HA NOI - MAI CHAU - HOA LU - HAI PHONG - CAT BA - HA LONG BAY - HUE - DA NANG - HOI AN - QUI NHON - NHA TRANG - DA LAT - HO CHI MINH CITY- TAY NINH - CU CHI - MEKONG DELTA

Journey through Viet Nam and capture the essence of this beautiful country. From Ha Noi’s 1000 years of history to the economic hustle of Ho Chi Minh City, from the mystical limestone peaks of Ha Long Bay to the Imperial City of Hue and, from the rugged northern mountains to the intricate waterways of the Mekong Delta, you will gain insights. It is a journey which takes you through some of the most stunning scenery in Asia, and which will leave you with a deep appreciation for the country, its people, culture and history.

DAY 01        ARRIVE HA NOI (-)

On arrival at Ha Noi Noi Bai Airport, we will be met and transferred to our hotel. After our welcome drink and tour briefing we enjoy a performance of Viet Nam’s unique traditional Water Puppetry.

DAY 02        HA NOI (B)

Today we tour President Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and his residential house, One Pillar Pagoda and Temple of Literature (Viet Nam’s first University). The afternoon is free to visit the Old Quarter with its 36 guild streets, stroll Ha Noi’s boulevards or relax by a lake.

DAY 03        HA NOI - MAI CHAU (B)

Traveling to Mai Chau passing through a region of spectacular limestone mountains and tea plantations. We spend the night in a villager’s house-on-stilt of the White Thai minority, experiencing their wonderful hospitality, traditional dancing and rice wine.

DAY 04        MAI CHAU - HOA LU - HAI PHONG (B)

Leaving Mai Chau, we drive through rural countryside to the 10th Century capital of Hoa Lu and navigate the river’s limestone outcrops by rowboat, discovering the ancient temples and exploring the magnificent grotto of Tam Coc before traveling on to Hai Phong.

DAY 05        HAI PHONG - CAT BA ISLAND (B)

In the morning, we travel by hydrofoil to Cat Ba Island, visiting the National Park and walk its the nature trail s through native rainforest to a spectacular lookout on the limestone peak. There is also time to swim at Cat Co beach and taste the freshest of seafood at a beach side restaurant.

DAY 06        CAT BA - HA LONG - HA NOI (B)

After breakfast, we board our private boat and cruise gently through the magnificent islets of Ha Long Bay, exploring fascinating caves and swimming before arriving at the harbour. Our bus will take us to Na Noi, stopping at Dong Trieu ceramic village, where the secrets of this traditional art are revealed.

DAY 07         HA NOI - HUE (B)

This morning is free to discover Ha Noi’s colonial charms, rich history and bustling markets at our own pace, or simply relax at the pool side of the hotel before checking out of the hotel and drive to Ha Noi Railway Station for our overnight Reunification Express Train journey to Hue.

DAY 08        HUE (B)

Arriving Hue in the morning, we have a short rest before cruising the Perfume River to Thien Mu , the Viet Nam’s oldest and most revered Pagodas. Gliding through the clear waters, we arrive at the majestic and serene tomb of King Ming Mang where we tour its beautiful garden.

DAY 09        HUE - DA NANG - HOI AN (B)

We walk the cobbled paths through the grounds of the imposing Imperial Citadel, followed by a journey over the breathtaking Hai Van Pass brings us to Da Nang, visit to Museum of Cham Sculpture and continue on to the old merchant town of Hoi An. We are free at leisure.

DAY 10        HOI AN - QUI NHON (B)

This morning we tour Hoi An’s restored shop houses, Chinese Assembly Halls and shared water wells before travelling down Highway One and pass through landscapes filled with lush rice fields and spectacular costal scenery before arriving into Qui Nhon for our overnight stop.

DAY 11        QUI NHON - NHA TRANG (B)

Hugging the dramatic granite cliffs our road takes us through the picturesque beach and fishing village of Dai Lanh to Nha Trang. We are free enjoy the beachfront and swim or relax in the shade of a thatched umbrella or swaying coconut palm, and take advantage of a massage and manicure.

DAY 12         NHA TRANG (B)

Visit to the 9th Century Po Nagar Tower and tour  the Oceanographic Institute’s staggering collection of aquatic flora and fauna. We then cruise the islands dotted turquoise waters of Nha Trang Bay. A sumptuous seafood lunch will be at the Mieu Island before heading back to the mainland.

DAY 13        NHA TRANG - DA LAT (B)

Leaving the golden sands behind, we visit the remarkable Cham Towers of Poklon Garai before ascenting into the mountains of the South Central Highlands. Panoramic views of the costal plains pine clad mountains and crisp cool air herald our approach to the scenic French Hill Station of Da Lat.

DAY 14        DA LAT - HO CHI MINH CITY (B)

We explore Da Lat’s stairways and cobbled lanes, colourful central market, beautiful flower gardens, tranquil lake and grand French villas. As we descend from the ‘City of Eternal Spring’ we pass plantations of tea, coffee, banana and rubber before entering the frenetic bustle of Ho Chi Minh City.

DAY 15        HO CHI MINH CITY (B)

Today we explore the Notre Dame Cathedral and the former US Embassy.  As we enter the Chinese District of Cho Lon, home to the largest wholesale market in Viet Nam, the energy is palpable and respite from the frenetic activity is found within the ornate walls of Chinatown’s oldest Pagoda, Thien Hau.

DAY 16         TAY NINH - CU CHI (B)

A drive to Tay Ninh, near the Cambodian border, allows us to witness the hypnotic noontime service and eclectic architecture of the Cao Dai religion. In the afternoon we explore the phenomenal underground tunnel network and former Vietnamese soldiers’ stronghold at Cu Chi, before returning to Ho Chi Minh City.

DAY 17         VINH LONG - CAN THO (B)

Heading south to Vinh Long, we board a motor boat and travel up the Mekong River to discover Cai Be Floating Market. A visit to the industries and orchards of Vinh Long is followed by a lunch of local specialties, before making the further journey to Can Tho.

DAY 18         CAN THO - HO CHI MINH CITY (B)

A morning boat ride take us to the remarkable floating market at Cai Rang and continue up the leafy waterways to a fruit orchard where we can sample delicious tropical fruits and learn about the Delta ‘s way of life from our friendly local hosts before returning to Ho Chi Minh City.

DAY 19        DEPART HO CHI MINH CITY (B)

A good opportunity to do some last minute shopping before transfering the airport for departure flight.

Remark :  Compulsory surcharge on Peak season*

Price Inclusive :
                            

• 16 and half nights standard hotel accommodation
  
• 1 night hill tribe home stay
  
• 1 night 1st class sleeper train
  
• Air-conditioned vehicles & boat
  
• Entrance fees and sightseeing as specified
  
• Breakfast daily, 2 lunches on board the boats
  
• Local English/French speaking guides

Price Exclusive :

• International Air Ticket in-out
  
• International Airport tax
  
• Visa fee
  
• Personal Expenses
  
• Tip