Vietnam Highlights: Hanoi, Halong Bay and Saigon

Itinerary

• Day 1: Hanoi, Arrival

  When you arrive at Hanoi's Noi Bai International Airport, your private tour guide will meet and accompany you to your hotel in the city center. After checking in, take some free time to recover from jet lag or explore the surrounding areas at your own pace.

  • Hanoi

• Day 2: Hanoi, City Highlights Tour

  Start your morning by exploring iconic historical sites, including the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the tranquil Ho Chi Minh House on Stilts, the unique One Pillar Pagoda, and the ancient Temple of Literature. Continue to Tran Quoc Pagoda and Quan Thanh Temple, two of Hanoi's oldest and most revered landmarks.

  After lunch, delve into Vietnam's diverse cultures at the Museum of Ethnology, then board a traditional cyclo (rickshaw) for a leisurely ride through the vibrant Old Quarter. End your day with a serene visit to Hoan Kiem Lake, followed by a captivating Water Puppet Show that brings Vietnamese folklore to life.

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  • Hanoi

• Day 3: Hanoi - Halong Bay

  Have breakfast at the hotel or go out to try the famous Vietnamese Pho (beef noodles). An about 3-hour private transfer afterward will take you to the pier for the two-day, one-night cruise on the spectacular Halong Bay.

  Aboard an elegant boat, spend this afternoon sailing across the crystal-blue waters and past the beautiful limestone islets. In addition to this dreamy seascape, there is a wide array of fun activities available. You can go kayaking on the bay, take a cooking class, and even join squid fishing. Have a fantastic time!

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  • Halong Bay

• Day 4: Halong Bay - Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh City

  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.

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  • Ho Chi Minh City

• Day 5: Ho Chi Minh City, Old Saigon & Cu Chi Tunnels

  This morning, 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 for a thought-provoking look at Vietnam's history, followed by a stop at the iconic Reunification Palace (formerly the Presidential Palace). You will also visit the beautiful Notre Dame Cathedral and the historic Saigon Central Post Office.

  End the day with a leisurely walk along Dong Khoi Street, a charming avenue lined with shops, cafes, and French colonial architecture.

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  • Ho Chi Minh City

• Day 6: Mekong Delta River Cruise

  Today, head to Ben Tre on a full-day Mekong Delta tour. After a 2-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 rowboat 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.

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  • Ho Chi Minh City

• Day 7: Ho Chi Minh City, Departure

  After breakfast, your private guide and driver will meet you at your hotel and transport you to the airport for your return flight.

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