DAY 1 : PARIS – HO CHI MINH CITY
Takeoff on the flight … to
DAY 2 : HO CHI MINH CITY
Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City at …
Ho Chi Minh city : also known as Saigon is the largest city in Vietnam with the population nearly 9 millions. The city is called ‘Diamond of the Far-East’, the same luxury level overriding Hong Kong or Bangkok. Ho Chi Minh city becomes very important city in Vietnam. The nice location at central of the South Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh city becomes very important center of transportation lead to surrounding provinces , bring opportunities to develop the economy and tourism of Eastern and Western area of the South.
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.
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.
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 …
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.
Independence Palace (Dinh Doc Lap), also known as Reunification Palace (Vietnamese: Dinh Thong Nhat), built on the site of the former Norodom Palace, is a landmark in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. It was designed by architect Ngo Viet Thụ and was the home and workplace of the President of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. It was the site of the end of the Vietnam War during the Fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975, when a North Vietnamese Army tank crashed through its gates
Dinner at the restaurant
DAY 3 HO CHI MINH CITY – VINH LONG – CAN THO
Breakfast at the hotel
Then depart to the Mekong Delta with the visit :
Cai Be: is a district in the west of Tien Giang province. Cai Be has total area of 41,000 ha, and a population of 280,000 people living in 24 communes and a capital town of same name. Local economy is mainly based on horticulture and tourism with a great number of fruit orchards. Cai Be has a small Cai Be floating market which is yet to be touristy as the Cai Rang floating market in Can Tho. Cai Be is in the northern side of My Thuan Bridge, the gate into Vinh Long province and the whole Mekong Delta in general.
Cai Be floating market : Foreigners who never heard floating markets before are highly advised to set foot in Cai Be once in their trip to Vietnam. Floating market is a huge marketplace where both sellers and buyers make deals or purchases on the boats. The truth is that this kind of market is very common in the Mekong Delta region where the people’ lives are also closely attached to the waterway.
Tasting seasonal fruits while listening to traditional music
– The An Binh island with its flower gardens, nurseries, orchards
– Rowing in small boats
After lunch with the locals, the boat takes you to visit:
– The tile and ceramic manufacturing plant
– The rice cake factory, rice popcorn and coconut candies.
Direction of Can Tho city.
Can Tho Province : locates in the center of the Mekong Delta, Can Tho is endowed with favorable conditions: fertile soil, tropical climate, and an interlaced system of rivers and channels. With total area of nearly 1,400 square km2. If Halong Bay lures tourists by its majestic landscape, Phong Nha seduces travelers with its mysterious charm, Can Tho definitely will make tourists unforgettable by its idyllic beauty with floating markets, Buddhist pagodas, delicious food, tropical fresh fruit and Mekong charming girls
DAY 4 : CAN THO – HO CHI MINH CITY – DA NANG – HOI AN
Breakfast at the hotel
In the morning, 7H motorboat ride on the Cai Nong canal to visit the Cai Rang Floating Market.
Cai Rang Floating Market : in Can Tho City is one of the three biggest in the Mekong Delta. The shops and stalls at the market are boats of different sizes. One of the most interesting sights in the Delta are the floating markets and associated river life. Most of the boats are loaded with a lot of agricultural products and specialties of Mekong River Delta. Cai Rang Floating Market is one of the most outstanding one in Mekong River Delta. The market is not just a crowsed trading area, but also a unique cultural space in Can Tho
Visit the old house Binh Thuy.
Return to Saigon, and lunch along the way.
Then transfer to Ho Chi Minh City Airport for the flight to Da Nang
Takeoff on … on the flight…
Arrival in Da Nang at …
Transfer to Hoi An,
Dinner at the restaurant
DAY 5 : HOI AN
Breakfast at the hotel
visit :
Hoi An : is one of the most famous destinations in the middle part of Viet Nam , 30km far from Da Nang. Hoi An ancient town was recognized as the World heritage by UNESCO. Moreover, the diverse cultural influences remain visible today from the culture of Kingdom of Champa ,the Asian culture of Japanese, Chinese, Indian and the Western culture during the trading time from the 16th century. Since 1998, the Hoi An resident decided to preserve one of the beautiful culture that’s using colored lanterns. On the 14th of each lunar month, residents will switch off their lights and hang cloth and paper lanterns on their porches and windows. Others electronics as TV, radios, street lights and neon lights are turned off, and a sparkling, romantic and mysterious view is opened. Hoi An residents place offerings of food and incense on their ancestral altars and then go to visit the pagodas. The scent of incense and the sounds of people singing add to the town’s enchanted atmosphere.
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.
Lunch at the restaurant.
Visit 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
The rest of the time is dedicated to shopping or various activities at the hotel. Possibility of cycling by asking at the reception of the hotel.
Free time to enjoy An Bang beach or bike ride to Cua Dai beach
DAY 6 : HOI AN
Breakfast at the hotel
Free day.
DAY 7 : HOI AN – HUE
Breakfast at the hotel
Depart to Hoi An to Hue.
Lang Co beach : has 10 kilometers length, belongs to Lang Co commune, Phu Loc district, Thua Thien Hue. The beach about 24 kilometers from Hai Van Pass and Bach Ma Mountain. Lang Co situated between 3 cultural heritage centres: Hue ancient capital, Hoi An old quarter and My Son Sanctuary with the radius about 70 kilometers. Lang Co attracts tourists and researchers from the cultural heritage centre. Lang Co is on the North-South tourist route and far 30 kilometers from Da Nang city and far 70 kilometers from Hue city. Lang Co beach is located on the foot of Hai Van Mountain. This area includes sand-bank near the coast with 1.5 meters height- 10.5 meters height. Next is the dune with the height of 5 meters to 23 meters lasting 8-9 kilometers.
