Hanoi & Saigon 5 nights 6 days

Day 1: Arrive Hanoi

Upon clearing Customs and Immigration, you are met by our guide . Your guide will present you with a welcome packet including all necessary documentation and vouchers and all contact information of your guide and local offices.

Day 2: Hanoi

Meals: Breakfast

Begin your day visiting the Hanoi Hilton (Hoa Lo Prison) which was a prison used by the French colonists in Vietnam for political prisoners, and later by North Vietnam for prisoners of war during the Vietnam War when it was sarcastically known to American prisoners of war as the "Hanoi Hilton". Continue to explore the exhibitions of Vietnam Military History Museum (closed on Monday and Friday) presenting the Vietnamese military history from the first period of founding the country to the Ho Chi Minh era. The museum contains a remarkable collection of war relics and photographs from Vietnam's long struggles for freedom. Learn about guerrilla and communist troops and the history of the present Vietnam People's Army. In the afternoon, visit Ho Chi Minh Memorial Complex where the Vietnamese people honor the country Great Father. Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (outside only) which contains the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh; 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. Following by the miniature 11th century One Pillar Pagoda which was rebuilt after being destroyed by the French in 1954. In the late afternoon, visit Hoan Kiem Lake which contains an islet with the tiny Tortoise Pagoda and enjoy the coffee at a small local coffee shop.

Day 3: Hanoi

Meals: Breakfast

Free at leisure for the whole day.

Day 4: Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh - Cu Chi Tunnel

Meals: Breakfast

Transfer to airport to catch the flight to Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) . Upon arrival, enjoy the excursion to Cu Chi Tunnels. Never discovered by American forces, the Cu Chi Tunnels were an important Vietcong base during the American War. Stretching over 200 km, this incredible underground network, dug by hand out of hard laterite, connected command posts, hospitals, shelter and weapons factories. Today, walk through the area and learn about the day to day life of the Vietcong, bear witness to the cleverly disguised entrances and elaborate booby-traps, and even venture inside the tunnels, some of which have been modified to accommodate tourists. Transfer to hotel after the tour.

Day 5: Ho Chi Minh (Saigon)

Meals: Breakfast

A vibrant metropolis, Saigon teems with energy, activity and motion. Everywhere you look, you see the convergence of traditional and modern life. Begin with a tour of the historic center, strolling along Dong Khoi Street, formerly known as the Rue Catinat, the main shopping thoroughfare and heart of old colonial Saigon. Pass by classic European-style landmarks such as the ornate City Hall (Hotel De Ville), the old Opera House (both may only be viewed from the outside), and pay a quick visit to the neo-Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral (currently under-renovation, visit outside only) and the Central Post Office. Afterwards dive into modern history with a tour of the Reunification Palace. Formerly the Independence Palace of the South Vietnamese president, this 60s style building was famously stormed by tanks on April 30, 1975 signifying the fall of South Vietnam. It has been preserved in its original state, and the original tanks remain on display near the entrance gates. Then visit the Emperor of Jade Pagoda, one of Saigon's most interesting pagodas. In the afternoon, head out to Cholon (Chinatown). Explore the highlights of this fascinating area, beginning with the walking through the small hustle and bustle streets around China Town where and many generation of Chinese living and running the business on the most busy area of Saigon. Continue to Thien Hau Pagoda, built by the Cantonese congregation and dedicated to the heavenly goddess. End the tour at the central Ben Thanh Market, where vendors display a vast array of goods and handicrafts, appealing to every taste. You will have a chance to join with locals to enjoy one of the specialties of Saigonese with the strong and flavorful Vietnamese coffee makes converts as quickly as it raises pulses. French colonists might have introduced coffee to Vietnam, but the morning cup of ca phe soon became a local habit. With variations that make use of yogurt, eggs and even fruit, Vietnamese coffee has developed a style of its own. Free at leisure at night.

Day 6: Saigon - next destination

Meals: Breakfast

Check-out hotel and transfer to airport.