The Vietnam War

Welcome to your holiday with Your Vietnam Travel!

Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, either Domestic or International arrival, after clearing all customs procedures, please proceed to exit gate and look for your guide who will be waiting at the lobby, holding the Your Vietnam Travel's signboard with your name on it. 

Transfer to hotel for check in (Check in time is 14:00 and early check in is not included). Spend rest of the day for relaxation.

After breakfast, 8.30 we begin with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Complex, comprising the imposing marble Mausoleum, the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh’s wooden stilt house and the nearby One Pillar Pagoda. After lunch we continue to the Vietnam Military History Museum, housing an interesting collection documenting the period between 1954 and 1975, including aircraft along with French, American, Chinese and Soviet military equipment. We visit the small museum at Haa Lo Prison, better known as the Hanoi Hilton, before exploring the bunker of the General Command Headquarters

Transfer to Hanoi airport for your flight to Dien Bien Phu. Visit the Victory Monument for an orientation of the battlefield and visit the battlefield museum which houses an eclectic collection commemorating the 1954 battle, including photographs, weaponry, the bathtub of General de Castries and a bicycle that could carry 330kg of ordnance. Our exploration ends at the Viet Minh cemetery from where we watch the sunset. 

Enjoy a full day exploring the well-preserved battle site of Dien Bien Phu, starting at the Muong Phang tunnels and bunker system of the Viet Minh commander General Vo Nguyen Giap. This afternoon we visit the amazing and extensive recreated French trench and bunker systems atop the three hills of the Beatrice position and climb Hill A1 (Eliane 2) to witness the last stand of the French and the huge mine crater thereon.

We see the site of the French surrender at General de Castries bunker, visit the French cemetery, cross the extant French-laid Bailey Bridge and climb up the Anne-Marie defensive position. We return to the hotel for lunch before transferring to the airport for our return flight to Hanoi. 

Today starts with a four-hour drive to Ha Long Bay Harbor, where you'll board a ship for your overnight cruise of this UNESCO-listed landmark. Sail across the paper-flat waters, taking in views of more than 2,000 limestone karsts steeped in Vietnamese legend. A delicious seafood lunch onboard awaits, followed by plenty of time to sit on the sundeck as you sail to the most remote corners of Ha Long Bay.

In the afternoon, you'll stop at a secret cove where you can go swimming and kayaking to explore hidden beaches and grottoes. The ship's expert chef will lead a cooking masterclass, teaching you how to make specialties such as nem (Vietnamese fried spring rolls) for dinner. You can spend the evening relaxing or join the locals for a spot of night fishing.

Wake early for breakfast on the ship's deck, watching the sun rise over the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay, deemed one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature. The morning is yours to simply absorb the view or join in with a tai chi class. You'll stop to visit a limestone cave full of stalagmites and stalactites before enjoying brunch on board while you sail back to the harbor.

Back on land, your driver will be waiting to take you to the airport, where you'll board a flight to Da Nang. 

My Son Sanctuary, situated around 50km away from Hoi An, is another Cultural Heritage site recognized by UNESCO in 1999 with 32 epitaphs and 71 monuments. The unique Hindu sanctuary is the perfectly ideal destination for those who want to learn everything about the Champa Ancient Kingdom including the history, culture, and architecture.

This morning (afternoon), you will set out on a drive to the southwest of Hoi An to My Son Sanctuary for a My Son half day tour. This is where the Cham culture in Central Vietnam started in the 4th century, declined in the 13th century, and ceased to exist in the 15th century. The once capital of the Champa Kingdom dedicated to the worship of the god Shiva is now a cluster of partially ruined and heavily damaged Hindu temples, with only 20 left, due to age and bombing during the Vietnam War. This unique and majestic sanctuary stands as a witness to a glorious bygone era of the once-thriving Cham culture

Today, it's free at your leisure. Hoi An offers a charming atmosphere with various attractions to explore. Here are my recommendations for places to visit in the evening:

1. Hoi An Ancient Town: Take a leisurely stroll through the beautifully lit streets of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the lantern-filled alleys, ancient buildings, and vibrant riverside. Don't miss the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge and the bustling Night Market.

2. Riverside Restaurants: Enjoy a delightful dining experience at one of the many riverside restaurants. Indulge in delicious Vietnamese cuisine while enjoying the scenic views of the Thu Bon River. The riverside area becomes even more magical in the evening with lanterns reflecting on the water.

3. Night Market: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Hoi An Night Market. Browse through a wide range of stalls selling handicrafts, souvenirs, clothing, and local street food. It's a great place to shop for unique gifts and immerse yourself in the local culture.

4. Traditional Cultural Performances (Ky Uc Hoi An): Catch a traditional performance at one of the cultural centers in Hoi An. Experience captivating shows featuring traditional music, dance, and storytelling that showcase the rich heritage of the region.

5. Boat Ride on the Thu Bon River: Embark on a relaxing boat ride along the Thu Bon River. Enjoy the peaceful ambiance and admire the illuminated lanterns along the riverbanks. It's a wonderful way to take in the beauty of Hoi An at night.

Enjoy your evening exploration of Hoi An! 

This morning we explore Hue Citadel, focusing on the fighting that took place here during the 1968 Tet Offensive. 11 battalions of the Army of the Republic of South Vietnam (ARVN), 4 US Army battalions and 3 US Marine Corps battalions fought a vicious house to house battle with 10 battalions of the People’s Army of Vietnam and Viet Cong

An early start for a full day tour of the DMZ. We drive to Quang Tri Province and visit the former Marine base at Khe San, where one of the longest and deadliest battles of the Vietnam War was fought. Travelling on Road 9, originally part of the Ho Chi Minh Trail linking the DMZ to the neighbouring Laos, we see historic war sites such as The Rockpile and Ta Con Airfield. We cross from ‘South’ Vietnam to the ‘North’ walking over the Hien Luong Bridge. A visit to the Vinh Moc tunnel complex offers an authentic insight into the life of the Viet Cong, and villagers of Vinh Linh.

After breakfast, transfer to airport for flight to Ho Chi Minh. Upon arrival Ho Chi Minh, you will be welcomed by our tour guide/ driver and transfer to hotel for check in.

Breakfast at hotel, meet our guide at 8.00 & start visiting to the most attractive places in Ho Chi Minh City including Reunification Palace - a special national relic for its historical and architectural values of Vietnam, and the War Remnants Museum. Next, we will explore a little bit about Notre Dame Cathedral and Old Post Office – the French building in Ho Chi Minh City.

Have a lunch at local restaurant before leaving the city for a tour to Cu Chi Tunnels - a man-made maze with the length of almost 250 kilometers. Also, the tunnels were used to serve as communication routes, storage facilities, hospitals and living quarters for Vietnamese fighters in the long period of war. If you are interested in, you can go into the tunnels to discover the harsh living conditions of those whose were used to live there. 

After that, taste the typical boiled tapioca and hot tea before you come back to Saigon 

Free at leisure until transfer to airport for flight back home. End of service!