【白金尊享】清新越南 | 河内市+下龙湾+会安古城+岘港市+山茶半岛+胡志明市+美寿湄公河 8天7晚游[Platinum] 8 Days 7 Nights Tour in Vietnam | Through Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hoi An Ancient Town, Da Nang, Son Tra Peninsula, Ho Chi Minh, and My Tho Mekong River

Ba Dinh Square, the largest square in Vietnam, holds significant historical values. Ever since 1945, when President Ho Chi minh proclaimed the Declaration of Independence of Vietnam, this landmark has witnessed all the ups and downs of the country. Situated on Hung Vuong Street, this square is the center of a large complex of historical and cultural sites (often known as Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex) in Ba Dinh District. Ba Dinh Square is a 320-meter-long and 100-meter-wide area that can hold up to 200,000 people. It consists of 210 grass squares, interspersed with wide pathways. In the middle of the square is a 25-meter-tall flag pole, where the national flag raising ceremony is held every morning. The 4 sides of the square all face important Hanoi landmarks. To the north of the square is the Office of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, to the south is the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to the west is Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and to the east is Ba Dinh Hall.

The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is the most majestic and impressive structure in Ba Dinh Square. Half a century ago, Ho Chi Minh proclaimed the Declaration of Independence here, establishing the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. Standing 21.6 meters tall and facing east, the mausoleum consists of three sections: the base, the main body, and the roof, all constructed from gray-black, dark red, and silver-gray granite. The inner section houses the podium for major ceremonies and public gatherings, while the middle section houses the main body of the mausoleum. The outer section is surrounded by massive granite columns, and the upper section features the words "President Ho Chi Minh" inlaid with rubies. Inscribed on the red granite wall facing the main entrance of the outer viewing room is Ho Chi Minh's famous quote: "Nothing is more precious than independence and freedom." Inside the viewing room lies President Ho Chi Minh's crystal coffin.

The Ho Chi Minh Residence is located within the Presidential Palace, a stone's throw from the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. The Presidential Palace is a French-style villa built by Germans, but Ho Chi Minh, who lived a life of extreme frugality, chose to live in a simple wooden house on stilts next to the villa. The upper floor of the residence served as Ho Chi Minh's office and bedroom, while the lower floor housed his conference room. Many of Ho Chi Minh's meetings were held here during his lifetime. A corridor runs to the west, while the east side houses his office, reception room, and lounge. Inside, there are wooden tables and chairs used by President Ho, along with an old telephone, typewriter, military maps, and works by Marxist-Leninist scholars. The house, like its owner, embodies a simple yet elegant elegance.

The One Pillar Pagoda, officially known as Yen Huu Temple, also known as the Lotus Platform, is located southwest of Ba Dinh Square. The temple is unique in that it stands on a pillar in the center of a lotus pond, symbolizing the blossoming of a pure lotus from a sea of suffering. The pagoda's elegant form, with a four-meter-tall stone pillar symbolizing the flower's stem, and the temple's main body and gently curved eaves forming the petals, is beautifully shaped. A plaque reading "Lotus Platform" hangs beneath the eaves of the main facade. The pagoda is said to be highly efficacious, attracting a constant stream of locals who come here to burn incense and make wishes. Even President Ho Chi Minh himself was a frequent visitor.

Presidential Palace is a three-storey building which surrounded by an orchard, carp pond and a 91-metre long boulevard of lush gardens. Designed by the French architect Auguste Henri Vildieu, it is of an architectural style called Beaux-Arts, which was quite prevailing back that time. This work of art is painted a bright yellow color, consisting of the massive iron gate, grand staircase and 30 rooms with different décor each. After President Ho Chi Minh passed away in 1969, this place became one of the historical monuments commemorating Uncle Ho and ranked by the State as a special monument. Until now, this place is still used as the workplace of the State President and important activities of the Party and State are still held solemnly here.

West Lake, also known as Golden Bull Lake, is a famous scenic spot in Hanoi and the city's largest lake. It covers approximately 500 hectares, with a 17-kilometer-long path around it. On clear days, strolling along the embankment, you can see the pale blue Um Yuen Mountain in the distance. As early as the Ly Dynasty, when Hanoi (Thang Long) was its capital, West Lake became a famous tourist attraction in Hanoi, known as "Sword Lake, Mist Water, West Lake Moon." Later, numerous temples and palaces were built around West Lake, and historical sites such as the Tran Vu Temple, Tran Quoc Pagoda, and Kim Lien Pagoda still exist today. Today, the rippling yachts on the lake, the swaying green willows by the lake, the blooming flowers on Qingnian Road, and the bustling crowds of tourists and pedestrians all add vibrant color and life to the city.

