VIETNAM GRAND DISCOVERY

Up on arrival at Noi bai airport group will be met and transfer to hotel. O/N in Hanoi

Today we enjoy a full day city tour starting 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. This complex also comprises the One Pillar Pagoda, whose origins date back to the foundation of city. We follow this with a trip to the Temple of Literature, which is well known as the first university of Vietnam and the impressive Ethnologic Museum, dedicated to Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. The beautiful West Lake and the History Museum with an excellent collection of artifacts illustrating the Vietnamese history are not to be missed. We visit these sights before continuing to the peaceful lake of Hoan Kiem. In front of this lake is the famous water puppet theatre where we will see a fantastic performance. O/N in Hanoi

This morning depart from Hanoi and travel to Halong Bay. Pass through rural landscape before arriving in the afternoon to the world heritage site of Halong Bay. On arrival check in hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the town. O/n in Halong

This morning we embark on a boat for an exploration of the legendary Halong bay. This exciting five hour cruise will provide us a fantastic view of the picturesque scenery blending with the sky and some 3,000 limestone islands rising amazingly from the clear and emerald water. The limestone karts formations are littered with beaches, grottoes and beautiful caves. After a seafood lunch on board we return to Hanoi, stopping en route at Dong Trieu pottery village. Transfer to Hanoi Railways Station for a night train to Lao Cai. O/N on train (Cabin of 04 persons with air conditioning)

On arrival Lao Cai meet our driver for up hill to SAPA for breakfast before we start to explore Sapa with many different minority group such as Red Dao, Black Hmong, Tay and Xa Pho ethnic minorities converge from the nearby mountainsides and valleys to trade their goods and buy provisions. We then get well off the beaten track to Lao Chai and Ta Van villages where are home of H’Mong and Dzay enthnic people the road to villages is really wonderful where we can see sincenery of Sapa and Hoang Lien Son rank of mountain. O/N in Sapa

An early morning we will start up our trip to Can Cau market (Saturday market), where are hundred of people and many minorities group gathering here for week day market such as H’mong, Dzay, Dzao minorities group coming from surround mountain area for the weekly market to sell their our products and buy goods for family. At the market, most of the minority people dressing beautiful clothes which would be a great impression to their friends and relatives, drinking rice wine and enjoin traditional foodatthe market. After the market we enjoy a walk around the area, visiting the H’mong King’s former residence and Ban Pho where the villagers make the potent local maize alcohol then continuing to Sapa town.. Late afternoon we transfer to train station for overnight train return Hanoi. O/N on board – local train cabin of 04 persons

Our arrival Hanoi early morning about 05:00 am (By the time most of city young people still in bed), we visit a usually exercise of local people Tai chi practice and a busy flower before transfer to Ninh Binh. Hoa Lu was an ancient capital of Vietnam from 968 AD to 1010 AD during the Dinh and early Le Dynasties. In Hoa Lu ancient capital left behind two small temples of the Kings each one nearly a thousand years old. The next stop of our trip is Tam Coc, which 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 Hanoi.

After breakfast we have free time to explore Hanoi until transferring to Noibai Airport for a flight to Hue Vietnam’s last feudal capital. This small and quiet city is widely known for magnificent architectures, pagodas and royal tombs laid in many small villages and surrounding hills. We spend this afternoon to visit Hue with the massive citadel, containing the Imperial City and the Purple Forbidden City. This Royal Residence was destroyed during the 1968 Tet Offensive, however it is still fascinating to walk among the ruins. O/N in Hue.

Group will have breakfast at hotel we will travel to Quang Binh with history of Vietnam war among he World Heritage site of Phong Nha cave. We are passing through Quang Tri, Ai Tu batter field, Doc Mieu, visiting Vinh Moc tunnels which is an incredible structure of military to again American during the war time. This evening group will over night at Quang Binh.

A morning sight seeing of Ke Bang national park and exploring Phong Nha cave, a wonder of the World in center of Vietnam. We will take a traditional boat trip through a longest underground water cave visit Dry and Wet impressive. After boat trip drive to Hue O/N in Hue

After breakfast we embark on a boat for cruise up stream on the Perfume River, which will give us a taste of the scenic countryside as well as an enjoyable, visit beautiful pagoda of Thien Mu. Upon leaving this symbol of Hue we continue navigating to the mausoleum of Emperor Minh Mang, in a tranquil setting of gardens and lakes. The next stop of our trip is the elaborate royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc . On return to the city, we then take a walk to the bustling Dong Ba Market and pass many fantastic eating spots where visitors have a chance to sample some local delicacies. O/N in Hue.

Upon leaving Hue we drive south to Hoian, which was originally a Cham seaport but has been influenced down the centuries by a myriad of traders from various cultures. The scenic road is hugging the coastline before crossing over the winding Hai Van pass. A view from the top of the pass is one of Vietnam’s most impressive panoramic scenes. We stop en route to visit the Cham Museum in Danang City, the China Beach and the Marble Mountain, whose peaks represent the five elements of the universe. O/N in Hoian.

The ancient architecture of Hoian is a fascinating combination of Vietnamese traditional characters with Chinese and Japanese influence. There are plenty to see in this delightful town, some of which are the famous Japanese Covered Bridges, Pottery Museum, 200 years old Tan Ky House, Chua Ong Pagoda and vibrant market. Today we include these on a walking tour past many low tiled houses scattered along the small streets and assembly halls, which reflect the town’s multi-cultural past. A perfect way to relax and viewing sun setting on Thu Bon river taking us to admire the spectacular countryside and explore a handicraft ceramic village and boat building yards. O/N in Hoian.

