7-Day Highlights of Vietnam: Hanoi - Halong - Ho Chi Minh- Mekong

Hanoi , Vietnam

7-Day Highlights of Vietnam: Hanoi - Halong - Ho Chi Minh- Mekong

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About this experience

Highlights
-          Visit the must-see of Vietnam from North to South
-          Spend a night onboard in Halong – One of New Seven Wonders of Nature
-          Living the life of the guerrillas in Cu Chi Tunnels, a war site
-          Experience the daily life of the local people in Mekong Delta, enjoying the moving on the narrow canals by sampans.
-          Admiring the local artists in the traditional folk music and tasting the fresh tropical fruits in the lush garden.

DAY 1: HANOI ARRIVAL

DAY 2: HANOI CITY TOUR (SIC TOUR) (B/L)

DAY 3: HANOI – HALONG BAY – OVERNIGHT ON BOARD (Shuttle bus Hanoi – Halong) (B/L/D)

DAY 4: HALONG BAY – HANOI – AIRPORT – FLIGHT TO SAIGON (Shuttle bus Halong – Hanoi) (B/L)

DAY 5: SAIGON CITY TOUR – CU CHI TUNNELS – SAIGON (SIC TOUR) (B/Light lunch)

DAY 6: SAIGON – MEKONG DELTA FULL DAY – SAIGON (SIC TOUR) (B/L)

DAY 7: SAIGON DEPARTURE (B)

Available options

4 star hotels/cruise

+ 4 star hotels in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
+ 4 star cruise in Halong Bay<br/>Pickup included

3 star hotels/ cruise

3 star hotels in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh (saigon)

3 star cruise in Halong Bay<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Shuttle bus Hanoi – Halong - Hanoi

Private cabin on shared cruise in Halong Bay

Water during tour days

English speaking tour guide, different guide in different city. Station guide on cruise in Halong Bay

Accommodations in double/twin-shared basic with daily breakfast

Breakfast

Airport transportation by air-conditional vehicle (only driver, no guide escorts)

Meals as mentioned in the program (local food, set menu, no drinks) L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Group tours in Hanoi and Saigon

What you'll see

Day 1: HANOI ARRIVAL

Welcome to Hanoi – the capital of Vietnam! The driver will be welcoming you at Noi Bai airport then check-in at hotel and relax. Overnight in Hanoi

Day 2: HANOI CITY TOUR

Our guide will pick you up from your hotel. Visit to the Complex of Ho Chi Minh. Proceed to Temple of Literature, Ethnology Museum. Back to the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake.

Day 3: HANOI - HALONG

From Hanoi, at 8AM, head East for more than 3 hours to Halong Bay, the pride of the Gulf of Tonkin, a Natural World Heritage as designated by UNESCO in 1994. Upon arrival in Halong, we’ll take a big boat to cruise the Bay to discover the magnificent beauty of this “Descending-dragon” bay. After a lunch of fresh seafood on board, we can visit the Surprising Grotto, stop for swimming or kayaking, passing floating villages and approach islets. Overnight on the boat.

Day 4: HALONG – HANOI – AIRPORT - FLY TO SAIGON

Visit by boat to Luon Cave, a ring-shaped pool inside an island in Halong with absolutely tranquil landscape and emerald water. Back to the Wharf of Halong passing the most densely area with many islands that have been named like the Cock-Fighting Rock, Sail Island, Incense burner rock or Sea Dog Rock. Arrive at Halong Wharf and return to Hanoi then transfer to airport for flight to Saigon (no guide). Welcome to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) transfer to the city center (no guide) to check in hotel & relax. Overnight in Saigon.

Day 5: SAIGON CITY TOUR – CU CHI TUNNELS

Morning we visit Cu Chi Tunnels, one of the few remaining monuments to the Vietnam War. Beneath the ground lie 200 km of tunnels, dug by hand and inhabited by the forces of the Vietnamese guerrillas during the conflict. You even can try to crawl some dozens of meters on the tunnel underground to have the real experience. Return to Saigon.

Afternoon visit Reunification Palace, the colonial-styled Central Post Office and the Notre Dame Cathedral, War Museum. Overnight in Saigon.

Day 6: SAIGON – MEKONG DELTA

After breakfast at hotel. On arrived at My Tho, visit Vinh Trang pagoda, a famous pagoda architecture is a mix of Chinese, Cambodian, and French culture. We then take a leisurely boat ride along the river, view the stilt houses, fruit plantations and fishing villages along the river bank. Proceed to Tortoise islet, have lunch in the orchard garden. Then a boat ride to Ben Tre, enjoy cruising on a hand-rowed sampan under the shadow of the water coconut trees along natural canals, then enjoy seasonal fruit & honey tea to the sound of "Southern Vietnamese folk music", performed by locals. Meet the bus and return to Saigon.

Day 7: DEPARTURE

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport for departure flight back to your sweet home (pvt car,no guide).

What's not included

Airfare (international & domestic) and airport tax

Vietnam Visa Stamp fee: USD 25/person (one month, single entry, paid directly at Immigration office at arrival airport) + Vietnam Visa Approval Letter

Meals as not mentioned in the program

Early check-in and late check-out

Hotel/Room upgrade

Festivity surcharge & festivity compulsory service by hotel(s) if any

Tips, drinks, personal expenses and others, optional cost

Any services not mentioned in the program (phone call, laundry etc.