With a history of 1,500 years, Tran Quoc Pagoda is the oldest pagoda in Hanoi. It was built in 541 in the Early Ly Dynasty, originally named Khai Quoc Pagoda. Famous for sacred sanctuary and stunning scenery, Tran Quoc Pagoda used to be a favorite place for sightseeing of many kings of Vietnam in special festivals such as Tet holiday and full moon days. Thanks to its useful location beside the dazzling West Lake and on an island which is linked by a bridge between the two most romantic lakes of Hanoi, which are Truc Bach Lake and West Lake, the pagoda attracts a lot of tourists each and every day.

The Hanoi Temple of Literature, a well-preserved traditional Vietnamese building dating back to the 11th century, once served as a place of study for the royal family and children of officials during the Ly Dynasty. The complex consists of five courtyards, with a dismounting monument outside the gate and a tranquil, mirror-like pond in the front courtyard. A plaque inscribed with the Chinese characters "Teacher of All Ages" (万世师例, "Teacher Model for All Ages") hangs in the center of the main worship hall. The plaque states that it was written by Emperor Kangxi. Within the main hall is an altar dedicated to Confucius, flanked by shrines dedicated to Confucian scholars from China and Vietnam. The Temple of Literature is also renowned for its "Jinshi Stele," a collection of lifelike stone turtles, each bearing a head held high, carrying intricately carved tablets.

Hoan Kiem lake, also known as “Sword Lake,” is a freshwater lake in the center of Hanoi. The legend about the name of the lake is known by all the Vietnamese people. The lake is not only special in her history but also some characteristics that you might not find anywhere else in Vietnam. The water of the lake has different colors depending on the reflection of the sky, it could be green, dark or light. Hoan Kiem Lake Hanoi is also the home of tortoises. If you are lucky, you will have a chance to see these giant animals rising out of the water, taking a sunbath. There are so many activities happening around Hoan Kiem lake which make it crowded and busy all day, especially during the weekends. Let’s rock it like the locals, and find out what to see and where to visit around Hoan Kiem Lake!

The 36 streets of the Old Quarter were named after the 36 trades or craft that were set up in this area north of the lake. Located in Hanoi Old Quarter, this neighborhood is a culturally significant destination in the center of Vietnam’s capital city. The phrase “Hanoi 36 pho phuong” is engraved in the hearts and minds of most Vietnamese people and many tourists worldwide for its traditional architecture and diverse cultural experience. These streets are unique in their own ways but most share one special similarity. They originated from the ancient Hanoi 36 streets. Those streets were named after the products and services they provided, following the word “Hang.” Throughout the years, some of them retain their original names while some have been changed.

St Joseph’s Cathedral, or “The Big Church” familiarly called by locals, is one of the first structures constructed by the French colonists during their expansion in Indochina and still intact in Hanoi after two wars. In spite of fierce fights destroying almost parts of Hanoi, St Joseph’s Cathedral is still standing in good condition. Today, it has become a historical attraction in Hanoi which remains the image of the beauty of the old Hanoi and makes an impression on travelers by its ancient beauty inside the bustling capital.

Vietnamese water puppetry, also known as "water puppetry," is a traditional Vietnamese performance with approximately a thousand years of history. Performers set up a stage on a pool of water manipulate the puppets with long strings or bamboo poles, causing them to perform a variety of movements and scenes. The unique feature of this performance is that the performers must remain submerged in the water for extended periods, leveraging their powerful arm strength and skillful rope manipulation to bring the puppets to life, enacting various legends with breathtaking precision. This art form, originating in the lake- and pond-filled Red River Delta during the Ly Dynasty, was originally believed to be a ritual performed to celebrate the emperor's birthday. It gradually spread from North Vietnam to the rest of the country, reaching its peak in the 18th century, captivating audiences with its diverse repertoire and becoming a nationwide phenomenon.

Halong Bay is located in the Northeast of Vietnam, 165 km from Hanoi capital, in the territory of Quang Ninh province. This is an island area with an area of ​​1,553km² including 1,969 islands, of which 90% are limestone islands. Halong Bay includes Lan Ha Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay, and many other nearby bays. For many, the seascape of Ha Long Bay is synonymous with Vietnam. Cruises sail emerald, green waters among thousands of rugged islands and islets, stopping at spectacular caves through which visitors can wander, viewing impressive, centuries-old formations. Ha Long Bay's mystical beauty has made it a bucket list attraction within the country!

