Vietnam Super Saver - 8 Days

Our Vietnamese adventure starts as soon as you arrive in Hanoi. A private driver will be waiting at the airport with a sign showing your name. They will escort you to your accommodation, conveniently located in the heart of the city, where the vibrant Old Quarter is just a stone's throw away. You have the freedom to explore the city at your own pace or opt to unwind at the hotel after your journey.

Begin your cultural journey in Hanoi with a hotel pickup by your guide and driver. Our first stop is Tran Quoc Pagoda on Golden Fish Island in West Lake. Built in the 6th century, it's Hanoi's oldest pagoda and a testament to Vietnam's rich spiritual heritage.

Next, we visit the Ho Chi Minh Complex, the final resting place of Vietnam's esteemed leader, affectionately known as Uncle Ho. Here, you can view his embalmed body and stroll through the serene gardens surrounding the houses where he lived and worked from 1954 to 1969. We then explore the One Pillar Pagoda, dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy, famed for its unique architectural design.

Important Points: Dress modestly, covering shoulders to knees, when visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, temples, and pagodas. The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed on Mondays and Fridays, although photography of the exterior and its surroundings is permitted. Note that the mausoleum is closed for maintenance from 15th June to 15th August.

We continue to the Vietnam Ethnology Museum to explore the diverse cultures of Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups. On Mondays, this visit is replaced with the Vietnamese Women’s Museum, highlighting women's significant role in Vietnamese history.

A delicious lunch awaits at our selected restaurant, where you'll savour authentic Vietnamese dishes, with vegetarian options available.

After lunch, we'll explore the Temple of Literature, founded in 1070 as Vietnam's first university. We'll then visit Hoa Lo Prison, constructed by the French between 1886 and 1901 during the colonial period. Known to the French as Maison Centrale, this prison later gained notoriety for its harsh conditions, earning the moniker “A Hell on Earth.” Today, it stands as a war museum, offering insights into the Vietnamese struggle against French colonial rule.

Our tour concludes as we return you to your hotel.

We begin our journey with a friendly welcome from our guide as we set off for Ninh Binh province. En route, we'll pause briefly to recharge before continuing to Hoa Lu, Vietnam's ancient capital from 968 to 1010. Here, we delve into the nation's history, exploring the Vietnamese feudal system under the Dinh, Le, and Ly dynasties.

Lunch awaits at our restaurant, offering a taste of the region's local cuisine.

Following lunch, we'll embark on a 1.5-hour bamboo boat ride through Tam Coc, known as “Ha Long Bay on land.” You'll witness majestic views of rice fields, rivers, and caves set against a tranquil sky.

Our adventure continues at Mua Cave (Dragon Peak) with a remarkable trek up Ngoa Long Mountain, rewarding us with sweeping views of the rice valley and stunning natural landscape.

We then return to Hanoi, where you will be comfortably dropped off at your hotel.

Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is renowned for its stunning vistas. Prepare to be captivated by this natural wonder on our relaxing cruise, complete with engaging activities.

After breakfast, we check out from the hotel and depart Hanoi for Halong Bay. Our cruise team will meet you in the hotel lobby. Arriving at the jetty around midday, we embark on a boat to join the cruise. A warm welcome awaits, followed by a delectable lunch as the cruise navigates among hundreds of limestone islets.

In the afternoon, you may choose to swim, kayak, or explore caves, depending on the boat's itinerary, or simply unwind on board. As the day draws to a close, the boat will anchor for the night in a picturesque spot—don't miss the sunset before we enjoy dinner.

We spend the night on board.

Please note: In case of bad weather, this itinerary may change or be cancelled if boats are unable to leave the port. Your travel consultant will arrange alternative plans should this occur.

Start your day early by witnessing the sunrise over this magnificent natural wonder, followed by breakfast in the dining room. We then rejuvenate our minds and bodies with a Tai Chi class on the sundeck.

Afterwards, we venture out to explore a limestone cave adorned with fascinating stalagmites and stalactites. Upon completing our discovery, we return to the boat, check out, and enjoy brunch as we cruise back to the harbour.

Later, you will be transferred back to Hanoi to catch your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, your private driver will greet you at the airport and take you to your accommodation.

Begin your day with a visit to the Independence Palace, also known as the Reunification Palace. This iconic site, designed by celebrated architect Ngo Viet Thu, holds a significant place in the history of Ho Chi Minh City.

Following this, we will explore the remarkable architecture from the French colonial period, including the Notre Dame Cathedral and the historic Central Post Office.

Next, we head to the War Remnants Museum, where you'll see an extensive collection of artefacts from the Indochina wars. This museum provides a thought-provoking insight into the country's tumultuous past.

After enjoying lunch at a local restaurant, we will set off for the Cu Chi Tunnels, approximately a 90-minute drive away. Upon arrival, you'll watch a brief introduction and video detailing the construction of the tunnels and wartime survival tactics.

We will then explore the remaining tunnel system, featuring reconstructed living quarters with kitchens and bedrooms, alongside military facilities like storage rooms, weapons factories, field hospitals, and command centres. You'll witness hidden trap doors and innovative booby traps used for defence during the war.

Conclude your visit with a taste of special tea and cassava, staple guerrilla foods from the wartime era.

Begin your day with a substantial breakfast before embarking on a trip to the Mekong Delta. Our guide will meet us in the hotel lobby at approximately 7:15–7:30 am, ready for our departure to My Tho, situated on the left bank of the Mekong River.

On arrival, we board a sampan to cruise along the river, passing the picturesque Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix, and Tortoise Islands. We'll disembark at Unicorn Island to wander through tranquil country paths and visit orchard gardens. Here, enjoy fresh tropical fruits accompanied by traditional local folk music.

Next, we'll glide through the Thoi Son canal in a hand-rowed sampan, taking in the serene beauty of the landscape. Our journey continues with visits to family-run workshops and a honeybee farm, where we can savour honey tea and coconut candies.

We'll then pause for a traditional Vietnamese lunch before cycling around Tan Thach Village, offering a chance to interact with local villagers and observe daily life in the Mekong Delta. If you prefer a slower pace, relax in a hammock and relish the cool, refreshing breeze.

After this enriching experience, we'll return to our accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City for the night.

Enjoy a wholesome breakfast on the last day of your Vietnam journey. After checking out of the hotel, you can explore the local markets, perfect for picking up souvenirs for friends and family. Afterwards, your private driver will transfer you to the airport for your flight home.