HIGHLIGHTS OF VIETNAM

Morning: ½ City tour in Hanoi

• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: This commanding construction was built from 1973 to 1975 to house the embalmed body of Vietnam’s greatest political leader, Hồ Chí Minh. Visitors and Vietnamese queue for hours every morning to pay their respects to the cadaver, dressed in a khaki wardrobe and encased in a glass sarcophagus.
• Ba Dinh Square: It situated in front of the well-known Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, is one of the most popular historical relic sites in Hanoi. It has witnessed many significant events in Vietnamese history. It is the largest square in Vietnam, is where many important national historical events in modern history took place.
• One Pillar Pagoda: This Buddhist wooden pagoda was built in the middle of a lotus pond on a single stone pillar by the Emperor Ly Thai To in 1049. Archives suggest it was built in honor of the Goddess of Mercy, who answered the Emperor's prayers for a male heir. The structure is designed to resemble a lotus flower blossoming from muddy waters, a symbol of purity in Buddhist philosophy.
• Temple of Literature: Built by Emperor Ly Thanh Tong during the Ly dynasty, the Temple of Literature (Văn Miếu in Vietnamese) was erected in honor of the philosopher Confucius and his disciples in 1070. In 1076, it became home to Hanoi’s first university, Quốc Tử Giám. The site is one of the oldest in Hanoi and a national symbol of Vietnamese education and architecture. Today, the temple houses five court yards, records of Vietnamese scholars, and statues of turtles which are said to bring students good luck in their exams.

Afternoon: ½ Short city

• Train street: Here, you can relax and sip on a cup of the iconic egg coffee or other beverages while marvelling at the passing trains. This presents a perfect opportunity to capture some amazing photos and soak up the laid-back ambiance of Hanoi.
• Hoa Lo Prison: one of the most brutal prisons with extremely cruel punishment, is a historical place that has witnessed the strong determination of Vietnamese revolutionaries and their sacrifice for the country.
• Start off with one-hour cyclo ride around the French Quarter in the heart of Hanoi, to immerse yourself in an old atmosphere of an area that perfectly captures the timelessness and nostalgia of Vietnam. Mainly formed and developed during the French colonial era in the 20th century, the structure of French Old Quarter is planned on chess board model, so it is difficult to be broken. Buildings and architectures are designed by French architects according to colonial style in accordance with Vietnam climate. This is a great introduction of the thousand-year-old city which helps you delve into a bygone time of Vietnam, from the grand structures dominate the tree-lined boulevard to the modest buildings hidden behind small alleys, from the newly renovated to those near collapse. Many decades after the French left, these architectures have been remained and become important heritages in the distinctly atmosphere and charm of the capital.

Morning, meet our guide at your hotel and transfer to Ninh Binh Province about 100 km South of Hanoi.

Head for Hoa Lu to see the few vestiges of the first capital of Vietnam. Built in the 10th Century by the Dinh Dynasty not only for a capital but also as a stronghold against the Northern invaders, Hoa Lu shortly later it was inherited by the Le Dynasty.

Visit the two old temples one dedicated to Dinh Tien Hoang, the only king of the Dinh Dynasty and also Vietnam’s first emperor and the other to the succeeding kings of the Le Dynasty. Though the temples are no longer intact, some precious antique carvings and sculpture of stone and wood are still preserved.

Then continue to visit Bich Dong pagoda, an ancient three tiered cave pagoda only accessible by steep stone steps, but it is really worth climbing up for a charming pagoda and stupendous view from the top.

Afternoon, take a sampan cruise along the Hoang Long River through the scenic landscape of Tam Coc, a 350 ha area of karst mountains scattered over the lush wetland with paddy fields. This area is referred to as “an inland Ha Long bay” for its strikingly similar water-and-rock terrain features. Depending on the time of visit, you may see local farmers harvesting rice or transplanting seedlings for the new crop. Pass through three big caves which feature the area’s name (Tam Coc means three caves in Vietnamese) and which represent a host of local rocky caves and grottoes.

