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Emerging from decades of war and self-imposed socialism, Vietnam is re-establishing itself as a strong industrial and commercial hub in Southeast Asia. From the architecturally beautiful but relatively conservative northern city of Hanoi, to the vibrant and bustling city of Ho Chi Minh , travelling through Vietnam is a truly unforgettable experience and probably the most exciting in Indochina.
Vietnam Itinerary - North to SouthDAY 1 HANOI Meet on arrival in Hanoi and transfer by car to the Sofitel Metropole Hotel for overnight. Rest of the day at leisure .
DAY 2 HANOI - HALONG By vehicle from Hanoi to Halong Bay Journey east along Highway 5 across Hai Hung Province and around Halong Bay.
Cruise aboard a traditional junk through Halong Bay These traditionally built junks have facilities of the highest standard, which include seven double cabins with suite bathrooms, a spacious dining room serving traditional Vietnamese cuisine, plus a large sun deck area. The first day's itinerary passes Dinh Huong island, Ga Choi Island, Sung Sot cave, before stopping at Titov beach for a swim. Dinner is served on the boat as the sun sets.Overnight in cabin / onboard
DAY 3 ON BOARD THE JUNK Cruise aboard a traditional junk through Halong Bay Enjoy breakfast on board, while continuing to cruise around the waters of the bays, visiting MAN'S HEAD ISLAND, TORTOISE ISLAND, and LUON CAVE. Return to the pier just before noon and disembark.
Return to Hanoi - Visit a Water Puppet Show A fantastic art form originating in northern Vietnam, best seen in Hanoi. The Municipal Water Puppet Theater is located on the shore of Hoan Kiem Lake.
DAY 4 HANOI Sightseeing in Hanoi Although it is the modern-day capital of Vietnam, HANOI still retains the mystery and charm of past centuries. Narrow lanes and traditional shophouses invite exploration by walk, while its many beautiful public spaces - lakes, parks, tree-lined boulevards and monuments - give the city an air of elegance and harmony with nature unique among Asian capitals. Begin your day visiting the TEMPLE OF LITERATURE, a peaceful series of walled courtyards and graceful gateways, and one of the best surving examples of traditional Vietnamese architecture. Founded in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius, this was also the site of Vietnam's first university. Continue to the miniature ONE PILLAR PAGODA. Also dating from the 11th century, this monument was rebuilt after being destroyed by the French in 1954. Today it stands near the vast HO CHI MINH MEMORIAL COMPLEX, a lovely park setting which is home to Ho Chi Minh's final resting place, as well as a museum and other memorials. Stroll past the HO CHI MINH MAUSOLEUM (closed to visitors on Mondays and Fridays), where visitors can pay respects to the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh. Continue through the park to HO CHI MINH's STILT HOUSE, the simple two-room dwelling where Ho Chi Minh lived from 1948 until his final days. Preserved in the same condition as during his life, it may be viewed through the windows.
Finally, discover the OLD QUARTER of Hanoi by walk. This fascinating network of narrow alleys and shophouses is also known as 'The 36 Streets,' each street being named after the merchandise traditionally sold there, ranging from fabrics to crafts to medicines to tombstones. A handicraft-lover's paradise and a endlessly interesting place to explore local life.
Day 5 - HANOI - HUE Morning at leisure in Hanoi - Transfer - Flight from Hanoi to Hue. - Transfer - Overnight in Hue Fly to Hue and transfer by car to the historic La Residence Hotel DAY 6 HUE Enjoy a leisurely boat ride down the PERFUME RIVER, Visit the Imperial Tombs of Tu Duc and Khai Dinh Venture into the countryside around Hue to the IMPERIAL TOMB OF TU DUC. Tu Duc, the longest reigning Vietnamese emperor, designed and built this elegant tomb during his lifetime, using it as a retreat for meditation, reading and theater performances. Take some time to soak in the tranquil atmosphere, wandering among the gracefully proportioned pavilions, courtyards and lotus ponds. Afterwards visit the IMPERIAL TOMB OF KHAI DINH, dramatically located on a hillside. The last of the monumental tombs of the Nguyen dynasty, completed in 1931, this tomb incorporates distinct European elements into the traditional Vietnamese architecture.
By vehicle from Hue to Hoi An with sightseeing in Danang Journey from Hue over scenic mountainous roads with spectacular views over the coastline. Halfway between Danang and Hue lies the dramatic HAI VAN PASS, the high dividing line between the climate zones of north and south Vietnam. Continue southwards passing LANG CO, a lovely stretch of beach curving outwards between a clear blue lagoon and the South China Sea After arriving in DANANG, tour the CHAM MUSEUM, an elegant colonial building which now houses the finest collection of Cham sculpture in the world and briefly pass CHINA BEACH, a famous spot for American soldiers during the Vietnam-American War. Continue south to Hoi An, stopping enroute to visit the MARBLE MOUNTAINS, five stone hillocks, once islands, that now rise sharply from the surrounding ricefields. Riddled with caves and shrines, they are said to each represent one of the five elements of the universe. Sightseeing in Hoi An The exquisitely preserved merchant town of HOI AN was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. Its colorful shophouses and temples reflect a diverse heritage, dating back to the 16th and 17th century, when it was a major port for Western, Chinese and Japanese traders. Today it is a thriving center of traditional crafts and a shoppers’ paradise, best explored on foot. Wander through the cobbled streets, past low tile-roofed buildings, the bustling central MARKET and the small HARBOUR where colorfully painted boats are moored. The walking tour will include visits to a PRIVATE HOUSE, where members of the same family have lived continuously for centurie Finally, continue to the famous JAPANESE COVERED BRIDGE, first constructed in 1593 by the Japanese community of Hoi An to link the town with the Chinese quarters across the stream. Overnight in Hoi An – VICTORIA HOI AN (NHA TRANG beach extension - staying at the Ana Mandara Resort )
DAY 8 DANANG - HO CHIH MINH Fly from Danang to Ho Chih Minh city for 2 nights at the Caravelle Hotel . Afternoon city sightseeing including Dong Khai Street , former Presidential Palace , Musuem , Cholon and Thien Hau Pagoda. (Alternative Danang to Ho Chih Minh by road via the hill resort of DALAT)
DAY 9 CU CHI TUNNELS Morning drive through the countryside to the Cu Chi Tunnels. Continue to Tay Ninh to visit the church of the Cao Dai sect .
(optional day extension to My Tho including boat trip on the Mekong or 3 days / 2 nights Mekong Delta compact tour )
DAY 10 DEPARTURE By flight to onward destination / or beach extension
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stopping first at the iconic THIEN MU PAGODA, an elegant seven-tiered octagonal tower which has become Hue's most widely recognizable monument. Continue cruising into the countryside to the IMPERIAL TOMB OF MINH MANG, a majestic complex of courtyards, pavilions and temples in a beautiful natural setting.
DAY 7 HUE - DANANG / HOI AN
