Day 01: Arrival - Ho Chi Minh City
On
arrival at Tan San Nhat Airport, you are met and transferred to 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 café (If
time permits) we stroll around the downtown to explore the different
local ways of life. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 02: Ho Chi Minh City - Tay Ninh - Cu Chi - Ho Chi Minh City (B,L)
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
in Ho Chi Minh City. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 03: Ho Chi Minh City- Can Tho (B,L,D)
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
in Can Tho.
Day 04: Can Tho - Vinh Long - Ho Chi Minh City (B,L)
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 in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 05: Ho Chi Minh City - DaLat (B)
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 in Da Lat.
Day 06: DaLat - NhaTrang (B,D)
An
impressive way to start our day is a walk around the town. We then
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 in Nha Trang.
Day 07: NhaTrang (B,L)
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 in Nha Trang.
Day 08: NhaTrang - Da Nang - Hoi An (B)
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 in Hoi An.
Day 09: Hoi An - Hue (B)
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. Stay overnight
in Hue.
Day 10: Hue (B,L)
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 in Hue.
Day 11: Hue - Hanoi (B,D)
After
breakfast we explore Hue on our 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 in Ha Noi.
Day 12: Hanoi - Halong (B,L,D)
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. Overnight in Ha Long.
Day 13: Halong - Hanoi (B,L)
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 in Ha Noi.
Day 14: Hanoi - Hoa Lu - Tam Coc - Hanoi (B,L)
The
capital of Vietnam from 968 AD to 1010 AD during the Dinh and early Le
Dynasties is Hoa Lu, which however has left its legacy in the form of
two small temples, each one nearly a thousand years old. After two and
half hour drive from Hanoi we visit these remaining structures,
dedicated to the Dinh and Le Rulers, then climb 200 steps to the top of
Ma Yen mount for a fantastic view over the surrounding areas. The next
stop of our trip is Tam Coc which is surnamed "Inland Halong Bay". We
take a 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 in Ha Noi.
Day 15: Hanoi - Departure
There
is a free time for you to relax or further explore Ha Noi. The trip
ends after your transfer to Noi Bai Airport for departure. End of the
service.
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