ALL OF VIETNAM

(15 days / 14 nights)

Ho Chi Minh City - Tay Ninh - Cu Chi - Mekong Delta - Dalat –

 Nha Trang - Hoi An - Hue - Hanoi - Halong Bay - Hoa Lu - Hanoi

Day 1:  Arrival - Ho Chi Minh City

On arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport, you are met and transferred to your hotel. Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is a center of commerce, finance, culture and tourism in Vietnam. This bustling metropolis is in stark contrast with its northern counterpart, Hanoi. It is a vibrant city crowded with bikes and motorbikes, numerous shopping areas and sidewalk cafés.  If time permits, we will stroll in the downtown area to explore the different local ways of life.

Overnight in hotel, Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 2:  Ho Chi Minh City – Tay Ninh - Cu Chi (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. Heading out of town we drive north to visit the headquarters of the 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 coloured robes, a symbol of the curious combination of Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism that they espouse. 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, accommodation and schools, and were used as a military base for the Vietcong in the American War.

Overnight in hotel, Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 3: Ho Chi Minh - Can Tho (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. 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 winding up our morning agenda at the bustling Ben Thanh Market where anything and everything is for sale.  We travel by road through the rolling countryside to Can Tho, the largest town in the Mekong Delta.

Overnight in hotel, Can Tho.

Day 4:  Can Tho - Vinh Long - Ho Chi Minh City (B,L)

Breakfast at the hotel. Upon leaving Can Tho we drive to Vinh Long and board a boat for an interesting excursion around the tributaries of the mighty Mekong River. As a highlight of the trip we visit the various fascinating local cottage industries including rice-paper making, bonsai nurseries as well as the busy floating market of Cai Be which has a trading method all its own. After lunch we visit a fruit orchard with many seasonal fruits, weave our way through the intricate network of canals that are the lifeblood of the Mekong Delta and return to Ho Chi Minh City, stopping at Cholon to see this Chinese enclave that is Saigon’s Chinatown.

Overnight in hotel, Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 5:  Ho Chi Minh – Dalat (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. The northbound journey begins as we depart Ho Chi Minh City and pass through the many  tea and coffee plantations to the hill station of Dalat, sometimes known as the "City of Eternal Spring" in the central highlands. The drive is long but views are fantastic. On arrival  we can enjoy the cool climate as a respite from the lowland heat by wandering around and catching our first glimpse of the town. The influence of the French is prevalent since Dalat  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 hotel, Dalat.

Day 6:  Dalat - Nha Trang (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. 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 railway station are also visited this morning before we travel by road through the undulating terrains to the picturesque coastal town of Nha Trang. Along the way we make a stop at the scenic Ngoan Muc Pass and the Po Klong Jarai Cham Towers. These amazing structures depict an ancient culture and history of the Cham people.

Overnight in hotel, Nha Trang.

Day 7:  Nha Trang (B,L)

Breakfast at the hotel. 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 snorkelling or lazing on a beach. A seafood lunch is part of the enjoyment of the trip. We arrive back in town late in the afternoon and visit the Long Son Pagoda and the impressive Ponagar Cham Towers overlooking the fishing port.

Overnight in hotel, NhaTrang.

Day 8:  Nha Trang – Danang (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. An early morning transfer to the airport for the flight to Danang.  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-year 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 which are filled with association guilds reflecting the town's multi-cultural past.

Overnight in hotel, Hoi An.

Day 9:  Hoi An – Hue (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. The next 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 world-class Cham Museum in Danang. This interesting structure is  home to Vietnam's largest collection of Cham treasures from the 6 century when Champa was the dominant civilization in central Vietnam called Annam. 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 tour  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 in hotel, Hue.

Day 10:  Hue (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. The beautiful riverside pagoda of Thien Mu which is 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 interesting visit to the mausoleum of Emperor Minh Mang in a tranquil setting of gardens and lakes. After a pleasant 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 that visitors should sample some local food.

Overnight in hotel, Hue.

Day 11:  Hue – Hanoi (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast you explore Hue on your own until time to transfer to the airport for a short flight north to Hanoi. The capital of Vietnam, Hanoi, is a stylish and gracious city that retains a unique old-world charm and has some of Asia’s most striking colonial architecture. The many lakes and parks also make for a 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 is Hanoi's oldest and largest market.

A good way to finish the day is to enjoy a short cyclo ride through the bustling Old Quarter whose streets are named after the specific goods once offered for sale there.

Overnight in hotel, Hanoi.

Day 12:  Hanoi - Halong (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. 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 origin dates back to the founding of Hanoi. We follow this visit with a trip to the Temple of Literature, well known as Vietnam’s first university founded in 1076, and the History Museum which displays an excellent collection of artefacts illustrating Vietnamese history down the ages.  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 hotel, Halong.

Day 13:  Halong - Hanoi (B,L)

Breakfast at the hotel. The wondrous Halong Bay is truly one of Vietnam’s most 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 gives us a fantastic view of the picturesque seascape 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 make an enjoyable visit to one of the many hidden grottoes beneath towering cliffs. After a seafood lunch on board we return to Hanoi, 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 hotel, Hanoi.

Day 14:  Hanoi - Hoa Lu – Hanoi (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. The ancient capital of Hoa Lu with its two remaining temples of the Dinh and Le dynasties was founded in the late 10^th century. Despite their turbulent history, these temples still preserve their original structures.  After this, we climb the 200 steps to the top of Ma Yen mountain where we have a fantastic view over the surrounding area. Our trip continues to Tam Coc which is named “Inland Halong Bay”. Here we have the chance to take a rowing boat trip on the river through the quiet and peaceful landscape of ricefields surrounded by limestone formations to the grottoes of Tam Coc.

Overnight in hotel, Hanoi.

Day 15:  Hanoi – Departure (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. There is free time to relax or further explore Hanoi before your transfer to Noi Bai Airport for your departure flight.

INCLUDED :

+ Transportation in private air-conditioned vehicle with driver

+ Accommodation: twin sharing room at the mentioned hotels

+ Boat trips in Mekong Delta, Nha Trang, Hue, Ha Long Bay

+ Flight Nha Trang - Danang, Hue – Hanoi

+ Meals as indicated

+English or French speaking guide

+Entrance fee to indicated sights

+ Water puppet show

+ Cyclo trip

NOT INCLUDED : Other meals, tip, drinks, airport tax, single room, personal expenses, insurance, international flights, visa fee.

HOTEL LIST FOR VIETNAM PACKAGES

HAIPHONG
TOUR CLASS	CATEGORY	HOTEL
Standard	Standard ( 2 stars)	Hotel du Commerce hotel
Superior
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