Day 1 Arrive Hanoi, Vietnam
On arrival, you are met and privately transferred to your hotel of choice. The remainder of the day is free to relax.
Day 2 Hanoi
Hanoi is a city of lakes and parks with a French influence from its
colonial days. With less traffic and congestion than many other Asian
cites, it is an attractive town to start your Vietnam adventure. Your
day of sightseeing includes the Temple of Literature, founded in 1070
AD, and the oldest school in the country. Then on to Hoan Kiem Lake,
with its Tortoise Tower, the Opera House, built between 1901 and 1911,
and the One Pillar Pagoda, an engineering wonder. You will also enjoy a
water puppet show. (B L)
Day 3 Halong Bay Excursion
Drive
through the countryside to beautiful Halong Bay, a UNESCO World
Heritage Site. This vast bay is dotted with more than 3,000 limestone
peaks rising from the ocean. Your cruise of Halong Bay on a traditional
wooden boat will explore the many caves and islets, and glide by the
floating villages of the fishermen and pearl farmers who live on the
bay. (B L)
Day 4 Hanoi - Danang or Hoi An
Transfer to the airport for the flight to Danang. On arrival you
will be met and taken on a private tour of the city including the Cham
Museum, an open-air museum of some of the world’s finest sculptures of
the Champa civilization. You will also visit China Beach, made famous
by the TV series, and the area where American troops came for rest and
relaxation during the war. Your final stop is the beautiful Marble
Mountains, five peaks that represent the five elements of the universe.
Then transfer to your hotel in Danang or Hoi An. (B)
Day 5 Hoi An Excursion
From Danang, head south to Hoi An, a picturesque riverside town
that was a major port from the 17th to the 19th centuries. In-depth
private sightseeing will include many of the temples and pagodas, the
Tran Family Chapel built more than 200 years ago, Quan Thang House, one
of the town’s oldest homes, Phung Hung House, where one family has
resided for more than eight generations and much more. You will also
cruise the Thun Bon River to the village of Kim Bing, home to many
woodworkers and shipbuilders. (B)
Day 6 Danang or Hoi An - Hue
Journey north over the Truong Son Mountains, a region of stark beauty
and scenic views. On arrival in Hue, tour the Old Imperial City, built
in the early 19th century. Within its walls are numerous palaces and
temples as well as a library and museum. You will also see the
Forbidden Purple City, a replica of Beijing’s Forbidden City, which was
reserved for the personal use of the emperor and his servants. (B L)
Day 7 Hue - Ho Chi Minh City
Transfer to the airport for the flight to Ho Chi Minh City,
Vietnam’s largest and most colorful city. Private sightseeing includes
the Reunification Palace, called Independence Palace before the fall of
Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City) in 1975, the War Remnants Museum, Bih Tay
Market, the Jade Emperor Pagoda, and much more. Your evening is free.
(B L)
Day 8 Ho Chi Minh City
A full free day in this delightful city. Your local host will be a
wealth of information on things to see and do, favorite restaurants and
the best places to shop. There are several optional outings to choose
from, including the Cu Chi Tunnels, a network of tunnels built during
the Vietnam War connecting command posts, hospitals, shelters, and
weapon factories for the Viet Cong. Afterward, visit Tay Ninh, home to
the Caodai Great Temple, one of the most striking structures in all of
Asia. There’s also an optional outing to the Mekong Delta that includes
a cruise and lunch. (B)
Day 9 Depart Ho Chi Minh City
Transfer to the airport for your return flight. You arrive back your homeland. (B)