ITINERARY IN BRIEF

DAY 1:     HANOI ARRIVAL
DAY 2:     HANOI
DAY 3:     HANOI – HALONG
DAY 4:     HALONG – HANOI
DAY 5:     HANOI – HUE
DAY 6:     HUE – DANANG – HOIAN
DAY 7:     HOIAN – MYSON
DAY 8:     HOIAN – DANANG – NHATRANG
DAY 9:     NHATRANG
DAY 10:    NHATRANG – DALAT
DAY 11:    DALAT
DAY 12:    DALAT – SAIGON
DAY 13:    SAIGON – CUCHI
DAY 14:    SAIGON – MYTHO
DAY 15:    SAIGON – DEPARTURE

DAY 1: HANOI ARRIVAL

On arrival at Noi Bai Airport, welcome to Vietnam by our guide and transferred to hotel for check in. Hanoi, Vietnam's capital, is a stylish and gracious city that retains an unique old world charm and some Asia ‘s most striking colonial architecture. The many lakes and parks make for relaxing atmosphere. Depending on arrival time optional activities can be arranged on this day.

Overnight Stay at hotel in Hanoi

DAY 2: HANOI

Morning, we enjoy a full day city tour starting with the Ho Chi Minh Complex, containing the mausoleum of the nation’s founder Ho Chi Minh, the Presidential Palace and the Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts. This complex  also comprises the One Pillar Pagoda, whose origins date back to the foundation of city. We follow this with a trip to the Temple of Literature, which is well known as the first university of Vietnam. style="text-align: justify;">

Afternoon, visit Thang Long Royal Citadel (NEW) has been recognized as a world Cultural  heritage site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The Thang Long Imperial Citadel was built in the 11th century by the Ly Dynasty. It was constructed on the remains of a Chinese fortress dating from the 7th century, on drained land reclaimed from the Red River Delta in Ha Noi. We will explore West Lake, which is steeped in legend and is bordered by several significant pagodas.  We will view Tran Quoc Pagoda, Vietnam's oldest pagoda, built in the 6th century and located on Cayang Island in the middle of the lake.  We visit these sights before continuing to the peaceful lake of Hoan Kiem with Ngoc Son Temple, have a cyclo (pedicab) trip around with 36 streets of Ha Noi old quarter. Enjoy the performance of the famous Vietnamese traditional art of water puppetry at Thang Long theatre.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight Stay at hotel in Hanoi

DAY 3: HANOI – HA LONG

Early morning, arrival Hanoi, pick you up then transfer to hotel for for refresh and breakfast.
8:00     Our guide and driver pick you up from hotel, transfer to Ha Long via vehicle  (160km driving one way - 3.5hrs drive). This will be your first opportunity to see some of the rural areas of Vietnam. The drive goes through the Red River delta, so we'll have plenty of chance for taking photo of Vietnamese farmers tilling the vast green paddy field. At half way, we will have a visit to a handicraft workshop with fine clothes and embroidered paintings.
With a quick rest stop en route, you will reach Ha Long City. Arrival in Ha Long at 11:30
12h15:     Check-in registration, Boarding on Junk. Welcome drink is served
12h45:     Start cruising
13h00:     Have lunch board
13h30:     A fantastic cruise in Ha Long bay, visit Dinh Huong island, Ga Choi island, Dog island, Sail island, visit Sung Sot cave and a swim at Titov beach.
17h30:     Relax and enjoy sunset
19h30:     Enjoy dinner on board.
21h00:     Fishing or relax and spending a night on board.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight Stay on Huong Hai Junk or similar in Halong

DAY 4: HA LONG – HANOI

Early risers can enjoy a morning view of Bay's landscapes. Sitting on the upper desk we can enjoy the breath - taking beauty of the rocky islands rising from the crystal-clear water of the Bay. We can hear the birds singing, cicadas chirping ashore and the gentle lapping of the waves against our boat, the perfect soundtrack to accompany the fresh air and  gentle breeze.
7:00     Have breakfast
7:30     A morning cruise to visit Man's head island. Tortoise island. Visit to Bai Tu Long bay.
10:00     Arrange luggage and check out then have lunch on boat.
11:45     Arrive at the pier and drive back Hanoi
Arrival Hanoi, check in and free at leisure.

