Uganda to Vietnam Package Tours: 7-8 Days from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City
Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi – A Welcoming Start
Morning:
- Arrival in Hanoi: Meet the guests at Noi Bai International Airport, Hanoi.
- Transfer to Hotel: Transfer to 4-star hotels like Silk Path Hanoi or La Siesta Classic Ma May. Located in the center of Hanoi, these hotels offer guests a much-needed comfortable place to relax and recover after their long haul.
Afternoon:
- Rest & Relaxation: After checking in, guests have the rest of the day to UNWIND in the hotel or the proximity of it.
- Explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter: If you want to get out, a short stroll through the thrumming Old Quarter is the perfect way to kick off the trip. Hanoi has a bustling feel, a mixture of old architecture, shops, and street food.
Evening:
- Dinner at Ngon Villa: Have a Vietnamese traditional dinner at Ngon Villa. The restaurant features a menu that showcases some of Hanoi’s best eats, serving everything from pho (Vietnamese noodle soup) to bun cha (grilled pork with vermicelli noodles), treating guests to the complexity and diversity of Vietnamese culinary offerings.
- Evening Stroll: Guests can take a saunter around Hoan Kiem Lake, an emblematic site in Hanoi, before returning to their hotel for the night.
Hoan Kiem Lake (Sours: canva)
Day 2: Exploring Hanoi’s Rich History & Culture
Morning:
- Visit Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple: Begin the day by visiting Hoan Kiem Lake, which is the most central area of Hanoi, for a serene walk by the lake. On a small island on the lake is Ngoc Son Temple, which is quite small, but an equally important temple. Find out about the legends surrounding the lake and its significance to the people of Hanoi.
- The Temple of Literature: Head to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university. This historic site dates back to 1070 and is dedicated to Confucius and learned men. It’s a tranquil and meditative place that sheds light on Vietnam’s ancient educational customs.
Lunch:
- Bun Cha Obama: For lunch, visit local favorite Bun Cha Obama, which gained international fame when President Barack Obama stopped there to eat. Guests will be served bún chả, a dish of grilled pork, noodles, fresh herbs, and dipping sauce, along with nem cua be (fried crab spring rolls).
Afternoon:
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: After lunch, head over to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where the body of Uncle Ho, the father of modern Vietnam, is embalmed and preserved. Such a visit provides a chance to ponder Vietnam’s revolutionary past and the legacy of its most beloved leaders.
- Old Quarter Exploration: Hanoi’s colonial past and modern-day vibrancy come together beautifully in the Old Quarter. Get lost in the maze of narrow alleys each named for the goods that used to be sold there and soak up the energy of daily life in Hanoi.
Evening:
- Water Puppet Show at Thang Long Water Puppet Theater: After relaxing in the afternoon, you can head to watch a traditional water puppet show at Thang Long Water Puppet Theater in the evening. This centuries-old art form, which originated in Vietnam in the 11th century is one of the most culturally unique experiences you can have.
- Dinner at Spices Garden: Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese dinner at the Spices Garden restaurant inside the Metropole Hotel. The restaurant provides an elegant backdrop for trying old favorites, like bun rieu (crab noodle soup) and ca kho to (caramelized fish).
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (Sours: canva)
Day 3: Halong Bay – A UNESCO World Heritage Adventure
Morning:
- Departure to Halong Bay: After breakfast, leave Hanoi on a 3.5-hour drive to Halong Bay, one of the most stunning places on the planet. The ride takes you through idyllic countryside and rural villages, showing you the landscape for the stunning beauty ahead at the bay.
- Board the 5-Star Cruise: After getting in Halong, embark on a 5-star cruise for the Bay Discovery. Most tourists know Halong Bay for its emerald waters and a thousand thousands of towering limestone islands. The cruise is a special way to experience the views and solitude at this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Lunch:
- Seafood Lunch on Board: During cruising, have a fresh seafood lunch on board, such as Halong Bay specialties grilled squid, and steamed crab. The seafood and the tranquility of the surroundings go perfectly together.
Afternoon:
- Titov Island & Scenic Hike: After lunch, we will go to Titov Island, where you can hike up to the top of the island and get magnificent views of the bay. With views from the top as spectacularly on your trail, the reward is a picture-perfect photo opportunity at the summit!
- Relaxing on the Cruise: After the hike, enjoy some leisure time on the deck of the cruise. You can relax, sunbathe, or take a dip in the water to cool off.
Evening:
- Return to Hanoi: Late afternoon return by bus to Hanoi with a quiet drive back to the city
- Dinner at The Gourmet Corner: A delightful restaurant in The Old Quarter with stunning views across the city. Indulge in traditional fare such as pho and banh xeo (Vietnamese pancakes).
