Essential Vietnam Discovery

Welcome to Vietnam! Upon your arrival in Hanoi, our friendly guide and driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in the heart of the capital. After settling in, take a gentle walking tour through the Old Quarter’s lively streets, where local life hums with scooters, markets, and street vendors. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant, featuring authentic Northern Vietnamese cuisine and a brief introduction to the cultural journey ahead.

Spend the day discovering the rich history and charm of Hanoi. Begin with a visit to Ba Dinh Square to explore the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex, including the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house, and the iconic One Pillar Pagoda. Continue to the Temple of Literature, a serene complex that served as Vietnam’s first national university. After lunch, stroll around the Old Quarter and visit the famed Train Street, where houses and cafes line an active railway track. In the evening, enjoy a traditional water puppet show, a centuries-old art form unique to northern Vietnam.

After breakfast, set off for the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Halong Bay. Upon arrival, board a stylish wooden cruise ship and begin your voyage through the bay’s emerald waters and majestic limestone islets. Savor a fresh seafood lunch onboard as the boat glides past stunning scenery. In the afternoon, enjoy optional activities such as kayaking, swimming, or visiting a limestone cave. As the sun sets, join a cooking demonstration or relax on deck before a delicious dinner is served under the stars.

Start your day with a tranquil tai chi session on the sundeck, followed by a light breakfast. Cruise through the bay’s peaceful morning seascape, and after an early brunch, disembark and return to Hanoi. From there, take a short flight to vibrant Ho Chi Minh City in the south. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the evening free to explore the city’s bustling nightlife or relax after your journey.

After breakfast, journey outside the city to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, an immense underground network built during the Vietnam War. Walk through hidden trapdoors, underground bunkers, and narrow tunnels to get a firsthand look at wartime ingenuity and endurance. Return to Ho Chi Minh City for lunch, then spend the afternoon visiting landmarks such as the War Remnants Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, the historic Central Post Office, and the lively Ben Thanh Market. Your guide will share insights into the city’s French colonial past and its dynamic present.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and some free time for last-minute shopping or a stroll through the local markets. At the appropriate time, your driver will transfer you to the airport for your departure flight, concluding your memorable 6-day journey through Vietnam.