| DAY
1: ARRIVE HO CHI MINH CITY
On arrival in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), you will be met by our
friendly representative and transferred to your hotel. This evening,
meet the rest of your group for a welcome drink, tour briefing and
dinner. Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City, Rex Hotel (Standard) or Sheraton
Saigon (Deluxe) for 3 nights. (D)
DAY 2: CITY TOUR & CU CHI TUNNELS
Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam’s commercial capital and a city of
extraordinary energy. Begin with a walking tour of Saigon’s landmarks
such as Ho Chi Minh Square and Notre Dame Cathedral. Tour the
Reunification Palace (formerly the Presidential Palace). Drive to Cholon
to visit the huge Binh Tay wholesale market and the Thien Hau Pagoda.
For lunch, try “Pho” (pronounced “fur”), the delicious Vietnamese noodle
soup. This afternoon, travel from the center of Saigon by riverboat
along the Saigon River to the Cu Chi Tunnels. Stop at a riverside
pottery and ceramics village in Binh Duong. Return to Ho Chi Minh City
by boat this afternoon. (B)
DAY 3: MEKONG DELTA
The Mekong River is one of the world’s great rivers, originating in
China. Travel south to My Tho, the gateway to the Delta and Vietnam’s
agricultural heart. Travel by boat to one of the islands in the middle
of the Mekong River. Visit a fruit orchard and try some of the local
produce, then board a smaller sampan that winds along narrow canals.
Enjoy the local hospitality over lunch before returning to Ho Chi Minh
City late afternoon. (B,L)
DAY 4: HO CHI MINH CITY – DALAT
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Dalat (flight included).
Dalat is now a city of great local character and faded French elegance.
This afternoon you will visit the Summer Palace of Vietnam’s last
emperor, Bao Dai. Continue on to visit an interesting pagoda inhabited
by a Zen Buddhist monk and his amazing garden of paintings.
Overnight: Dalat, Novotel Dalat (Standard) or Ana Mandara Villas
(Deluxe) for 1 night. (B)
DAY 5: DALAT – NHA TRANG
Enjoy free time in Dalat’s colorful market or stroll around its
central lake. Later, journey to Nha Trang over the spectacular Ngoan Muc
Pass to the Poklongarai Cham Towers near Phan Rang. Arrive in Nha Trang
late in the afternoon in time to unwind with a drink or a meal at one of
the many seaside restaurants as the sun sets. Overnight: Nha Trang,
Asia Paradise Hotel (Standard) or Ana Mandara Resort (Deluxe) for 2
nights. (B)
DAY 6: NHA TRANG
Today you’ll be transferred to the port to board your boat for a
cruise through the clear blue waters among the islands off Nha Trang.
You will have the chance to stop for some swimming and snorkeling
(optional) before enjoying a fresh, bountiful seafood lunch. Return to
your hotel mid afternoon for some free time. (B,L)
DAY 7: NHA TRANG – HOI AN
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Danang (flight included).
On arrival, visit the famous Cham Museum. Next, travel south to Marble
Mountains, which have a number of sacred Buddhist shrines. A short drive
takes you to China Beach, the former U.S. R&R beach escape. Continue on
to the ancient town of Hoi An – Vietnam’s most active trading center.
Later, take a walking tour of enchanting Hoi An to see an old merchant
house, the Hoi An Museum and the Japanese Covered Bridge. Overnight:
Hoi An, Hoi An Trails Resort (Standard) or Life Heritage Resort (Deluxe)
for 2 nights. (B)
DAY 8: RIVERBOAT CRUISE
Most of today is free for you to enjoy this beautiful town with its
numerous clothing shops, colorful fish market and river life. In the
late afternoon, board a riverboat and enjoy a leisurely 90-minute cruise
along the Thu Bon River, passing scenic farmland and paddy fields, to
Hoi An town. This evening, dine at one of Hoi An’s appealing restaurants
or try a fun cooking class. (B)
DAY 9: HOI AN – HUE
This morning, travel to the imperial capital Hue via the spectacular
Hai Van Pass. This drive is considered one of the most beautiful in
Vietnam. Visit the impressive home of the Nguyen Dynasty emperors — the
Citadel, and the Thien Mu Pagoda. Return to your hotel by dragon boat
along the Perfume River. This evening, sample some of the delicious
cuisine for which Hue is famous. Overnight: Hue, Saigon Morin Hotel
(Standard) or La Residence Hotel & Spa (Deluxe) for 2 nights. (B,D)
DAY 10: MINH MANG’S TOMB
Today enjoy a cruise to the Tomb of Minh Mang, on the bank of the
Perfume River. Explore the complex, consisting of 40 buildings, and a
courtyard surrounded by warrior statues, temples and pavilions. Return
to your hotel this afternoon. (B)
DAY 11: HUE – TOMBS – HANOI
Drive through the Hue countryside to visit the impressive tomb of
the Emperor Tu Duc, then on to the French influenced tomb of the 12th
emperor Khai Dinh. This afternoon, transfer to the airport for your
flight to Hanoi (flight included). On arrival, be transferred to your
hotel. Hanoi is one of South East Asia’s most beautiful and engaging
cities. Overnight: Hanoi, Sunway Hotel (Standard) or Sofitel
Metropole Hotel (Deluxe) for 3 nights. (B)
DAY 12: HANOI & WATER PUPPETS
Discover Hanoi today, Vietnam’s gracious capital. Begin your Hanoi
experience at the Old Citadel, walking along beautiful tree-lined
boulevards toward Ba Dinh Square, site of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
This morning there is time to visit the “Ho Chi Minh Quarter” and the
intriguing Ho Chi Minh Museum. You will also view the Presidential
Palace and One Pillar Pagoda. After lunch, visit the infamous former
central prison. Conclude the afternoon with a cyclo tour of the
fascinating Old Quarter. This evening, enjoy a performance of Hanoi’s
famous Water Puppets. (B)
DAY 13: HALONG BAY/CRUISE & FAREWELL DINNER
Journey to Hon Gai, the gateway to Halong Bay, passing fields of
traditional rice farms. On arrival transfer to the port for a magical
cruise around the Bay (approximately 4 hours). Halong Bay boasts over
3,000 islands that jut out of the sea. Time is available to stop at one
of the many secluded bays for a refreshing swim (weather permitting). A
fresh seafood lunch is served on board the boat. This afternoon, travel
back to Hanoi for a farewell dinner celebration with the rest of your
group. (B,L,D)
DAY 14: DEPART HANOI
After a leisurely breakfast, transfer to the airport to board your
onward flight (flight not included). (B)
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