Arrival in Hanoi and transfer from the airport. Although it is the modern-day capital of Vietnam, HANOI still retains the mystery and charm of the past centuries. Start the sightseeing tour with a visit to the OLD QUARTER which is a fascinating area of narrow alleys and shop houses and also known as The 36th Street. Then head off to the HOAN KIEM LAKE located in the heart

of Hanoi. In the North end of this lake one can find the NGOC SON TEMPLE from the 18th century. Finish the day with a visit to the MUSEUM OF ETHNOLOGY. The exhibition gives an insight into the astonishing ethnic diversity in Vietnam.

Overnight in Hanoi

Today continue the sightseeing tour with a visit to the ONE PILLAR PAGODA. 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 TEMPLE OF LITERATURE which is a peaceful series of walled courtyards and graceful gateways. Transfer by vehicle from Hanoi to the Ha Long Bay.

Overnight in Ha Long

The day starts with a cruise on a traditional wooden boat among the emerald waters and craggy limestone cliffs of Ha Long 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. Drive from Hanoi to Ninh Binh.

Overnight in Ninh Binh

Take an excursion 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. Then travel by vehicle from Vinh to Hue. This journey to the South along the Highway 1 goes through a very poor area with a harsh climate and some places have played a major role during the Vietnam-American War.

Overnight in Hue

Take an excursion 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. Then travel by vehicle from Vinh to Hue. This journey to the South along the Highway 1 goes through a very poor area with a harsh climate and some places have played a major role during the Vietnam-American War.

Overnight in Hue

Hue served as the capital of Vietnam for more than 140 years and was established in the 17th century. 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. Afterwards visit the OLD IMERIAL CITY. The IMPERIAL CITADEL is located in the heart of Hue. 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.

Overnight in Hue

Travel by vehicle from Hue to Hoi An on the scenic HAI VAN PASS mountainous roads and enjoy the spectacular views of the coastline. Continue southwards and pass LANG CO, a lovely stretch of beaches and the large coastal city of DANANG. Visit the CHAM MUSEUM in Da Nang which has probably the best collection of Cham art to be found anywhere in the world. Then continue the tour to Hoi An, which is a picturesque riverside town south of Da Nang. A good way to explore this city is a walking tour including the following: The JAPANESE COVERED BRIDGE PAGODA 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. Continue the walk to the SA HUYNH MUSEUM which contains exhibitions from the earliest period of Hoi An’s history and visit the TRAN FAMILY CHAPEL. Then visit the PHUOC KIEN ASSEMBLY HALL built around 1690 and is typical for the Chinese clans settled in the Hoi An area. Finish the tour with a visit to the lantern workshop in Hoi An.

Overnight in Hoi An

Continue the journey 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.

Overnight in Qui Nhon

Travel by vehicle from Qui Nhon to 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 12th centuries. Then head off to the LANG SON PAGODA and the gothic NHA TRANG CATHEDRAL and finish the tour with a visit to the OCEANOGRAPHIC INSTITUE which contains a mini-aquarium with a variety of the colourful local marine life.

Overnight in Nha Trang

Travel by vehicle from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh City and stop on the way to 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. Begin the tour and stroll around the DONG KHOI STREET. Pass by classic European style 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 REUINIFICATION PALACE which formerly was the Independence Palace of the South Vietnamese president. 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 centre where The EMPEROR OF JADE PAGODA will be visited. In the afternoon, head out to CHOLON (Chinatown), 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

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 some homemade honey-tea. Continue the tour on a small sampan boat through the canals and stop for a stroll.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

Transfer from the hotel to the airport. End of the tour.