Soi Sim Island is a small soil island in the southwest of Halong Bay. It's about 12 kilometers far from Bai Chay tourist wharf and about 700 meters from Ti Top Island. Explaining for the name “Soi Sim”, the locals said that in the past, the major plant on the island was Rhodomyrtus tomentosa (called “sim” in Vietnamese). Therefore, the island was named after that plant, “Soi Sim”. Soi Sim Island has an area of 8.7 ha. On the island, there are two 200-meter hills covered by a green primeval forest. This primeval forest is home to many species of flora, especially endemic plants. This is the result of thousands of years isolated from the mainland. Coming to Soi Sim Island, you will be impressed by peaceful ambiance and natural beauty of green primeval forest and blue sea. There are two charming beaches on the island with white sand and clear seawater. Moreover, from the top of the hills on Soi Sim Island, tourists will have great views to the spectacular scenery of Halong bay.

Located on Bo Hon Island, which is known as in the center of the UNESCO-declared World Heritage area, Sung Sot Cave is one of the widest and most striking ones with the area of around 10,000 square meters and the length of more than 200 meters. The widest area inside the cave is about 80 meters. Sung Sot Cave is firstly explored by a group of French tourists. Being surprised by the magnificent beauty of the cave, these French tourists named the cave as "Grotte des surprises" – the cave of surprise. From that time, Sung Sot Cave is known as Surprising Cave or Amazing Cave.

Covering a total area of 3.7 hectares, Ti Top Island is one of the smallest islands making up Halong Bay - a natural wonder in Quang Ninh Province. The island’s current name was named after the Russian cosmonaut Gherman Titov on his visit to Halong Bay in 1962 by Uncle Ho. The mesmerizing view and its prime location contribute to the highlights of Ti Top Beach, which allures a large number of tourists each year. Coming here, you can know the entire history of the island in detail through the memorial stone in front of the island.

Cam Kim Island is situated on the south side of the Thu Bon river. It will take about 15 minutes to get to the island from the city center. Furthermore, Hoi An has a total of four suburban communes and Cam Kim Island Hoi An is one of them. Cam Kim Island is known as one of the must-visit destinations for tourists when traveling to Hoi An Ancient Town. Especially, if you are under depression due to the hustle and bustle of life, this island will be the most effective remedy for you. This small oasis is surrounded by green trees and beautiful nature like an ink-wash painting.

Hoi An Ancient Town, located in the lower reaches of the Thu Bon River, is a well-preserved traditional trading port in Southeast Asia. The ancient town boasts a complete network of streets inhabited by Chinese people, home to the Fujian, Cantonese, Chaozhou, Hainan, and Chinese Guild Halls, as well as the Le Clan Ancestral Hall. The well-preserved ancient buildings and streets reflect a harmonious blend of Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese cultural and architectural styles. Hoi An Ancient Town was designated a World Heritage Site in 1999. The street layout and architectural styles showcase the simplicity and elegance of Chinese architecture while incorporating the locals' natural aesthetic and lifestyle. Here, you can appreciate ancient cultural traditions while experiencing a rich sense of local flavor.

Tan Ky old house is an ancient work of more than 200 years old. With its unique architecture that combines the features of Vietnam, Japan and China, it is the highlight of Hoi An ancient town. Although this construction was built more than two centuries ago, it can still keep the original beauty of ancient Hoi An. Besides, the old house of Tan Ky is also a special place retaining a variety of priceless antiquity.

The Japanese Covered Bridge is one of Hoi An's iconic landmarks. Originally built by Japanese merchants visiting Vietnam for business, it's known locally as the "Japanese Bridge." Rebuilt by the Chinese during the Ming Dynasty, the bridge incorporates numerous Chinese elements. Less than two meters wide, it features rusted circular iron railings on either side, devoid of any decorative carvings. The entrances are guarded by a monkey and a dog, respectively. Construction is said to have begun in the Year of the Monkey and completed in the Year of the Dog. The plaque on the gate bears the Chinese characters "Laiyuan Bridge" (Bridge for Distant Friends). Over time, the Japanese Bridge's architecture has acquired a distinct Vietnamese character, with its roof covered in yin-yang tiles.

The Fujian Guild Hall, named after its construction by Fujian merchants during the reign of Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty, was an important gathering place for overseas Chinese in Hoi An. The hall, a quadrangle courtyard with a memorial archway, front gate, and middle gate, is a classic Southern Fujian style building, majestic and imposing. A two-story archway stands at the entrance, with the words "Golden Mountain Temple" inscribed on the upper level and "Fujian Guild Hall" on the lower level. Local Chinese also call it "Golden Mountain Temple." The walls of the hall are adorned with exquisite murals depicting dragons and tigers, each vivid and lifelike. The main hall of the hall houses a deity dedicated to Mazu, a deity worshipped year-round.

The Cantonese Assembly Hall Hoi An was erected in the late 18th century by overseas Chinese from Guangdong Guangzhou region.  At that time, Hoi An was one of the major trading ports in Vietnam, Hoi An City has become one of the first centers for Chinese people to do business and settle down. Since then, a variety of assembly halls were established for gathering and trading purposes. This hall has an interesting constructing process, because each part of this building was initially made in China, then transferred by boat and assembled completely in Hoi An.

The Hoi An Impression Theme Park is one part museum and one part an amusement park, blurring the lines between education and performance art. The entertainment extravaganza that is the Hoi An Memories Show is its headliner. The Show features more than 500 actors and dancers performing 400 years of history on a 25,000 square meters outdoor stage. Throughout the show, there are various presentations of major historical moments, the real magic in its delicate representations of ordinary daily life.

Ba Na Hills, located 40 kilometers west of Da Nang and 1,487 meters above sea level, is a comprehensive resort complex featuring luxury hotels, a cable car, and a theme park. Once a summer resort for the French, the area offers a seasonal climate: spring in the morning, summer at noon, autumn in the afternoon, and winter at night. Ba Na Hills boasts vast natural forests crisscrossed by streams and springs. On clear days, from the summit, one can admire Da Nang City, Dung Ju Bay, and My Khe Sea, a vast landscape painting. The Ba Na Hills Cable Car, a 5,801-meter-long cable car, holds two Guinness World Records: the world's longest single-cable cable car system and the world's highest cable car system. After reaching the summit by cable car, continue your spiritual journey to visit Linh Ung Pagoda, perched atop the summit.

Danang Golden Bridge perches on a prime location inside the Ba Na Hills. At the height of 1400m above sea level, the bridge is a masterpiece with golden-hue gilded railing frames and a winding shape (stretching 150m in length). Its unique design is lifted by two giant hands and the golden yellow hue of this pedestrian bridge make it both photo perfect and a great place for sightseeing.

Let’s explore Fantasy Park in Ba Na Hills! Fantasy Park is located on a mountain peak in Ba Na Hills Mountain Resort, known as “the way to fairyland” or “paradise on earth”. As a perfect tourist attraction for an entire family, Fantasy Park was commenced and inspired by two iconic novels “Journey to the Center of the Earth” and “Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea” by French writer Jules Verne. The amusement park reserves countless funs and surprises, which of course involve well-tailored games to keep little kids occupied and delighted all day long. 

My Khe Beach (or Bai bien My Khe) is the municipal beach of Da Nang, a part of the Gold Coast stretching until famous An Bang and Cua Dai beaches in Hoi An. It owns a lengthy strip of fine sand fringed by clear, unpolluted and rock-free water. My Khe Beach is the top 6 sexiest beaches on the planet by Forbes in 2005. In addition, this little paradise on the earth is also in the list of Vietnam’s 10 most beautiful beaches, Asia’s 25 best beaches by TripAdvisor or Asia’s 10 best beaches by an Australian magazine.

Dragon Bridge is the world's largest dragon-shaped steel bridge. As its name implies, Dragon Bridge illustrates the image of a dragon flying towards the sea with the architecture inspired by Ly dynasty. This inventive design reflects Vietnamese customs and beliefs, as well as highlights Da Nang’s growth and development. Due to its unique design, the bridge has become an iconic image of the city that visitor should not miss while in Danang. This gorgeous one-of-a-kind metal dragon also “breathes” fire and water weekly. The deliberate integration of lighting technology, with more than 2,500 LED lights, exquisitely shows the dragon's body and its vivid fire-breathing head.

The APEC Park covers a total area of 8,600 square meters. Its highlight is the 3,000-square-meter sculpture garden, which displays artistic sculptures symbolizing APEC member economies, such as Vietnam's "Origin", China's "Dream of Harmony", the United States' "Cloud Ship", Japan's "Light of Truth", Indonesia's "Sailboat", etc.

