VIET NAM HIGHLIGHTS

Ha Noi - Ha Long - Da Nang - Hue - Ho Chi Minh City - Tay Ninh - Cu Chi - Mekong Delta in 10 days

Encompassing the highlights of Viet Nam, this quick trip gives a delightful overview of a beautiful country. From the 36 guild streets of Ha Noi's Old Quarter, the majestic peaks of Ha Long Bay, the charm of Hoi An, the royal splendor of Hue, to the dynamism of Ho Chi Minh City, the hypnotic Cao Dai Temple of Tay Ninh, the network of Tunnels at Cu Chi and the tranquility of the lush Mekong Delta, you will be captivated by this country filled with contrasts and diversity.

ITINERARY

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

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 36 Streets of Ha Noi's Old Quarter.

Day 3 Ha Noi . Ha Long

Today we travel to the World Heritage site of Ha Long Bay where our boat and sumptuous seafood feast awaits us. Cruising amongst the limestone islets there is opportunity to explore the wondrous caves and swim. As we head back to Ha Noi in the late afternoon, Dong Trieu ceramic village reveals the secrets of traditional ceramic craftsmanship.

Day 4 Ha Noj . Hoi An

A short morning flight lands us in Da Nang, central Viet Nam, where a scenic drive brings us to the old Merchant Town of Hoi An. Once a flourishing trading port, the town is now a living history with its web Df narrow, shop house lined streets. 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 5 Hoi An . Da Nang . Hue

Leaving the charms of Hoi An behind, we make our way to Marble Mountains where a climb up the rough stone steps reveals Pagodas, caves and a beautiful vista over the surrounding country side. Nang's Museum of fascinating

Cham sculpture is visited before making out ascent over the breathtaking Hai Van Pass to Hue and its royal treasures. Here our dragon boat sails up the Perfume River to serene Thien Mu Pagoda and the majestic tomb of King Ming Mang.

Day 6 Hue. Ho Chi Minh City

As we walk along paths in the massive grounds of the Imperial Citadel, we glimpse the regal splendour of times past. In contrast, bustling and busy Dong Ba Market reflects a more humble side of daily life. In the afternoon we are transferred to the airport for our flight to Ho Chi Minh City, the powerhouse of the south.

Day 7 Ho Chi Minh City

The dazzling dynamism of this thriving city is at its most evident in the vibrant wholesale market and opulent pagodas of Cho Lon, Ho Chi Minh City's China town, while stately Notre Dame Cathedral offers respite from the bustle and is a perfect location to commence discovery of the city's other landmarks on your own.

Day 8 Tay Ninh . Cu Chi

A drive to Tay Ninh, near the Cambodian border, allows us to witness the hypnotic noontime service and eclectic architecture of the Cao Dai religion. In the afternoon we explore the remarkable underground tunnel network and former Viet Cong stronghold at Cu Chi, before returning to Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 9 Ho Chi Minh City. My Tho

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 10 Depart Ho Chi Minh City

You are free to take the opportunity for some last minute sightseeing or 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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