Vietnam Discovery Tour Package: Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi

Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City! Formerly known as Saigon, this is the largest city in Vietnam. Located in southern Vietnam, it’s a well-blended mix of historical significance and modern dynamism.

Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City (approximately 6.5km from downtown), our local guide and driver will welcome you and escort you to your hotel. The rest of today is free for you to explore the city on your own. Some recommended Activities for Free Time in Ho Chi Minh City:

• Immerse yourself in famed Vietnamese Coffee Culture at the Cafe Apartment, then be captivated by the vibrant atmosphere of famous Ben Thanh Market. Explore a world of local crafts and tantalize your taste buds with the incredible array of Vietnamese street food – a sensory explosion you won’t forget!

After breakfast, take about 1.5-hour drive, you will arrive at famous Cu Chi Tunnels. Here, you will have the opportunity to explore the intricate tunnel system, which consists of narrow passageways, hidden entrances, and underground chambers. Our tour guide will share more insights into the daily life of the Cu Chi locals, guerrilla fighters and their remarkable ability to survive within the tunnels. You will have chance to crawl through sections of the tunnels and see firsthand the kitchens, living quarters, and other essential spaces built underground. Additionally, you will visit weapon rooms and discover how these resourceful soldiers crafted their tools.

After the Cu Chi, we return to Ho Chi Minh City for a half-day city tour. Our first stop in the afternoon is the Reunification Palace, also called the Independence Palace, a captivating architectural marvel that once served as the residence of the South Vietnamese President.

Continue our trip to Saigon Central Post Office, a majestic building constructed in the early 20th century, and famous Notre Dame Cathedral. Take a moment to appreciate the impressive constructions with unique architecture and decorations before going back to your hotel. Free evening today to enjoy some of the nightlife activities in Ho Chi Minh city.

After breakfast, spend a full day exploring the famous Mekong River Delta at a relaxing pace. Located in southwestern Vietnam, this is a vast maze of rivers, canals, islands, and rice paddies formed by the Mekong River as it empties into the sea. Known as the “rice basket” of Vietnam, the Delta is a major agricultural hub, producing a significant portion of the country’s rice and fish.

Start driving from Ho Chi Minh City, you will pass through green rice fields and small villages to arrive in beautiful rural city of My Tho. Upon arrival, your first visit is unique Vinh Trang Pagoda built in the mid-19th century. The pagoda is renowned for its stunning architecture, showcasing a harmonious fusion of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Khmer influences. You will be amazed by the outstanding construction with meticulously carved columns with intricate details, and visits to the Statue of Maitreya Buddha, Statue of Amitabha Buddha, Reclining Buddha statue, and 7-story tower.

Then, head to the nearby My Tho pier to board a traditional Mekong Delta boat for a scenic cruise along the majestic river. Gliding past the Turtle, Dragon, and Phoenix Islets, we arrive at the enchanting Unicorn Islet. Delve deeper into the heart of delta with a rowing on a traditional sampan boat through narrow waterways lined with coconut palms. Stop at a local bee farm to savor honey tea, taste local fruits, and immerse yourself in traditional music performed by the villagers. Enjoy a local lunch with traditional Vietnamese dishes.

After lunch, take a boat trip to province of Ben Tre, known as the coconut kingdom, a charming town famous for its coconut plantations and fruit orchards. Enjoy a leisurely bike ride through the countryside and villages to learn about how coconut products are produced in the region. Visit a coconut candy workshop to learn how locals make for their daily life and sample the best popular product of region. Then get back to the transportation and drive back to Ho Chi Minh City.

After breakfast, we will transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your flight to Da Nang (approximately 1h and 25m). Upon arrival in Da Nang, you’ll be welcome by our tour guide and whisked away for a 45-minute drive to Hoi An. Check-in hotel and the rest of the day is yours to explore at your own pace! Some recommended Activities for free time in Hoi An:

• Hoi An Lantern Making Class in Lantern Workshops
• Enjoying a relaxing boat ride on the Thu Bon River
• Explore the bustling Hoi An Night Market & Shopping

After breakfast, your tour guide will pick you up at your hotel for a half-day excursion to Cam Thanh village, a charming fishing village nestled amidst the Cam Thanh Water Coconut Forest.

