5 Days Vietnam At A Glance Tour

After breakfast, you will leave the energetic streets of the city behind and head to the lush Mekong Delta, the "Rice Bowl of Vietnam." Your journey begins in My Tho, where you will visit the historic Vinh Trang Pagoda, a unique architectural blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and European styles. Next, board a private boat to cruise along the Mekong River, observing the charming stilt houses and traditional fishing villages that line the banks.

A highlight of the day is your visit to Tortoise Islet, where you will enjoy a fresh local lunch served in a peaceful orchard garden. In the afternoon, continue to An Khanh, where you can wander through sun-drenched fruit orchards and discover the traditional craft of making coconut sweets. After immersing yourself in the tranquil rhythm of the river, you will be transferred back to the vibrant city of Ho Chi Minh.

Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

Meals: Breakfast in hotel, Lunch

Professional Suggestions:
When visiting the Mekong Delta, we recommend wearing plenty of sunscreen and bringing a hat, as the sun reflects strongly off the water. While on the small rowing boats, keep your hands inside the boat and simply relax to the sound of the paddles. This is also the perfect place to try "Elephant Ear Fish," a local specialty that is as delicious as it is visually unique. Also, don't forget to try the local honey tea and seasonal fruits—they are incredibly fresh and a true taste of southern Vietnam.

After breakfast, you will travel back in time with a visit to the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels. This incredible underground network, stretching over 250 kilometers, served as a strategic base for the guerrillas during the Vietnam War. You will have the opportunity to explore the claustrophobic yet ingeniously designed tunnels, discovering hidden trapdoors, living quarters, makeshift kitchens, and command centers that allowed thousands to survive and fight underground.

In the afternoon, you will return to Ho Chi Minh City for your flight to Hanoi, the graceful capital of Vietnam. Upon landing at Noi Bai International Airport, your northern private guide will be waiting to escort you to your hotel. As you drive into the city, you will notice a change in atmosphere—from the modern pulse of the south to the French-colonial elegance and ancient charm of the north.

Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Meals: Breakfast in hotel, Lunch

Professional Suggestions:
When exploring the tunnels, wear clothes that you don't mind getting a bit dusty, as you may want to crawl through the sections opened for tourists. If you are claustrophobic, the surface displays and booby-trap exhibits are equally fascinating. Also, please note that Hanoi can be significantly cooler than Ho Chi Minh City, especially from November to February, so we recommend having a light jacket or sweater ready in your carry-on bag for your arrival.

Your immersion into Hanoi begins at the serene Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest Buddhist temple in the city, perched beautifully on the shores of West Lake. Next, you will visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, a site of deep national reverence, and explore the modest Presidential Stilt House where "Uncle Ho" lived and worked. Just a short walk away is the iconic One Pillar Pagoda, a delicate structure built on a single stone pillar to resemble a lotus blossom—the symbol of purity—rising from a sea of sorrow.

Your cultural journey continues at the Temple of Literature, a stunning 11th-century complex that hosted Vietnam's first university. In the afternoon, you can tailor your experience by choosing between the Museum of Ethnology, which offers fascinating insights into Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups, or the National History Museum. Finally, experience the heartbeat of the city with a traditional cyclo ride through the 36 streets of the Old Quarter, ending with a peaceful view of the legendary Hoan Kiem Lake.

Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Meals: Breakfast in hotel, Lunch

Professional Suggestions:
When visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and local pagodas, please ensure your shoulders and knees are covered as a sign of respect for these sacred sites. For your cyclo tour through the Old Quarter, keep your camera strap around your neck to safely capture the bustling street life. In the evening, we highly recommend catching a Water Puppet Show—it is a traditional northern Vietnamese art form that originated in the rice paddies and is a delight for all ages.

Enjoy your final breakfast in the charming capital of Hanoi. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some free time to take a last stroll around the "Paris of the East," perhaps enjoying a final cup of traditional Vietnamese egg coffee by the lake. At the scheduled time, your private driver will meet you at the hotel lobby and provide a comfortable transfer to Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) for your departure or onward journey.

Accommodation: /

Meals: Breakfast in hotel

Professional Suggestions:
For your last morning, we highly recommend trying a cup of Hanoi Egg Coffee (Ca Phe Trung) at a hidden café in the Old Quarter—it's a creamy, local specialty you won't find quite the same elsewhere. When heading to the airport, please allow at least 45 to 60 minutes for the drive from the city center, as traffic in Hanoi can be unpredictable. Also, if you have any remaining Vietnamese Dong, the airport shops are a great place to pick up some high-quality Vietnamese coffee beans or silk scarves as last-minute gifts.