Vietnam Essential
(14 days - 13 nights)

Day 01: Hanoi arrival (D)                                                 
You will be welcomed by our guide by arrival at Hanoi Airport. We transfer you with a comfortable vehicle to the city center of Hanoi to check in your hotel. This day is scheduled to take some rest after your long flight. You have the opportunity to get some first impressions of the city by yourself and of course our tour guide is always available at your request. Tonight you have dinner in a local restaurant and you overnight in your hotel in Hanoi.
 

Day 02: Hanoi city tour - Ninh Binh  (B, L, D)              
Today we have plenty of time to discover the pearl of South-East Asia; Hanoi. With charming streets, lined with dozens of old trees, beautiful lakes, colonial architecture and countless interesting monuments, this city will impress you with its lively character. We begin our city-trip at the Restored Sword Lake, famous of the legend of the tortoise and the sword of 15th century . After the bombardment of this lake by the Americans in 1968 the huge turtle was killed and the little pagoda in the water is the final resting place of this legendary animal. We will continue our way with a visit to the Temple of Literature, dedicated to Confucius and his disciples. This temple used to be Vietnam's first university founded in 1076. After visiting this historical sight the we invite you to visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the house of the hero Ho Chi Minh, who lives in the heart of every Vietnamese. We also bring a visit to the Tran Quoc Pagoda and the Quan Thanh Temple. We finish our city-tour by participating in an one-hour ride in a traditional rickshaw (bike) around Hanoi’s old quarter. We leave Hanoi by bus to drive towards Ninh Binh, situated 100 km south of Hanoi. We spend the night in Ninh Binh.

Day 03: Ninh Binh - Tam Coc - Kenh Ga floating village - Hanoi (B, L, D)

After breakfast in our hotel we continue our trip towards Tam Coc. Tam Coc is situated in a wonderful and spectacular setting of lime stone rocks rising between the magnificent green rice paddies. This place is also called the "Halong Bay of the Land". While making a site-seeing tour per boat downstream the river, you will immediately recognize why this place deserves this name. By boat we will sail through stunning tunnel grottos, the serenity of the environment is enormous. In the afternoon, we bring a visit to Kenh Ga floating village by boat. The sightseeing is fantastic, we witness an isolated village in a vast flooded field surrounded by water canals. A visit to this region allows us to explore the ‘life on the water’ of the local people who adapted their lives to the water, and live by fish breeding and boat construction.  In the afternoon we return to Hanoi where we participate an one-hour ride in a traditional rickshaw (bike) around Hanoi’s old quarter. After dining in a local restaurant we bring a visit to the famous water puppet show and listen to traditional folk music. We spend the night in a hotel in Hanoi.
 

Day 04: Hanoi - Halong Bay (B, L, D)                            
After a Vietnamese style breakfast we take you to one of the wonders of nature; Halong Bay. During our way we pass magnificent green rice paddies tended by peasant women with conical hats. The entire rice paddy strip is like a beautifully designed patchwork which leads us to the heart of the Red River Delta. In Halong City we enter our private boat for a full afternoon of cruising in the bay of the dragon, with more than 3000 limestone islands scattering up from the emerald water. You will be impressed by its sublime beauty and serenity. Ha Long Bay was recognized as Natural World Heritage by UNESCO in 1994 and is worldwide known for its unique . We visit some of the most beautiful grottos and have the opportunity to get a panoramic view of the bay as we climb the Ti Top Mount. In the evening you enjoy a meal of fresh seafood, including shrimps, squids, fishes and other delicious bites prepared by our professional cooks. We overnight in hotel.
 

Day 05: Halong - Haiphong - Hanoi - Hue (B ,L)              
We return to Hanoi by car and drive via Hai Phong to Ninh Binh. Hai Phong is one of the most important economic centers of the north. During a trip around town we will visit the impressing Communal House and the Du Hang Pagoda. After lunch in a local restaurant we drive towards Hanoi Airport to take off for a short flight to Hue. On the way we make a stop to visit the Ethnographic Museum. Accommodation in a hotel in Hue.
 

Day 06: Hue, a full day  visit (B,L)                               
Hue,  the former capital of Vietnam (1802 -1945 under Nguyen Dynasty), is known as ‘the city of peace and poetry’. The city is charming and has a romantic atmosphere. With a small sampan we make a cruise upstream the Perfume River to visit the famous Thien Mu Pagoda and the Minh Mang King's tomb. We continue our visit at one of the most romantic places of the area; the complex of Tu Duc Emperor's tomb. Located in lush vegetation, the tomb combines majesty with oriental charm.  Afterwards we discover the Forbidden Citadel, which seems to be untouched despite turbulent history like the American wars. The rest of the day you will be free to visit the Dong Ba Market, to search for nice souvenirs for the loved-ones at home. We overnight in Hue.
 

