| Vietnam’s more than 2,000 years of history is marred by occupation: the Chinese, French, and Americans left a brutal imprint on the Vietnamese story; the Vietnamese have maintained a strong sense of their own uniqueness while embracing new outside influences. There is the dazzling chaos of the cities, the tranquility of the countryside, the long, unspoilt beaches and misty hills. There are the locals working the fields with ox-drawn wagons and odd sights like pigs riding on the back of motorbikes. Early morning on the Mekong Delta brings the daily floating markets where fruit and vegetables are peddled. The soaring mountains in the north of the country tower over tiny villages where life continues much as it has done for centuries, with traditional costumes still proudly worn. Old French hill stations survive throughout the country offering welcome respite from the heat of the plains below. And, in the South China Sea, the 3000 chalk islands in Ha Long Bay are not to be missed. The ancient former imperial capital, Hue, takes you back to a time of concubines and eunuchs. In every town, young women wearing the simple but feminine national dress, the Ao Dai, weave their way through the traffic at the controls of a motorbike.
Day 1 Ha Noi arrival Upon arrival in Hanoi, you will be welcomed by our guide and transferred to your hotel. Hanoi is one of Asia’s most charming cities, with romantic boulevards and colonial houses. The remainder of the day is free for exploration. Overnight in Hanoi. Meals: Welcome dinner
Day 2 Hanoi - Ha Long Bay Cruise This morning we head out for a 3 hour drive through the verdant Red River Delta to Ha Long Bay where we board on our boat for a cruise around the majestic Ha Long Bay, which gives us chance to take in the stunning scenery of this World Heritage Site. After lunch, take a short trek to a nearby summit for a panoramic view of the bay dotted with Ha Long junk’s sails, go swimming on a quite beach or sunbathing on the sundeck. At sunset time, kayak or simply take a bamboo sampan to discover a water tunnel with many coral reefs in a scenic lagoon. Back on board boat, enjoy cocktails while watching sunset and later unwind at the restaurant. After dinner, free for relax or enjoy chatting at the bar. Overnight on board. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 Ha Long Bay – Ninh Binh Rising early to the sound of the ocean is coming to life and another magnificent day. We have breakfast then continue an exploration of beaches and limestone caves in the beautiful Bai Tu Long area. We’ll enjoy a seafood lunch before disembarking for our drive back to Ninh Binh. On the way we make a stop in Thai Binh to visit the wooden Keo Pagoda, a masterpiece of traditional architecture. Have dinner and stay overnight in Ninh Binh. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4 Tam Coc – Hanoi Today a boat trip is on the program through the breathtaking scenery of Tam Coc. By rowboat you will discover the landscape of caves and rock formations, rising from magnificent green rice paddies. Tam Coc is often referred as ‘the Ha Long Bay on land’. In the afternoon you visit the Dinh and Le temples of the Ancient Capital Hoa Lu. Return to Hanoi in the late afternoon. Overnight in Hanoi. Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Hanoi – Hue Hanoi is artistic and intellectual capital. Explore the fascinating Old Quarter and its hundreds of specialty shops selling silk clothing, lacquer ware, embroidered linens, furniture, bamboo, cooking utensils, ceremonial objects and more. Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, enjoy people-watching at stylish cafes. Go shopping for impressive modern art in the city’s myriad galleries. Also visit Hanoi’s main cultural attractions, including the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, his House on Stilts, the One Pillar Pagoda, the Fine Arts Museum and the Temple of Literature. In the evening we catch a flight to the ancient capital of Hue. Overnight in Hue. Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Hue Today we take a tour to explore the city, Hue is divided by the beautiful Perfume River, is also famous as the centre for Buddhism, art and literature, and the last imperial capital of Vietnam. Our first stop is Citadel, former home to the emperors devastated during Vietnam War in Tet Offensive 1968. We then travel to Thien Mu pagoda, Hue’s oldest and most beautiful pagoda and return by dragon boat along the Perfume River. In the afternoon we visit the impressive tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh, 12th King of the Nguyen dynasty an elaborate structure that combines both Vietnamese and French architecture. Meals: Breakfast, Imperial dinner
