VIETNAM IN DEPTH (12nite13days)

Vietnam, Asia, Travel, Travel Destination, Travel tips

Day 1 Hanoi Arrival.Airport pick up (D with traditional music)

The Old Quarter of Hanoi is referred to as the city of ancient 36 streets and districts. These streets represented professional guilds of the ancient Vietnam Capital that we can even find nowadays. Travelling by a cyclo from the hotel, we pass many French influences including Hanoi Opera House, the State Bank and the former Governor’s palace. Afterwards, we journey around beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake, tour the Hanoi Cathedral built in late 19th century. Finally, we wander the lively old streets filled with traditional crafts, having some great bargain before we return to the hotel.
Overnight in Hanoi

Day 2 Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Hai Phong (B)

Depart Hanoi for Hoalu by car. The picturesque site of Hoa Lu was one the ancient capital of Vietnam during the Dinh, Le (10^th century) and Ly (11^th century) dynasties. Upon arriving, we explore two temples, one dedicated to King Dinh Tien Hoang and the other to his successor Le Dai Hanh. It is also a chance to visit the scenic Bich Dong Pagoda from 1428 as we have a leisurely boat ride to the three magnificent grottoes of Tam Coc, a Ha Long on Land called by many travellers. We then transfer to Haiphong
Hai Phong city, was built in 1888,still holds strong French influences that could be seen in its many well-kept architectures. Beside the busy port, we can visit the 300-year-old Du Hang Pagoda and the famous Hang Kenh carpet factory.
Overnight in Haiphong.

Day 3 Haiphong-Halong (B,L on boat)

Car transfer Haiphong-Halong. Check in board. A cruise in a private junk on the emerald green waters among the 3,000 spectacular limestone islands begins with fresh seafood lunch on board. Return to Hanoi by road in the late afternoon with a stop at Dong Trieu ceramic village.
Overnight in Hanoi

Day 4 Hanoi – Hue (B)

Morning Flight Hanoi-Hue. Airport pickup and transfer for tour.
Travelling through pine forest and lush hills about 7Km southwest of Hue, we reach the mausoleum of King Tu Duc, a miniature of the Royal Palace, which harmonizes perfectly with the nature surroundings. On the return, we visit the King Khai Dinh’s Tomb with completely different architectures from any of other Nguyen King’s Tombs. This burial place combines aspects of both Vietnamese and French influences, including the decorative styles of each culture.
Overnight in Hue

Day 5 Hue City tour (B,royal D with traditional music)

Taking a Dragon Boat, we travel along the serene Perfume River, visiting the sublime Thien Mu Pagoda built in 1601, which become symbolic of Hue’s peaceful beauty and was classified as the 14^th on the list of the Imperial Capital’s 20 landmarks. There is also a chance to stroll the path of the Royal Citadel where the ruling Nguyen Dynasty and Royal Families used to live as we explore its many fascinating architectural remainders that survived after the wars.
Overnight in Hue

Day 6 Hue - Danang - Hoi An (B,D on boat)

Starting from Da Nang, we visit the unique museum of Cham Sculpture, which houses the large collection of over 300 stone statues. Afterwards, we move on to Non Nuoc and climb up the steps of Marble Mountains, which are filled with mysterious caves and ancient altars dedicated to mythological deities.
Heading to Hoi An Town, recently recognized as a World Heritage Site, we walk its narrow streets with charmingly preserved 200 year old houses, combining the typical architectural styles of Vietnam, China and Japan. We also see the historical covered bridge, the famous Chinese Pagoda Phuc Kien and the vibrant market on the bank of the Thu Bon River.
Overnight in Hoian

Day 7 Hoi An - Danang - Nha Trang (B)

Car transfer Hoian-Danang-Nhatrang. Check in hotel and free at leisure to enjoy Nha trang sandy beach.
Overnight in Nhatrang

Day 8 Nha Trang Tour (B)

