ESSENTIAL SOUTH PACKAGE 6 DAYS
Destinations: Sai Gon 
Cao Dai, Cu Chi Mekong Delta, Can Tho
Essential south package 6 days will be really wonderful when you discover the most bustling city in Vietnam. Visit Cu Chi tunnels – the historical place as well as some famous temple in the South. Move to the Mekong Delta to see amazing tributaries hidden among vibrant tropical fruit gardens, bustling floating markets that offer a cornucopia of items, and acres of emerald rice fields.
Highlights of trip:
- Experience the lifestyle of the largest city in Vietnam
- Take look at the exhibitions showing the rest evidences of war, and find out how Vietnamese was independent.
- Explore the longest tunnels, a Viet Cong base during the war and understand the histories of Vietnam.
- Know how to walk through “Monkey bridge” in the Mekong Delta.
- Visit some famous temples during this tour and know more about Vietnam culture
- Enjoy local cuisines and fresh fruits in Mekong Delta.
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Full Itinerary
ItineraryRoute map
Route Map
Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City Arrival
Our driver will pick you up at the airport and transfer to hotel. Check in hotel and relax after your flight.
Ho Chi Minh welcome
Ho Chi Minh City, commonly known as Saigon, is the largest city in Vietnam and the former capital of the Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam). It is one of the most attractive destinations of Vietnam and the “Pearl of the Far East”.
Free-time idea(s)
- You can visit some famous coffee shops, which are on the crowded streets in Ho Chi Minh City like Pham Ngoc Thach, Dien Bien Phu, Cach Mang Thang Tam. You can enjoy the relaxing atmosphere with music played all the time.
- Bar is also on the top list for activities at night in Ho Chi Minh City, you can visit Acoustic Bar at 6E1 Ngo Thoi Nhiem Street, District 3. What an ideal place for relaxation! And to meet old and new friends as well!
- Go for a walk on the Nguyen Hue street and join the night activities of local residents, especially the youth like dancing, singing,...
Today useful note(s)
- Relax before starting a long journey.
Meals: __/ __/__
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City
Day 2: SAIGON CITY TOUR
After having breakfast at your hotel, you will be welcomed by our guide and then start your full day city tour to discover Ho Chi Minh.
Ho Chi Minh discovery
Our guide today will take you to the most highlights attractions in this dymnamic city including Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Post office, War Remnants Museum, Giac Lam Pagoda, China Town with ancient pagodas and temples and bustling Binh Tay Market.
- Reunification Palace (Independence Palace) is in the center of Ho Chi Minh City. Surrounded by Royal Palm trees, the dissonant 1960s architecture of the government building and the eerie mood that accompanies a walk through its deserted halls make it an intriguing spectacle.
- Notre Dame Cathedral is located in the downtown of Ho Chi Minh City. It was constructed between 1863 and 1880 by the French colonists, following their conquest of the city, the building reaches a height of up to 60m. The cathedral looks most beautiful in daylight, together with the smiles of couples coming to take photograph and record movies, especially for wedding.
- Transfer to the War Remnants Museum is located at 28 Vo Van Tan St, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City. Operated by the government, the museum was opened in September 1975 as "The House for Displaying War Crimes of American Imperialism and the Puppet Government”, focusing on exhibits relating to the American phase of the Vietnam War. You can know more about the war in Vietnam in last century.
- The next destination is Giac Lam Pagoda, which is one of the oldest pagodas in Ho Chi Minh City. Giac Lam Pagoda is located at 118 Lac Long Quan Street, Tan Binh District. Not only is Giac Lam a place to observe traditional southern structure of pagodas, but it’s also where tourists can discover the specific cultural characteristics of Vietnam.
- Take several minutes to move to Old Post Office. It is located right in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City - at number 2, Paris Commune Street, District 1, The Central Post Office is one of the oldest buildings in Ho Chi Minh City. It was built around 1886 – 1891, based on the design of Gustavo Eiffel – a famous French architect and has become a significant symbol of the city, just like its opposite neighbor Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral. It has long been the busiest post office of the country.
