The Heritage of Vietnam

Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport, welcome by our guide and transfer to your hotel. The transfer distance is approximately 40 minutes. Hanoi or “River-bound City” as its name literally means is Vietnam's capital with a thousand-year-old history dating back to 1010. The city's fascinating beauty which is characterized by unique cultural relics, ancient streets of antique houses, elegant French colonial buildings, tree-lined boulevards and romantic lakes has made it one of the most charming cities of Asia.

Morning: Visit Ho Chi Minh Complex which features the life of Ho Chi Minh, the nation's founder. At the complex, visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the colonial Presidential Palace, the One Pillar Pagoda. Continue to the Temple of Literature, known as the first university of Vietnam built in 1070 by the Ly Dynasty to honor Confucius, sages and outstanding Vietnamese scholars. Afternoon: continue the tour to one of the following museums of choice namely: the Museum of Fine Arts, the National Museum of Vietnamese History, the Museum of Revolution, the Museum of Military History or the Museum of Ethnology. Late afternoon, visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple located on an islet in the lake, then shop or walk at leisure in the Old Quarter of 36 ancient streets.

Morning pickup at 8:00 AM from your hotel for transfer to Ha Long Bay, about 160 km or 3.5-hour drive away, with a stop at a handicraft workshop en route. Arrive in Ha Long City at 11:30 AM and check in aboard the booked junk. Cruise while having lunch on board and enjoy the bay view, with up-close sighting of Dinh Huong Island, Ga Choi Island, Dog Island, Sail Island, a visit to Sung Sot Cave and a swimming stop at Titov Beach. Relax to enjoy the bay view at sunset, have dinner, go fishing at 9:00 PM and spend the night on board.

Early risers can enjoy the tranquil view of the bay at dawn. Have breakfast and cruise to visit Human Head Shaped Island and Tortoise Island, continuing into Bai Tu Long Bay. Check out and have lunch on board while heading to shore, then disembark and transfer back to Hanoi airport for the flight to Saigon. Arrive in Saigon, welcome by our guide and transfer to hotel for check-in. Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, is Vietnam's largest city and economic center.

Morning, half-day tour to the Cu Chi Tunnels, 75 km northwest of downtown Ho Chi Minh City, once a major underground hideout and resistance base of Viet Cong forces, hand-dug and stretching over 120 km. Afternoon, half-day city tour visiting Notre-Dame Basilica, Saigon Central Post Office (designed by Gustave Eiffel), and the War Remnants Museum. End of day, free time to shop at Ben Thanh Market.

Morning, travel by road to the Mekong Delta, the world's largest delta and Vietnam's largest rice bowl. On arrival in My Tho City, embark on a boat and navigate through canals observing local daily life, landing on Unicorn Island for orchards, fresh fruit and traditional music. Move on to Ben Tre to watch coconut candy making and try a horse-pulled carriage, with more cruising to bee-keeping households for fresh honey and honey tea. Return to Ho Chi Minh City and spend time at leisure.