Day 1: Arrival - Ho Chi Minh
On arrival at Tan San Nhat Airport, you are met and transferred to hotel. Ho Chi Minh City, still called Saigon by many locals, 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 cafes. (If time permits) we stroll around the down town to explore the different local ways of life. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.
Day 2 : Ho Chi Minh - Cu Chi - Ho Chi Minh
The sightseeing tour acquaints us with some major sights of the city. We pass the now-demolished wartime American Embassy before we visit the Reunification Palace which was the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until end of April 1975, and some French colonial structures including the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Old Sai Gon Post Office. After seeing the Jade Emperor Pagoda and the War Remnant Museum, we continue our trip on to the bustling Ben Thanh Market where anything and everything is for sale. We then drive this afternoon, to explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, an incredible underground tunnel network of approximately 200 kilometres constructed by Vietnamese fighters during the long struggle for independence. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh. (B)
Day 3 : Ho Chi Minh - Mekong Delta - Ho Chi Minh
Heading out of town, we travel by road to My Tho Province. On arrival, we embark on a boat navigating around the small canals in the Mekong Delta, which is a great way to observe the local lyfestyle close-up. We pass through the lush green vegetation before arriving at an orchard where there are some opportunities to visit the various fascinating local industries. After feasting on a huge lunch followed with seasonal fruits, 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 fascinating temples and mysterious, narrow lanes. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh. (B,L)
Day 4: Ho Chi Minh - Da Lat
The journey northwards 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. (B)
Day 5: Da Lat - 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 in Nha Trang. (B)
Day 6: 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. 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 NhaTrang. (B,L)
Day 7: Nha Trang - Ho Chi Minh
Today we can get up from dawn to enjoy our last minute swimming on Nha Trang Beach. After breakfast we set off on a long but scenic drive on very goods roads which link Nha Trang and Ho Chi Minh. A part of the pleasure of travelling through this region is the simple joy of seeing the charming countryside and the smiling faces of the people. Along the way we can make stop as we please, to stretch our legs and take some wonderful photographs. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh. (B)
Day 8: Ho Chi Minh - departure
There is a free time to relax or further explore Ho Chi Minh City. The tour ends after your transfer to Tan San Nhat Airport for departure. (B)
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