Vietnam UNESCO Tour With Phong Nha Caves

Welcome to Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam! Upon arrival, your guide will pick you up to your hotel for checking in. The rest of the day is yours to relax at the hotel or explore nearby.

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 2.5 hours driving to the UNESCO-recognized 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.

Tips: Since you'll have your luggage with you for boarding today and again when you disembark tomorrow, try to keep what you need on the ship easy to reach. It makes the transition much simpler.

Wake up to stunning morning views. Tai chi session is offered on deck, feel free to join if you'd like. After a light breakfast, head to Luon Cave, which has a water-carved archway entrance. Kayak or take a boat inside, you'll find a circular lake, surrounded by limestone cliffs and lush greenery in serene beauty.

Then, return to the ship for brunch before disembarking at the end of the cruise. Your guide and driver will meet you at the pier and transfer you back to your hotel in Hanoi to rest.

Enjoy some leisure time this morning until your guide accompanies 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.

Today in Hue, follow your guide to visit three cultural landmarks. Start with the Tomb of Emperor Minh Mang, renowned for its harmonious blend of architecture and natural landscapes. Next, board a royal dragon boat for a scenic cruise along the Perfume River, enjoying serene views of the countryside and hillsides. After disembarking, explore Thien Mu Pagoda, home to ancient stupas and temples. Finally, arrive at the Hue Imperial City, often called the "Forbidden City of Vietnam". Once as residence of the emperor, it is now a UNESCO World Heritage site where you'll discover its palace complex and historic ruins.

Today, travel from Hue to Hoi An via the coast. You'll firstly cross the iconic Hai Van Pass, pausing at the summit for breathtaking views of bay and the winding road below. Descend into Da Nang to visit the Museum of Cham Sculpture, the world's largest collection of ancient Champa stone carvings. Continue south to the Marble Mountains, exploring the pagodas and mountain views. At the foot of the mountains lies Non Nuoc Beach, a stretch of white sand perfect for a short break by the sea.

Arrive in Hoi An as the lanterns begin to glow at dusk. Check into your hotel and settle in for the evening.

Today, drive out of the town about 1 hour 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 in this UNESCO listed ancient town, visit 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.

Upon arrival at Ho Chi Minh City, meet your guide and be accompanied to your hotel for a smooth check-in. Enjoy the rest of the day on your own.

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.