Japan (9 Nights)

After being picked up by our guide, you’ll embark on an immersive exploration of Hanoi City. The day begins with a visit to Tran Quoc Pagoda, located on Golden Fish Island in West Lake. As the oldest pagoda in Hanoi, dating back to the 6th century, this tranquil site offers a glimpse into the city’s ancient spiritual heritage. From there, the tour continues to the Ho Chi Minh Complex, where you’ll have the opportunity to view the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh, the revered leader of Vietnam. A leisurely stroll around the surrounding garden will lead you to the two houses where he lived and worked from 1954 to 1969, providing insight into his life and leadership. You’ll also visit the One Pillar Pagoda, an architectural marvel and one of the most unique pagodas in the world, dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy.

When visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, temples, and pagodas, it is important to dress modestly by covering your shoulders and knees as a sign of respect. Note that the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed on Mondays and Fridays, and for annual maintenance between June 15th and August 15th. During this time, you can still take photos around the mausoleum and explore the surrounding area. The next stop on your journey is the Vietnam Ethnology Museum, where you can discover the rich cultures of the 54 ethnic groups that call Vietnam home. (On Mondays, we’ll visit the Women’s Museum instead, offering an in-depth look into the role and contributions of women in Vietnamese society.)

Afterward, you’ll enjoy a delicious Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant, where you can sample a variety of traditional dishes, giving you a true taste of Hanoi’s culinary scene. In the afternoon, you’ll visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, established in the 11th century, which is an iconic symbol of the nation’s dedication to education and scholarship. The tour will then take you to the Hoa Lo Prison Museum, originally used by French colonists to imprison political prisoners and later known as the “Hanoi Hilton” when it held American POWs during the Vietnam War.

As the day winds down, the tour concludes with a transfer back to your hotel, where you can unwind and enjoy an overnight stay in Hanoi, reflecting on the rich history and vibrant culture you’ve encountered throughout the day.

After checking out from your hotel in Hanoi, your journey to Halong Bay begins with a scenic drive through the Vietnamese countryside. The road from Hanoi to Halong Bay takes you past charming villages, lush greenery, and serene landscapes, offering a glimpse into rural life before reaching the coast. Upon arrival at Tuan Chau Marina in Halong Bay, you will be welcomed by the cruise staff and guided onto your ship. After checking in, you’ll have time to settle into your cabin and take in the beautiful surroundings before the cruise departs. As the boat sets sail, you’ll be greeted with panoramic views of the emerald waters and towering limestone islands that Halong Bay is famous for.

The first part of the day will be spent cruising through the bay, passing by some of the most iconic rock formations, like the Dog Rock, Duck Rock, and the famous Thumb Rock. The cruise offers ample opportunities for relaxation, photography, and enjoying the natural beauty of the UNESCO World Heritage site. After a leisurely afternoon of exploration and sightseeing, you’ll enjoy a delicious seafood dinner served on board, accompanied by a stunning sunset over the bay. As night falls, you’ll anchor in a peaceful area, where you can enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of Halong Bay under the stars.

Whether you choose to unwind on the deck, join in a cultural activity, or simply relax in your cabin, the evening promises a serene and unforgettable experience. Overnight on the cruise, surrounded by the natural beauty of Halong Bay, you’ll drift off to sleep with the sounds of the gentle waves lapping against the boat, ready to wake up to another day of adventure.

n the morning, you’ll be picked up from your hotel for a journey to the Cu Chi Tunnels, located approximately one and a half hours from Ho Chi Minh City by bus. Upon arrival, you’ll begin with a brief introduction to the history of the tunnels, including an informative video that explains how these intricate underground systems were constructed and how people managed to survive in such harsh conditions during the war.

After the presentation, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the remaining areas of the Cu Chi Tunnels. The tunnel system is a remarkable feat of engineering, featuring specially constructed living areas such as kitchens, bedrooms, and storage rooms, all cleverly integrated with military facilities like weapons factories, field hospitals, and command centers. These tunnels were designed to meet the basic needs of the people living in them while remaining hidden from enemy forces.

As you navigate through this maze of tunnels, you’ll also encounter various hidden trap doors and dangerous traps, which were used for security purposes during wartime. The ingenuity and resilience of those who lived here will become evident as you learn more about their daily lives and survival strategies in this subterranean world.

Following your exploration, you’ll be served a traditional snack of tea and cassava, the staple food of the guerrillas during the war. There will also be some free time for relaxation or, for those feeling adventurous, an opportunity to try shooting real guns, offering a hands-on experience of the wartime history.

In the afternoon, you’ll return to Ho Chi Minh City and be dropped off at your hotel. Later Check out from the Hotel and Transfer to the Airport for the flight back to Homeland/ Next Destination.