DAY 1 : Q ARRIVE IN HO CHI MINH CITY
Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City at …
Customs formalities and luggage recovery (Estimated time approximately 30 minutes). Lunch at the restaurant
City tour:
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.
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.
The Giac Lam Pagoda : built in 1744, The Pagoda is one of the oldest pagodas in Ho Chi Minh city. Giac Lam Pagoda is located at 118 Lac Long Quan Street, Tan Binh District. Giac Lam is one of the oldest pagodas in Ho Chi Minh City. “The Third” structure of Giac Lam Pagoda is also typical of southern pagodas. Giac Lam Pagoda has 118 statues made of wood, bronze and cement. Most of them are very ancient and valuable, which demonstrate the development of Vietnamese art of sculpture in 18th century. Not only is Giac Lam a place to observe traditional southern structure of pagodas.
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.
Dinner at the restaurant
Overnight at the hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.
DAY 2 : HO CHI MINH CITY – MY THO – BEN TRE – HO CHI MINH CITY
Breakfast at the hotel
Depart to My Tho.
Take a boat trip on the Tien River to the other side of the Tien River: Ben Tre is the capital city of Ben Tre Province, in the Mekong Delta area of southern Vietnam. The city covers an area of 65.75 km2 (25.39 sq mi) and has a population of 143,639 as of 2009. Ben Tre is 85 kilometres (53 mi) south-east of Ho Chi Minh City and is connected to the surrounding provinces by the Rach Mieu Bridge. Nearly destroyed by Allied bombing, it played a significant role in the Vietnam War. Reports of the assault and resulting civilian casualties called into question the war aims of the United States.
Lunch at the restaurant,
Back to Ho Chi Minh City
Dinner at the restaurant
Overnight at the hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.
DAY 3 : HO CHI MINH CITY – DA LAT
Breakfast at the hotel
Day for SHOPPING all the shops – lacquer shop – BEN THANH market.
Transfer to the airport for flight to Da Lat
Dinner at the restaurant
Overnight at hotel in Da Lat
DAY 4 : 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 (Dalat FBIO Corp)
Xuan Huong Lake: This 45-hectare artificial lake was built in 1919. Its name could mean “spring fragrance” because of the many pink cherry trees that bloom in spring and scent the air of Dalat.
The Hang Nga or Crazy House pension: The hotel, but is it still a hotel ?, the most unusual and the most delirious of Vietnam. A fantastic place, in the true sense of the word. Not a single right angle here, everything is just rounded and undulating, like the leaves of a tree.
Carriage ride around Xuan Huong Lake or by bike (at your own expense)
Dinner at the restaurant
Overnight at hotel in Da Lat
DAY 5 : DA LAT
Breakfast at the hotel
Visit : “Civet” coffee production facility, Cuong Hoan silk workshop in Lam Ha, Elephant waterfall (Lieng Rewoa waterfall).
The Datanla or Prenn waterfalls: to appreciate the waterfalls and their freshness up close
Mount Langbiang: At the end of the day, you will reach the highest point of Lang Biang Mountain for a panoramic view of the city of Dalat.
Lunch at the restaurant,
Dinner at the restaurant
Overnight at the hotel in Da Lat.
DAY 6 : DA LAT – NHA TRANG
Breakfast at the hotel.
Then direction the seaside town of Nha Trang, visit :
The stone church
The Alexandre Yersin Museum provides insight into the life and work of an unsung hero. Alexandre Yersin (1863-1943) was a Swiss and naturalised French physician, bacteriologist and explorer of both the world we see and the microscopic one. Among his many accomplishments, he discovered the bacillus of the bubonic plague that made it possible to create a serum to fight the disease.
Po Nagar Cham Towers: Built between the 7th and 12th centuries, these four Cham Towers are still actively used for worship by Cham, Chinese and Vietnamese Buddhists. Originally the complex had seven or eight towers, but only four remain, of which the 28m-high North Tower (Thap Chinh), which dates from AD 817, with its terraced pyramidal roof, vaulted interior masonry and vestibule, is the most magnificent. The towers stand on a granite knoll 2km north of central Nha Trang, on the banks of the Cai River.
The Thap Ba or I-resort thermal center (optional) for those who wish to indulge in the various treatments of the center: bathing in natural hot spring water, and therapeutic mud baths.
