Starting in Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, the dynamic heart of Vietnam, we enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of this amazing city, wander its avenues, and explore the colorful outdoor markets before visiting Cu Chi tunnels, the network of almost 200 kilometres of tunnels that were made famous during the American War. From Ho Chi Minh City we travel to historic and peaceful Hue with its many majestic palaces, then on to the garden resort in Hoi An, where we will relax at one of the most beautiful beaches in Asia. Enjoy refined Hanoi and spend an overnight aboard a traditional, but luxurious junk in Ha Long Bay, where astonishing limestone islands rise steeply out of clear emerald water. During the the last days of the trip we will discover beautiful Laotian city of Luang Prabang.
- 9 nights hotel accommodation as below listed or similar.
- 1 night on board in Ha Long Bay.
- 10 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 3 dinners.
- Modern, comfortable transportation throughout the tour.
- Boat cruises in Ha Long and Hue and Luang Prabang.
- Entrance fees as stated in the tour program.
- Local English or French speaking guide in the North, Centre and the South.
- International flights.
- Air tickets Saigon - Hue/ Da Nang - Hanoi - Luang Prabang.
- Any meals, drinks other than specified.
- Tips and personal expenses.
Dinner
After transferring to our hotel, we take a city tour of 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 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, post office and the War Remnants Museum. In the afternoon, we drive about an hour west of Saigon and explore the underground tunnels in 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 forbidding 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 Thien Mu Pagoda and the ornate Minh Mang Tomb. Later we visit the Dong Ba market where you can test your bargaining skills.
Breakfast - Lunch
We cross the spectacular Hai Van Pass to reach Da Nang city, where we can see the Cham museum and take a short break at spectacular Marble Mountain, then continue to Hoi An, an ancient town of meandering narrow streets dating back to the 16th century. An afternoon tour is a chance to see the Japanese Bridge, Phuoc Kien Pagoda, the ancient house Tran Phu and the Hoi An Museum. Later, we can shop for tailor made clothing, lanterns, shoes and food, or simply relax at one of the towns many cosy cafes.
Breakfast - Lunch
After breakfast we fly to Hanoi, a green city with its historic French villas; it still exudes that old French panache and style. Its tree-lined boulevards, romantic lakes and French architecture allow us to step back in time to a quieter, more relaxed Vietnam. We visit the Ethnological Museum, one of the most interesting in Hanoi. In the afternoon, we view the ancient Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university and then take an hour cyclo tour to discover the heart of Hanoi - the bustling Old Quarter - where the narrow streets buzz and bustle with the life of city. It is a shopper’s delight, with its beautiful silks, linen, and Vietnamese artefacts. To finish the day, we attend the performance of the famous Vietnamese 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 takes us to Sung Sot cave to witness a splendid sunset. Overnight on boat.
Breakfast - Lunch
Continue to explore Luon Cave by 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.
Breakfast - Dinner
This morning, we fly to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival, we will be greeted by our guide and transferred to our hotel. Luang Prabang is one of the most well preserved cities in South East Asia. During our time here, we visit the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrines of Wat Aham and Wat Mai. We then climb of the summit Mount Phousi and explore the sacred, gilded stupa and have a panoramic view of the city and the Mekong River. We explore the Night Market, where we can find a beutiful selection of handmade textiles made by local and hill tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang.
Breakfast - Lunch
Today, we visit the temple of Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents classical Laotian architecture. We then embark on a Mekong cruise upstream giveing us a breathtaking view of the tranquil countryside as well as time to explore the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims. Along the way, we stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where they make the local rice wine. Later on, we take a short drive to Ban Phanom, a small village known for its hand weaving.
Breakfast - Lunch
An optional early start gives us the unique opportunity to participate in the daily morning rituals of saffron-clad monks collecting offerings or alms (often in the form of sticky rice) from the faithful residents. This tradition is unique to Laos, being one the few Buddhist nations still observing the ritual. From here we visit the morning Phousi morning market with its diverse and unusual products such as dried buffalo skin, local tea or saltpeter sold with chickens, vegetables and hill-tribe weavings. Laos is also known for its traditional crafts, and today we will visit the ethnic minority groups at Ban Ouay, an H’mong village, Ban Ou, Laoloum village and Ban Thapene, all Khmu villages. A dramatic change of scenery is the beautiful Khouangsi waterfall where we can cool off with a refreshing swim in the pool or walk along the forest. On our return to Luang Prabang in the late afternoon, we stop at Ban Xangkhong, a village well known for its silk weavings and for its Saa (jute) papermaking. We admire the sunset at Wat Siphouthabath. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Breakfast
Today we visit the National Museum at the former Royal Palace. It displays an interesting collection of artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings to the last sovereign. We also take time to visit the central market. We then transfer to the airport for our departure flight.