From the hotel in Nha Trang we drive to the Po Nagar Tower, being considered the most beautiful reminder of Cham architecture. We then visit the Pasteur Institute, see Dr. Yesin’s library and office that has been converted into a museum. Later we look at the impressive Long Son Pagoda, tour the famous Oceanographic Institute and admire the beautiful view of Nha Trang coastline from the Hon Chong Rock.
Overnight in Nhatrang

Day 9 Nha Trang – Dalat (B)

Nestled in the majestic and temperate south central highlands of Vietnam, Da Lat has been known for years as the “City of Eternal Spring”. We see the beautiful landscapes graced with pine trees , visit the famous Prenn Fall and explore the colorful fruit and vegetable market. The rest of the day is spent discovering French colonial villas, wandering the Love Valley and pausing at one of Da Lat’s many beautiful flower gardens.

Overnight in Dalat

Day 10 Dalat – Saigon (B, traditional D with live music)

Flight Dalat-Saigon. Aiport pickup and transfer for Saigon tour
Historical reminders of Viet Nam’s past are abundant here and provide a striking backdrop to the rapid transformation of Viet Nam today. In Ho Chi Minh city we see charming colonial buildings along historic tree-lined boulevards, explore the Chinatown of Sai Gon and touring this exciting commercial district with its colorful markets as we discover a Chinese pagoda, which is distinctly different from those found in other part of Viet Nam.

Overnight in Saigon

Day 11 Saigon-Tayninh-Cuchi Tunnel (B)

Travelling to Tay Ninh, we find the bizarre Cao Dai religion, which combines various aspects of Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, Confucianism, Taoism and Islam. We can observe the noon service, which is held daily from the cathedral balcony. On the way back, we stop at Cu Chi, famed for its elaborate network of tunnels and it is said to be approximately 215 Km in length. There is a chance to visit the underground shelters where the revolutionary cadres were living.

Overnight in Saigon

Day 12 SAigon - Mekong Delta (B,L)

We journey deep into the heart of the Mekong Delta, known as Vietnam’s rice bowl and arrive Vinh Long, the capital of this province. Passing a traditional floating market of Cai Be, we experience its excitement as we walk through orchards of mango, coconut and banana.

Continuing on, we paddle in a sampan to the beautiful Binh Hoa Phuoc Island and sample more exotic fruit of the region before driving back to Sai Gon.

Overnight in Saigon

Day 13 Departure from Saigon (B)
Tour inclusions:

* hotel accommodation with daily breakfast

* 1 lunch on board the Huong Hai Halong Deluxe Junk

* 06 dinners in famous local restaurant with live traditional music as indicated.

* All transfer and transportation by private air.con vehicle

* Cyclo in Hanoi

* Private boat in Ninhbinh, Halong, Hue and Mekong as indicated

* Entrance fee for sightseeing as specified

* Local English/French speaking guide during tour

* Water during tour

* all taxes.

Tour exclusion:

• Airfares: Hanoi-Hue at 52 USD (service taxes and airport tax included)
• meals other than state, drink, personal expenses, tip for driver and guide…
• Vietnam visa handling fee (available at 22 USD/pax)
• Other set- menu meals not indicated (available at minimum 7 USD/meal/pax)
• Hotel surcharge during peak season from oct-mar or room upgrading if neede

Hotel utilized: subject to hotel availability; international standard hotels for 3, 4 and 5 star ranking

Notes:

* 1 F.O.C. in twin share room for the group of 20 full paying pax up.

* Quotes for smaller or bigger group available upon request.

* validity 31 Dec 2007

SALUTE VIETNAM TRAVEL INTERNATIONAL

Representative Office

50 Nguyen Truong To Street- Ba Dinh

Hanoi - Vietnam

Tel. 84 4 7151723

Fax. 84 4 7151739

Hotline. 84 903468338

info@salutevietnam.com

istra @ January 22, 2008