DAY 1: HANOI

HANOI INTERNATIONAL ARRIVAL WITH FAST TRACK SERVICE

Upon touchdown at Hanoi's Noi Bai International Airport, you will be met right at the airplane's arrival gate by friendly Fast Track Service staff. You will be whisked through immigration via the diplomatic lane, have your luggage retrieved and carried, and be escorted to your Hanoi host waiting for you in the Arrival Hall. A private vehicle will be ready to take you on an adventure back to the Hanoi center.

Note: It takes about 45 minutes to travel from the airport to Hanoi city center.

WELCOME TO HANOI

Duration: 6.5 hours

This afternoon we'll head out to explore the hotel's neighborhood area and step into vintage Hanoi with a little historical overview, a traditional Vietnamese coffee, and a glimpse of Hanoians at work, rest, and play around the city's largest natural landmark. There is no better place to get oriented.

DAY 2: HANOI

HANOI INSIDE OUT BY VINTAGE SIDECAR

Duration: 6 hours

Hanoi has been the Vietnamese capital since 1010 A.D., so there are endless stories to be told from within the city's bustling alleyways and diverse quarters. Today, we'll delve deep into Hanoi as we immerse ourselves in these tales.

Let's explore Hanoi in style today, using multiple modes of transportation. We'll start with a vintage sidecar ride, which in the old times could only be owned by the military or police, drifting through the must-see sights of the Old Quarter. Then, we'll head to the West Lake area to visit some beautiful gardens and some of Vietnam's oldest Buddhist monasteries, and even Huu Tiep Lake, where you will see the wreckage of the B-52 bomber from the Christmas bombing in 1972. If you're up for it, we can arrange a "skip the line" visit to Ho Chi Minh's Museum complex, the historic Ba Dinh Square, and the Hoa Lo Prison, which was nicknamed the Hanoi Hilton by the POWs during their time here.

The sightseeing will be complemented by two essential Vietnamese experiences: slurping on a bowl of noodle soup (Phở) and sipping traditional Vietnamese iced coffee (Cà phê sữa đá), or even trying egg coffee (Cà phê trứng) — a unique and delicious drink that originated in Hanoi.

DZUNG'S STORIES BEYOND BATTLEFIELDS
(A Vietnam Veteran's Journey - Part of Hanoi Inside Out)

After a thrilling sidecar ride through Hanoi, meet Mr. Dzung, a Vietnam War veteran who served from 1970 to 1975 in key battles including Khe Sanh, the Hồ Chí Minh Campaign, and the 1972 Battle of Hanoi's Skies. After the war, he studied diplomacy, worked with Vietnam's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, served at embassies in Hungary, France, and South Africa, met Nelson Mandela, and interpreted for General Vo Nguyen Giap. Through his personal stories, Mr. Dzung offers a rare and powerful perspective on Vietnam's history, resilience, and transformation.

METROPOLE'S BOMB SHELTER - PATH OF HISTORY

Duration: 45 minutes

Let's go back in time by joining us for the Path of History trip with a visit to the Metropole's bomb shelter. This bunker protected guests, including famous visitors like Joan Baez and Jane Fonda, from air raids during the American War (1964 - 1973). After the war, the bunker was closed and sealed until a chance of rediscovery by the hotel engineering department during the renovation of the Bamboo Bar in 2011. It was reopened in May 2012 to honor the extraordinary efforts of employees during the shared hardships of wartime. Today, this space serves as a memorial to their courage and perseverance and to remember what should never be forgotten.

JAZZ NIGHTS AND DINNER AT LE CLUB BAR

Overlooking a beautiful garden courtyard, this airy bar offers a relaxing cocktail experience in Hanoi. In addition to an extensive menu, Le Club Bar is also the perfect place to enjoy afternoon tea and its renowned chocolate treats. From Tuesday to Saturday, Metropole Hanoi is pleased to invite you to the "Live Jazz & Swing with Metropole" performance, starting at 8 pm.

Meal: Own Expenses

DAY 3: HANOI

HANOI COUNTRYSIDE: HIKING ADVENTURE AT HAM LON MOUNTAIN

Duration: 7 hours

Start your day with an adventure by hiking up Ham Lon Mountain, also known as 'Pig Hill.' This popular hiking spot offers trails suitable for all levels, from casual walkers to seasoned trekkers. As you ascend, you'll be surrounded by lush greenery and the sounds of nature. The summit rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, making the climb well worth the effort.

