Essential Viet Nam Tour 12 days

Destinations: Hanoi | Halong bay | Hue | Hoian | Nha Trang City | Dalat | Ho Chi Minh City

Experience the charm of Hanoi, the scenic impressive sight of Halong Bay, the ancient capital of Hue, the charming Hoi An, Nha Trang, the hill station of Dalat, the vibrant Ho Chi Minh City and the mighty Mekong Delta. This is a wonderful trip designed for those who want to experience the very best of Vietnam , but only have limited time.    
Day 1: Arrival - Hanoi

 Ha Noi, Vietnam's capital, is a stylish and gracious city that retains an unique old world charm and some Asia‘s most striking colonial architecture. The many lakes and parks make for relaxing atmosphere. If time permits then we enjoy a short cyclo excursion through the bustling old quarter streets named after the specific goods once offered for sale at these places.
Stay overnight in Ha Noi (B). 
Day 2: Hanoi - Halong

Today, we enjoy a half day city tour starting with the Ho Chi Minh Complex, which contain the Mausoleum of the nation’s founder Ho Chi Minh, the Presidential Palace and the Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts. The complex also comprises the One Pillar Pagoda, whose origins date back to the foundation of Hanoi . We follow this with a trip to the Temple of Literature , well known as Vietnam ’s first university, and the History Museum which displays an excellent collection of artifacts illustrating the Vietnamese history. The peaceful lake of Hoan Kiem and the bustling Dong Xuan Market are also visited before we depart for Halong Bay through the scenic countryside. Stay overnight in Ha Long (B, L, D).
Day 3: Halong - Hanoi
The wondrous Halong Bay is truly one of Vietnam ’s most impressive scenic sights. Heading out of the town we embark on a boat for an exploration of the legendary Halong Bay . This exciting five hour cruise will provide us a fantastic view of the picturesque scenery blending with the sky and some 3,000 limestone islands rising amazingly from the clear and emerald water. The limestone karst formations are littered with beaches, grottoes and beautiful caves. Along the way we will anchor for a leisurely swim in a secluded cave and an enjoyable visit to one of the many hidden grottoes beneath towering cliffs

After a seafood lunch on board, we return to Ha Noi, stopping en route at Dong Trieu pottery village. We arrive in time to see an evening performance of Hanoi 's famous water puppets. Stay overnight in Ha Noi (B, L). 
Day 4: Hanoi - Hue

An impressive way to commence the day is a walk around Hoan Kiem Lake at dawn, where hundreds of people come to do their morning exercise (on your own).

The next destination of our trip is Hue via a short flight from Hanoi . As Vietnam ’s last feudal capital, the small and quiet city of Hue is widely known for magnificent architectures, pagodas and royal tombs laid in many small villages and surrounding hills. We spend this afternoon to visit Hue with the massive citadel, which contains the Imperial City and the Purple Forbidden City. This royal residence was all but destroyed during the 1968 Tet Offensive, however it is still fascinating to walk among the ruins.

After an impressive boat trip, we return to the town and enjoy a walk to the bustling Dong Ba Market that sells a wide variety of local goods and handicrafts. Along the way we pass by many fantastic eating spots, ideal places for visitors to sample some local delicacies. Stay overnight in Hue (B, L).
Day 5: Hue - Danang - Hoian

The beautiful riverside pagoda of Thien Mu which now becomes the symbol of Hue , and the elaborate royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc are not to be missed. We include these in a guided cruise on the Perfume River .

Upon leaving Hue we drive south to Hoian which was originally a Cham seaport but has been influenced down the centuries by a myriad of traders from various cultures. The scenic road is hugging the coastline before crossing over the winding Hai Van pass. A view from the top of the pass is one of Vietnam ’s most impressive panoramic scenes. We stop en route to visit the Cham Museum in Danang City , the China Beach and the Marble Mountain , whose peaks represent the five elements of the universe (B, L).
Day 6: Hoian

The ancient architecture of Hoian is a fascinating combination of Vietnamese traditional characters with Chinese and Japanese influence.

There are plenty to see in this delightful town, some of which are the famous Japanese Covered Bridges, the Pottery Museum, the 200 years old Tamky House, the Chua Ong Pagoda, the vibrant market.