- It's an interesting travel spot for foreigners. Actually, China town is not only famous for Cho Lon market and Chinese temple, it's also unique for Chinese local business. Temples in this area include Thien Hau Temple on Nguyen Trai Street and Quan Am Temple, on Lao Tu Street. Both feature interesting Chinese-Buddhist style architecture and interiors with pagodas, courtyards, altars and paintings. Chinatown is also home to the Cho Lon Mosque on Nguyen Trai Street and Cha Tam, a small Catholic cathedral on Duong Hoc Lac Street.
- Late in the afternoon, you will visit Binh Tay market - one of the most bustling markets in Sai Gon. The beautiful facade has made it popular with tourists, as the distinctive reddish-brown roof tiles, and the yellowy colored central clock tower make Binh Tay Market one of the more attractive and photographic markets in Saigon.
Free-time idea(s)
- You can enjoy the beautiful scene from Bitexco Tower and Sky Deck where you can see all of Ho Chi Minh while enjoying a cocktail and some tapas style international dishes.
- Enjoy the local cuisine like “Pho”, Banh my (bread with meat or other ingredients), “Bun bo nam bo",...
Today useful note(s)
- Wear formal clothes when visiting pagoda, temple.
Meals: Breakfast/ Lunch/__
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City
Day 3: SAIGON - CAO DAI - CU CHI
After having breakfast, our driver will pick you up at your hotel and transfer to Cao Dai Temple in Tay Ninh
Tay Ninh welcome
Tay Ninh is a province in the Southeast region of Vietnam on the border with Cambodia. It is approximately 90 km to the northwest of Ho Chi Minh City, about 2.5 hour-drive.
Tay Ninh discovery
Tay Ninh is famous for Cao Dai temple which is a syncretic Vietnamese religious movement that incorporates aspect of Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism and even Catholicism.
- The Cao Dai Temple was begun in 1933 in a unique architectural style that reflects its blended traditions. Most people visit on a day trip from Ho Chi Minh City. The Great Temple of Cao Dai closely resembles a Christian cathedral in its architecture - two square towers, a long central nave with upper gallery, and side aisles. The altar, an apse and ambulatory are at the opposite end from the entrance, just as in a typical church.
- Visitors are warmly welcomed at the Cao Dai Temple and may watch ceremonies and take photos from the galleries. The noon ceremony always has the largest audience, since most visitors are day trippers from Ho Chi Minh City. After half day tour, you can learn more about the culture of Vietnam.
- Have lunch before moving to the next destination
Cu Chi Tunnels adventure
Cu Chi Tunnels are an immense network of connecting underground tunnels located in the Cu Chi District of Ho Chi Minh City and are part of a much larger network of tunnels that underlie much of the country. It is far 70km from HCM center and takes you 1.5 hour drive from HCM or 1.5 hour from Tay Ninh.
- The Cu Chi network covers a wide area of countryside near to Ho Chi Minh City and was an excellent way for the Viet Kong to move undetected by American forces underground. This evocative day tour explores the struggle of everyday life during the Vietnam War from a local perspective and takes you deep underground to explore the tunnels.
- The Cu Chi tour starts with an introductory video detailing its long 25-year construction. Then it is time to go underground in the infamous 120-mile Cu Chi tunnel system which offered a safe haven for soldiers and thousands of Vietnamese people during the Vietnam War. It is virtually an underground city with dwelling houses, schools, hospitals and factories.
- On display are booby traps, the remains of a US army tank and huge craters left by American B52 bombs. You will be able to admire lots of compelling photos and personal effects left behind.
- Moving to Ben Dinh – other tunnels, which is smaller than Cu Chi tunnels and about 50km from Ho Chi Minh City. The tunnels are about 1.2m high and 80cm across, and are unlit. Some travellers find them too claustrophobic for comfort. A knocked-out M-41 tank and a bomb crater are near the exit, which is in a reforested eucalyptus grove.
- Come back to Ho Chi Minh City in the evening.
Free-time idea(s)
- Visit the night market in Ho Chi Minh City such as Ben Thanh
- Drink beer Pham Ngu Lao in District 3 of Ho Chi Minh on small plastic stools
Today useful note(s)
- Visitors are only asked to wear trousers or skirts covering the knee, remove their shoes before entering, and remain as quiet as possible during ceremonies.
