This entire day is devoted to visiting Hanoi's most famous landmarks: the impressive Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Uncle Ho's final resting place, his simple stilt house to gain insight into his pure and noble way of life, and the One Pillar Pagoda, which was built in 1049 out of wood on top of a stone pillar and resembles a lotus blossom. Retrace the city's history by paying a quick visit to a nearby historical lake with a B-52 relic and listening to an untold story at a witness's home to learn how the locals recovered from the war. 

 

The Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university, is built in 11th-century Vietnamese architecture. The Railway System in Vietnam was established over a hundred years ago in the past century. You will experience a brief train ride across the century-old Long Bien railway bridge - the historical witness to the resilience of Hanoi in the two resistance wars as well as the dramatic changes of this city in the new epoch.

The lively, hectic, and social atmosphere of Hanoi can be experienced on cyclo (rickshaw) rides through the Old Quarter's "36 streets of 36 wares." Discovering the legend of Vietnamese coffee culture "Egg Coffee" is one of the highlights of the day. Chat with a legendary egg coffee artist at his hidden café to learn about coffee culture and make your own cup, then sample a typical Hanoian flavor.

 

Notes:

• Tour duration: 7.5-8 hours (08.30-17.00)

• Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is CLOSED on Mondays, Fridays and all afternoons.

 

Overnight stay in Ha Noi

Today, travel by road to Ha Long Bay, a place of outstanding natural beauty that is a World Heritage Site with its 3,000 islands rising from the clear, emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin. Make the journey through the rich farmlands of the Delta of the Red River, with its rice fields, water buffalo, and Vietnamese village life. Arrival in Halong and embarkation on the cruise, accompanied by lunch on board. Enjoy tours and/or activities (depending on the schedule of each vessel) as the cruises on emerald green waters among thousands of rugged islands and incredible limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay, stopping at spectacular caves. The boat anchors for the night amid the karst formations at the conclusion of the day. 
 
Note: 
• Cruise itinerary is subject to change due to weather and operation conditions.

Note: 
• Optional: Seaplane scenic flight over Ha Long Bay 
• Duration: 25 minutes flight 
• Flying between limestone karsts and over shimmering beaches is the most thrilling way to see the charming Halong Bay, UNESCO-listed landscape. 

Start the day with a demonstration of Tai Chi that combines deep breathing and relaxation with slow and gentle movements. Breakfast consists of coffee, tea, and pastries served in a dining room with a view of the bay's landscape. Enjoy breakfast in the fresh air of Ha Long Bay as the boat continues cruising around the bay, passing the most beautiful and peaceful areas as it makes its way to the wharf.

The vehicle is ready awaiting your disembarkation at approximately 1030 for driving back to Ha Noi for your flight to Danang. When you arrive in Da Nang, our guide will greet you and take you to Hoi An.

Overnight stay in Hoi An 

The Ancient Town of Hoi An, which flourished as a port from the 15th to the 19th centuries, is remarkably preserved, making the city a must-visit. This historic district is a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its old tile-roofed shops, shady pagodas, and colorful community halls. Enjoy a guided walking tour of Hoi An Ancient Town, known for its well-preserved architecture, pedestrian-only streets, and local cuisine. Making your way through historic merchant and community houses, ancient pagodas, and traditional places of worship with influences from Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese culture, you will hear the clattering of sewing machines and observe the day-to-day activities that are taking place. 

Step into a back alley to visit an elderly man who has a passion for Vietnamese calligraphy. Have some tea and a chat with him to learn that calligraphy is more than just a way to convey information; it can also be used to convey one's innermost thoughts and feelings. See the master at work as he creates a lucky character in calligraphy for you to take home with you as a souvenir.

 

Overnight stay in Hoi An 

 

Notes:

• Tour duration: Half day (08.30-12.30 or 13.30-17.30)

• Walking distance: 2-3km, easy on the flat terrain

• The Hoi An entrance ticket allows 24-hour access to 5 sightseeing spots, including merchant houses, the Japanese Covered Bridge, museums, pagodas, and assembly halls. It also grants you access to Hoi An Ancient Town for the duration of your stay in Hoi An. Please keep the ticket with you at all times if you visit Hoi An independently later in the evening or on another day

 

This afternoon, take in an insightful cruise on Vietnamese basket boat to watch the sunset over the river and water coconut jungle. As the light fades, the candles and lantern torches light beam around you, as the river scene comes alive and romantic. Immerse yourself in a relaxing BBQ dinner in a rustic yet peaceful setting, created by a sparkling river with a glassy surface under the starry sky. 

 

Notes:

• Duration: 2.5 - 3 hours (18.00-20.30)

• Capacity: 2-8pax

• The best time to enjoy this experience: from February to September

• Accessibility: all vehicle types

• Inclusions: Private roundtrip transfer by car, English speaking guide, BBQ dinner on bamboo raft

 

Senerity and romance await. In the late afternoon, escape from the bustle and hustle downtown Hoi An to its neighbor countryside and embark on a relaxing cruise to view the beautiful river scenery at twilight. At dusk, you will be greeted at a bamboo watchtower in a rice field near the river and led to a cozy tent with a table set up for your private BBQ dinner which is customized to suit your taste and specified occasion. Spend a relaxing time together and take in the restful feeling of being surrounded by rice fields and rivers.

