Essential Vietnam Tour

Overview:

Go through the many highlights of Vietnam in 8 days with our Essential Vietnam tour, and you and your family will be guaranteed that not two days are the same. Get started with the pulsating city of Saigon and lush Mekong Delta, travel up to the central part to catch a glimpse of the past in Hoi An Ancient Town and My Son Sanctuary, before moving further up to bask in the magnificent beauty of Halong Bay.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City Arrival
Meal: Dinner – Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City
Welcome to the largest and most exciting city in Vietnam – Ho Chi Minh City.
Upon arrival, our driver and guide will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel in the city center. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure to recover from jet lag and explore the city on your own.

Day 2: Saigon – Mekong Tour – Saigon
Meal: Breakfast, lunch– Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City
Enjoy the scenic journey along the National Highway bordered by green rice fields.
On arrived at My Tho, take a leisurely boat ride along the river, view the stilt houses, fruit plantations and fishing villages along the river bank. Proceed to Tortoise islet, have lunch in the orchard garden. Then a boat ride to An Khanh – a less touristy attraction in Ben Tre, enjoy cruising on a hand-rowed sampan under the shadow of the water coconut trees along natural canals, then enjoy seasonal fruit & honey tea to the sound of “Southern Vietnamese folk music”, performed by locals.
Visit a family business which epitomizes the idyllic rural lifestyle, taste the delicious coconut candy & observe the pastoral life as you roam through the fruit plantation and village.

Day 3: Ho Chi Minh City – Cu Chi Tunnel– City Tour – Flight to Da Nang
Meal: Breakfast, lunch– Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon
After breakfast, proceed to the Cu Chi Tunnels – comprising more than 200 km of underground tunnels and standing as a witness to the searing memories of the Vietnam War. The main axis system branches out to underground hideouts, bomb shelters, and entrances to other tunnels. Its underground system is comprised of numerous trap doors, living areas, sleeping chambers with bamboo beds, storage facilities, weapon factories, field hospitals, command centers, and kitchens. Nowadays, the remaining parts have become a major tourist attraction, giving its visitors a unique experience and a taste of what underground life was like during the Vietnam War.
Go back to the city center to have lunch before engaging in a short sightseeing tour around the city with en route visits to the War Remnants Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Old Post Office, and the People’s Committee Hall.
You will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Danang. Our guide and driver will wait for you at the airport to take you to Hoi An. Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 4: Hoian – My Son
Meal: Breakfast, lunch– Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An.
Leave your hotel for My Son Sanctuary, also known as “the Angkor Wat of Vietnam” – a cultural heritage recognized by UNESCO in 1999 located about 50km southwest of Hoi An. The majestic capital of the once-thriving Champa Kingdom with more than 65 architectural works in Hindu style devoted to the god Shiva, unfortunately, is now a cluster of ruins due to age and bombing, standing as a witness to the glorious bygone era.
Drive back to Hoi An for Lunch.
In the afternoon, you will take a half-day walking tour through the narrow winding alleyways visiting some well-preserved historical sites such as Chua Ong Pagoda, Chinese Assembly Halls, the 200- year old Tam Ky ancestral house, and the Japanese Bridge. After that, there will be free time for you to shop or relax. You will stay overnight in Hoi An. At the end of the day, you will embark on a pleasant boat ride to admire the ancient town under the setting sun.

Day 5: Hoi An – Da Nang – Fly to Hanoi.
Meal: Breakfast, lunch– Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi
This morning, head over to the airport to catch a short flight to Hanoi – the centuries-old capital of Vietnam. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel in the city center.

You will spend time to discover the city with Ho Chi Minh Complex, Temple of Literature and Old Quarter. Spend the night in Hanoi.

Day 6: Hanoi – Ha Long Bay
Meal: Breakfast, lunch, dinner– Accommodation: On Cruise
Prescribed as one of the World Heritage Site in 1994, Halong Bay is an essential destination in almost any Vietnam travel packages. After getting picked up from your hotel, you will be transferred by Limousine shuttle bus to Ha Long Bay at 12:00. Upon arrival in Ha Long Bay, you will be welcomed aboard and enjoy lunch while weaving through a myriad of islands and islets towering over and reflected off the emerald waters of Halong Bay. After lunch, take a short trek to a nearby summit for an aerial view of the bay peppered with golden sails, and then proceed to a quiet beach for some swimming or kayaking, or just simply go back to the ship and sunbathe on the sundeck, whatever tickles your fancy.
Later in the afternoon, pay a visit to a tranquil fishing village to interact with fishermen who have inhabited the bay for almost three generations. Go back on board and enjoy a drink on the sun deck while can enjoy drinks while basking in the glorious sunset. Enjoy dinner and stay overnight on the junk.

Day 7: Ha Long Bay – Hanoi
Meal: Breakfast, lunch– Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi
Kickstart your day with an early Tai Chi Session on the sundeck and you will be rewarded with an unparalleled visual glory of the sun peeking above the watery horizon. After breakfast, you will visit an enigmatic limestone grotto and then go back to the ship for a final glimpse of Ha Long Bay’s fine spectacle as you cruise back to the dock. Check out as the ship arrives at the harbour by noon and drive back to Hanoi. The rest of the day is left on your arrangement. Stay overnight in the city center.

Day 8: Hanoi Departure
Meal: Breakfast– Accommodation: NA
After breakfast, your private car and driver will transfer you to the airport to catch your flight to your next destination. Your memorable trip ends here.