On arrival at Tan San Nhat Airport, you are met and transferred to hotel. Ho
Chi Minh City, still called Saigon by many locals, 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 - Cu Chi Tunnels - Ho Chi Minh
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. 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. We drive out to explore the 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 exciting excursion will pass
the lush green vegetation before arriving on an island. Here we have
opportunities to visit some fascinating local industries, stroll around an
orchard and taste many seasonal fruits. After feasting on a huge lunch we
return to Ho Chi Minh, stopping off along the way to see the beautiful Vinh
Trang Pagoda and the Cho Lon, Saigon’s Chinatown, which is crammed with
fascinating temples and mysterious, narrow lanes. O/N in Ho Chi Minh. (B,L)
Day
4: Ho Chi Minh - Da Lat
The northbound journey begins as we depart Ho Chi Minh and pass through the
many tea and coffee plantations to the hill station of Da Lat, sometimes
known as the " City of Eternal Spring". The drive is long but views are
fantastic. On arrival we can soak up the cool climate as much as we want
by spending our time to wander around and catch our first glimpse of the
town. The influence of the French is prevalent since Da Lat was founded as
a hill retreat for the colonials to escape the oppressive heat of the
coastal plains and the Mekong Delta. This charming town is set around a lake
and surrounded by forests, waterfalls and rolling countryside. O/N in Da
Lat. (B)
Day 5: Da
Lat - Nha Trang
After breakfast, we embark on a short drive past the charming pine hill to
visit 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. We
follow this with a trip to the Lam Ty Ni Pagoda and the Hang Nga Guesthouse
, well known as the Crazy House because of its bizarre architecture. The
central market and the old rail station are also visited this morning before
we travel by roads through the undulating terrains to the picturesque
coastal town of Nha Trang. Along the way we make stopover at the scenic
Ngoan Muc Pass and the Po Klong Jarai Cham Towers. These amazing structures
represent an interesting culture and a colorful history of the Cham people.
O/N in Nha Trang. (B)
Day 6: Nha Trang
The fabulous sunny weather, turquoise water surrounding a string of islands
and white sandy beach stretching the whole length of the city make Nha
Trang one of Vietnam's premier beach resorts. After breakfast we board a
boat for a day trip around the coastal islands, stopping on the way at a
local fishing village to observe the island life. Today we also have lots of
time on the blue clear water enjoying swimming and snorkeling or lazing on a
beach. A seafood lunch is some enjoyment of the trip. We arrive back in town
late afternoon and spend our time to catch up on some shopping areas or
simply to relax. O/N in Nha Trang. (B,L)
Day
7: Nha Trang - Buon Ma Thuot - Lak Lake
We visit the beautiful Ponagar Cham Towers is one of the most interesting
sights in Nha Trang and Long Son Pagoda before we head the coast towards
the Central Highlands, travelling via the famous town of Buon Ma Thuat to
Lak Lake. On arrival, we enjoy an hour elephant ride to admire the rural
life and the stunning mountain backdrops. Afterwards we transfer to June
village where we are guest of a M'nong family in a traditional long house.
The facilities here are very basic, but the experience is definitive unique.
This also offers us a chance to explore the simple lifestyle of the M’nong
hill tribe people. O/N at June village. (B, D)
Day
8: Lak Lake - Pleiku - Kontum
An impressive way of commencing our day is a short dugout ride on Lak Lake
surrounded by the verdant and rugged mountains. We also have enough time
this morning walking to discover a nearby village, home of the M'nong hill
tribe people. Upon leaving Lak Lake we travel by roads along the central
highlands and pass Vietnam's biggest growing coffee area to Pleiku and
Komtum , our final destination. The deep contrast of lush vegetation and red
surface of basaltic soil is incredible all along the way. After checking
into hotel in Komtum we visit the town with the Komtum Seminary, the
traditional culture center, the Wooden Church and the Banar ethnic village.
O/N in Komtum .(B)
Day 9: Kontum - Hoian
The scenic journey continues to Hoi An which was originally a Cham seaport
but has been influenced down the centuries by a myriad of traders from
various cultures. We make our way past the beautiful mountainous region
towards the central coast. A part of the pleasure of travelling in this
region is the simple joy of seeing the rice fields and the smiling faces of
the people. On arrival in Hoian we wander around to catch our first glimpse
of this delightful town. Here are plenty to see, some of which are the
famous Japanese Covered Bridges, the Pottery Museum, the 200 years old Tamky
House, the Chua Ong Pagoda and the vibrant market. O/N in Hoi An. (B)
Day
10: Hoian - Hue
An interesting walk around the old quarter streets will acquaint us with
Hoian's some major landmarks. We then depart for Hue, stopping en route to
visit the sensational Marble Mountains, the China Beach and the Cham Museum.
This structure is home to Vietnam's largest collection of Cham treasures.
The winding roads begin as we make our way up the spectacular Hai Van Pass.
At the top of the pass we stop to admire a fantastic view north to Lang Co
and south to Danang. After checking hotel in Hue we explore the 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 stroll among the ruins. O/N in Hue. (B)
Day 11 :
Hue
The beautiful riverside pagoda of Thien Mu which now becomes the symbol of
Hue, and the elaborate royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc are not to be missed. We
include these in a half day cruise on the Perfume River which also gives us
a taste of the scenic countryside as well as an enjoyable visit to the
mausoleum of Emperor Minh Mang, in a tranquil setting of gardens and lakes.