 

Notes:

• Duration: 2.5 - 3 hours (18.00-20.30)

• Capacity: 2-8pax (only 1 bamboo house in paddy field)

• The best time to enjoy this experience: from February to September. The rice-growing season from January to end of April and middle of May till the first week of September

• In case it rains, dinner will be served in a nearby bamboo gazebo

• Accessibility: all vehicle types

• Inclusions: Private roundtrip transfer by car, English speaking guide, BBQ dinner on rice field 

Today you are at leisure to either enjoy the resort’s facilities, explore the area on your own or choose to enjoy one of the following optional excursions.

Overnight stay in Hoi An 
 

After breakfast, check-out, then transfer to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City (formerly known as “Saigon”). With over eight million inhabitants and four million motorbikes, Saigon is truly a city that never sleeps. 
 

In order to avoid detection by American and South Vietnamese forces, the Viet Cong built the Cu Chi network of underground tunnels. Today, learn more about the history of the Cu chi tunnels, what life was like for the Vietnamese underground, and how the Vietnamese people survived the war by engaging in a fascinating conversation with a VC veteran who once lived there. Learn about his time in the underground hamlets, where he suffered from a lack of oxygen, food, and water. 
 

Finish the day with an exciting ride into town aboard a speedboat, allowing you to take in the contrasting landscapes as you make your way down the canal, from lush paddy fields to the towering skyscrapers of downtown Saigon.

 

Notes:

• Tour duration: Half day (13:00-18:30)

• The Cu Chi Tunnels have been widened in places for western visitors, however they can still be dark, hot and claustrophobic inside so please bear this in mind if you do not like enclosed spaces. For those who choose to stay above the ground there are plenty of easily accessible rooms and excavated areas to visit.

 

Overnight stay in Ho Chi Minh City 

With your guide, explore the city's top attractions: War Remnants Museum, with photos and artifacts from the past, Reunification Palace, the former residence of the Indochina Governor-General and later of the President of the Republic of Southern, Notre Dame Cathedral, a red-brick structure with twin spires modeled after the original in Paris, Central Post Office, designed by Gustav Eiffel before he built the Eiffel Tower. Unwind in a coffee shop that was once used as a safe haven and weapon chamber by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. The coloful Chinatown is an essential part of any journey to Saigon to appreciate the local houses, pagodas, and temples' Chinese architecture. Take in the ethereal architecture of ancient temples, admire the huge burning incense coils while your guide explains how Chinese immigrants brought their culture, religion, and philosophy to Vietnam. 

 

Note:

• Tour duration: Full day (08:30 - 17:00)

• Outside visit only due to the renovation at Notre Dame Cathedral until further notice from the government

  

Ho Chi Minh City (formerly "Saigon") is notable for its nightlife and busy streets. After sunset, the best way to explore this city is to zigzag through its backstreets, narrow alleys, and lively apartment complexes to view how the residents live. This evening, experience a vintage Vespa ride through busy Saigon and enjoy delicious local food at the greatest local food stalls and restaurants. Let us tell you the story of Saigon from its 1960s glory to its 21st century modernity. In our authentic Southern Vietnamese restaurants, taste the most traditional local food and drinks that are carefully hand-picked by our local food expert, from bread rolls and grilled rice paper to seafood and other gourmet dishes.

 

Note:

• Tour Duration: 3.5-4 hours (18.00-21.30)

• Capacity: Maximum 25-30 pax, for group over 30 pax, we will divide into smaller groups

• The itinerary can be modified subject to availability of the restaurants, especially during Vietnam’s important holidays

• You will sit behind experienced drivers who know their bikes and the traffic like the back of their hands

 

Overnight stay in Ho Chi Minh City 

The fertile Mekong Delta, known as "the rice bowl of Vietnam," has many canals, beautiful paddy fields, tropical fruit plantations, and fish farms. Rural life here reflects the lifestyle of the past. This day trip takes you to Ben Tre, which is considered to be one of the gateways to the Mekong Delta. As you make your way out of the bustling central business district, take in the rice paddies and fruit farms that are located along the route. Join us on a relaxing cruise down the Mekong River aboard the lovely Apricot boat, which is a newly-designed river barge inspired by local traditions. Observe the landscapes of the countryside and the riverside communities. Shore excursions include visiting a tropical fruit farmer's home and tasting special rural flavors, along with a family-run business to learn how coconuts are processed and to enjoy country hospitality. Don't miss a tuk tuk or bicycle ride through the sleeping village, as well as a sampan ride through the maze of small canals lined with water coconut trees. Locals will greet you with "xin chao" or "hi" as you pass.

Enjoy a peaceful lunch featuring authentic dishes from the Mekong Delta at the tranquil Apricot Riverside restaurant to round out your unforgettable trip.

 

Notes:

• Tour duration: 7-8 hours (08:00-17:00)

• The cycling distance can be 3, 5, or 7 km, depending on your physical ability and length you desire 

• The exploration can be done on foot, horse cart or tri-motorcycle instead of the cycling

 

Tonight, enjoy a special dinner at Cuc Gach Quan, a fine dining establishment that was hand-picked by Angelina Jolie for a special occasion during her family trip to Vietnam in November of 2011. 

 

Overnight stay in Ho Chi Minh City 

Enjoy the morning and complete any last-minute Saigon shopping before being transferred to the airport for your departing flight. 

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Accommodation bases on lowest room category of each hotel. Higher room grade can be arranged subject to availability and additional charges

 

• Hanoi: City Sofitel Metropol Hotel - Premium

• Halong: Indochine Premium Cruise – Junior Suite

• Hoian: Anantara Hoian – Deluxe Balcony

• Saigon Park Hyatt Saigon: Hotel - Park Room City View