Vietnam Discovery Tour

Today, we enjoy a full day city tour starting with the Ho Chi Minh Complex. This famous site contains the mausoleum of the nation’s founder Ho Chi Minh
 
Our first stop is to visit the mausoleum of the nation’s founder Ho Chi Minh. Located in the center of Ba Dinh Square, this is the most important monument of Vietnam in which Ho Chi Minh’s body is preserved. This site only opens on Tuesday to Thursday and weekends from 08:00 – 11:00.
 
The next destination is the Presidential Palace and the Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts. The Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house was completed on May 19th, 1958 as a birthday present for uncle Ho and becomes a symbol of his simple life.
 
Close to this complex is the One Pillar Pagoda. The pagoda looks like a lotus blossoming from the square pond. It was constructed in 1049 by King Ly Thai Tong based on his dream of Goddess of Mercy seating on a lotus flower and giving him a boy. In 1954, it was destroyed by the French and then restored in 1955.
 
We follow this with the Temple of Literature, which is well known as the first university of Vietnam. This temple provides an opportunity to learn more about education in Vietnam since 1000 years ago until recent history.
 
In the afternoon, visit the impressive Ethnologic Museum that is dedicated to Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups. This museum has both indoor and outdoor exhibition area with the most popular architectural styles of house’s ethnic people. The museum closes on every Monday.
 
To round off the day, the evening takes us to the old theatre for a 1-hour water puppet show, a unique Vietnam traditional art.  Overnight at the hotel in Hanoi

Breakfast served at hotel and then starts a 3-hour drive through the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta to Ha Long City.
 
Declared as a World Heritage site by the UNESCO in 1994, Ha Long Bay is one of Vietnam’s most spectacular natural attractions. Nearly 200 km far from Hanoi, the bay is dotted with 1600 limestone islands, capturing visitors’ attention.
 
Arrive in Halong ad board a luxury wooden sailing junk for a cruise through the limestone cliffs and emerald waters of Ha Long Bay, giving us the chance to take in the stunning scenery of this World Heritage Site. While on board we will be served a sumptuous fresh, local seafood lunch followed by a swim and exploring some of the limestone caves in this area. When the sun comes down we drop anchor for the night nearby a remote island.  Dinner served on board. Overnight on Junk

Rising to the tranquil beauty of the bay we have time for an early morning dip with joys and emotions for watching sunrise on sea followed by breakfast. This morning we continue to move around the bay to find more secluded areas. The junk will be near us at all times serving as a back-up vessel for those that require it. At around midday we will return to the main harbor where our private vehicle waiting for you for a 3-hour journey to Ninh Binh via Thai Binh and Nam Dinh.
 
Situated in the south of the Northern Delta region, Ninh Binh is well known as the first imperial capital of Vietnam under Dinh, Le & Ly Dynasties. Come here, you will admire a gorgeous countryside with water buffalos, majestic limestone and grottos.
 
Upon arrival, the rest of the day would be spent at your own pleasure. Overnight in Ninh Binh  

After breakfast, we explore the beautiful countryside in Vietnam by an excursion to Hoa Lu
 
The former capital of Vietnam in the 10th century covers an area of 300 ha. Today, the ancient citadel no longer exists, and few vestiges still remain. In Hoa Lu there are now 2 temples dedicated to King Dinh Tien Hoang and King Le Dai Hanh.
 
We then take an amazing boat trip to visit the Trang An grottoes
 
Trang An has an area of 1500 hectares and is a gathering of 31 valleys, 50 cross-water caves, and home to 600 kinds of flora and over 200 kinds of fauna surrounded by magnificent forested mountains, which makes it become a fascinating destination.
 
After lunch, transfer back to Hanoi for free time. In the evening we transfer to railway station to board a soft sleep & AC Reunification Express train to Dong Hoi (depart at 20:10-arrive at 06:24)

Arrival in Dong Hoi early at the morning (6:24) we will drive to the Son River where we take a boat trip to the famed caves at Phong Nha.
 
Located in Quang Binh Province, Phong Nha-Ke Bang national park has been recognized as a world natural heritage site by the UNESCO in 2003. Visit the cave, you can explore the remain of Cham altars and inscriptions inside.
 
