Tastes of Vietnam 7 days from Saigon

This itinerary is best for travellers who wish to experience the best highlights of Vietnam with limited travel time. Vietnam’s treasures are unique and captivating, and you will be introduced to something different every day. You will fly between major cities to make the most of your experience, and enjoy time to relax in the country’s best cafés, indulge in fantastic market shopping, and dine on some of the best food in Asia. 

The hotels used for this trip are handpicked with local characters and good locations from three to four-star with private, western style bathrooms, air-conditioning and some have swimming pools. The accommodations are our suggestions for your reference and can be tailored to your personal interests. 

All road travels are in comfortable and airconditioned vehicles. We use a sedan or a crossover car for 1-2 travelers, a minivan of 16 seaters for 3-6 travellers or mid-sized buses of 29 seater bus for 7-14 travelers 

This itinerary is suitable for travellers with an average level of fitness and independent mobility. The tour involves walking over uneven surfaces and climbing stairs in hot and humid conditions. There is one domestic flight and several small boats. You will need to be able to board and disembark boats independently, sometimes between muddy or slippery river banks. There are some long road journeys (up to four hours). By day you will walk through markets and villages, meet local people, and sample local food. 

Please contact sales@travelmates.asia for prices and a customized itinerary to suit your needs and points of interest. 

ITINERARY

Day 1      Ho Chi Minh City – Arrival Transfer

Upon arrival, meet our representative at the airport for a transfer to your hotel. Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) is Vietnam’s largest and most dynamic metropolis — a thrilling mix of French colonial heritage, modern skyscrapers, bustling street life, and rich cultural depth. It’s a must-visit for anyone wanting to feel the pulse of Vietnam today.

 Meals included: None

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 2 Cu Chi Tunnels – Ho Chi Minh City Walking Tour (B, L)

Your Travelmates guide will meet you at 8am for a journey west to see Cu Chi tunnel network which stretches over 250km and extends to three levels underground providing you with remarkable insight into the hardships, courage, determination and terror of a guerrilla war.

Upon arrival, you will spend a couple of hours walking around Cu Chi’s rugged grounds with a local guide. Hear how the residents constructed an intricate, underground network of tunnels during the country’s recent wars. Crawl underground (optional) and have a look at the tiny chambers, imagining what life was like for those who lived there. Once above ground, see other ingenious items used by the residents to defend themselves such as bamboo traps and camouflaged pits. 

Throughout the tour, the guide will explain the impact of war on the local community and the country as a whole. Following this insightful visit, journey back to Ho Chi Minh City for lunch.

After lunch, visit perhaps the city’s most famous landmark - the Reunification Palace. Now preserved in a time warp, the ‘war rooms’ in the basement plus the opulent display’s are fascinating.

Stroll through lovely 30 April Park to the Central Post Office. Here, you can also glimpse the former CIA building, where one of the last helicopter evacuations took place in 1975.   

Finish up the day at another historic site, the Ben Thanh Market. Still functioning as a local neighborhood market, the central location also welcomes travelers with a variety of stalls. 

Having gained greater understanding of Saigon's culture and history, return to the hotel or your next destination.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.  

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 3  Mekong Delta Discovery (My Tho) with Cao Dai Temple (B,L) 

Your guide will meet you for a full day tour to My Tho, the gateway to the Mekong Delta. Known as the "rice bowl" of Vietnam, the Delta is the most fertile region in the country, and the main producer of rice and tropical fruits. On the way, you will stop to visit a local Cao Dai temple. The Cao Dai religion was established in Southern Vietnam in 1926 and is a religious centre of worship unique to Vietnam that incorporates aspects of Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and Catholicism. Upon arrival into My Tho, you board your boat and travel to one of the islands located in the middle of the Mekong River. On the island visit a fruit orchard and sample some of the local produce, before boarding a smaller sampan that winds along narrow canals. You'll also have the opportunity to visit a local family's house and enjoy their hospitality and share with them some tea or rice wine. After lunch in My Tho return to Saigon by mid to late afternoon. 

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch 

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 4 Ho Chi Minh City - Hanoi by flight – Explore Old Quarters (B, L)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for a flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to hotel.

In the afternoon, you will be met at your hotel by your guide for a visit to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university now dedicated to Confucian worship. 

Spend the rest of the day exploring the soul of the city with a brief walking tour through the fascinating Old Quarter - 36 ancient streets where you can observe the daily bustle of life around the markets where locals continue to trade as they have done for centuries. Ending your busy day with a stop at a local coffee shop for Hanoi's famous drinks - egg coffee. 

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 5        Hanoi – Ha Long Bay. (B,L,D)  

The local guide will pick you up at your hotel and depart for Ha Long Bay. This journey can take approximately 3 hours going through the scenic countryside. The wondrous Ha Long Bay is truly one of Vietnam’s most impressive scenic sights. Heading out of the town, embark on a boat for an exploration of the legendary Ha Long Bay. This exciting cruise will provide a fantastic view of the picturesque scenery blending with the sky and some 3,000 limestone islands rising amazingly from the clear and emerald water. The limestone karsts formation are littered with beaches, grottoes and beautiful caves. Along the way, anchor for a leisurely swim in a secluded cove and an enjoyable visit to one of the many hidden grottoes beneath towering cliffs. 

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Overnight in Halong Bay.

Day  6      Ha Long Bay – Hanoi. (B,L) 

Greet the day with a morning Tai Chi class and an opportunity to view the sunrise over the bay while enjoying tea or coffee. Later, take a short trek to the summit of one of the islands for a panoramic view of the bay and enjoy a swim, or sunbathing. After heading back to the boat for a final glimpse of Halong Bay and a buffet brunch while cruising back to the dock. Brunch included.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch. 

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 7      Hanoi – Departure Transfer Without Guide (B)

Free at leisure until transfer to the airport (without guide) for departure flight. 

Meals included: Breakfast

End of service.

Accommodation Overview

IMPORTANT NOTES: 

Cancellations for accommodation, flight, trains and cruises will be specific as suppliers' terms and conditions, and for touring cancellations within 7 days or no show will incur a 100% cancellation fee. Specific cancellation and amendment terms will be specified in the actual booking confirmation.