Vietnam Family Vacation (Code: VN-AR 00-8)

HO CHI MINH CITY - CU CHI - TAY NINH - HUE - DA NANG - HOI AN - MY SON - HANOI - HA LONG

Vietnam is a country that greatly values family, and so it is only natural that Vietnam is the perfect destination for a family holiday, not only for its inspiring landscape, but also because it contains a rich cultural heritage, an ancient culture and a fascinating history. Vietnam is a great place for any family to be together, enjoying beach, food, landscapes and culture. It’s fun for youngsters and a relaxing break for parents.

Inclusions:

- 8 nights hotel accommodation as below listed or similar.

- 1 night on board in Ha Long Bay.

- 9 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 2 dinners.

- Modern, comfortable transportation throughout the tour.

- Boat cruises in Hue and Ha Long.

- Entrance fees as stated in the tour program.

- Local English or French speaking guide in the North, Centre and the South.

Exclusions:

- International flights

- Domestic tickets Saigon - Hue/ Da Nang - Hanoi

- Any meals, drinks other than specified.

- Tips/ gratuities and personal expenses.

Day 1 Ho Chi Minh City

Dinner

Transfer to your hotel and free time.

Day 2 Ho Chi Minh City

Breakfast - Lunch

Today we will have the opportunity to visit the controversial War Remnants Museum, the Reunification Palace, historic Notre Dame Cathedral and the post office. In the afternoon, you will visit Thien Hau Pagoda, Chinatown and the busy market of Cho Lon. Explore historic Dong Khoi Street, now the city’s most upscale shopping boulevard with classy boutiques selling clothes and accessories by Vietnamese designers, hill tribe crafts, high quality linens and house wares. Don’t miss Ho Chi Minh City’s atmosphere by night. This city lives up to its exciting and often mischievous reputation.

Day 3 Ho Chi Minh City City - Cu Chi - Tay Ninh

Breakfast - Lunch

This morning, we depart for Tay Ninh, about 100 kilometers northwest of Ho Chi Minh and the centre of the fascinating Cao Dai religion. On our arrival we will witness a Cao Dai  ceremony. After lunch we visit the former Viet Cong guerilla base and tunnels at the Cu Chi, built in the 1940’s during the French colonial war and extended in the 1960’s during the American War. From Cu Chi we return to Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 4 Ho Chi Minh City - Hue

Breakfast - Lunch

Today we travel to Hue and visit the impressive 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 ancient Thien Mu Pagoda and ornate Minh Mang tomb. Later, visit the  Dong Ba markets and test your bargaining skills.

Day 5 Hue - Da Nang - Hoi An

Breakfast - Lunch

We cross the spectacular Hai Van Pass to Da Nang city, where we visit the best Cham Museum in Vietnam and take a short break at 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 cafés.

Day 6 Hoi An - My Son

Breakfast - Lunch

Today we visit My Son Holy land. Located 70 km southwest of Da Nang, My Son was the capital of the once mighty Champa Kingdom. It boasts a complex of ancient ruins that date back 1,700 years. This is the most complete example of ancient Champa ruins in Vietnam.

Day 7 Hoi An - Da Nang – Hanoi

Breakfast - Lunch

After breakfast we fly to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. We spend the morning visiting Ho Chi Minh mausoleum, and the ancient Temple of Literature, where you will learn about the  the historical and cultural events that have shaped Vietnam.  In the afternoon, we visit the Ethnologic museum, 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 the day, we attend  a performance of the unique water puppetry.

Day 8 Hanoi - Ha Long

Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner

This morning we leave Hanoi by road for Ha Long Bay, enjoying the beautiful scenery of rice fields, water buffalo and daily life of the countryside. Arriving in Ha Long, we board our traditional, but beautifully appointed, wooden junk. A seafood lunch will be served as we cruise among  the hundreds of astonishing islets throughout the Bay. We visit Sung Sot Cave, one of the most attractive and interesting caves, and witness a splendid sunset. Dinner and overnight on boat.

Day 9 Ha Long - Hanoi

Breakfast - Lunch

Early morning coffee and tea will be served on the sundeck followed by a Tai Chi class. We continue exploring the bay and change to a small motor or rowing boat to see the Luon Cave. Passing through a pretty entrance, we enter a tranquil lake, surrounded by luxuriant trees and high stone walls. Returning to our boat we enjoy breakfast before leaving our cruise for Hanoi.  On the way to visit the Do temple, we stop to enjoy a traditional Quan Ho Folk song show. Back to Hanoi and free time.

Day 10 Depart Hanoi

Breakfast

Free time until we are transferred to the airport for our onward flight. Tour ends.