Mighty Mekong and Gorgeous Bai Tu Long Bay | Vietnam Authentic Tour – 09 Days

Ho Chi Minh City arrival, welcome and transfer to hotel

Landing at the Tan Son Nhat airport, you are welcomed by professional tour guide and driver at the pickup lobby. On the 30-minute driving from the airport to the city center, your tour guide will introduce you about the highlights of the city, and share the experiences of eating and drinking, traffic, culture....

On arrival, transfer to your hotel.

Note: Hotel check in time at 14.00

Included:
English speaking guide
Private transportation
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Elios Hotel(Senior Superior Room)
233 Pham Ngu Lao street, district 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Discovering Saigon city with the best highlights: Independence palace, Binh Tay market, China town, Quan Am pagoda and Fito Museum of traditional medicine

9:00 AM: Start your exploration at the Reunification Palace, formerly known as the Independence Palace. This iconic building was once the headquarters of the Presidents of South Vietnam. Discover its fascinating history as you tour its five floors, preserved in the style of the late 1960s and 1970s, including a bunker basement and the infamous North Vietnamese tank that famously breached its gates in 1975.

From there, enjoy a scenic walk to the Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica. Completed between 1863 and 1880, this majestic church reflects the grandeur of French colonial architecture and offers a serene contrast to the city's vibrant energy.

Stroll down Nguyen Hue Walking Street, a lively thoroughfare leading you to another architectural marvel: the Saigon Central Post Office. Designed by the renowned Gustave Eiffel, this elegant building is still a bustling hub of activity, adorned with intricate details and historical charm.

Next, take a short drive to Binh Tay Market in Saigon's Chinatown. This bustling market is the largest in the city, filled with colorful stalls offering everything from clothing to souvenirs. Explore the vibrant atmosphere and savor local street food at the market's lively food court.

Continue to Quan Am Pagoda, one of the city’s oldest and most revered temples. Dedicated to Guan Yin, the goddess of compassion, this pagoda showcases beautiful Taoist elements and is a serene retreat from the city's hustle and bustle.

Wrap up your day with a visit to the FITO Museum, dedicated to traditional Vietnamese medicine. Discover an impressive array of ancient herbal remedies, mystical concoctions, and historic medical tools that offer a window into Vietnam’s rich healing traditions.

Return to your hotel with new insights and memories from a day of historical and cultural immersion.

Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: B
Private transportation
Entrance fees
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Elios Hotel(Senior Superior Room)
233 Pham Ngu Lao street, district 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

From Saigon to Mekong discovery: Boat trip & biking in Ben Tre, visiting typical craft village, interact local people, garden tour. Back to Saigon in the afternoon.

8:00 AM: Your guide and driver will warmly welcome you at your hotel and transport you to Ben Tre, a charming gem in the Mekong Delta renowned for its coconut candy production. Upon arrival at the Hung Vuong pier, embark on a serene boat ride along the Ben Tre River, immersing yourself in the daily rhythms of local life.

As your boat gently glides through the waterways, make your way to Nhon Thanh Town. Here, you’ll have the delightful opportunity to sample fresh, local fruits and experience the vibrant flavors of the region.

Next, hop on a bicycle or tuk-tuk for a leisurely ride along the quaint village paths. Enjoy scenic views of lush coconut groves, sprawling rice paddies, and vibrant vegetable gardens that paint a picture of rural life.

Savor a delicious lunch featuring the local specialty, elephant ear fish, served in a traditional village setting. After your meal, take a stroll to further explore the local way of life and the surrounding landscapes.

Conclude your visit with a tranquil boat ride on a narrow canal, flanked by dense wild palm trees, offering a peaceful escape and a glimpse into the area's natural beauty.

Return to Saigon in the late afternoon, carrying with you the memories of a picturesque and immersive Mekong Delta experience.

Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: B, L
Boat: Ben Tre
Private transportation
Bike: Ben Tre
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Elios Hotel(Senior Superior Room)
233 Pham Ngu Lao street, district 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Special excursion to Cu Chi tunnels and then visiting Cao Dai temple, flying to Hanoi

8:00 AM: Start your day with a journey to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a striking historical site from the Vietnam War. This elaborate underground network, extending over 250 kilometers, was meticulously crafted by the Viet Cong over two decades using only basic tools. As you explore these remarkable tunnels, you'll gain a profound understanding of their strategic significance and the resilience of those who lived within them.

