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Code: |
GTT06 |
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Routes: |
Hanoi - the
impressive bay of Halong - Hue - Hoian -
Nha Trang - Dalat - Ho Chi Minh - Cu Chi
Tunnel - impressive Mekong Delta |
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Duration: |
12 Days |
Itinerary in brief
DAY 1: ARRIVAL - HANOI
DAY 2: HANOI - HA LONG
DAY 3: HA LONG - HANOI
DAY 4: HANOI - HUE
DAY 5 : HUE - DANANG - HOIAN
DAY 6: HOIAN
DAY 7: HOIAN - NHA TRANG
DAY 8: NHA TRANG - DALAT
DAY 9: DALAT - HO CHI MINH
DAY 10 : HO CHI MINH - CU CHI TUNNELS - HO CHI
MINH
DAY 11 : HO CHI MINH - MEKONG DELTA - HO CHI
MINH
DAY 12: HO CHI MINH - DEPARTURE
Detail Itinerary
DAY 1: ARRIVAL - HANOI
we are met and transferred to hotel. Ha Noi ,
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. If time permits we embark
on a cyclo for a short excursion through the
bustling old quarter streets named after the
specific goods once offered for sale at these
places. O/N in Ha Noi.(B)
DAY 2: HANOI - HA LONG
This morning we enjoy a half 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. The complex also
comprises the One Pillar Pagoda, whose origins
date back to the foundation of Hanoi. We follow
this with a trip to the Temple of Literature,
well known as Vietnam’s first university, and
the History Museum which displays an excellent
collection of artifacts illustrating the
Vietnamese history. The peaceful lake of Hoan
Kiem and the bustling Dong Xuan Market are also
visited before we depart for Halong Bay,
stopping en route at the Dong Trieu Pottery
village. O/N in Ha Long. (B)
DAY 3: HA LONG - HANOI
Today we embark on a boat for a cruise around
Halong Bay, truly one of Vietnam’s most
impressive scenic sights. This exciting five
hour trip will give us a spectacular view of the
bay, dotted with some 3,000 limestone islands
rising amazingly from the clear and emerald
water. The limestone karst formations are
littered with beaches, grottoes and beautiful
caves. Along the way we will anchor for a
leisurely swim in a secluded cove and an
enjoyable visit to one of the many hidden
grottoes beneath towering cliffs. After a
seafood lunch on board we travel by roads back
to Ha Noi, arriving in time to see an evening
performance of Hanoi's famous water puppets. O/N
in Ha Noi. (B,L)
DAY 4: HANOI - HUE
After breakfast we have free time to explore
Hanoi until transferring to Noi Bai Airport for
a flight to Hue , Vietnam’s last feudal
capital. This small and quiet city is widely
known for magnificent architecture, pagodas and
royal tombs laid in many small villages and
surrounding hills. We spend this afternoon to
visit Hue with the massive citadel, containing
the Imperial City and the Purple Forbidden City.
This royal residence was all but destroyed
during the 1968 Tet Offensive, however it is
still fascinating to walk among the ruins. After
an impressive boat trip we return to the town
and enjoy a walk to the bustling Dong Ba Market
that sells a wide variety of local goods and
handicrafts. Along the way we pass by many
fantastic eating spots, ideal places for
visitors to sample some local delicacies. O/N in
Hue. (B)
DAY 5 : HUE - DANANG - HOIAN
The beautiful riverside pagoda of Thien Mu which
now becomes the symbol of Hue, and the elaborate
royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc are not to be
missed. We include these in a guided cruise on
the Perfume River. Upon leaving 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.
