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DAY
1 ARRIVE HA NOI
On arrival at Noi Bai Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
After a welcome drink and tour briefing enjoy a performance of Viet Nam’s
unique traditional Water Puppetry.
DAY
2 HA NOI
Today tour President Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and his House on Stilts, the One
Pillar Pagoda and the Temple of Literature (Viet Nam’s first University). The
afternoon is free to visit the Old Quarter with its 36 guild streets or to
stroll Ha Noi’s boulevards and enjoy a coffee beside Hoan Kiem Lake.
DAY
3 HA NOI - MAI CHAU
Travelling to Mai Chau, you pass through a region of spectacular limestone
mountains and tea plantations. Spend the night in a White Thai villager’s
house-onstilts and experience their wonderful hospitality, traditional
dancing and rice wine.
DAY
4 MAI CHAU - HOA LU - HAI PHONG
Leaving Mai Chau and drive through the rural countryside to the 10th Century
capital of Hoa Lu and enjoy a journey by rowboat amidst the limestone
outcrops to ancient temples and the magnificent grottoes of Tam Coc before
travelling on to Hai Phong.
DAY
5 HAI PHONG - CAT BA ISLAND
In the morning, travel by hydrofoil to Cat Ba Island, visiting the National
Park and walk a trail 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 seafood at a beach side restaurant.
DAY
6 CAT BA - HA LONG - HA NOI
After breakfast, you board your private boat and cruise gently through the
magnificent islets of Ha Long Bay, exploring fascinating caves and swimming
before arriving at the harbour. Your bus will take you to Ha Noi, stopping at
Dong Trieu ceramic village, where the centuries old secrets of this
traditional art are revealed.
DAY
7 HA NOI - HUE
This morning is free to discover Ha Noi’s colonial charm, rich history and
bustling markets at your own pace. Or simply relax by the pool of the hotel
before checking out of the hotel and driving to Ha Noi Railway Station for
your overnight Reunification Express Train journey to Hue.
DAY
8 HUE
Arriving in Hue in the morning, enjoy a short rest before cruising the
Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda, Viet Nam’s oldest and most revered Pagoda.
Sailing on, you arrive at the majestic and serene tomb of King Ming Mang and
tour its beautifully set out grounds.
DAY
9 HUE - DA NANG - HOI AN
Walk the cobbled paths through the grounds of the imposing Imperial Citadel
is followed by a journey over the breathtaking Hai Van Pass to Da Nang with a
visit to Museum of Cham Sculpture before continuing on to the old merchant
town of Hoi An.
DAY
10 HOI AN - QUI NHON
This morning tour Hoi An’s restored shop houses, Chinese Assembly Halls and
shared water wells before travelling down Highway One through landscapes
filled with lush rice fields and spectacular coastal scenery to Qui Nhon for
our overnight stop.
DAY
11 QUI NHON - NHA TRANG
Passing dramatic granite cliffs, your road takes you through the picturesque
beach and fishing village of Dai Lanh to Nha Trang. You are free to enjoy the
beachfront and swim or relax or take advantage of a massage and manicure
beneath the swaying beachside palm trees.
DAY
12 NHA TRANG
Visit the 9th Century Po Nagar Tower and tour the Oceanographic Institute’s
extensive collection of aquatic flora and fauna. Then cruise the island
dotted turquoise waters of Nha Trang Bay and enjoy superb seafood lunch at
Mieu Island before heading back to the mainland.
DAY
13 NHA TRANG - DA LAT
Leaving the golden sands of Nha Trang behind you visit the remarkable Cham
Towers of Poklon Garai before ascending into the mountains of the South
Central Highlands. Panoramic views of the coastal plains, pine clad mountains
and crisp cool air herald your approach to the scenic former French Hill
Station of Da Lat.
DAY
14 DA LAT - HO CHI MINH CITY
Explore Da Lat’s stairways and cobbled lanes, colourful central market,
beautiful flower gardens, tranquil lake and grand French villas. As you
descend from the ‘City of Eternal Spring’ you pass plantations of tea,
coffee, bananas and rubber before entering the frenetic bustle of Ho Chi Minh
City.
DAY
15 HO CHI MINH CITY
Today explore Notre Dame Cathedral and the former US Embassy. On
entering the Chinese District of Cho Lon, home to the largest
wholesale market in Viet Nam, the energy is palpable and a respite
from the frenetic activity is to be found within the ornate walls of
Chinatown’s oldest Pagoda, Thien Hau.
DAY
16 TAY NINH - CU CHI
Drive to Tay Ninh, near the Cambodian border and witness the hypnotic
noontime service and eclectic architecture of the Cao Dai religion. In the
afternoon explore the phenomenal underground tunnel network and former Viet
Namese soldiers’ stronghold at Cu Chi, before returning to Ho Chi Minh City.
DAY
17 VINH LONG - CAN THO
Heading south to Vinh Long, board a motor boat and travel up the Mekong River
to explore Cai Be’s Floating Market. A visit to the industries and orchards
of Vinh Long is followed by a lunch of local specialties before continuing
your journey to Can Tho.
DAY
18 CAN THO - HO CHI MINH CITY
A morning boat ride take you to the remarkable floating market at Cai Rang,
continues up the leafy waterways to a fruit orchard where you can sample
delicious tropical fruits and learn about the Delta‘s way of life from your
friendly local hosts before returning to Ho Chi Minh City.
DAY
19 DEPART HO CHI MINH CITY
Today is an opportunity to do some last minute shopping before transferring
for your departure flight Return to VIETNAM main PAGE
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