Following this, visit the Ben Duoc Memorial Temple, a more serene and less frequented site dedicated to honoring the Vietnamese lives lost during the Cu Chi conflicts. This 1993 memorial provides a reflective space to pay respects and gain deeper insights into the area's history.

Next, immerse yourself in the unique spiritual atmosphere of the Cao Dai Temple, one of Vietnam’s most distinctive religious landmarks. Cao Dai blends elements from Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism, and even Roman Catholicism. If possible, attend the midday ceremony to experience the vibrant and colorful rituals of this syncretic faith.

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant, savoring authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Afterward, take a taxi back to the bustling city center.

In the afternoon, prepare for your flight to Hanoi. Upon landing at Noi Bai Airport, you’ll be welcomed by a professional tour guide and driver. They will escort you on a 45-minute drive to the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, offering insights into the city’s most renowned attractions, cultural landmarks, and culinary delights.

Arrive at your hotel, check in, and unwind. Note: Hotel check-in time is 14:00.

Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: B, L
Private transportation
Entrance fees
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Flight :VN256 (SGN - HAN) - (Direct) / 20:45 - 22:50 - Vietnam Airlines - Economy / 06 tickets
Conifer Grand Hotel(ROH Room)
42 Tho Xuong, Hoan Kiem district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam

Visiting the city's highlights, traveling to French Quarter, Ho Chi Minh complex. Discovering the old quarter

9:00 AM: Start your day with a visit to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, founded in the 11th century during the Ly Dynasty. This historic site, dedicated to Confucius, is an architectural marvel surrounded by tranquil gardens and the iconic Khue Van Cac pavilion. Take a leisurely walk through its serene courtyards and learn about its significance in Vietnam's educational history.

Continue your journey to explore the ancient "stone steles," a World Heritage site that honors Vietnam’s most distinguished scholars. Discover the Quoc Tu Giam, the country’s first national university, and immerse yourself in its rich academic legacy.
Next, head to the Museum of Ethnology (closed on Mondays), which offers a comprehensive look into Vietnam's diverse ethnic groups. Spend at least two hours exploring its vast collection of traditional costumes, tools, and cultural artifacts.

Stroll through Hanoi's French Quarter, often referred to as "Little Paris," where tree-lined avenues and grand colonial buildings create a charming atmosphere. Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum from the outside, and then take a peaceful walk through the adjacent Presidential Palace Gardens, including Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house, where he lived and worked.

Explore the unique One Pillar Pagoda, an iconic symbol of Hanoi. Depending on your group’s interest, you can spend one to two hours exploring this remarkable site.

Venture to the nearby Ba Da Pagoda, discreetly nestled in a narrow alley just a few steps from the Hanoi Cathedral, a stunning example of French colonial architecture.

Your guide will then introduce you to traditional Hanoi streets, such as Lan Ong Street, famous for its herbal medicine shops, and Lo Ren Street, known for its metal crafts.

Visit Dong Xuan Market, Hanoi’s largest market, where you can experience the vibrant hustle and bustle, shop for local goods, and sample street food.
As night falls, head to Ta Hien Street, a lively area renowned for its street food and nightlife. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and try some local delicacies for an authentic taste of Hanoi’s culinary scene.

End your day with a Water Puppet Show, a traditional Vietnamese performance dating back to the 11th century. Watch as intricately designed puppets dance on water, accompanied by live traditional music, offering a unique glimpse into Vietnamese culture.

Return to your hotel to relax and unwind after a day of cultural exploration and local experiences.

Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: B
Private transportation
Entrance fees
Leisure: Water puppet
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Conifer Grand Hotel(ROH Room)
42 Tho Xuong, Hoan Kiem district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam

8:00 AM: Depart from Hanoi and head towards Ninh Binh, traveling through the stunning landscapes of the Red River Delta, characterized by extensive rice paddies and lush vegetable fields.

Upon arrival, you have the option to embark on a 15km bike ride or a scenic stroll through the charming local villages. Pedal or walk along the picturesque dyke, where you’ll be treated to panoramic views of verdant rice fields, meandering rivers, and dramatic limestone peaks. There will be ample opportunities to capture breathtaking photographs and interact with friendly locals.