Hue : is located in central Vietnam on the banks of the Huong River, a few miles inland from Bien Dong. It is about 700 kilometers south of the Hanoi national capital and about 1100 kilometers north of Ho Chi Minh City. Throughout the centuries, the quintessence of country converges here to create a fantastic natural picture with romantic river and charming mountain. The architecture seems to be mixed with wonderful nature, which creates the charming picture.Today, Hue becomes the typical city of Vietnam. Every two years, people welcome Hue festival.
The Citadel of Hue (Kinh thanh hue), is a large fortress built in the 17TH century (year 1805) mandated by Emperor Gia Long in the city of Hue in Central Vietnam. This huge and magnificent monument has been designed combining the concepts of Chinese geomancy (the best example is The forbidden city in Beijing) and the military principles of the French architect Sébastien de Vauban. The resulting final set are precious palaces, beautiful temples melted between walls, ramparts and moats, which coexist in total harmony.
Lunch at the restaurant.
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.
The village making conical hats.
Perfume River Hue – Huong River Hue city : is famous for its romance and charming beauty, and Perfume River is one of its outstanding. Its length is around 80 kilometers, before coming Hue it go through many forests of aromatic plants before, so it creates the river’s purity and fresh aroma. In the autumn, the river becomes more beautiful and charming when flowers from plantations fall into the water. Artists’ inspiration is derived from the Huong’s water, its landscape and even the bridge over the river. Especially, it becomes more beautiful at night when the lights are on.
Thien Mu Pagoda : is situated on Ha Khe hill, on the north bank of the Perfume River, 5 kilometers from Hue city. The beautiful pagoda was built in 1601. The most striking feature of the pagoda, Phuoc Duyen tower (initially called Tu Nhan tower), was erected in 1884 by King Thieu Tri, and has become the unofficial symbol of Hue. It is the highest stupa in Vietnam, and is often the subject of folk rhymes and cadao about Hue, such is its iconic status and association with the city. More importantly, it is regarded as the unofficial symbol of the former imperial capital. To the left of the tower is a pavilion sheltering an enormous bell. The bell, called Dai Hong Chung, was cast in 1710 by Lord Nguyen Phuc Chu. It is famous for the great size, which is 2.5m high and 3,285 kg weigh.Besides, there are several popular works of art inside the pagoda, which are of great captivation to tourists.
DAY 8 : HUE – VINH
Breakfast at the hotel
Then depart to Vinh and visit en route from
Phong Nha Caves : only 60km away from Dong Hoi City, this number one cavern in Vietnam has become an increasingly famous attraction in recent years. Phong Nha Cavern has many sections, with a total length of up to 20km. The mouth of the cavern has a width of 20m and a height of 10m. Phong Nha has more than 20 caves with a huge 1500m-long main hall as well as many supplement halls which are hundreds meter long. The outer caves have 10m high ceilings and the inner caves have 25-50m high ceilings. It is hard and even nearly impossible to describe in words the majestic beauty of those caves and halls painted with the glistering color of underground water reflecting on huge blocks of stalagmites and stalactites.
Lunch at the restaurant.
Arrival in Vinh, transfer to your hotel
Dinner at the restaurant
DAY 9: VINH – NINH BINH
Breakfast at the hotel
Depart to Ninh Binh
NINH BINH : is a province in Red river delta. It is far about 90 kilometers from Hanoi with convenient transportation system. The city itself is a fairly uneventful place, but it is surrounded by a stunning landscape of lush green paddy fields and striking limestone outcrops and is the hopping off point for sights and attractions including Tam Coc and Trang An, Bich Dong, Hoa Lu, Phat Diem Cathedral, Van Long and Cuc Phuong National Park
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.
Lunch at the restaurant.
Overnight at hotel in Ninh Binh
DAY 10: NINH BINH – HA LONG
Breakfast at the hotel, ,
Depart to 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 at the restaurant.
Halong Bay Cruise: On board a junk, you’ll have a memorable cruise. Spend your day admiring one of the natural wonders of Vietnam. Visit islets, caves, If the heart tells you, you can make a dip in the jade waters of the Gulf of Tonkin.
Overnight at hotel in Ha Long
DAY 11: HA LONG – HA NOI
Breakfast, free time.
Back to Hanoi.
HANOI CITY : is the capital of Northern Vietnam and keeps this role until now. The city is located on the right bank of the Red River and far about 1760 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City. Hanoi features a warm humid subtropical climate with plentiful precipitation. In addition, Hanoi is considered one of the main cultural centers of Vietnam, where most Vietnamese dynasties have left their imprint.
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.
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.
Overnight at hotel in Ha Noi
DAY 12: HA NOI – FRANCE
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.
The Presidential Palace: is the residence of the President of the Republic of Vietnam located in Hanoi. The palace is the former residence of the governors-general of French Indochina. This palace was built between 1900 and 1906 by Auguste Henri Vildieu under the command of Governor Paul Doumer. It is neoclassical in style with some Italian neo-Renaissance elements.
The mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh: it is in this huge mausoleum that the body of Ho Chi Minh is artificially preserved. Built in the same place where Ho Chi Minh proclaimed the independence of Viet Nam in August 1945. Once accessed in the huge room where the sarcophagus of glass is deposited you head to the residence of Ho Chi Minh, a house on piles in the middle of the pines.
The unique pillar pagoda: close to the museum. Adorable pagoda in the middle of a pond where lotus flowers in summer. His interest lies partly in the originality of his bill. The pagoda, built on a pestle, was supposed to evoke a lotus. With the small pagoda next door and the garden, the whole is very charming. It is also the emblem of the city.
Tonight transfer to the airport for the return flight
Take off on the flight … to…
DAY 13 : FRANCE
Arrival at the airport
