|
Code: |
GTT09 |
|
Routes: |
Ho Chi Minh - Tay Ninh -
Cu Chi Tunnel - Mekong Delta - Can Tho -
Da Lat - Nha Trang - Hoian - Hue -
Halong - Hoa Lu - Tam Coc |
|
Duration: |
15 Days |
Itinerary in brief
DAY 1:
ARRIVAL - HO CHI MINH
DAY 2 : HO CHI MINH - TAY NINH - CU CHI - HO CHI
MINH
DAY 3: HO CHI MINH - CAN THO
DAY 4: CAN THO - VINH LONG - HO CHI MINH
DAY 5: HO CHI MINH - DALAT
DAY 6: DALAT - NHA TRANG
DAY 7: NHA TRANG
DAY 8: NHA TRANG - DANANG - HOIAN
DAY 9: HOIAN - HUE
DAY 10: HUE
DAY 11: HUE - HANOI
DAY 12: HANOI - HALONG
DAY 13: HALONG - HANOI
DAY 14: HANOI - HOA LU - TAM COC - HANOI
DAY 15: HANOI - DEPARTURE
Detail Itinerary
DAY 1: ARRIVAL - HO CHI MINH
Upon arrival at Ho Chi Minh Airport our
guide who will accompany you to your hotel will
welcome you, formerly known as Saigon, is a
center of commerce, finance, culture and tourism
in Vietnam. This bustling metropolis
,contradiction of its northern counterpart, is
crowded with bikes and motorbikes, excited by
numerous shopping area and sidewalk cafés. ( If
time permits) we stroll around the downtown to
explore the different local ways of life. O/N in
Ho Chi Minh.
DAY 2 : HO CHI MINH - TAY NINH - CU CHI - HO CHI
MINH
Heading out of town we drive north to
visit the head quarter of Cao Dai sect in Tay
Ninh. This religion was founded in 1923 and now
numbers over 2 million members. On arrival we
see the ornate temple and attend the fantastic
mid-day service when the followers fill the hall
wearing colored robes, a symbol of the curious
combination of the Confucianism, Taoism and
Buddhism. Afterwards we continue to the famous
Cu Chi Tunnels, which were an incredible
underground network 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 3: HO CHI MINH - CAN THO
The sightseeing tour acquaints us with
some major sights of Ho Chi Minh City. We pass
the now-demolished wartime American Embassy on
our way to the Reunification Palace. This famous
edifice was the former residence of the
President of Southern 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 ending up our morning
agenda at the bustling Ben Thanh Market where
anything and everything is for sale! We travel
by roads through the rolling countryside to Can
Tho, the largest town in the Mekong Delta. O/N
in Can Tho.(B)
DAY 4: CAN THO - VINH LONG - HO CHI MINH
Upon leaving Can Tho we drive to Vinh
Long and board a boat for an exciting excursion
around the tributaries of the mighty Mekong
River. As a highlight of the trip we visit the
various fascinating local cottages industries
including rice paper makers , bonsai nurseries
as well as the vibrant floating market of Cai Be
whose trading way is very interesting. After
feasting on a huge lunch followed with many
seasonal fruits at an orchard, we weave our way
through the intricate network of canals that are
the lifeblood of the Mekong Delta. We return to
Ho Chi Minh, stopping off along the way to see
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 5: HO CHI MINH - DALAT
The northbound journey begins as we
depart Ho Chi Minh and pass through the many
tea and coffee plantations to the hill station
of Da Lat, sometimes known as the " City of
Eternal Spring". The drive is long but views are
fantastic. On arrival we can soak up the cool
climate as much as we want by spending our time
to wander around and catch our first glimpse of
the town. The influence of the French is
prevalent since Da Lat was founded as a hill
retreat for the colonials to escape the
oppressive heat of the coastal plains and the
Mekong Delta. This charming town is set around a
lake and surrounded by forests, waterfalls and
rolling countryside. O/N in Da Lat. (B)
DAY 6: DALAT - NHA TRANG
After breakfast, we embark on a short
drive past the charming pine hill to visit 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. We follow
this with a trip to the Lam Ty Ni Pagoda and the
Hang Nga Guesthouse , well known as the Crazy
House because of its bizarre architecture. The
central market and the old rail station are also
visited this morning before we travel by roads
through the undulating terrains to the
picturesque coastal town of Nha Trang. Along the
way we make stopover at the scenic Ngoan Muc
Pass and the Po Klong Jarai Cham Towers. These
amazing structures represent an interesting
culture and a colorful history of the Cham
people. O/N in Nha Trang. (B)
DAY 7: NHA TRANG
The fabulous sunny weather, turquoise
water surrounding a string of islands and white
sandy beach stretching the whole length of the
