Best of Vietnam from Saigon to Hanoi 11 Days

After savoring a delectable breakfast at your hotel, embark on a captivating journey through the highlights of Ho Chi Minh City. First, visit the Notre Dame Cathedral, a remarkable example of neo-Romanesque architecture erected by the French during the 19th century. Next, stop at the historic Central Post Office, an awe-inspiring building designed by Gustave Eiffel that boasts a stunning interior adorned with intricate maps, designs, and arched windows. Then, explore the Reunification Palace, the former presidential palace of South Vietnam, and a poignant symbol of the country's tumultuous past. Following a break for lunch at a local eatery, the afternoon takes you to the world-renowned Cu Chi Tunnels, a must-see destination for both locals and international visitors alike. Spanning over 200km, the tunnels played a vital role during the Vietnam War, serving as underground cities complete with trap doors, living quarters, storage facilities, weapon factories, field hospitals, command centers, and kitchens. You will learn about the tunnels' construction and spend the next few hours delving into the tunnels and war remnants, gaining a deep understanding of the harsh living conditions and ingenious methods employed to maintain life underground. You'll even have the opportunity to sample some of the simple cuisine that local fighters subsisted on and venture into the tunnels yourself to experience the complex's intricacies firsthand. After the tour, return to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City for a comfortable overnight stay. The distance between Saigon and Cu Chi Tunnel is approximately 75 km, which takes about 1.5 hours to drive. Accommodation Options: Elios Hotel Saigon - 3-star or equivalent Golden Central Hotel Saigon - 4-star or equivalent

After a delightful breakfast at your hotel, the day is yours to explore Ho Chi Minh City at your leisure or take advantage of one of our optional full-day excursions, detailed below: At 8:00 am, your tour guide will greet you to embark on a journey to the charming city of My Tho, the capital of Tien Giang Province and situated approximately 75 kilometers southeast of Ho Chi Minh City. This picturesque city is renowned for its verdant orchards and rice fields that supply grains for the whole country. During your visit to My Tho, you will explore one or two of the islands that produce exquisite traditional handicrafts, including coconut candy and bee farms. You will also visit the Vinh Trang Pagoda, the oldest and most distinguished pagoda in the Mekong Delta region. To get to the pagoda, you will take a leisurely boat trip along the Mekong River, where you can admire the picturesque scenery of the river and the surrounding areas. The Vinh Trang Pagoda is surrounded by stunning gardens and features intricate architecture and magnificent sculptures. When your My Tho tour concludes, you will return to Ho Chi Minh City and transfer to the airport for your flight to Hoi An, via Da Nang Airport. Our representative will be waiting to collect you upon arrival at Da Nang Airport and transfer you to your hotel in Hoi An for check-in. You will spend the night in Hoi An. Accommodation Options: Phu Thinh Resorts and Spa - 4-star or similar Lantana Riverside Hoi An Hotel - 4-star or similar

Indulge in a hearty breakfast at your hotel before embarking on a full-day excursion to Hoi An, a historical trading center that was known as “Faifo” to the earliest Western traders. As an important port for the Dutch, Portuguese, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, and other merchant vessels from the Far East, Hoi An's influence and diversity are evident in its unique blend of architectural styles. Your journey begins with a visit to a temple situated in the heart of Hoi An, adorned with partially gilded statues, reflecting the influences of Chinese and Japanese design. You will also visit a pagoda dedicated to sailors and fishermen, and a chapel with origins dating back to the 1700s. Next, you will explore the Sa Huynh Museum, located near the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge. The museum showcases artifacts and exhibitions from the earliest period of Hoi An’s history, providing a fascinating insight into the city's rich and intriguing past. In the afternoon, embark on a boat trip on the Thu Bon River to Cam Kim Island, where you will visit Kim Bong Village, known for its skilled woodworkers and shipbuilding families who have been practicing their craft for generations. This experience offers a rare glimpse into the traditional way of life in this part of Vietnam. As the day draws to a close, return to the world-renowned “Cua Dai Beach” and relax in its tranquil and picturesque surroundings. Spend the evening at your leisure, basking in the beauty of the beach. Overnight in Hoi An. Accommodation Options: Phu Thinh Resorts and Spa - 4-star or similar Lantana Riverside Hoi An Hotel - 4-star or similar

After savoring a sumptuous breakfast at the hotel, you have the whole day to spend at your leisure. You can take a stroll around Hoi An's picturesque Old Town, indulge in some retail therapy, or simply unwind and relax in this tranquil locale. At 10:00 am, you will bid adieu to the captivating town of Hoi An and head towards Da Nang City, from where you will embark on an overnight train to Hanoi. The train ride is a cozy and economical way to travel, and your journey will commence around 12:00 pm. As you make your way through the scenic Vietnamese countryside towards the capital city, you will be ensconced in a cabin fitted with comfortable bunk beds and fresh linen. Take in the stunning vistas that unfold before your eyes as you watch the world go by from the comfort of your cabin. Accommodation Options: Overnight in a 4-Berth shared Cabin on the sleeper train Overnight in a private Cabin on the sleeper train