Enjoy a picnic lunch at the top, soaking in the tranquility and fresh mountain air. After descending, you'll have time to explore the picturesque surroundings before heading back to Hanoi, feeling rejuvenated and inspired by the day's experiences.

Note: The hiking distance can be justified between 4 - 10 km

DINNER RECOMMEND: TAM VI - FROM FAMILY MEALS TO MICHELIN-STARRED RESTAURANT

This vintage tea house exudes a distinctly Northern Vietnamese atmosphere, with its nostalgic collection of Chinese furniture, hand-written signs, and antique gramophone and telephone. They serve Northern Vietnamese dishes with some central and southern options. The Vietnamese ham with periwinkle snail sausage (chả ốc) is accompanied by fresh herbs, vegetables, and rice vermicelli with fish sauce. The subtle crab soup with Malabar spinach (canh cua mồng tơi) comes in a clear broth.

Meal: Own Expenses

DAY 4: HANOI TO SAIGON

DEPARTURE FROM HANOI, FLY TO SAIGON (HCMC)

Duration: 45 minutes

It's time to bid farewell to North Vietnam! You will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the airport for your onward flight to Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, the largest city in Vietnam located in the South.

Note: It takes about 45 minutes to travel from the Hanoi city center to the Airport

CU CHI TUNNELS WITH VETERAN MEETING AND SPEEDBOAT

Duration: 5 hours

Once you land at Tan Son Nhat Airport in Saigon, meet your host and driver for the drive to the 'Iron Triangle' of the Cu Chi Tunnels, where the Vietcong dug 250 kilometers of passageways from the Cambodian border towards Saigon, eventually capturing the city. Upon arrival, meet a Vietnamese war veteran who will share with you his firsthand experience as a local guerrilla, who fought from underground through the intricate network of tunnels, sharing gripping stories of wartime resilience and ingenuity. While heavily visited, it's astounding what they constructed, and you'll have the opportunity to squeeze through most of these very narrow passageways. This visit gives an enduring appreciation for the tenacity and sacrifices of the Vietnamese people. A private speedboat with a picnic snack and drinks on board is a fun way to make your return journey from Cu Chi to Saigon, with great views to be had from the river along the way.

Note: it is a 1.5 hour drive there by car and 1.5 hour return by speedboat

DINNER RECOMMEND: XU RESTAURANT LOUNGE

Xu Restaurant Lounge is a modern and hip Vietnamese restaurant with creative Vietnamese food in a trendy atmosphere and a great selection of drinks. It is good for a semi-fancy meal with reasonable prices.

Meal: Own Expenses

DAY 5: SAIGON

SAIGON'S TIMELESS JOURNEY

Duration: 3 hours

This morning, let's get on our feet from the hotel along Dong Khoi Street (meaning simultaneous uprising and formerly known as Rue Catinat), passing all the historic iconic sites like the ornate Central Post Office—also built in the late 19th century, featuring a pair of enormous murals with maps of Vietnam as it was years ago. This is also the place where we will show you the vestiges of the helicopter landing site during the chaotic evacuation in the last days of the Vietnam War.

Let's walk across the road through a park to have a glimpse of where the South Vietnam president used to live. The two tanks from North Vietnam that crashed through the main gate of this building on April 30th, 1975, marking the end of the Vietnam War, are still kept there. Back on Rue Catinat, pass the historical site of the Continental Hotel, which appeared in the famous novel ""The Quiet American"" by Graham Greene, and the Rex Hotel, another historical site where US personnel went for R&R during the Vietnam War.

ECHOES OF CONFLICT: SAIGON'S CAFÉ MUSEUM JOURNEY

Enjoy lunch at a café that once functioned as a storage facility for Vietcong weapons during the Tet Offensive. Now transformed into a private museum accessible to the public, it showcases remnants of the 2-ton cache of weapons stored here during the Vietnam War. Meet the owner, who happens to be the son of a renowned Vietnamese spy, and delve into their family's wartime experiences, gaining insights into their journey amidst the heart of central Saigon.

SAIGON HERITAGE JOURNEY

Duration: 2.5 hours

Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is now a modern seaport and Vietnam's largest city. During our tour, we'll see the city's long and complex history on full display: centuries-old Buddhist temples and buildings constructed by French colonists. Continuing on, we'll visit the Venerable Thich Quảng Đức Monument, a memorial to the monk who set himself on fire to protest the persecution of Buddhists in Vietnam. You may also visit the War Remnants Museum. The North Vietnamese captured this city on April 30, 1975, and as you explore the artillery and armor collection, you'll gain more insights into the ""American War."" The Reunification Palace is on the list too, where you will see where the South Vietnam government and its president used to live and work.

