VIET NAM INSIGHTS

Ha Noi - Mai Chau - Hoa Lu - Hai Phong - Cat Ba - Ha Long Bay - Hue - Da Nang - Hoi An - Qui Nhon - Nha Trang - Da Lat - HCM City - Tay Ninh - Cu Chi - Mekong Delta in 19 days

Journey through Viet Nam and capture the essence of this beautiful country. From Ha Noi's 1000 years of history to the economic hustle of Ho Chi Minh City, from the mystical limestone peaks of Ha Long Bay to the Imperial City of Hue and, from the rugged northern mountains to the intricate waterways of the Mekong Delta, you will gain insights. It is a journey which takes you through some of the most stunning scenery in Asia, and which will leave you with a deep appreciation for the country, its people, culture and history.

ITINERARY

Day 1 Arrive Ha Noi

On arrival at Ha Noi Noi Bai Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. After our welcome drink and tour briefing we enjoy a performance of Viet Nam's unique traditional Water Puppetry.

Day 2 Ha Noi

Our introduction to Ha Noi's rich history commences with a heritage walk, on which 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). The afternoon is free to explore the city at your own pace, visit the Old Quarter with its 36 guild streets, stroll the leafy boulevards or relax by one of the lakes.

Day 3 Ha Noi - Mai Chau

Traveling to the province of Hoa Binh, we pass through a region of spectacular limestone mountains and tea plantations to arrive in Mai Chau. We spend the night in a village long house of the WMe Thai minority, experiencing their wonderful hospitality, traditional dancing and rice wine.

Day 4 Mai Chau - Hoa Lu - Ha Noi

Leaving the people of the mountains behind, we drive through rural countryside to the 10th Century capital of Hoa Lu. Also know has 'Ha Long on Land' we navigate the river's limestone outcrops by rowboat, discovering the ancient temples and exploring the magnificent grotto of Tam Coc before heading back to Ha Noi.

Day 5 Ha Noi - Hai Phong - Cat Ba

We cross the Red River and its rural delta plains this morning, to arrive in the port City of Hai Phong. From here we travel by hydrofoil to Cat Ba Island, the largest in the Ha Long archipelago. A visit to Cat Ba National Park introduces us to the islands protected flora and fauna, and we also have the option of walking the nature trail, which takes us through native rainforest to a spectacular lookout on the limestone peak. There is also time to explore this busy fishing town, swim at Cat Co beach and taste the freshest of seafood caught daily by the island's fishermen.

Day 6 Cat Ba - Ha Long - Ha Noi

Awaken to a stunning sunrise or the hum of activity as the town of Cat Ba comes to life. After breakfast, we board our private boat and cruise gently through the magnificent islets, exploring fascinating caves, swimming and enjoying a sumptuous seafood lunch, before arriving at Bai Chay Harbour. Our waiting bus will take us to the city, stopping at Dong Trieu ceramic village, where the secrets of this traditional art are revealed.

Day 7 Ha Noi – Hue by train

Discover Ha Noi's colonial charms, rich history and bustling markets, or simply relax before boarding the reunification express Train for the overnight journey to Hue.

Following the morning arrival into the Imperial City of Hue and our hotel. We take a leisurely cruise by royal dragon boat up the Perfume River. Mooring at the base of Thien Mu Pagoda's stone steps, our boat waits as we climb the stairs to explore one of Viet Nam's oldest and most revered Pagodas. Gliding through the clear waters we arrive at the majestic and serene tomb of King Ming Mang.

now past as we walk the cobbled paths through the grounds of the imposing Imperial Citadel and Forbidden Purple City. A journey over the breathtaking Hai Van Pass brings us to Da Nang, where the Museum of Cham Sculpture displays carvings from a once powerful and prosperous civilization. Arriving into the old merchant town of Hoi An, the heritage streets beckon exploration. Be tempted by the art galleries, hand crafted woodwork, ceramics, lanterns, embroidery and tailor shops where an entire wardrobe can be made overnight.

This morning we enjoy a guided introduction to Hoi An, where restored shop houses, Chinese Assembly Halls and shared water wells paint a vivid story. Boarding our bus, we travel down Highway One and pass through landscapes filled with lush rice fields and spectacular costal scenery before arriving into Qui Nhon for our overnight stop.

Hugging the dramatic granite cliffs our road takes us through the picturesque beach and fishing village of Dai Lanh to Nha Trang. We are free enjoy the beachfront and swim or relax in the shade of a thatched umbrella or swaying coconut palm, and take advantage of a massage and manicure.

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 Ben 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.

Leaving the golden sands behind, we visit the remarkable Cham Towers of Poklon Garai before commencing our ascent into the mountains of the South Central Highlands. Panoramic views of the costal plains pine clad mountains and crisp cool air herald our approach to the scenic French Hill Station of Da Lat.

This morning we have time to explore Da Lat's, stairways and cobbled lanes, colorful central market, beautiful flower gardens, tranquil lake and grand French villas. As we descend from the 'City of Eternal Spring'

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.

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 phenomenal underground tunnel network and former Viet Cong stronghold at Cu Chi, before returning to Ho Chi Minh City.

Leaving the churning metropolis behind we head south to Can Tho and the heart of the Mekong Delta. We journey by sampan to the remarkable floating market at Cai Rang and continue up the leafy waterways to a fruit orchard. A stroll along the verdant pathways is rewarded with a sampling of delicious tropical fruit and the opportunity to learn about the Delta way of life from our friendly local hosts, before making the return journey to our hotel.

Traveling by boat, we head back up the Mekong River to experience the excitement and industry of Cai Be Floating Market. A visit to the industries and orchards of Vinh Long is followed by a lunch of local specialties, before we head back to 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.