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Introduction

Glance of Mekong delta & Central Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh city - Tay Ninh - Cai Be - Hoi An - Hue

Highlights
  • Historic: war remnant museum, Independence palace, Cu Chi tunnels
  • Culture: Cao Dai Temple
  • Interact with locals: Ben Thanh market, Mekong delta life
  • Cai Be floating market
  • Walking, biking, boating
  • Hoi An ancient town
  • Hue ancient capital
Customer score:
5 rating rating rating rating rating

Introduction
Spend one day to explore the Ho Chi Minh City- the biggest city of Vietnam which is famous for a lot of historic and cultural places such as Ho Chi Minh City Notre-Dame, War Remnant Museum, Reunification Palace, Saigon Opera House, Cho Lon, etc. Shop until dropping on modern malls or wander around big markets to get unique souvenirs for your family members and friends and taste special street foods such as “ Banh my”
Escape from the bustling city you will head to Mekong Delta - The ‘rice bowl’ of Vietnam. Embark on a cruise along the river to have a look at local life, visiting tropical orchards and experience in floating market to learn about the lifestyle of the Southern people 
The Spirit Of Heritages tours prove that there are plenty of things to see and do in both ancient cities. As the capital of Vietnam during the Nguyen Dynasty, Hue boasts magnificent citadels, pagodas, and royal tombs dating back to the 19th century. Hoi an was ancient habour and was the main trading habour in central of Vietnam date back to many centuries,  As a result, there are plenty of sightseeing tours to learn more about the history,culture, food, enjoy scenery of South and Central of Vietnam.

Itinerary
Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City arrive
Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City tour(B,L)
Day 3: Ho Chi Minh-Cu Chi tunnel-Cao Dai temple(B,L)
Day 4: Ho Chi Minh-Mekong Delta(B,L)
Day 5: Ho Chi Minh city-Hoi An(B)
Day 6: Full day visit Hoi An(B,L)
Day 7: Hoi An-Danang-Hue(B,L)
Day 8: Hue sightseeing(B,L)
Day 9: Hue flight to Ho Chi Minh city(B)

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City arrive
welcome and transfer to hotel
Landing at the Tan Son Nhat airport, you are welcomed by professional tour guide and driver at the pickup lobby. On the 30-minute driving from the airport to the city center, your tour guide will introduce you about the highlights of the city, and share the experiences of eating and drinking, traffic, culture....

Arrive at your hotel, check in.

Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City tour(B,L)
Saigon City full day tour to visit Independence palace, Walking tour, War Remnant museum, Ben Thanh market

9:00 AM: Pick up from your hotel to the Independence Palace, once used as the home - office of the Presidents of South Vietnam. Our visit includes the North Vietnamese tank which effectively attacked the palace in 1975 to bring the controversial Vietnam War to an end and the five-story palace with its rooms have been preserved in their late 1960s, 1970s style and a bunker basement.

Continue by a leisurely waking tour. Heading to the Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral, originally built between 1863 and 1880, evidently reflects the French colonist influences. It’s a picturesque spot in the city.

Toward to Nguyen Hue walking street, walk to the unmissable city's famous landmark. The Saigon Central Post Office is a stunning building, designed by the famous architect Gustave Eiffel. It is an actually working post office with beautiful indoor decorations.

Have a break for lunch or drink (on your own account) then in the afternoon go to the top visited in Ho Chi Minh – the War Remnant museum. The exhibits offer you all-sided views of the Vietnam War that might bring a big surprise than you are probably used to hearing and seeing.

End of the day, visit the most famous market in the city, Ben Thanh Market, which has been opened since 1870. The market not only supplies the daily needs of local people but also excellent place to pick up inexpensive souvenirs and enjoy Vietnam’s local street foods.

Come back to your hotel. Free to discover city or just relax

Day 3: Ho Chi Minh-Cu Chi tunnel-Cao Dai temple(B,L)
Special excursion to Cu Chi tunnels and then visiting Cao Dai temple, flying to Hanoi

8:00 AM: Leave from your hotel to visit the most striking place in the history of the Vietnam War, the Cu Chi Tunnels.