Continue to explore Thien Duong cave (Paradise cave)
 
Considered the largest complex of caves in the world, Paradise Cave was discovered in 2005 by scientists from the British Cave Research Association with the help of a local man. With naturally primitive features, it looks like a landscape painting, attracting many visitors.
 
Out of jungle at noon time, we will follow the eco trail to Nuoc Mooc Spring to refresh yourself at a delightful swimming area and enjoy kayaking on beautiful Chay River before returning to your cozy hotel. Overnight at the hotel in Dong Hoi 

Morning, we leave the beach town, drive southward through Demilitarized Zone during the war against American to visit Vinh Moc tunnel, which was strategically located on the border of North Vietnam and South Vietnam. The tunnels were built to shelter people from the intense bombing of Son Trung and Son Ha communes in Vinh Linh county of Quang Tri Province in the Vietnamese Demilitarized Zone. Lunch served on the way back to Hue.
 
Hue was the capital of Vietnam under the Nguyen Dynasty. Not only is it famous for the splendid architecture of citadels, palaces, royal tombs and pagodas but the ancient traditions of Hue also create a unique romantic city.
 
On arrival in Hue, you have your own pace to explore the city. Overnight in Hue

We then set out for the exploration of Hue's famous highlights, including a boat trip to visit the picturesque Thien Mu, or Heavenly Lady Pagoda
 
Built in 1601, it is one of the best know religious and must-see sites in Hue. Both landscape and monuments here are always in harmony and bring a feeling of peace for travelers 
 
Disembark the board for a visit the elaborate mausoleum of former emperor Tu Duc.
Stretching along the Perfume River, Tu Duc mausoleum is considered to be the most picturesque site of Hue. The tomb was designed by the Emperor Tu Duc himself and this is the largest architectural work of Nguyen Dynasty’s royal palaces and tombs.

Transfer back to Hue center Hue for lunch at local restaurant.
 
In the afternoon we continue to visit the Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City
 Built in the 19th century by Nguyen dynasty, the Citadel becomes the most important historical and cultural monument in Vietnam. It is a square 2 km wall encompassing 3 walled enclosures: the Citadel, the Yellow Imperial city, and the Forbidden Purple city.
 
If time permits, we continue to do the walking and shopping in Dong Ba Market to enjoy the specialty of Hue city. Overnight at the hotel in Hue

After having breakfast, we continue our south journey by road to Hoian.
The ancient town of Hoian is a small town in Central Vietnam. In the 16th and 17th centuries, Hoian was a busy international commercial port for foreign merchants. Today, Hoian is popular for its peaceful beauty, eclectic architecture, tailors and cafes.
 
The scenery en route is very beautiful. We make a stop at Lang Co beach for coffee and refreshments before winding our way up the spectacular Hai Van Pass to admire the stunning views north to Lang Co beach and south to Danang City. Continue on our way down to the other side and head to Da Nang where we will stop at the Cham Museum, the famed China Beach, and the Marble Mountains. Arrival in Hoi An, we will have our first glimpse of this beautiful boutique town recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site. The tranquil and charm of Hoi An with its low tiled houses of Chinese appearance, Japanese covered bridge, and the colorful riverside market make it one of Vietnam’s most delightful places. Overnight at hotel in Hoian 

Morning, you will cycle to Tra Que Vegetable Village. Your cycling trip takes you on narrow roads to visit a place of display farming and fishing tools of the local farmers and fishermen. In this place, you will participate in daily activities of the local residents in the old time such as bailing out water with long handles buckets, pounding rice, lifting fishing nets, etc. Especially, you will savor boiled sweet potatoes dipping them into ground salty roasted peanut, drink lotus tea gathered from Tra Que lotus lagoon and listen to folk songs about Quang Nam native country, Hoi An Old Town as well as Tra Que Vegetable Village.   After that you will keep going the tour to a house of a local resident to hear about history of the village foundation and the development of this village. Then local farmers will take you to see vegetable gardens and instruct you the techniques of planting and cultivating many kinds of vegetables planted in the gardens. You have a chance to join hand in cutting, tying in bundles, and reaping the vegetables to bring home for processing food. Back to Tra Que’s family house, you will enjoy yourself with "foot massage" before working together with our family chef to learn the traditional ways of preparing and cooking Vietnamese food. Then, sit down and savor the dishes you have just prepared. In the afternoon, continue your visit to the 4th century Cham religious sanctuary of My Son
 
Located in a beautiful green valley, the ruins at My Son are the largest and most intact remaining in Vietnam. It is also the home to the Museum of Cham Sculpture, which records the development of the culture and history of the Cham people.
 
