Classic route Saigon to Hanoi 7 Days

PRIVATE TOUR – CODE: VIBU4

On the contrary to the tour “Hanoi to Saigon in 1 week 7 days”, this Vietnam highlight tour starts in Saigon and ends in Hanoi. We reverse the travel route because most US, SE Asian and Australian travelers need Saigon first. They’re easier to find a low-cost airfares from their country to Saigon and want to avoid winter in Hanoi.

Travel route: Saigon (Ho Chi Minh city) – Cu Chi tunnels – Mekong Delta – Hanoi – Ha Long bay – Hanoi – Departure

BRIEF ITINERARY

• Day 1: Saigon Arrival (D)
• Day 2: Saigon – Cu Chi Tunnels – City tour (B,L)
• Day 3: Saigon – My Tho – Thoi Son – Mekong delta (B,L)
• Day 4: Saigon – Flight to Hanoi (B,D)
• Day 5: Hanoi – Halong – UNESCO World Heritage (B,L,D)
• Day 6: Halong – Hanoi (B,L)
• Day 7: Hanoi – Departure (B)

DETAIL ITINERARY

Day 1: Saigon Arrival (D)

Upon arrival at the Airport, you will meet our guide and transfer to hotel for check-in. Enjoy special welcome dinner at a nearby restaurant with Vietnamese cuisine. Overnight in Saigon.

Day 2: Saigon – Cu Chi Tunnels – City tour (B,L)

Morning transfer to visit Cu Chi tunnels, an important base during the American War because of its strategic location. The Vietnam soldiers built a 200km long network of tunnels connecting command posts, hospitals, shelters and weapon factories. Dug out of hard late-rite by hand tools without the use of cement, this amazing network was never discovered. Afternoon, take city tour to visit War Remnants Museum, which features a comprehensive collection of the machinery; weapons; photos; and documentation of Vietnam’s wars with both the French and Americans. Visit Notre Dame Cathedral and Old Post Office, the best examples of classical French colonial architecture. Afterwards, stop at Ben Thanh market for shopping. Overnight in Saigon.

Day 3: Saigon – My Tho – Thoi Son – Mekong delta (B,L)

Morning, pick up at your hotel and transfer to Cai Be, a riverside town located in the Mekong Delta. Enjoy a boat cruise to 4 famous islets among Mekong river, and then go to Thoi Son islet where the maze of shady creeks will surely fascinate you. You will have a change to mingle with local peasants, learn the secrets of their bonsai gardening. Visit local homes where the families produce tiles and ceramics; drop into rice-paper kiln and coconut-candy kiln; and observe daily country life. A typical Vietnamese lunch at a local home will be arranged. Late afternoon transfer to Saigon. Overnight in Saigon.

Day 4: Saigon – Flight to Hanoi (B,D)

Free morning at leisure or your own shopping. Check out at noon and fly to Hanoi. Airport transfers are arranged. You take the afternoon city tour visiting Ho Chi Minh museum, Ba Dinh historial square and Ho Chi Minh Residence house. Walking tour inside Hanoi Old quarter to visit Hang Duong “Candy” street, Hang Ngang “Clothes” street, Hang Buom “Wine” street, Old house 87 Ma May street, Hang Gai “silk” street, St. Joseph Cathedral and Hoan Kiem lake and King Ly Thai To statue. Enjoy water puppet show, a living portrait of Vietnam history and culture. Dinner and overnight in Hanoi.

Day 5: Hanoi – Halong – UNESCO World Heritage (B,L,D)

Start at 8:00 with shuttle bus transfer to Halong City. This transfer takes around 3 hours. We may stop enroute to admire the local scenery. Arrive at the port around 11:30 and board the ship. Begin sailing and pass through a magical bay, where thousands of sculpted limestone islands rise from the waves like dragons’ teeth. After lunch, take a short trek to a nearby summit for a panoramic view of the bay dotted with golden sails, go swimming on a quiet beach or sunbath on the sundeck. Later in the afternoon, visit an interesting fishing village with an opportunity to interact with local people who have been living in the bay for almost three generations. Back on board, enjoy a lavish dinner. Overnight on Halong cruise.

Day 6: Halong – Hanoi (B,L)

Wake up with Tai Chi exercises (kind of light exercises) on the sun deck and continue cruising along the bays. Enjoy breakfast buffet in the restaurant, then visit the limestone grotto. Disembark in Halong City around 11:00 and get back to Hanoi with the cruise shuttle bus. Arrive at your hotel in Hanoi at around 17:00. Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 7: Hanoi – Departure (B)

Breakfast & Check out your hotel. Private airport transfer is arranged. Say goodbye to Vietnam and see your soon.

INCLUSION

• 5 nights hotel accommodation
• 1 night on Halong cruise including kayaking, swimming, cooking class
• Local English speaking guides
• Transfer and sightseeing with air-conditioned vehicles and experienced driver
• Meals as indicated: B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner
• Admissions to indicated sites
• Water puppet show tickets in Hanoi
• Mekong delta boat arrangement including fresh fruit tasting
• Bottled water during transfer

EXCLUSION

• Vietnam visa
• Meals not mentioned, drinks and personal expenses (eg. laundry, telephone call etc).
• International & Domestic airfares
• Tips (eg. Driver, guide,..)