Classic Vietnam tour through Hanoi, Halong Bay and Saigon

Upon arrival at Noi Bai airport, you will be met and transferred to the hotel for the check in. The day is free at leisure. Hanoi offers an incredible combination of tranquility and chaos, from the elegance of its crumbling colonial architecture and tree-lined boulevards, to the boisterous cacophony of street vendors and motorcycles.

Much can be absorbed of daily life simply by wandering through the streets of the old quarter, tasting local market food, and watching people around the pretty Hoan Kiem Lake. There are museums, temples and tombs which offer insight into a city rich in history and character. Overnight stay in Hanoi.

After breakfast drive to Red River Delta and to beautiful Halong Bay - the scenic drive will pass through rural landscapes before arriving at this World Heritage site. Upon arrival board the boat where you will enjoy a welcome drink and a delicious freshly caught seafood lunch whilst sailing out of the bay passing amazing shaped mountains.

Later you will visit Sung Sot Cave then sail on to Titop Beach and Mountain. Weather permitting, you may wish to partake in a 400 steps climb up the mountain to enjoy a picturesque view of Halong Bay whilst viewing the sunset. Overnight on board (Itinerary in Halong is different according to the selected cruise).

Enjoy the early morning view of the bay’s landscape, breath-taking beauty of the rocky islands rising from the water of the bay before taking a small boat to visit Hang Luon. You'll have some time to swim before sailing back to the harbour.

After check out have an early lunch (on boat) and then drive back to Hanoi. The evening highlight will be a Water Puppet Performance - the unique form of Vietnamese art derived from wet rice civilization of South East Asia. Overnight stay in Hanoi.

In the morning, start your half day city tour. Your first stop will be the Ho Chi Minh Complex, where the father of modern-day Vietnam declared the nation’s independence in 1945. Discover the reverence with which the Vietnamese treat their “Uncle Ho” at this pilgrimage site. Continue your tour at sites such as the Stilt House, Presidential Palace, and One Pillar Pagoda.

Later drive to the Temple of Literature, built in honor of Confucius by Emperor Ly Thanh Tong in 1070, which was also the first university of Vietnam in the 11th century. 

Time at leisure until your transfer to Noi Bai airport for your flight to Saigon. Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat airport in Saigon, now Ho Chi Minh City, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in.  Overnight in Saigon. (Flight suggested: VN265 HAN SGN 1500/1710 not included in the price).

Morning visit Cu Chi Tunnels which were never discovered by the American Force. These tunnels stretch for over 200 km and were an important Viet Cong base during the American War. This underground network, dug by hand, connected command posts, hospital shelter and weapon factories. Return to Saigon, time for leisure. Overnight in Saigon.

In the morning, you'll head to the famous Saigon landmarks, the Cathedral of Notre Dame as well as the Centre Post Office. Visit the Unification Palace which formerly was Independence palace of the South Vietnamese President. Then visit War remnants museum.

In the afternoon, you will visit  Mariamman Hindu Temple, Sri Thendayutthapani temple and enjoy free shopping at Ben Thanh Market. Overnight in Saigon.

Transfer to the outskirts of Saigon to start the journey along the beautiful countryside road. You'll reach the tourist boat station (My Tho), and enjoy a cruise on Tien (Mekong) river and admire four islands: Dragon, Unicorn, Tortoise, Phoenix. Visit a fish floating market and a fish-craft village along Tien River.

Stop at Thoi Son Island, go walking around the countryside road, seeing orchards, enjoy tropical fruits and listen to traditional music. Take a rowing boat on a small canal with a beautiful scenery of the countryside, to visit honey-bee farms and enjoy honey-tea. Stop at Phoenix Island to visit Coconut Monk Temple and the crocodile-pond. Later return for leisure. Overnight in Saigon.

Transfer to Saigon Tan Son Nhat Airport airport for your onward flight.