Vietnam UNESCO Tour with Phong Nha Cave

Welcome to Hanoi, Vietnam! Upon arrival, your guide will take you on a private transfer to your hotel for checking in. The remainder of today is free to have a well-earned rest after your flight or go around by yourself.

The capital's historic center hosts several landmarks dedicated to the founding father of modern Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh. Alongside your guide, pay insightful visits to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Ho Chi Minh's House on Stilts, and Ho Chi Minh Museum, and enjoy an exterior view of the French colonial-style Presidential Palace. Not far away lies the time-honored Temple of Literature, originally built in 1070 as both a temple dedicated to Chinese philosopher Confucius and a university for high learning. Inside its five courtyards, various pavilions, halls, and statues offer a fascinating glimpse into Vietnam's past.

Spend the rest of the afternoon and evening independently. We suggest taking a cyclo (Vietnamese rickshaw) through the vibrant Hanoi's Old Quarter to learn about Vietnam's traditional ways of life or strolling around the scenic Hoan Kiem Lake for a quiet moment.

Spend about 3 hours driving to the UNESCO-recognised natural wonder, Halong Bay. Upon arrival, board a sightseeing ship for a scenic cruise on the emerald waters. You will be intoxicated with thousands of limestone karst isles in different shapes and sizes. A list of fun activities for you are sunbathing, kayaking, swimming, cooking, and squid fishing.

This morning, enjoy the sunrise on the prow, partake in Tai Chi exercise, relax on the deck, and explore the grotesque Surprise Cave.

After disembarkation, your guide will take you back to Hanoi by car. You are free to explore Hanoi independently for the remainder of today.

Enjoy some leisure time this morning until your guide sends you to the airport for the flight to Dong Hoi. After checking in to the hotel, spend the rest of the day on your own.

After breakfast, set out to explore Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, which joined the World Heritage List in 2003. Later, take a boat into the mysterious Phong Nha Cave, well known for its miraculous karst rock formations. The cave is nearly 8,000 meters long - although the first 1,500 meters are allowed to explore, whose sheer beauty will still stun every tourist. Next, venture into the Paradise Cave before returning to Dong Hoi.

Today, travel onward by 1.5-hour drive to Quang Tri Province for an insightful visit to Vinh Moc Tunnels within the Old DMZ (Vietnamese Demilitarized Zone). Later, proceed to the nearby Hien Luong Bridge built above the Ben Hai River.

After your visit, continue on the 2-hour road transfer to the historical Hue, which has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993. Settle into a local hotel and spend the rest of today at leisure.

Start by visiting the Royal Tomb of King Minh Mang, followed by a sightseeing cruise aboard a Royal Dragon Boat on the Perfume River until arriving at Thien Mu Pagoda. Along the way, enjoy the beautiful scenery on both river banks. Next, come to today's highlight - the Imperial Citadel, a walled enclosure with monuments, temples, and palaces for former royalty of Vietnam.

Today, set off on a 3-hour scenic drive via Hai Van Pass to UNESCO-protected Hoi An, pausing en route to appreciate stone carvings and clay sculptures at Cham Museum, climb up the Marble Mountains to admire the uncanny workmanship of nature, and enjoy the fantastic seascape on Non Nuoc Beach. Once arriving in Hoi An, check into your hotel and enjoy some leisure time.

Today, drive out of the town to the My Son Sanctuary, the remains of the Kingdom of Champa under UNESCO protection. After lunch, return to Hoi An and spend your afternoon visiting the Japanese Bridge, Chinese Temple, and former Vietnamese merchant's house. Finally, enjoy some leisure time roaming the old streets or sitting back on the pristine beach.

Savor a leisurely morning before taking a private transfer to Da Nang airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. After checking into the hotel, you might like to explore the largest city in Vietnam or have a good rest in your room.

Despite being the country's most dynamic metropolis, Ho Chi Minh City (formerly known as "Saigon") retains much of its fascinating connections with the past. Start by visiting Cholon, the city's Chinatown, highlighted by Thien Hau Temple and Binh Tay Market. Next, walk into the War Remnants Museum, with its somber and impactful exhibitions, to delve into the country's recent history. Today's introductory city tour culminates with a leisurely walk around the colonial quarter, admiring French heritage such as Reunification Palace, Tan Dinh Church, and Old Saigon Post Office.

Today, venture out on an excursion to Ben Tre, a quieter getaway to the fertile Mekong Delta. After visiting a local market, board a motor boat drifting down the major waterway and change to a hand rowing boat along labyrinthine backwaters. En route, enjoy the riverine scenery of small islands, stilt-house communities, and coconut groves. Then, get ashore to a riverine village, visit a farmer's house for some sweet treats, and ride on a Tuk Tuk to local workshops of unique local items like coconut candy. Finally, enjoy a traditional home-hosted lunch before returning to the city.

Time to say goodbye to Vietnam. Enjoy some leisure time this morning until your guide arrives to take you on a private transfer to the airport for your return flight.