Make your way to the Thung La Temple, a historic site dating back to the 11th century. Here, you’ll meet Mr. Tuong, the temple guardian, who will share engaging stories and lead you in a brief traditional drum performance.

Next, enjoy a tranquil sampan boat ride through the Van Long Nature Reserve. Glide along serene waterways surrounded by towering limestone formations, and keep an eye out for white monkeys and elegant egrets perched on the cliffs.

Following your boat excursion, visit a local weaving village. Engage in a hands-on weaving workshop with Mrs. Lam, a skilled craftswoman. She will guide you through the intricate techniques of traditional weaving, providing a unique opportunity to practice and create your own piece of fabric.

This immersive experience will give you a deeper appreciation for the region's cultural heritage and craftsmanship.

Included:
English speaking guide
Meal: B, L
Boat: Van Long
Private transportation
Entrance fees
Bike: Ninh Binh
Leisure: Thung La temple music
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Conifer Grand Hotel(ROH Room)
42 Tho Xuong, Hoan Kiem district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam

Cruising in Bai Tu Long bay, exploring Cap La Island, cooking class and overnight on boat

8:00 AM: Pick up from your Hanoi Old Quarter hotel and embark on a three-hour drive to Bai Tu Long Bay, passing through picturesque villages and rice fields in the Red River Delta. A rest stop is included for refreshments and restroom use. Arrive at the harbor around noon and be welcomed at the cruise reception.

11:30 - 11:45 AM: Check in at the Ha Long International Cruise Port waiting lounge. Relax until the captain finishes the registration, then transfer to the boat by tender.

12:00 - 12:15 PM: Receive a welcome drink and a safety briefing before checking into your cabin.

13:00: Enjoy a Vietnamese set menu lunch as the boat cruises further into Bai Tu Long Bay.

15:00: Arrive at Cap La Island for kayaking, swimming, and relaxation amidst breathtaking karst scenery.

17:40: Return to the boat for a Sunset Party and a Vietnamese cooking demonstration where you can learn to make dishes like Nem Cuon or try your hand at fruit and vegetable carving.

19:00: Dine on a delectable set dinner onboard.

20:30 - 22:00: Engage in Vietnamese puzzle games, board games, squid fishing, or relax with a cocktail as you enjoy the tranquil night on the bay.

Included:
Shuttle bus: Hanoi - Halong
English speaking guide (on board)
Meal: B, L, D
Entrance fees
Kayak: Halong
Leisure: Swimming
Cooking class: Halong (on board) - cooking demonstration
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Swan Cruise - 2D1N(Deluxe Cabin)
3 Dang Thai Than street, Hoan Kien district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam

Visiting the charm of Thien Canh Son cave, stunning cruising and back to Hanoi

06:30 AM: Engage in a sunrise Tai Chi session on the sundeck or simply enjoy the stunning morning views of the bay with a cup of tea or coffee.

07:00: Breakfast will be provided in a Western style to get you ready for the day's activities.

07:45 AM: Explore the hidden Thien Canh Son Cave.

09:00 AM: Return to the boat to freshen up and finalize your packing in the next 30 minutes.

09:30 AM: Check out of your cabin.

10:00 AM: Delight in a traditional Vietnamese lunch aboard the boat.

10:30 AM: Return to the harbor.

11:15 - 11:30 AM: Disembark at Ha Long Cruise Port.
Meet your driver at the harbor for the journey back to Hanoi, with a rest stop along the way. You will be dropped off at your hotel in the Hanoi Old Quarter.

Included:
English speaking guide (on board)
Meal: B, L
Entrance fees
Leisure: Morning Tai Chi
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Conifer Grand Hotel(ROH Room)
42 Tho Xuong, Hoan Kiem district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam

Transferring to airport for flights to next destinations

Private driver will pick you up at the hotel lobby (Hanoi Old Quarter) for about 45 minutes to Noi Bai airport (international or domestic hall according to your request). Thanks for the visit to our city.

Note: International flights require you to be at the airport 3 hours and domestic is 2 hours before departure time.

Included:
Meal: B
Private transportation
02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day