Tastes of Vietnam 7 Days 3 Star | Private Tour Saigon and Hanoi

About this boat trip in Ho Chi Minh City

• Live guideEnglish
• Duration7 days
• CancellationModerate policy
• Pick-upHotel pick-up available
• Activity levelEasy

• Food on board
• Private boat

Timeline: how the party goes

1. 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

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

   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 

   Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

   
   

3. 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.

4. 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.

   
   

5. 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

6. 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.

   
   

7. 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.

   
   

What’s included

Good to know before you go

• Footwear: comfortable walking shoes or sandals.
• Medication: any personal medication or medical supplies you may need.
• Electronics: phone, charger, power bank, and camera (optional).
• Cash: small local currency for personal expenses, as card payment may not be available.
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Not stroller accessible
• Not suitable for pets
• Infant seats unavailable
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Frequently asked questions