2027 VFTA–18: HANOI – HO CHI MINH CITY

Halong Bay (+ Hạ Long, literally: "descending dragon bay") is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a popular travel destination, located in Quang Ninh province, Vietnam. Halong Bay has an area of around 1,553 km2, including 1,960–2,000 islets, most of which are limestone. 
Ha Long Bay was recognized by UNESCO twice as world natural heritage. First time on December 17th, 1994, Ha Long Bay was recognized for aesthetic value. On December 2nd, 2000, the Bay was recognized for the value of geology, geomorphology. Moreover, Ha Long bay has just been announced in list of top seven new natural world’s wonders by New7Worlder Organization. Visitors have constantly marveled at Halong Bay natural beauty. The tiny islands are dotted with innumerable beaches and caves created by the wind and the waves that make an excellent backdrop for swimming or just lazing about on the boat deck.
ABF at hotel.
08.00-08.30: Pick up at your hotel. Enjoy the interesting 3.5-hour drive to Halong city. Arrive in Halong city. Lunch. Then take a boat trip about 4hrs journey. Cruise through the emerald waters between the limestone outcrops and long corridors, visit Thien Cung Cave and floating village. Back to Halong city where the driver will be waiting for you to take you back to Hanoi. 20.30 Arrive in Hanoi.
O/N at hotel in Hanoi.

8.00: 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 and the structure has become an important symbol for the people of Hanoi. Continue to visit the Buddhist Tran Quoc Pagoda on West lake (One of the oldest in Vietnam). Continue to visit the Temple of Literature, 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.

ABF at hotel.
AM: HCM City.
We start the trip by visiting Notre Dame Cathedral, the historic Central Post Office, followed by exploring the Reunification Palace, and the remarkable site of the War Remnants Museum, take break time at Ben Thanh Market.
Enjoy lunch at one of the best restaurants.
PM: Cu Chi Tunnels.
Located 60km from HCMC, Cu Chi is now a popular spot for both Vietnamese & foreign tourists - the network of over 200km of tunnels became legendary when they played a vital role in the War. In their heyday, the tunnels were functioning underground cities including numerous trap doors, specially constructed living areas, storage facilities, weapons factories, field hospitals, command centers & kitchens.
Today, ducks and water buffalos happily co-exist in the rivers along the side of the road. However, the peaceful rural rice paddy scenery belies the area’s violent history. Visitors will find it hard to imagine the destruction, damage & defoliation over this whole area, caused by bombing and mines. There is plenty of evidence of the fierce battle that took place here during the 1960s when Cu Chi was a "Free Target Zone".
Start our tour in the morning, before entering the tunnels, visitors can watch a short introductory video showing how the tunnels were constructed. You will spend the next hour exploring the tunnels. Afterwards, enjoy tea, cassava (guerrilla’s food during the war). Return to Saigon. 
O/N at hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

ABF at hotel.
HCM – My Tho – Ben Tre – HCM (start 8.00 – return 17.00).
Enjoy the scenic journey along the National Highway bordered by green rice fields.  
After arriving at My Tho, visit Vinh Trang pagoda, 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 An Khanh – a less touristy attraction in 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. 
Visit a family business which epitomizes the idyllic rural lifestyle, taste the delicious coconut candy & observe the pastoral life as you roam through the fruit plantation and village. Meet the driver and return to HCMC. This trip provides a fascinating insight into daily life in the Mekong Delta and you are guaranteed to take home your own private collection of beautiful memories.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.