Amazing Vietnam Tour

Hanoi • Halong Bay • Ho Chi Minh City

Take a tour of charming Hanoi, Vietnam's artistic and intellectual capital. Explore the fascinating Old Quarter and its hundreds of speciality shops selling silk clothing, lacquer ware, embroidered linens, furniture, bamboo, cooking utensils, ceremonial objects and more. Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, ride a cyclo to dinner, and watch a delightful performance of Vietnam's water puppet theatre. Visit Hanoi's Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, his house on stilts, the One Pillar Pagoda, the Fine Arts Museum and the Temple of Literature.

Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) is the country's commercial centre and home to a growing number of upscale restaurants and shops. Visit Chinatown, the Thien Hau Pagoda, the Reunification Palace, the Opera House and the Hotel de Ville. You can also visit the powerful War Remnants Museum. Take a day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels and watch an unusual religious ceremony at the main temple of Cao Daism, a unique fusion of world religions. Tour the narrow canals of the Mekong Delta to experience the traditional side of Vietnamese river life.

Superior Tour (Incl. Flights from JNB)

Jan - Mar'25

R 54,380 per person sharing

Apr - May'25

R 47,570 per person sharing

Jun - Nov'25

R 41,295 per person sharing

01 - 15 Dec'25

R 43,745 per person sharing

Itinerary:

Welcome to Hanoi, you will be collected by our local driver and guide at Hanoi Airport and transfer to hotel for check in.
The room is at your disposal from 14:00 (2 PM) onward.
The balance of the day as your leisure.
Meals on your own.
Overnight at the hotel.

8h00 – 8h30: Our tour guide and bus will pick you up at your hotel, and then we'll begin our exciting exploration of Hanoi City.

08h45: Visit the Ho Chi Minh Complex, the final resting place of Vietnam's beloved leader, Uncle Ho. You will have the opportunity to view his embalmed body and then take a stroll through the gardens to explore the two houses where he lived and worked from 1954 to 1969.

Next, visit the One Pillar Pagoda, dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy. This iconic pagoda is considered one of the most unique in the world.

10h15: Visit the Vietnam Ethnology Museum to gain insight into the rich cultures of the 54 ethnic groups that inhabit Vietnam.

12h30-12h45: Enjoy lunch at our restaurant, where you'll have the opportunity to savor authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Vegetarian options are also available.

13h30: Visit Tran Quoc Pagoda, located on Golden Fish Island in West Lake. As the oldest pagoda in Hanoi, it dates back to the 6th century.

14h30: Continue your visit to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university. Founded in 1070, the Temple of Literature (Van Mieu Quoc Tu Giam) is one of the most iconic and fascinating tourist attractions in Northern Vietnam.

15h30: Visit Hoa Lo Prison, built by the French between 1886 and 1901 during Vietnam’s time as part of French Indochina. Known as Maison Centrale by the French, the prison earned the nickname 'A Hell on Earth.' Today, it serves as a war museum, offering a deeper understanding of the Vietnamese struggle against French colonial rule.

16h30: Our Bus take you back to the Hotel. We finish the trip!

Optional: Cyclo or/and Water Puppet Show can be arranged upon your request with additional fee.

Option 1: Cyclo 45 minutes (5usd/person) around Hanoi Old Quarter after visiting Hoa Lo Prison
Option 2: Water Puppet Show 50 minutes (5usd/person) .
Recomended time: 16h10 or 17h20
Option 3: Cyclo 45 minutes and Water Puppet Show 50 minutes (10usd/person).
Recommended time for Water Puppet Show 17h20 or 18h30

SPECIAL NOTES
Please note that Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is closed on Mondays and Fridays; however, you can still take photos of the Mausoleum and explore the surrounding area. On Mondays, we will visit the Vietnamese Women’s Museum instead of the Vietnam Ethnology Museum (which is closed).

We kindly ask that you dress modestly by covering your shoulders and knees when visiting public places such as temples, pagodas, and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.

Remember to bring essential items such as cash, a cellphone or camera, a raincoat/umbrella, sunblock, and any other items depending on the weather.

Please be aware that the order of the itinerary may be adjusted based on the situation.

7h30-08h00: Our Tour guide will pick up you at the hotel in Ha Noi Old Quarter then depart to Halong Bay by Expressway Transfer.

10h30: Have a short break for 20 minutes to relax

12h00 – 12h30: Arrive at Tuan Chau Harbor and welcome aboard the Cozy Bay Premium Cruise. Embark on a scenic 5-6 hour journey along the renowned 2-day sleeper boat cruise route. As you cruise through stunning passages, you'll pass uninhabited islets and striking outcrops, each with imaginative names given by locals based on their unique shapes. Enjoy a delicious lunch onboard as you take in the breathtaking views.

14h00: You will visit Surprising Cave to see a lot of stalagmites and stalagtiles with different shapes of sea lives.