Meals: Brunch
Overnight Stay at hotel in Hanoi

DAY 5: HANOI - HUE

Morning, Our guide and driver pick you up and transfer to Noi Bai airport for flight to Hue by …
After 1 hour flight, we arrive at Phu Bai airport-Hue. You will be welcomes by our tour guide and driver. Transfer to Hue city center for check-in.
Afternoon, city tour to visit Hue Citadel - Vietnam’s former imperial capital and recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site.  With an area of 500ha and a system of three circles of ramparts, namely from outside to inside: Kinh Thanh Hue (Hue Capital Citadel), Hoang Thanh (Royal Citadel) and Tu Cam Thanh (Forbidden Citadel) and Khai Dinh Tomb _ In comparison with those of the preceding emperors, it is very elaborate. It is the result of the interminglement of many architectural trends: European and Asian, as well as ancient and modern. Stop at Dong Ba market for shopping.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight Stay at hotel in Hue

DAY 6: HUE – DANANG – HOIAN

Morning, we cruise along the Perfume River. Being the former royal capital, Hue's surrounding countryside contains several of the tombs of the former Nguyen Emperors to visit Minh Mang Tomb. Back to the Perfume River to visit the Thien Mu Pagoda, It is an active Buddhist monastery with its origins dating back to 1601. After that, leave Hue we drive south to Hoian which was originally a Cham seaport but has been influenced down the centuries by a myriad of traders from various cultures. The scenic road is hugging the coastline before crossing over the winding Hai Van pass. A view from the top of the pass is one of Vietnam’s most impressive panoramic scenes.
Afternoon, transfer to visit  Hoian Ancient Town - was declared a World Culture Heritage site by UNESCO in late 1999. It  is a fascinating combination of Vietnamese traditional characters with Chinese and Japanese influence. There are  plenty to see in this delightful town, some of which are  the famous Japanese Covered Bridges, the Pottery Museum, the 200 years old Tamky House, the Chua Ong Pagoda, the vibrant market. Today we include these on a walking tour past many low tiled houses scattered along the small streets and assembly halls which reflect the town's multi-cultural past.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight Stay at hotel in Hoian

DAY 7: HOIAN – MY SON

Morning, transfer to visit My Son Holy Land - Vietnam's most important Cham’s site. My son becomes a religious center in the late 4th century and lasts till 13th century – a longest period of development of any monument in Southeast Asia. My son is considered to be Champa’s counterpart to the grand cities of Southeast Asia’s other Indian – influenced civilizations: Angkor (Cambodia), Ayuthaya (Thailand) or Borobudur (Java).Afternoon, free at leisure for shopping in the central of town.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight Stay at hotel in Hoian

DAY 8: HOIAN – DANANG – NHATRANG  (FLIGHT 45MINS)

Morning, we take a short time to visit the Cham Museum in Danang City - was built in 1915 with the financial support of the French Far-East Research Institute in Vietnam. This museum houses the most extensive collection of Cham art worldwide before take flight to Nhatrang by ….
Arrival Nhatrang, meet our local guide and transfer to hotel for check in.
Afternoon, take a half day city tour to visit Cham Por Nagar Towel - were built between the 8th and 13th centuries. The largest of the four remaining towers was built in honour of the Goddess Po Nagar, also known as Lady Thien Y Ana or Lady Mother of the Kingdom. Oceanique Institute - which was established in 1923, was one of the first centres for scientific research in Vietnam and Long Son Pagoda - was first built on Mount Trai Thuy in 1886 and named Dang Long Pagoda. In 1900, the pagoda was damaged in a storm and was rebuilt down the mountain in its present location.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight Stay at hotel in Nhatrang

DAY 9: NHATRANG

You will be picked up today by private car and english speaking guide for a day trip to Mun island - a Marine Protected Area MPA, belonging to Nha Trang Bay. Spend the day diving and snorkeling with your guide. Experience the richest coral biodiversity of corals identified in Vietnam with over 350 species and many kinds of big, colourful fish. Enjoy seafood lunch on the island before returning back to your hotel late afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight Stay at hotel in Nhatrang

DAY 10: NHATRANG – DALAT

Morning, rivate transfer to Dalat city - is a popular vacation spot for native Vietnamese who are looking for some R&R in a cool spot. This city is popular due to its crisp mountain air, beautiful surrounding forests, and California like weather with private car, driver, and english speaking guide. (225km, approx 5 hours).