Overnight at the hotel in Hoian

Morning after breakfast, continue driving southward through region of coconut beaches and Champa towers, we make a stop at Chien Dang tower, Sa Huynh beach for lunch. On the way enjoy the scenery of being on a road less travelled by tourists. On arrival in Quy Nhon, check in and have free time

Enjoy your time on the peaceful beach or explore the surroundings until we transfer you to the airport for your flight to Saigon. Overnight in Saigon

Morning after having breakfast, depart for the famous Cu Chi Tunnels 
 
Located 70 km northwest of Saigon, Cu Chi Tunnels were an incredible underground network constructed by Vietnamese soldiers in the American war. Nowadays, the tunnels have become a popular tourist attraction of Vietnam.
 
 Afternoon, we take a half day of city tour to visit all famous sites of this bustling city. The first destination is the Reunification Palace
 
Reunification Palace is a unique construction designed for the President of South Vietnam during Vietnam War. When entering, visitors can not only admire its architectural beauty but also enjoy fresh atmosphere created by trees and grasses around.
 
Followed by some French colonial structures including the Old Saigon Post Office & Notre Dame Cathedral
 
Notre Dame Cathedral is one of the most famous architectural monuments influenced by European architecture. Both its exterior and interior are impressive with bright red color of bricks, stained glass panels and carved tiles, attracting many tourists.
 
After visiting the Jade Emperor Pagoda, we continue our trip to the bustling Ben Thanh Market, which is firstly well-known as the place for real Vietnamese food. There are a number of vendors and food stalls in the market food section that offers guests many freshly delicious dishes. You also can find any goods for daily use as well as variety of eye-catching local handicrafts, souvenirs here. 
 
Overnight at the hotel in HCM city

The Mekong Delta is the region in southern Vietnam where the Mekong River approaches and empties into the sea. It is a very rich and lush area, covered with rice fields, that produces about half of the total of Vietnam’s agricultural output.
 
In the morning transfer to My Tho town, we continue to Ben Tre by passing to Rach Mieu beautiful bridge.
 
Situated in Mekong Delta, Ben Tre has advantages to develop ecotourism with many fruit gardens, the floating fishing village, etc. For nature lovers, Ben Tre will be a wonderful destination.
 
Arrival in Bentre town, take a boat trip around Ben Tre River. Enjoy sightseeing local activities on river. Stop to see how people make bricks, salts, coconut workshop. Take motor cart (Xe loi) pass by rice fields and vegetable plains to know how to culture in country. In the afternoon, take rowing boat along water palm creek and a long Cai Coi creek. Stop to see rice workshop before back to Ben Tre town, where we visit to Vinh Trang Pagoda before heading to Can Tho for an overnight
 
Can Tho, situated in the heart of the Mekong delta, is well-known for Ninh Kieu wharf and Bang Lang garden. With plenty of restaurants, floating markets and friendly people, this riverside province never fails to capture the traveler’s heart.
 
Overnight in Can Tho

Take a boat to the floating market to practice the age-old art of bartering.
 
One of the most enjoyable things to do in Mekong Delta is visiting Cai Rang Floating Market where you can see fruits, specialties of Mekong Delta. Beside, you can also buy garden tools or enjoy a Vietnamese breakfast dishes like rice noodle “Pho”.
 
The trip includes a visit to an old house, a family-run business producing a local version of popcorn.
 
Return to Ho Chi Minh City. Overnight at the hotel in Ho Chi Minh

Today is at your leisure before checking out and transferring to Tan Son Nhat airport for your flight home