Vietnam Package Holiday 7 Days North to/from South

Welcome to Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam! Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, you will be welcomed by our local guide and driver. Then, we will take you to your hotel in Hanoi for check-in. The rest of today is a free time for you 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.

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 the 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. A bit of free time before our driver takes you to the airport for your 2 hours flight to Ho Chi Minh City. (about 2h 10m). Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, our local guide/driver will meet you and escort you to your hotel for check-in. The rest of today is free for you to relax or to explore the city on your own.

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.

It is time to end your 7-Days Vietnam Tour Package. Today, you’ll be escorted to Tan Son Nhat International Airport to catch your flight for your next destination.