Titov Island (Sours: vivuhalong)
Day 4: Flight to Ho Chi Minh City — The Exploration Begins
Morning:
- Flight to Ho Chi Minh City: Breakfast and check out before your short flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) in southern Vietnam. Arrival to Ciudad Juarez is around 2 hours, and guests will be eager to experience an energy unlike any other in this booming metropolis.
- Accommodation in District 1: 4-star hotels in District 1, Liberty Central Saigon Riverside or Rex Hotel. Both provide excellent comfort and easy access to the city’s main attractions.
Lunch:
- Banh Mi at Banh Mi Huynh Hoa: For lunch, you can grab a delicious Banh Mi from Banh Mi Huynh Hoa (a top spot in all of Saigon for the iconic Vietnamese sandwich). The crunchy baguette filled with grilled pork, pickled vegetables, and herbs makes for the ideal introduction to Saigon’s street food scene.
Afternoon:
- Independence Palace & French Colonial Architecture: After lunch, head on over to the Independence Palace, or Reunification Palace, an important historic site that served a key role in the Vietnam War. Learn about Vietnam’s fight for independence and why this place matters.
- Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral & Central Post Office: Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral, a beautiful French-colonial cathedral, and the Central Post Office, which is also a piece of French architecture, built a little bit by Gustave Eiffel.
Evening:
- Cyclo Ride through Nguyen Hue Walking Street: Evening Cyclo Ride along Nguyen Hue Walking Street One way to experience this is to visit the neon district, which is also popular in the evening.
- Dinner at Secret Garden Restaurant: Dinner at Secret Garden Restaurant, a cozy place where hundreds of delicious traditional Vietnamese recipes are served
Independence Palace (Sours: canva)
Day 5: Discovering the Mekong Delta — Journey Through Southern Waters
Morning:
- Departure for Ben Tre: After breakfast, commence the trip to the Mekong Delta, a journey of approximately 2 hours from Ho Chi Minh City. The Mekong Delta is famous for its lush nature, waterways, and delightful communities.
- Mekong River Cruise: Take a Mekong River Cruise, where you’ll drift past villages, coconut groves, and local markets. Traditional wooden boats transporting goods and people along the water offer a unique view of life in the delta.
Lunch:
- Lunch by the River: You’ll have the option to have a short break at a riverside restaurant for elevated local produce with fresh seafood for lunch. Take in the serene environment while enjoying the tastes of southern Vietnam.
Afternoon:
- Explore Local Markets & Rach Mieu Bridge: After lunch, go to Vinh Kim Market to explore the colorful local trade. Next, stop at the Rach Mieu Bridge that links two provinces of the Mekong Delta with impressive views of the delta’s landscape.
Evening:
- Return to Ho Chi Minh City: Head back to Ho Chi Minh City in the late afternoon. End your day of exploring with dinner at The Deck Saigon, a food and low-key drink spot along the riverside.
Day 6: Cu Chi Tunnels & Saigon’s Cultural Experience
Morning:
- Cu Chi Tunnels: Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, an extensive network of tunnels used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. Learn how the Vietnamese fought against overwhelming odds as you explore these tunnels and their ingenious functions.
Lunch:
- Lunch at Hum Vegetarian: Hum Vegetarian is a popular spot for healthy and delicious vegetarian meals and a great place to grab lunch.
Afternoon:
- War Remnants Museum: Take a tour of the War Remnants Museum, an insightful and emotional museum about the Vietnam War. What to know about the events, the people, and the stakes of the war.
- Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica & Central Post Office: Before they visit, re-explore the Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica and Central Post Office, two touchstones of Saigon’s French colonial heritage.
Evening:
- Dinner at Cuc Gach Quan: If you want a cozy, homey meal in a traditional Vietnamese setting, for dinner you can head to Cuc Gach Quan where you enjoy classic home-cooked Vietnamese food in a lovely intimate environment.
- Saigon River Cruise: Wrap up your perfect day in Ho Chi Minh City by taking a cruise on the Saigon River, with great views of the city’s skyline.
Cu Chi Tunnels (Sours: https://www.agoda)
Day 7: Shopping, Relaxation, and Departure
Morning:
- Saigon Shopping: Shop at popular malls Saigon Centre and Vincom Dong Khoi on your last day, where you can find a range of souvenirs to luxury items.
Lunch:
- Lunch at Ngon Villa Saigon: One can taste the best of Vietnamese street food in an elegant building in Ngon Villa Saigon.
