Vietnam Through The Lens Of War - Historical Journey 11 Days

Upon your arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, our friendly tour guide will be there to greet you. After a warm welcome, you will be transferred to your hotel in the center of the city for check-in. 

NOTE: 

• Should you have any difficulty finding your guide at the airport, feel free to contact your travel consultant for help.
• Please keep in mind that check-in time is from 14:00. If you wish to check in earlier, this can be arranged for an additional fee; kindly contact your travel consultant to make the necessary arrangements.

Today is a full day of exploring Hanoi's illustrious history. In the morning, you will start with a visit to the imposing Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, a grand marble structure where the revered leader lies in state. Nearby, make your way to Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House, where he lived from 1958 to 1969. A short ride will then bring you toOne Pillar Pagoda, an iconic 11th-century Buddhist temple, originally constructed in 1049 under Emperor Ly Thai Tong and later reconstructed after being destroyed during the First Indochina War in 1954.

Next, you will head to the famous Hanoi Hilton, known as Hanoi Prisonby American POWs, a site where American pilots were detained during the war. Here, you will gain a deeper understanding of the trials and experiences of those held captive. 

You continue your journey by visiting sites tied to harrowing events of the December 1972 B-52 bombing of Hanoi, including Kham Thien Street and B-52 Memorial Lake. Along the way, you will stop at Downed Aircraft Memorial, marking the spot where U.S. Navy pilot John McCain was shot down on October 26, 1967, during a bombing mission.

After this enriching exploration, it is time to enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant before we take you back to your hotel.

Morning

After breakfast, our driver will pick you up at 08:00 and transfer you to the cruise port in Halong Bay. On arrival, the cruise staff will assist you with the check-in process to ensure a smooth start to your adventure.

Around noon, you will be welcomed on board with a refreshing drink. Once you have settled in, the crew will provide a brief introduction to the cruise and important safety instructions. As the ship sails into the serene and secluded areas of the bay, you can relax and enjoy a delightful lunch onboard.

Afternoon

In the afternoon, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of Halong Bay. You can take part in exciting activities such as swimming in the emerald waters or exploring hidden caves by kayak. 

Afterward, you will return to the cruise for a Vietnamese cooking class, where you will learn how to prepare traditional spring rolls. For those who prefer a more relaxing experience, unwinding with a cocktail on the sundeck during the Happy Hour program to take advantage of a "Buy 1 Get 1 Free" offer is a good idea.

Evening

As evening falls, a yummy dinner will be served at the cruise restaurant, offering a selection of local and international dishes. Following that, you can enjoy a range of onboard entertainment, including board games, squid fishing, and night movies, or visit the bar and karaoke lounge for a fun-filled evening.

NOTE:

• The tour guide will not accompany you on the cruise; however, the crew, fluent in English, will assist you.
• You may be transferred to a smaller boat (tender) to explore more remote areas.
• The exact itinerary may vary depending on the specific Halong Bay cruise.

Morning

On Day 4 of your journey, begin the morning with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck of your cruise. This enables you to embrace the calmness of the bay with mindful breathing and gentle movements. If you prefer, you may choose to sleep in and enjoy a later breakfast. 

After that, the cruise will take you to explore another breathtaking part of Halong Bay. Then, you return to the ship and check out. As the cruise sails back to the port, you can enjoy a delectable brunch on board, savoring the last moments of this beautiful setting. 

At noon, your driver will be waiting to take you back to Hanoi. 

Afternoon

Once you come to the Old Quarter, you will have some free time to relax and unwind before we transport you to the airport for your flight to Hue.

Upon your arrival in Hue, our driver will welcome you and escort you to your hotel for check-in, where you can rest and prepare for the exciting days ahead.

Morning

The following day, you will kick off with a07:30 departure from your hotel in Hue to Quang Tri province.

Your first stop will be Khe Sanh, a renowned ancient battlefield where US Marines fiercely clashed with the North Vietnamese Army. You will have the opportunity to explore the area and gain deep insights into the historical significance of the battle that took place here.