Cu Chi is a real underground city made up of a large network of tunnels covering an area of over 250km long where the Viet Cong conducted the war of resistance against American troops. All of the tunnels were dug over a period of twenty years using only pickaxes and shovels. The tour includes special entering some part of tunnels. You will also have a chance to visit Ben Duoc memorial temple nearby but far less touristic built in 1993 in memory of the Vietnamese killed at Cu Chi.

Continue tour, get transfer to visit one of the most sacred attractions in Vietnam - the Cao Dai TempleCaodaism is a uniquely Vietnamese religion that is influenced by elements of Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism and even Roman Catholicism. On a visit, you can attend the midday mass.

Have lunch at local restaurant then drive back to city center. In the afternoon, relax, have dinner on your own and overnight in Saigon

Day 4: Ho Chi Minh-Mekong Delta(B,L)

From Saigon to Mekong delta, visiting Cai Be, boat trip, biking, back to Saigon in the afternoon.

After breakfast at the hotel, meet our tour guide and driver for your transfer to Cai Be. Visit Cao Dai temple on route. On arrival, embark a small private boat for a cruise in a branch of the Mekong River. Experience the rhythm of life on the legendary Mekong River by visiting Cai Be floating market and the canals lined with orchards.

Visit craft workshops of rice popcorn, coconut caramel and rice cake…Go biking or walking on the village paths to discover the ancient and beautiful Phu Chau pagoda where the serenity reigns and meet the local people. Enjoy lunch in an open air restaurant where you can taste a famous local specialty, the elephant ear fish. Finally, enjoy tasty seasonal fruits while rowing a small rowboat in the canals, shaded by the fruit trees.

Back to Saigon in the late afternoon

Day 5: Ho Chi Minh city-Hoi An(B)
From Ho Chi Minh city, flying to Danang - Hoi An.

Private driver will pick you up at the hotel lobby for about 30 minutes to Tan Son Nhat airport (international or domestic hall according to your request). Thanks for the visit to our city.

Note: International flights require you to be at the airport 3 hours and domestic is 2 hours before departure time.

In the rush hour (07:00 – 08:30 AM and 16:30 – 18:30 PM), it takes around 1 hour from city center to Tan Son Nhat airport.

Landing at Da Nang airport you are welcomed by professional tour guide and driver at the pickup lobby.

On the about 30 - 45 minute driving from the airport to your accommodation, your tour guide will introduce you about the city’s highlights and share the experiences of eating and drinking, traffic, culture....

Drive along the beautiful coastline to your hotel, check in and relax.

Day 6: Full day visit Hoi An(B,L)
9:00 AM: Pick up from hotel for Hoi An excursion. Hoi An used to be one of the most typical South-East Asian trading ports dating from the 15th to the 19th century and the Old Town is still well-preserved. The exchanged cultures is displayed on many historic buildings, religion, daily business and enriched by the authentic lifestyle of local inhabitants.

First stop is Cam Pho - one of the oldest communal houses in Hoi An. It was built in the shape of Chinese character means the country for worshipping and trading business and cultural exchange between locality and Chinese, Japanese traders. A non-touristic destination makes your visit more enjoyable and enriched by learning Japanese tea-ceremony or making toys from coconut leafs with local expert. 

Leisurely walk to the Hoi An city’s symbol - the Chua Cau or the Japanese Covered Bridge, built in the 17th century to allow the Japanese quarter to be accessible from the Chinese neighborhoods. The bridge’s original style has been carefully preserved for the last 400 years.

Continue walking through the town, immersing into local life and stop at Quan Thang ancient house - one of the most authentic old houses in Hoi An with the lively and fine architecture and sculptures were made by craftsmen of famous Kim Bong carpentry village in the oriental style. The house offers a good look of Hoi An family's daily life. 