Meals: Breakfast/ Lunch/__
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City
Day 4: SAIGON - MEKONG DELTA - CAN THO
Have breakfast before transfer to My Tho at 8.00 am.
Mekong delta welcome
Mekong delta is also known as Vietnam’s rice basket – a fertile area spreading nearly 50,000 sq km. Here the mighty Mekong River ends by splitting itself into nine major tributaries. The Vietnamese name these nine tributaries “Nine Dragons”.
Mekong delta discovery
- The first destination is My Tho - the capital of the Tien Giang province in Southern Vietnam. It is the first city in the Mekong Delta travellers from Ho Chi Minh City will arrive and hence a popular spot for dropping tourists on one of the many Mekong boat tours. You will be transferred into a Wooden Motor Boat, which will take you to the spectacular Unicorn Island. Here, you can experience quiet local villages and rural people working the rice fields. Make sure to snap some pictures of the exotic fisherman’s port with its iconic stilt houses. On the other hand, you can join in local activities as well as try and enjoy the taste of tropical fruits and local food.
- After a snack of some local tropical fruits, you will see Turtle Island. Here you can get into a smaller row boat to experience a more local view of the river. With a suggestive name reminiscent of pirate stories, Turtle Island is the smallest of the 4 Islands of My Tho but very rich in terms of tropical fruits is concerned, in particular the striking dragon fruit, but also papaya and bananas grow on the island. On this island there are regular performances of Vietnamese traditional music to delight us with the monochord and guitar music. If your sweet tooth hasn’t been satisfied enough, we’ll head to a coconut candy store, where you can see how local people make these great handcrafted treats and items from the coconuts around.
- Finish an exciting day by getting to Can Tho, check in hotel in Can Tho
Free-time idea(s)
- Leisure in the evening for wandering Tay Do night market, Ninh Kieu wharf or enjoy these delicious local dishes.
- If you fell tired after long journey, you will have a relaxing massage and spa services by experienced residents.
- Enjoy café in famous café shop in Can Tho like Hop Pho Café at 6 Ngo Gia Tu Street,…
- Try local dishes
Today useful note(s)
- Wear comfortable clothes and shoes.
- Prevent your electric devices from water during this trip.
Meals: Breakfast/ Lunch/__
Overnight in Can Tho
Day 5: MEKONG - SAIGON
Have breakfast early in the morning and continue to discover the Mekong Delta. You will go to the largest marketplace in the area: the amazing Floating Market and other destinations here.
- The floating markets belong to the highlights of the Mekong delta. Here you can cruise through the channels and check out what’s on offer in this incredible market that exists entirely on the water. These markets are central markets in the delta, where people can buy fruit and vegetables from local production. The goods are sold directly from the boats - the owners hang the available products on long poles, so that people can see what’s on offer from far away. Small sampans serve as mobile cafés, where you can buy soft drinks, an iced coffee or a strong noodle soup for breakfast.
- From here, we’ll head to visit a rice noodle making village, where you can learn how your daily noodles are made! Then we head down the river to the Monkey Bridge over the Delta which is a handmade bamboo or wooden pass way across a stream or gully. The Monkey Bridge as a uniquely Vietnamese traditional symbol and you can try it once time.
- Have lunch in a restaurant
- We also visit Binh Thuy and Flower pagoda that are the most famous the pagoda there.
- Come back Ho Chi Minh City in late afternoon.
Free-time idea(s)
- Enjoy performing arts on show includes ballet, musical concerts, Vietnamese traditional dance in The Saigon Opera House
- Taking a leisurely cruise down the Saigon River
- Some famous nightclubs such as Sax n' Art Jazz Club on Le Loi street, Lush Nightclub on Ly Trong Street in District 1,…
Today useful note(s)
- Floating markets are held every morning from 5:00 to about 11:00.
- Wear formal cloth when visiting pagoda.
Meals: Breakfast/__/__
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City
Day 6: Ho Chi Minh Departure
Ho Chi Minh Departure: This last day will be free at your own leisure before being transferred to the airport for your departure flight back to your country.
