Arrival in Hanoi and transfer from the airport.

Overnight in Hanoi

Although it is the modern-day capital of Vietnam, HANOI still retains the mystery and charm of the past centuries. Narrow lanes and traditional shop houses invite to explore. Its many beautiful public places, lakes, parks, tree-lined boulevards and monuments give the city a breeze of elegance and harmony with nature. Start the sightseeing tour with a visit to the TEMPLE OF LITERATURE which is a peaceful series of walled courtyards and graceful gateways. Founded in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius, this was also Vietnam’s first university. Continue the tour with a visit to the ONE PILLAR PAGODA. This pagoda is from the 11^th century and was rebuilt by the French in 1954. The pagoda is close to the HO CHI MINH MEMORIAL COMPLEX where the tour begins at the HO CHI MINH MAUSOLEUM. Here visitors can pay respect to the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh. Continue through the park to the HO CHI MINH STILT HOUSE, a simple two-room dwelling where Ho Chi Minh lived from 1948 until his final days. Then, head off to the HOAN KIEM LAKE located in the heart of Hanoi. The lake contains an islet with a tiny TORTOISE PAGODA. On the way, other colonial landmarks like the magnificent OPERA HOUSE and ST. JOSEPH’s CATHEDRAL can be visited. Continue the walk to the OLD QUARTER which is a fascinating area of narrow alleys and shop houses and also known as The 36th Street. Each street is named after the merchandise traditionally sold here. The goods range from fabrics and crafts to medicines and tombstones. In the afternoon spend some time in one of Hanoi’s famous museums. The HISTORY MUSEUM is located in an elegant building from the 1930s and used to be the museum of the Ecole Francaise d’Extreme Orient. Its exhibition gives an overview of the entire Vietnamese history. Alternatively THE MUSEUM OF ETHNOLOGY can be visited. The exhibition gives an insight into the astonishing ethnic diversity in Vietnam. The art and artifacts from 54 different ethnic groups can be admired inside and outside the museum.

The tour ends with a visit to the WATER PUPPET SHOW which is a fantastic art form originating in the northern Vietnam. Transfer to a restaurant and afterwards to the hotel.

Overnight in Hanoi

Travel to the airport in Hanoi and fly to Dien Bien Phu where the afternoon will be spent at leisure.

Overnight in Dien Bien Phu

In one of the most remote areas of Vietnam, surrounded by steep forested mountains, DIEN BIEN PHU was the city where the Vietnamese decisively defeated the French in a single battle and ended their colonial control of Indochina. Begin the tour with a visit to the DIEN BIEN PHU MUSEUM, which contains artifacts and exhibits related to the battle. Then head off to the HILL A1, where the defenders fought the never ending onrush of French forces. Today, there are realistic re-creations of the bunkers and the bomb crater is still visible. Continue the trip to the BUNKER OF DE CASTRIES, where the headquarters of this French commander was recreated.

Finish the tour with an excursion by boat to Pakhoang.

Overnight in Dien Bien Phu

Travel to the airport in Dien Bien Phu and fly back to Hanoi.

Overnight in Hanoi

Transfer by vehicle from Hanoi to the Ha Long Bay. The day starts with a cruise on a traditional wooden boat among the emerald waters and craggy limestone cliffs of Halong Bay. Stop and explore one of the many caves in this area. Sail past floating villages, watch fishermen casting their nets, see the pearl fisheries and observe the rhythm of the daily life on the bay. Return to the Halong pier.

Overnight in Halong

Travel by vehicle from Halong to Nihn Binh which is Vietnam third most populated city.

Ninh Binh is the main industrial center of the north and one of the countries most important seaports. Visit the highlights of the town. Start with a visit to the DU HANG PAGODA which is a beautiful example of traditional Vietnamese architecture and a stop at the communal house of DINH HANG KENH which is known for its 500 relief sculptures in wood. Continue onwards to HOA LU which was the capital of Vietnam under the Dinh Dynasty (980-1009). The site was the capital as it was close to China and had a natural protection owing to the region’s bizarre landscape. Most of the ancient capital of Hoa Lu was destroyed.