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Airfare Hanoi – Saigon: USD 140 / person (Vietnam Airlines) and From USD 90 / person (Vietjet Air), Including 20kg baggage & all taxes (airfare are subject to change without prior notice)

Vietnam Visa Appoval Letter: USD 15 /person (one month, single entry, paid to BCfamilyTour)

Culture shows:

an entertainment show, which features a perfect balance of circus, dance, music and theatrical arts) at 20:00 (Tue, Thu and Sat in Hanoi) duration: 75 minutes

bamboo dance, acrobatic & music) at 18:00, duration: 75 minutes

at 17:30 with shuttle bus and show time at 19:30, duration: 75 minutes

About Hanoi

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is a vibrant city steeped in history and culture. Known for its French colonial architecture, bustling Old Quarter, and rich culinary scene, Hanoi offers a unique blend of traditional and modern experiences.

Top Attractions

Hoan Kiem Lake

Hoan Kiem Lake is a serene oasis in the heart of Hanoi, surrounded by lush greenery and historical landmarks. The lake is a popular spot for locals and tourists to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Nature 1-2 hours Free

Hanoi Old Quarter

The Old Quarter is the historic and cultural heart of Hanoi, featuring narrow streets lined with traditional shops, temples, and colonial-era architecture. It's a vibrant area with a rich history and bustling atmosphere.

Historical Half day to full day Free to explore, shopping and dining vary

Temple of Literature

The Temple of Literature is a historic Confucian temple dedicated to education and literature. It's a serene and culturally significant site, featuring beautiful architecture and a peaceful garden.

Historical 1-2 hours 30,000 VND

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is a significant historical site where the embalmed body of Vietnam's revolutionary leader, Ho Chi Minh, is displayed. The mausoleum is a place of pilgrimage and a symbol of Vietnam's history.

Historical 1-2 hours Free

Hanoi Opera House

The Hanoi Opera House is a stunning example of French colonial architecture, featuring elegant design and a rich history. It's a popular venue for cultural performances and events.

Architecture 1-2 hours for a performance Varies by event

Must-Try Local Dishes

Pho

A traditional Vietnamese noodle soup with a flavorful broth, rice noodles, and thinly sliced meat, typically beef or chicken.

Lunch/Dinner Can be made vegetarian or vegan

Bun Cha

Grilled pork patties served with rice noodles, fresh herbs, and a dipping sauce.

Lunch/Dinner Contains meat

Banh Mi

A Vietnamese sandwich with a crispy baguette, filled with various ingredients such as grilled meat, pâté, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs.

Snack/Lunch Can be made vegetarian or vegan

Egg Coffee

A unique Vietnamese coffee made with strong drip coffee, condensed milk, and a frothy egg yolk mixture.

Drink Contains eggs and dairy

Popular Activities

Kayaking in Ha Long Bay Trekking in Sapa Boat ride in Hoan Kiem Lake Coffee at a local café Exploring the Temple of Literature Visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Swimming and snorkeling in Ha Long Bay Egg coffee tasting

Best Time to Visit

October to December

This period offers pleasant weather with lower humidity and temperatures, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The city is less crowded compared to the peak tourist season.

15°C to 25°C 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Vietnamese
Widely spoken: English, French
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in other areas

Currency

Vietnamese Dong (VND)

Time Zone

GMT+7

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Hanoi is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, petty crime and scams can occur, and travelers should exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of your belongings, particularly in crowded areas and on public transportation.
• Use reputable taxi companies and insist on using the meter or agree on a price before starting your journey.
• Be wary of strangers offering help or services, as they may be trying to scam you.

Getting there

By air

Noi Bai International Airport • 28 km from city center

By train

Hanoi Railway Station

By bus

Giap Bat Bus Station, My Dinh Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The bus system in Hanoi is affordable and covers most of the city. However, it can be crowded and confusing for first-time visitors.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Grab, Gojek

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Old Quarter French Quarter Ba Dinh District Tay Ho District

Day trips

Ha Long Bay

165 km from Hanoi • Full day to overnight

Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning limestone karsts and islets, emerald waters, and scenic beauty. It's a popular destination for cruises, kayaking, and exploring caves.

Ninh Binh

90 km from Hanoi • Full day

Ninh Binh is known as 'Halong Bay on land' due to its stunning limestone karsts, rice paddies, and historic sites. It's a popular destination for cycling, boat rides, and exploring ancient temples.

Sapa

320 km from Hanoi • Overnight to multi-day

Sapa is a mountainous region known for its stunning rice terraces, ethnic minority villages, and trekking opportunities. It's a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and cultural experiences.

Festivals

Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year) • January or February (based on the lunar calendar) Mid-Autumn Festival • September or October (based on the lunar calendar) Hanoi International Film Festival • October or November (annual)

Pro tips

Learn a few basic Vietnamese phrases to enhance your experience and connect with locals.
Explore the city's hidden gems and lesser-known attractions, such as the Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Mural and the Temple of Literature.
Try local street food and visit markets for an authentic and delicious culinary experience.
Use a navigation app, such as Google Maps or GrabMaps, to help you get around the city and avoid getting lost.
Be cautious of your belongings, particularly in crowded areas and on public transportation, to avoid petty crime and scams.