NORTH TO SOUTH OF VIETNAM 5D4N
Hanoi – Ha Long – Hochiminh – Cu chi tunnel
Tour code: 5D-VN02
DAY 1: HANOI ARRIVAL | (D) |
Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport, welcome by our guide and transfer to your hotel. The driving time is approximately 40 munites.
Late afternoon, visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple located on an islet in the lake. Hoan Kiem Lake is the sample of Hanoi and home to a rare endangered giant turtle species.
Its name “Hoan Kiem” comes from a legend of a sacred sword being lent to an ancient Vietnamese King by a holy turtle from the lake and later returned to the turtle. Next, discover special Vietnamese traditional art of water puppetry as well as Vietnamese folklore through a compelling puppet show at Thang Long Theatre. Shop at a Café shop or walk at leisure in the Old Quarter of 36 ancient streets before enjoying welcome dinner at a well-known local restaurant.
Accommodation: In Hanoi | Meals: Dinner
DAY 2: HANOI – CITY TOUR – HA LONG BAY | (B/L/D) |
Start a new day with a half day city tour to visit Ho Chi Minh Complex which features the life of Ho Chi Minh, the nation’s founder. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum where the nation’s founder’s body is preserved (closed on Monday, Friday and through October – November), the colonial Presidential Palace, originally the French Governor Office and a fine example of French architecture in Hanoi, and the rural style Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts where Ho Chi Minh lived and worked. Stop by one of Hanoi’s icons, the One Pillar Pagoda, built in the 11th Century in dedication to Buddha of Compassion and reminiscent of a lotus blossom rising from a pond. Continue to the Temple of Literature, known as the first university of Vietnam built in 1070 by the Ly Dynasty to honor Confucius, sages and outstanding Vietnamese scholars. Lunch at a well-known local restaurant.
After lunch time, transfer to Ha Long Bay, which is about 160 km. The transfer is approximately 3 hours. Moving through the countryside on the way will bring you a clear perspective of a country’s whose 80% of population live on farming. Have a quick rest stop en route before reaching Ha Long City. Check in hotel then spend time at leisure. Dinner at a well-known local restaurant.
Evening: you’re free at leisure to discover Ha Long town, visit night market, Casino or enjoy Foot Massage (under your account).
Accommodation: In Ha Long | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3: HA LONG 4 HOURS CRUISE – HANOI – HOCHIMINH | (B/L/D) |
Enjoy breakfast at hotel between 6-7 AM then transfer to the dock for boarding a cruise boat to explore the legendary Ha Long Bay. Ha Long means Descending Dragon in Vietnamese as legend has it that a holly dragon landed down here from sky. The bay, famous as one of the world’s wonders and heritage sites whose formation dates back 500 million years, consists of around 2,000 karst islands and islets scattered over an area of 1,553 km2. The boat will stop at Dau Go Island for you to visit Thien Cung Cave (Heaven Palace) and Dau Go Cave (Wooden Stakes). Dau Go Cave in 13th Century was a depot to store pointed wooden stakes, which later were used by Vietnamese great military commander Tran Hung Dao to trap and puncture Mongolian naval boats in famous battles of Bach Dang. Continue cruising while fresh seafood lunch is served on board. Return to the dock, disembark and travel back to the airport for flight to Hochiminh
Arrive Hochiminh, our guide will pick up you at the airport and transfer to hotel for check in. Dinner at a well-known local restaurant. Free time to relax or explore the city at leisure
Accommodation: In Hochiminh | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4: HOCHIMINH – CITY TOUR – CUCHI TUNNELS | (B/L/D) |
Morning, take a half-day tour to the Cu Chi Tunnels, 75 km Northwest of downtown Ho Chi Minh City, which were once a major underground hideout and resistance base of Viet Cong forces during the two wars against the French and later on Americans. The tunnels, entirely hand-dug, formed a highly intricate network of interlinked multilevel passageways at times stretched as far as the Cambodian border and totaling over 120 km in length. Its complexity was beyond imagination containing meeting rooms, kitchens, wells, clinics, schools, depots, trenches and emergency exits all aimed for guerrilla warfare. The tunnels were deep and strong enough to withstand destructive bombings and self-contained enough to outlast prolonged sieges. Back to Ho Chi Minh City and spend time at leisure. Lunch at a well-known local restaurant.
Afternoon, take a half-day city tour to visit the War Remnants Museum, which features an extensive collection of exhibits including weaponry, photos and documentation on Vietnam’s wars with the French and Americans, and the Reunification Palace the South Vietnam President’s residence and symbol of the Southern Administration’s reign until end of April 1975. Dinner at a well-known local restaurant.
Accommodation: Hochiminh | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5: HOCHIMINH – DEPARTURE | (B) |
Free at leisure until transfer to airport for departure flight.
Accommodation: No | Meals: Breakfast
SPECIAL NOTES:
* Surcharge for Language Speaking Guide US$15/day
**Above rates are not applied during peak season from 20 Dec 2018/19 to 31 Dec 2018/19
Peak season surcharge and compulsory dinner advised at booking stage
WHAT IS INCLUDED: Accommodation in a twin or double room with daily breakfast, meals as specified in the itinerary, Services of a driver and private air-conditioned vehicle during all tours and transfers, Experienced English speaking guide during all tours and transfers, Vietnam visa approval letter on arrival as complementary (for foreigners who need visa), Entrance fees for all visits as mentioned in the itinerary, Mineral water is available as complementary
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED: International & Domestic flight tickets, Meals if not specified in the itinerary, Gratuities for guides and drivers, Visa stamping fee at the airport, Travel insurance (we highly recommend that you purchase adequate insurance), Personal expenses, such as laundry, telephone, drinks, etc. All other services not specified in the itinerary
TOUR POLICY & NOTES :
- Infant below 2 years old sharing same room with parents is free of charge.
- Child below 12 yrs old sharing same room with 1 ADL is charged for 90%.
- Child above 2 years old to 12 yrs old with a own bed is charged for 70%.
- Tipping for guide and driver (suggestion):
- Group from 2 – 4 pax: USD 5/ pax/ day
- Group from 5 – 9 pax: USD 4/ pax/ day
- Group from 10 – 15 pax: USD 3/ pax/ day
- Group above 15 pax: USD 2/ pax/ day