Free time idea(s):
You find it quite difficult to choose different favorite goods and lots of typical oriental products following your step. However, it is easy to find anything in Saigon downtown.
Today useful note(s):
Check your luggage, visa, passport before check in airport
Meals: Breakfast/__/__
Goodbye and hope to see you again!
What's Included & ExcludedPrice
Included:
- Experienced English speaking tour guide(s)
- Door to door pick-up/transfer service with private air-conditioned vehicles
- Hotel accommodation in twin/ double sharing basis with daily breakfast
- Entrance fee and Sightseeing tickets
- Services charges and Government taxes
- 1 small bottle of water per person on day trip
- One by one care service 24/7 during the trip.
- Food as mentioned in the itinerary
- All guided sightseeing fees and entrance fees as per itinerary
- Visa on Arrival to Vietnam – 1 month single entry visa to Vietnam (no deduct if you arrange yourselves)
- One bottle of water per person everyday on tour
- All entrance and visiting fees.
Excluded:
- Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
- Any International flights and any domestic flights
- Bank fee
- Stamping fee visa on arrival to Vietnam (at current 25 USD/ single entry)
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Tips & gratuit
List Of Accommodation Recommended
| City | Economy | Superior | Deluxe | Luxury |
| HCMC | Queen Ann Hotel | Silverland Central Hotel & Spa | Grand Silverland hotel & Spa | Eden Sai Gon Hotel |
| Can Tho | Hau Giang Hotel | Hau Giang Hotel | West Can Tho hotel | Victoria Can Tho |
If at the time of booking, any hotels or rooms in the list above are fully booked, we will endeavor to find accommodation of a similar standard elsewhere. If the only available accommodation is of a higher or lower standard, we will revise the price accordingly and consult you immediately.
* We suggest central location hotels and highly recommended on Tripadvisor in our list.
Please, Contact us
Children Policy:Price quote in USD per person & valid until 30 Sept, 2017
Kid < 5 years old: Free of charge (share services with Adult)
Kid 5-10 years old: 50% Adult
Kid >10 years old: 100% Adult price
* S.R.S: Single Room Supplement
* At the time of quotation, Travel Sense Asia reserves the right to adjust prices to take account of unusual movements in currency markets, hotel and transport costs as a result of inflationary price pressures in oil and other commodity markets.
Why 96% Clients Recommend TSA? Hear What They Say
Lynne315 (Dartford, United Kingdom) - From TripAdvisor said:
We have just returned from a 20 day tour of Vietnam organised by Ms Hein Ngo (Julie) from Travel Sense Asia. We had a really interesting, well organised trip and Julie made sure that we were looked after from arrival to departure, nothing was too much trouble and our enjoyment and safety was paramount... Read more
JohanMolin9999 (Stockholm, Stockholm Län, Sweden) - From TripAdvisor said:
I have recently returned from a two week tour of Vietnam. I used the services of TravelSense Asia. Ms Hien Ngo (Julie), my trip adviser from TravelSense, planned my itinerary in detail, and I am very happy about the result. She arranged all transports, excursions and accommodation from the minute I arrived in Hanoi airport until my departure from Ho Chi Minh city, except for one day in Hanoi and one day in HCM city, which I explicitly asked to be kept “free”... Read more
Useful information for travel in South Viet Nam
What’s the difference between 3, 4, and 5 -star hotels?
We usually arrange centrally-located and Western-standard hotels. Five-star hotels are usually palatial with huge lobbies and comfortable rooms, their standards not quite matching the best of Paris or New York, but very close. Four-star hotels have quality facilities, but not as luxurious as five-star hotels. Three-star hotels meet the needs of most Westerners, but breakfasts have less choice. We also recommend some courtyard hotels or Vietnamese-style hotels with local features and architecture. These hotels have a good ranking, or positive feedback from our customers, and TripAdvisor. Usually, hotels in big cities, small cities, and rural areas are a bit different, even if they have the same star level. We try to use the best available hotel in each place.
