DAY 1: HO CHI MINH CITY – ARRIVAL (D)

Arrival Ho Chi Minh City, you are greeted by our guide and driver at the airport for our transfer to the hotel. Enjoy Welcome Dinner at a nice local restaurant.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.

DAY 2: HO CHI MINH CITY – CU CHI TUNNELS – HO CHI MINH CITY TOUR (B/L/D)

After breakfast, visit the famous Cu Chi, an incredible underground tunnel network constructed by Vietnamese resistance fighters during the long struggle for independence. The tunnels, over 250km in length and up to three levels deep in places, played a huge part in the Vietnam Cong’s victory over the Americans, allowing them to control a large rural area surrounding Ho Chi Minh City.

Back to Ho Chi Minh City for lunch & take you to visit the Reunification Palace, the former palace of President Thieu and his predecessors. Today this building is a museum and venue for official receptions.  Inside you can visit the private rooms of the president, the “War Room” from where the South Vietnamese forces were controlled, and, most poignantly, the room where the North Vietnamese army finally took control in 1975. Nearby is the Post Office and the Notre Dame Cathedral, built between 1877 and 1883 and one of the city’s major landmarks. Neo-Romanesque in form, Notre Dame is the major seat of the Catholic religion in modern Vietnam. Continue to the Jade Emperor Pagoda located on the fringes of district 1. Dating from 1909 and built by Cantonese Buddhists this quiet oasis was designed using feng shui principals showcasing ornate statues and effigies. Finish by a visit & shopping at Ben Thanh market.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.

DAY 3: HO CHI MINH CITY – HANOI (B/L/D)

Enjoy breakfast at hotel & transfer to airport for morning flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel.

In the afternoon, transfer to Temple of Literature. In 1076, Vietnam’s first university Quoc Tu Giam was established within a temple to educate Vietnam’s royalty, mandarins and members of the elite. The university functioned for an incredible 700 years and its gardens and well-preserved architecture offer a fascinating glimpse into Vietnam’s past.

Visit The One Pillar Pagoda, founded by King Ly Thai To in 1049, next. This structure is one of Vietnam’s most iconic temples. Close by is the mausoleum of the historic father figure of modern Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh, and the former presidents house on stilts where he lived from 1958 to 1969. His former home illustrates the modesty of this Vietnamese revolutionary. (Viewed from outside; closed Mon and Fri and from Oct-Nov)

Continue to picturesque West Lake and the sixth century Tran Quoc Buddhist Pagoda. From here transfer (or stroll along the lakeside) 700 meters to the nearby Taoist temple of Quan Thanh dedicated to Tran Vu, one of the principal deities in Taoism

Lunch & dinner at local restaurant.

Overnight in Hanoi.

DAY 4: HANOI – HALONG BAY (B, L, D)

This morning we depart for Halong Bay, one of the most stunning natural wonders of Vietnam. We have breakfast at our hotel in Hanoi before heading out to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Around 12:00, arrive at your jetty in Halong City towards noon and proceed with check-in formalities. After your welcome on board, a lunch will be served while cruising towards the bay itself. In the afternoon, enjoy some visits and/or activities (depending on each boat’s itinerary) or just spend some time relaxing on board. Towards the end of the day the boat sets anchor for the night among the karst formations. Dinner is served on board.

Overnight on boat on Halong Bay.

Distances and journey time:

From your chosen hotel in Hanoi to Halong Bay (160km): approx. 4hrs

Note: This tour may be subject to change depending on weather conditions

DAY 5: HALONG BAY – HANOI – DEPARTURE (BRUNCH)

Enjoy your fresh morning in the middle of the bay, the sun rises on Halong in the morning and breakfast is served (brunch on some boats) while the vessels cruises slowly through the magnificent rock formations and back towards port. Disembark and transfer direct to airport for departure flight. Go back home with pleasant memories of Vietnam Packages to cherish forever.

***********End of Vietnam Packages services***********