Vietnam for First Timers

On arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, our local representative will be waiting outside the customs area to welcome you and to take you to your hotel (Check-in time is 3.00 pm). Rest of the day is free for you to explore Hanoi Town on your own.

Morning, meet our guide at hotel and transfer to Halong Bay, literally called Descending Dragon Bay, is the most wondrous of bays sculpted when an ancient dragon swished its immense tail. Vietnam’s most obvious attraction is Ha Long Bay, adjacent to the Gulf of Tonkin, and currently attracting nearly two million visitors each year. Despite its status as one of Vietnam’s busiest tourist centres, its enormous scale, unique geomorphology and indisputable splendor makes a visit almost essential. Enjoy 04-hour cruise to visit islands and grottoes, leaving those that have been equipped with lights, walkways, refreshment stalls and souvenir shops to the tourists. The exceptions are Dau Go, a large cavern worth visiting for its grandeur, and Sung Sot, for its remarkable stalactites and stalagmites. Return back to Hanoi in the evening for overnight stay.

Begin a day with Tran Quoc Pagoda - one of the oldest and most beautiful pagoda in the city. Walk along Thanh Nien street and enjoy the view of magnificent West Lake. Then, visit Ho Chi Minh Memorial Complex and Ba Dinh Square. Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum which contains the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh (closed Mondays, Fridays and from 15 June to 15 August); and Ho Chi Minh's Stilt House where Ho Chi Minh lived from 1958 until his final days in 1969. Preserved in the same condition as during his life, it may be viewed through the windows. Continue to the miniature 11th century One Pillar Pagoda which was rebuilt after being destroyed by the French in 1954, and then to the Temple of Literature with its walled courtyards and graceful gateways. Founded in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius, this was also the site of Vietnam's first university. Continue to visit Hanoi Old Quarter, Dong Xuan Market, Hoan Kiem Lake and Rising Sun bridge. Along the way pass by other colonial landmarks such as the magnificent Opera House (may be seen from the outside only) and St Joseph's Cathedral.

Today morning after breakfast, check out of your hotel and you will be transferred to Hanoi Airport to catch your brief flight to Da Nang. Arriving in Danang, you’ll be greeted by your local guide and transferred to Hoi An Town to your hotel for check in. Post check-in relax for some time. Rest of the evening is free for you at leisure.

Hoi An is a picturesque riverside town south of Danang. Known as Faifo to early western traders, it was one of South East Asia's major international ports during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Now, this beautifully preserved historic city is best seen on foot. The walking tour will include five of the following sites: Quan Cong Temple, founded in 1653, this Chinese temple is dedicated to Quan Cong, whose partially gilded statue is in the central altar at the back of the sanctuary. Stone plaques on the walls list contributors to the construction and repair of the temple. Phuoc Kien Pagoda, a Chinese pagoda built around 1690 and then restored and enlarged in 1900. It is typical of the Chinese 'clans' that were established in the Hoi An area. Japanese Covered Bridge, the first bridge on this site was constructed in 1593 by the Japanese community of Hoi An to link the town with the Chinese quarters across the stream. The bridge was provided with a roof so it could be used as a shelter from rain and sun. Tran Family Chapel, this house for worshiping ancestors was built about 200 years ago with donations from family members. The Tran family traces its origins to China and moved to Vietnam around the year 1700. The architecture of the building reflects the influence of Chinese and Japanese styles or Phung Hung House, the same family has been living here for eight generations. The house is a combination of Vietnamese, Japanese and Chinese styles. Quang Dong Pagoda: this pagoda was open to all Chinese traders or seamen and is dedicated to Thien Hau. It is a small Chinese style temple with a lintel gate, a rockery courtyard and lucky animals depicted in statuary.

There’s time this morning to enjoy free time exploring Hoi An on your own before your transfer to Danang Airport for your afternoon flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival you’ll be greeted by your local guide and transferred to your hotel for check-in. Rest of the day is free for you to explore Ho Chi Minh on your own.

From Saigon, transfer to My Tho, a bustling town in the rich agricultural region of the Mekong Delta and visit the Vinh Trang Pagoda, a beautiful temple which illustrates the splendid harmonious fusion of Asian and European architectural styles. Afterwards board a local boat to explore the Mekong River Islands, stopping at a fruit orchard to enjoy fruit and tea while listening to local music and Thoi Son islet. The trip also includes a brief sampan ride through the tiny waterways that thread the island.

Morning, we will visit the Cu Chi Tunnels. The Vietnamese are proud of their resolve in their prolonged history of struggle against invading armies, and the story of the people of Cu Chi is indicative of that spirit. The residents of Cu Chi then took their war underground, literally, developing a network of tunnels that, at its height, stretched as far as Cambodia and included meeting rooms, kitchens, and triage areas. Afternoon, city tour to visit Reunification Palace which was the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until end of April 1975, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Old Sai Gon Post Office, Cholon, the Chinatown of Ho Chi Minh City and the Emperor Jade Pagoda (Phuoc Hai), one of the most interesting pagodas in Vietnam.

Today morning, check out from your hotel. Later on you will be transferred to the Ho Chi Minh Airport to catch your flight back home.