Lunch and dinner at the restaurant.
Overnight at hotel in Nha Trang
DAY 7 : NHA TRANG
Breakfast at the hotel
then visit 4 islands of Nha Trang Bay.
Lunch and dinner at the restaurant.
Overnight at the hotel in Nha Trang.
DAY 8 : NHA TRANG – DA NANG – HOI AN
Breakfast at the hotel
Transfer to the airport for the flight to Da Nang, visit :
Museum of Cham Sculpture : displayed about 300 original sandstone works and terra-cotta. All works have the date from the 7th century to 15th century. Museum of Cham sculpture is the creativeness which base on Champa ancient art. It is small architecture but unique. Some architects appreciated that it was one of the most beautiful architectural museums in Southeast Asia and the world. The ancient contour in the design of two French architects still retains until now. Coming to museum of Cham sculpture as stepping into ancient culture, it converges all kinds of Cham quintessential culture.
Linh Ung Bai But Pagoda : was built with a perfect harmony of modern and traditional features typical of a Vietnamese pagoda. Situated on an area of about 20 hectares on the side of a mountain, the pagoda is a magnificent artwork. It looks to the sea while leaning on a vast primitive forest of Son Tra peninsula. From every corner of Da Nang city, visitors can see the Guanyin statue placed in the pagoda courtyard. It is the highest statue in Vietnam, measuring 67 metres in height and 35 metres in diameter at its base. It is as high as a 30-storey building. Along the two sides of the path leading to the main chamber are statues of 18 Arhats, each describing different human emotions – joy, anger and sadness, and sculptured skilfully. The main chamber, the ancestors’ house, hall and monks’ house are all built and arranged magnificently.
Lunch and dinner at the restaurant.
Departure for Hoi An.
Arrive in Hoi An, visit :
Walk to Hoi An ancient town : about 30 km south of Danang. The ancient town of Hoi An is a typical example of traditional ports in Southeast Asia preserved intact and thoughtful. Most of the houses here are the traditional architecture of Hoi An is also the landmark mark of the blend, cross-cultural. With outstanding values, Hoi An ancient city is recognized as a world cultural heritage.
Silk Village : Located only about a kilometer away from Hoi An Ancient Town’s bustling center, the Hoi An Silk Village breathes new life into the 300 year-old history of the Maritime Silk Road. The Village is surrounded by verdant mulberry gardens, lotus ponds and horticulture farms. Paths wind through the gardens and ancient houses, built in typical Quang Nam architecture, providing a serene atmosphere that carries you to the days of old.
Overnight at the hotel in Hoi An.
DAY 9 : HOI AN – HUE
Breakfast at the hotel
Depart to Hue, on the way visit: The stonemason workshop, The marble mountain.
Arrive in Hue, visit of:
Tu Duc Tomb is considered as one of the most beautiful and picturesque and largest works of architecture of Nguyen Dynasty’s royal palaces and tombs. People say that Tu Duc Tomb is a must in every tour to Hue City.
Lunch at the restaurant.
Dinner at the restaurant.
Overnight at hotel in Hue
DAY 10 : HUE – HA NOI
Breakfast at the hotel.
Then visit:
The village making conical hats.
Hue Citadel : has a circumference of 10 kilometers with the height of 6.6 meters and 21 meters thick with forts being meanderingly arranged, accompanied by cannons, artilleries and ammunitions. Initially the fortress was built solely by soil, only to be replaced by bricks afterward. Surrounding the city is the complicated canal system served not only as a protection but also as a waterway with nearly seven kilometers. There are total of ten main majestic gates leading to the Imperial City of Hue. All the typically traditional Eastern architectures including majestic palaces, tombs and museums stand accordantly together to make an utmost amusing attraction right in the heart of Vietnam.Famously being one of Vietnam’s seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Khai Dinh tomb : is the final resting place of Khai Dinh, Emperor of Vietnam from 1916-1925. The tomb represents a fusion of traditional Vietnamese style and modern influence, Emperor Khai Dinh chose the slope of Chau Chu (Chau E) Mountain, which is 10km from Hue center, to construct his “home in the other world” – according to Oriental belief. However its construction, decoration and details are very elaborate. Despite being the smallest, Khai Dinh Tomb is the most recent and costly amongst other Nguyen royal tombs. Khai Dinh chose to build his tomb by modern materials like concrete, slates and wrought iron, hence its appearance is quite gray and imposing.The structure of the Imperial Khai Dinh tomb is a rectangle of 117 meters long by 48.5 meters wide, resting on the mountain Chau Chu.The imperial tomb has 2 very different parts: the Palace Thien Dinh, where we can see the sarcophagus of Emperor Khai Dinh, and the outside of the Tomb Imperial, where statues of the courtyard of ceremonies, the House of mandarins and Pavilion of steles, hexagonal-shaped, is most remarkable.
