Rates are not valid over Public or Religious Holidays
Private Holiday
4 Days ex Ho Chi Minh
Departs: Daily
Note: Suggested Touring Itinerary Only. Itinerary can be customised to suit your individual requirements.
Ho Chi Minh (3)
Experience two of Southern Vietnam's most fascinating regions. The bustling city life of mesmerising Ho Chi Minh City (also called Saigon), where your local guide brings its architecture and food scene to life, gives way to the tranquil waterways of the Mekong Delta and the remarkable history of the Cu Chi Tunnels. Travel beyond the well-known sights to discover hidden neighbourhoods by moto, cruise palm-fringed canals, visit traditional family workshops and gain a deeper understanding of Vietnam's resilience through one of the country's most significant wartime sites. This enriching extension combines authentic local experiences with significant moments in Vietnam's cultural and historical story, offering a memorable insight into the country's vibrant south.
Highlights:
- 24/7 service and full local backup throughout Vietnam
- Experience Ho Chi Minh City from the back of a traditional moto-taxi
- Explore hidden laneways, vibrant local neighbourhoods and historic Chinatown
- Visit the colourful Thien Hau Temple and bustling Medicine Street
- Cruise the peaceful waterways of the Mekong Delta in Ben Tre
- Discover traditional coconut workshops and family-run businesses
- Sample tropical fruits, honey tea and handmade coconut sweets
- Glide through narrow palm-lined canals aboard a traditional rowing boat
- Cycle or travel by xe loi (motorised rickshaw) through picturesque villages and coconut groves
- Explore the remarkable Cu Chi Tunnels, one of Vietnam's most significant wartime sites
- Gain a fascinating insight into Vietnam's wartime history and remarkable resilience
- Itinerary
- Accommodation
Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City
Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City. On arrival, meet your local guide and transfer to your hotel.
The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax or begin discovering Vietnam's dynamic southern metropolis, where elegant French colonial architecture, vibrant markets and modern skyscrapers create a fascinating blend of old and new.
Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City (B)
Experience Ho Chi Minh City from a local perspective as you climb aboard a traditional moto-taxi for an unforgettable journey through the city's hidden neighbourhoods.
Travel beyond the well-known landmarks into bustling laneways and lively residential districts where everyday life unfolds before you. Wind through District 1 before venturing into Nguyen Thien Thuat and Ngo Gia Tu, vibrant neighbourhoods filled with local markets, cafés and street vendors. Continue through historic Chinatown, visit the colourful Thien Hau Temple and discover the city's famous "Medicine Street", where traditional herbal remedies have been traded for generations.
This unique experience offers an authentic glimpse into the energy, culture and character of modern-day Saigon.
Day 3: Ho Chi Minh City (BL)
Travel to Ben Tre, the gateway to the Mekong Delta, where a network of rivers and canals supports one of Vietnam's most fertile and fascinating regions.
Board a traditional boat and cruise along a peaceful branch of the Mekong River, visiting local homes and family-run workshops where coconut rice paper, handcrafted sweets and coconut products are still produced using traditional techniques. Pause to sample tropical fruits, honey tea and local delicacies while listening to traditional Southern Vietnamese music. Continue by rowing boat through narrow palm-lined canals before choosing to explore the surrounding countryside by bicycle or xe loi (motorised rickshaw), passing coconut groves, vegetable gardens and quiet rural villages. A riverside lunch showcasing regional flavours provides the perfect conclusion to your Mekong experience before returning to Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 4: Ho Chi Minh City (B)
Travel to the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels, an extraordinary underground network that played a vital role during the Vietnam War. Following an introductory presentation, explore sections of the tunnel complex to discover the ingenious system of command centres, living quarters, kitchens, medical facilities and supply routes that supported Vietnamese forces throughout the conflict. The visit provides a compelling insight into the resourcefulness and resilience of those who lived and fought beneath the ground.
Before returning to Ho Chi Minh City, sample khoai my luoc (boiled cassava), a simple staple food commonly eaten by tunnel residents during the war.
TOUR INCLUSIONS:
- 24/7 local operator support in Vietnam
- 3 nights' accommodation in carefully selected hotels
- 3 breakfasts
- 1 lunch
- Private airport transfers and touring as specified
- Moto-taxi experience through Ho Chi Minh City
- Mekong Delta boat cruise and rowing boat excursion
- Bicycle or xe loi (motorised rickshaw) experience in Ben Tre
- Cu Chi Tunnels excursion
- English-speaking local guides
- Entrance fees as per itinerary
- Vietnam Travel Notes - issued by Innovative Travel
TOUR EXCLUSIONS:
- International airfares
- Optional tours and excursions
- Porterage
- Tipping/Gratuities (please refer to tour notes for a recommended guideline)
- Personal Expenses
- Hotel charges for minibar or any extra charges
- Visas (unless specified)
- Travel Insurance (compulsory)
- Any other services not clearly mentioned in the inclusions above
Accommodation based on the below (or similar):
Ho Chi Minh City
First Class: Liberty Central Saigon Citypoint Hotel – Deluxe Room
Deluxe Class: Hotel Des Arts Saigon – Deluxe Room
Trip prices and dates are correct at the time of the website going live, however all offers are subject to reconfirmation at the time of booking. All featured tour itineraries and offers may be subject to change due to seasonal variations without notice, or due to local conditions or other conditions. Please confirm all details at time of booking. Travel insurance is mandatory for all Innovative Travel bookings. All passports must be valid for 6 months prior to your return to your home country. Visas are the responsibility of the traveller. Special VIP meet and assist offers are available in some destinations for New Zealand passport holders, for other nationalities please check at the time of booking. For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Booking Conditions page.