DINNER RECOMMEND: AN AN SAIGON - MICHELIN-STARRED RESTAURANT

Proudly recognized with a Michelin star, Ăn Ăn Saigon is a must-visit for lovers of Vietnamese cuisine. Located in the heart of Saigon, the restaurant combines authentic flavors with modern creativity, all crafted from the finest local ingredients. A true culinary gem!

Meal: Own Expenses

DAY 6: SAIGON

SAIGON AND MEKONG DELTA IN A DAY: BOAT AND BIKE

Duration: 10 hours

Join us for an exciting day trip from Saigon to the Mekong Delta with boat and bike, where you'll experience the charm of Mekong villages, lush rice paddies, coconut plantations, and vibrant dragon fruit farms. Start with a one-hour van ride to a café south of Saigon where you will meet the bike and enjoy a leisurely two-hour bike ride through the picturesque countryside.

Pedal along dirt paths elevated above the fields, soaking in the sights of friendly farmers, colorful Mekong-style architecture, and towering coconut trees. After a refreshing stop at a local river overpass for water and snacks, continue your journey through shaded country roads. If you're feeling tired, you can opt to ride in the van for the second leg. The day culminates with a relaxing 30-minute boat tour to a local restaurant, where you'll savor authentic Mekong cuisine and unwind with a refreshing shower. After a delightful lunch, you'll bid farewell to the Mekong and return to Saigon in the late afternoon.

DINNER RECOMMEND: SQUARE ONE PARK HYATT

Located within the luxurious Park Hyatt Saigon, Square One is a Michelin-recognized restaurant that masterfully blends Vietnamese and French culinary traditions. With a menu curated by renowned chefs, the restaurant offers dishes crafted from premium ingredients, designed for sharing and savoring. The warm and stylish interior, featuring elegant wood and brick accents, creates an inviting ambiance perfect for both intimate dining and social gatherings.

Meal: Own Expenses

DAY 7: SAIGON

UNVEIL THE HIDDEN TREASURES OF SAIGON'S CHINATOWN!

Duration: 4.5 hours

Today we'll explore the town by three-wheeled cyclo, a vintage and leisurely way to travel. We'll head to Cholon, Saigon's Chinatown, to wander the old spice district and the vibrant Binh Tay Market. We'll also visit Giac Lam Pagoda, one of the city's oldest Buddhist temples.

Next, we'll move to Thang Nghia Dojo, tucked away in a quiet corner of Saigon's Chinatown. Steeped in tradition and energy, this hidden gem blends culture and combat. Inside, feel the weight of centuries as martial arts legends have trained here. Watch practitioners spar, their movements fluid and precise. But that's just the start!

Be captivated by lion and dragon heads, symbols of traditional Chinese dance, which come alive during festivals. Witness a short lion dance performance, admiring the martial arts students' dedication.

And here's the fun part: get hands-on! Try the wooden dummy, experience sandbag training, and feel the rhythm of combat and culture merging. Join the lion dance troupe, don a vibrant costume, and become part of the magic. Behind the scenes, artisans craft dragon heads—a blend of strength and fortune. Feeling adventurous? Paint a dragon scale!

Before leaving this cultural museum, create your own moving lion dance picture—a special memory to bring home from Saigon's Chinatown, Vietnam.

DAY 8: SAIGON

THE MODERN HISTORY OF VIETNAM: PERSPECTIVES FROM A DOCTOR, KNOWLEDGEABLE PROFESSOR SPECIALIZING IN REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Duration: 3 hours

In the morning, we will visit a prominent local university to attend an exclusive, in-depth lecture on Economic Development in the Mekong Delta. This insightful session, led by a knowledgeable professor specializing in regional development, will explore the economic dynamics, challenges, and growth opportunities unique to this vital region of Vietnam.

Following the presentation, we'll have the opportunity to participate in a dynamic Q&A session, where guests can engage directly with the professor and a select group of students. This is a wonderful chance to ask questions, discuss real-world implications, and gain a deeper understanding of Vietnam's approach to economic growth and sustainable development in the Mekong Delta. Additionally, this experience provides valuable insights into the structure and aspirations of higher education in Vietnam, offering a rare look into the perspectives of the nation's future leaders.

VIETNAM - SEE YOU AGAIN!

As we bid farewell to the vibrant energy and cultural tapestry of Saigon, we make our way to Tan Son Nhat Airport for our onward flight.

Note: It takes about 30-35 minutes to travel from the hotel to Tan Son Nhat Airport