Vietnam Highlights 8 Days

After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, the day's exploration begins. 8:30 am: Tran Quoc Pagoda & West Lake Our bus and tour guide will pick you up from your hotel in the old quarter around 8 AM. We'll head to Tran Quoc Pagoda, situated on an island east of West Lake (Tay Ho District). With a history spanning 1500 years, it is considered one of Thang Long-Hanoi's oldest pagodas. The spiritual significance and architectural marvel attract numerous Buddhists and visitors to Vietnam. 9:30 am: Ho Chi Minh Complex Next, we visit the Ho Chi Minh complex, including the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Presidential Palace, and House on Stilts. This revered site is the final resting place of Uncle Ho, who resided and worked here from 1954 to 1969. 11 am: Vietnam Museum of Ethnology Discover the most significant and captivating museum in Hanoi and Vietnam. The museum's indoor and outdoor sections offer both informative exhibitions and activities, showcasing the traditional architecture of various ethnic minorities, particularly those from the Northern and Central Highlands. 12:30 pm: Lunch Time Enjoy a delightful lunch at a local restaurant. 2 pm: The Temple of Literature (The First University in Vietnam) Visit the ancient Thang Long School, known as the first university in Vietnam. The Temple of Literature is a treasured historical-cultural heritage that offers insights into Hanoi's rich culture and traditions. 3 pm: Hoa Lo Prison Explore Hoa Lo Prison, also known as the "Hanoi Hilton." Originally built by the French in 1899, it mainly held political prisoners and American pilots captured during the war. John McCain was one of the famous POWs who spent time here. 3:30 - 4 pm: Return to your hotel by car. Overnight in Hanoi. Meal: Breakfast at the hotel, Lunch at a local restaurant. Please note: On Monday and Friday mornings, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum are closed, replaced by the Vietnamese Women's Museum. Modest clothing is required to visit the mausoleum and temple.

After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, prepare for an exciting day of exploration. 07:00 – 07:40: Our knowledgeable guide will meet you at your hotel/stay, and we'll embark on a scenic 110km journey on a shared deluxe van, passing through the picturesque countryside. We'll make a short break en route. 10:00: Arrive at the magnificent Bai Dinh pagoda complexes, the largest pagoda in Vietnam and Southeast Asia. Set against the backdrop of Dinh Mountain, the pagoda offers breathtaking views of the river valley below and the mesmerizing limestone karsts scattered around. This architectural wonder boasts an impressive array of Vietnamese traditions and national treasures, such as 500 stone statues of "La Han" (Arhats), two massive bronze bells weighing 27 tons and 36 tons respectively, and the awe-inspiring Quan Yin statue with a thousand arms and eyes. The beauty and grandeur of this pagoda complex will leave you in awe. 12:00: Enjoy a delightful lunch at our restaurant, savoring great local cuisines. 13:30: Proceed to the Trang An Grottoes, an exceptional natural beauty of majestic limestone massifs covering 20 square kilometers, rising dramatically from the lush rice paddy fields. This area features pristine valleys, freshwater ponds, and lush jungles. Glide gracefully in a traditional sampan along the serene river, passing through captivating caves such as Lam Cave, Vang Cave, Dai Cave, and Thanh Truot Cave. Explore the enchanting Cao Sơn Temple, Suoi Tien Temple, and Vu Lam Temple. 15:30: Venture to Mua Cave and embark on an amazing trek up Ngoa Long Mountain, where you'll witness the spectacular rice valley and enjoy a panoramic view of nature's splendor. 17:15: Return to our bus and head back to Hanoi. 19:30: We'll drop you off at your hotel/stay in Hanoi. Overnight in Hanoi. Meal: Breakfast at the hotel, Lunch at a local restaurant.