After an impressive boat trip we enjoy a walk to the bustling Dong Ba
Market that sells a wide variety of local goods and handicrafts. Along the
way we pass many fantastic eating spots, all ideal for visitors to sample
some local delicacies. In the late afternoon, we board the night train to
Hanoi. We travel in soft sleeper class which is a compartment for up to four
people. O/N on board. (B)
Day
12: Hue - Hanoi
The train journey arrives in Hanoi this morning. Hanoi 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 also make for
relaxing atmosphere. After a short rest we commence our city tour,
exploring the beautiful lake of Hoan Kiem with its sacred temple and the
West Lake and the impressive Ethnologic Museum, dedicated to Vietnam ’s 54
ethnic minorities. This is a must for us as we will embark on an overland
trip into the homeland of several minority people. A perfect way to finish
the day is to enjoy a short cyclo excursion through the bustling old quarter
streets named after the specific goods once offered for sale at these
places. O/N in Ha Noi.(B)
Day
13 : Hanoi - Son La
An early morning start to drive towards Son La. We pass through the
undulating terrains of tea plantations and the many timeless villages linked
to the road which is the main artery of trade between the northwestern
region and the capital city. This is our first glimpse of rural northern
Vietnam and sets the tone for the days ahead. Depending on road and traffic
conditions our drive will deliver us in Son La by mid or late afternoon.
After checking into hotel we take a walk around this mountain town. There is
a little traffic on roads and many Black Thai in traditional costume scurry
in all directions. O/N in Son La. (B)
Day
14: Son La - Dien
Bien Phu
The provincial museum and the nearby old prison are some of this hill town's
major sights. We have a chance to visit these before we leave for our next
destination. The winding roads cross over the Pha Din Pass before reaching
Dien Bien Phu, the site of the decisive battle in Vietnam’s struggle for
independence in 1954. After checking into our central located hotel we
enjoy a walk around to see this fast growing town. Our main stop is Dien
Bien Phu’s Museum which details the event in place. We also pay a visit to
the old battle field where the lush vegetation grows behind many war relics
including old French tanks and artillery pieces. O/N in Dien Bien Phu .(B)
Day
15 : Dien Bien Phu - Tam Duong
Heading out of the town, we spend a full day travelling into Vietnam’s most
mountainous region. The roads are difficult at times, but the spectacular
landscape with a mixture of terraced fields and hill villages makes the
hardship all worthwhile. On the way, we have some opportunities to encounter
the Red Hmong, Kho Mu, Mang, Dao people who still retain their age old
cultural traditions and are recognisably distinct from each other by their
dress. We arrive in Tam Duong by late afternoon and have time strolling
around to catch our first glimpse, a small town surrounded by breathtaking
mountains and tea plantations. O/N in Tam Duong. (B)
Day 16: Tam Duong - Binh Lu - SaPa
The scenery of the north is unequalled although the conditions are very
simple. After breakfast we set off on a half day drive following the
mountain roads to Sa Pa, our final destination. At an elevation of 1,500
meters, Sapa was founded in the early years of the last century as a hill
resort for French administrators when the heat on the plain became
unbearable. We arrive in Sapa by mid afternoon and can soak up the fresh
climate as much as we want by spending our time wandering this famous hill
town. The ethnic people are frequently seen on the main street of Sapa and
small vendors along the street sell local textiles and handicraft. O/N in Sa
Pa. (B)
Day
17: SaPa
After breakfast, we visit the bustling Sa Pa Market where the Red Dao, Black
Hmong, Tay and Xa Pho ethnic minorities converge from the nearby
mountainsides and valleys to trade their goods and buy provisions. The Phan
Si Pan Range boasts Vietnam’s highest mountain and lends an alpine feel to
the area surrounding this hill station. We get well off the beaten track as
we embark on a walk into the homeland of hill tribe poeple. Along the way we
traverse several rustic villages and see many mountaineers doing their daily
works such as logging, herding buffalo and tilling the field. The blend of
verdant mountain backdrop and colourful population makes for an unimaginable
view. O/N in Sa Pa. (B)
Day 18 :
Sapa - Hanoi
The return journey begins as we depart SapaTown and pass through the verdant
and rugged mountain scenery to Hanoi. These back roads are a great way to
explore the real Vietnam. We see very few other travellers, mostly rural
dwellers who are just as interested in finding out about our lives as we are
of theirs. The drive is very long but we can make many stops along the way
to stretch our legs and take some wonderful photographs. O/N in Ha Noi. (B)
Day 19: Hanoi
- Ha Long
Today we enjoy a half day tour of Hanoi 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 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. Upon
leaving the town we travel by roads through the charming countryside to
Halong Bay with stop over at Dong Trieu pottery village. O/N in Ha Long. (B)
Day
20: Ha Long - Hanoi
The legendary Ha Long Bay is truly one of
Vietnam’s most impressive scenic sights. Today we embark on a sailing boat
for a five hour cruise around this wondrous bay, dotted with some 1,969
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 an enjoyable visit to one of the many hidden grottoes beneath towering
cliffs. After a seafood lunch on board we make our way back to Ha Noi,
arriving in time to see an evening performance of Hanoi's famous water
puppets. O/N in Ha Noi. (B,L)
Day 21: Ha Noi-
Departure
