Part I: Northern Vietnam – Culture & Natural Wonders
Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi & Capital City Tour
✈️ Arrival: Arrive at Hanoi International Airport, transfer, and check into your hotel.
🏛️ City Tour: Visit the Temple of Literature (Vietnam’s first university).
📸 Historical Sites: See the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum from the outside at Ba Dinh Square.
🛶 Old Quarter: Take a “cycle” (cyclo) ride around the Old Quarter.
🏞️ Temple: Stop at Ngoc Son Temple, situated on Hoan Kiem Lake (“Sword” Lake).
🏨 Overnight: Hanoi.
Day 2: Hanoi – Tam Coc – Hoa Lu – Hanoi
🚌 Excursion: Head south to Ninh Binh, known as “Halong-bay-on-land.”
🚣 Tam Coc: Enjoy a scenic boat trip through the impressive limestone karsts rising from green paddy fields and the Tam Coc Caves.
🏯 Hoa Lu: Visit the ancient capital, seeing the old temples dedicated to King Dinh and King Le.
🍴 Meals: Lunch is included.
🏨 Overnight: Hanoi.
Day 3: Hanoi to Halong Bay Cruise
🚌 Transfer: Drive from Hanoi to Halong Bay (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
⚓ Cruise Check-in: Hop on a big boat to cruise through the bay.
🦞 Sailing & Lunch: Have lunch on the boat while cruising past unique limestone rocks and small island caves.
🛶 Activities: Visit caves, and enjoy swimming or kayaking. Pass by floating villages.
🍽️ Evening: Dinner on the boat, followed by evening boat activities or relaxation.
🚢 Overnight: Onboard the cruise ship.
Day 4: Halong – Hanoi – Flight to Saigon
⚓ Morning View: Enjoy breakfast and pass by islands with interesting names like Cock-Fighting Rock and Incense Burner Rock as you return to Halong Wharf.
🚌 Transfer: Return to Hanoi in the evening.
✈️ Flight: Catch a flight to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City).
🛎️ Check-in: Transfer from the airport to your hotel.
🏨 Overnight: Saigon.
Part II: Southern Vietnam – Mekong & History
Day 5: Saigon – Mekong Delta – Saigon
🛶 Mekong Cruise: Head to the Mekong Delta and cruise along the mighty Mekong River.
🏝️ Island Stop: Stop at one of the four islands to take in the sights.
🥥 Local Experience: Ride in small boats rowed by local folks through the canals, try honey tea, and watch locals make coconut candy milk.
🐎 Village Ride: Take a peaceful horse-cart ride through the village.
🍴 Meals: Lunch is included.
🙏 Heritage Stop: Stop to visit the unique Vinh Trang Pagoda (blending Chinese, Cambodian, and French styles) on the way back.
🏨 Overnight: Saigon.
Day 6: Saigon – Cu Chi Tunnels & Shopping
🇻🇳 War History: Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, one of the few remaining reminders of the Vietnam War. You can try crawling through the underground tunnels.
🛍️ Evening Shopping: Return to Saigon and go shopping in the downtown area.
🛒 Markets: Recommended places include Ben Thanh Market, Saigon Square, A Dong Plaza, and Diamond Plaza for high-quality goods.
🏨 Overnight: Saigon.
Day 7: Depart Saigon
✈️ Departure: After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight back home or to your next destination.