Vietnam Sojourn

Breakfast at hotel. Our guide will meet you at your hotel/stay and start 100km modern bus-journey through the verdant landscape of countryside, short-break en route. There is beautiful roadside scenery on the way. Arriving in Ninh Binh city, first pay a visit to Hoa Lu – the ancient Royal Capital of Vietnam, visit the two temples: Temple of King Dinh and King Le, admire the unique architecture from ancient times. Continue to Tam Coc and have lunch at a nice restaurant with many local delicacies. Then boarding a small sampan to visit Tam Coc which means literally “three caves” (2.5 hour boat trip). With Halong bay type views of majestic limestone cliffs and mysterious caves, as well as countryside landscape like peaceful streams, rice paddies and deserted green fields, Tam Coc really has it all. You will feel the fresh air and peaceful moments, a very good opportunity for photo lovers, freezing the special moments and scenery. We also visit Bich Dong pagoda nearby and climb up the mountain to have a wonderful perspective view of the Bich Dong and Tam Coc. Return to Hanoi late afternoon. Return to Hanoi.

Breakfast at hotel. Depart Hanoi for Ha Long Bay, the drive is approximately three hours. Upon arrival at Ha Long, we will board our boat for a delicious seafood lunch while our boat is cruising around hundreds of wonderful limestone formations arising from emerald green water. After lunch we have the chance to explore one of the wonderful limestone caves dotted around the bay. Continue cruising to a secluded spot for swimming and sun bathing before dinner. Enjoy another seafood feast for dinner. Overnight on the boat.

Rising to the lapping waters of the bay we have time for an early morning dip followed by breakfast. This morning we continue to cruise around the bay to find more secluded areas to either swim or kayak in. The kayaks are lightweight and easy to use. All guests will be issued with water buoyancy vests and the junk will be near us at all times serving as a backup vessel. At midday we will return to the main harbor before transferring to await vehicle for a 3-hour journey back to Hanoi.Transfer to airport for flight to Ho Chi Minh city. Arrival in Tan Son Nhat airport, meet our driver and transfer to hotel, check in and free at leisure.

Take the morning trip to visit Independence Palace, also known at the Reunification palace, was built on the sight of the former Norodom palace. The Independence palace is a widely known landmark of Ho Chi Minh City and was designed by the architect Ngo Viet Thu. Continue seeingthe beautiful structures from the French Colonial times such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, the historic Central Post Office. Followed by the remarkable site of the War Remnants Museum the museum has a vast display of the both the Indochina wars. Depart for Cu Chi tunnel, the trip will take approximately one and a half hours bus driving. Upon arrival, before exploring the tunnels, you will have some short introduction followed by introductory video about how the tunnels were constructed and how the people survived in the harsh conditions of the war time. Then, spend your time to explore the remaining area and tunnel systems which included the special constructed living areas with kitchens, bedrooms side by side with other martial facilities like storage, weapons factories, field hospitals, and command centers helping whoever lives inside the tunnels meet their basic needs. Besides, there are also many hidden trap doors and dangerous traps within the maze-like tunnels for security purpose during the war. Afterward, special tea and cassava (guerilla’s food during the war) will be served. Break time for relax or time for those who want to try the real shooting gun. Return to Saigon.

Start from Ho Chi Minh City and depart to My Tho. On arrived at My Tho, visit the Vinh Trang Pagoda, a sacred place that is also one of the top local sights. Continue on to the harbor, where you’ll board a boat to explore the Delta region. During the cruise on the Tien River you’ll see the Phoenix, Unicorn, Dragon and Tortoise islands, and fishing villages, stilt houses and fruit plantations along the river. Stop at one of the islets for lunch in an orchard garden. Afterwards, you’ll continue on your sightseeing tour of the attractions of Ben Tre. A sampan ride will take you along the natural canals in the shadows of water coconut trees. You’ll get a real sense of the charm and tranquility of the area. Stop to visit a coconut fudge family business, taste some of their products and buy your favorite candies in the workshop. Savor fresh fruits as you sip honey tea and enjoy Southern Vietnamese folk music performed by locals. Transfer back Ho chi Minh City.

Transfer to airport for flight to airport for your departure