Da Nang Cathedral, or Da Nang Pink Church is a famous tourist attraction in the Central Vietnam city. To the locals, Da Nang Cathedral is better known as “Rooster Church.” The name refers to the massive bell tower. Da Nang Cathedral is notable for its distinctive pink color and classic Gothic architecture. You will have extremely cool backgrounds to take a lot of fascinating pictures along any corner of the church!

The Mekong River, flowing through six countries, is the longest river in Southeast Asia and the mother river of Vietnam. It flows south of Ho Chi Minh City through nine estuaries into the South China Sea, hence the Vietnamese nickname for it, the Nine Dragon River. The banks of the Mekong River are awash in vibrant colors. Green rice seedlings in rice paddies, incense sticks hanging outside courtyards, and a variety of orchards exude a slow-paced atmosphere and the heartfelt local customs of southern Vietnam's water villages. Closer to Ho Chi Minh City in the Mekong Delta is My Tho, where the Mekong River meets the sea. Dotted with four small islands: Dragon Island, Phoenix Island, Turtle Island, and Unicorn Island, this is where you can experience the gentle beauty and history of the Mekong River, and the abundant longan, mango, and other fruits here are sure to satisfy your appetite.

The Independence Palace, also known as the Reunification Palace, was built on the site of the former Norodom Palace. The  landmark in Ho Chi Minh City was built on a 12-hectare plot of land and includes a large mansion of 80-meter width. This place has a glamorous design, hundreds of rooms equipped with luxurious furnishings and decorations, and an enormous and gorgeous exterior space. The Independence Palace symbolizes Vietnam's victory, peace, and territorial integrity. It was designated as a historical monument for having witnessed significant changes in Saigon's history and keeping the essence of Eastern culture.

The People’s Committee Building is one of the 17 landmarks which are over 100 years old in Ho Chi Minh city. The iconic outlook of this building is inspired by French Renaissance Revival architecture, which emphasizes leisure and elegance. The interior of this building is heavenly magnificent with sophisticated pieces of furniture and harmonious paintings, which take up the majority of the vault. However, it is sad that since the building is not open to the public, not many people have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the heavenly atmosphere of the building. 

Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral is a landmark of Ho Chi Minh City. Known as the Red Cathedral for its red brick construction, it was built in the late 19th century during the French colonial period. A classic example of Gothic architecture, its symmetrical form and majestic grandeur stand out against the backdrop of blue skies, white clouds, and surrounding greenery and red flowers, exuding a distinct French atmosphere. The facade features two 40-meter-high towers, their white spires reaching into the sky. The exterior portico is richly decorated with exquisite carvings, while the interior is breathtaking with its stunning stained glass windows surrounding the dome and adorning the walls. Surrounding the cathedral are small prayer rooms, each with its own unique shrines, sculptures, and decorations. In the square in front of the cathedral stands a 4,000-kilogram statue of the Virgin Mary, a gift from the Roman Catholic Church in 1945.

The Saigon Central Post Office is located in Ho Chi Minh City, adjacent to Notre Dame Cathedral. It is Vietnam's largest post office and oldest colonial building, built in the late 19th century and imbued with a rich French style. At first glance, the post office resembles a stately station, with a massive clock on the facade, which has been running for over 130 years, and below it, the date of the post office's construction (1886-1891) is inscribed. The interior hall is spacious and ornately decorated, with a large portrait of President Ho Chi Minh, the great leader of the Vietnamese revolution, prominently displayed on the wall. The magnificent Saigon Central Post Office is a vital part of Ho Chi Minh City's colonial heritage and a perfect stop for those wanting to admire the architectural design, mail postcards or handwritten letters, or simply immerse themselves in historical memories.

Originating in Cambodia, the Saigon River runs east to west through Ho Chi Minh City, connecting to the Mekong Delta and serving as the main waterway for Saigon Port. A Saigon River cruise is the perfect way to relive the charm of Saigon's past. Departing around 8:30 PM, the cruise takes about an hour along the riverbank. Dinner and music are provided, sometimes including a stage performance. You can also enjoy the night view of the Saigon River from the deck. At night, the Saigon River reflects the glittering lights of large neon signs lining the riverbank, while the simple wooden boats ply the waters. This striking contrast creates a truly unique and apt interpretation of Ho Chi Minh City.