VFTIN-04: HANOI – HALONG BAY OVERNIGHT ON CRUISE – HO CHI MINH CITY

Pick you up at Noi Bai International Airport (Flight TBA). Transfer to Hanoi Downtown. Hanoi is Vietnam’s capital, a stylish and gracious city that retains an unique old world charm and some of Asia's most striking colonial architecture, many peaceful lakes, parks and oriental temples making for a relaxing atmosphere.
Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Enjoy the architectural and historical aspects of Uncle Ho’s final resting-place. Just next door is Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts. Lying to one side of the Mausoleum is the One Pillar Pagoda, founded by King Ly Thai To in 1049. The structure has become an important symbol for the people of Hanoi. Then visit to Tran Quoc (One of the oldest pagodas in Vietnam) & Van Nien pagoda _the thousand-year-old pagoda considered one of the most famous ones in the old capital of Thang Long, both pagodas are on the shores of West lake. This pagoda dates from the 11th century and is said to protect this region from outside invaders. Continue to visit the Temple of Literature (Quoc Tu Giam), Vietnam’s first university constructed in 1070, its gardens and well-preserved architecture offer a relaxing glimpse into Vietnam’s past. Here we will also have a chance to see a traditional music performance.
Have dinner at a local restaurant.
O/N at hotel in Hanoi.

ABF at hotel.
08.00-08.30: Driver and guide will pick you up at your hotel for 3 ½ hour drive to Halong. Arrive at Halong board. Lunch is served with a welcome drink while the boat is cruising the bay to enjoy the beautiful limestone seascape with Fighting cock, Dog Rock and Incense Burner. After visiting Amazing Cave, we stop at a floating house and go kayaking to Luon cave to enjoy the quiet atmosphere of the bay. Fresh fruit platter will be served followed by a dinner. Overnight on board. (Kayaking: 1.5hrs) 

Sunrise breakfast and cruise around the clear & emerald water to another part of Halong bay with a close up view of stunning limestone peaks such as Drum cave, Man's head Islet…. Heading to Van Gia fishing village, you will have the opportunity to understand more about the fishermen's daily life. Having lunch on board with a variety of local foods, enjoying the rest of the boat trip before back to Halong dock. Have a short break before en route to Hanoi.

ABF at hotel.
Leave Ho Chi Minh City for Cu Chi tunnels.
On your way, you will pass by paddy fields. Here you will have the opportunity to meet villagers and witness how rice paper is made. Explore the amazing labyrinth of tunnels used by the guerrillas during the war. 
Lunch will be served at a local restaurant. 
Transfer back to Ho Chi Minh City and start the trip for visiting Reunification palace which was the residence of the President of South Vietnam until end of the war in April 1975. Continue seeing some impressive French colonial structures including Notre Dame Cathedral, the Old Central Post Office & XQ embroidery workshop. After visiting the City Hall, take a break-time at Ben Thanh Market or SaiGon Square shopping central where anything and everything are for sales. 
Enjoy dinner at one of the best local restaurants. 
O/N at hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.