Vietnam War History & Scenic Heritage Tour 8 days

On Day 1, your adventure begins with a warm welcome from our tour guide at the airport. Afterward, you will be transferred to your hotel in Hanoi City for check-in. You will have time to rest and prepare for the exciting journey ahead.

The check-in time at the hotel is at 14:00. However, if you prefer to settle in earlier, an early check-in option is available for an additional fee. Simply contact your travel consultant in advance to arrange this. Once you have checked in, you will be ready to unwind and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Hanoi.

On Day 2, you will embark on a fascinating half-day tour of Hanoi's rich history, starting with the grand Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. This imposing marble structure houses the revered leader's tomb. You will also visit his wooden stilt house, where he lived, then head to the charming One Pillar Pagoda, built in 1049, which remains an iconic Buddhist landmark, symbolizing enlightenment and resilience.

Next, we will head to the infamous "Hanoi Hilton" - the nickname for the Hoa Lo Prison. Originally built by the French in 1896 to imprison Vietnamese revolutionaries, it later housed captured American pilots, including John McCain, during the Vietnam War.

Your afternoon will then take you to significant war sites, including Kham Thien Street and the B-52 Memorial Lake. At the Downed Aircraft Memorial, you may reflect on the dramatic events surrounding Senator John McCain's capture during the 1972 B-52 bombing campaign.

After a fulfilling day, enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant before heading back to your hotel. Later, you will board an overnight train to Dong Hoi.

Morning

At 08:00, your driver will pick you up for a journey to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, home to some of the world’s most spectacular cave systems. Travel along the Ho Chi Minh Trail, a critical supply route during the Vietnam War, which played a vital role in transporting troops and equipment between North and South Vietnam despite relentless U.S. bombings.

Once there, you will go off a boat ride down the Son River toward the globally renowned Phong Nha Cave, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The scene around you will be quite enchanted as you float down the river. Each exhibiting distinctive formations of stalactites and stalagmites, you will tour the Bi Ky Chamber, the captivating Fairy Lady, and the Royal Palace. You can feel as though you have entered a secret universe in which millennia of creation by nature have molded its own masterpieces.

You will return to the dock following your boat trip for a great lunch at a nearby eatery. This would be the ideal moment to unwind and savor real Vietnamese cuisine while basking in the serene surroundings.

Afternoon

The adventure carries on in the afternoon, at 13:30, with a visit to Paradise Cave, the biggest cave complex in the globe. The enormous rooms and breathtaking structures of this "Underground Heaven" will astound you. You will then go back to Dong Hoi and spend the remaining day relaxing.

Morning

Your day begins at 08:00 when our driver shows up to whisk you on a poignant trip to the Vinh Moc Tunnels, a remarkable underground network built by villagers between 1966 and 1967 to escape relentless U.S. bombings. Discovering the tunnels will help you to appreciate the resiliency of the local people.

You will then visit the Hien Luong Bridge and Ben Hai River, the historic demarcation line between North and South Vietnam from 1954 to 1975. Perched on the bridge, you could sense the weight of past events and the hardships formerly separating this stunning nation.

Afternoon

Lunch will be presented at a nearby restaurant, allowing you to savor some quite good Vietnamese cuisine. We shall then keep on our path to La Vang Cathedral, the largest Catholic pilgrimage site in Vietnam, known for the miraculous apparition of the Virgin Mary in 1798. You will remember the magnificent architecture and quiet surroundings of the basilica.

In the late afternoon, we will drive to Hue, a city that bore witness to one of the war’s most intense battles - the Tet Offensive of 1968. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy a restful evening in Hue City, preparing for the next leg of your historical journey.

Morning

Day 5 will start your journey in Hue between 08:00 and 08:15 when your local tour guide picks you up from your accommodation. You will appreciate the stunning views of Hue as you drive throughout the city; soon, you will be on your way to the boat station to start your adventure along the Perfume River.