After Khe Sanh, the tour continues to The Rockpile, a strategic hilltop once used by the US Marines for surveillance during the war. This is a 230-meter-high limestone hill used by U.S. Marines as a forward observation post from 1966 to 1968. Due to its steep cliffs, it was accessible only by helicopter, serving as a critical surveillance point for U.S. forces monitoring enemy movements along the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).

From there, you will proceed to the Ho Chi Minh Trail, the vital network of roads that the North Vietnamese Army utilized to transport troops and supplies throughout the war. Here, you will learn about the trail's role in the war effort. 

Your fourth stop isTa Con Airfield, a former airbase of the US Air Force. While here, do not forget to spend time witnessing the remnants of the airfield, including abandoned planes and helicopters that were left behind. 

At 12:00, you will have a tasty lunch at a local restaurant, where you will eat authentic Vietnamese dishes before continuing your exploration. 

Afternoon

Going on your schedule, you will pass theBen Hai River, the official demarcation line between North and South Vietnam from 1954 to 1975 under the Geneva Accords. Here, our guide will provide amazing, untold details about the location.

Later on, you will pay a visit to Vinh Moc Tunnels, an extensive underground network where 600 villagers lived for six years (1966 - 1972) to escape relentless U.S. bombing raids. This stop brings a unique opportunity to walk through the tunnels and learn about the difficult yet resilient life of the villagers at that time. 

Finally, your tour will take you to Quang Tri Citadel. On this historically significant site, you can observe traces of past conflicts and pay tribute to the soldiers who gave their lives in defense of the homeland and the unity of the country.

After a full day of exploration, your journey will conclude with a return to your hotel in Hue, arriving around16:30.

Morning

At 08:00 - 08:15, you will get picked up from your hotel and transferred to the boat station. From08:30 to 11:30, you can enjoy a peaceful trip along the Perfume River, during the Vietnam War, the river became a strategic front line during the 1968 Tet Offensive

You will stop to see Thien Mu Pagoda, the tallest pagoda in Vietnam. This special structure is deeply rooted in local folklore and is considered the symbol of Hue.

Next, the tour will bring you to theImperial Citadel of Hue, a vast and magnificent complex that stretches over 520 hectares. It is one of the largest historical places in Vietnam, housing many impressive buildings and monuments that present a look into the grandeur of the Nguyen Dynasty.

After exploring Citadel, you will travel to Dong Ba Market, Hue’s oldest and biggest market. This was a center of guerrilla activities during the war. The market was severely damaged in the 1968 Tet Offensive, but it was later rebuilt. Here, you can wander across colorful stalls with a wide array of goods, from local handicrafts and fresh produce to distinctive regional specialties.

Afternoon

From 12:00 to 12:30, the half-day city tour comes to an end, and you will be dropped back at your hotel.

In the afternoon, you will gather with your driver around14:30 - 15:00 and keep your trip going by embarking on a scenic transfer to Da Nang.

Morning

Our guide will pick you up from your hotel in Da Nang between 07:45 and 08:00 and drive you to Ba Na Hills.

Your adventure starts off as you arrive at Suoi Mo Cable Car Station, where you will board a cable car for a ride with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. While making your way to Marseille Station, you will be treated to spectacular vistas that will leave you in awe.

Once at Marseille Station, you will step out to admire the world-famous Golden Bridge, a pedestrian bridge held up by two giant stone hands. The bridge provides visitors with panoramic views of the lush forests and hills that encompass the area.

After taking in the beauty of the Golden Bridge, you will head over to Le Jardin D'amour garden with thousands of flowers. It is the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll and some relaxation in nature's tranquillity. 

Following this, you will visitLinh Ung Pagoda, a Buddhist temple known for its towering statue of the Goddess of Mercy, where you can reflect and appreciate the serenity of the place.

After all those things, it is time to sit down and enjoy a sumptuous lunch at a local Vietnamese buffet restaurant offering more than 70 culinary items. From local specialties to classic flavors, there is something for everyone to sample.

Afternoon

Then, have your time to immerse yourself in fun and excitement atFantasy Park, an amusement park that promises thrilling rides, games, and attractions for visitors of all ages. Whether you are an adventure-seeker or like something more relaxed, the park has a wide range of activities for the whole family to enjoy.

