Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport, welcome by our driver and transfer to your hotel. The transfer distance is approximately 40 munites. Hanoi or “River-bound City” as its name literally means is Vietnam’s capital with a thousand-year-old history dating back to 1010. The city’s fascinating beauty which is characterized by unique cultural relics, ancient streets of antique houses, elegant French colonial buildings, tree-lined boulevards and romantic lakes has made it one of the most charming cities of Asia. Free & Easy. Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.
We will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter or Hanoi Opera House. In the morning, we will visit Tran Quoc Pagoda located on an east side isle of the West Lake (TayHo district), It is considered as the most ancient pagoda in Thang Long – Ha Noi with its historical progression in 1500 years. It has a harmonious combination between the majesty, hoariness architecture and peaceful landscape of the West Lake. From the period in the Ly and Tran dynasties, it had become the Buddhist center of Thang Long. Visit the complex of president Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum (Mausoleum and Stilt house) - Where the great leader lived and worked until the last years of his life. Here, you will have the opportunity to learn about Uncle Ho's simple life. In addition, you will stop by One Pillar Pagoda to admire one of the 4 symbols of Hanoi. The Imperial Academy - the first university in Vietnam. Literature lake, Khue Van Pavilion, stele house... are valuable highlight objects that you cannot ignore. The tour guide will tell you about of 82 doctor stele stones with names of 1306 people standing until. Noon: Return to the Old Quarter to have lunch at the restaurant. After lunch, you will see 36 streets from the car and listen to the guide tell stories about the streets of the ancient urban marketplace. Afternoon: We will visit: If your departure day is on Monday, Wednesday or Friday, the car continues to take you to visit the Bat Trang Pottery Village - one of the 2 famous pottery villages of Hanoi. Here you will learn about the history and origin of the village, pottery making process and special features which make Bat Trang brand become famous. If your departure day is on Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday. The car continues to take you to the Museum of Ethnology, which keeps and displays many cultural artifacts of all 54 ethnic groups in Vietnam. HoanKiem lake (Sword lake) - center of Hanoi with Turtle tower, Ngoc Son Temple, furthermore, you could discover the Vietnamese traditional and French colonial architecture through buildings surrounding the lake. 16:00: End of Hanoi City tour, the car will take you back to the hotel in the Old Quarter or you can rent a cyclo around the Old Quarter and Sword Lake at your own expense. Or enjoy Water puppet show... (Performance schedule may change depending on the specific period).
Morning pickup at 8:00 AM from your hotel for transfer to Ha Long Bay, which is about 160 km or 3.5-hour drive away. On the way, you will see some rural areas of the Red River Delta with plenty of chances to take photos of Vietnamese farmers working in paddy fields. Stop half way to visit a handicraft workshop of fine clothes and embroidered paintings. Arrive in Ha Long City at 11:30 AM and check in aboard the booked junk right after the welcome drink is served. Start cruising while having lunch on board and enjoy the mighty bay view. Ha Long Bay meaning Descending Dra gon Bay in Vietnamese as legend has it that it was where a holly dragon landed down from sky. The bay, famous as one of the world’s wonders and heritage sites whose formation dates back 500 million years, consists of around 2,000 karst islands and islets scattered over an area of 1,553 km2. The bay cruise will continue with up close sighting of Dinh Huong Island, Ga Choi Island, Dog Island, Sail Island, a visit to Sung Sot Cave and swimming stop at Titov Beach. Relax to enjoy the bay view at sunset, have dinner after, go fishing at 09:00 PM and spend a night on board.
Early risers can enjoy the splendid yet tranquil view of the bay at the crack of dawn. Breathe the sea’s fresh air, feel the morning breeze and hear the sounds of birds above. Have breakfast and cruise to visit Human head shaped island and Tortoise Island. Continue to cruise into Bai Tu Long Bay to discover the adjacent bay of “The Little Dragon Bowing to His Mother” as it is named. Check out and have lunch on board while heading to shore. Disembark and transfer back to Hanoi by shuttle bus of cruise Then, our driver will pick you up at hotel lobby and transfer to airport for flight to Saigon Arrive in Saigon city, welcome by our driver and transfer to hotel for check in. Free and easy. Overnight at hotel in Saigon Ho Chi Minh City formerly named Saigon is the largest city and economic center of Vietnam always bustled with activities of modern life. It is where businesses converg e and shoppers indulge themselves into unlimited choices. However the city also carries with it a rich historical legacy in contrast with its dazzling glamor.
Take the morning trip to visit Independence Palace, also known at the Reunification palace, was built on the sight of the former Norodom palace. The Independence palace is a widely known landmark of Ho Chi Minh City and was designed by the architect Ngo Viet Thu. Continue seeing the beautiful structures from the French Colonial times such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, the historic Central Post Office. Followed by the remarkable site of the War Remnants Museum the museum has a vast display of the both the Indochina wars. Have lunch at local restaurant. Depart for Cu Chi tunnel, the trip will take approximately one and a-half hour bus driving. Upon arrival, before exploring the tunnels, you will have some short introduction followed by introductory video about how the tunnels were constructed and how the people survived in the harsh conditions of the war time. Then, spend your time to explore the remaining area and tunnel systems which included the special constructed living areas with kitchens, bedrooms side by side with other martial facilities like storage, weapons factories, field hospitals, and command centershelping whoever lives inside the tunnels meet their basic needs. Besides, there are also many hidden trap doors and dangerous traps within the maze-like tunnels for security purpose during the war. Afterward, special tea and cassava (guerilla’s food during the war) will be served. Break time for relax or time for those who want to try the real shooting gun. Return to Saigon.
Leaving the hustle and bustle of Saigon City and start your trip to depart for My Tho, the town lies on the left side of the Mekong River. Upon arrival, visit Vinh Trang pagoda which sated back to the late 19th century. Then boarding the sampan and cruising down the river around the four beautiful islands known as Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix and Tortoise islands. Stop over at Unicorn Island, go walking around country lane and seeing orchards, enjoy tropical fruits, folk song music which performed by the local people. Visit the fruit plantation. Riding a hand-rowed sampan through Thoi Son canal and treat yourself in the beauty of the countryside, visit the family business, visit honey-bee farm, enjoy honey tea a nd coconut candy workshop. Have lunch at local restaurant. Break time. In the afternoon, time for cycling around the Tan Thach village, meet the local villagers to experience the local daily life in the Mekong delta. Hammock relaxing and enjoy cool breeze for those can’t join the cycling trip.
Free at leisure until transfer to airport for departure flight.