Arrival Dalat, check in hotel and enjoy a sightseeing tour of Dalat, visiting Xuan Huong Lake, the Flower Garden, Linh Son Pagoda, Bao Dai's summer palace, built in 1933 and the famous Hang Nga guest house and art gallery, also known as the "crazy house".

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight Stay at hotel in Dalat

DAY 11: DALAT

You will be picked up by private car and English speaking guide for a visit into the country side today. Da Lat is known for its large variety of fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers. visit the Lat village (located 15km north of Dalat), where different minorities live in groups, Valley of Love - The beauty of the valley has become more poetic and seductive for travelers and lovers. Stop at the Da Lat Flower Market before drive back hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight Stay at hotel in Dalat

DAY 12: DALAT – SAIGON  (FLIGHT 45MINS)

Morning, transfer to Dalat airport for flight to Hochiminh by ...
Arrival Hochiminh, meet our local guide and transfer to hotel for check in.
Arrival Hochiminh, meet our guide and take a Sai Gon city tour to visit to Afternoon, we will take a halfday Sai Gon city tour: Visit Reunification Palace which was the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until end of April 1975 and War Remnant Museum – contains countless artifacts, photographs, and pictures documenting American war crimes Such documents illustrate the killing of civilians, speading of chemicals, torturing of prisisoners, and the effects of the war on the north.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight Stay at hotel in Saigon

DAY 13: SAIGON – CUCHI TUNNELS
Morning, drive to visit Cu Chi Tunnels, Cu Chi was an important base during the American War, because of its strategic location. The Vietcong built a 200km long network of tunnels connecting command posts, hospitals, shelter and weapon factories. Dug out of hard laterite by hand tools without the use of cement, this amazing network was never discovered.
Afternoon, city tour to visit visit Notre Dame Cathedral, the Old Sai Gon Post Office , former US Embassy, City Hall, China Town and the Emperor Jade Pagoda (Phuoc Hai), one of the most interesting pagodas in Vietnam. End of the day we concludes with a stroll through the famous Ben Thanh Market, whose clock tower over the main entrance to what was formerly known as Les Halles Centrale is the symbol of Saigon. Opened first in 1914, it features one-way aisles loaded with people clamoring to sell you cheap goods (T-shirts, aluminum wares, silk, bamboo, and lacquer) and postcards.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight Stay at hotel in Saigon 

DAY 14: SAIGON – MYTHO (MEKONG DELTA)

Morning, we travel by roads to My Tho we embark on a boat navigating around the intricate small canals in the delta region, which is a great way to observe the local lifestyle close-up and catch a view dotted by many islands. The exciting excursion will pass the lush green vegetation before arriving at the famous Unicorn Island. Here we have opportunities to stroll around an orchard, taste many seasonal fruits and enjoy  wonderful traditional music. The next stop of our trip is Ben Tre Province you will have the opportunity to watch local villagers producing coconut candy in the workshop, 5 minute trekking on the village way and try rickshaw or cart (draw by horse), Cruising through the smaller canals on local sampans, try honey in bee keeping house…. Drive back Hochiminh city and free at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight Stay at hotel in Saigon 

DAY 15: HOCHIMINH DEPARTURE

Leisure time until transfer to airport for flight departure by...
Meals: Breakfast



Price Include:

• 13 nights accommodations at 3 stars standard hotel with daily breakfast based on twin sharing
• One night accommodation on board in Halong based on twin sharing
• Domestic airfare for flight from Hanoi – Hue / Danang – Nhatrang/ Dalat – Saigon
• Private transportation with English speaking guide.
• Private boat for sightseeing as stated in the program.
• Entrances fees + sightseeing as indicated.
• Vietnamese food as mentioned in the program
• Gov’t tax and service charge.
• Mineral water is available (free)
• Vietnam Visa Approval letter (free)
• Vietnam Traditional Gift (free)

Price Exclude:

• Visa on arrival, Insurance, drinks, personal expenses, others not mentioned in details, tips are welcome!
• Surcharge for booking during Chinese New Years from 20 – 30 Jan 2012: US$ 15/ pax/ day
• Surcharge for Compulsory dinner for Xmas and New Year Eve