Dong Ba market : is situated along the northern bank of Huong river, Tran Hung Dao, Hue city and it is far about Truong Tien bridge about 100 meters to the North. Dong Ba market is the biggest central market of Thua Thien – Hue province and area. There includes 8 compartments in front of market, 12 compartments behind market, and 13 compartments on the right… In the market, people built one stone well. When people want to take water, they must turn round the machine, water will pour. Apart from the bell in the centre, Dong Ba market is surrounded by 9 rows of houses along with 4 new areas such as fish market, service market area… with an area of 15.597m.2.The cultural juice of Thua Thien-Hue still retains until now and traditional dishes in Hue. Dong Ba market becomes the centre which provides raw materials for restaurants, hotels. Tourists from around the world come here overwhelming before beautiful landscapes in Hue. Today, Dong Ba plays the important role in the economy. Not only provide goods for city but also creates jobs for unemployment. Dong Ba Market, Truong Tien Bridge as well as Huong River are the symbols of poetic Hue.
Lunch at the restaurant.
Ca Hue on the boat trip on the Huong River: is a form of classical Vietnamese music of Central Vietnam, particularly the Hue region. It contrasts with the ca tru genre to the North, and the tai tu “gifted scholar” style to the South. The singer sings solo, as in the ca tru genre, accompanying herself with small wooden clappers, sometimes similar to the phach sticks used in ca tru, sometimes shaped like small teacups.
Transfer to the airport for the flight to Ha Noi.
Dinner at the restaurant.
Overnight at the hotel in Ha Noi.
DAY 11 : HA NOI
Breakfast at the hotel,
Then visit :
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.
West lake ( Ho Tay) : is the biggest freshwater lake of northwest center of Hanoi, Vietnam. With a shore length of 17 km (about 10.6 miles) and 500 hectare (about 5 km2) in area, this is the largest lake of the capital and a popular place for recreation with many surrounding gardens, hotels and villas.
Tran Quoc Pagoda : is the oldest pagoda in the city, originally constructed in the sixth century during the reign of Emperor Lý Nam Đế (from 544 until 548), thus giving it an age of more than 1,450 years. When founded the temple was named Khai Quoc (National Founding) and was sited on the shores of the Red River, outside of the Yen Phu Dyke. When confronted with the river’s encroachment, the temple was relocated in 1615 to Kim Ngu (Golden Fish) islet of Ho Tay (West Lake) where it is now situated. A small causeway links it to the mainland.
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.
Dinner at the restaurant.
Overnight at the hotel in Ha Noi.
DAY 12 : HA NOI – NINH BINH
Breakfast,
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..
Dinner at the restaurant.
Overnight at the hotel in Ninh Binh.
DAY 13 : NINH BINH – HA LONG
Breakfast at the hotel
Depart by road from the famous Halong Bay, for a memorable cruise on the bay.
Ha Long Bay : in the Gulf of Tonkin, includes some 1,600 islands and islets, forming a spectacular seascape of limestone pillars. It was called ‘the wonder standing in the heaven’. In the heart of stone islands, there have the beautiful caves such as Thien Cung Cave, Dau Go Cave, Sung Sot Cave, and Tam Cung Cave that are really the castles of the heaven. With the special values, on December 17th 1994, in the 18th session of World Heritage Committee of UNESCO, Halong Bay was officially recognized as the World natural heritage. In November 2000, Halong Bay was recognized by UNESCO as the World natural heritage about the values of geomorphology. On April 27th, officially stated that Halong Bay became one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Lunch and dinner and night aboard
DAY 14 : HA LONG – HA NOI
Breakfast at the hotel
Before breakfast, 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
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Back to Hanoi.
DAY 15 : HA NOI – RETURN
Breakfast at the hotel
Then transfer the airport for the return flight
Take off on … On the flight …
