History and Life in Vietnam

On arrival at Tan San Nhat Airport, you are met and transferred to hotel. Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is a center of commerce, finance, culture and tourism in Vietnam. This bustling metropolis, contradiction of its northern counterpart, is crowded with bikes and motorbikes, excited by numerous shopping area and sidewalk cafés. (If time permits) we stroll around the downtown to explore the different local ways of life. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Heading out of town we drive north to visit the head quarter of Cao Dai sect in Tay Ninh. This religion was founded in 1923 and now numbers over 2 million members. On arrival we see the ornate temple and 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 Vietcong in the American war. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

The sightseeing tour acquaints us with some major sights of Ho Chi Minh City. We pass the now-demolished wartime American Embassy on our way to the 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. We also visit the Jade Emperor Pagoda and the War Remnant Museum before ending up our morning agenda at the bustling Ben Thanh Market where anything and everything is for sale! We travel by roads through the rolling countryside to Can Tho, the largest town in the Mekong Delta. Overnight in Can Tho.

Upon leaving Can Tho we drive to Vinh Long and board a boat for an exciting excursion around the tributaries of the mighty Mekong River. As a highlight of the trip we visit the various fascinating local cottages industries including rice paper makers, bonsai nurseries as well as the vibrant floating market of Cai Be whose trading way is very interesting. After feasting on a huge lunch followed with many seasonal fruits at an orchard, we weave our way through the intricate network of canals that are the lifeblood of the Mekong Delta.
We return to Ho Chi Minh, stopping off along the way to see the Cho Lon, Saigon's Chinatown, which is crammed with fascinating temples and mysterious, narrow lanes. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

The northbound journey begins as we depart Ho Chi Minh and pass through the many tea and coffee plantations to the hill station of Da Lat, sometimes known as the 'City of Eternal Spring'. The drive is long but views are fantastic. On arrival we can soak up the cool climate as much as we want by spending our time to wander around and catch our first glimpse of the town. The influence of the French is prevalent since Da Lat was founded as a hill retreat for the colonials to escape the oppressive heat of the coastal plains and the Mekong Delta. This charming town is set around a lake and surrounded by forests, waterfalls and rolling countryside. Overnight in Da Lat.

An impressive way to start our day is a walk around the town. We then embark on a short drive past the charming pine hill to visit 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. We follow this with a trip to the Lam Ty Ni Pagoda and the Hang Nga Guesthouse, well known as the Crazy House because of its bizarre architecture. The central market and the old rail station are also visited this morning before we travel by roads through the undulating terrains to the picturesque coastal town of Nha Trang. Along the way we make stopover at the scenic Ngoan Muc Pass and the Po Klong Jarai Cham Towers. These amazing structures represent an interesting culture and a colorful history of the Cham people. Overnight in Nha Trang.

This excursion is designed for those of you searching for a unique adventure. We offer a wide variety of trips that should not be missed. One of them is a mountain trip. Star from your hotel at 9.00 am, travel by van or motorbike (on request) throughout the countryside and paddy fields. Take time to explore a minority village. Afterthat, take the mountain road to Hon Ba Forest to discover the natures, streams & waterfalls….. Enjoy the picnic lunch & swim in the cool waters of the secret waterfalls. An forgettable day's adventure. Overnight in Nha Trang.

Full day free time at your leisure

Overnight in Nhatrang

After early breakfast at the hotel, our dirver will pick you up and transfer to Nha Trang airport to catch flight to Danang, arrive in Danang you will be met and driven a short distance to Hoi An which was originally a Cham seaport but has been influenced down centuries by a myriad of traders from various cultures. There are plenty to see in this tranquil and delightful town, some of which are the famous Japanese Covered Bridges, the Pottery Museum, the 200 years old Tamky House, the Chua Ong Pagoda and the vibrant market. We visit these sights on an enchanting walking tour past many low tiled houses scattered along the small streets, and assembly halls which reflect the town's multi-cultural past.

Overnight in Hoi An.

The following destination of our trip is Hue, the last imperial capital of Vietnam. We drive north this morning, stopping en route to visit the sensational Marble Mountains, the China Beach and the Cham Museum in Danang. This interesting structure is home to Vietnam's largest collection of Cham treasures. The winding roads begin as we make our way up the spectacular Hai Van Pass. At the top of the pass we stop to admire a fantastic view north to Lang Co and south to Danang. Arriving in Hue we see the Imperial Citadel and the Purple Forbidden City. This royal residence was all but destroyed during the 1968 Tet Offensive, however it is still fascinating to walk among the ruins. Overnight in Hue.

