5-Day Southern Vietnam Tour with Mekong River Overnight Cruise

Brief itinerary – Southern Vietnam Tour with Mekong River Overnight Cruise:

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh city – Arrival

Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City and Cu Chi Tunnels

Day 3: Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong River Cruise overnight in Cai Be and Can Tho

Day 4: Can Tho or Cai Be – Ho Chi Minh City

Day 5: Ho Chi Minh city – Departure

DAY 01: HO CHI MINH CITY – ARRIVAL (-/-/-)

On arrival at Tan San Nhat Airport, you are met by our guide and transferred to hotel. The bustling Ho Chi Minh City, still called Saigon by many locals, is a center of commerce, finance, culture and tourism in Vietnam. This metropolis, contradiction of its northern counterpart, is crowded with bikes and motorbikes, excited by numerous shopping areas and sidewalk cafes. (If time permits) we stroll around the down town to explore the different local ways of life.

Optional tours:

1. Vespa food tour
2. Saigon Cruise Dinner

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

DAY 02: Southern Vietnam Tour with Mekong River Overnight Cruise: FULL DAY HO CHI MINH CITY AND CU CHI TUNNELS TOUR (B)

We start the trip by visiting Notre Dame Cathedral, the historic Central Post Office, followed by exploring the Reunification Palace, and the remarkable site of the War Remnants Museum.

The trip to Cu Chi will take approximately one and a half hours bus driving.  The tunnels are a great destination, located 70 km from the Ho Chi Minh City Center to the Northwest. Cu Chi was known as the “area of steel” in the war time, and the tunnel systems were over 200km, which was considered the unbreakable underground village in the Vietnam-American war. It is legendary for its network of tunnels, and is a popular destination for both Vietnamese and foreign visitors.

Upon arrival, before exploring the tunnels, you will have some short introduction followed by introductory video about how the tunnels were constructed and how the people survived in the harsh conditions of the war time. Then, spend your time to explore the remaining area and tunnel systems which included the special constructed living areas with kitchens, bedrooms side by side with other martial facilities like storage, weapons factories, field hospitals, and command centers helping whoever lives inside the tunnels meet their basic needs. Besides, there are also many hidden trap doors and dangerous traps within the maze-like tunnels for security purpose during the war. Afterward, special tea and cassava (guerilla’s food during the war) will be served.

Break time for relax or time for those who want to try the real shooting gun. Return to hotel in Saigon

O/N in Ho Chi Minh City.

DAY 03: SAI GON – CAN THO / or Cai Be (B/L/D)

Note: Tours start in Cai Be on even dates and in Can Tho on odd dates

07.00-07.30   Pick-up at the hotel in Saigon. (district 1 and parts of district 3)

(only included for those pax using the shuttle service)

11.30  Boarding of the cruise vessel and check-in.

12.00  Panorama cruise and lunch on board around 13.00

16.00  Guided land excursion – walk in orchards and small villages.

17.30  Return to the boat for refreshment and to enjoy the sunset on the top deck.

19.00  Dinner on board, night on board.

Overnight on the cruise

DAY 04: Southern Vietnam Tour with Mekong River Overnight Cruise: CAN THO / CAI BE – SAI GON (B,L) :

07.00  Morning cruise and morning tea break served on board.

08.00  Check out of cabin. Excursion on rowing sampan to explore small canals, enjoy “Đờn ca tài tử” (Folk Music) and visit home-made handicrafts family on Tan Phong islet.

10.00  Bicycle ride on back roads or walk in a small village along the Mekong Canals.

11.00  Departure of shuttle to Saigon / end of tour.

12.00  Lunch en route. (only included for those pax using the shuttle service).

~ 15.30 Arrival in Saigon.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city.

Day 05: HO CHI MINH CITY – DEPARTURE (B/-/-)

Breakfast at hotel, you’ll be free to discover Ho Chi Minh City or take time for shopping.

Transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport for the flight to your next destination.

End of the trip!

*3 Star Hotels in use:

+ Saigon: Avanti Deluxe https://www.facebook.com/AvantiHotelSaigon/  (Premier Room) or similar ones

+ Mekong: Mekong Eyes

*4 Star Hotels in use:

+ Saigon: Ramanda Encore by Wyndham Saigon https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/ramada/ho-chi-minh-vietnam/ramada-encore-saigon/overview  (Premium Deluxe Room) or similar ones

+ Mekong: Mekong Eyes

*5 Star Hotels in use:

+ Saigon: Caravelle Hotel Saigon www.caravellehotel.com  (Deluxe Room) or similar ones

+ Mekong: Mekong Eyes

* Inclusive of above prices:

• Transportation in private with air-condition
• Private airport transfers as per itinerary
• Accommodation in Double/Twin shared room
• Local English speaking guides
• Entrance fee at indicated sights
• Saigon – Cu Chi Tunnel Private Tour, Mekong Cruise Tour 2 days
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch & D = Dinner
• Luggage handling and drinking water

* Exclusive of above prices:

• Visa stamping fee on arrival
• Travel Insurance in all kinds
• Single room (quoted separately)
• Other foreign language guide
• Peak tourist season or special event rates
• Tip, drinks and other personal expenses
• International airfares