Overview
In just one week, you will have the opportunity to explore some of the amazing sights in Vietnam. This specially designed tour is perfect for those who have limited time but still want to experience the highlights of Vietnam. In addition to visiting famous attractions all over the country, this tour also focuses on providing local experiences that make the trip truly special. Get ready to discover what awaits you on this exciting adventure!
Highlights
- Discover the culture, history, and cuisine of Northern Vietnam with a visit to Hanoi, the capital city.
- Experience the breathtaking beauty of Halong Bay with an unforgettable overnight cruise.
- Explore Ho Chi Minh City, the largest city in Vietnam, known for its rich history and French colonial buildings.
- Enjoy a wide range of fun activities in the Mekong Delta, often referred to as the 'rice bowl' of Vietnam, with its lush green landscapes.
Itinerary
Upon your arrival at the airport, our guide and driver will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in Hanoi for check-in.
The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, is known for its rich culture, with influences from both Chinese and French architecture and cuisine. Take the time to explore the city and immerse yourself in its unique atmosphere.
Meals will be on your own, and you will spend the night at your hotel in Hanoi.
In the morning, embark on a walking tour to Hang Be Market, a bustling market located in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, just a short walk from Hoan Kiem Lake. Here, you can find a variety of goods that cater to the needs of the local residents, including raw and cooked meat, fruits, dry food, and worshiping items. It’s a fascinating opportunity to gain insight into the daily life of the people in the Old Quarter of Hanoi.
Next, we will visit Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest pagoda in Hanoi dating back to the 6th century. Originally known as An Quoc, it was later renamed to Tran Quoc, meaning “protecting the country,” by Emperor Le Huy Tong in the 17th century.
Continuing our exploration, we will visit the Vietnamese Ethnology Museum, where you can learn in-depth about the history and culture of Vietnam’s ethnic groups.
Afterwards, we will head to the Ho Chi Minh Complex, where the great President Ho Chi Minh rests in peace. We will visit his traditional stilt house and the revered One-Pillar Pagoda, known for its unique structure.
In the afternoon, we will visit the Temple of Literature, renowned as the first university in Vietnam. It’s a popular spot for Vietnamese students to take graduation photos.
Later in the evening, our tour guide will take you on a street food tour of the Old Quarter. You will have the chance to sample delicious local cuisine such as Bun Cha Ta (grilled pork and noodles) and Banh Cuon (steamed rice rolls) from local eateries, and watch skilled chefs demonstrate the preparation of these dishes. We will also stop at outdoor BBQ stalls to try various meat, vegetable, and bread specialties cooked over hot coals. Finally, we will visit a hidden street food restaurant, Banh My Hanoi, where you can taste Vietnamese Rice Wine and the famous Egg Coffee.
Please inform us if you have any special dietary requirements so that we can accommodate your needs. After the tour, we will return to the hotel for overnight stay.
After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, you will be transported to Halong Bay, a stunning destination located in the northern part of Vietnam. The journey will be by cruise’s shuttle bus, passing through picturesque rice paddy fields and majestic mountains in the Red River Delta. Upon arriving at Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you will be transferred via a tender boat to board a Junk Boat for your cruise.
As you sail among the countless limestone karsts that rise from the emerald waters of Halong Bay, you will be mesmerized by the breathtaking scenery. After indulging in a delicious lunch of fresh seafood on board, the tender boat will take you to visit a mesmerizing grotto adorned with impressive stalactites and stalagmites. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to take a refreshing swim in the warm waters of Halong Bay and explore the bay up close by kayaking from the beach to the floating island.
In the late afternoon, the Junk Boat will anchor for an overnight stay on board, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty and tranquility of Halong Bay.
It is highly recommended to wake up early in the morning on this day to witness the mesmerizing aquamarine waters of Halong Bay at its best. After enjoying a satisfying lunch on the boat, your excursion will continue as you marvel at the impressive limestone formations that surround the bay.
Once back at the pier, the cruise’s shuttle bus will transfer you back to Hanoi. From there, our driver will pick you up and take you to the airport for your domestic flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your local guide and transferred to your hotel for check-in. Dinner will be on your own, and you will spend the night at the hotel, preparing for the next day’s adventures in Ho Chi Minh City.
On this day, you will embark on a morning trip to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, a historic site where Vietnamese soldiers sought shelter during wartime. This extensive network of tunnels stretches over 250 km and served as communication routes, storage facilities, hospitals, and living areas for Vietnamese fighters during the wars. Descend into the tunnels and marvel at the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the Vietcong guerrillas as you learn about the harsh conditions they endured.
In the afternoon, you will return to Ho Chi Minh City to visit the Independence Palace, also known as the Reunification Palace. This iconic landmark, designed by architect Ngo Viet Thu, was built on the site of the former Norodom Palace. You will also have the opportunity to see beautiful structures from the French Colonial era, such as the Notre Dame Cathedral and the historic Central Post Office. A visit to Ben Thanh Market, one of the largest markets in Ho Chi Minh City, will allow you to experience the local life and culture. Afterward, you will return to your hotel. Meals will be on your own, and you will spend the night at the hotel.
On this day, you will transfer from your hotel to Ben Tre, a province located in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam. Upon arrival at Hung Vuong Pier, you will embark on a boat trip along the Ben Tre River, which is one of the tributaries of the Mekong River. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to witness the lively morning activities of fishing and coconut cargo boats.
Your first stop will be at a traditional brickwork where you can see how bricks are made by hand. You will then continue by boat to My Long village, where you can take a walk through the hamlet and observe the process of making rice paper, as well as enjoy some rice cakes. Next, you will travel along the Cai Son canal, winding through the coconut jungle, and visit a coconut workshop to see the different stages of coconut processing, from husk removal to hand peeling.
Afterward, you will stop at a bee garden and enjoy some fresh fruits, honey tea, and local music. A visit to a candy mill will also be included, where you can sample some sweet treats. Continuing on, you will take a short walk to visit a farmer’s house where sleep mats are made.
You will then have the option to cycle along rural tracks or take a tuktuk ride through coconut groves and vegetable plains, where you can see crops such as cucumbers and bitter melons. The tour will also include a peaceful rowing boat trip along a shaded palm tree canal before stopping for lunch at Green Garden riverside restaurant.
In the afternoon, you will make your way back to Hung Vuong Pier by motorboat and then transfer back to Ho Chi Minh City. The remainder of the day will be free for you to leisurely explore the city at your own pace, allowing you to enjoy some personal time and relax after a day of adventure in the Mekong Delta.
On this day, you will have free time at your leisure until it’s time for your departure flight. You can enjoy your hotel room until noon, giving you ample time to pack and prepare for your journey home. Meals will be on your own, giving you the flexibility to choose where and what you’d like to eat.
At the appropriate time, you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the airport without a guide. You will then proceed to check-in for your departure flight, marking the end of the services provided for your trip. We hope you have had a memorable and enjoyable experience exploring the beautiful destinations of Vietnam. Safe travels!
Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions
- 7-day tour covering North to South of Vietnam
- 6 nights' accommodation included
- 9 meals featuring delicious Vietnamese cuisine
- 1 domestic flight from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh on economy airlines (with 20 kg checked luggage and 7 kg hand luggage allowance)
- All airport transfers included
- English-speaking guide provided in each location
- Entrance fees and sightseeing included as per itinerary
- Private boat for Halong Bay excursion
- Service charges and government VAT tax included
Exclusions
- International flight tickets
- Vietnam visa stamp fee: 30USD per person
- Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, drinks, tip...)
- Travel insurance