7 Day Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi & Halong Bay tour - Flights Included

Note: your itinerary may change depending upon the day of the week you depart.

DAY 1 - Sunday - Depart for Vietnam
Depart for Vietnam. 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: Ho Chi Minh

DAY 2 - Monday - Full Day in Ho Chi Minh (B)
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 centre of the city. Early in the evening, enjoy a Welcome Drink and orientation meeting with 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: Half Day Cu Chi Tunnels (AM)
Optional: Half Day Ho Chi Minh City Tour (PM) 
Overnight: Ho Chi Minh 

DAY 3 - Tuesday - Full Day in Ho Chi Minh (B)
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: Full Day Mekong Delta River Tour 
Overnight: Ho Chi Minh

DAY 4 - Wednesday - Fly to Hanoi, Transfer to Halong Bay (B)
Depart Ho Chi Minh on a flight to sparkling Hanoi, cultural centre 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 

DAY 5 - Thursday - Cruise Halong Bay, Travel 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

DAY 6 - Friday - Full Day in Hanoi (B)
Spend the day at leisure discovering all of the delights of Hanoi independently, or join the optional full day tour of Hanoi City and Water Puppet Show with Lunch. Embark on a city tour of Hanoi that includes a cyclo ride around the bustling Old Quarter of Hanoi. The cyclo is a very common mode of transportation in Vietnam. Visit the Ho Chi Minh historic complex, which includes the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (where the late president's embalmed body is displayed), the Presidential Palace, House on Stilts and One Pillar Pagoda. Afterwards, learn the craft of Vietnamese cooking! Visit the local market with a Chef, followed by a private cooking class. Sample and savour your personally cooked lunch. In the afternoon, visit Ngoc Son Temple, Hanoi's most visited temple and one of the city's Tube Houses, a tall dwelling with narrow frontage, to see first-hand how residents once lived. Later, 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. Tonight, join you Tour Manager and newfound friends for a Farewell Reception 
Optional: Full Day Hanoi City Tour and Water Puppet Show with Lunch 
Overnight: Hanoi 

DAY 7 - Saturday - Depart Vietnam (B)
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight 

Please note that prices are subject to availability at time of booking and may change without notice.

Multiple departures are available throughout the year. The below price is based on the following departures in 2020 and 2021:

• 13 Feb 2020
• 05 Mar 2020

• Twin share - from $1669 per person
• Solo traveller prices available on request

Freecall our local travel team on 1300 414 198 to secure this offer!

• Northern Hotel Saigon, Ho Chi Minh (4-star)

This first class hotel is a short walk from the Saigon Opera House.

• May De Ville City Centre, Hanoi (4-star)

This first class hotel overlooks the magnificent Halong Bay.

• Halong Palace Hotel, Halong Bay (4-star)

This first class hotel is located within walking distance of the Hanoi Opera House.

Is This Trip Right for You?

This program is minimally active, unless all optional tours are selected. If so, this moderately active program covers a good amount of ground each day. The pace is moderate, however the majority is over uneven surfaces, stairs and steps. This is a Value program. 

Passports and Visas

It is each traveller's responsibility to have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the dates of travel and a visa if required.

Climate & Clothing

Vietnam - Southern Vietnam has two seasons, the wet season from May to November and the dry season from December to April. Northern regions also have two seasons with cool and damp conditions from November to April and generally hot, dry conditions from May through October. Bring appropriate clothing depending on the season during which you are travelling. Comfortable walking shoes, clothes you can layer and an all-weather jacket are recommended. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter: No shorts or short skirts, knees must be covered by long pants or a long skirt. No sleeveless tops, shoulders must be covered and a shawl or scarf is frequently not accepted as a cover.