Upon arrival, we will take an exciting 45-minute to 1-hour adventure on a traditional basket boat. Crafted from bamboo and woven palm leaves, these boats will take you on a journey through the heart of the water coconut forest. As you glide through the serene waterways, surrounded by lush coconut groves and vibrant rice paddies, soak in the peaceful atmosphere. Witness the unique ecosystem teeming with diverse flora and fauna. Learn about the local community’s commendable efforts in preserving this remarkable environment. Other activities and experiences you will have:

• Fun dancing with the locals in the basket boat.
• Try your hand at casting traditional nets and basket traps.
• Catch crabs or snails by the riverbank.

After your exciting excursion to Cam Thanh village, you’ll return to Ancient Town of Hoi An where our guide can recommend you a delicious lunch of authentic Vietnamese cuisine. This afternoon, enjoy a captivating exploration of Hoi An Ancient Town with your knowledgeable guide on the walking tour. Our guide will lead you to some of the town’s most significant landmarks, including the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, the ornate Fujian Assembly Hall, and the historic Tan Ky House (Old House of Tan Ky). The rest of day will be free time for you to do your own discoveries or relaxation.

After breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel in Hoi An and transfer to Hue City. The 121km journey takes about 3 hours driving. Along the way, you’ll drive along the beautiful coastal scenic route with Hai Van Pass, Lang Co Bay and Lap An Lagoon.

Upon arrival in Hue, we will visit the Mausoleum of Emperor Khai Dinh, built as the summer palace and final resting place for Emperor Khai Dinh. The mausoleum is renowned for its unique blended architectural of East and West. Here, traditional Vietnamese elements are masterfully fused with French-influenced details, creating a visually striking landmark distinct from other imperial tombs in the area.

After lunch (optional), the main highlight of Hue is Imperial City, also known as the Citadel. This former seat of power for 13 Emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty, Vietnam’s last ruling dynasty. Visiting the Citadel allows you to delve into Vietnam’s imperial past and gain insights into its rich history. Our local expert will explain more about Vietnamese Royalty with Kings, Queens, Minor Wives and Concubines of the Emperors, and also Vietnamese Eunuchs.

After exploring the Imperial City, head to Thien Mu Pagoda, a captivating landmark gracing the banks of the Perfume River in Hue. As one of the oldest and most revered pagodas in the city, it boasts a unique seven-story octagonal tower, the tallest of its kind in Vietnam. Each level is adorned with intricate Buddhist symbols and offers beautiful vistas of the surrounding landscape.

After sightseeing in the most popular highlights of Hue. You will be transferred to hotel for check-in. The rest of the day will be free time for your relaxation or discovery. Stay overnight in Hue.

After breakfast, we will have exciting day to explore countryside of Hue on the most popular transportation of Vietnamese – Motorcycle/Scooter (you can choose to do by car/van if you do not like the motorbike).

Kick off your day with our scooter driver and local guide with a short drive Tiger-Elephant Arena. This was built in 1830 by Emperor Minh Mang (the 2^nd Emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty) and was used as Colosseum for fighting between elephants and tigers. This was the way of Emperor ‘s entertainment and for propaganda of Vietnamese Royal Family. You will have chance to walk around, learn some more stories of royalty from our guide when you visit the only Colosseum built in Vietnam.

Next. Our team of drivers will drive you through beautiful countryside and village of Hue. We arrive at a small village named Thuy Thanh; area is famous for agriculture museum and Thanh Toan Covered Bridge. Here, our local guide will explain more about agriculture life of Vietnamese farmers before strolling around to see the covered bridge and local market nearby.