After that, visit Mua Cave has its meaning as “dancing cave” because this site was previously considered as the place where Tran king used to come to enjoy dancing & singing shows performed in this cave. Mua cave is constructed following the model of “miniature Great Wall” in China with nearly 500 steps up to mountains to conquer. It is a hard trek up with many of its uneven limestone steps ( expecially at the top point) but worth your conquering efforts for an impressive panoramic view of Tam Coc, Trang An, Ninh Binh city as well as a wonderful panoramic view of rice fields and limestone mountains when you reach the top point of Ngoa Long Mountain. Have a great moment to view sunset.

Following breakfast leave Hanoi for a 2.5-hour drive to the UNESCO-listed Halong Bay. As the coastline appears, towering limestone formations rise from the emerald water, offering a stunning preview of the natural wonder that awaits.

Upon arrival, board your elegant overnight cruise and enjoy a welcome drink while the boat begins gliding through the bay’s iconic landscape of karst peaks and tranquil coves. Savor a delicious seafood lunch on board as you cruise deeper into this breathtaking seascape.

In the afternoon, explore dramatic grottoes, visit secluded bays, or enjoy a gentle kayaking session surrounded by towering cliffs. Later in the day, return to the boat for leisure time—swim in the jade-green water, relax on the sundeck, or join an optional cooking demonstration led by the onboard chef.

As the sun sets, the entire bay transforms into a dreamy canvas of golden hues, perfect for unwinding with your favorite drink.

In the evening, enjoy a freshly prepared dinner on board before the boat anchors overnight in a peaceful area of the bay. Spend the night in your comfortable cabin, drifting to sleep in the quiet embrace of Halong’s mystical landscape.

Welcome to the beautiful coastal city of Da Nang, where golden beaches, blue skies, and gentle sea breezes await. After landing and completing the necessary arrival procedures, our guide will warmly greet you at the airport.

From here, your journey continues along a scenic seaside route, offering sweeping views of the coastline as we make our way toward the charming ancient town of Hoi An.

Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and unwind in the peaceful atmosphere of this UNESCO-listed heritage town, where lantern-lit streets, riverside cafés, and timeless architecture create a magical ambiance.

Take your time to rest and settle in—the wonders of Hoi An are waiting for you just outside your door.

Start your day with a half-day excursion to Cam Thanh Village, traveling by car through the peaceful countryside. Upon arrival, board a traditional Vietnamese basket boat and glide into the lush water coconut forest.

Learn about the daily lives of local fishermen, their families, and their close-knit riverside community as you cruise along the Cua Dai River, lined with thousands of water coconut palms—an area that once served as an important wartime hideout. Join local fishermen to experience traditional fishing techniques such as casting round nets and learning how to paddle the unique bamboo basket boat. As you move through the tranquil, palm-fringed waterways, your guide will share stories of resilience and survival from the area’s wartime past.

In the afternoon, continue with a half-day city tour of Hoi An, a charming UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once a thriving maritime trading port between the 15th and 19th centuries, Hoi An today captivates visitors with its exceptionally well-preserved architecture, slow-paced lifestyle, and rich cultural traditions. The town reflects a fascinating blend of influences from Vietnam, China, Japan, Thailand, and the Philippines.

Stroll through the Ancient Town and visit its iconic landmarks, including the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge with its small attached temple, the Museum of Trade Ceramics housed in an elegant 19th-century wooden building, the historic Tan Ky House, and Ong Temple, built in 1653 to honor General Guan Yu—an enduring symbol of loyalty, bravery, and justice.

Conclude your experience with a hands-on cultural activity as you create your own lantern, a cherished symbol of Hoi An. This meaningful moment allows you to connect more deeply with local traditions and take home a beautiful souvenir crafted by your own hands, wrapping up a day rich in culture, history, and authentic local experiences. End tour, transfer back to the hotel.

After enjoying breakfast and a bit of free time, your tour guide will pick you up as you bid farewell to the ancient charm of Hoi An. Relax on the scenic coastal drive, where stretches of golden sand, swaying coconut trees, and the gentle sea breeze accompany your journey. Along the way, take in the peaceful morning atmosphere as the city slowly comes to life.

Returning to Da Nang International Airport, you will prepare to continue your adventure, carrying with you the warm memories of Hoi An. A new destination awaits, ready to offer fresh experiences and unforgettable moments.

Welcome to the vibrant and dynamic city of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s bustling southern metropolis, where modern energy blends seamlessly with deep-rooted history and culture. After completing the arrival procedures, our guide will warmly welcome you at the airport.

