Vietnam – A hidden gem in South Asia
Vietnam – A country that immediately brings makes us think of the bloody wars of the 20th century. But think beyond. Vietnam is a veritable treasure trove of dramatic landscapes, fascinating history, scrumptious food, pulsating energy, and friendly and smiling people. Mother Nature took special care of this South Asian country and infused it with mind boggling bio – diversity. Vietnam will electrify you and your senses will go on a sensory and visual overdrive as you try to take in the beauty that is simply Vietnam. It is as simple and as unique as that!
Vietnam Highlights
5 Nights / 6 Days
Hanoi, Cruise in Ha Long Bay, Ho Chi Minh city
Highlights of Tour
- Soak up the hustle and bustle of the Hanoi old quarter, including visit of presidential palace and Ho Chi Min’s quarters.
- Travel overnight on a cruise ship on the sparkling emerald waters of Halong Bay.
- See firsthand how the Viet Cong used the underground maze of the Cu Chi Tunnels
- Gaze at a touch of the French – Saigon’s Notre Dame and the 100+ year old Ben Thanh market
Itinerary
Day 1 - Hanoi
Xin chao! Welcome to Hanoi, Vietnam. Hanoi, one of Asia’s most enchanting cities, full of culture, history and traditions. You are met at Noi Bai airport by a local guide and escorted to your hotel. Overnight stay in Hanoi. You can sample the local food of Hanoi.
Day 2 - Hanoi Day Tour
After breakfast, meet your tour guide at the hotel and start your full-day sightseeing. Visit the Mausoleum of President Ho Chi Minh, the founder of modern Vietnam. The Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts in the park-like complex. Visit the Temple of Literature, the first university in Vietnam. You will also visit the Ethnology Museum and Hanoi Old Quarter, the bustling heart of Hanoi. Late in the afternoon, you will get driven to watch the Water Puppet show. Today lunch and dinner is on your own.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Meals: Breakfast
Breakfast
Day 3 - Hanoi - Halong Bay
After breakfast head out to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In Ha Long, you will board an overnight cruise amongst the more than 3,000 limestone islands rising majestically out of the turquoise bay. You pass grand rock formations and quaint fishing towns and sample a delicious lunch of freshly caught fish and seafood. Vegetarian option is also provided. In the afternoon you can choose from several interesting activities
(Optional): a cooking demonstration with the chef on board, an optional traditional massage, or a refreshing swim. End the day with a spectacular set-menu gastronomic dinner.
Overnight on board.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner on the cruise ship.
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 4 - Halong Bay – Hanoi – Ho Chi Minh City
Start the day with calming Tai Chi, often accompanied by an amazing sunrise and the quiet breath-taking beauty of the bay’s landscape. The cruise passes beautiful spots such as Trong, Trinh Nu, and Me Cung Caves, and you will have a chance to explore Surprise Cave before having buffet brunch on board. Back at the dock, where you will be met and transferred to Hanoi. Then the driver and tour guide will pick you up and transfer to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh city
(Optional, but recommended). Upon arrival, you are greeted at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Dinner at an Indian restaurant. Overnight stay in Ho Chi Minh city.
Meals: Continental breakfast.
Breakfast
Day 5 - Ho Chi Minh City
Today after breakfast, depart Ho Chi Minh City and head out to Cu Chi Tunnels. After an introductory video, you will spend the next hour exploring the maze of tunnels to see how the Viet Cong survived in this underground network. In the afternoon visit the Reunification Palace, the home and workplace of the President of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. The nearby Notre Dame Cathedral, is one of the city’s major landmarks. Next to the cathedral stands the Saigon Post Office, a classic French colonial structure, a functioning post office till today. Final visit of the day is to Ben Thanh Market – an icon of the city stands in the center of District 1. Packed to the rafters with everything from fruits to nuts, from tourist kitsch to true bargains, it is a definite must-see. Get a taste of delicious Vietnamese cuisine for your lunch & dinner.
Overnight stay in Ho Chi Minh City.
Meals: Breakfast
Breakfast
Day 6 - Departure from Ho Chi Minh City
In the morning, after a relaxing breakfast you will be transferred to the airport and take departure flight back home.
Meals: Breakfast.