Today, we include these on a walking tour past many low tiled houses scattered along the small streets and assembly halls which reflect the town's multi-cultural past. A perfect way to round off the day is a boat trip on the Thu Bon River , which also gives us a chance to admire the spectacular countryside and explore a handicraft ceramic village and boat building yards (B, L).
Day 7: Hoian - Nha Trang

An early morning transfer to Danang Airport for a short flight to Nha Trang. The fabulous sunny weather, turquoise water surrounding a string of offshore islands, and white sandy beach stretching the whole length of the city make Nha Trang an ideal place for anyone seeking an enjoyable escape.

After checking into hotel we visit Nha Trang's some major sights, including the Oceanographic Institute, the Long Son Pagoda with its famous giant Buddha image, the Hon Chong Rock formation and the impressive Ponagar Cham Towers , which are overlooking the colourful fishing port. The remainder of the day will be free for a well earned rest on a beach (B).
Day 8: Nha Trang - Dalat

Upon leaving Nhatrang we head south towards Dalat, sometimes known as the "City of Eternal Spring". The journey will pass by the famous Cam Ranh Bay before arriving at the Po Klong Jarai Towers which represent an interesting culture and a colorful history of the Cham people.

At an elevation of over 1,000 meters, the hill station of Da Lat was founded in the early year of the last century for the colonials to escape the heat and chaos of Saigon . On arrival in Dalat we start our tour taking us through plenty of the French colonial architectures to the summer residence of Vietnam ’s last Emperor Bao Dai, who was forced to abdicate in 1945, shortly after the end of the World War II. The following sights are the Lam Ty Ni Pagoda and Hang Nga Guesthouse, known as the Crazy House because of its bizarre architecture (B, L).
Day 9: Dalat - HCMC

The following destination of our trip is Ho Chi Minh City , still called Saigon by many locals. This bustling metropolis, contradiction of its northern counterpart, is crowded with motobikes and cars, excited by numerous shopping area and sidewalk cafés.

After an enjoyable visit to the busy Hoa Binh Market, we make our way down hill to Ho Chi Minh, travelling through the many tea and coffee plantations. The drive is long, but views are fantastic. Along the way we can make stops as we please, to stretch our legs and take some wonderful photographs (B).
Day 10: HCMC - Cu Chi Tunnels - HCMC

The sightseeing tour of Ho Chi Minh begins with a visit to the Reunification Palace which was the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until end of April 1975. Close to the palace are some striking French colonial structures including the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Sai Gon Post Office. We also visit the Jade Emperor Pagoda and the War Remnant Museum before continuing to the bustling Ben Thanh Market where everything and anything is for sale!

We then transfer out to explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, an incredible underground network of approximately 200 km constructed by Vietnamese fighters during the long struggle for independence. The tunnels contained hospitals, plus accommodation and schools, and were used as a military base for the Vietcong in the American war (B. L). 
Day 11: HCMC - Mekong Delta - HCMC

Heading out of the town, we travel by roads to the Mekong Delta, Vietnam 's largest rice bowl.

On arrival in My Tho we embark on a boat navigating around the intricate small canals in the delta region, which is a great way to observe the local lifestyle close-up and catch a view dotted by many islands. The exciting excursion will pass the lush green vegetation before arriving at the famous Unicorn Island . Here we have opportunities to stroll around an orchard, taste many seasonal fruits and enjoy wonderful traditional music.

The next stop of our trip is Ben Tre Province to visit some fascinating local industries. After feasting on a huge lunch we return to Ho Chi Minh, stopping off along the way to see the beautiful Ving Trang Pagoda and the Cho Lon, Saigon’s Chinatown, which is crammed with sacred temples and mysterious, narrow lanes (B,L)
Day 12: HCMC - Departure

There is a free time for you to relax or further explore Ho Chi Minh. The trip ends after your transfer to Tan San Nhat Airport for departure. End of the tour (B)

 Tour includes:

·                                 Internal flights: Hanoi-Hue & Danang- Nhatrang with Vietnam Airlines, economy class

·                                 All land transportation as shown in the program

·                                 11 nights in comfortable accommodation in twin sharing room

·                                 21 meals - 12 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 1 dinner

·                                 English-speaking local guides

·                                 Boat cruising on Halong bay, Perfume river ( Hue ), Thu Bon river (Hoian) and Mekong Delta (Vinh Long)

·                                 Cyclo rides in Hanoi and Hue

·                                 All entrance and sightseeing fees

Tour excludes:

·                                 International airfares & airport taxes in/out Vietnam

·                                 (Single) Entry visa to Vietnam  

·                                 Meals that not mentioned in the program

                                  Travel insurance

·                                 Personal expenses ( drinks, laundry, telephone...)

·                                Tips

Email: phamtours@yahoo.com