15h00: Visit Titop Island, where you can relax on the sandy beach and admire the towering limestone mountain with its stunning backdrop of the bay. For a truly unforgettable experience, climb to the top of Titop Peak and take in a breathtaking panoramic view of the bay, resembling a paradise.

16h00: Next, enjoy kayaking or take a bamboo boat ride through Luon Cave to explore the serene and picturesque lagoon, surrounded by stunning natural beauty.

17h00 – 17h30: Cruise back to Tuan Chau Harbor, where you'll have plenty of time to enjoy a sunset party with tea, cakes, and music. Relax and sunbathe on the upper deck while sharing great moments with fellow travelers, all set against the backdrop of the world-famous natural scenery.

18h00 – 18h30: Board the bus for a return journey to Hanoi via the Expressway, with a short 20-30 minute break along the way.

21h00 – 21h30: Arrive at the hotel in Ha Noi Old Quarter. Trip ends.

Enjoy some free time until our car arrives at your hotel to transfer you to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport, our car and guide will be there to pick you up and transfer you to the hotel for check-in. Your room will be ready upon your arrival.

Please note that the designated parking area at Ho Chi Minh Airport is located about 150 meters from the arrival gate. Our guide will be available to assist you in reaching the vehicle. We appreciate your understanding regarding the short walk required during this process.

After breakfast at the hotel, you'll depart for My Tho, a charming town located on the left bank of the Mekong River. Board a sampan and cruise along the river, passing by the four scenic islands: Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix, and Tortoise Islands.

Stop at Unicorn Island, where you’ll stroll along country lanes, explore local orchards, and enjoy tropical fruits. Experience traditional folk music performed by local people and visit the fruit plantations.

Continue your journey by riding a hand-rowed sampan along the Thoi Son Canal, soaking in the tranquil beauty of the countryside. Visit a family-run business, including a honey-bee farm, and indulge in honey tea and visit a coconut candy workshop. Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, cycle through the picturesque Tan Thach village, where you’ll have the opportunity to meet local villagers and experience daily life in the Mekong Delta. For those who prefer not to cycle, you can relax in a hammock and enjoy the cool breeze.

Afterward, return to Ho Chi Minh City. Dinner will be at your leisure, and you will overnight at the hotel.

PICK UP: 07:30 – 08:00 (The pick-up time may vary depending on your hotel's exact location).
RETURN: 15:00
ROUTE: HCMC – Cu Chi District – HCMC

ITINERARY:
Your day begins with a hotel pick-up, followed by a scenic bus ride of approximately one and a half hours to Cu Chi.

Upon arrival, you will receive a brief introduction and watch a short video detailing the history of the tunnels, how they were constructed, and how people survived under the harsh conditions during wartime.

Next, explore the fascinating tunnel system, which includes specially constructed living areas such as kitchens, bedrooms, storage rooms, weapons factories, field hospitals, and command centers – all designed to meet the basic needs of those living inside. You will also see hidden trap doors and dangerous traps that were strategically placed for security purposes during the war.

Afterward, enjoy a traditional snack of tea and cassava, a food commonly eaten by guerrillas during the war. There will also be a break for relaxation or an opportunity for those interested to try shooting a real gun.

Finally, return to Ho Chi Minh City, marking the end of your memorable trip.

On this day, you are free to relax and enjoy your leisure time until you are picked up and transferred to the airport (without a guide) for your departure flight.
Meals will be for your own account.
End of services.

Included:

  • Return flights from South Africa to Vietnam
  • Domestic airfare
  • All airport taxes
  • Accommodations based on twin/double/triple occupancy
  • Cruise based on twin/double/triple occupancy on a shared boat
  • Meals mentioned in the itinerary
  • Tours and sightseeing as per the itinerary
  • Transfers by vehicles with A/C
  • Boat trip(s) as mentioned in the itinerary
  • Tour guide(s) escort as per the itinerary (English-speaking guides)
  • Bottles of water on vehicles for tour days and transfers
  • E-Visa to Vietnam (Single entry)
Accommodation

Hanoi (4 Star) - Calista Hanoi Hotel

Ho Chi Minh (4 Star) - Adora Art Hotel

Halong Cruise - Cozy Bay Premium Cruise

 

Excluded:

  • Travel Insurance
  • Visas (not required for South Afircan Passport holders)
  • Vietnam visa pre-approval letter per nationality
  • Vietnam visa stamp fee (US$ 25 & 1 passport photo each person)
  • Meals not specified
  • Beverage
  • Peak season or Public holidays surcharge if any
  • Compulsory Gala dinner on Christmas or New Year if any
  • Optional excursions not specified
  • Items of personal nature

Rates are based on lowest fares.
Rates increase during the school and public holiday periods.
Please enquire for a quotation over the school holidays.

Prices are subject to change due to airfare increases, currency exchange, fluctuations and any unforeseen circumstances, without prior notice.