VIETNAM OVERVIEW - 01

(8 days / 7 nights)

An all encompassing trip visiting the highlights of this vibrant country. From the architectural splendour of Hanoi capital, World Heritage Sites in Vietnam as spectacular Halong Bay,   charming   Hoi An, historic Hue.  And  dynamic Saigon to the Mekong Delta, this trip captures the best of Vietnam from North  to South.

       HIGHLIGHTS

       . Hanoi

       . Ha Long Bay

       . Hue ancient city

       . Chaming Hoian town

       . Historic Hue City

       . Ho Chi Minh

       . Mekong Delta

Detailed itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival - Ha Noi

On arrival at Noi Bai Airport, you are met and transferred to hotel. Ha Noi , Vietnam's capital, is a stylish and gracious city that retains an unique old world charm and some Asia ‘s most striking colonial architecture. The many lakes and parks make for relaxing atmosphere. If time permits  we enjoy a short cyclo excursion through the bustling old quarter streets named after the specific goods once offered for sale at these places. An evening performance of Hanoi's famous water puppets is not to be missed. O/N in Ha Noi.

Day 2: Ha Noi - HaLong

Your trip starting with a half day city tour of Hanoi includes 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 origins date back to the foundation of Hanoi. We follow this with a trip to the Temple of Literature, well known as Vietnam’s first university, and the History Museum which displays an excellent collection of artifacts illustrating the Vietnamese history. The peaceful lake of Hoan Kiem and the bustling Dong Xuan Market are also visited before we depart for Halong Bay through the scenery countryside of Red river Delta. Along the way we make stop over at Dong Trieu pottery village to see many craft man at work. O/N in Ha Long. (B)

Day 3: HaLong - Hanoi - Hue

The wondrous Halong Bay is truly one of Vietnam’s most impressive scenic sights. This  morning after breakfast we embark on a boat for an exploration of the Bay. This exciting five hour cruise will provide us a fantastic view of the picturesque scenery blending with the sky and some 1,969 limestone islands rising amazingly from the clear and emerald water. The limestone karst formations are littered with beaches, grottoes and very beautiful caves. Along the way we will anchor for a leisurely swim in a secluded cove and an enjoyable visit to one of the many hidden grottoes beneath towering cliffs. After a seafood lunch on board we return to Ha Noi for a night train to Hue (Soft sleeper cabibin for 4 persons with A/C). O/N in Ha Noi. (B,L)

Day 4: Hue

Hue, Vietnam’s imperial capital between 1802 and 1945. We arrive in Hue this morning and enjoy a boat trip on the Perfume River with stopover at the bustling Dong Ba Market and the beautiful Thien Mu Pagoda and to see the elaborate tomb of Emperor Tu Duc.. After our impressive boat trip we will visit the Imperial City and the Forbidden Purple City. This royal residence was all but destroyed during the 1968 Tet Offensive, however it is still fascinating to walk among the ruins. O/N in Hue. (B)

Day 5: Hue - Hoian

This morning we depart for Hoian via Hai Van pass with spectacular views of mountain, the sea, idyllic beach and villages. At the top of the pass  we will stop  to admire a fantastic view north to Lang Co and south to Danang. Along the way we visit to the interesting Cham Museum in Danang City and explore the sensational Marble Mountains, and the China Beach. Hoian, 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 years old Tamky House, the Chua Ong Pagoda and the bustling market. We visit  these sights on an exciting walking tour past many low tiled houses scattered along the small streets and assembly halls which reflect the town's multi-cultural past. O/N in Hoi An. (B)

Day 6: Hoian - Danang - Ho Chi Minh

There is free time for your relaxation or your own exploration in Hoian before transfer to Danang airport for a flight south. Ho Chi Minh City, still called Saigon by many locals, is crowded with bikes and motorbikes, excited by numerous shopping area and sidewalk cafés. An afternoon city tour takes us in 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 beautiful French colonial structures including the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Sai Gon Post Office. We also visit the War Remnant before we continue to the bustling Ben Thanh Market where anything and everything is for sale. O/N in Ho Chi Minh City. (B)

Day 7: Ho Chi Minh - Mekong Delta - Ho Chi Minh

Heading out of the town, we travel by roads 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. The most interesting excursion will pass the lush green vegetation before arriving at the most beautufull Unicorn Island. Here we have opportunities to visit some fascinating local industries, stroll around an orchard and taste many seasonal fruits. And then we continue our trip to see fascinating local industries in Ben Tre Province. After feasting on a huge lunch we return to Ho Chi Minh with stop over at the beautiful Vinh Trang Pagoda. O/N in Ho Chi Minh. (B,L)

Day 8: Ho Chi Minh - Departure

There is a free time for you to relax or further explore Ho Chi Minh. The trip ends after your transfer to Noi Bai Airport for departure. (B)