DAY 1 : ARRIVE IN HO CHI MINH CITY.
Breakfast at the hotel
Then transfer to Singapore airport for the flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
Take off on … on the flight …
Arrival in Hochiminh city at…
Lunch at the restaurant
The Central Post Office : is one of the oldest buildings in Ho Chi Minh City. This was built around 1886 – 1891 based on Villedieu’s design, a famous French architect. It has been the busiest post office of the country. Its architecture, with a roof topped by a glass roof, is reminiscent of the buildings of the World Expo. It is a place where it is nice to stop.
The People’s Committee Building of Ho Chi Minh City : was built and put into use in 1909 as a hotel whose original name was Hôtel de Ville. It was designed by Gardes, a famous French architecture. This building is thus one of the oldest, biggest and most beautiful French style buildings in Ho Chi Minh City, functioning both as a city institution and as the city’s most prominent landmark today.
The Saigon Opera House is owning an elegant architecture.The building still many lively evidences for the influence of French architecture in Vietnam. This magnificent building designed by French architect Ferret Eugene, was built as a classical opera house with 800 seats. The style of this majestic building is influenced by flamboyant style of the French Third Republic. Since 1975, he has returned to his original function.
Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral : built in the late 1880s by French colonists, is one of the few remaining strongholds of Catholicism in the largely Buddhist Vietnam. Sitting between two streams of traffic, Notre Dam Cathedral is in the middle of Saigon’s chaotic District 1. A brick, neo-Romanesque church with 40m-high square towers tipped with iron spires. Interior walls are inlaid with devotional tablets and some stained glass survives. In front of the cathedral stands a Virgin Mary statue, which is said to have shed tears in 2005, causing thousands of people to stop around the Basilica.
Dinner at the restaurant
Overnight at hotel in Saigon.
DAY 2 : HO CHI MINH
Breakfast at the hotel.
Visit :
Day for SHOPPING all the shops – lacquer shop – BEN THANH market.
Stop at VINAOPTIC and BAMBOO shops, for visit, purchase of products: sunglasses or sight, bamboo ready to wear
Lunch at the restaurant
The lacquer manufacturing workshop : Lacquer-ware refers to wooden or fiberglass objects painted and preserved with lacquer. Lacquer is a clear, water-resistant resin made from the sap of the Rhus Succedanea tree. The application of lacquer to wooden artifacts is an ancient process dating back thousands of years.
Ben Thanh Market : is the most famous shopping destination for tourists in Ho Chi Minh City, featuring every type of souvenir the spending traveler desires to buy. The attraction is one of the earliest surviving structures in Saigon and an important landmark of the city. The market was first created as an informal gathering of street vendors near Saigon River.
Thien Hau Temple in Saigon is a Buddhist temple dedicated to the Chinese sea goddess, Mazu. It’s believed that she protects and rescues ships and people on the sea by flying around on a mat or cloud. Mazuism is connected with traditions and beliefs from both Taoism and Buddhism. Mazuism is therefore an incorporation of different aspects and traditions which have merged to form a new belief. You will find this temple in ‘Cholon’ (Chinatown) in District 5, which is roughly a twenty minute drive from the city centre.
Overnight at hotel in Saigon.
DAY 3 : HO CHI MINH CITY – MY THO- BEN TRE- CAN THO
Breakfast at the hotel
In the morning, Depart to My Tho.
Mekong delta : is located in Southwestern Vietnam. The water that moves to the rhythms of the mighty Mekong, where boats, houses and markets float upon the innumerable rivers, canals and streams that criss-cross the landscape like arteries. The bustling commerce of its towns contrasts sharply with the languid, almost-soporific pace of life in the countryside. Here buffalo wallow in rice paddies, coconut- and fruit-laden boats float slowly along the mud-brown waters, and two-wheeled exploration of the narrow lanes is amply rewarded with a true taste of rural hospitality
Lunch in an orchard
Dinner at the restaurant
Overnight at the hotel in Can Tho.