Passport & Visa Requirements
You may be required for visa to Vietnam. Please check the list of countries which need visa to Vietnam in this links: Who need visa to Vietnam? Vietnam Visa is issued by Vietnam Embassy in your country or “Visa on arrival”. Travel Sense Asia will offer free visa to Vietnam for you (except some difficult countries). You will need one clear page (per visa) in a full passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of your departure from Vietnam.
Currency Exchange
Vietnam - The Vietnamese Dong is the local currency.
As currency exchange rates in Vietnam fluctuate, we suggest you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com or www.vietcombank.com In 2015 the USD & VND has been around 22.500VND per USD. There are many ATM machines that accept both Visa and Master card, but these are limited to cities. We also recommend the use of cash and travelers checks in USD currency. Major credit cards are accepted in most shops, but they may charge a 2–4% transaction fee.
Tipping
It is customary to tip service providers in the travel industry in Asia, depending on the service. Tipping is expected — though not compulsory — and shows an expression of satisfaction with the people who have assisted you on your tour. Recommendations for tipping drivers (3 USD per person per day as a guideline) and local guides (8 USD per person per day as a guideline) would depend on the quality and length of the service. In additionally, you will sometimes use rolling boat, cyclo riding, porter which you should give a small tip to these local people.
Food
Eating is an important part of your Vietnam experience. Generally, breakfasts are included in the itinerary and offered by hotels. Travel Sense Asia recommend local Vietnam restaurants that are popular with local people for lunch. You can order dishes with the help of your guide. We usually leave dinner for your own choice — Western food can be found in most large cities. If you are vegetarian or you are looking for e.g. halal food, please feel free to inform your travel advisor, who can arrange a restaurant to fit your needs.
While it is generally safe to eat fully cooked meats and vegetables, care should be taken to avoid undercooked meat and uncooked fruits and vegetables. Because tap water is not potable, visitors should only drink bottled water or water that has been boiled and filtered. Avoid ice, as it is usually made from tap water.
Vehicle
We use comfortable sedans or vans with air-conditioning. The comfort and safety of our customers is of utmost importance, so we ensure that all of the vehicles that we use are well maintained and always very clean. Our drivers take pride in their vehicles. Our car and van are always available space for a comfortable trip. Luggage - All clients are limited to two items of luggage each; a suitcase with a maximum weight of 20kg and one piece of hand luggage with a maximum weight of 7kg. It is essential that your luggage is lockable. Please note that authorities will only allow bottles onto the aircraft if they have been checked in as main baggage. Bottles in hand luggage may be confiscated.
Electric
A soft sleeper is recommended for overnight and long-distance travel. Each soft sleeper compartment is enclosed, and contains four bunks, two on each side. The bunks are wider and more comfortable than hard sleepers, with decent bedding. Soft sleeper compartments may vary between trains. For route Hanoi – Laocai – Hanoi, it also has VIP cabin with 2 soft sleeper beds, please make quest if you prefer a private cabin. You may have both over-head storage and under-bed storage, or just under-bed storage. Fastest train is about 70kph. The railways is small here and it’s not as comfortable as train in developed countries.
In Vietnam the standard voltage is 220 V. The standard frequency is 50 Hz. The power sockets that are used are of type A / C / G. Below you find pictures of these power sockets and corresponding plugs. And we provide more information about the voltage and frequency. Climate - You will find a complete packing list and a helpful climate chart in the ‘Suggested Packing List’, which is included in the pre-departure information link sent within your deposit documentation. Seasonal weather patterns can be quite unpredictable. Up to the minute information on worldwide weather can be found on www.weather.com.
If you’re looking to travel to Vietnam or any country in South-east Asia but don’t know where to start, I’d be happy to use my experiences to determine your perfect destinations. My motto in work is bringing my passion for travel combined with dedication, providing suitable packages and exceptional service to our clients. You will definitely have memorable times when traveling with us, Travel Sense Asia. Don’t delay, speak to us today!
