Itinerary

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1. DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN HO CHI MINH CITY

   Welcome to Vietnam. Upon arrival in the bustling Ho Chi Minh City, still called Saigon by many locals, our Goway Asia’s team will greet you at airport and then take you to your hotel for check-in. Experience Ho Chi Minh City with its pulsating energy and fascinating culture! This dazzling city boasts French colonial charm from its architecture to its food.
   The rest of the day is yours to relax, settle in and, if jet lag permits, do a little exploring on your own.
   Overnight at hotel in Ho Chi Minh city.
   Meals included: No Meals.

2. DAY 2: HO CHI MINH CITY – CU CHI TUNNELS & HISTORICAL TOUR

   This morning, you will visit the famous Cu Chi tunnels, an incredible underground tunnel network constructed by Vietnamese resistance fighters during the long struggle for independence. The network included innumerable trap doors, specially constructed living areas, storage facilities, weapons factories, field hospitals, command centers and kitchens. Back to downtown and have a lunch at restaurant.
   Afternoon, continue to visit the Reunification Palace for a guided tour of the former headquarters of the South Vietnamese Government and presidential residence. Then, head out to visit the Notre Dame Cathedral, where the French colonial presence can be felt. The Neo-Romanesque Catholic Basilica was constructed from 1877 to 1833 entirely of imported French building material, including bricks from Marseilles and stained-glass windows from Chartres. Across the street to the Saigon Central Post Office, a stunning architectural marvel with rich Gothic, Renaissance and French influences.
   End with a visit to the iconic Ben Thanh Market, a centrally located covered market with ample opportunities to pick up souvenirs or relax with a cup of Vietnamese coffee.
   Overnight at hotel in Ho Chi Minh city.
   Meals included: Breakfast.

3. DAY 3: HO CHI MINH - MEKONG DELTA - FLY TO HANOI

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4. Day 4: HANOI CITY TOUR & STREET FOOD TOUR

   Begin the first day of the trip with a tour of Hanoi, pay your respect to the nation’s founder at the Ho Chi Minh Complex and Ba Dinh Square, an important point of pilgrimage for the Vietnamese. Explore the nearby simple cottage on stilts where Ho Chi Minh lived and worked during his humble beginnings as a revolutionary. Gain insight into the prewar history of the country at the Governor’s Residence, also known as the Presidential Palace, an excellent example of Hanoi’s classical French architectural heritage. Stop by the iconic One Pillar Pagoda - a unique Vietnamese architecture reminiscent of a lotus blossom rising from a pond and hear the legend of its construction. Next, continue with the Temple of Literature, built in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius.
   Today we will try Pho Bo, the national typical dish, is beloved by both locals and tourists. It is made from fresh beef served with fresh rice noodles in a tasty hot beef broth with various types of seasonings. This is really a great kick off!
   Afternoon, continue with Hoa Lo prison, built by the French in 1896 and called "Maison Centrale", Hoa Lo was also called the "Hanoi Hilton" by American war prisoners.
   Later, hop on a cyclo, one of the most typical vehicles in Hanoi, is a human-powered transport with a seat at the front for passengers and the driver at the back. With this a half of hour leisurely ride, which is perfect chance for photos and slow-moving sightseeing, you will have a great chance to have the local closer touch.
   Finish the day with a walking tour through Hanoi’s Old Quarter (in contrast to the French Quarter) to discover the street food scene in Hanoi where it feels like you are never further than a few metres from a street food stall. Your guide will talk you through the ingredients and the different herbs of each dish, while you are crouching on tiny plastic stools in a back alley. Sample delicious dishes like Bun Cha (a grilled pork and noodle dish), Banh Mi (a tasty Vietnamese baguette sandwich with many different choices of fillings), Banh Cuon (rolling steamed cake) – one of traditional cake make from Vietnamese rice powder, has its own attractive feature, from the appearance to the special taste.
   Now, it is time for cup of Bia Hoi (Vietnamese draft beer) or enjoy a cup of unmissable Egg coffee, while we sit down and mingle with locals. It seems it is one not be missed for foodie in Hanoi.
   Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.
   Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

5. DAY 5: HANOI – HALONG BAY – OVERNIGHT ON CRUISE

   After breakfast, the driver will pick you up and take you through the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta to the legendary Halong Bay where you will board a cruise that is your home for the evening. The limestone karsts and tropical islets rising up from the emerald waters of the bay provide an ethereal backdrop for your leisurely cruise.
   Upon arrival at noon, you will embark on a cruise in the must-see Halong Bay. This world-famous bay is one of the most beautiful landscapes in Vietnam, with its giant rock islets covered in luxuriant vegetation overlooking the waters. Halong Bay includes some 1,900 islands and islets of rocky peaks, often uninhabited and unvisited.
   This scene creates a spectacular marine landscape, which earned it UNESCO World Heritage status in 1994. You will be served lunch and dinner aboard with excellent and freshly caught seafood from the bay. At the end of the day, you will have the chance to enjoy a night fishing session on the boat.
   Overnight on cruise.
   Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

6. DAY 6: HALONG BAY – HANOI

   Start the day with calming Tai Chi session on the sun deck. We will pass beautiful spots while having a light breakfast. In this morning, you are free to choose to explore a cave on an island or just spend your time soaking up some sun. After checking out from your cabin, we have a brunch on board. Around noon, we arrive back at Halong harbor. It's time to say goodbye to Halong Bay and head back to Hanoi. Once arrival, check in hotel and the rest of day is free at leisure.
   Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.
   Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch or Brunch.

7. DAY 7: HANOI – DEPARTURE

   Today is free at your leisure for last minute shopping or sight-seeing before driving to the Noi Bai International Airport to catch your departure flight home or travel on to next destinations!
   Meals included: Breakfast.