city make Nha Trang one of Vietnam's premier
beach resorts. After breakfast we board a boat
for a day trip around the coastal islands,
stopping on the way at a local fishing village
to observe the island life. Today we also have
lots of time on the blue clear water enjoying
swimming and snorkeling or lazing on a beach. A
seafood lunch is some enjoyment of the trip. We
arrive back in town late afternoon and visit the
Long Son Pagoda and the impressive Ponagar Cham
Towers, which are overlooking the colourful
fishing port. O/N in NhaTrang. (B,L)
DAY 8: NHA TRANG - DANANG - HOIAN
An early morning transfer to airport for
a flight to Da Nang. On arrival we are greeted
and driven a short distance to Hoi An which was
originally a Cham seaport but has been
influenced down centuries by a myriad of traders
from various cultures. There are plenty to see
in this tranquil and delightful town, some of
which are the famous Japanese Covered Bridges,
the Pottery Museum, the 200 years old Tamky
House, the Chua Ong Pagoda and the vibrant
market. We visit these sights on an enchanting
walking tour past many low tiled houses
scattered along the small streets, and assembly
halls which reflect the town's multi-cultural
past. O/N in Hoi An. (B)
DAY 9: HOIAN - HUE
The following destination of our trip is
Hue, the last imperial capital of Vietnam. We
drive north this morning, stopping en route to
visit the sensational Marble Mountains, the
China Beach and the Cham Museum in Danang. This
interesting structure is home to Vietnam's
largest collection of Cham treasures. The
winding roads begin as we make our way up the
spectacular Hai Van Pass. At the top of the pass
we stop to admire a fantastic view north to Lang
Co and south to Danang. Arriving in Hue we see
the Imperial Citadel 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. O/N
in Hue. (B)
DAY 10: HUE
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 half day
cruise on the Perfume River which also gives us
a taste of the scenic countryside as well as an
enjoyable visit to the mausoleum of Emperor Minh
Mang, in a tranquil setting of gardens and
lakes. After an impressive boat trip we take a
walk to the bustling Dong Ba Market that sells a
wide variety of local goods and handicrafts.
Along the way we pass many fantastic eating
spots, all ideal for visitors to sample some
local delicacies. O/N in Hue. (B)
DAY 11: HUE - HANOI
After breakfast we explore Hue on our own
until transferring to the airport for a short
flight north. The capital of Vietnam, Hanoi 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
also make for relaxing atmosphere. After
checking into hotel we visit the beautiful lake
of Hoan Kiem with its sacred temple and the
vibrant Dong Xuan Market, which boasts Hanoi's
oldest and largest market. A perfect way to
finish the day is to enjoy a short cyclo
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 12: HANOI - HALONG
Today we enjoy a half day city tour
beginning 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. Close to this famous
site is 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. Upon leaving the town we
travel by roads through the charming countryside
to Halong Bay , truly one of Vietnam’s most
impressive scenic sights. O/N in Ha Long. (B)
DAY 13: HALONG - HANOI
Upon leaving the town we embark on a boat
for an exploration of Halong Bay. This exciting
five hour cruise will provide us a spectacular
view of the bay, which is 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 return to Ha Noi,
stopping en route at Dong Trieu pottery village.
We arrive in time to see an evening performance
of Hanoi's famous water puppets. O/N in Ha Noi.
(B,L)
DAY 14: HANOI - HOA LU - TAM COC - HANOI
The capital of Vietnam from 968 AD to
1010 AD during the Dinh and early Le Dynasties
is Hoa Lu, which however has left its legacy in
the form of two small temples, each one nearly a
thousand years old. After two and half hour
drive from Hanoi we visit these remaining
structures, dedicated to the Dinh and Le Rulers,
then climb 200 steps to the top of Ma Yen mount
for a fantastic view over the surrounding areas.
The next stop of our trip is Tam Coc which is
surnamed “ Inland Halong Bay”. We take a boat
trip on a river through the quiet and peaceful
landscape of rice fields surrounded by limestone
formations to the grottoes of Tam Coc. O/N in Ha
Noi. (B)
DAY 15: HANOI - DEPARTURE
There is a free time for you to relax or
further explore Ha Noi. The trip ends after your
transfer to Noi Bai Airport for departure. (B) |