Short on time? No problem! This tour is ideal for travellers with limited time but who still want to experience all of Vietnam’s most prominent attractions. We take you to several of the top sites so you gain an insight into the country’s diverse culture and amazing landscapes, with the added bonus of meeting friendly people on the way.
Starting in the north, we explore the historic capital of Hanoi before heading to the enchanting, and somewhat mystical Ha Long Bay on board our own private junk to cruise through a stunning scenery of towering karsts, hidden caves and secret coves. Heading south, we delve into the cosmopolitan city of Ho Chi Minh city and if you are feeling brave enough, you can crawl through the extensive Cu Chi Tunnels that were used by Vietcong soldiers during the American War.
What is NOT included in the tour
- GST
- TCS
- Voluntary Carbon Offset Compensation: USD1.50 per person per day
- Vietnamese visa approval letter and Visa stamping fee
- Any domestic / international airline tickets, airport taxes, specific camera / video fees, additional transportation cost from and to the general pick-up / drop-off regions (such as airports, out-of-town resorts, ports, harbours and accommodation in surrounding towns)
- Personal expenses such as other meals, drinks, tips and gratuities, shopping, portage fees and optional tours/ visits, unless otherwise stated
- Any accommodation expenses of a personal nature. This includes (compulsory festive) meals and drinks, mini-bar consumption, laundry, room service, any telephone or other communication cost not mentioned in the program
- International travel and medical insurance coverage for customers
- Any items not shown above
- Hanoi
- Ha Long Bay
- Cu Chi Tunnels
- Diverse culture & stunning landscapes
Day 1Hanoi Arrival
Hanoi+
Hanoi Arrival
Upon arrival at Hanoi International Airport, we are greeted and transferred to our hotel. Time permitting, as dictated by our arrival time, we embark on a city tour of this exciting hub to get to grips with Hanoi’s history. Hanoi is Vietnam’s capital city and it is steeped in culture and history. Our tour covers all the highlight attractions, including the Temple of Literature which was built in the 11th century as Vietnam’s first university; Hoan Kiem Lake which translates to the ‘Lake of the Restored Sword,’ which contains a mystical story and Ngoc Son Temple, in the middle of Hoan Kiem Lake. We round our exploration off with a stroll around Hanoi’s Old Quarter, which is best discovered on foot to soak up all the surrounding life. Dinner is at a local restaurant.
Overnight Stay in Hanoi
Meal Plan: Dinner
Day 2Hanoi – Ha Long Bay – Hanoi
Ha Long Bay+
Hanoi – Ha Long Bay – Hanoi
After breakfast at the hotel, we depart Hanoi early and drive 160 km to enchanting Halong Bay (two and a half hours’ journey) and upon arrival we board our own private junk boat to sail the sea in style and enhance this magical experience. Cruising through the Gulf of Tonkin, we encounter a surreal landscape of towering limestone karsts that rise dramatically out of the sea, hidden caves and coves and small beaches to swim and kayak from, as well as 3,000 limestone islands, clad in jungle, scattered across the emerald waters. A seafood lunch is served on board the junk. We then drive back to Hanoi. Dinner at hotel
Overnight Stay in Hanoi
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3Hanoi – Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City+
Hanoi – Ho Chi Minh City
After breakfast at the hotel, we continue on our Hanoi exploration starting with a visit to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and also his former residence to learn more about this much admired revolutionary leader. A stop at the One Pillar Pagoda gives an insight into Vietnam’s Buddhist origins before we continue to the Fine Arts Museum (closed on Mondays so arrivals on this day will visit an alternative site) and the Vietnam Military History Museum, also known as the Army Museum, with contains a vast collection of weaponry.
This can be replaced with the Ethnology Museum depending on your personal interest.We then head to Hanoi Airport for our domestic flight to Ho Chi Minh City where upon arrival we transfer to the hotel. Lunch and Dinner are at a local restaurant.
Overnight Stay in Ho Chi Minh City
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4Ho Chi Minh City – Cu Chi Tunnels
Ho Chi Minh City+
Ho Chi Minh City – Cu Chi Tunnels
After breakfast we depart Ho Chi Minh City and travel 70 km to reach the war-era Cu Chi Tunnels. On the way we pass picturesque rice fields and neat rubber plantations in peaceful countryside which is home to a 200 km labyrinth of underground tunnels used by Vietcong soldiers during the American war.
We then return to Ho Chi Minh City for an afternoon tour to discover this dynamic and cosmopolitan city and embark on a sightseeing expedition with visits to the History Museum and a quick photo stop at the Reunification Palace, also known as the Independence Palace; the beautifully preserved French colonial Central Post Office; and the stunning Notre Dame Cathedral. Lunch and dinner are at a local restaurant.
Overnight is in Ho Chi Minh City
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5Ho Chi Minh City – Departure
Ho Chi Minh City+
Ho Chi Minh City – Departure
After breakfast at the hotel, there is free time to spend at leisure until the transfer to Ho Chi Minh City Airport for the departure flight.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
