Routes: Ho Chi Minh City – Tay Ninh – Cu Chi – Mekong Delta – Dalat – Hoian – Hue – Hanoi – Halong Bay – Hoa Lu Tam Coc
This Vietnam History and Present tour is special designed for travellers who want to learn history of Vietnam in combination with discover the life of Vietnamese today. The tour starts in Ho Chi Minh City and finishes in Hanoi.

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh Arrival (D)
You will be welcomed at the airport and transferred to the hotel for check-in. Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is a centre of commerce, finance, culture and tourism in Vietnam. This bustling metropolis, contradiction of its northern counterpart, is crowded with bikes and motorbikes, excited by numerous shopping area and sidewalk cafés. After take a short rest in hotel, a half day city tour around the downtown to explore the different local ways of life and take part in welcome dinner at the local restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City – Tay Ninh – Cu Chi – Ho Chi Minh City (B, L)
In the morning, transfer for visiting the head quarter of Cao Dai sect in Tay Ninh. This religion was founded in 1923 and now numbers over 2 million members. On arrival you see the ornate temple and attend the fantastic mid-day service when the followers fill the hall wearing colored robes, a symbol of the curious combination of the Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism. After lunch, continue to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, which were an incredible underground network 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. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 3: Ho Chi Minh City Tour– Mekong Delta (B, L)
The sightseeing tour acquaints you with some major sights of Ho Chi Minh City. You pass the now-demolished wartime American Embassy on our way to the Reunification Palace. This famous edifice was the former residence of the President of Southern 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. You also visit the Jade Emperor Pagoda and the War Remnant Museum before ending up our morning agenda at the famous Ben Thanh Market. Travel by roads through the rolling countryside to Can Tho, the largest town in the Mekong Delta. Overnight in Can Tho.
Day 4: Can Tho – Vinh Long – Ho Chi Minh City (B, L)
Leaving Can Tho we drive to Vinh Long and board a boat for an exciting excursion around the tributaries of the mighty Mekong River. As a highlight of the trip you visit the various fascinating local cottages industries including rice paper makers, bonsai nurseries as well as the vibrant floating market of Cai Be whose trading way is very interesting. After feasting on a huge lunch followed with many seasonal fruits at an orchard, you weave the way through the intricate network of canals that are the lifeblood of the Mekong Delta. Return to Ho Chi Minh City, stopping off along the way to see the Cho Lon, Saigon's Chinatown, which is crammed with fascinating temples and mysterious, narrow lanes. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 5: Ho Chi Minh City – Da Lat (B)
The northbound journey begins as you depart Ho Chi Minh City and pass through the many tea and coffee plantations to the hill station of Da Lat, sometimes known as the 'City of Eternal Spring'. The drive is long but views are fantastic. On arrival you can soak up the cool climate as much as you want by spending your time to wander around and catch our first glimpse of the town. The influence of the French is prevalent since Da Lat was founded as a hill retreat for the colonials to escape the oppressive heat of the coastal plains and the Mekong Delta. This charming town is set around a lake and surrounded by forests, waterfalls and rolling countryside. Overnight in Da Lat.
Day 6: Dalat – Hoian (B, L)
An impressive way to start our day is a walk around the town. You then embark on a short drive past the charming pine hill to visit 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. You follow this with a trip to the Lam Ty Ni Pagoda and the Hang Nga Guesthouse, well known as the Crazy House because of its bizarre architecture. The central market and the old rail station are also visited in this morning before transfer to airport for flight to Danang. Upon arrival, transfer to Hoian for check- in at hotel. Free at leisure. Overnight in Hoian.
Day 7: Hoian – My Son (B, L)
In the morning, you will take a half day trip to My Son, visit the museum and the holy site then head back to Hoian for lunch at local restaurant. In the afternoon, you will take a walking tour to discover Hoi An, visiting the 300-year-old Tan Ky Ancient House, Phuc Kien Pagoda, the Japanese Covered Bridge and Hoi An Market. Overnight in Hoi An.
Day 8: Hoian – Hue (B, L)
We drive north this morning, stopping en route to visit the sensational Marble Mountains, the China Beach and the Cham Museum in Danang. This interesting structure is home to Vietnam's largest collection of Cham treasures. The winding roads begin as we make our way up the spectacular Hai Van Pass. At the top of the pass we stop to admire a fantastic view north to Lang Co and south to Danang. Arriving in Hue you visit the Imperial Citadel 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. Overnight in Hue.
Day 9: Hue (B, L)
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. Continue to take a half day cruise on the Perfume River which also gives you a taste of the scenic countryside as well as an enjoyable visit to the mausoleum of Emperor Minh Mang, in a tranquil setting of gardens and lakes. After an impressive boat trip you take a walk to the bustling Dong Ba Market that sells a wide variety of local goods and handicrafts. Along the way you pass many fantastic eating spots, all ideal for visitors to sample some local delicacies. Overnight in Hue.
Day 10: Hue – Hanoi (B)
After breakfast, transfer to airport for a short flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to hotel for check- in. The capital of Vietnam, Hanoi 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 also make for relaxing atmosphere. In the evening you will attend to enjoy water puppets show. Overnight in Hanoi
Day 11: Hanoi City Tour (B, L)
After breakfast, a full day city tour to Ho Chi Minh Complex for visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Ho Chi Minh Museum, One pillar pagoda and Tran Quoc Pagoda. Continue to visit Literature temple, the first University in Vietnam in 16th century and History Museum. After lunch, you will visit the beautiful lake of Hoan Kiem with its sacred temple and the vibrant Dong Xuan Market, which boasts Hanoi's oldest and largest market. A perfect way to finish the day is to enjoy 1 hours cyclo tour in 1000 Years Old Hanoi Old Quarter. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 12: Hanoi – Halong – Hanoi (B, L)
In the morning you will drive to Halong Bay, approximately 3 hours away. Once at Halong Bay you are welcome on board for a four-hour cruise on the stunning bay, stopping along the way to visit one of the limestone caves in the area. As you are cruising, the boat crew will serve you a sumptuous local seafood lunch. After 4 hour navigation you sail back to harbour and rejoin car back to your hotel in Hanoi. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 13: Hanoi – Hoa Lu & Tam Coc – Hanoi (B, L)
The capital of Vietnam from 968 AD to 1010 AD during the Dinh and early Le Dynasties is Hoa Lu, which however has left its legacy in the form of two small temples, each one nearly a thousand years old. After two and half hour drive from Hanoi you visit these remaining structures, dedicated to the Dinh and Le Rulers, then climb 200 steps to the top of Ma Yen mount for a fantastic view over the surrounding areas. The next stop of our trip is Tam Coc which is surnamed 'Inland Halong Bay'. You take a boat trip on a river through the quiet and peaceful landscape of rice fields surrounded by limestone formations to the grottoes of Tam Coc. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 14: Hanoi Departure (B)
Breakfast at hotel, free time until transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

Validity until 31 December 2012 (US$/Pax)

Accommodation

Inclusions: Hotel accommodation as mentioned; Meals as mentioned in the itinerary: B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner; All transfer by private air-conditioned vehicle; English speaking guide (other languages on request); Flight tickets: Da lat – Hoian; Hue – Hanoi; Boat trip in Halong Bay, Hue and Mekong Delta; Mineral water and wet towel; All entrance and sightseeing fees; All taxes and service charges.
Exclusions: Visa free to Vietnam; International airfare and airport taxes in Vietnam; Early check-in and late check-out at all hotels; Other Drinks; Insurance; Personal expenses; Tipping / Gratuities; Surcharge on special days; Any other services not clearly mentioned above.

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