Continue our drive to unique fishing village named Dam Chuon. Located in Tam Giang Lagoon, Dam Chuon is known as untouched area for foreign tourists. Here, you can see beautiful, peaceful fishing village and experience real life of local fishermen. We will take the boat and go to water to do fishing with traditional way from Net and Trap. After that, continue to stilt house family-run restaurant to try authentic local dishes of the area.

After meal, our tour guide and driver will drive you back to your hotel. Rest of the day will be free time for your relaxation or your own discovery in the former Imperial Capital of Vietnam

This morning, you’ll be transferred to Phu Bai International Airport and taking flight to Hanoi (approximately 1h and 15m). Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, our tour guide and driver will welcome you and take you to your hotel in Hanoi Old Quater. The rest of today is free for your relaxation or to explore this old and charming city at your own pace.

Hanoi, located in northern Vietnam, boasts a rich history dating back over 1,000 years. It showcases a blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and French influences. Renowned for its diverse culinary scene, city is considered a food lover’s paradise to taste Vietnamese cuisine. Hanoi is well-known for its street food, where you can savor an array of local specialties.

After breakfast, our tour guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel for a delightful day exploring Hanoi City. This city holds a unique charm despite not being the most modern. Its character lies in the captivating blend of Vietnamese, with Chinese, and French influences, all woven together with the city’s authentic and bustling local life within its old alleyways. Indulge in the delicious local street food for a taste of true Vietnamese flavors.

Our first stop is a tranquil escape to Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi dating back over 1500 years, nestled amidst the picturesque West Lake. Here, you’ll be greeted and admired by the sight of the ic 11-story lotus tower, a serene lotus pond, adding to the pagoda’s peaceful atmosphere.

Later, head to the Ho Chi Minh Complex, situated in Ba Dinh Square. Here, you will visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (serves as the final resting place of Ho Chi Minh – Uncle Ho). If you’re lucky, you might witness the solemn and precise military honor guard ceremony. (Please take note: 1. The Mausoleum closes from Sep 4th to Nov 4th every year).

Afterward, enjoy a short walk to One Pillar Pagoda with distinctive shape – the main building sits atop a single stone pillar, resembling a lotus flower blossoming from a pond. Here, our tour guide will explain more about legend and history of pagoda, from architecture to common practice of Vietnamese Biddhists. Later, visit the Temple of Literature and Imperial College, Vietnam’s first university and a site dedicated to Confucianism.

After optional lunch break, we delve into Vietnam’s fascinating history at the Vietnam National Museum of History. Here, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of Vietnam’s past, from prehistoric times to the 20th century, through a captivating display of artifacts. Witness ancient bronze drums, intricate ceramics, and powerful imperial regalia, each piece whispering stories of Vietnam’s remarkable evolution.

Later, head to Hoan Kiem Lake, also well-known as the Restored Sword Lake, a shimmering jewel in the heart of Hanoi. Strolling along the lake’s perimeter, enjoying a view of the ic Turtle Tower. You will learn the history and reasom for the name of the lake before visiting to Ngoc Son Temple, dedicated to various Vietnamese historical figures and the revered Confucian scholar Van Xuong.

Next, immerse yourself in the local life in Hanoi ‘s Old Quarter of Vietnam with a unique and fun cyclo tour! For about an hour, you’ll travel at a slow and leisurely pace through the ic Old Quarter of Hanoi. A cyclo or rickshaw, a traditional three-wheeled bicycle taxi, will be your chariot for exploring the narrow streets. This is a fantastic way to experience the charming and vibrant atmosphere of Old Quarter before going back to your hotel for overnight.

This morning, our train trip is scheduled to arrive at Lao Cai Train Station between 5:00 and 6:00 am. From there, we ‘ll be driving to Sapa Town (a 33km, 1-hour drive). Freshen up and have something for breakfast before we start our adventure day in Sapa with about 15 Km trekking (6 Hours)

We will trek 2 km to Cat Cat village, home to the Hmong people. From there, cross the hanging bridge over the Muong Hoa River and embark on a scenic climb through a lush bamboo forest.

