9 Days Vietnam Highlights Tour & Halong Bay Cruise

This morning spend some leisure time on Ba Dinh Square, site of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Later, visit Ho Chi Minh’s House on Stilts, the nearby One Pillar Pagoda and Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s Confucius center and first university.

In the afternoon, proceed to Hoa Lo Prison (called the Hanoi Hilton by American POWs), followed by the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, the best place to learn about Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups from the rich collections of objects, photos, video tapes and cassettes.

Pay a visit to a local craftsman’s house to learn how the water puppets are made and enjoy a unique water puppet show, a favorite experience for all visitors to Vietnam and a highlight of any Vietnam tour.

Meals included: Breakfast

Note: Please note the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed on Fridays and Mondays and most museums are closed on Mondays. Your guide may adjust the itinerary accordingly.

Enjoy breakfast before heading out for a 2.5-hour drive to the World Heritage site of Halong Bay. Over 1,600 limestone karst islands dot the bay, traditional sampans and junks sail the glittering waters, grottos, thick forests, and hidden coves complete a movie-magical picture. Check-in for the cruise at mid-day, in time to be served lunch, before embarking on a memorable adventure. Along the way a variety of optional activities like kayaking, swimming, diving can add to the fun of this trip.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Get an early start today if you want to join a Tai Chi lesson with other passengers on the deck, or just soak in the beautiful view of limestone islands, charming beaches and amazing grottos. The cruise will pass by the Bai Tu Long Bay later and continue until disembarkation after brunch at approximately 11:00am. Your guide and driver will meet you at the pier then drive to Haiphong airport (around 1.5 hours) for the afternoon flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival, you will be met by our local guide and escorted to the hotel in Hoi An for check-in, after which your time is free to relax or explore.

Meals included: Brunch

Today, on a light excursion around the tiny town of Hoi An, you will be able to explore picturesque cultural sites such as the ancient Japanese Covered Bridge, Fujian Assembly Hall (Phuc Kien) and Cantonese Assembly Hall (Quan Cong Temple), and the Old House of Tan Ky, home of a former Vietnamese merchant. A boat ride on the Hoai River in the afternoon leads to Thanh Ha Pottery Village, where making pottery is still practiced in the traditional way and you can watch the locals at work. Pay a visit to the Precious Heritage Museum and see photographic work by Rehahn, a French photographer who shares his adventures in Vietnam. Tra Que Vegetable Village is a charming vegetable village which produces fresh leaves, vegetables and fruit for the local community. You will enjoy a cooking demonstration for Hoi An culinary specialties there. The evening is yours to explore charming Hoi An, taking in a highly recommended visit to the Hoi An night market.

Meals included: Breakfast

Enjoy a relaxing morning in Hoi An, before fly to Ho Chi Minh City. En route, you’ll have a special stop at the historical Hai Van Pass to take in the stunning views to the ocean, before travelling on to Da Nang. Visit Non Nuoc Beach, the Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture and the famous Marble Mountains. Aftewards, you will be escorted to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. On arrival in Ho Chi Minh City in the evening, you are free to explore the city.

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast and a one and half hour drive, you will be presented with the challenging opportunity to explore the incredible underground Cu Chi Tunnel network, which was constructed by Vietnamese fighters during the long struggle for independence. The below-ground network providing living and restorative capability formed an essential part of their strategy for success. Some tunnels have been enlarged to accommodate visitors.

Return to Ho Chi Minh City downtown to take a visit Ben Thanh Market where you can mix with the locals going about their daily lives while you check out the variety of goods on offer and sample some of the wares. A strong French colonial influence is evident at Notre Dame Cathedral and an amazing fusion of French and Vietnamese architecture within Saigon Central Post Office. Further remnants of French colonial architecture can be found strolling along Dong Khoi Street, now mixed with high rise and populated with designer shops, restaurants and entertainment. Afterwards, gain an overview of the spirit of the people and what they have overcome from the turbulent history of Vietnam on display at the War Remnants Museum, featuring artefacts and records of hostilities against French, Japanese and American incursions. Also of significance to the country’s history is the Independence Palace commemorating the declaration of independence and rejoining of the south with the north. Enjoy your free time after back to hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast

You will take to the water today, with a trip to the fertile, productive region of the Mekong River Delta to see and experience the rich, vibrant culture and picturesque landscape. Beginning with a drive to Cai Be, the day’s tour will take you on a boat ride to the colorful floating market. Meandering through the busy throng in your boat, you can see the local people trading from their vessels with travelers and other locals and perhaps buy some local produce or sample some of the dishes on offer. By afternoon, a traditional rowboat journey will take you deeper into the rich countryside, through narrow canals, to rest and experience peace among the natural surroundings. The cruise concludes mid-afternoon in the village of Vinh Long where your driver will meet you at the dock to take you back to Ho Chi Minh City.

Meals included: Breakfast

Your time is free until our guide and driver transfer you to airport for your return flight.

Meals included: Breakfast