DAY 4 : CAN THO – HO CHI MINH CITY
Breakfast at the hotel.
In the morning, 6:00 am the motorboat ride on the Cai Nong canal to visit the floating market of Cai Rang.
Lunch at the restaurant
Return to Saigon for visits :
Binh Tay Market, constructed by the French in the 1880s, is located in the centre of Vietnam’s largest Chinatown district. Unlike Ben Thanh Market in District 1, this market mainly serves the local population with its extensive range of fresh fruits, vegetables, poultry, meat and seafood from regions across Vietnam. Also known as Cholon Chinatown Market, Binh Tay Market occupies a two-storey building along Thap Moui Street. Travellers can also find an assortment of handicrafts, lacquerware, and textiles that are sold in bulk, though goods are not varied compared to other (more touristy) markets in downtown Hanoi. Along with the interesting historical and cultural aspect of Cholon, Binh Tay Market is great for experiencing the local lifestyle and sampling unique Vietnamese-Chinese delicacies.
Thien Hau Temple in Saigon is a Buddhist temple dedicated to the Chinese sea goddess, Mazu. It’s believed that she protects and rescues ships and people on the sea by flying around on a mat or cloud. Mazuism is connected with traditions and beliefs from both Taoism and Buddhism. Mazuism is therefore an incorporation of different aspects and traditions which have merged to form a new belief. You will find this temple in ‘Cholon’ (Chinatown) in District 5, which is roughly a twenty minute drive from the city centre..
Dinner at the restaurant
Overnight at the hotel in Saigon.
DAY 5 : HO CHI MINH – MUI NE
Breakfast at the hotel
Then depart to Phan Thiet bus.
After arrival at Muine, check in at the hotel and then visit:
Suoi Tien (Fairy Stream) : is about 18 km of North East Phan Thiet . Suoi Tien is situated in a nice place, one side of Suoi Tien is white and red sand dunes intermixing together, another side are rows of shading coconut palms, lines of trees with luxuriant leaves. All of these things create a poetic and charming stream. The water stream of Suoi Tien has the red color from the sunlight and from the red sand in the bottom of the stream. The stream has the source from the mountain side around Ham Tien about 6m high and the destination to the sea. This has made Suoi Tien become a dreamlike area.
Sand Dunes, Mui Ne : The sandy paradise is in Mui Ne, which is just four hours away from Ho Chi Minh City. Mui Ne is a resort town that spans 15 kilometres along Vietnam’s southern coast. There are two sand dunes you can easily access from Mui Ne, namely the Red Sand Dunes and the White Sand Dunes. My time in Mui Ne was definitely the the highlight of my 10 day trip in Vietnam, and when you see the photos, you’ll easily understand why.
The White Sand Dunes is exactly how I have always imagined a desert to be – a vast expanse of barren land. Undoubtedly more pristine and breathtaking than the Red Sand Dunes, the White Sand Dunes is also less accessible. It is an hour drive from the centre of Mui Ne, and I must say that it is most definitely worth the commute. The only thing I didn’t like about the White Sand Dunes are the noisy ATVs speeding around, which tainted the otherwise peaceful atmosphere.
The thermal mud therapeutic center (optional), go through on Nguyen Dinh Chieu street for shopping.
Lunch at the restaurant
Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Mui Ne
DAY 6: MUI NE – DA LAT
Breakfast at the hotel
Wine Castle Tour (RD Wine Castle)
Then depart to Dalat.
Arrive in Da Lat, visit :
The Central Market :Dalat Market represents the very heart of Dalat City, a shopping opportunity right in the center. Local produce such as fresh artichokes, dried fruits, vegetables and a lot more are available here throughout the day, and in the evening the roads around the market are closed to traffic and the night market of Dalat spills onto the surrounding streets. At Dalat Market, you find the clothing shops upstairs on the first floor. Apart from t-shirts, trousers, pretty dresses and shoes, the greatest difference to other fashion markets is the vast assortment of warm clothing, suitable for the cold nights in the Highlands. Woollen gloves, silk scarves, cozy jackets, hats and boots. Shopping at Dalat Market gives you a feeling of winter sales.