Overnight in Ninh Binh

Start the day with an excursion to CUC PHUONG NATIONAL PARK which is home to an extraordinary variety of species. Established in 1962, it is considered to be one of Vietnam’s most important nature reserves. Before entering the park gates, stop at ENDANGERED PRIMATE RESCUE CENTER which saves nearly extinct primates from hunters and medicine seekers. The center is run by German and Vietnamese biologists and is home to different gibbons, langurs and lorises before they are reintroduced to the wild life again. Continue the trip with a leisurely boat ride to the KEHN GA FLOATING VILLAGE and ride past verdant rice paddies located at the base of limestone cliffs. Enjoy to watch the daily life and observe the unique method of the villagers to row their boat with their feet.

Overnight in Ninh Binh

Travel by vehicle from Ninh Binh to Vinh and stop in PHAT DIEM to visit the cathedral known for its vast dimensions and unique Sino-Vietnamese architecture. During the French era, the cathedral was an important centre of Catholicism in the north and there was a seminary here. Continue the excursion by a visit to Kim Lien and Hoang Tru. Kim Lien is Ho Chi Minh’s birthplace. The house in which he was born in 1890 is maintained as a sacred shrine and is a favourite pilgrimage spot for Vietnamese people. Ho’s childhood home is a simple farmhouse, reflecting his humble background.

Overnight in Vinh

Travel by vehicle from Vinh to Dong Hoi. The journey goes across the Quang Binh Province. Stop for an excursion at the PHONG NHA CAVE located in the village Son Trach. The Phon Nha Cave was formed nearly 250 million years ago and is filled with meters of underground passageways with abundant stalactites and stalagmites.

Overnight in Dong Hoi

Travel by vehicle from Dong Hoi to Dong Ha and explore the VINH MOC TUNNEL which is a network of 2,8 km digged by hand from the villagers of Vinh Moc to protect themselves in the most heavily bombed area during the Vietnam- American War. Continue the tour and stop for a visit to the QUANG TRI CITADEL in Quang Tri. This town was once an important citadel city but unfortunately heavily bombed during the war so that not many of the original building of this time are left. Continue the travel by vehicle from Dong Ha to Hue.

Overnight in Hue

Hue served as the capital of Vietnam for more than 140 years and was established in the 17th century. A lot of ancient temples, imperial buildings and French-style edifices can be found in this city. Enjoy a boat ride down the PERFUME RIVER with a first stop at the iconic THIEN MU PAGODA which is an elegant seven-tiered octagonal tower and Hue’s most widely recognized monument. Continue the boat ride and stop to visit the IMPERIAL TOMB OF MINH MANG which is a majestic complex of courtyards, pavilions and temples. The sightseeing tour continues with a visit to the IMPERIAL TOMB OF TU DUC. Take some time to soak in the tranquil atmosphere, wandering among the gracefully proportioned pavilions, courtyards and lotus ponds. Afterwards visit the IMPERIAL TOMB OF KHAI DINH located on a hillside. This tomb incorporates distinct European elements into the traditional Vietnamese architecture.

