Highlights of Vietnam

When you arrive at Hanoi International Airport, you will be transported to your hotel to check-in. Proceed to the city tour from the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university, and then to Ba Dinh Square, Hanoi's largest square, where all of the city's major cultural and political events take place, for photographs of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (outside). Later, take a "cyclo" tour of the capital, which will begin in the Old Quarter of Hanoi and end at Ngoc Son Temple on Hoan Kiem Lake (the "Sword" Lake). Overnight in Hanoi at a hotel.

Today, you will travel south of Hanoi to Ninh Binh, the location of ancient Vietnam's first capital city before Hanoi took over in the 11th century. There are several well-known sights in the area, such as Tam Coc Caves and Hoa Lu ancient capital, which has antique temples related to King Dinh and King Le, who reigned in the 10th century. The tour in Ninh Binh begins with a boat ride in Tam Coc, where beautiful limestone karsts protrude out from green paddy fields, reminiscent of Guilin (China) and Halong Bay (Vietnam), giving this region the nickname "Halong-bay-on-land." Overnight in Hanoi at a hotel. (B/L)

Today you will go to Halong Bay, the glory of the Gulf of Tonkin and a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site since 1994. When we arrive at Halong, we will board a large boat and cruise the sea to experience the spectacular beauty of this "Descending-dragon" bay, which was formed by hundreds of odd-shaped limestone rocks and little island grottoes. After lunch on board, we may visit the grotto, swim, or kayak, pass by floating communities, and approach islands to admire their beauty up close. Dinner will be served on the boat. Attend events on the boat in the evenings or rest at your leisure. On the boat for the night. (B/L/D)

Today, travel to Hanoi. Back to the Halong Wharf, travelling through the most heavily populated area with various islands named Cock-Fighting Rock, Sail Island, Incense Burner Rock, or Sea Dog Rock. Return to Hanoi in the late afternoon, then transfer to the airport for your trip to Saigon. We were greeted at the airport and then transferred to the hotel for check-in. Overnight in Saigon at a hotel. (B)

Today, go to the Mekong Delta. Upon arrival, aboard a boat for a cruise along the majestic Mekong River. We make a sightseeing stop at one of the four islands in the region. Following that, you will board tiny boats rowed by locals via small channels. There, you will be able to sample honey tea and watch how the locals make coconut candy milk, as well as test it and stroll around the garden where the villagers feed honeybees. After that, take a horse-drawn carriage ride around the village's peaceful roads. In the evening, return to Saigon with a stop at Vinh Trang pagoda, a well-known pogoda in the area with architecture influenced by Chinese, Cambodian, and French cultures. Overnight in Saigon at a hotel. (B/L)

Today you will visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, one of the few remaining Vietnam War monuments. You may even attempt crawling the tube beneath to get the whole experience. Return to Saigon in the evening and go shopping in the downtown area, where you may get many gorgeous items at very low prices. Ben Thanh Market – the heart and typical market of Saigon, Saigon Square, which is a few minutes’ walk from Ben Thanh Market, An Dong Plaza and its neighbouring Market, or Diamond Plaza if you are looking for high quality and brand name items are a few sites to visit while you’re shopping. Overnight in Saigon at a hotel. (B)

You will be transferred to the airport this morning for your trip back home or to your next destination. (B)