Enrich your tour by visit Phuc Kien or Fujian Assembly Hall, built since 17th century, is the gathering place for residents, traders and visitors from a specific area in China called Fujian. It is also a religious site to honor the deity Thien Hau. Spend a visit, you will admire the colorful fountains in the courtyard, the ornate gates surrounding the property and the beautiful carved dragons in the main room.

In the afternoon, drive to Tra Que farming village. It is famous for its aromatic herbs, mint and basil. Their leaves are smaller than normal ones and have a special flavor. Enjoy an interesting introduction to the village’s history, the vegetable cultivation and the usage of vegetables as traditional Vietnamese medicine. It is also a good opportunity to meet and take pictures with local people. 

After the excursion, travel back to city, free to explore town or leisure on beach.

Day 7: Hoi An-Danang-Hue(B,L)
Travelling to Hue, visiting Cham sculpture museum, Hai Van Pass, Thien Mu Pagoda and Hue citadel

8:00 AM: Pick up from hotel then travel to Hue by passing Da Nang along the sea road. Once you arrive in Da Nang, stop to visit the Cham Museum which preserves the most important Cham culture collections in the world. Then, walk to My Khe beach where you can enjoy the view of giant Goodness of Mercy statues in the Linh Ung Pagoda. Take photos of fishermen by the beach then continue driving along the coastline to Hue ancient capital. Make a stop at top of the Hai Van pass to enjoy the breathtaking view of the ocean. 

Arrive in Hue, enjoy lunch then visit Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the oldest pagodas in Hue, dating back to 1601. This is the spiritual highlight of the city and well known for its majestic octagon tower and beautiful view of the Perfume River.  

Keep your tour visit the most important sites in city - Hue Citadel, the only vestige symbol for what was once the imperial city of Vietnam. It is inspired by the fortification of Vauban. The city is composed of three parts: Kinh Thanh (the Capital city), Hoang Thanh (the Imperial city) and Cam Thanh (the Forbidden City). The most beautiful sites in Hue are concentrated in this area including the flag tower, the South gate, the palace of supreme Harmony, the Dynasty temple area and the settlement area.

At the end of the day, check in hotel and enjoy stay in ancient capital.

Day 8: Hue sightseeing(B,L)
Full day to Explore Hue, Boat trip Huong river, Ming Mang's tomb, Thuy Bieu village.

Transfer from hotel to visit the Emperor Minh Mang's tomb, an architectural masterpiece that harmoniously highlights the nature and imperial religious works. The tomb was planned during Minh Mang’s reign (1820–40) but built by his successor, Thieu Tri with the effort of ten thousand workers and artisans.

Continue your trip, take a boat along Huong River (or Perfume River) to Thuy Bieu Village, admire the picturesque landscapes on both sides. After 1 hour, we arrive to Thuy Bieu, well-known for its divine grapefruit trees where you can take a bike around the village under the shade of the grapefruit trees and enjoy their pleasant perfume aroma and the harvested straw. The peaceful atmosphere is in every corner of the village. Then, visit a temple dedicated to the village protector, a traditional garden house built several centuries ago. This is a wonderful opportunity to stop for great photos and interact with the villagers working in the gardens and vegetable fields which should not be missed.

then have lunch in village then transfer back to city in the afternoon. Tour end around 3:00 PM

Day 9: Hue flight to Ho Chi Minh city(B)
Private driver will pick you up at the hotel lobby (in Hue city center) for about 30 minutes to Phu Bai airport for your flight. Thanks for the visit to our city.

Note: Domestic flight requires you to be at the airport 1.5 hours before departure time.

($*) Prices are subject to change depend on season.

Please contact our Sales Department at info@vietnamexplorationbooking.com for detailed pricing information.