Overnight in Hue

Begin the sightseeing tour in the Old Imperial City located in the heart of Hue. This vast complex was built in the early 19th century and modeled after the Forbidden City of Peking. Most of the buildings have been destroyed during the Vietnam-American War, but the monuments that remain provide a fascinating glimpse into the court life of the Nguyen Dynasty. Continue the trip by visiting the DIEN THO RESIDENCE (Dien Tho palace). Look at the THAI HOA PALACE and its magnificently decorated reception hall, the HALLS OF THE MANDARINS as well as the original NINE DYNASTIC URNS among other sites. The tour ends with a visit to the local DONG BA MARKET which is close to the Imperial City. Then travel by vehicle from Hue to Hoi An and stop for a sightseeing tour in Da Nang. During this trip on the scenic mountainous roads the spectacular views of the coastline can be enjoyed. Halfway between Da Nang and Hue lies the HAI VAN PASS, which is the dividing line between the climate zones of North and South Vietnam. Continue southwards and pass LANG CO, a lovely stretch of beaches curving outwards between a clear blue lagoon, the East Vietnam Sea and the large coastal city of DANANG before arriving in Hoi An. Begin the sightseeing tour in Da Nang with a visit to the CHAM MUSEUM. This elegant colonial building holds the finest collection of Cham sculpture in the world. Briefly pass MY KHE BEACH a famous spot for American soldiers during the Vietnam-American War. Continue the travel southwards and stop on the way to visit the MARBLE MOUNTAINS. These are five stone hillocks rising sharply from the surrounding rice fields and are said to each represent one of the five elements of the universe.

Overnight in Hoi An

Hoi An is a picturesque riverside town south of Da Nang. Known as Faifo to early western traders, it was one of South East Asia’s major international ports during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. This beautifully preserved historic city can be best visited on foot. Wander through the cobbled streets, pass low tile-roofed buildings and explore the bustling central MARKET and the small HARBOUR where colourful painted boats are moored. Continue the walking tour and visit a PRIVATE HOUSE where members of the same family have lived continuously for centuries in the traditional way. Then head off to a FAMILY CHAPEL build by prominent merchant or official families as center for ancestor worship. A CHINESE-STYLE PAGODA or ASSEMBLY HALL will also be visited. Continue the walk to the SA HUYNH MUSEUM which contains exhibitions from the earliest period of Hoi An’s history. Take the time to visit a handicraft workshop where local products are being made. Finally walk to the famous JAPANESE COVERED BRIDGE PAGODA which is the first bridge on this site and was constructed in 1593 by the Japanese community of Hoi An to link the town with the Chinese quarters across the stream. In the afternoon board a local boat and cruise down the THU BON RIVER. Enjoy the unspoiled countryside and visit a POTTERY VILLAGE and a WOODCARVING VILLAGE before returning to the Hoi An harbour.

Overnight in Hoi An

Travel by vehicle from Hoi An to Qui Nhon on the Highway 1 and pass by Tam Ky and Quang Ngai. This region is one of the most arid in Vietnam. Start the sightseeing tour in QUI NHON with a visit to the two Cham towers of THAP DOI known for their unusual curved pyramidal roofs. Then head off to the LONG KHANH PAGODA the most important temple in town and end the tour at the QUANG TRUNG MUSEUM which is known for its demonstrations of Binh Dinh vo which is a traditional martial art that is performed with a bamboo stick.

Overnight in Qui Nhon

Travel by vehicle from Qui Nhon to Pleiku. Pleiku is a major market town in the western highlands where many members of the JARAI minority live. Visit the colourful LOCAL MARKET and the GAI LAI ETHNOGRAPHY MUSEUM for an introduction to the ethnic minorities of the region. Then head off to the SEA LAKE (BIEN HO) situated outside the town. This beautiful and deep mountain lake was formed from a prehistoric volcanic crater. Enjoy the lovely view from the old crater rim. On the way the villages of the JARAI and BAHNAR minority can be visited and if there is still enough time a visit to the MINH THANH PAGODA and a TEA PLANTATION can also be arranged.

Overnight in Pleiku

Travel by vehicle from Pleiku to Buon Ma Thuot. Buon Ma Thuot is the capital of the Dac Lak province and a prosperous town in a region known for coffee plantations and the diverse Montagnard population. Begin the tour with a visit to the ETHNOGRAPHIC MUSEUM. This museum provides a comprehensive insight into the many distinct ethnic groups of the province and displays their traditional Montagnard dresses, agricultural implements, fishing equipment as well as musical instruments. Continue the tour and visit the KHAI DOAN PAGODA, the LAC GIAO TEMPLE as well as the CATHOLIC CHURCH.

