VIETNAM NORTH TO SOUTH

(12 days / 11 nights)

Hanoi - Halong Bay - Hue - Danang- Hoi An- Nha Trang - Dalat - Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi - Mekong Delta

Day 1:  Arrival - Hanoi
On arrival at Noi Bai Airport, you are met and transferred to hotel. Hanoi, Vietnam's capital, 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 make for a relaxing atmosphere. If time permits we take a short cyclo ride through the streets of the bustling Old Quarter - streets named after the specific goods once offered for sale at these places.

Overnight in hotel, Hanoi.

Day 2:  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 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 the history of Vietnam from early days. 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 3:Halong - Hanoi (B,L)
Breakfast at the hotel. The wondrous Halong Bay is truly one of Vietnam’s most impressive sights. Heading out of the town we embark on a boat for an exploration of the fascinating Halong Bay. This exciting five-hour cruise will give 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 4:  Hanoi - Hue (B)
Breakfast at the hotel. An pleasant way to commence the day is a walk around Hoan Kiem Lake at dawn, joining hundreds of people  there doing their morning exercises. You are on your own. The next destination of our trip is Hue via a short flight from Hanoi. As  Vietnam’s last feudal capital, this small and quiet city of Hue is widely known for its magnificent architecture, pagodas and royal tombs laid out in several small villages and surrounding hills. We spend this afternoon visiting Hue’s massive citadel containing the Imperial City 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. After an pleasant boat trip we return to the town and enjoy a walk in the bustling Dong Ba Market that sells a wide variety of local goods and handicrafts. Along the way we pass by many fantastic eating spots selling foods that the visitor should try.

Overnight in hotel, Hue.

Day 5 : Hue - Danang - Hoi An (B)
Breakfast at the hotel. The beautiful riverside pagoda of Thien Mu is now the symbol of Hue and the elaborate royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc are not to be missed. We include these in a guided cruise on the Perfume River. Upon leaving Hue we drive south to Hoi An which was originally a Cham seaport but has been influenced by a myriad of traders from various cultures down the centuries. The scenic road hugs the coastline before crossing over the winding Hai Van pass. A view from the top of the pass is one of Vietnam’s most impressive panoramic scenes. We stop en route to visit the world-famous Cham Museum in Danang City, the China Beach and the Marble Mountain whose peaks represent the five elements of the universe according to Chinese feng shui geomancy.

Overnight in hotel, Hoi An.

Day 6: Hoi An (B)
Breakfast at the hotel. The ancient architecture of Hoi An is a fascinating combination of Vietnamese traditional styles with Chinese and Japanese influences. There is plenty to see in this 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. Today we include these on a walking tour pass many low-tiled houses scattered along the small streets and guild halls which reflect the town's multi-cultural past. A perfect way to  round off the day is a boat trip on the Thu Bon River, which also gives us a chance to admire the spectacular countryside and explore a handicraft ceramic village and boat building yards.

Overnight in hotel. Hoi An.

Day 7: Hoi An - Nha Trang (B)
Breakfast at the hotel. An early morning transfer to Danang Airport for a short flight to Nha Trang. The fabulous sunny weather,  turquoise water surrounding a string of offshore islands and  a white sandy  beach stretching the whole length of the city make Nha Trang an ideal place for anyone seeking an enjoyable escape. After checking into our hotel we visit some of Nha Trang's major sights, including the Oceanographic Institute, the Long Son Pagoda with its famous giant Buddha image, the Hon Chong Rock formation and the impressive Ponagar Cham Towers overlooking the colourful fishing port. The remainder of the day will be at leisure for you to enjoy the beach and hotel facilities.

Overnight in hotel, Nha Trang.

Day 8:  Nha Trang - Dalat (B)
Breakfast at the hotel. Upon leaving Nha Trang we head south towards Dalat, known as the "City of Eternal Spring" in the central highlands. The journey will take you pass the famous Cam Ranh Bay before arriving at the Po Klong Jarai Towers which reflects the interesting culture and history of the Cham people. At an elevation of over 1,000 meters, the hill station of Dalat was founded in the early years of the last century for the French colonials to escape the heat and chaos of Saigon. On arrival in Dalat we start our tour taking us through plenty of the French colonial architectures to 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. Among the sights are the Lam Ty Ni Pagoda and Hang Nga Guesthouse, known as the Crazy House because of its bizarre architecture.

Overnight in hotel, Dalat.

Day 9:  Dalat - Ho Chi Minh City (B)
Breakfast at the hotel. The next destination in our trip is Ho Chi Minh City, still called Saigon by many locals. This bustling metropolis is a contrast to its northern counterpart, Hano. It is crowded with bikes and motorbikes, numerous shopping areas and sidewalk cafes. After an enjoyable visit to the  busy Hoa Binh Market, we make our way down hill to Ho Chi Minh City, travelling through the many tea and coffee plantations. The drive is long, but views are fantastic. Along the way we can make stops as we please, to stretch our legs and take some wonderful photographs. Overnight in hotel, Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City -Cu Chi Tunnels (B)
Breakfast at the hotel. The sightseeing tour of  Ho Chi Minh City begins with a visit to 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 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 continuing to the bustling Ben Thanh Market where everything and anything is for sale. We then transfer out to explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, an incredible underground maze of some 200km 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 11: Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Delta (B,L)
Breakfast at the hotel. Heading out of the town, we travel by road 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 of the many islands dotting the delta. The exciting excursion will pass lush green vegetation before arriving at the famous Unicorn Island. Here we have the chance to stroll around an orchard to taste many seasonal fruits and enjoy  wonderful traditional music. The next stop of our trip is Ben Tre Province to visit some cottage industries. After lunch we return to Ho Chi Minh City, stopping along the way to see the beautiful Ving Trang Pagoda and Cholon, Saigon’s Chinatown, which is crammed with sacred temples and mysterious, narrow lanes.

Overnight in hotel, Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 12: Ho Chi Minh City - Departure (B)
Breakfast at the hotel. There is free time to relax or further explore Ho Chi Minh City by yourself before your transfer to Tan Son Nhat 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 Halong, Hue, Mekong Delta
+ Meals as indicated
+ Flight Hanoi - Hue, Danang -Nha Trang
+ English speaking guide (other languages possible)
+ 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