Itinerary
Day one
Welcome to Hanoi.
Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, you'll be greeted with a warm "Xin chao" and transferred to the heart of Hanoi.
As you make your way to the hotel, take in the city’s vibrant energy, where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with modern life.
You will check in at the Army Hotel. Located in the bustling Ba Dinh district of Hanoi, Army Hotel boasts a harmonious combination of traditional Vietnamese culture and contemporary facilities.
It provides guests with elegant accommodation on top of other features such as a yoga and fitness centre on-site, a large outdoor pool and a restaurant. Every room offered is fitted with a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom fitted with a bathtub. Certain rooms offer a seating area. Free Wi-Fi is available in the rooms and throughout the property. Guests have 24-hour access to front desk services that include room service and laundry. Other facilities at the hotel include a business centre, banquet facilities and a beauty shop. Army Hotel is 40 minutes’ drive away from Noi Bai International Airport, with landmarks such as Hoan Kiem Lake, Dong Xuan Market and the Temple of Literature just 20 minutes’ walk away. It is also located adjacent to the Hanoi Old Citadel.
After checking in and a brief rest, you'll head out for a delightful dinner at a local restaurant. This is your first taste of Vietnam’s rich culinary scene, with flavors that range from sweet and sour to spicy and savory. Spend the rest of the evening soaking in the atmosphere of this dynamic city as you prepare for the exciting days to come. You will then head back to your hotel for your first nights’ stay.
Day two
Discover Hanoi's Treasures
After enjoying breakfast at your hotel your day begins with a visit to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university dating back to the 11th century. Wander through its serene courtyards, admire ancient stone tablets, and imagine the scholars who once studied Confucian classics here. Next, you’ll head to the iconic Hoan Kiem Lake, a peaceful oasis in the heart of the bustling city. Explore Ngoc Son Temple, perched on a small island in the lake, and learn about the legend of the giant turtle that resides here. Afterward, take a cyclo tour through the French inspired Old Quarter, where narrow streets are alive with vibrant markets, boutique stores, and art galleries. You will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and the rest of the afternoon will be free. In the evening you will enjoy a mesmerizing Water Puppet Show, a traditional art form that tells stories of Vietnam’s past, followed by dinner at a local restaurant. You will then head back to your hotel for your overnight stay.
Day three
Countryside Adventures in Ba Vi. After enjoying breakfast at your hotel you will start your day with a scenic drive to Ri Village, where you’ll be welcomed by Mr. Duoc, a Vietnam War veteran and tea farm owner. He’ll share captivating stories of the war and his life, giving you a personal glimpse into Vietnam’s history. You will then follow him to his lush tea farm, where you’ll learn the traditional methods of harvesting tea leaves. You will help pick tea leaves. This is a green and peaceful place with beautiful scenery of the village. You will then be driven to Moc Village for a hands-on cooking class with Mrs. Chin, who will guide you through the preparation of classic Vietnamese dishes. You will then enjoy the fruits of your labor during a communal lunch. In the afternoon, explore the village, meeting local artisans and learning about their crafts. You will then have fun by embarking on a cycling trip through beautiful paddy fields interacting with local farmers. You will then enjoy a with a soothing herbal foot bath, a traditional remedy of the Muong ethnic minority. You will then head back to your hotel in the late afternoon and have some free time before enjoying dinner at a local restaurant.
Day four
Cruise Through Ha Long Bay. After enjoying breakfast at your hotel you will be met by your coach driver and then set off from Hanoi to the stunning Ha Long Bay, where you’ll board a cruise ship at Tuan Chau Marina. As the boat glides through the emerald waters, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the bay’s thousands of limestone islands. After a delicious lunch on board, the adventure continues with kayaking around Luon Cave, where you’ll paddle through towering cliffs and explore the hidden nooks of the bay. Later, you’ll visit Titop Island, where you can relax on the beach or hike to the island’s peak for panoramic views of Ha Long Bay. As the day winds down, enjoy a sunset party on the deck, followed by a cooking class where you’ll learn to prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes. The night is spent on the tranquil waters of the bay, with the stars as your ceiling.
Day five
Ha Long Bay to Ho Chi Minh City. Begin your day with an invigorating Tai Chi session on the sundeck, surrounded by the calm morning waters of Ha Long Bay. After a light breakfast, you’ll explore Sung Sot Cave, also known as Amazing Cave, renowned for its unique and awe-inspiring rock formations. As you wander through the cave’s vast chambers, you’ll be struck by the natural beauty that has made this a must-see destination. Back on board, you’ll enjoy a brunch buffet as the ship makes its way back to the mainland. After disembarking, you’ll be transferred to Hanoi’s airport for a flight to the vibrant city of Ho Chi Minh. Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed and taken to a local restaurant for dinner before settling into the Ramana Saigon Hotel for your first nights’ stay. A 15-minute drive from Tan Son Nhat International Airport, Ramana Saigon Hotel offers an outdoor pool, pampering spa treatments and free Wi-Fi in public areas and in all rooms. It is about 800 metres from Ho Chi Minh International Exhibition Conference Centre (HIECC). Air-conditioned rooms at Ramana Saigon Hotel are equipped with a cable/satellite TV, free bottled water and free tea/coffee making facilities. Large bathrooms have a separate bathtub and walk-in shower. Guests can enjoy a full workout at the fitness centre, or get a facial at the Oasis Spa. Traditional Vietnamese specialties to exotic Australian steak can be sampled at the hotel's restaurant. After checking in you will enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before heading to bed for your first nights’ stay.
Day six
Explore Cu Chi Tunnels & Saigon’s Highlights After enjoying breakfast at your hotel you’ll be met by your coach and venture out to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, an extensive network of underground passages used during the Vietnam War. As you crawl through the narrow tunnels, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the ingenuity and resilience of the Vietnamese people during the war. You’ll also see various trap doors, living quarters, and even sample some of the food that the soldiers survived on. Afterward, return to Ho Chi Minh City for a lunch by the river. In the afternoon, explore the city’s historic landmarks, including the majestic Notre Dame Cathedral and the French colonial Central Post Office. Cap off the day with a visit to Ben Thanh Market, where you can shop for souvenirs, local crafts, and taste some street food delicacies before heading to dinner and then back to your hotel.
Day seven
Retracing History in Ho Chi Minh City. Today is dedicated to exploring the profound impact of the Vietnam War on Ho Chi Minh City. Start with a visit to the shrine outside the US Consulate, a solemn reminder of the war’s legacy. Next, you’ll stop by the former CIA building, where the dramatic helicopter evacuations of 1975 took place. Continue to the Reunification Palace, the site of the official end of the Vietnam War, and delve into the history of South Vietnam’s government. Visit the Thich Quang Duc Monument, commemorating the monk who self-immolated in protest against the war. For lunch, you’ll dine at Pho Binh, a historic restaurant that once served as a Viet Cong headquarters. You will then explore the Secret Weapons Chamber, learning about the covert operations that took place here during the war. You will then have some free time before enjoying dinner at a local restaurant and heading back to your hotel.
Day eight
Farewell Vietnam. Enjoy a relaxed morning in Ho Chi Minh City, with free time to explore the city at your own pace or pick up any last-minute souvenirs. Your guide and driver will then transfer you to the airport for your departure flight. As you leave Vietnam, take with you memories of the country’s rich history, vibrant culture, and the warmth of its people. This tour has provided not just a glimpse into Vietnam’s past, but also an understanding of its present, leaving a lasting impression on all who experience it.
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