Afternoon:
- Free Time and Relaxation: Free time for shopping or visiting L’Apothiquaire Spa for a massage before flying home.
Evening:
- Departure: Check out at the hotel and transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport for your flight back to Uganda, with beautiful memories of Vietnam.
Optional 8th Day Extension: Seaside Exploration in Vung Tau
Morning:
- Day Trip to Vung Tau: A 2-hour drive will take you to this tranquil seaside city. White Palace and Jesus Statue (For cliffs view)
Lunch:
- Seafood Lunch by the Beach: You will have the opportunity to taste fresh seafood at a seaside restaurant, with seafood taken from the sea in Vung Tau.
Afternoon:
- Coastal Exploration: Head to Nghinh Phong Cape for an incredible coastline view and soak up the sun at the beach before hitting back for Ho Chi Minh City.
Evening:
- Dinner at La Maison 1888: Go back to Ho Chi Minh City on the last day for an extravagant dinner at La Maison 1888, which offers a Vietnamese twist to French dining as the best way to end your travel.
White Palace (Sours: https://www.tripadvisor)
Tour Includes and Tour Excludes for Uganda to Vietnam package tours
Tour Includes:
- Accommodation: Hanoi & Ho Chi Minh City 4-star hotels (Silk Path Hanoi, Rex Hotel.)
- Meals: Traditional Vietnamese-style meals Bun Cha Obama, Ngon Villa, and Spices Garden.
- Transport: All transfers and excursions in private air-conditioned transportation.
- Cruise: 5-star cruise on Halong Bay offering fresh seafood lunch, and activities (kayaking).
- Guided Tours: All sightseeing activities with an expert English-speaking guide
- Entrance Fees: Entry tickets to attractions like Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Temple of Literature, Cu Chi Tunnels, etc.
- Cultural Performances: Water Puppet Show at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre.
Tour Excludes:
- International Flights: Flights to and from Vietnam are not included.
- Travel Insurance: Not required but highly advisable for all travelers.
- Personal Expenses: Shopping, additional snacks or personal activity not included in the itinerary.
- Visa Fees: Visa charges and accredited visa assistance are additional (depends from individual to individual)
- Additional Services: Spa treatments for more pampering or attractions tour beyond the itinerary.
Important Travel Notes for Uganda to Vietnam package tours
Visa Requirements: Yes, but you must obtain a Vietnam visa before arrival in Vietnam. Make sure your visa is processed and approved before your journey. Check-in with the Vietnamese embassy for specifics on visa application processes.
Currency: The currency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (VND) Although you can use credit cards in larger cities, you should carry cash for smaller purchases (and especially in rural areas). Exchange rates are good, and foreign currency exchange services are accessible even in big cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
Weather: Tropical has three distinct annual seasons in different regions Hanoi in the north tends to be cool to cold in the winter (November to March), while the Mekong Delta in the south is warm year-round. Regular visitors can pack as per season.
Language: Vietnamese is the main language spoken in Vietnam. Many Vietnamese speak some English, especially in tourist areas, yet knowledge of simple Vietnamese phrases or translation apps can come in handy and will be appreciated by the locals.
Cultural Etiquette: Vietnamese culture ranks highly in tradition and respects elders. Dress modestly (covering shoulders and knees) if you are visiting temples or cultural sites, and remove your shoes before entering sacred areas. It is also courteous to greet with a smile and a short bow or nod.
Health & Safety: Vietnam is a relatively safe destination for tourists, but as always, be mindful in crowded cities, particularly regarding traffic and personal items. Do not initially drink water from the tap to avoid stomach problems. You should also carry basic medication, since it may be difficult to find certain items in rural areas.
Conclusion
These Uganda to Vietnam package tours provide a unique experience, a combination of history, nature, and local dishes. The majestic splendor of Halong Bay, as well as the vivacity of Ho Chi Minh City, weaves together a comprehensive glimpse of the Vietnam Package Tours for the well-rounded adventure seeker! We have carefully selected high-end accommodations, great local food, and experienced itineraries. First and foremost, it is extremely personal and memorable, resulting in great memories and meaningful cultural connections.
The Uganda to Vietnam package tours provide the much-needed thrills to explore, experience, and feel a sense of discovery to never forget. To find out more or to book your tour:
Hanoi Head Office
- 125 Hoang Ngan, Hanoi
- Tel: (+84) 912 379 189
- Email: hanoi@impresstravel.com
Saigon Office
- 155 Ben Van Don, Rivergate, 4 District, HCM
- Tel: (+84)961675566
- Email: saigon@impresstravel.com