DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 01 : ARRIVAL HANOI (D)

Arrival at Ha Noi Airport. Transfer to hotel. We first explore the Returned Sword Lake, Ngoc Son Temple (Jade Mount Temple), and the old section with its 36 streets. Evening: Welcome dinner and traditional performance by Thang Long's famed water puppet show. Accom at Hotel.

Day 02 : HANOI - HALONG BAY - HANOI (B, L)

Departure for Ha Long Bay. Fresh seafood lunch on board. Take a 4-hour cruise in Ha Long Bay through a maze of fantastic limestone islets that soar from the emerald water. Visit the caves and have a dip in the water (weather permitting). Drive back to Ha Noi for free exploration. Accommodation at hotel.

Day 03: HANOI - HUE (B, L)

This morning we continue on our exploration to visit Temple of Literature, built in the 11th century as Viet Nam's first university, Ba Dinh Square where Ho Chi Minh first declared independence from the French in 1945. We continue to the humble “house on stilts” from where Ho Chi Minh ruled north Vietnam until his death in 1969. Late in the afternoon we drive to Noi Bai Airport for departure to Hue. Accommodation.

Day 04 : HUE (B, L)

Hue, Vietnam’s former capital, on the scenic central coast, divided by the beautiful Perfume River, is the centre for Buddhism, art and literature, and was the last imperial capital of Vietnam. Our first stop is the Citadel, former home to the emperors, and then to Thien Mu pagoda, Hue’s oldest and most beautiful pagoda. We travel back by dragon boat along the Perfume River. We sample Vietnam’s most famous cuisine at lunch. Later, we drive to the outskirts of Hue and the impressive tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, 4th King of the Nguyen dynasty. Accommodation in Hue

Day 05 : HUE - DA NANG - HOI AN (B, L)

We leave Hue for the spectacular road journey south to Hoi An. Driving through beautiful rural and coastal scenery, we climb impressive Hai Van Pass. At Danang we stop at the unique Cham museum, dedicated to the Hindu inspired sculpture of the Cham people. We continue south to the numerous caves and Buddhist shrines of the Marble Mountains and stop at famous China Beach. Finally, we arrive in the enchanting port town of Hoi An in the late afternoon, and enjoy a brief walking tour. We follow narrow lanes lined with centuries -old buildings influenced by Chinese, Japanese, French and European architecture, and visit the town’s traditional market and riverfront area. Accommodation.

Day 06 : HOI AN - HO CHI MINH CITY TOUR & CU CHI TUNNELS (B, L)

Early flight to Ho Chi Minh City in the morning. Travel to the famous Vietcong tunnels at Cu Chi. This incredible system, covering nearly 250km, was shelter to over 16,000 communist guerillas during the war. We gain an insight into the tenacity of these soldiers and have the opportunity to go inside the tunnels. We return to Saigon in the afternoon, with the remainder of the day escorted to explore the city of Saigon. We start with a walking tour of Saigon visiting the many famous and historic landmarks of the city. We walk up famous Dong Khoi Street (formerly Rue Catinat) past the theatre, Rex Hotel, Town Hall and the Notre Dame Cathedral, Ben Thanh market. We tour inside War Crimes Museum before transferring to hotel for check in. Accommodation.

Day 07: HOCHIMINH - MEKONG DELTA (B, L)

Day trip to My Tho in the Mekong Delta. Boarding sampan for a river cruise to visit a floating fish market. Visit the bonsai, orchards, tea mixed with bee honey. Lunch in the verdant garden, followed by a visit to the Coconut Island. Take a sampan ride though winding and tiny canals and watch daily river life. Drive back to Saigon by car. Accommodation

Day 08: HOCHIMINH - DEPARTURE

Free untill transfer to TAN SON NHAT airport for flying to your next destionation.