Inclusions

  • English speaking tour guide following itinerary
  • All entrance fees and tickets mention on itinerary
  • Selected Accommodations with daily breakfast
  • Boat: Cai Be Boat, Thuy Bieu - Minh Mang
  • Private transportation following itinerary
  • Flight Tickets: VN116 SGN - DAD(Vietnam Airlines - Economy) , VN1373 HUI - SGN(Vietnam Airlines - Economy)
  • Meal: Breakfast: 08, Lunch: 04
  • Bike: Cai Be, Thuy Bieu village
  • Cooking class: Thuy Bieu village
  • 01 bottle of water per pax per day
  • Service charges and Taxes

 

Exclusions

  • International flight from/to your country
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses
  • Tipping and Gratuities
  • Other not mentioned in the program

Cancellation by Customer

  • Cancellation received before 60 days: FREE of charge.
  • Cancellation received from 30 days to 59 days prior arrival date: 10% of total rate
  • Cancellation received from 15 days to 29 days prior arrival date: 30% of total rate.
  • Cancellation received from 7 days to 14 days prior arrival date: 50% of total rate.
  • Cancellation received less than 7 days prior arrival date or No show: 100% of total rate.

Children Policy

  • The rate for children applicable for one child sharing a twin or double cabin with two adults.
  • For infant (<04 years old): FOC except domestic ticket cost
  • 04 - 11 years old without bed: 50% adult rate.
  • 04 - 11 years old with extra bed: 75% adult rate.
  • 04 - 11 years old in twin share: 90% adult rate

Service Details During The Trip

We’ll immerse you in the diverse cultures of Vietnam & hilly area by showcasing the unique local flavors. And with the perfect balance of included sightseeing and free time, you can customize your dream vacation with the things you have always wanted to do.
Private Local Tour Guide: You will have legally licensed local tour guide in each destination, from welcome and farewell you at the airport. Your guide will guide, help, assist and taking care of you in order to make your tour worry-free. The good guide for you means we arrange the right guide. Vietnam Exploration Booking Tours will arrange tour guide base on the feature of the itinerary and consists of the group, to maximize your experiences in traveling.
Private Drivers & Vehicle: Safety is first priority for transportation. A well maintained good condition car with legal business licensed and an experienced driver to make sure you are in safe hands. To maximize your comfort and joyful experience with driving service, cold drinking water, cold towel and soft drink are provided in the car.​​​​​
Local Flavor Meals: Don’t worry about meals; we select both restaurants and menus for you. Vietnam Exploration Booking Tours will select clean and good environment restaurants for our customer. Menu is also carefully selected by us to ensure you try different food every meal.
We will recommend and arrange local cuisine since it is part of the cultural experience while traveling. We also recommend dinners are free on your own so you can choose your favorite food by yourself under necessary assistance of your local guide.
Well-Selected Accommodation: Comfort and good value is our priority for choosing Accommodation for our customers. Comfort of mattress and bedding, joyful decoration style, user friendly facilities, good service and good breakfast!

Thing to bring:
Comfortable clothes for 2 hours seating on Van/Bus or Sampan and make you more active for cycling/walking, bring hat, cap, Suncream, sun glasses, insect repellent are also necessary  because the weather is normally hot in May, June, July, August, September and October in Hue and Hoi An area. Saigon area is hot all year around.
You should take cash with you in vietnam Dong because banking system sometimes does not function well. Us Dollar, Euro, Australian Dolla are accepted in your trip, 
Do not wear short inside temples and pagodas
You shoule take medicine with you

Did we hit all the items on your travel bucket list for your holiday?
If not, don’t worry. We specialize in tailor-made tours and can customize this program to create your dream trip. Get in touch with your personal Travel Consultant to create your personalized program.

Don't want the fun to end?

Why not combine this tour with Cambodia toursLaos toursMyanmar tours or spend a few days in the tropical paradise that is the Viet Nam coast? We take care of everything from flights to transfers and accommodation so that you can relax and enjoy your holiday. Explore our other destinations or speak with your personal Travel Consultant for some expert advice on suitable combinations.