Vietnam: Journey Through The Old and The Modern 7 Days 6 Nights

Upon arrival in Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel for check-in. (Check-in standard time: from 14:00). Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure, exploring the vibrant streets of Hanoi or relaxing at your hotel.

Overnight at the hotel in Hanoi

Meals: No

Breakfast at the hotel. Meet our tour guide at the scheduled time and start to explore Hanoi – the charming capital of Vietnam. Our morning journey begins with visits to iconic landmarks, including the One Pillar Pagoda. We’ll then explore the outer part of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, a monument honoring the esteemed country leader Ho Chi Minh, affectionately known as Bác Hồ (Uncle Hồ) by the Vietnamese people. Our tour continues with visits to the Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House. Next, we’ll delve into the tranquility of the Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám (Temple of Literature), a symbol of Hanoi’s rich cultural heritage, originally built in 1070 as a Confucian temple and later housing the country’s first university.

Lunch in a local restaurant.

Our afternoon adventures take us to the nearby Tran Quoc Pagoda, the city’s oldest pagoda dating back to the 6th century. Following our visit, we’ll enjoy a traditional cyclo in the vibrant ambiance of the Old Quarter, renowned for its labyrinthine streets, bustling markets, and ancient temples. Finally, take a leisurely break at a coffee shop, savoring the unique flavors of egg coffee or fresh juice before coming back to your hotel.

Overnight at the hotel in Hanoi

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, we embark on a journey to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its stunning limestone karsts and islets, being formed over 500 million years ago. Upon arrival at the boat pier, you’ll be greeted by the cruise members with a refreshing drink at the lounge while awaiting embarkation. A small sampan will transport you to the main cruise, where you’ll complete the check-in process, receive a safety briefing, and get a brief introduction to the cruise itinerary. Enjoy a delectable lunch onboard as the cruise glides past picturesque islands and towering rock formations, allowing you to marvel at the breathtaking scenery. After lunch, take a short rest before participating in the afternoon activities offered by the cruise, which could include visiting caves, fishing villages, kayaking*, or swimming at a quiet beach, depending on the cruise’s program. Dinner will be served at the cruise’s restaurant while it anchors in a safe and serene area for the night.

Overnight onboard the cruise

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Start your day with an early morning Tai Chi class on the sundeck, allowing yourself to embrace a meditative state through gentle movements and controlled breathing. Witness the tranquil beauty of the bay as the sun slowly ascends behind the limestone cliffs, casting a serene glow over the horizon. Continue with the morning activities outlined in the cruise program or bask in the sun’s warmth on the sundeck. Indulge in a leisurely brunch aboard the cruise, savoring each bite as you glide past majestic rock formations on your journey back to the dock. Upon disembarking, transfer by sampan to the pier, where transportation awaits to whisk you back to Hanoi Airport (approximately 2.5 hours). Board your flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Upon arrival, check-in and spend the rest of the day at your leisure.

Overnight at the hotel in Saigon

Meals: Brunch

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, we’ll set out early to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels (Địa Đạo Củ Chi), located just 70 km from Ho Chi Minh City. This extraordinary complex comprises over 200 kilometers of underground passages, originally constructed during the Indochina War (1945-1954). On the underground level, you’ll have the chance to crawl through narrow passages, discover hidden entrances, and examine booby traps. Lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, our exploration continues in the city center of Saigon. We’ll stop at the majestic Central Post Office, a masterpiece designed by the famous French architect Gustave Eiffel and completed in 1891, showcasing stunning colonial architecture in Vietnam. Following this, we’ll delve into Vietnam’s heroic past with a visit to the War Remnants Museum, one of the most famous history museums in the country. Finally, enjoy the À Ố (AO Show) performance – inspired by the charming beauty of southern Vietnamese culture, the show portrays a contrasting portrait of rural and urban life, depicting a transformation from tranquil village life to bustling urbanization with a delicate touch of humor and live music from folk instruments.

Overnight at the hotel in Saigon

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, we’ll depart for the Mekong Delta, just a 2-2.5-hour drive from the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City. We’ll transfer by motorboat on the Cai Be River, enjoying the fresh air as the boat passes local houses, pagodas, and markets. Along the way, you will pass by the Cai Be floating market*, once a quintessential cultural feature of the Southern River region. The boats will take you to local traditional craft villages, where you can witness the making of specialties such as rice papers, coconut candies, and explosive nuggets. Then, we’ll stroll along the village road for about 5 minutes to reach a local house where you can learn about beekeeping practices for honey production while enjoying delicious honey tea. Continuing downstream, the boat will traverse the windy Tien River where you will then embark on a mini-adventure with a rowing boat through the small canal for approximately 20 minutes, followed by a leisurely walk in the fruit garden for about 10 minutes, and enjoy home-grown fresh fruits in the garden. Upon our return to the pier, we’ll head to a local Old House dating back to 1931, still preserving its distinctive Mekong Delta architecture. Here, you’ll participate in an interactive cooking class, mastering the art of making the delectable “bánh xèo” (Vietnamese pancake) before enjoying your lunch**. In the afternoon, hop on a bicycle for a scenic ride around the nearby villages. Return to Ho Chi Minh City.

Overnight at the hotel in Saigon

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

*Modernization, with increased road transportation and more supermarkets, has significantly reduced trading across the river. As we pass by the floating market, you may notice that there are not as many trading boats remaining. However, it was once one of the busiest and most vibrant markets in the Mekong Delta, alongside the Cai Be Market in Can Tho!

**Lunch at a local restaurant here offers simple fare, and while the flavors may not cater to every palate, it provides an authentic taste of the region. Adjusting expectations accordingly will ensure a more enjoyable dining experience.

Breakfast at the hotel. At the scheduled time, you will be arranged a private transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

Meals: Breakfast