As you make your way into the city, take in the first sights of Saigon—its lively boulevards, historic French-era architecture, towering skyscrapers, and endless streams of motorbikes that paint a picture of daily life in this exciting urban hub.

From here, enjoy a comfortable transfer to your hotel - your home for the upcoming days as you explore this captivating destination, checking in and relaxing before diving into Ho Chi Minh City’s vibrant atmosphere.

In the morning, depart from your hotel and travel northwest of Ho Chi Minh City to Cu Chi District, a rural area best known for its extraordinary underground tunnel system.

Upon arrival, discover the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels, once a major underground hideout and resistance base of the Viet Cong during the wars against the French and later the Americans. Entirely hand-dug, the tunnel network formed an incredibly complex system of interlinked, multi-level passageways stretching over 120 kilometers, at times extending as far as the Cambodian border.

Hidden beneath the ground, this underground world included meeting rooms, kitchens, wells, clinics, schools, storage depots, trenches, and emergency exits—everything required for survival and guerrilla warfare. The tunnels were engineered to be deep and strong enough to withstand heavy bombings and self-sufficient enough to endure prolonged sieges.

During your visit, enjoy a range of immersive activities:

• Watch a short documentary film introducing the history, construction, and strategic importance of the Cu Chi Tunnels.
• Crawl through short sections of the tunnels, which have been safely enlarged for visitors, allowing you to imagine the extreme living conditions endured by guerrilla fighters.
• Along the way, see reconstructed kitchens, living quarters, and meeting rooms.
• Learn about the ingenious booby traps used during the war—an iconic symbol of guerrilla tactics.
• Visit the weapons room and discover how Viet Cong soldiers cleverly created and adapted weapons using limited resources.

Afternoon, continue the tour to visit Reunification Palace, the home and workplace of the President of South Vietnam; Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica, a neo-Roman cathedral built over 130 years ago by the colonial French with materials entirely imported from Marseilles.

Call in Saigon Central Post Office, a fine colonial building which was designed and built in the early 20th Century by the famous French architect Gustave Eiffel.

Move on to Cho Lon or the city’s Chinatown, where you will visit the Jade Emperor Temple (Phuoc Hai), a rare Taoist structure in Vietnam, built in 1909 in dedication to the Lord of Heaven.

After breakfast at your hotel, check out and meet our driver for a transfer to Ham Luong Pier in Ben Tre town (or Chet Say Pier, approximately 5 km from the city center).

Upon arrival at the pier, embark on a boat cruise along the Ben Tre River, one of the main tributaries of the Mekong River. Cruise past mangrove-lined riverbanks and observe the lively scenes of daily life along the waterway, from fishing boats and coconut cargo vessels to bustling riverside activities that reflect the rhythm of the Delta.

Continue by boat to visit a traditional brickwork, where you can witness how bricks are still handmade using time-honored techniques of molding and kiln firing. The journey then turns into the narrow Cai Son Canal, winding gently through dense coconut jungles.

Stop at a local coconut processing workshop to learn about the various stages of coconut production, from removing the husk to hand-peeling the coconut meat. Continue deeper into the small waterways to visit a coconut candy workshop, where you can watch the candy being made by hand, sample freshly made sweets, enjoy seasonal fruits, and listen to traditional local music.

Disembark for a short walk to a local farmer’s house to see how traditional sleeping mats are woven. Then hop on a tuk tuk ride through the peaceful countryside of Nhon Thanh and Thuan Dien villages, passing through lush coconut groves and quiet rural lanes that offer an authentic glimpse into Mekong Delta life.

Continue the experience with a rowing boat ride along a shaded palm-lined canal toward Cai Tac Pier, enjoying the tranquil scenery and slower pace of the countryside. The tour concludes with a boat transfer back to Chet Say Pier, where you will meet your driver for the onward journey.

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy some free time at leisure for last-minute relaxation or personal activities.

At the appropriate time, our driver will meet you at the hotel lobby and provide a comfortable transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport.

As you leave behind the vibrant streets, colonial landmarks, and dynamic rhythm of Ho Chi Minh City, take with you lasting memories of Vietnam’s rich culture, warm hospitality, and unforgettable journeys across the country.