Your day concludes with a visit toKing Peak, where you will admire a breathtaking view of Ba Na Hills from an altitude of 1,487 meters. From this vantage point, you will experience the beauty of the landscape like never before.

In the end, you will return toCable Car Station and make your way back to the Gateway. After a day full of awe-inspiring sights and experiences, our guide will move you back to your hotel.

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

On this day, you will take a morning flight from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City. As you ascend into the sky, take a moment to enjoy stunning aerial views of the beach city below. 

Once you are in Ho Chi Minh City, our driver will be present to welcome and transfer you to your hotel. After check-in, you will have plenty of time to relax and recharge, getting ready for new, exciting schedules.

Morning

At 08:00, you will be picked up from your accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City, then take on a 2-hour drive toCu Chi Tunnels. As you travel, you will enjoy peaceful views of the countryside. Cu Chi Tunnels, a hidden base for the army, were used for shelter, storage, and as an essential supply route. Originally built during the First Indochina War (1946 - 1954) against the French, the tunnels were later expanded to become a stronghold against American forces in the 1960s.

Before exploring them, you will watch a short film that provides an overview of how they were constructed and utilized. You will then have the opportunity to navigate the vast underground network of tunnels and marvel at the complex design. Afterward, you will enjoy a light lunch featuring delicious regional specialties.

Afternoon

Following lunch, you will be back in Ho Chi Minh City for a fascinating city tour. You will start by visiting the Old Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral, two key landmarks of French colonial architecture. Notre Dame Cathedral, completed in 1877, is the largest Catholic church in Vietnam, while Old Post Office, built in the 19th century, showcases impressive Renaissance-style design.

Later on, you will approach Reunification Palace, which played a pivotal role in ending the Vietnam War. On April 30, 1975, North Vietnamese tanks crashed through its gates, marking the official fall of Saigon and the unification of Vietnam. Take your time to explore the palace and snap some unforgettable photos. 

Your tour proceeds with a move to the War Remnants Museum, a powerful and sobering exhibition that highlights the devastating effects of the war. This museum is part of the Museums for World Peace network, offering exhibits on Agent Orange, napalm bombings, and the My Lai Massacre.

Last but not least, you will get to explore Ben Thanh Market, a bustling and vibrant market that has been a symbol of Saigon since the 17th century. Here, you can shop for unique souvenirs to take home, ranging from local handicrafts to tasty treats.

After the tour, you will return to your hotel to relax.

NOTE: The Notre Dame Cathedral is currently closed for renovation.

Morning

Your first destination for today is the Ap Bac Battle Site, where you can get to know the important events of the battle that took place during the Vietnam War.

Subsequently, you will go to My Tho, a town that played a strategic role in the U.S. Brown Water Navy operations. Here, you will have the chance to embark on a boat cruise along the river, taking in the verdant landscapes that define this area.

During the cruise, you will make a short stop at a local handicraft workshop, where you can see the artistry of products made from coconut trees. The next place to call on this tour is a local house. From there, you will have a sip of tea and sample delicious, homegrown fruits, getting a sense of Vietnamese hospitality.

Afternoon

After lunch, you will come back to Ho Chi Minh City and visit two fascinating historical sites, the Secret Ammunitions Bunker and War Museum, to gain deeper insights into the impact of war on the country. 

There is a nice way to round off the day. It is to engage in an hour-long conversation with a Vietnam War veteran (subject to availability). This will give you a personal perspective on the experiences of those who lived through these pivotal moments in history.

On your final day in Vietnam, take some time to lie down and reflect on your journey through this wonderful country. Enjoy the last moments of your holiday in Ho Chi Minh City before you officially say goodbye to Vietnam. 

If you wish to make the most of your last day, why not take a leisurely stroll around the city or explore a nearby spot? Our travel consultant is happy to arrange a half-day tour for you, ensuring your final experience is just as memorable. 

However, please remember to return to your hotel before12:00 for check-out. Then, you will be moved to the airport for your departure.