This morning your guide will take you on a brief walking tour of the fascinating Old Quarter of Hanoi, and Hoan Kiem Lake, followed by a visit some of Hanoi’s historical sites, including Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum (closed on Mondays & Fridays) and Ho Chi Minh’s house, as well as One Pillar Pagoda and the Temple of Literature. Afternoon is at leisure

This evening, visit perhaps Vietnam’s most famous performing art form, the Water puppet theatre for a one hour show. During a performance the puppets are directed by puppet masters who stand submerged in the water behind a screen and direct the puppets through the use of long sticks. Traditional musical instruments are used to accompany the story.

In the early morning, transfer from Hanoi to Halong Bay. Arriving in Halong, board a sailing Junk to discover this World Heritage site, known as the ‘land of 3000 islands’. Rising from the sea the islands offer a wealth of opportunity for the local people. Your visit includes exploring the beauty of this area up close. A delicious seafood lunch is included on board the boat (options available for those who do not like seafood – your guide will check with you locally).

On conclusion of your cruise, transfer back to Hanoi.

Transfer to airport to connect your onward flight

In the morning, you will be collected from your hotel and taken for an excursion to Cu Chi Tunnels.

One of the highlights of your Vietnamese holiday is bound to be your visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels, an amazing complex of underground bunkers about 40kms northwest of Ho Chi Minh City and near the Cambodian Border. The tunnel system was commenced in the 1940′s. During the US War, at one time the tunnels spread out for 350kms and were up to 7 metres deep. They served as shelter, storage facilities and a secret means of communication for the guerrilla army. An ingenious system of concealed entrances kept the occupants safe despite air attacks and many efforts to penetrate the tunnel complex.

This afternoon, proceed on a city tour of Ho Chi Minh (formerly Saigon) – a fast paced city with a unique mix of French colonial architecture, Chinese influences, a modern entrepreneurial spirit and numerous temples. On this tour, you will take in the highlights of Ho Chi Minh starting with an exploration of Saigon’s turbulent past with visits to the Reunification Palace (from outside) and the War Museum.
The tour continues to Ho Chi Minh’s finest examples of French colonial architecture with a visit to the Notre Dame cathedral and Post Office. Your Ho Chi Minh tour continues with a visit to Giac Lam Pagoda, the Cholon Chinese district. Tour concludes at the Ben Thanh market, practice your bargaining skills.

Today enjoy a full day excursion to Mekong Delta. Cai Be Floating Market is a famous place in Mekong Delta; here the Tien River forms the border between Tien Giang, Vinh Long and Ben Tre Provinces. Every day, approximately 400 -500 boats filled with fruits, vegetables and other products anchor along the banks of the river, waiting for traders and customers. The merchandise sold in each boat is hung on a high pole in front of the boat as a sample to attract customers from a distance.

Depart Saigon for a scenic morning drive to Cai Be, stopping enroute at the ornate Cao Dai Temple in Ben Luc. From Cai Be, take a boat trip along the mighty Mekong River and its tributaries to view the daily lives of people who work and play on the waterways of the Mekong Delta. The trip includes a visit to the unique “floating” market at Cai Be, and to a family-run business producing rice paper – a key ingredient in Vietnamese cuisine. Lunch is on an island mid-river, in a local house set amongst fruit orchards and bonsai trees and then followed by a performance of traditional Vietnamese music. Return to Saigon in late afternoon.