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Day 1 : Arrival
Saigon
On arrival at
Tan San Nhat Airport, you are met and transferred to the hotel. Ho
Chi Minh City 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.
Day 2 : Saigon
- Cuchi - Tay Ninh (B)
The head
quarter of Cao Dai sect is located in Tay Ninh. This religion was
founded in 1923 and now numbers over 2 million members. After
breakfast we travel by roads to Tay Ninh to see the ornate temple
of Cao Dai and attend the fantastic mid-day service when the
followers fill the hall wearing colored robes, a symbol of the
curious combination of the Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism.
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, plus accommodation and schools, and were used as a
military base for the Vietcong in the American war.
Day 3 :
Saigon - Danang – Hoian (B)
Today we spend
a half day seeing 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!. The
next stop of our trip is Danang via a short flight from Ho Chi
Minh. On arrival you are greeted and driven to Hoian, which was
originally a Cham seaport but has been influenced down centuries
by a myriad of traders from various cultures.
Day 4 : Hoian –
Hue (B)
The ancient
architecture of Hoian is a fascinating combination of Vietnamese
traditional characters with Chinese and Japanese influence. There
are plenty to see in this delightful and tranquil town, some of
which are the famous Japanese Covered Bridges, the Pottery Museum,
the 200 years old Tam Ky House, the Chua Ong Pagoda, the vibrant
market. We visit these on our morning walking tour past many low
tiled houses scattered along the small streets and assembly halls
which reflect the town's multi-cultural past. Upon leaving Hoi An,
we drive north to the old imperial city of Hue. Along the way, we
make stopover at the sensational Marble Mountains, the China Beach
and Danang City for a visit to the Cham Museum. We then follow the
road crossing over the scenic Hai Van Pass before arriving in Hue,
Vietnam's last imperial capital of Vietnam.
Day 5 : Hue -
Boat Trip on Perfum River (B)
After breakfast
we embark on a boat for cruise upstream on the Perfume River which
also gives us a taste of the scenic countryside as well as an
enjoyable visit to The beautiful pagoda of Thien Mu. Upon leaving
this symbol of Hue we continue navigating to the mausoleum of
Emperor Minh Mang, in a tranquil setting of gardens and lakes. The
next stop of our trip is the elaborate royal tomb of Emperor Tu
Duc and the famous pagoda of Tu Hieu. On return to the city, we
then take a walk to the bustling Dong Ba Market and pass many
fantastic eating spots where visitors have a chance to sample some
local delicacies.
Day 6 Hue -
Royal Citade –Flight ot Hanoi – Halong (B)
The massive
citadel of Hue, containing the Imperial City and the Purple
Forbidden City, is not to be missed. This royal residence was all
but destroyed during the 1968 Tet Offensive, however it is still
fascinating to walk among the ruins. We visit this masterpiece and
have free time to explore the town before boarding a short flight
to the north. On arrival in Hanoi, we embark on a three and half
hour drive to Halong, truly one of Vietnam’s most scenic
impressive sights. Along the way we will have chance to make stop
as you please, to stretch your legs and take pictures.Overnight in
Hotel in Halong city
Day 7 : Hanoi –
Halong Bay (B,L)
Morning after
breakfast transfer to port where we board our own private boat for
a five-hour cruise around the secluded and majestic Ha Long Bay
giving us the chance to take in the stunning scenery of this World
Heritage Site. Whilst on board a sumptuous fresh local seafood
lunch will be served. There will be opportunities for a swim and
time to explore some of the limestone caves in the area. Return
Hanoi in the afternoon.
Day 8 : Hanoi
City Tour (B)
Today we enjoy
a full day city tour starting with the Ho Chi Minh Complex. This
famous site contains the mausoleum of the nation’s founder Ho Chi
Minh, the Presidential Palace and the Ho Chi Minh’s house on
stilts. Close to this complex is the One Pillar Pagoda, whose
origins date back to the foundation of city. We follow this with
the Temple of Literature, which is well known as the first
university of Vietnam and the impressive Ethnologic Museum,
dedicated to Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups. The beautiful West Lake
and the History Museum with an excellent collection of artifacts
illustrating the Vietnamese history are also highlight of our
trip. We visit these sights before continuing to the peaceful lake
of Hoan Kiem. In front of this lake is the famous water puppet
theatre where we will see a fantastic performance.
Day 9 : Hanoi –
Departure (B)
There is free
time to relax or further explore Ha Noi. The tour ends after your
transfer to Noi Bai Airport for departure.
(Breakfast included) |