Your first destination will be the Thien Mu Pagoda. At 08:30, you will board a boat for a picturesque journey along the Perfume River. Offering a calm environment and rich history that will enthrall you, this seven-story pagoda is among Vietnam's most remarkable and ancient monuments. As you go to this famous location, the perspectives from the boat will likewise be quite amazing.

You will then see the Imperial Citadel, where you will become engrossed in the intriguing Nguyen Dynasty past. Later on, you will tour Long An Palace, the primary museum exhibit venue - formerly the royal palace. Here you will find interesting relics and studies about Vietnam's imperial past.

Visit Dong Ba Market, Hue’s largest and most historic marketplace, which played a crucial role during the Tet Offensive of 1968. As one of the key battlegrounds in Hue, the market and its surroundings witnessed intense fighting between North Vietnamese forces and U.S.-backed South Vietnamese troops.

Afternoon

Lunch will be presented at a nearby eatery so you may savor great Vietnamese cuisine. Visit the calm Tu Duc Tomb and Khai Dinh Tomb in the afternoon to appreciate the architecture and consider the emperors' legacies. At 17:00 you will go back to the Tourist Information Centre to finish your day.

Morning

You will meet your tour guide in the lobby after breakfast and check out from your hotel. Then, begin your journey with a comfortable drive toward Hue.

Along the way, enjoy the scenic landscapes of central Vietnam as you travel along National Highway 01, taking in the peaceful countryside and coastal views.

You will then head to Lang Co Beach, well-known for its clean seas and soft white sand beaches. With a water depth of less than one meter, the beach is safe and appealing for swimming. A wonderful place for leisure is also the quiet sea wind and pleasant waters that average around 25°C during the swimming season.

Afternoon

Continue to Son Tra Peninsula, where you will visit Linh Ung Pagoda, home to Vietnam’s tallest Guan Yin statue (67m). During the war, Son Tra was an important U.S. radar base, and remnants of wartime operations can still be seen atop the mountain.

Proceed to Marble Mountains, a former Vietnamese soldiers hideout and field hospital during the war. These five limestone hills, named after the five elements, house ancient caves and Buddhist shrines, with hidden tunnels used as shelters.

At last, you will be returned to your Da Nang hotel. Your respect for this breathtaking area will grow as today has been full of natural beauty and cultural treasures.

Morning

At 07:45-08:00, you will be picked up from your hotel in Da Nang and begin your journey to the stunning Ba Na Hills. As you make your way to the Suoi Mo Cable Car Station, you will be excited to start your adventure. The cable car ride offers you incredible panoramic views of the mountains, setting the perfect tone for the day ahead.

Upon arrival at Marseille Station, you will be greeted by the world-renowned Golden Bridge. Supported by two massive stone hands, this pedestrian bridge offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and forests. You will likely feel awe-struck as you take in the beauty of this architectural marvel, making it the perfect spot for a few photos.

Next, you will explore Jardin D’Amour, a tranquil garden brimming with vibrant flowers, fountains, and sculptures. This peaceful spot invites you to take a leisurely stroll and soak in the serene atmosphere. Afterward, you may visit the Linh Ung Pagoda, home to a stunning statue of the Goddess of Mercy, where you can take a moment to reflect and appreciate the calm.

Afternoon

After all the sightseeing, a delicious lunch awaits at a Vietnamese buffet with over 70 local specialties. You will have the chance to savor authentic Vietnamese flavors before heading to Fantasy Park for a fun-filled afternoon. Whether you’re into thrilling rides or more relaxed activities, you will find something exciting to enjoy before the day ends.

NOTE: The ticket includes round-trip cable car rides as well as visits to impressive landmarks such as the Golden Bridge, Fantasy Park, and Moon Castle (apart from the wax museum, Debay wine cellar, and several games).

This morning, you will have breakfast at your hotel, allowing you to enjoy one last meal in Da Nang. Afterward, you will pack your luggage and take in the final moments of the city before your departure.

Depending on your flight time, our driver will transfer you to the airport for your onward journey. Hotel check-out time is 12:00, if you prefer a little more time, you might be able to arrange a late check-out with a small surcharge.