Cu Chi Tunnels 

We start the trip by visiting Notre Dame Cathedral, the historic Central Post Office, followed by exploring the Reunification Palace, and the remarkable site of the War Remnants Museum.

PM: Cu Chi Tunnels

Located 60km from HCMC, Cu Chi is now a popular spot for both Vietnamese & foreign tourists - the network of over 200km of tunnels became legendary when they played a vital role in the War. In their heyday, the tunnels were functioning underground cities including numerous trap doors, specially constructed living areas, storage facilities, weapons factories, field hospitals, command centers & kitchens.

Today, ducks and water buffalos happily co-exist in the rivers along the side of the road. However, the peaceful rural rice paddy scenery belies the area’s violent history. Visitors will find it hard to imagine the destruction, damage & defoliation over this whole area, caused by bombing and mines. There is plenty of evidence of the fierce battle that took place here during the 1960s when Cu Chi was a "Free Target Zone".

Start our tour in the morning, before entering the tunnels visitors can watch a short introductory video showing how the tunnels were constructed. You will spend the next hour exploring the tunnels. Afterwards, enjoy tea, cassava (guerrilla’s food during the war). Return to Sai Gon.

ITINERARY

Flight to Hanoi in the Moring – Check in Hotel and we go visit Duong Lam Ancient Town

Duong Lam Ancient Village has a history of about 1,200 years and is well-known for its surviving laterite brick houses, built three to four centuries ago. Laterite is red clay formed from weathered basalt found in northern Vietnam. The village is also famous nationwide as “the hometown of two kings”

Itinerary 

Driver and Guide will come and pick you up at 9:00 morning, then driving about 65 km from Hanoi to Son Tay province. Duong Lam is a purely agricultural village of the Northern Red River Delta. On arrival, you will take a walk on the village path to visit Mong Phu Temple (dedicated to national heroes) King Ngo Quyen Temple and King Phung Hung Temple. You will enjoy a special Vietnamese lunch in an ancient house. While you are in the house you can also join the local people in producing local specialties, such as soft green-lentil cake and rice cake filled with brown onion (depending on the season).You will continue to visit Mia Pagoda (built in 15th century) and admire 287 statues of all sizes before transfer back to your hotel in Hanoi .

7:45 – 8:30 am: The tour guide will pick you up at the lobby of your hotel or provided addresses in the Old Quarter to start Halong Bay 1 day tour.

After 3-3.5 hours of driving, you will get to the Tuan Chau Habour. On the way, you will enjoy the beauty of Vietnamese countryside scenery such as rice fields with busy farmers working, using Vietnamese traditional methods of cultivation. Then, you will have a short break half way of the drive.

12:00 – 12:30 pm: You will be welcomed on the Halong Cruise, the highlight of Halong bay day trip. Lunch will be prepared and served to you on board by the crew. While having lunch, the captain will drive the cruise around the most beautiful islets among thousands of limestone islands such as Dog islet, Incense Burner Islet, Fighting Cock Islet etc.

One stop of the 4-hour cruise is Dong Thien Cung (Heavenly Palace Cave), located on a remote island in the bay. As the name suggests, the cave is adorned with fantastic stalactites and stalagmites as well as colored lights, which transforms the scene into a fairytale palace.

Another activity of Halong Bay day tour you could expect during the cruise is the stop at Ba Hang Area, where you could either join the bamboo boat ride or kayaking for 40 minutes to feel the Bay closer.

4:00 pm: Return to the harbor around and we will stop for one break in the middle of the way so you have a chance to go to the restroom or have a drink.

8:00 – 8:30 pm: Arrive in Hanoi city center, and you will be dropped off at your hotel. Finish the unforgettable Halong Bay full day Trip

8:00AM, pick up at your hotel and head out for Ninh Binh (2 hours driving). There is a beautiful roadside scenery on the way. Arriving in Ninh Binh city, first pay a visit to Hoa Lu – the ancient Royal Capital of Vietnam, visit the two temples: Temple of King Dinh and King Le, admire the unique architecture from ancient times.

Continue to Tam Coc and have lunch at a nice restaurant with many local delicacies. Then boarding a small sampan to visit Tam Coc which means literally “three caves” (2.5 hour boat trip). With Halong bay type views of majestic limestone cliffs and mysterious caves, as well as countryside landscape like peaceful streams, rice paddies and deserted green fields, Tam Coc really has it all. You will feel the fresh air and peaceful moments, a very good opportunities for photo lovers, freezing the special moments and scenery.

Time permits, you can also visit Bich Dong pagoda nearby and climb up the mountain to have a wonderful perspective view of the Bich Dong and Tam Coc. Return to Hanoi late afternoon.

Breakfast at hotel, then transfer to the airport for departure.