Day 7 Hue – Da Nang – Hoi An In the morning we start one of Vietnam’s most spectacular routes; the Mandarin Road. We take the Hai Van Pass (Ocean Cloud Pass), a mountainous highway offering splendid views over the South China Sea. We visit the Museum of Cham Sculpture in Da Nang, exposing antique artifacts of the former Cham Kingdom. We continue further south to China Beach situated on the foot of the sensational Marble Mountains. In the afternoon we arrive in Hoi An, an World Cultural Heritage site. We visit the Japanese Covered Bridge and the Tan Ky house before checking into the hotel. Overnight in Hoi An. Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 Hoi An After breakfast we make a boat trip on the Thu Bon River to visit some ceramic and carpenter villages. The afternoon is free for exploration. Wander through the narrow streets of this magnificent ancient town or get some clothes tailor-made, relax at riverside restaurants or take a short journey to the nearby beach. Overnight Hoi An. Meals: Breakfast
Day 9 Hoi An – Da Nang – Nha Trang Today a flight is scheduled to Nha Trang, well known for its beautiful beaches. On arrival, we visit the Cham Tower of Ponagar and the Long Son Pagoda, situated on a hill where a large Buddha statue can be found. We spend the night in a nice hotel situated near the beach. Overight in Nha Trang. Meals: Breakfast
Day 10 Nha Trang beach A day of leisure and indulgence as we take a cruise around the islands of Nha Trang, visiting the Tri Nguyen Aquarium, Tam Island and a local fishing village. Enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and fresh local seafood lunch. Overnight in Nha Trang Meals: Breakfast
Day 11 Nha Trang - Da Lat Today we leave the coastal area and enter the Central Highlands. Da Lat was founded as a hill station to enable the colonials to escape the heat of Sai Gon. The city is set around a lake and surrounded by forests, waterfalls and rolling countryside. After lunch, we explore the Botanic Garden, the Love Valley, Xuan Huong Lake, the old train station and the Crazy House, famous for its incredible architecture. Overnight in Da Lat. Meals: Breakfast
Day 12 Da Lat – Saigon Today we travel by bus from Da Lat to Ho Chi Minh City (formerly known as Sai Gon), passing through numerous coffee and rubber trees plantations and stopping over to take photos of the spectacular La Nga floating village. Overnight in Saigon. Meals: Breakfast
Day 13 Sai Gon - Can Tho Today we visit the magnificent green Mekong Delta, the ‘rice basket’ of the country and the town of My Tho where we embark our private boat to Thoi Son Island. We visit authentic riverside villages and small enterprises where rice paper and coconut candies are produced. We make stops at different orchards to taste fresh tropical fruits. In the afternoon we arrive in Can Tho, the bustling centre of the Mekong Delta, to stay the night. Meals: Breakfast
Day 14 Can Tho – Saigon In the early morning we visit the floating market of Cai Be. This lively delta market is set in amazing scenery, a very good place to take photos. By rowboat we explore the canals, by passing locals rowing up and down to the market. In the afternoon you will be transferred back to Saigon. Meals: Breakfast
Day 15 Sai Gon City tour Ho Chi Minh City (former Saigon) is Vietnam’s commercial heart and largest city. This morning we will take a walking tour of Saigon, visiting the many famous and historic landmarks of the city. Visit the Presidential Palace, War Crimes Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, Post Office, bustling Cho Lon district (China town), Ben Thanh Markets and Thien Hau pagoda. Overnight in Saigon. Meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner
Day 16 Saigon – Departure Free for last minutes shopping before transfer to the airport. Meals: Breakfast
Price: Contact us for quotation
Includes: - All transports in modern air-conditioned vehicle - 14 nights hotel accommodation on twin share basic - Breakfast daily, 02 lunches and 04 dinners - Boat trip and overnight as specified - Sightseeing or entrance tickets - English speaking guide - 02 domestic flights
Excludes: - International airfares and airport taxes - Visa and visa arrangement - Drinks, laundry and personal expenses - Tips and gratuities - Meals not indicated
|