Chloe - Travel Expert
I think travel is one of the best forms of education, it motivates you to get out of your comfort zone, to be always curious and to appreciate other cultures. Keeping this in focus, I determine to deliver the best travel services to assist your journey of exploring the majestic beauty of Southeast Asia. Our tour packages are tailored to suit your needs and budget plan since we believe travel is fantastically individual experience. Don’t be hesitate to contact us for further information and to fully embrace the journey travel!
Ryan Mac - Travel Expert
Sales Expert
Hello, my name is Pera Fu, travel consultant for Travel Sense Asia, a local travel agency in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Thailand. With great passion of travel and Italian language, I would like to bring you the beautiful experiences during Vietnam and Cambodia tour: daily life, different culture, friendly people. Especially, our Vietnam is a special country with wild nature, brilliant white beaches, exquisite dishes such as “Phở Bò” – beef soup with rice noodles, “Nem rán” – fried rolls, egg coffee. Welcome!!!
Pera – Travel Consultant
Travel opens your heart, broadens your mind and fills your life with stories to tell. Our mission is to bring you authentic local experiences in the most convenience and satisfaction with the best price. Don’t hesitate to allow Travel Sense Asia to show you how to travel like a local. We’re always looking forward to being your travel mate in Indochina!
Lily – Travel Consultant
I have a dream from my childhood that I wish to travel all around the world when I grow up. My wish partly did come true, I have had the chance to make some leaps to all destinations in Vietnam and few other Indochina countries. Now, I set aside my dream and stay in office to be a travel consultant to support you – my dear customer to have your own vacation without the nerve to spend too much time prepare for it. I can assure you that we can bring you the best vacation, find you the most suitable route and give you the excellent service we can provide. With our expert experience, you can give your trust on us – Contact us now to have a worry-free vacation.
Clyde – Travel Consultant
The best itinerary is the one which customer likes. I always think that your trip should be a personal experience and based on your interest. I take into account what you like and what you do not like to create the perfect trip. Just only for you
Kurt – Travel Consultant
Hi everyone! My name is Linh. “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.” It is a quote of Saint Augustine that I really like. With a passion for travel, I decided to work in Travel Sense Asia team as a travel consultant to share my experiences with all of you and I am always ready to take you on a dream trip.
Erica – Travel Consultant
Local Guide
My name is Phong and 24 year-olds. Tour guide was my dream when I was in high school. It was to give impulse to apply Tourism University in Hue for learning more about Tour guide job. I am also love travel to many destinations and communicate with all friends over the world. I try to learn more and more new things to make me become an knowledgeable guide to share all the things I know for my guests and learn interesting things from them. I believe that tour guide is greatest job for me from now and in the future.
Nguyen Van Phong – Expert Guide
I am a hungry guide in learning and changing myself every day. Friendly, patient, smiling, flexible in touring. Working as tourguide for 10 years, I am ready to learn and ready to share. I am passionate in traveling and guiding my tourist. I am still much eager on duty to introduce about Vietnam and make the memorable trip for the travelers from all over the world.
La Hong Hue (Tommy) – Expert Guide
My passion is travel, bike, show history to my clients.
My mission is bring them true value of the trip, local experiences.
Do Ngoc Minh (Min) – Expert Guide
I have developed my passion for guiding since 5 years ago. For me, this is a gob job with new knowledges and opportunities that approach me at work. I feel comfortable being a guide and i have planned to learn more in near future.
Nguyen Quang Minh – Expert Guide
My name is Son Tran, and im a licensed tourguide from Hanoi, Vietnam. I like this fulltime job personally, and as a result, fully dedicate to it. Being a tour guide, I have opputunities to meet people from all corners of the globe and show them around my lovely motherland, visit famous landscapes, share the glorious history and mysterious tales, or get to know better their cultures. Isnt that awesome?
Son Tran (Shaun) – Expert Guide
Xin chào! I am Nguyen Hong Khanh ( Can) and my surname is Nguyen. I’m living in Da Nang and I am really proud and passionate about my country, my people and my culture. I speak English extremely well. Educated at Da Nang University specifically to study English. I have translated complex English/Vietnamese for concerns including National Scientific & Technology Centre of Canberra, ExxonMobil, the US Air National Guard and CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation).
Nguyen Hong Khanh (Can) – Expert Guide
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