VIET NAM DISCOVERY

Hanoi - Halong Bay - Hoa Lu - Hoa Binh - Hue - Da Nang - Hoi An - Nha Trang - Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi - Mekong Delta in 13 days

Viet Nam by following the Mandarin Road, and be spellbound by the enchanting diversity you will encounter at every turn. Experience mystical Ha Long Say, the unique old world charm of Ha Noi, the hill tribe hospitality of Hoa Sinh, the tranquil waterways of the Mekong Delta, and the excitement of Ho Chi Minh City's thriving commercial hub. Journey into the history of Hue, Hoi An and Hoa Lu, relax on Nha Trang's sandy beaches and escape the heat in the hill station of Da Lat.

Day 1 Arrive Ha Noi

On arrival at Ha Noi Noi Bai Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. A welcome drink and tour briefing are followed with a city tour by cyclo and a performance of traditional Vietnamese Water Puppetry.

Day 2 Ha Noi . Ha Long Bay

Crossing the rural plain of the Red River Delta, we arrive in Ha Long Bay where our private boat awaits us. As we cruise amongst the limestone islets we explore the wondrous caves, swim and enjoy a lavish seafood feast. As we head back to Ha Noi in the late afternoon, Dong Trieu ceramic village reveals the secrets of traditional ceramic craftsmanship.

Day 3 Ha Noi

Commencing the day with a heritage walk, we take in President Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum and humble house on stilts, as well as the famous One Pillar Pagoda and Temple of Literature (Viet Nam's first University). Insight into Viet Nam's ethnic diversity is gained at the Museum of Ethnology, while Hoa Lo Prison Museum is a more sobering experience. After enjoying the tranquility of Hoan Kiem Lake's Ngoc Son Temple we are free to explore the intriguing and bustling Old Quarter with its 36 streets packed with traditional handicrafts and goods.

Day 4 Ha Noi - Hoa Lu - Hoa Binh

South of Ha Noi is the 10th Century capital of Hoa Lu, where we travel by rowboat through the regions Limestone Mountains, discovering the ancient temples and exploring the magnificent grotto of Tam Coc Driving through rural countryside we head to the hill tribe province of Hoa Binh for our overnight stay and the opportunity to enjoy the traditional folk dancing.

Day 5 Hoa Binh – Hanoi – Hue ( night tran to Hue)

Awakening to the staggering mountain scenery, we visit the hill tribe villages of the Muong and Dao minority groups. Here we gain insight into a different way of life while savouring the generous hospitality of our hosts. Returning to Ha Noi, we are free to enjoy this city at our own pace, until boarding the Reunification Express train for our overnight journey to Hue.

Day 6 Hue

Following our morning arrival into Hue and our hotel, we stroll the paths of the Imperial Citadel and its Forbidden City, imagining the regal splendours of a life and time in the not so distant past. Later we visit the ornate tomb of King Khai Dinh, a testimony to the power and indulgence of the ruling dynasty. In the afternoon we sail the Perfume River by royal dragon boat to serene Thien Mu Pagoda and the majestic tomb of King Ming Mang.

Day 7 Hue - Da Nang- Hoi An

The Mandarin Route, better known as highway one, takes us over the spectacular Hai Van Pass and into Da Nang where a visit to the Museum of Cham Sculpture displays stone carvings of a once powerful and prosperous civilization. Before arriving into Hoi An we climb the stone steps of Marble Mountains and are rewarded with a panoramic view over the South China Sea. As we enter the town of Hoi An we are immediately absorbed by the old world ambience of this charming old Merchant Town. Summoning exploration, there is wealth of history to discover and traditional crafts by which to be tempted - art galleries, hand crafted woodwork, ceramics, lanterns, embroidery and fine tailor shops where an entire wardrobe can be made overnight.

Day 8 Hoi An - Nha Trang ( by car)

Departing in the early morning, the Mandarin Route takes us through rustic countryside and dramatic costal scenery where there is occasion to swim in the cool waters. Arriving into Nha Trang we take time to relax after a visually satisfying day of travel.

Day 9 Nha Trang

A visit to the imposing 7th Century Cham Tower of Po Nagar is followed by a tour of the Oceanographic Institute's staggering collection of aquatic flora and fauna. At Cua Da harbour we board our boat and cruise the island dotted turquoise waters of Nha Trang Bay. Bobbing boats, and swaying nets can be observed as we sit down to a sumptuous lunch of the freshest seafood at the Mieu Island fishing village.

Day 10 Nha Trang - Ho Chi Minh City ( By plane)

There is time to relax on the beachfront, swim and enjoy the shade of a thatched umbrella or coconut palm, take advantage of a massage or manicure before we transfer to Nha Trang airport for the flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 11 Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi

We are engulfed by the dynamic energy of Ho Chi Minh City as we explore historic landmarks including Notre Dame Cathedral and the former US Embassy. As we enter the Chinese District of Cho Lon, home to the largest wholesale market in Viet Nam, the energy is palpable and respite from the frenetic activity is found within the ornate walls of Chinatown's oldest Pagoda, Thien Hau.

In the afternoon we venture beyond the city limits to the former Viet Cong stronghold at Cu Chi, where we explore this remarkable tunnel network.

Day 12 Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Delta

Leaving the churning metropolis behind we head south to My Tho, gateway to the Mekong Delta. Boarding our private boat we cross the mighty river, and navigate the leafy island waterways to arrive at a fruit orchard for exploration. Here we sample refreshing tropical fruit and learn about the Delta way of life from our friendly local hosts, before making the return journey to Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 13 Depart Ho Chi Minh City

A good opportunity to do some last minute shopping before your transfer to Ho Chi Minh City Airport for your ongoing flight.

5 Days/4 Nights based on BB

as low as USD 395

Feel the Cairo Touch

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