Carriage ride around Xuan Huong Lake or by bike (at your expense)
Minh Tam Flower Garden has a lot of kinds of colorful flowers such as Cam Tu Cau, Carnation, Mimosa, Pelargonium, etc; especially, there are a lot of valuable flowers which are only sold to rich people.
Set foot on top Mimosa mountain pass – one of the two major gateway into dreamy Da Lat city, visitors will encounter the right area resort – hotel Minh Tam – a famous, beautiful hotel gardens hidden among pine. Spread over a large hill over 18 ha, Lam Dong People’s Committee and Ministry of Public Security to expand investment in tourist resort – hotel Minh Tam soon became one of the famous tourist city of flowers Da Lat
The XQ embroidered canvas gallery
Lunch at the restaurant
Dinner at the restaurant
Overnight at hotel in Da Lat
DAY 7 : DA LAT
Breakfast at the hotel
In order to enjoy the fresh, pure mountain air, then head towards :
The cable car: to access Thien Vien pagoda
The Thien Vien Pagoda: to plunge into a climate of deep serenity.
The Datanla or Prenn waterfalls: to appreciate the waterfalls and their freshness up close
The exhibition of dried flowers FBIO CORPORATION
Lunch at the restaurant
Xuan Huong Lake : has an area of 32ha and the average depth of 1.5m. It is located on an elevation of 1,478m above sea level and it is considered as the heart of Dalat. The surface of the lake is as smooth as a mirror reflecting the romantic scenery of Dalat with pine forests, meadows and gardens .
Carriage ride around Xuan Huong Lake or by bike (at your expense)
The Domaine de Marie Church : also called Mai Anh Church or Cherry Church, is home to the Roman Catholic nuns of the Mission of Charity. Actually, that’s why many people think that there’s a feminine charm attached to the architecture of the church. Located on a nice hill at 1 Ngo Quyen St., Ward 6, nearly 0.6 mile southwest away from the city center, it is a 29.6-acre architectural complex consisting of the main church and two convents. It offers a scenic panoramic view of the city. It was built from 1930 to 1943 following the 17th century French style. However, because its architecture is the harmonious combination of Western art and Vietnamese folk art, the church definitely stands out from other ones created at the same era.
Langbiang mountain : is located in Lac Duong district which is 12km from Dalat in the North. With its height of 2,169m above the sea level, langbiang mountain has not only been an attractive tourist site bit also kept legend about a passionate love. Camping, exploring the natural flora, bird-watching and enjoying the unique culture of ethnic minority groups are recommended activities for tourists coming to Lang Biang.
Lunch at the restaurant
Overnight at the hotel in Da Lat.
DAY 8 : DA LAT – HA NOI
Breakfast at the hotel
Visit :
The Valley of Love : is located 4 miles away from the center of Dalat. To truly appreciate the sceneries is not hard because travelers can easily follow the natural tracks and staircases all around the valley to visit and admire the gorgeous flower gates and statues.Just as true love has to surpass several obstacles, the Valley of Love in Dalat had to surpass many challenges in the past in order to gain its rightful name today. In the beginning, the valley was called Vallée D’amour (Valley of Love) by the French before being renamed The Valley of Piece. In 1935, its beauty and captivation persuaded people to once again name it after the most wonderful thing in the world: Love.
The XQ embroidered canvas gallery
Da Lat railway station is a railway stationon the Da Lat–Thap Cham Railway line in Vietnam, serving the town of Da Lat in Lâm Đồng Province. It was designed in 1932 by Frencharchitects Moncet and Reveron, and opened in 1938. Largely unused since abandonment of the railway during the later years of the Vietnam War, it was returned to a limited level of service in the 1990s with the reopening of a 7 km (4.3 mi) section of track leading to the nearby village of Trai Mat, operated as a tourist attraction. It is notable for its unique architectural style, which incorporates an overall Art Decotheme with elements of native Cao Nguyen communal houses from Vietnam’s Central Highlands.