The beautiful riverside pagoda of Thien Mu which now becomes the symbol of Hue, and the elaborate royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc are not to be missed. We include these in a half day cruise on the Perfume River which also gives us a taste of the scenic countryside as well as an enjoyable visit to the mausoleum of Emperor Minh Mang, in a tranquil setting of gardens and lakes. After an impressive boat trip we take a walk to the bustling Dong Ba Market that sells a wide variety of local goods and handicrafts. Along the way we pass many fantastic eating spots, all ideal for visitors to sample some local delicacies. Overnight in Hue.

After breakfast at the hotel, our driver will pick you up transfer you to Phu Bai airport in Hue to catch flight to Hanoi, You will be met and transferred to hotel, check in hotel.

The capital of Vietnam, Hanoi is a stylish and gracious city that retains an unique old world charm and some Asia's most striking colonial architecture. The many lakes and parks also make for relaxing atmosphere. After lunch, we visit the beautiful lake of Hoan Kiem with its sacred temple and the vibrant Dong Xuan Market, which boasts Hanoi's oldest and largest market. A perfect way to finish the day is to enjoy a short cyclo excursion through the bustling old quarter streets named after the specific goods once offered for sale at these places.
Overnight in Hanoi.

After breakfast, pick up at your hotel to Hochiminh Complex for visit Hochiminh Mausoleum, Hochiminh Museum and One pillar pagoda, Tran Quoc Pagoda. Continue to visit Literature temple, the first University in Vietnam in 16th century and History Museum. Have lunch in one of famous restaurant in Hanoi before walking tour in 1000 Years Old Hanoi Old Quarter then enjoy Water Puppet Unique show. In the evening,our tour guide escort you transfer to Hanoi Railway Station to take night train to Lao Cai.
Overnight on train

The train arrives in Lao Cai in the morning. Meet and transfer to Sapa (38km), the former hill station discovered by the French at height of 1.600 m above sea level. Check-in hotel to relax at leisure until our tour guide take you having lunch before soft trek to Cat Cat village inhabited by Black H'mong ethnics, enjoy the nice landscapes of green forests and mountain and fresh atmosphere here. Back to Sapa .
Trekking distance: 5km
Overnight in Sapa.

After having breakfast, start trekking uphill to Y Linh Ho and Muong Hoa Valley through rice paddies and small hamlets to study life of hill tribes here. Communication exchange with local people in Lao Chai village. After having picnic lunch carried by the tour guide, continuing trekking through villages and rice terraced fields to Ta Van village settled by Dzay ethnic until back main way, where our car is waiting for you to transfer back Lao Cai to have dinner and catching a night train back Hanoi.

Stay overnight on train.

Train arrive at Hanoi Raiway Station in the morning, you will be met and take to a restaurant for relaxing and breakfast until drive to Halong.
In the noon: Arrival dock, get on the junk, check in, welcome wine.
After lunch, visiting Ha Long bay, Thien Cung cave (Palace of Heaven), Dau Go (grotto of wood), round over Tuan Chau island, Dog island, Dinh Huong, Ga Choi (fighting cock mountain), Turtle island, Titov beach. Enjoying sunset, having dinner, fishing-drinking and overnight on the junk

After breakfast, visiting man's head island, Tortoise island, Luon cave, Bai Tu Long bay, Bai Tho mountain and Ha Long market.
After lunch, return to wharf, and then, pick up and transfer back to Hanoi.
Overnight in Hanoi.

The capital of Vietnam from 968 AD to 1010 AD during the Dinh and early Le Dynasties is Hoa Lu, which however has left its legacy in the form of two small temples, each one nearly a thousand years old. After two and half hour drive from Hanoi we visit these remaining structures, dedicated to the Dinh and Le Rulers, then climb 200 steps to the top of Ma Yen mount for a fantastic view over the surrounding areas. The next stop of our trip is Tam Coc which is 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.

Overnight in Hanoi

There is a free time for you to relax or further explore Ha Noi. The trip ends after your transfer to Noi Bai Airport for departure.