Departing from Hanoi at 8 AM, our shuttle bus will whisk you away to the captivating Halong Bay, a pride of the Gulf of Tonkin and a UNESCO-designated Natural World Heritage site since 1994. Upon reaching Halong, we'll board a spacious boat to embark on a mesmerizing cruise through this mythical "Descending-dragon" bay, adorned with thousands of peculiar limestone formations and enchanting karst grottoes. Savor a delectable lunch of fresh seafood on board while relishing the breathtaking scenery. We'll have the opportunity to explore the Surprising Grotto, engage in swimming or kayaking, and observe the charming floating villages. Admire the captivating beauty of the islets from a close distance. As the evening sets in, indulge in a delightful dinner on the boat and enjoy onboard activities or relax at your leisure. Overnight on the boat. Please note: The program may vary slightly depending on your chosen cruise. The boat offers a selection of Vietnamese and International cuisine. Meal: Breakfast at the hotel, Lunch and Dinner on the boat

Rise early to witness the enchanting sunrise over the islets of the Bay as the shimmering dawn breaks over the Eastern Sea. After a delightful breakfast, our boat continues to glide through marvelous areas, where each islet boasts its unique name, shaped by its distinctive forms such as Sail Island, Fisherman’s Head Rock, Butterfly Rock, and Turtle Islet, among others. Around noon, we disembark and transfer you to Hanoi airport for your flight to Saigon. Upon arrival, our driver will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel for check-in. Overnight in Saigon. Meal: Breakfast, Brunch on the boat

In the morning, embark on a fascinating journey through Saigon's historical landmarks, starting with the iconic Independence Palace, also known as the Reunification Palace. This grand structure stands on the site of the former Norodom Palace and holds significant historical importance. Explore the architectural beauty of the Notre Dame Cathedral and the historic Central Post Office, both remnants of the French Colonial era. Continue your exploration with a visit to the War Remnants Museum, which houses an extensive collection relating to the Indochina wars. Savor a delightful lunch at a local restaurant before proceeding to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a legendary historical site located about 1.5 hours away from Saigon. Your knowledgeable guide will provide an insightful overview of Cu Chi's history and the importance of the tunnels during the war. A documentary film will enhance your understanding of the tunnels and the intensity of the war in the region. Venture into the tunnels' complex network, where you'll discover weapon factories, hospitals, kitchens, and even have the opportunity to crawl through the underground passages. Experience the taste of delicious manioc, the staple food for guerilla warriors during the war. As a thrilling option, you can also try firing an AK47, MK16, or other machine guns at the nearby shooting range (additional cost). Conclude your Cu Chi adventure and return to Saigon. Overnight in Saigon. Please note: The Notre Dame Cathedral is currently undergoing restoration, so guests can only visit the exterior. Meal: Breakfast at the hotel, Lunch at a local restaurant

Escape the vibrant energy of Ho Chi Minh City and venture into the enchanting Mekong Delta. Depart for My Tho, a charming town nestled on the left side of the Mekong River. Begin your journey with a visit to Vinh Trang Pagoda, a historic gem dating back to the late 19th century. Next, embark on a delightful sampan cruise along the river, surrounded by the beauty of Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix, and Tortoise Islands. At Unicorn Island, immerse yourself in the serene countryside as you stroll along the country lanes, explore orchards, and indulge in tropical fruits while being enchanted by local folk song performances. Take a moment to visit a fruit plantation and experience the unique charm of the area. Cruise through the picturesque Thoi Son Canal on a hand-rowed sampan, basking in the beauty of the countryside. Visit a family-run business, witness the art of beekeeping at a honey-bee farm, and savor a delightful honey tea and coconut candy workshop. Enjoy a sumptuous lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, there's an option for cycling around Tan Thach village, where you can mingle with local villagers and immerse yourself in the daily life of the Mekong Delta. Alternatively, for those seeking relaxation, unwind in a hammock and savor the gentle breeze. Return to Saigon by shared deluxe van in the late afternoon. Overnight in Saigon. Meal: Breakfast at the hotel, Lunch at a local restaurant

After a satisfying breakfast, take some time to relax or indulge in shopping (on your own) before proceeding to the airport for your onward flight back home. End of service. Meal: Breakfast at the hotel Please note: Hotel check-out time is around 12:00.