Linh Phuoc Pagoda : located at Trai Mat, eight kilometres from the centre of Dalat, Linh Phuoc Pagoda is famous, thanks to its structure, which is intricately adorned with millions of pieces of broken bottles and ceramics. The pagoda was built in 1949. The pagoda also owns a collection of jaw-dropping wood carvings that hold many Vietnamese records. Another unique feature of Linh Phuoc Pagoda is its 18 levels of hell tunnel that tells the ‘Mother seeking Muc Lien’ story. The 300-metre long tunnel is a lively demonstration of karma and filial piety. This hell scene is also a message to the world’s inhabitants: nurture your virtues and fulfil your filial duties.
The Governor’s Palace :This Palace was the summer palace, the residence and the office of governor Decoux. It is located between Tran Hung Dao and Khoi Nghia Bac Son street, on a hill with the elevation of 1,539m and has an area of 26 ha.
This palace is one of the beautiful architectures of Dalat. It contained itself plenty of milestones about the history of the country. After 1975, it became the Central guest house and now it is the guest house of Lamdong province People’s Committee.
Lunch at the restaurant
Then transfer to Da Lat airport for the flight to Ha Noi
Take off on … on the flight …
Arrival in Ha Noi at …, transfer to the hotel
Dinner at the restaurant
Overnight at the hotel in Ha Noi.
DAY 9: HA NOI
Breakfast at the hotel
Visite :
Temple of Literature : founded in 1070 by Emperor Ly Thanh Tong, the Temple of Literature is dedicated to Confucius (Khong Tu). Inside you’ll find a pond known as the ‘Well of Heavenly Clarity’, a low-slung pagoda and statues of Confucius and his disciples. A rare example of well-preserved traditional Vietnamese architecture, the complex honours Vietnam’s finest scholars and men of literary accomplishment. It is the site of Vietnam’s first university, established here in 1076, when entrance was only granted to those of noble birth.
Ngoc Son Temple was built in the 18th century on Jade Island in the centre of the ‘Lake of the Returned Sword’ or Hoan Kiem Lake. Legend describes how an emperor was once given a magical sword which helped him defeat the Chinese Ming Dynasty and in doing so saw the return of the Golden Turtle God to the lake.
Hoan Kiem Lake (Lake of the Restored Sword) : refers to a legend of the great Vietnamese hero, Le Loi, who led a successful uprising against the Chinese in the fifteenth century. Tradition has it that Le Loi netted a gleaming sword while out fishing in a sampan and when he returned as King Ly Thai To, after ten years of battle, he wanted to thank the spirit of the lake. As he prepared the sacrifice there was a timely peal of thunder and the miraculous sword flew out of its scabbard, into the mouth of a golden turtle (Vietnamese use the same word for turtle and tortoise) sent by the gods to reclaim the weapon.
Dong Xuan market : is the oldest and largest market in Hanoi. Established in 1889, Dong Xuan Market is housed within a four-storey Soviet-style building on the northern edge of Hanoi Old Quarter. It’s also known as Hanoi’s largest indoor market, offering a wide range of goods such as fresh produce, souvenirs, accessories and clothing, as well as electronic and household appliances.
Hanoi Cyclo : an hour cycling around and take photos in the Old Quarter.
The Old Quarter (36 old streets) : has a history that spans 2,000 years and represents the eternal soul of the city. Ha Noi Old Quarter with its old-styled narrow streets full of antique brick houses seems to nostalgically resist the flow of time while still actively trying to adapt to the dynamic atmosphere of the modern city. Once a bustling area where merchants and artisans gathered to sell their products, Ha Noi Old Quarter consists of many small, meandering streets, each bears the name of the goods that was specifically traded there such as Hang Bac (Silver Product), Hang Ma (Paper Product), Hang Go (Wood Product), just to name a few.
