Day 1: Arrive Hanoi
Greeting at the airport and transfer to your hotel. At leisure to discover the 1000 year old Old Quarter in the heart of Hanoi. Accommodation in Hanoi.
Day 2: Hanoi
Hanoi will charm you with its unique blend of Vietnamese and French cultures. 1000 years old in the year 2010, its hard-working and friendly people will give you a warm welcome. Today, visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, his Old Wooden House on stilts and One Pillar Pagoda. All are located in the historic French Quarter, with its wide avenues overhung with trees and classic ochre-colored colonial era villas. Passing Tay Lake, Hanoi's biggest, tour the celebrated Ethnology Museum. In the afternoon, visit the charming Lake of the Restored Sword, Hoan Kiem, and shop in the Old Quarter, where colorful streets and shops bustle with activities. Accommodation in Hanoi. (B,L)
Day 3: Hanoi - Halong
Depart at 8am for a 3.5 hour drive through the picturesque countryside to Ha Long Bay. Upon arrival embark on a Deluxe Junk. Welcome wine is offered by the friendly and professional captain and his crew. Lunch is prepared by a celebrated local chef while the boat is gliding lazily across the unbelievably calm sea, with thousands of precipitous limestone peaks jutting dramatically out of the water. Explore fishing villages, floating school by kayak or sampan. Back to the boat and enjoy fresh sea food dinner. Accommodation on board. (B, L,D)
Day 4: Halong - Hanoi
Early risers can enjoy the sunrise and the quiet breath-taking beauty of the bay's landscape. After breakfast, continue exploring the fantastically-shaped islets, visit floating houses and picturesque fishing village and peal farms. An early lunch is served before disembarking the boat at noon. On the way back to Hanoi, stop at Phu Lang Portery village which dates back from the 15th century. You will see a demonstration by the local workers and have a chance to try out your own artistic talent. Accommodation in Hanoi.(B,L)
Day 5: Hanoi - Phongnha - Hue
Take a morning flight to Dong Hoi to visit Phong Nha (UNESCO World Heritage Site), which is located in Quang Binh Province. You will be awed by the breathtaking giant grotto, a wonderful 8,000 m combination of mountain, river and ancient limestone formations. Besides being the largest and most beautiful cave in Vietnam, the area has been used as sanctuaries for Vietnamese solders during the wars.
Drive to Hue, passing the Vinh Moc Tunnel in the legendary DMZ and see how the Vietnamese warriors lived and fought under ground. Drive through the area that suffered the heaviest bombing during the Vietnam war, and see how the people there today strive to live a peaceful life. Accommodation in Hue. (B,L,D)
Day 6: Hue
Tour the symbol of Hue, the 19th century Royal Citadel and learn the story of Vietnam's royal past under the Nguyen Dynasty. Explore the moated ruins of the Forbidden Purple City. Embark on a private traditional Dragon Boat for cruising upriver to visit Thien Mu pagoda and Minh Mang tomb, or drive through the small villages in the countryside, stopping on the way to visit families that make Vietnamese traditional conical hat and an incense making village. In the late afternoon free at leisure or exploration of the bustling Dong Ba Market. Accommodation in Hue. (B)
Day 7: Hue - Hoian
Continue sightseeing of the romantic Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc and the majestic Tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh before having a wonderful drive along the scenic coast, passing through spectacular Hai Van Pass, "the pass in the clouds" and delightful Lang Co Beach. Stop for the famous Cham museum where you can see most of the remaining master pieces of Champa Kingdom, an Indianised culture that flourished from the 2 nd to the 15 th AD. Continue on to Hoi An - the charming ancient town, famous as the 17th century trading port of Fai Fo, with its fascinating mix of Chinese, Japanese and French architecture. Accommodation in Hoi An .(B,L)
Day 8: Hoian
Today, your tour guide escort a walking tour of this historic town and visit some of the highlights which include the Temples of Phuc Kien and Quang Dong, and the 16th century Japanese Bridge, Tan Ky ancient house aging more than 200 years old. and visit small shops, local artist galleries; Lunch at an authentic restaurant in the town.
After lunch, head to Han River mouth where meet with China sea to enjoy an eco tour - a unique cultural window into the Vietnamese way of life. It will help you to understand more about the daily life of the locals, learn stories about the brave and clever Northern Army soldiers hid themselves and fought against the American & Southern troops. Hands-on experience will be fun and enjoying as well. Accommodation in Hoi An. (B,L)
Day 9: Hoi an - Myson
Morning drive to My Son, 50km south-west of Hoi An. You will be powerfully moved by your visit to the Cham Holy Land. The ruins of My Son are the sole remaining trace of the Champa Kingdom, an Indian culture that flourished from the 2nd to the 15th century AD. After lunch, a walking tour through the ancient streets of Hoi An. Accommodation in Hoi An. (B,L)
Day 10: Danang - Saigon
Drive to Da Nang, stopping en route to visit the famous Cham museum, where you can see most of the remaining masterpieces of the Cham Kingdom. Afterwards, check in at Da Nang airport for the 1 hour flight to Ho Chi Minh City. After hotel checking in, start exploring the former city Saigon, including Notre Dame Cathedral, the Old Central Post Office and the Great Municipal Theater where they shot scenes from The Quiet American. Accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City. (B)
Day 11: Saigon - Mekong
After breakfast, depart by car to the "rice basket" of Vietnam - the Mekong Delta where the mighty Mekong River ends its journey from mountain of China to the South China Sea. The delta is a region of extraordinary energy and market commerce, with burgeoning markets, floating markets, fruit orchards, and more coconuts than you'd want to contemplate. We'll be sightseeing by sampan, cruising along the quiet back-roads and canals of the Delta, stopping for lunch of tropical fruits and local specialties. After lunch, continued exploration of the waterfront villages through the vast rice field landscapes Accommodation in Can Tho.(B,L)
Day 12 Mekong - Saigon
Early morning sampan cruise to Cai Rang floating market, through the waterways, and for a short walk to a rice husking mill and a chance at crossing one of the many bamboo "monkey bridges" along the canals. Lunch featuring specialties of the Mekong. Afternoon return to Saigon. Accommodation in Saigon. (B,L)
Day 13: Saigon - Siem Reap
After breakfast, drive to the airport for 1hr flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival meet with your guide and driver. Check into your hotel. It may be a good time to watch sunset over Angkor Wat from the summit of Phnom Bakheng.. Accommodation in Siem Reap. (B) |
