Vietnam Highlights: Hanoi, Halong Bay and Saigon

Your exploration with your guide starts with iconic historical sites, you'll witness the living embodiments of a nation's pride, from the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum to the tranquil Ho Chi Minh House on Stilts, and the unique One Pillar Pagoda. Then escape from the busy streets to the sanctuary of Confucian wisdom of the Temple of Literature, the first university of Vietnam. Here, you can wander beneath the ancient banyan trees and occasionally see students come for good luck in their studies. Afterwards, a short ride brings you to two of Hanoi's oldest landmarks, Quan Thanh Temple and Tran Quoc Pagoda.

After lunch, move to Museum of Ethnology, where you'll quickly and intuitively experience the diversity of Vietnamese culture. The activity later is today's highlight, and you'll hop on a traditional cyclo (rickshaw) for a leisurely ride through the vibrant Old Quarter for an authentic experience of local life. End your day with a serene visit to Hoan Kiem Lake, followed by a captivating Water Puppet Show that brings Vietnamese folklore to life.

After breakfast, your private car to the pier will wait for you at your hotel. Later, about 2.5 to 3 hours, you'll board your 2-day & 1-night cruise for the spectacular Halong Bay.

Cruise across emerald-green waters, you'll find yourself surrounded by limestone islets and hills. Savoring lunch amid this breathtaking scenery and enjoying a relaxed happy hour on board. In addition, you can join in a range of fun optional activities like kayaking, cooking class, and squid fishing.

Tips: Since you'll be carrying all your luggage today, keep the items you'll need on board easily accessible to avoid last-minute repacking before disembarking.

Get up early to partake in a revitalizing Tai Chi class on the open deck if you prefer. After a light breakfast, venture on an excursion to explore a karst cave, where you can see beautiful stalactites and stalagmites. After brunch on the boat, disembark at the pier and meet your guide for a private transfer back to Hanoi airport for the flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

Upon arrival, you will be picked up and transferred to your hotel for the night.

This morning, drive outside the city and take an insightful journey to the remarkable Cu Chi Tunnels, a vast underground network that played a crucial role during the Vietnam War. Afterward, return to Ho Chi Minh City to visit the bustling Ben Thanh Market, and explore vibrant local culture and goods.

Continue to the War Remnants Museum, and followed by a stop at the iconic Reunification Palace (formerly the Presidential Palace). You'll also pass by the beautiful Notre Dame Cathedral and the historic Saigon Central Post Office.

If you like, you can end the day with a leisurely walk along Dong Khoi Street, a charming avenue lined with shops, cafes, and French colonial architecture.

Today, head to Ben Tre on a full-day Mekong Delta tour. After a 2.5-hour drive, you'll reach Ben Tre town, with the first stop at a local market to experience the lively atmosphere of daily trading. Next, hop on a boat for a scenic 40-minute cruise along the coconut-lined river. Switch to a rowing boat for a peaceful ride through quiet canals, passing charming hamlets.

Enjoy a stroll through a village and stop by a farmer's home for fresh tropical juice. A tuk-tuk will take you to see local women crafting brooms from coconut leaves, followed by a visit to learn how coconut candy is being made - and of course, taste some! Finally, join a local family to prepare a traditional lunch together. After a delightful meal, return to Ho Chi Minh City.