Ha Noi Opera house : was constructed for ten years from 1901 to 1911 and modeled on Palais Garnier – the older of Paris two opera houses, Hanoi Opera House embraces the European architectural style under the Renaissance period with the Italian-made marble floor, copper chandeliers and exquisite French murals on the ceiling, thus making the place one of Hanoi’s singular architectural landmarks.
Water Puppet show : is a tradition that dates back as far as the 11th century when it originated in the villages of the Red River Delta area of northern Vietnam. The puppets are made out of wood and then lacquered. The shows are performed in a waist-deep pool. A large bamboo rod supports the puppet under the water and is used by the puppeteers, who are normally hidden behind a screen, to control them. Thus the puppets appear to be moving over the water.
Lunch at the restaurant
Dinner at the restaurant
Overnight at the hotel in Hanoi.
DAY 10: HUE- HA NOI – NINH BINH
Breakfast at the hotel.
Depart to Ninh Binh, visit:
King Dinh Tien Hoang’s Temple: The temple is located in Truong Yen village, Hoa Lu town, in a garden of 5 hectares wide. It faces the East, and stands in front of Ma Yen Mount, where King Dinh Tien Hoang’s tomb was located.The temple was built in the 17th century, with a special architecture.
King Le Dai Hanh Temple: is almost the same as Dinh Temple in term of architectural design, except for some details. Le Dai Hang temple also consists of three parts: Bai Duong used for the community, Thien Huong, in memory of the royal mandarins of King Le, and finally, the altar in memory of the King.
Trang An Eco-Tourism Complex : is a complex beauty – landscapes called as an ‘outdoor geological museum’ with numerous caves, mountains, valley water, trees and the historic relic. The Trang An eco-tourism site is considered the “Ha Long Bay land”. Here, space was so quiet that the only sounds were those of the trains. In the distance, visitors have the opportunity to perceive the white flowers of the reeds in the foothills. While enjoying fresh air and mountain scenery, which takes visitors into a magical world. On June 25th, 2014, at the 38th session of the World Heritage Committee in Qatar, the UNESCO named Trang An Landscapes Complex as a world heritage, becoming the first recognized cultural and natural heritage site in Vietnam and Southeast Asia.
Phat Diem Stone Cathedral : is one of the most famous and beautiful churches in Vietnam with special architecture: an elegant combination between Western church architecture style and Vietnamese religious buildings. This is an Eastern architectural ensemble including Lake, Phuong Dinh, cathedral with 4 churches on the sides, 3 man-made grottos, stone churches.
Lunch at the restaurant
Dinner at the restaurant
Overnight at hotel in Ninh Binh.
DAY 11 : NINH BINH – HA LONG
Breakfast at the hotel
Visite :
Depart to the famous Halong Bay, for a memorable cruise on the bay.
On the way, stop at the boutique QUEEN PEARL, to visit or purchase pearl products.
Halong Bay Cruise: On board a junk, you’ll have a memorable cruise. Enjoy a delicious seafood meal on board and spend your day admiring one of Vietnam’s natural wonders. Visit islets, caves, If the heart tells you, you can do a dip in the jade waters of the Gulf of Tonkin.
DAY 12 : HA LONG – HA NOI
Breakfast at the hotel.
Visite :
You will have the opportunity to see the sunrise over the bay.
After we continue the cruise to Bai Tho Mountain in the other beautiful bay of Bai Tu Long.
Lunch and return to the pier
On the way back to Hanoi, stop at the DAI VIET CO shop to visit or purchase handicrafts, jewelry, souvenirs…
Dinner at the restaurant.
Overnight at the hotel in Hanoi.
After breakfast,DAY 13 : HA NOI – RETURN
Transfer to the airport at … for the return flight to …
Take off on the flight … to …