DAY 1: HO CHI MINH ARRIVAL
Arrive in Ho Chi Minh (formerly Saigon), the largest city in Vietnam. Transfer to your hotel and enjoy the balance of the day at leisure
Overnight: hotel in Saigon
DAY 2: CUCHI – CITY TOUR (B/L)
Spend the full day at leisure or, join the optional morning half day tour to Cu Chi Tunnels. They were part of an underground tunnel network built by the Viet Cong to control a large rural area near Saigon. The Cu Chi network includes 125 miles of tunnels with many branches connecting to underground hideouts, weapon factories, hospitals, shelters and other tunnels. In the afternoon, choose to participate in an optional half day tour of Ho Chi Minh City, which includes the neo-Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office with its French style architecture, City Hall, and the magnificent Saigon Opera House. From here, visit lively Ben Thanh Market - where an unbelievable assortment of wares and crafts are sold under one roof. Continue to Dong Khoi Street, a major shopping thoroughfare in the center of the city. Early in the evening, enjoy a Welcome Drink and briefing by your Tour Manager. Remainder of the evening is at leisure. Be sure to check out the diversified dining scene in this culinary rich city
Optional: AOshow
Overnight: hotel in Saigon
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch
DAY 3: MEKONG DELTA (BENTRE) (B/L)
Today is at leisure to further explore the city on your own or, join the optional full day Mekong Delta River Tour. Today’s journey into the Mekong Delta region will take you along the newly built highway, picturesque countryside and seemingly endless paddy fields. Upon arrival at My Tho, you will board a private motor boat for a fascinating cruise along the river, observing the daily life of local people on the waterways. The tour includes a visit to a coconut factory, handicraft workshop and honey bee farm. You will be introduced to the daily life of the local people, learning about local fruit and plants as well as an opportunity to sample some local tropical fruit in an orchard. The tour ends with a great lunch at a local restaurant by the river bank
Optional: Vespa Tour
Overnight: hotel in Saigon
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch
DAY 4: Flight to Hanoi, Transfer to Halong Bay (B)
Depart Ho Chi Minh on a flight to sparkling Hanoi, cultural center of the country. Upon arrival, travel overland and through the lush Vietnamese countryside to picturesque Halong Bay, considered one of Vietnam's most celebrated attractions. As you approach, you’ll see thousands of limestone islands rising out of the sea creating a truly magical scene. Arrive at your hotel in Halong Bay for overnight
Overnight: Halong Bay hotel
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5: Cruise Halong Bay - Back to Hanoi (B/L)
Incredible views await you today! Halong Bay is considered one of the most breathtaking places on the planet, added to the list of UNESCO Heritage sites and declared recently as one of the "New Seven Natural Wonders of the World". There are over 3,000 islands in the emerald waters and over 1,000 have their own names. Numbers of caves and grottos of all sizes and shapes are filled with small waterfalls, stalactites and stalagmites. Sail on a traditional wooden boat on the tranquil bay with lunch served on board. Visit one of the caves and afterwards, travel to Hanoi, Vietnam's vibrant capital and check into your hotel. This city's history is tied to French colonialism - its architecture, cuisine and local culture still bear evidence of the French influence
Overnight: Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 6: Full Day in Hanoi (B/L)
Spend a full day at leisure discovering all of the delights of Hanoi independently, or enjoy an optional half day tour of Hanoi including a visit to the Museum of Ethnology, center for the preservation and exhibition of cultural heritage for over 50 ethnic groups in Vietnam. Tonight, join an optional Cyclo Ride & Water Puppet show with dinner. Take a cyclo ride around the bustling Old Quarter of Hanoi. The Cyclo is a very common mode of transportation in Vietnam. Afterwards, attend a performance of the world-famous Water Puppet Show, accompanied by a traditional Vietnamese orchestra and Cheo (a form of opera). The show depicts a series of ancient Vietnamese folktales, acted out by puppets over a pool of water. Savor a delightful dinner of Vietnamese delicacies before returning to your hotel
Optional: Water Puppet Show with Dinner
Overnight: Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7: Depart Vietnam (B)
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast