Best Of Vietnam 8 Days

Commence your day with a delightful one-hour CYCLO RIDE to explore the capital city, where the fusion of long-standing traditions and modern influences from Western colonization is evident. Tree-lined boulevards and colonial structures reflect Western elegance, while clusters of petite old houses and narrow lanes exude the charm of centuries past. Following this, venture into the expansive Ho Chi Minh Memorial Complex, set amidst a serene park and housing Ho Chi Minh's final resting place, along with a museum and other memorials. Pay respects at the HO CHI MINH MAUSOLEUM (closed on Mondays & Fridays) where Ho Chi Minh's embalmed body lies. Journey through the park to Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House, his modest two-room residence from 1958 to 1969, preserved in the same condition as during his life. Explore the miniature One Pillar Pagoda, originally dating back to the 11th century but reconstructed after French destruction in 1954. Today, it stands adjacent to the vast Ho Chi Minh Memorial Complex. Visit the TEMPLE OF LITERATURE, a serene complex featuring walled courtyards and elegant gateways, serving as a prime example of traditional Vietnamese architecture. Founded in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius, it also served as Vietnam's inaugural university.

In the afternoon, explore HOAN KIEM LAKE, meaning "Lake of the Returned," a significant site in Hanoi's historical center. Legend has it that King Le Loi returned a magic sword named Heaven's Will, which granted him victory against the Chinese Ming dynasty, to the Golden Turtle God in the lake. The Tortoise Tower (Thap Rua) on a small island in the lake is associated with this legend. Visit NGOC SON Temple and the Rising Sun Bridge, an 18th-century temple honoring military leader Tran Hung Dao, scholar Van Xuong, and Confucian master Nguyen Van Sieu. Jade Island is linked to the shore by the red-painted wooden Huc Bridge (The Huc, meaning Morning Sunlight Bridge). Explore the NEO-GOTHIC ST. JOSEPH'S CATHEDRAL, inaugurated in 1886, offering a glimpse into medieval European architecture with its square towers, elaborate altar, and stained-glass windows. The first Catholic mission in Hanoi was established in 1679. Visit TRAN QUOC PAGODA, one of Vietnam's oldest pagodas situated on West Lake, featuring traditional Vietnamese architecture. The pagoda, crowned by an 11-floor Buddhist tower, is a sacred pilgrimage site for visitors nationwide. Conclude the day with a visit to the HOA LO PRISON MUSEUM, famously known as the Hanoi Hilton among American prisoners of war.

Overnight in Hanoi.

For those interested in observing the vibrant morning routines of the locals, waking up early provides an opportunity to witness a lively scene where hundreds of residents enthusiastically engage in various morning exercises such as Tai Chi Quan, jogging, martial arts, classical dance, and more. Following breakfast, embark on a journey to Halong Bay, a UNESCO-designated Natural World Heritage site since 1994. During the journey, you'll traverse the Red River Delta, passing through rural villages, captivating towns, and picturesque paddy fields.

Upon reaching Halong Bay's Tuan Chau International Marina, a tender boat awaits to transport you to the Halong Phoenix Cruise. A refreshing welcome drink precedes the check-in process for your cabin. Delight in a delectable set-menu lunch served in the restaurant, allowing you to savor the breathtaking scenery as the cruise navigates through hundreds of islands. Glide past numerous islands and islets on the bay, with an afternoon stop at Luon Cave for a captivating kayaking experience, exploring a small cave and beautiful lagoons. Kayaking offers the chance to discover the enchanting lagoons up close. For those unable to kayak, a bamboo boat is available.

The boat then sails to Titop Island, where you can relax on the beach, take a swim, or ascend to the island's summit for panoramic views of a corner of the bay. As the sun sets, return to the cruise, where you can unwind on the sundeck with coffee, tea, and fruits, or order your preferred beverage as the boat cruises to its night anchorage area. Dinner featuring local seafood is served, and after your meal, you can opt to spend time on the top deck or try your hand at squid fishing before retiring to your cabin.

Overnight on-board the cruise.

Delight in the morning serenity as you sip on a cup of coffee or tea while beholding the captivating landscape. Your guided tour will lead you to the remarkable Sung Sot Cave (Surprising Cave), an awe-inspiring cavern that promises a truly extraordinary experience. As the boat gracefully cruises back to the harbor, relish additional vistas of Halong Bay, including the iconic Fighting Cocks Island (Symbol of Halong Bay), Incense Burner, and Stone Dogs Islands.

Upon disembarking, a transfer will convey you back to Hanoi for your flight to Danang, where you'll be warmly greeted and transported to Hoi An. This meticulously preserved merchant town achieved UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1999. Its vibrant shop houses and temples narrate a rich history dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries when it served as a prominent port for Western, Chinese, and Japanese traders. Today, Hoi An thrives as a hub for traditional crafts and a haven for enthusiastic shoppers, offering an immersive experience best explored on foot.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Stroll along the charming cobbled streets, passing by quaint low tile-roofed buildings, the lively central market, and the petite harbor adorned with vibrantly painted boats. Your guided walking tour will lead you to a private house, where generations of the same family have resided for centuries in a traditional environment. Explore one of the family chapels, constructed by prominent merchant or official families as centers for ancestor worship, and visit a typical Chinese-style pagoda.

Proceed to the Sa Huynh Museum, situated near the iconic Japanese covered bridge, showcasing exhibitions spanning the earliest periods of Hoi An's history. Explore handicraft workshops in Hoi An, witnessing the creation of local products. Conclude your journey at the renowned Japanese covered bridge pagoda, initially built in 1593 by the Japanese community of Hoi An to connect the town with the Chinese quarters across the stream.

Overnight in Hoi An.

This morning, journey back to Danang and head to the domestic airport for a flight bound for Saigon. Upon arrival, you will be warmly greeted and embark on a tour of this dynamic metropolis. Saigon pulsates with vitality, brimming with activity and constant motion. Everywhere you turn, the confluence of traditional and modern life unfolds. The modern skyline emerges alongside colonial structures and traditional temples. On the bustling streets, young professionals zip past on motorcycles, engaged in phone conversations, while within the serene temple courtyards, worshippers offer prayers amid wafts of incense.

Commence your exploration of this vibrant city with a visit to the historic center, leisurely strolling along Dong Khoi Street, formerly known as Rue Catinat, the main shopping boulevard and the heart of old colonial Saigon. Pass by elegant European-style landmarks like the intricate City Hall (Hotel De Ville), the historic Opera House (exterior viewing only), and make a brief stop at the neo-Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office. Delve into modern history with a visit to the Reunification Palace, once the Independence Palace of the South Vietnamese president. This 1960s-style edifice gained fame when it was stormed by tanks on April 30, 1975, marking the fall of South Vietnam. Preserved in its original state, the original tanks remain on display near the entrance gates.

Conclude the tour at the central Ben Thanh Market, where an array of goods and handicrafts is on display.

Overnight in Saigon.

Indulge in a leisurely day, or consider opting for one of our additional tours.

Overnight in Saigon.

On this day, arrange your own transportation (transfer not included) to Saigon International Airport for check-in on your onward flight.