We stop en route to visit the Cham Museum in
Danang City, the China Beach and the Marble
Mountain, whose peaks represent the five
elements of the universe. O/N in Hoi An. (B)
DAY 6: HOIAN
The ancient architecture of Hoian 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. A perfect way to round off
the day is a boat trip on the Thu Bon River,
which also gives us a chance to admire the
spectacular countryside and explore a handicraft
ceramic village and boat building yards. O/N in
Hoian. (B)
DAY 7: HOIAN - NHA TRANG
An early morning transfer to Danang Airport for
a short flight to Nha Trang. The fabulous sunny
weather, turquoise water surrounding a string
of offshore islands, and white sandy beach
stretching the whole length of the city make Nha
Trang an ideal place for anyone seeking an
enjoyable escape. After checking into hotel we
visit Nha Trang's some major sights, including
the Oceanographic Institute, the Long Son Pagoda
with its famous giant Buddha image, the Hon
Chong Rock formation and the impressive Ponagar
Cham Towers, which are overlooking the colourful
fishing port. The remainder of the day will be
free for a well earned rest on a beach. O/N in
Nha Trang. (B)
DAY 8: NHA TRANG - DALAT
Upon leaving Nha Trang we head south towards Da
Lat, sometimes known as the " City of Eternal
Spring". The journey will pass by the famous Cam
Ranh Bay before arriving at the Po Klong Jarai
Towers which represent an interesting culture
and a colorful history of the Cham people. At an
elevation of over 1,000 meters, the hill station
of Da Lat was founded in the early year of the
last century for the colonials to escape the
heat and chaos of Saigon. On arrival in Da Lat
we start our tour taking us through plenty of
the French colonial architectures to the summer
residence of Vietnam’s last Emperor Bao Dai, who
was forced to abdicate in 1945, shortly after
the end of the World War II. The following
sights are the Lam Ty Ni Pagoda and Hang Nga
Guesthouse, known as the Crazy House because of
its bizarre architecture. O/N in Da Lat. (B)
DAY 9: DALAT - HO CHI MINH
The following destination of our trip is Ho Chi
Minh City, still called Saigon by many locals.
This bustling metropolis, contradiction of its
northern counterpart, is crowded with bikes and
motorbikes, excited by numerous shopping area
and sidewalk cafés. After an enjoyable visit to
the busy Hoa Binh Market, we make our way down
hill to Ho Chi Minh, travelling through the many
tea and coffee plantations. The drive is long,
but views are fantastic. Along the way we can
make stops as we please, to stretch our legs and
take some wonderful photographs. O/N in Ho Chi
Minh . (B)
DAY 10 : HO CHI MINH - CU CHI TUNNELS -
HO CHI MINH
The sightseeing tour of Ho Chi Minh begins with
a visit to the Reunification Palace which was
the former residence of the President of South
Vietnam until end of April 1975. Close to the
palace are some striking French colonial
structures including the Notre Dame Cathedral
and the Old Sai Gon Post Office. We also visit
the Jade Emperor Pagoda and the War Remnant
Museum before continuing to the bustling Ben
Thanh Market where everything and anything is
for sale! We then transfer out to explore the Cu
Chi Tunnels, an incredible underground network
of approximately 200 km constructed by
Vietnamese fighters during the long struggle for
independence. The tunnels contained hospitals,
plus accommodation and schools, and were used as
a military base for the Vietcong in the American
war. O/N in Ho Chi Minh. (B)
DAY 11 : HO CHI MINH - MEKONG DELTA - HO
CHI MINH
Heading out of the town we travel by roads to
the Mekong Delta, Vietnam's largest rice bowl.
On arrival in 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. The
exciting excursion will pass through the lush
green vegetation before arriving on an island.
Here we have opportunities to visit some
fascinating local industries, stroll through an
orchard and taste many seasonal fruits. After
feasting on a huge lunch we drive back to Ho Chi
Minh City, stopping off along the way to see the
beautiful Ving Trang Pagoda and the Cho Lon,
Saigon’s Chinatown, which is crammed with
fascinating temples and mysterious, narrow
lanes. O/N in Ho Chi Minh. (B,L)
DAY 12: HO CHI MINH - DEPARTURE
There is a free time for you to relax or further
explore Ho Chi Minh. The trip ends after your
transfer to Tan San Nhat Airport for departure.
(B) |