Vietnam History Tours

On arrival at Tan San Nhat Airport, you are met and transferred to hotel. Ho Chi Minh City is a center of commerce, finance, culture and tourism in Vietnam. This bustling metropolis, contradiction of its northern counterpart, is crowded with motorbikes and cars, excited by numerous shopping area and sidewalk cafés. (If time permits) we stroll around the down town to explore the different local ways of life. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

The head quarter of Cao Dai sect is located in Tay Ninh. This religion was founded in 1923 and now numbers over 2 million members. After breakfast we travel by roads to Tay Ninh to see the ornate temple of Cao Dai and attend the fantastic mid-day service when the followers fill the hall wearing colored robes, a symbol of the curious combination of the Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism. Afterwards we continue to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, which were an incredible underground network constructed by Vietnamese fighters during the long struggle for independence. The tunnels contained hospitals, plus accommodation and schools, and were used as a military base for the Vietcong in the American war. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Heading out of the town, we travel by roads to the Mekong Delta, Vietnam's largest rice bowl. On arrival in My Tho we embark on a boat navigating around the intricate small canals in the delta region, which is a great way to observe the local lifestyle close-up and catch a view dotted by many islands. The exciting excursion will pass the lush green vegetation before arriving at the famous Unicorn Island. Here we have opportunities to stroll around an orchard, taste many seasonal fruits and enjoy wonderful traditional music.

The next stop of our trip is Ben Tre Province to visit some fascinating local industries. After feasting on a huge lunch we return to Ho Chi Minh, stopping off along the way to see the beautiful Ving Trang Pagoda and the Cho Lon, Saigon's Chinatown, which is crammed with sacred temples and mysterious, narrow lanes. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Today we spend a half day seeing some major sights of the city. We pass the now-demolished wartime American Embassy before we visit the Reunification Palace which was the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until end of April 1975, and some French colonial structures including the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Old Sai Gon Post Office. After seeing the Jade Emperor Pagoda and the War Remnant Museum, we continue our trip on to the bustling Ben Thanh Market where anything and everything is for sale!. The next stop of our trip is Danang via a short flight from Ho Chi Minh. On arrival you are greeted and driven to Hoian, which was originally a Cham seaport but has been influenced down centuries by a myriad of traders from various cultures. Overnight in Hoi An.

The ancient architecture of Hoian is a fascinating combination of Vietnamese traditional characters with Chinese and Japanese influence. There are plenty to see in this delightful and tranquil town, some of which are the famous Japanese Covered Bridges, the Pottery Museum, the 200 years old Tam Ky House, the Chua Ong Pagoda, the vibrant market. We visit these on our morning walking tour past many low tiled houses scattered along the small streets and assembly halls which reflect the town's multi-cultural past. Upon leaving Hoian, we drive north to Hue. Along the way, we make stopover at the sensational Marble Mountains, the China Beach and Danang City for a visit to the Cham Museum. We then follow the road crossing over the scenic Hai Van Pass before arriving in Hue, Vietnam's last imperial capital of Vietnam. Overnight in Hue.

After breakfast we embark on a boat for cruise upstream on the Perfume River which also gives us a taste of the scenic countryside as well as an enjoyable visit to The beautiful pagoda of Thien Mu. Upon leaving this symbol of Hue we continue navigating to the mausoleum of Emperor Minh Mang, in a tranquil setting of gardens and lakes. The next stop of our trip is the elaborate royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc and the famous pagoda of Tu Hieu. On return to the city, we then take a walk to the bustling Dong Ba Market and pass many fantastic eating spots where visitors have a chance to sample some local delicacies. Overnight at in Hue.

The massive citadel of Hue, containing the Imperial City and the Purple Forbidden City, is not to be missed. This royal residence was all but destroyed during the 1968 Tet Offensive, however it is still fascinating to walk among the ruins. We visit this masterpiece and have free time to explore the town before boarding a short flight to north. On arrival in Hanoi, we embark on a three and half hour drive to Halong, truly one of Vietnam's most scenic impressive sights. Along the way we will have chance to make stop as you please, to stretch your legs and take pictures. Overnight in Halong.

The wondrous Halong Bay is truly one of Vietnam's most impressive scenic sights. Heading out of the town we embark on a boat for an exploration of the legendary Halong Bay. This exciting five hour cruise will provide us 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 karst formations are littered with beaches, grottoes and beautiful caves. Along the way we will anchor for a leisurely swim in a secluded cove and an enjoyable visit to one of the many hidden grottoes beneath towering cliffs. After a seafood lunch on board we return to Ha Noi, stopping en route at Dong Trieu pottery village. Overnight in Hanoi.

Today we enjoy a full day city tour starting with the Ho Chi Minh Complex. This famous site contains the mausoleum of the nation's founder Ho Chi Minh, the Presidential Palace and the Ho Chi Minh's house on stilts. Close to this complex is the One Pillar Pagoda, whose origins date back to the foundation of city. We follow this with the Temple of Literature, which is well known as the first university of Vietnam and the impressive Ethnologic Museum, dedicated to Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups. The beautiful West Lake and the History Museum with an excellent collection of artifacts illustrating the Vietnamese history are also highlight of our trip. We visit these sights before continuing to the peaceful lake of Hoan Kiem. In front of this lake is the famous water puppet theatre where we will see a fantastic performance.
Overnight in Hanoi.

There is a free time for you to relax or further explore Ha Noi. The trip ends after your transfer to Noi Bai Airport for departure. End of the tour.