HIGHLIGHTS OF VIETNAM

(10 days / 9 nights)

All the highlights of this stunning country are covered in this compact trip.  History, old-world charm and vibrant colour are just some of the things you'll experience on this journey through startlingly beautiful Vietnam. The trip starts in Ho Chi Minh , going through the central Vietnam before ending in Hanoi.

       HIGHLIGHTS

       . Hanoi

       . Ha Long Bay

       . Hue ancient city

       . Chaming Hoian town

       . Historic Hue City

       . Ho Chi Minh

       . Mekong Delta

Detailed itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival - Ho Chi Minh

On arrival at Tan San Nhat Airport, you are met and transferred to 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 cafés. ( If time permits) we stroll around the down town to explore the different local ways of life. O/N in Ho Chi Minh.

Day 2 : Ho Chi Minh - CaoDai Temple (Tayninh) - Cu Chi - Ho Chi Minh

Today we drive north to visit the head quarter of 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 colored robes, a symbol of the curious combination of the Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism. Afterwards we continue to the famous  Cu Chi Tunnels, 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. O/N in Ho Chi Minh. (B)

Day 3 : 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 4:Ho Chi Minh - Danang - Hoian

This morning we enjoy 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, the Jade Emperor Pagoda and the War Remnant Museum, we continue our trip to the bustling Ben Thanh Market where anything and everything is for sale before board a short flight to Danang. 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. O/N in Hoian (B)

Day  5: Hoian - Hue

The ancient architecture of Hoian is a fascinating combination of Vietnamese traditional characters with Japanese and Chinese 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 sights 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. Heading out of Hoian, we drive north to 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 crossing over Hai Van pass with spectacular views of mountain, the sea, idyllic beach and villages before arriving in Hue. After checking into hotel we enjoy  a walk to the bustling Dong Ba Market and pass many fantastic eating spots where visitors have a chance to taste some local delicacies. O/N in Hue. (B)

Day  6: Hue - Hanoi

Hue, Vietnam’s imperial capital between 1802 and 1945. This small and quiet city is widely known for magnificent architecture, pagodas and royal tombs laid in many small villages and surrounding hills. To day we have a full day city tour of Hue including 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. After this sight we enjoy an impressive boat excursion on the Perfume River with stopover at the bustling Dong Ba Market and the beautiful Thien Mu Pagoda and to see the mausoleum of Emperor Minh Mang, in a tranquil setting of gardens and lakes. In the late afternoon we take a night train to Hanoi (Soft sleeper cabibin for 4 persons with A/C). O/N on board. (B)

Day 7: Hanoi - Ha Long

The train arrives in Hanoi station late morning.  You are greeted and driven to Halong Bay, truly one of Vietnam’s most scenic impressive sights 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 8:  Ha Long - Hanoi

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 via Hai phong, the biggest port town of northern Vietnam. This charming town has plenty of interesting sights, some of which are  the Hang Kenh Communal House, the Du Hang Pagoda,  the Hang Kenh Carpet Factory and the vibrant Sat Market. A drive through tree lined boulevards punctuated with many striking French colonial architecture, will deliver us to some of these landmarks. O/N in Ha Noi. (B,L)

Day 9:  Hanoi

Today we enjoy a full day city tour of Hanoi 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. The performance of Hanoi's famous water puppets show is not to be missed in this evening. O/N in Ha Noi. (B)

Day 10: Hanoi - Departure

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