Breakfast. Drive to My Son, a World Heritage, 40km southwest of Hoi An. Located in a lush valley, My Son was a capital and religious center of Cham people, now remaining with redbrick towers and sanctuaries. My Son, considered to be in the same league assome of Southeast Asia’s greatest archaeological sites, including Angkor in Cambodia, Bagan in Myanmar, Ayutthaya in Thailand and Borobudur in Indonesia. These towers and sanctuaries was built from the7 to 13centuries. After the visit, following coastal highway 1 to one of the most beautiful seashore city of central Vietnam Qui Nhon. O/N in Qui Nhon

Breakfast. Today we travel westward by road along the central highlands with 2 mounntain passes AnKhe before Mang Yang and we also pass vietnam’s biggest growing coffee area to Pleicu and Kontum. After hotel check-in. We visit the town with the KonTum Seminary, the traditional culture center, the Wooden church and the Banar ethnic villages. Enjoy Gongs show performed by Montanard people at night.O/N in Kontum.

Depart KonTum for more adventure to the heart of Central Highland of Ban ma Thuot city. we have opportunities to admire the rural life and the stunning mountain backrops. Stop by Jun village where we are guest of a M’nong family in a traditional long house. The facilities here are very basic but the experience is definitive unique. This also offers us a chance to explore the simple life style of the M’nong hilltribe people. O/N in Jun Village

Upon leaving Lak Lake we are heading southeast towards Dalat, sometimes known as a “City of Eternal Spring”. At an elevation of over 1,000 meters, hill station of Da Lat was founded in the early year of the last century for the colonials to escape the heat and chaos of Saigon. Arrive Da Lat with a great atmosphere year around, our tour leading us through plenty of the French colonial architectures to 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. O/N in Da Lat.

Today Visit the City’s flower garden, King Bao Dai’s Palace, the famous Zen Truc Lam pagoda and Hang Nga Guesthouse known as the Crazy House with a bizarre architecture. the Valley of Love, Tuyen Lam Lake shouldn’t be missed. O/N in DaLat

Depart to Nha Trang city 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. City tour including with the impressive Ponagar Cham Towers overlooking the colourful fishing port, and the famous Long Son Pagoda with its huge Buddha image are a major part of our sightseeing. O/N in Nha Trang

We board a boat for a day trip around the coastal islands, stopping on at a local fishing village to observe the island life, Mun Island for corals viewing by snorkeling. 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. O/N in Nha Trang.

Morning following highway 1 southward to Phanthiet, well-known as their very best Fish-sauce and Green dragon fruit plantations. Visit Polongarai Cham tower in Phan Rang and Stop by Ca Na beach to view most beautiful beach right by highway 1. On arrival Phanthiet. Check in hotel. Visit sand dunes regarding as Vietnam only one dessert O/N in MuiNe

Free time in the morning to enjoy resort’s facilities and beaches. Heading to Saigon, The bustling Ho Chi Minh City, still called Saigon by many locals, is a center of commerce, finance, culture and tourism in Vietnam. This metropolis ,contradiction of its northern counterpart, is crowded with bikes and motorbikes, excited by numerous shopping areas and sidewalk cafes. ( If time permits) we stroll around the down town to explore the different local ways of life. O/N SAIGON

Today we enjoy a full day sightseeing tour taking us to some major sights of Ho Chi Minh, 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. The following sights are the History Museum and the Jade Emperor Pagoda, bustling Ben Thanh Market where anything and everything is for sale! The remainder of the day will be free for you to further explore the town or simply to relax. O/N in SAIGON

Heading out of town we travel by road to Caibe. Arriving Cai Be we embark on a boat for a boat to explore daily life of local people on Mekong river. Along the way we also visit the many fascinating local cottages industries including rice paper makers, sweet factory, bonsai nurseries. Enjoy local lunch at an orchard and tasting fresh fruits. After boat trip we continue journey with our vehicle to Chau Doc border town with Cambodia. O/N in Chau Doc.

Morning Visit some temples on Sam mountainside and walk up to the summit to have panoramic view of the delta (see Cambodia exactly from here) boat trip to floating village raising fish under house and visit Cham Muslim community along the river. Drive to Cantho with stop in Long Xuyen to see production of incense sticks and Thot Not to have a short boat trip Bang Lang stork preserve . O/N in CanTho.

Can Tho is a city located by side of Mekong river where are thousand of boat vendors and as well as retails from different direction of Mekong gathering hear every morning for floating market name Cai Rang. We will have chance to view an amazing activities of local people buy and sell fruits, vegetable and more…. by handling those products over the tip top of the traditional boat. stopping off en route to see the beautiful Vinh Trang Pagoda and the Saigon’s Chinatown, locally named Cho Lon. This bustling area is crammed with fascinating temples and mysterious, narrow lanes. O/N in SAIGON

The head quarter of Cao Dai sect is located in Tay Ninh; this religion was founded in 1923 and now numbers over 3 million members. After breakfast we travel by roads to Tay Ninh to see the ornate temple of Cao Dai 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 Viet Cong in the American war. O/N SAIGON

Today is a free time to relax or further explore Ho Chi Minh City. The trip ends after your transfer to Tan San Nhat airport for departure. End of services.