Day 1 HO CHI MINH CITY
On arrival at Tan San Nhat Airport, you are met and transferred to the hotel. Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is a center of commerce, finance,
culture and tourism in Vietnam. This bustling metropolis, contradiction of its northern counterpart, is crowded with bikes and motorbikes, excited by numerous shopping area and sidewalk caf?s. If time permits, we stroll around the downtown to explore the different local ways of life.
Overnight : at hotel
Day 2 HO CHI MINH CITY - TAY NINH - CU CHI - HO CHI MINH CITY
Heading out of town we drive north to visit the head quarter of Cao Dai sect in Tay Ninh. This religion was founded in 1923 and now numbers over 2 million members. On arrival we see the ornate temple and attend the fantastic mid-day service when the followers fill the hall wearing colored robes, a symbol of the curious combination of the Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism. Afterwards we continue to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, which were an incredible underground network constructed by Vietnamese fighters during the long struggle for independence. The tunnels contained hospitals, plus accommodation and schools, and were used as a military base for the Vietcong in the American war.
Overnight : at hotel
Meals : Breakfast
Day 3 HO CHI MINH CITY - CAN THO
The sightseeing tour acquaints us with some major sights of Ho Chi Minh City. We pass the now-demolished wartime American Embassy on our way to the Reunification Palace. This famous edifice was the former residence of the President of Southern Vietnam until end of April 1975. Close to the palace are some striking French colonial structures including the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Sai Gon Post Office. We also visit the Jade Emperor Pagoda and the War Remnant Museum before ending up our morning agenda at the bustling Ben Thanh Market where anything and everything is for sale! We travel by roads through the rolling countryside to Can Tho, the largest town in the Mekong Delta.
Overnight : at hotel
Meals : Breakfast
Day 4 CAN THO - VINH LONG - HO CHI MINH CITY
Upon leaving Can Tho we drive to Vinh Long and board a boat for an exciting excursion around the tributaries of the mighty Mekong River. As a highlight of the trip we visit the various fascinating local cottages industries including rice paper makers, bonsai nurseries as well as the vibrant floating market of Cai Be whose trading way is very interesting. After feasting on a huge lunch followed with many seasonal fruits at an orchard, we weave our way through the intricate network of canals that are the lifeblood of the Mekong Delta. We return to Ho Chi Minh, stopping off along the way to see the Cho Lon, Saigon’s Chinatown, which is crammed with fascinating temples and mysterious, narrow lanes.
Overnight : at hotel
Meals : Breakfast/Lunch
Day 5 HO CHI MINH CITY - DALAT
The northbound journey begins as we depart Ho Chi Minh and pass through the many tea and coffee plantations to the hill station of Da Lat, sometimes known as the "City of Eternal Spring". The drive is long but views are fantastic. On arrival we can soak up the cool climate as much as we want by spending our time to wander around and catch our first glimpse of the town. The influence of the French is prevalent since Da Lat was founded as a hill retreat for the colonials to escape the oppressive heat of the coastal plains and the Mekong Delta. This charming town is set around a lake and surrounded by forests, waterfalls and rolling countryside.
Overnight : at hotel
Meals : Breakfast
Day 6 DALAT - NHA TRANG
After breakfast, we embark on a short drive past the charming pine hill to visit the summer residence of Vietnam’s last Emperor Bao Dai, who was forced to abdicate in 1945, shortly after the end of the World War II. We follow this with a trip to the Lam Ty Ni Pagoda and the Hang Nga Guesthouse, well known as the Crazy House because of its bizarre architecture. The central market and the old rail station are also visited this morning before we travel by roads through the undulating terrains to the picturesque coastal town of Nha Trang. Along the way we make stopover at the scenic Ngoan Muc Pass and the Po Klong Jarai Cham Towers. These amazing structures represent an interesting culture and a colorful history of the Cham people.
Overnight : at hotel
Meals : Breakfast
Day 7 NHA TRANG
The fabulous sunny weather, turquoise water surrounding a string of islands and white sandy beach stretching the whole length of the city make Nha Trang one of Vietnam's premier beach resorts. After breakfast we board a boat for a day trip around the coastal islands, stopping on the way at a local fishing village to observe the island life. Today we also have lots of time on the blue clear water enjoying swimming and snorkeling or lazing on a beach. A seafood lunch is some enjoyment of the trip. We arrive back in town late afternoon and visit the Long Son Pagoda and the impressive Ponagar Cham Towers, which are overlooking the colourful fishing port.
