We start our tour in Ho Chi Minh City, or Saigon, as the locals prefer to call it, the dynamic heart of Vietnam. Saigon still has a raffish charm and vibrant atmosphere that will excite the most discerning traveler. You can explore its historic boulevards and colourful outdoor markets before visiting the Cu Chi tunnel network of almost 200 kilometers. Built in the 1940’s during the war with the French, these tunnels were made famous during the American War. Leaving Ho Chi Minh City, we travel north to the beautiful and peaceful city of Hue with its historic Citadel, palaces and temples. It’s then a change of pace with a relaxing visit to ancient Hoi An, where we you can unwind at one of the most beautiful beaches in Asia. The last days are spent aboard a traditional, but beautifully appointed, junk sailing the turquoise waters of Ha Long Bay.
- 6 nights hotel accommodation as below listed or similar.
- 1 night on board on Ha Long Bay.
- 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 2 dinners.
- Modern, comfortable transportation throughout the tour.
- Boat cruises in Ha Long and Hue.
- Entrance fees as stated in the tour program.
- Local English or French speaking guide in the North, Centre and the South.
- International flights..
- Domestic tickets Saigon - Hue/ Da Nang - Hanoi
- Any meals, drinks other than specified.
- Tips/gratuities and personal expenses.
Dinner
After transferring to our hotel, we tour Ho Chi Minh City, still known as Saigon by the locals. A highlight will be exploring the bustling Ben Thanh market, which has been operating since French colonial times and the Thien Hau Pagoda. We also tour the Cho Lon, the Chinese Quarter, and explore many of its winding streets and hidden laneways. The sights and smells of Ho Chi Minh City are intense and you will revel in its eclectic mix, from ancient pagodas to thriving cafés, shops and boutiques.
Breakfast - Lunch
This morning, we tour this bustling city and its historic boulevards; visiting Notre Dame Cathedral, the Reunification Palace, the post office and War Remnants Museum. In the afternoon, we drive about an hour west of Saigon and explore the tunnels Cu Chi, used by Vietnamese guerrillas during the war against the French and US forces, then back to Ho Chi Minh City.
Breakfast - Lunch
Today we travel to Hue and visit the imposing Citadel, where the Emperors of the Nguyen dynasty reigned from 1802 to 1945. In the afternoon, we cruise the beautiful Perfume River to see the Old Thien Mu Pagoda and ornate Minh Mang tomb. Later, we visit the Dong Ba market and test your bargaining skills.
Breakfast - Lunch
We cross the spectacular Hai Van Pass to Da Nang city, where we visit the best Cham museum in Vietnam and the imposing Marble Mountain before continuing to Hoi An, an ancient town of meandering narrow streets dating back to the 16th century. An afternoon tour takes us to the ancient Japanese Bridge, Phuoc Kien Pagoda, the ancient house Tran Phu and the Hoi An museum. Enjoy shopping for tailor made clothing, lanterns, shoes and food, or simply relax on the beach or in the myriad restaurants and cafes.
Breakfast - Lunch
After breakfast we fly to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. We visit the Ethnologic museum, one of the most interesting in Hanoi. Later we view the One Pillar Pagoda and learn more about historical and cultural events at the peaceful Temple of Literature, known since the 11th century as the Vietnam’s first university, followed by an exhilarating, hour long cyclo tour through the bustling Old Quarter. A walk through its exciting streets is a fascinating introduction to the different lifestyles of Vietnam, and an opportunity to shop for bargains. To finish off the day, we attend the performance of the unique water puppetry.
Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
This morning we leave Hanoi by road for Ha Long Bay, enjoying the timeless scenery of rice fields, water buffalo and daily life of the countryside. On arrival in Ha Long, we board a beautifully appointed wooden junk. A sea food lunch will be served as we cruise among the hundreds of islets in the Bay. Our cruise take us to Sung Sot Cave to witness a splendid sunset. Overnight on boat.
Breakfast - Lunch
Continue to explore a floating village on the Bay in a small motor or rowing boat. After breakfast, we leave the cruise and depart for Bac Ninh Province to learn more of Vietnam’s history and culture. We enjoy the traditional Quan Ho Folk song show. Back to Hanoi and free time at your leisure.
Breakfast
We spend the morning visiting the Ho Chi Minh complex comprising the mausoleum, his simple, but impressive house and the One Pillar Pagoda before departing to the airport for your flight home after an amazing Vietnam experience.