HO CHI MINH CITY - CU CHI - HUE - HOI AN- HANOI - HA LONG - LUANG PRABANG

Starting in Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, the dynamic heart of Vietnam, we enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of this young city, wander its avenues, and explore its colorful outdoor markets before visiting Cu Chi tunnels, the network of almost 200 kilometers of tunnels that were made famous during the American War. From Ho Chi Minh City we go to historic and peaceful Hue with its many majestic palaces, then on to the garden resort in Hoi An, where we will relax at one of the most beautiful beaches in Asia. We then enjoy the peaceful Hanoi city and spend an overnight aboard a traditional junk in Ha Long Bay, where astonishing limestone islands rise steeply out of clear emerald water. The last days of the trip are delicated to the discovery of a beautiful city of Laos, Luang Prabang.

 

Day 1 Ho Chi Minh City
Dinner
After a warm welcome we transfer to hotel. In the afternoon, we take a city tour of Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, where we can explore the bustling Ben Thanh market, and the Thien Hau Pagoda. We also tour the Cho Lon “Chinese Quarter” and wander along historical boulevards. The sights and smells of Ho Chi Minh City are intense and we will enjoy every moment, from ancient pagodas to new and thriving cafés, shops and boutiques.

Day 2 Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi
Breakfast - Lunch
Today we have the opportunity to visit the controversial War Remnants Museum, the Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Post office before driving to the guerilla base of the Cu Chi tunnels. Here we will gain an insight of the sacrifices and hardships of the Vietnamese people during the American Wars, after which we return to Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 3 Ho Chi Minh City - Hue
Breakfast - Lunch
Transfer to the airport and fly to Hue. Upon arrival at Hue, we visit the Forbidden Citadel where the Emperors of the Nguyen dynasty reigned from 1802 to 1945. In the afternoon, we cruise on the Perfume River to see the Old Thien Mu Pagoda and the ornate Minh Mang Tomb. To finish off the day, we will visit the crowded market of Dong Ba where we can bargain for anything from souvenirs and bronze goods, to Hue sesame sweetmeat and conical poem hats.

Day 4 Hue - Da Nang - Hoi An
Breakfast - Lunch
We cross the spectacular Hai Van Pass to Da Nang city, where we visit Vietnam most famous Cham Museum, followed by a short break at Marble Mountain, before continuing to Hoi An, with its meandering narrow streets dating back to the 16th century. An afternoon tour gives us an opportunity to see the Japanese Bridge, Phuoc Kien Pagoda, the ancient house Tran Phu and the Hoi An museum. Enjoy shopping for tailor-made clothing, lanterns, shoes and food, or just relax on the beach.

Day 5 Hoi An - Da Nang - Hanoi
Breakfast - Dinner
After breakfast we fly to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, where we visit the Ethnological Museum, one of Vietnam’s finest museums, with many exhibits and pictures displaying the 54 ethnic peoples of Vietnam. Later we have the opportunity to see Ngoc Son Pagoda.

Day 6 Hanoi - Ha Long
Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
This morning, we visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the house on stilt and view the One Pillar Pagoda before departing for Ha Long Bay. We board our traditional junk, then cruise through the astonishing limestone islands that rise from the clear emerald waters of the bay. After a sumptuous seafood lunch, we leave G the junk to explore one of the bay’s most beautiful caves, then witness a splendid sunset, enjoy a sumptuous dinner and sleep and overnight on boat.

Day 7 Ha Long - Hanoi
Breakfast - Lunch
We continue exploring the magnificent Ha Long Bay and we enjoy a special breakfast before leaving the junk. We are transferred back to Hanoi, and in the afternoon we visit the historic Temple of Literature, known as Vietnam’s first university, followed by a one hour cyclo tour through the heart of Hanoi - the bustling Old Quarter. To finish the day off, we attend a performance of the exceptional Vietnamese water puppetry.

Day 8 Hanoi - Luang Prabang
Breakfast - Dinner
This morning, we fly to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival, we will be greeted by our guide and transferred to hotel. Luang Prabang has been claimed by UNESCO to be one of the best well - preserved cities in South East Asia. During our time here, we visit the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrines of Wat Aham and Wat Mai. We then climb up to the top of Mount Phousi for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as sunset panoramic view of the city and the Mekong River. From there, we explore the Night Market, where we can find a lovely selection of handmade textiles made by local and hill tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang.

Day 9 Luang Prabang - Pak Ou Cave
Breakfast - Lunch
Today, we visit the temple of Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents classical Laotian architecture. We then embark on a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which also gives us a breathtaking view of the tranquil countryside as well as time to explore the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims. Along the way, we stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where they make the local rice wine. Later on, we take a short drive to Ban Phanom, a small village known for its hand weaving.

Day 10 Luang Prabang - Khouangsi Waterfall
Breakfast - Lunch
An optional early start gives us the fantastic opportunity to participate in the daily morning rituals of saffron-clad monks collecting offerings of Alms (often in the form of sticky rice) from the faithful residents. This tradition is very unique in Laos, being one the few Buddhist nations still observing the ritual. From there we will visit the morning Phousi Morning Market, where we will see diverse offerings such as dried buffalo skin, local tea or saltpeter sold with chickens, vegetables and hill-tribe weavings. Laos is also know for its traditional crafts, and today we will visit the ethnic minority groups at Ban Ouay, a Hmong village, Ban Ou, Laoloum Village and Ban Thapene, all Khmu village. Continuing on, we visit the beautiful Khouangsi Waterfall where we can cool off with a refreshing swim in the pool or walk along the forest in the ils. While returning to Luang Prabang in the late afternoon, we continue to Ban Xangkhong, a village well known for its silk weavings and for its Saa (jute) papermaking. We admire the sunset at Wat Siphouthabath. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 11 Depart Luang Prabang
Breakfast
Today we visit the National Museum (closed on Tuesdays) at the former Royal Palace. It displays a collection of artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through to the last sovereign. There will be also time for us to look around the Central Market. We then transfer to the airport for our departure flight.

END TOUR WITH HAPPY MEMORIES

 

 

What is included:
Meet and greet services at the airport
» 01 Night accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City
» 01 Night accommodation in Cu Chi
» 01 Night accommodation in Hue
» 01 Night accommodation in Hoi An
» 02 Nights accommodation in Hanoi
» 01 Night accommodation in Ha long (On Boat)
» 03 Nights accommodation in Lung Prabang
All the arrival/Departure by AC Private Vehicle
10 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 4 dinners
All the tours and transfers as per the Itinerary
Boat cruises in Ha Long and Hue and Luang Prabang
Entrance fees as stated in the tour program
Local English or French speaking guide in the North, Centre and the South

What is excluded:
» International ticket.
» Air tickets Saigon - Hue/ Da Nang - Hanoi - Luang Prabang.
» Any meals, drinks other than specified.
» Tip and personal expenses