrics, just to name a few. Close by, we make a stop to one of the most active temples in Chinatown, Thien Hau Temple, built by the Cantonese Congregation in 1760 in order to express their gratitude to this Goddess for her protection during their immigration trip to Vietnam by sea. We drive back to the centre of town to visit the magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral, built in 1877 and the City Post Office, often mistaken for a railway station by foreign visitors and City Hall. Overnight at your hotel

DAY 3 : SAIGON – MY THO – MEKONG DELTA (B/L)

Heading out of the town, we travel by roads to the Mekong Delta, Vietnam’s largest rice bowl. On arrival in My Tho, we embark on a boat navigating around the intricate small canals in the delta region, which is a great way to observe the local lifestyle close-up and catch a view dotted by many islands. The exciting excursion will pass the lush green vegetation before arriving at the famous Unicorn Island. Here we have opportunities to stroll around an orchard, taste many seasonal fruits and enjoy wonderful traditional music. The next stop of our trip is Ben Tre Province to visit some fascinating local industries. After feasting on a huge lunch we return to Ho Chi Minh, stopping off along the way to see the beautiful Vinh Trang Pagoda. Overnight in Saigon

DAY 4 : HO CHI MINH CITY – TAKE FLIGHT TO HANOI (B/D)

Have breakfast at your hotel before heading to airport for flight to Hanoi (2h10 flight) You will be warmly welcomed upon arrival at Hanoi airport and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon you will take a private walking city tour to visit local markets and Hanoi’s Old Quarter, known for its 36 streets and former craft guilds. In the evening you will enjoy a water puppet performance before a welcome dinner at a local restaurant and an overnight stay in Hanoi.

DAY 5 : HANOI FULL DAY CITY TOUR (B/L)

Our first visit is to the most well respected site of Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, which includes the Presidential Palace, One Pillar Pagoda and Ho Chi Minh Museum. We continue on with a short drive to visit the 11th Century Temple of Literature, Hanoi’s first University. After lunch, continuing on with a 25minute drive to the very interesting Ethnology Museum. Here you will learn of the traditional cultures of 54 different ethnic minority groups in Vietnam through articles, stories, displays of traditional houses, costumes, hunting equipment and much more wares used in day to day life. Returning to the center of Hanoi, we finish our day with a ‘mind blowing’ and most unforgettable ‘Xich Lo’ ride through the charming 36 Street Old Quarter and introduce you to the hustle and bustle of the city streets, discovering the real Hanoi. You will stay overnight in Hanoi

DAY 6 : HANOI – HA LONG BAY - OVERNIGHT ON CRUISE (B/L/D)

After breakfast at hotel, driver picks up and transfer to Halong Bay, listed as a World Heritage of outstanding natural beauty, known in Vietnamese as “Dragon descending to the sea”. Upon arrival, the boat crew welcome you and check in then enjoy a cruise around Halong Bay with a delicious local seafood lunch served on board. You can also behold thousands of limestone islands and grottoes rising from the clear, emerald water. Following break, depending on each cruise’s itinerary of the day, you’ll join some activities on boat to discover the beauty of the bay such as visit a cave, doing kayaking or enjoy swimming in the sea before getting back to the junk for relaxing and dinner. Overnight on board. Note: Our tour guide will not escort you on the cruises, and be replaced by crew members who are fluent in English.

DAY 7 : HA LONG BAY - HANOI (B/BRUNCH)

You’ll wake up on the bay to the sounds of waves and birds welcoming the new day. You will have an opportunity to view the sunrise over the bay and after breakfast, visit a beautiful limestone grotto. You will have a walk back to the boat for a final glimpse of Halong Bay while cruising back to the dock. Then you will drive back to Hanoi. Overnight at your hotel.

DAY 8 : DEPART VIETNAM (B)

There is no activity planned for today so you are free to enjoy your free time souvenir shopping until transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

INCLUSIONS

  • Private door-to-door pick-up & drop-off services by private transportation
  • Accommodation shared in Double room with daily breakfast
  • All domestic flights
  • Experienced English speaking guide
  • Meals as stated in the itinerary (B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner)
  • All sightseeing tickets
  • Tissues and water on coach
  • Vietnam Visa On Arrival pre-approved letter
  • Services charges and government tax
  • Exclusive and personalized single agent/single customer service
  • No extra charge after services confirmation
  • 24/7 hotline support guaranteed

EXCLUSIONS

  • International flights & departure taxes if any
  • Personal expenses, tips and gratuities
  • Travel insurance
  • Beverage
  • Peak season or public holidays surcharge (if any)
  • Compulsory Gala dinner on X-Mas or New Year (if any)
  • Vietnam visa stamp fee (US$ 25 & 1 passport photo for each person)
  • Other services not mentioned above

Destination

Vietnam

Duration

8-10 days

Responsible Benefits

Cultural Interaction, Locals Benefit, Making a Difference

ESSENCE OF VIETNAM

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