Upon arrival at Hanoi Train Station at around 5:30 am, you will be picked up and transferred to your hotel. After settling in, you can enjoy breakfast at your leisure before departing for Mai Chau. The journey starts at 8:30 am, taking you on a picturesque drive along one of the most stunning country roads to the peaceful Ba Khan Village via Hoa Binh City. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to soak up the breathtaking natural beauty of the countryside. Around 10:30 am, you will take a short break for tea or coffee in the middle of the journey. You will arrive at Ba Khan Village Restaurant by noon for a delicious lunch, followed by room check-in. In the afternoon, around 3:00 pm, you will go on a walk around the Muong Village of Khan Ha and the village's West Hill for a breathtaking view of the valley. This is a unique opportunity to experience the local culture and way of life up close. In the evening, it's time for dinner at the Ba Khan Restaurant, where you can savor local delicacies. After dinner, from 8:00 to 9:00 pm, you can enjoy a unique traditional dance performance by the villagers. You will spend the night at the Ba Khan Village Resort, known to be the best resort in Mai Chau. Accommodation: Ba Khan Village Resort (local best)

At 9:00 am, start your day with an exhilarating trek on the East Mountain trail, where you will be surrounded by the unspoiled natural beauty of Mai Chau. This trek is suitable for all fitness levels and offers breathtaking views of the valley, providing an excellent opportunity to capture stunning photos. At 11:00 am, return to the resort to relax and refresh before checking out. At noon, savor a delectable lunch at the resort before departing for Hanoi. At 1:30 pm, depart from Mai Chau and make your way back to Hanoi. By 5:00 pm, arrive at Hanoi Old Quarter, where you will have free time to explore the area at your own pace. This is an ideal time to experience the vibrant nightlife and cultural attractions of the city, such as the famous Thang Long Water Puppet Theater. Overnight in Hanoi, where you have a choice of accommodation options, including the 3-star or similar TK-123 Hanoi, or the 4-star or similar Lenid Hanoi Hotel.

Start your day off right with a scrumptious breakfast at your hotel, and then at 8:00 am, our van will be waiting to whisk you away for a jam-packed day exploring the vibrant city of Hanoi. Our first stop is the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where you can delve into the incredible life of Uncle Ho and pay your respects to this great man. You'll also visit the Presidential Palace and his residential place, all while marveling at the architectural wonders. From there, we'll make our way to the Temple of Literature, a stunning monument that dates back to the 12th century and was once Vietnam's first university. Here, you'll have the chance to learn about Confucius's theory and even enjoy a traditional music performance. For lunch, we'll take you to a local restaurant, where you'll savor the authentic taste of Hanoi's famous Pho, a flavorful noodle soup that is sure to tantalize your taste buds. In the afternoon, you can choose from a range of cultural activities such as visiting museums, temples, or other sites, such as the Museum of Ethnology, Women's Museum, History Museum, or Quan Thanh Temple. Later on, we'll take a leisurely stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, a picturesque body of water that lies at the heart of the city. Here, you can soak in the enchanting atmosphere of Hanoi's Old Quarter, famous for its colorful street vendors and bustling markets. You'll have the chance to do some shopping and try some street-side traditional food, like the famous "Hanoi bia." This is a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture. To round out the day, you can choose to attend the Water Puppet Show, a charming cultural experience that has become a beloved tradition in Vietnam. If you'd like to attend the show, please inform your tour operator in advance, as there is an additional cost of approximately US $6.00 per ticket. After an exciting and fulfilling day, we'll return to our hotel and stay overnight in Hanoi. Accommodation Options: TK-123 Hanoi - 3-star or similar Lenid Hanoi Hotel - 4-star or similar

After a delicious breakfast at your hotel, our private mini-van/bus will pick you up between 8:30 am to 9:00 am to embark on your journey to Halong City. During the 3.5-hour drive, you will be able to witness the scenic countryside and rice paddy fields, soaking in the rural charm of the region. Upon arrival at the port, you will step aboard your private boat, an authentic Chinese Junk, and set sail on your extraordinary cruise through the awe-inspiring Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will savor a delectable lunch on board, featuring a selection of the freshest seafood. During the cruise, we will visit "the Amazing Cave" and take a refreshing dip in the serene, emerald waters of Halong Bay. We will then sail deeper into a tranquil area, where we will anchor and spend the night. As the sun sets over the bay, you can relish in a sumptuous dinner and relax. After dinner, you can opt to swim in the phosphorescent water, retire to your cabin, or even slumber under the stars on the top deck, surrounded by the enchanting ambiance of Halong. You will spend the night on board, immersed in the stunning vistas of the bay. Accommodation Options: Glory Legend Cruises - 3-star or equivalent Pelican Cruises - 4-star or equivalent

Start your day early by waking up to the stunning sunrise and the refreshing sea breeze on the boat. As you enjoy your breakfast on board, take in the breathtaking scenery of thousands of limestone islands that seem to go on forever. This is a perfect opportunity to capture some incredible photographs of the mesmerizing landscapes. We will also make a stop to visit a floating fishing village where you will learn about the daily life of the fishermen and hear some legendary stories. After lunch, we will cruise back to Halong City pier and then drive back to Hanoi. You will arrive in Hanoi around 3:30 pm to 4:00 pm. Check in to your hotel and take advantage of the free time to explore the charming Old Quarter of Hanoi on your own. You can indulge in some delicious local street food or shop for unique souvenirs. Spend the night in Hanoi to rest and rejuvenate. Accommodation Options: TK-123 Hanoi - 3-star or equivalent Lenid Hanoi Hotel - 4-star or equivalent

After a hearty breakfast at your hotel, it's time to say goodbye to Vietnam and depart for your international flight back home or to your next destination. We trust that your time exploring this beautiful country with Legend Travel Group has been nothing short of amazing, leaving you with unforgettable memories and stories to share. Thank you for choosing us as your trusted travel companion and we sincerely look forward to accompanying you on more incredible adventures in the future. Please note that your airport transfer is included in the itinerary and our team will ensure that your departure from Hanoi is seamless and stress-free.