Overnight in Buon Ma Thuot

Travel by vehicle from Buon Ma Thuot to Nha Trang and enjoy the ride along forests, coffee plantations and rice fields. Stop at the LAK LAKE which is a tranquil area where inhabitants still follow a traditional lifestyle. Enjoy a BOAT RIDE in a dugout canoe and take a look at various MNONG VILLAGES at the lake. This matrilineal tribe passes its name and inheritance through the female line and lives in longhouses. End the tour at the small VILLA OF EMPEROR BAO DAI and enjoy the lovely lake view.

Overnight in Nha Trang

Start the Sightseeing Tour in Nha Trang with a visit to the ancient PO NAGAR CHAM TOWERS which were built between the 7th and the 12 centuries. Then head off to the LANG SON PAGODA and the gothic NHA TRANG CATHEDRAL and continue the tour with a visit to the OCEANOGRAPHIC INSTITUE which contains a mini-aquarium with a variety of the colourful local marine life. End the tour with a boat ride to CON SE TRE one of the islands nearby and visit the SEAWATER AQUARIUM there. Mieu Island has an important fish-breeding farm where over forty species of fish, crustaceans and other marine life are raised. Continue the visit to Con Se Tre and further islands located southwest of Bamboo Island.

Overnight in Nha Trang

Travel by vehicle from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh City and stop on the way and see the PO KLONG GAI RAI CHAM TOWERS which are four brick monuments from the Cham civilization constructed in the 13th century.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

The vibrant metropolis Ho Chi Minh City teems with energy, activity and motion where traditional life meets modern life. The emerging modern skylines stand cheek by jowl with colonial buildings and traditional temples. Begin the tour and stroll around the DONG KHOI STREET, formerly known as the Rue Catinat which is the heart of old colonial Ho Chi Minh City. Pass by classic Europeanstyle landmarks such as the CITY Hall (HOTEL DE VILLE),the OPERA HOUSE and pay a quick visit to the neo-Romanesque NOTRE DAME CATHEDREAL and the CENTRAL POST OFFICE. Continue the tour with a visit to the REUNIFICATION PALACE which formerly was the Independence Palace of the South Vietnamese president. The 60s-style building was stormed by tanks on April 30, 1975 signifying the fall of South Vietnam and has been preserved in its original state. Continue to the WAR REMNANTS MUSEUM which contains a comprehensive documentation of the long Vietnam-American War. The tour continues with a visit to the historic center where The EMPEROR OF JADE PAGODA will be visited which is one of Ho Chi Minh City’s most interesting pagodas. In the afternoon, head out to CHOLON Chinatown) and explore the highlights of this fascinating area. Visit the BINH TAY MARKET which is a vast wholesale market where every kind of good can be found. Then head off to the THIEN HAU PAGODA which was build by the Cantonese congregation. End the tour and enjoy a visit to the central BEN THANH MARKET.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

During today’s sightseeing tour a visit to TAY NINH will take place. This is the birthplace of the unique Cao Dai religion which is a fusion of Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Christianity, Islam and native Vietnamese spiritual beliefs. Every day at noon there is the opportunity to respectfully watch the worshippers dressed in colourful robes flock to the CAO DAI GREAT TEMPLE where they participate in the daily prayer session. Continue to the CU CHI TUNNELS which were never discovered by American forces. These tunnels are stretching over 200 km and were an important Vietcong base during the American war. This underground network, dug by hand, connected command posts, hospitals, shelter and weapon factories.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

Journey through Ben Luc and Tan An. Take a boat trip on the Mekong River through the Vam Xep canal to Ben Tre where local handicrafts and sweets from coconut are produced. Observe the local life and take a short ride on a horse carriage to a typical local house to taste som homemade honey-tea. Continue the tour on a small sampan boat through the canals and stop for a stroll. Drive back and overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Transfer from the hotel to the airport.