Vietnam Essence With HO CHI MINH - 6 D / 5 N

Welcome to Hanoi! - the capital of Vietnam, is a bustling metropolis with a rich history and culture. We will pick you up at Noi Bai Airport and transfer you to the city center. You will have free time to relax after long flight In the afternoon, we will visit Ba Dinh Square, the largest square in Hanoi. This is where all of the city's biggest cultural and political events take place. We will take some photos of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum from the outside. Then we continue to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university. The temple was built in 1070, and the gardens and well-preserved architecture offer a relaxing glimpse into Vietnam's past. After visiting the temple, we will walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, a picturesque lake in the heart of Hanoi. We will then take a leisurely walk around the Old Quarter of Hanoi, a fascinating network of narrow alleys and shophouses. The Old Quarter is also known as "The 36 Streets," as each street is named after the merchandise that was traditionally sold there. Overnight in Hanoi.

Breakfast at the hotel, then check out. At around 8:00 am,you will be picked up at your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarters and transferred to Ha Long Bay, the pride of the Gulf of Tonkin, a Natural World Heritage as recognized by UNESCO in 1994 and 2006. Upon arrival at the Cruise Port, you will enjoy a warm welcome from cruise staff and complete the check-in procedure for the overnight cruise to discover the magnificent beauty of this "Descending Dragon" bay, created by thousands of odd-shaped limestone rocks and karst grottoes. After a lunch on board, we can visit the Grottos, stop for swimming or kayaking, pass floating houses, and approach islets to enjoy their beauty in close proximity. Later in the afternoon, go back to the cruise and enjoy the cooking demonstration before having dinner. In the evening, attend activities on the boat or relax at your own leisure. Overnight on the cruise.

You should wake up early to enjoy the dawn on the sea in the early morning. The Vietnamese call the "East Sea" by a point-oriented name "Eastern Sea", so you may guess how miraculous seeing the sunrise over the islets of the Bay. After breakfast our boat will continue to cruise in marvelous areas, where almost each islet has its own name, adopting its shape or reminiscent like Sail Island, Fisherman’s head rock, Butterfly rock or Turtle islet etc. Check out your room and have brunch on board while the cruise coming back the pier. Disembark from the cruise, return to Hanoi by shuttle bus. Your driver pick you up from Hanoi and transfer to Noi Bai airport (without tour guide) for your flight to Ho Chi Minh city , also called as Saigon, the most dynamic city in Vietnam. Upon arrival, welcomed by the local tour guide and transfer to the down town. Check in your hotel. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city.

Breakfast at the hotel. You will be picked up from pick-up point in District 1 at 07:30-08:00 am. Take the morning city tour to visit Independence Palace, also known at the Reunification palace, a witness to the fierce Vietnam War that ended in 1975. The grand building today is a Museum and Hall for official receptions. Continue seeing the beautiful structures from the French Colonial times such as the Notre Dame Cathedral (view from outside only) built between 1877 and 1883, the historic Central Post Office - one of the city’s major landmarks. Followed by the remarkable site of the War Remnants Museum, one of the most famous historical attractions in Ho Chi Minh. Coming to the War Remnants Museum, you can learn a part of how Vietnamese struggled and fought for their independence, freedom, and peace of the nation, as well as the locals' perspective of the Vietnam War. Have lunch with Vietnamese food at local restaurant. Afternoon drive to Cu Chi Tunnels: the network of over 200 km of tunnels became legendary when they played a vital role in the war. In their heyday, the tunnels were functioning underground cities, including numerous trap doors, specially constructed living areas, storage facilities, weapons factories, field hospitals, command centers, and kitchens. After a short introduction video showing how the tunnels were constructed, you will have a chance to crawl into a short section of the tunnels to feel the oppressive narrowness and heat inside. Experience the thrill of firing an M15, AK-47, and carbine rifle (at guests own extra cost). Return to Ho Chi Minh later in the day. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.

Breakfast at hotel. You will be picked up from pick-up point in District 1 at 07:30-08:00 am. Leaving the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City and start your trip to depart for My Tho, the town lies on the left side of the Mekong River. Upon arrival, visit Vinh Trang pagoda which sated back to the late 19th century. Then boarding the sampan and cruising down the river around the four beautiful islands known as Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix and Tortoise islands.Stop over at Unicorn Island, go walking around country lane and seeing orchards, enjoy tropical fruits, folk song music which performed by the local people. Visit the fruit plantation. Riding a hand-rowed sampan through Thoi Son canal and treat yourself in the beauty of the countryside, visit the family business, visit honey-bee farm, enjoy honey tea and coconut candy workshop. Have lunch at local restaurant. Time for relaxing. In the afternoon, time for cycling around the Tan Thach village, meet the local villagers to experience the local daily life in the Mekong delta. Hammock relaxing and enjoy cool breeze for those can’t join the cycling trip. Return to Ho Chi Minh City late in the afternoon. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city.

After breakfast, today you will be transferred to the Airport for your flight back home (No Guide today). We trust that you enjoyed your Vacation. Please do give us your valuable suggestions on feedback@southerntravels.in.