DAY 1: HO CHI MINH CITY ARRIVAL
Xin Chào! Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City! Known affectionately as Saigon by its locals, Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam’s largest, liveliest city. Once you have collected your luggage at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, say hello to the local guide and transfer to your hotel in the city center. Spend the day at leisure resting or discovering the city independently, sampling high-end cocktails from glamorous rooftop bars or sitting down at any number of incredible restaurants with carefully curated menus of the day.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
DAY 2: CU CHI TUNNELS & OLD SAIGON (B,L)
Today’s all about history, and what better way to learn than with a half-day tour of Cu Chi Tunnels, an incredible underground tunnel network constructed by Vietcong guerrillas during the Vietnam American War. Hear the tales of how these tunnels were built and visit two sections of the tunnel where it is still possible to crawl inside to experience first-hand what life was like living underground. Afterwards, return to the center of Ho Chi Minh City in time to enjoy a late lunch at a local restaurant.
After lunch, explore old Saigon with a walking tour of its most iconic buildings, starting with the Reunification Hall, formally called the Presidential Palace. Then, take a stroll in Ho Chi Minh City’s colonial quarter, walking past scenes of everyday life on the way, admiring the beautiful architecture of the City Hall, Notre Dame Cathedral, Saigon Opera, and the Old Saigon Post Office.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
DAY 3: DAY TRIP TO MEKONG DELTA (B,L)
Leave the hustle and bustle of Saigon and transfer by private van to the lush countryside and floating world of the Mekong Delta. Start with a visit of Cai Be floating market, followed by a cruise to Tan Phong Island where you can cycle through small villages on the island. Ride along the pathways and visit local families making traditional products such as handicraft items made from water hyacinth, palm leaf roofs, and hammocks spun together with coconut fibers.
Then, sit down for a lunch filled with Mekong Delta specialties in a typical orchard. Make sure to take a walk around the orchard, sipping cups of tea while listening to traditional music (đờn ca tài tử) in an ancient house. Return to the boat and continue cruising, witnessing everyday life in the region passing by while sampling local fresh fruits. You’ll make stops at local family-run businesses producing rice wine, pop rice, coconut candy, and rice paper, with the final visit at a brick kiln to observe how bricks are made in a traditional style.
Disembark the cruise at Vinh Long City and return to Ho Chi Minh City in the early evening.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
DAY 4: HO CHI MINH CITY DEPARTURE (B)
Enjoy the morning at leisure until check out at noon, transferring to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your upcoming travel arrangements.