Overnight : at hotel
Meals : Breakfast/Lunch
Day 8 NHA TRANG - DANANG - HOI AN
An early morning transfer to airport for a flight to Da Nang. On arrival we are greeted and driven a short distance to Hoi An which was originally a Cham seaport but has been influenced down centuries by a myriad of traders from various cultures. There are plenty to see in this tranquil and delightful town, some of which are the famous Japanese Covered Bridges, the Pottery Museum, the 200 years old Tamky House, the Chua Ong Pagoda and the vibrant market. We visit these sights on an enchanting walking tour past many low tiled houses scattered along the small streets, and assembly halls which reflect the town's multi-cultural past.
Overnight : at hotel
Meals : Breakfast
Day 9 HOI AN - HUE
The following destination of our trip is Hue, the last imperial capital of Vietnam. We drive north this morning, stopping en route to visit the sensational Marble Mountains, the China Beach and the Cham Museum in Danang. This interesting structure is home to Vietnam's largest collection of Cham treasures. The winding roads begin as we make our way up the spectacular Hai Van Pass. At the top of the pass we stop to admire a fantastic view north to Lang Co and south to Danang. Arriving in Hue we see the Imperial Citadel and the Purple Forbidden City. This royal residence was all but destroyed during the 1968 Tet Offensive, however it is still fascinating to walk among the ruins.
Overnight : at hotel
Meals : Breakfast
Day 10 HUE
The beautiful riverside pagoda of Thien Mu which now becomes the symbol of Hue, and the elaborate royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc are not to be missed. We include these in a half day cruise on the Perfume River which also gives us a taste of the scenic countryside as well as an enjoyable visit to the mausoleum of Emperor Minh Mang, in a tranquil setting of gardens and lakes. After an impressive boat trip we take a walk to the bustling Dong Ba Market that sells a wide variety of local goods and handicrafts. Along the way we pass many fantastic eating spots, all ideal for visitors to sample some local delicacies.
Overnight : at hotel
Meals : Breakfast
Day 11 HUE - HANOI
After breakfast you explore Hue on your own until transferring to the airport for a short flight north. The capital of Vietnam, Hanoi is a stylish and gracious city that retains an unique old world charm and some Asia ‘s most striking colonial architecture. The many lakes and parks also make for relaxing atmosphere. After checking into hotel we visit the beautiful lake of Hoan Kiem with its sacred temple and the vibrant Dong Xuan Market, which boasts Hanoi's oldest and largest market. A perfect way to finish the day is to enjoy a short cyclo excursion through the bustling old quarter streets named after the specific goods once offered for sale at these places.
Overnight : at hotel
Meals : Breakfast
Day 12 HANOI - HA LONG BAY
Today we enjoy a half day city tour starting with the Ho Chi Minh Complex, containing the mausoleum of the nation’s founder Ho Chi Minh, the Presidential Palace and the Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts. The complex also comprises the One Pillar Pagoda, whose origins date back to the foundation of Hanoi. We follow this with a trip to the Temple of Literature, well known as Vietnam’s first university, and the History Museum which displays an excellent collection of artifacts illustrating the Vietnamese history. The peaceful lake of Hoan Kiem and the bustling Dong Xuan Market are also visited before we depart for Halong Bay through the scenic countryside. Along the way we make stop over at Dong Trieu pottery village to observe many craft man at work.
Overnight : at hotel
Meals : Breakfast
Day 13 Ha Long Bay - HANOI
The wondrous Halong Bay is truly one of Vietnam’s most impressive scenic sights. Heading out of the town we embark on a boat for an exploration of the legendary Halong Bay. This exciting five hour cruise will provide us a fantastic view of the picturesque scenery blending with the sky and some 3,000 limestone islands rising amazingly from the clear and emerald water. The limestone karst formations are littered with beaches, grottoes and beautiful caves. Along the way we will anchor for a leisurely swim in a secluded cove and an enjoyable visit to one of the many hidden grottoes beneath towering cliffs. After a seafood lunch on board we return to Ha Noi, stopping en route at Dong Trieu pottery village. We arrive in time to see an evening performance of Hanoi's famous water puppets.
Overnight : at hotel
Meals : Breakfast/Lunch
Day 14 HANOI - Hoa Lu - HANOI
The ancient capital of Hoa Lu with two remaining temples of the Dinh and Le dynasties, was founded in the late 10th century. Despite the turbulent history, these temples still preserve their original structure. After visiting this sight, we climb the 200 steps to the top of Ma Yen mount, where we are afforded by a fantastic view over the surrounding area. Our trip continues to Tam Coc which is surnamed “ Inland Halong Bay”. Here we have the chance to take a rowing boat trip on a river through the quiet and peaceful landscape of rice fields surrounded by limestone formations to the grottoes of Tam Coc.
Overnight : at hotel
Meals : Breakfast
Day 15 HANOI
There is free time to relax or further explore Ha Noi. The tour ends after your transfer to Noi Bai Airport for departure.
Meals : Breakfast |
