7 Days Vietnam Essential Tour

After breakfast, your guide and driver will meet you to begin a comprehensive exploration of Hanoi’s most iconic landmarks. Your morning starts at the serene Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi, perched on a small peninsula of the West Lake. Its striking red stupas and intricate Buddhist symbolism offer a peaceful introduction to the city's spiritual heritage.

Next, you will visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex, a site of deep national significance. You will see the grand mausoleum (from the outside) and walk through the tranquil gardens to reach Ho Chi Minh's Stilt House, where the late President lived and worked. Nearby, you will admire the One Pillar Pagoda, a unique 11th-century structure designed to resemble a lotus blossom rising from the water, symbolizing purity. Your morning concludes at the Temple of Literature, a stunning example of traditional Vietnamese architecture and the site of the country's first national university.

In the afternoon, you can tailor your experience by choosing between the Museum of History, showcasing Vietnam's ancient origins, or the Museum of Ethnology, which offers fascinating insights into the 54 ethnic groups of Vietnam. To end the day, enjoy a scenic view of Hoan Kiem Lake and the Ngoc Son Temple, followed by an authentic cyclo tour through the 36 bustling streets of the Old Quarter. This traditional rickshaw ride is the perfect way to witness the vibrant trade and historic charm of Hanoi.

Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Professional Advice:
When visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and religious sites, please ensure your attire covers your shoulders and knees as a sign of respect. The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is typically closed on Mondays and Fridays, as well as during the autumn months for maintenance; during these times, you will view the exterior and the surrounding grounds. On your cyclo tour, keep your camera strap around your neck for safety while capturing the fast-paced street life. If you choose the Ethnology Museum, be sure to explore the outdoor area where full-scale traditional houses have been reconstructed.

This morning, you will leave the capital behind for a scenic drive through the Red River Delta toward the Gulf of Tonkin. Upon arrival at the harbor, you will be warmly welcomed aboard your Halong Bay cruise vessel. After a safety briefing and check-in to your comfortable private cabin, enjoy a delicious lunch as the ship begins its journey into the heart of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In the afternoon, you will discover the "Bay of the Descending Dragon." The cruise will navigate through thousands of limestone karsts and islets, stopping to explore fascinating caves adorned with ancient stalactites and stalagmites. You'll have the chance to visit picturesque floating villages or relax on a pristine sandy beach. Depending on your cruise itinerary, you can participate in kayaking through hidden lagoons, swimming in the emerald waters, or joining a traditional cooking class on the sundeck to learn the art of making Vietnamese spring rolls. As evening falls, enjoy a gourmet dinner on board under the starlit sky.

Accommodation: Overnight on Halong Bay Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Professional Advice:
Pack a small "overnight bag" for the cruise so you can leave your heavy luggage securely stored with the driver or at the hotel in Hanoi. While on the water, the sun can be quite strong even on cloudy days, so high-SPF sunscreen and a hat are essential. If you are interested in photography, the "Blue Hour" just after sunset offers the most magical light for capturing the silhouettes of the karsts. Most cruises also offer early morning Tai Chi on the deck—it is a truly serene way to wake up to the beauty of the bay.

Wake up to the gentle lapping of waves against the hull. In the early morning, you are invited to the sundeck to learn the ancient art of Tai Chi as the sun rises over the limestone pillars—a truly meditative way to start your day. The cruise continues its journey through the labyrinth of islets, offering a final chance to capture the breathtaking scenery of the bay before enjoying a brunch on board.

You will disembark at the harbor around noon and transfer back to Hanoi's Noi Bai Airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon). Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, you will be met by your local guide and driver and transferred to your hotel. The transition from the colonial charm of Hanoi to the high-energy, modern pulse of Saigon marks an exciting new chapter in your Vietnamese adventure.

Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City
Meals: Breakfast (or Brunch)

Professional Advice:
The flight from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City takes approximately 2 hours. Since Saigon is generally warmer and more humid than Hanoi, we recommend having lighter clothing easily accessible in your carry-on. If you have any free time in the evening, the area around Nguyen Hue Walking Street is a fantastic place to witness the city's vibrant nightlife and see the beautifully illuminated City Hall.

After breakfast, you will travel out of the city to visit the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels, an immense underground network that played a pivotal role during the Vietnam War. You will gain a profound understanding of the resilience and ingenuity of the guerrillas as you explore the surviving tunnel systems. Walk through specially constructed living areas including underground kitchens and bedrooms, and see the command centers that allowed thousands of people to live and operate beneath the earth during times of conflict.

In the afternoon, you will return to Ho Chi Minh City to explore its rich history and French colonial charm. The tour includes a visit to the War Remnants Museum, which offers a poignant look at the country's past, and the Reunification Palace, a beautifully preserved landmark that served as the home and workplace of the President of South Vietnam. You will also admire the architectural elegance of the Old Saigon Post Office and the bustling energy of Dong Khoi Street. Finally, dive into the vibrant atmosphere of Ben Thanh Market, the city's most famous landmark for local crafts and street food.

Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Professional Advice:
When visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels, wear comfortable clothing and sturdy walking shoes, as the forest floor can be uneven. For those who feel claustrophobic, there are plenty of open-air exhibits and enlarged tunnel entrances to explore without going deep underground. At Ben Thanh Market, remember that bargaining is part of the local culture—start at about half the quoted price for a friendly negotiation. While visiting the War Remnants Museum, please be aware that some exhibits are quite intense and graphic; it is best to move at your own pace through the galleries.

After breakfast at your hotel, you will leave the high-energy streets of Saigon behind for a full-day excursion to the Mekong Delta, the "Rice Bowl of Vietnam." Upon arriving at My Tho, you will first visit the beautiful Vinh Trang Pagoda, a unique architectural gem that blends Vietnamese, Chinese, and Angkorian styles.

Next, you will board a private boat to navigate the Mekong River. As you glide along the water, you will witness the fascinating river life of the Delta, passing traditional stilt houses and colorful fishing villages nestled along the banks. Your journey continues to Tortoise Islet, where you will enjoy an authentic local lunch served in a lush orchard garden, surrounded by tropical fruit trees.

In the afternoon, you will take a smaller boat to An Khanh, a tranquil area famous for its fruit orchards and traditional cottage industries. Here, you can walk through the gardens and learn the art of making coconut sweets, a local specialty. After a day of exploring the winding waterways and serene landscapes of the Delta, you will be transferred back to Ho Chi Minh City for your final evening.

Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Professional Advice:
The Mekong Delta is tropical and humid, so we recommend wearing breathable cotton clothing and bringing plenty of insect repellent for the orchard walks. While on the small sampan boats through the narrow canals, keep your hands inside the boat as the passages can be tight. This is the best place to purchase authentic coconut-based products and local honey; if you're feeling adventurous, be sure to try the "Elephant Ear Fish," a famous regional delicacy served during lunch.

Savor your final Vietnamese breakfast at the hotel and take a moment to reflect on a week of incredible memories.

Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some last-minute leisure time to explore the local boutiques or enjoy one final cup of traditional Vietnamese iced coffee (Ca Phe Sua Da) at a sidewalk café. At the designated time, your private driver will meet you at the hotel lobby and provide a smooth transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) for your onward flight.

As you prepare to depart, you'll carry with you the vibrant colors, rich history, and the warm hospitality of the S-shaped land. We wish you a safe and pleasant journey to your next destination!

Accommodation: /
Meals: Breakfast

Professional Advice:
Ho Chi Minh City traffic can be quite dense, especially during morning and afternoon rush hours. To ensure a stress-free departure, we recommend leaving for the airport at least 3 hours before your international flight. Before checking out, please ensure you have all your travel documents, souvenirs, and electronic devices. If you have some extra Vietnamese Dong remaining, the airport shops are a great place to pick up premium coffee beans or lotus seeds as a last-minute gift.