Continue our trekking trip to Y Linh Ho village and enjoy a delightful lunch at a small, traditional restaurant run by a local Hmong family. Savor authentic flavors and immerse yourself in warm hospitality.

After lunch, you’ll continue to village of Lao Chai, one of the oldest and largest Hmong communities in the area. Witness their traditional way of life.From here, you’ll take a trekking/hiking to Ta Van Village, your home for the night. This village is predominantly inhabited by the Giay and Hmong ethnic minorities. Depending on the season, you might even witness the locals planting or harvesting rice! Our guides will share more insights into the unique customs of each ethnic group. Upon arrival in Ta Van, unwind with some free time. Take a shower and freshen up and have your own discovery before dinner.

Rise and shine to a breath of fresh mountain air! Savor a cup of hot coffee or tea as you take a leisurely walk around your charming homestay. Explore the surrounding rice terraces and soak in the tranquility of the landscape.

After breakfast, enjoy a 11 km scenic hiking trip further up into the mountains. Your journey leads to the cascading Giang Ta Chai waterfalls – a refreshing sight amidst the lush greenery. As you enter the Red Dao territory, your local guide will unveil more about the rich tapestry of their culture and daily routines. Gain fascinating insights into their unique way of life through an insightful visit to a Red Dao family.

Returning to Sapa town, freshen up at your hotel and stretch your legs after a day of exploration. Free time until you’ll be transferred to Lao Cai Train Station to board your overnight train back to Hanoi.

In this morning, you will arrive in Hanoi in the early morning and then have breakfast at a hotel. Today, get ready to be amazed by the most majestic landscapes of Halong Bay!

Morning: between 8:00 AM and 8:30 AM, our shuttle bus will pick you up in Hanoi’s Old Quarter area. Hop aboard and prepare to be whisked away on a scenic 2.5-hour drive (147 km) through Red River Delta to stunning Halong Bay!

Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly welcomed aboard with a refreshing drink. Following a quick safety briefing from the cruise teamr, you can relax and savor a delicious lunch onboard while the boat starts cruising among amazing limestone islands.

Afternoon: you’ll explore Halong Bay’s dramatic karst landscape with your cruise! Different cruise companies offer various itineraries, but you might visit some of these fascinating spots and try water activities like kayaking, swimming, etc. Watch the sunset paint the karst mountains with colors.

• Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave): Discover a magnificent cave adorned with stalactites and stalagmites.
• Titop Island: Hike to the peak for breathtaking panoramic views of the bay.
• Cua Van Fishing Village: Witness the traditional way of life of local fishermen in a floating village.
• Tung Sau Pearl Farm: Learn about pearl cultivation and see these beautiful gems firsthand.
• Trinh Nu Cave (Virgin Cave): Discover a secluded cave with a unique rock formation.

Evening: indulge in a hearty dinner prepared by our talented chefs in the elegant dining room. After dinner, unwind with a variety of leisure options: join in on board games, try squid fishing, catch a night movie, or head to the bars & karaoke. Overnight onboard.

If you are an early riser, you can embrace the sunrise with a traditional Tai Chi class on the sundeck, invigorating your body and mind. Enjoy a delicious breakfast onboard.

After breakfast, continue your cruise to explore more peaceful Halong Bay! You can choose to participate in exciting water activities such as kayaking or follow the cruise itinerary to admire the majestic limestone formations.

Later in the morning, return to the cruise for a smooth check-out process at the reception. As you cruise back to the pier, savor a delightful lunch at 10:00 AM. Disembarkation will take place between 11:00 AM and 11:30 AM.

Following disembarkation, you’ll be transferred by car/van back to Hanoi. In this afternoon, you’ll have free time to explore more of Hanoi City at your own pace.

It is time to end your 14-day Vietnam Tour to Ho Chi Minh City (South) to Hanoi (North). Today, you’ll be escorted to Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi to catch a flight for your departure. We finish our fantastic Hanoi and Halong Bay Tour 5 Days in Northern Vietnam.