Day 1: Arrival - Ha Noi
On arrival at Noi Bai Airport, you are met and transferred to hotel. Ha Noi , Vietnam's capital, 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 make for relaxing atmosphere. If time permits we 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 2: Ha Noi - Halong
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 in Ha Long. (B)
Day 3: Ha Long - Ha Noi
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. (B,L)
Day 4: Hanoi - Danang - Hoian
An early morning flight to Da Nang. The sightseeing tour of central Vietnam begins with Hoi An Town which was originally a Cham seaport but has been influenced down centuries by a myriad of traders from various cultures. The tranquillity and charm of the town with its low tiled houses and assembly halls scattered along the small streets make it one of the most delightful places to visit in Vietnam. After checking into hotel, we will have time strolling around the town to explore the lively central market and visit the famous Japanese Covered Bridges, the Pottery Museum, the many temples and pagodas of Chinese appearance. Overnight in Hoi An. (B)
Day 5: Hoi An - Hue
The journey continues to Hue, Vietnam's imperial capital between 1802 and 1945. Along the way, we make stopover at the sensational Marble Mountains before arriving in Danang City for a visit to the Cham Museum, home to Vietnam's largest collection of Cham treasures. We then follow the road hugging the central coast before crossing over the scenic Hai Van Pass and dropping down to the fishing villages of Lang Co. On arrival in Hue, we enjoy a cruise on the Perfume River, stopping at bustling Dong Ba Market and the beautiful Thien Mu Pagoda, then visit the Imperial City and the Forbidden Purple City. This royal residence was all but destroyed during the 1968 Tet Offensive. Overnight in Hue. (B)
Day 6: Hue - Ho Chi Minh
The sightseeing tour of Hue would not be complete without a visit to the elaborate tomb of Emperor Tu Duc. After seeing this sight we board a flight south. Ho Chi Minh City, still called Saigon by many locals, is crowded with bikes and motorbikes, excited by numerous shopping area and sidewalk caf?s. An afternoon city tour takes us in the Reunification Palace which was the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until end of April 1975. Close to the palace are some beautiful 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 before we continue to the bustling Ben Thanh Market where anything and everything is for sale. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City. (B)
Day 7 : Ho Chi Minh - Mekong Delta - Ho Chi Minh
Heading out of the town, we travel by roads to the Mekong Delta, Vietnam's largest rice bowl. On arrival in My Tho we embark on a boat navigating around the intricate small canals in the delta region, which is a great way to observe the local lifestyle close-up and catch a view dotted by many islands. The exciting excursion will pass the lush green vegetation before arriving at the famous Unicorn Island. Here we have opportunities to stroll around an orchard, taste many seasonal fruits and enjoy wonderful traditional music. The next stop of our trip is Ben Tre Province to visit some fascinating local industries. After feasting on a huge lunch we return to Ho Chi Minh, stopping off along the way to see the beautiful Ving Trang Pagoda and the Cho Lon, Saigon's Chinatown, which is crammed with sacred temples and mysterious, narrow lanes. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh. (B,L)
Day 8: Ho Chi Minh - Departure
There is a free time to relax or further explore Ho Chi Minh. The tour ends after your transfer to Tan San Nhat Airport for departure. (B)
|