Day 07 : Hue - Danang – Hoi An (B, L)                            
We leave for Hoi An in the morning by the well-known and stunning Mandarin Road. On the top of the Ocean Cloud Pass, we have a panoramic view over Danang and the surrounding areas. In Danang city we visit the Cham Museum, exposing countless antique articles of the former Cham Kingdom which lasted until the 16th century. Afterwards we climb the Marble Mountains, a set of 5 mountains which represent the 5 factors that symbollize our universe. From here, the view upon China Beach is breathtaking. We continue our trip by arriving in Hoian. Also this ancient town was recognized by UNESCO as being World Cultural Heritage in 1999. Hoi An used to serve as an active port of trade with the Japanese, Dutch, Portuguese and Chinese people during the 17th and 18th centuries. The streets, houses and architecture are remained ‘untouched’, despite turbulent history. We also visit the Japanese Covered Bridge and the Tan Ky ancient house before checking-in at the hotel in Hoi An.
 

Day 08: Hoi An - My Son - Quy Nhon (B, L, D)               
 After having a nice breakfast in our hotel we continue our trip towards My Son holly land. Located just 60 km from Danang, My Son includes a complex of impressive temples and sanctuaries of the former capital of the Cham's Kingdom. This area used to be a glorious empire between the 5th and the 13th century. Today, most of the temples are nothing more than a mysterious impression of what the bright period of the Indian culture of the Cham people could be like. We continue our way on the Mandarin Road to bring a visit to the the My Lai Memorial Monument of Massacre in Quang Ngai Province then drive to our final destination for today Quy Nhon, where we spend the night in a hotel.
 

Day 09: Quy Nhon - Nha Trang (B, L)                               
After 4 hours of driving (250 km) through impressive salt fields and besides coconut plantations, we arrive in Nha Trang. The rest of the day is planned for leisure, you will have plenty of time for swimming and sunbathing on the white sandy beach of Nha Trang, the most beautiful beach of the country with guaranteed warm weather year round. A perfect opportunity to work on your tan! We will spend the night in a lovely hotel on the beach.
 

Day 10 : Nha Trang - Da Lat (B, L)                                
Today we leave the coastal area to enter the Central Highlands, bordering Laos. The city of Dalat is situated at an altitude of 1,500 m and was chosen to be a hill station during the colonial occupation by the French. This city is interesting because of its exceptional climate. It can be said that Dalat’s climate reflects the 4 seasons in just one day! Because of its varied climate the soil is very rich; fruit, vegetables and beautiful flowers can be found throughout the whole year. After lunch in a local restaurant we explore the Botanic Garden, the Love Valley, Xuan Huong Lake, the old train station and the Crazy House (famous for its incredible architecture). Overnight in hotel in Dalat
 

Day 11: Da Lat - Ho Chi Minh City  (B, L)                      
Today we travel by bus from Da Lat to Ho Chi Minh City located in the Mekong Delta. We pass numerous coffee plantations alternated by those of rubber trees. We make a stop to take some photos of the spectacular La Nga floating village. During the afternoon we are going to explore the vivid economic capital of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City. We bring a visit to the Central Post Office of Saigon and the Notre Dame Cathedral, which is the symbol of semi-colonial architecture of the French occupation in Vietnam. We continue our trip with an interesting visit to the Thien Hau Pagoda, situated in the heart of China Town. We spend the night in a hotel.
 

Day 12: Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi tunnel – Mekong Delta  (B, L, D)                          

Today an interesting visit to the Cu Chi Tunnel is planned, situated 30 km northwest from HCM City. This complex of underground tunnels stretching over more than 250 km and was made by the Viet Cong guerillas during the war against the Americans. The cleverly constructed tunnel was the key to victory over the modern American forces and Southern Vietnamese fantoccini. During our excursion we also learn more about what ‘Viet Cong life’ looked like during these times. We continue our trip by vehicle towards Can Tho the metropolis of the Mekong Delta. We spend the night in a hotel in Can Tho.
 

Day 13: Mekong Delta  – Ho Chi Minh City (B, L)            
The Mekong Delta is formed by nine tributaries of the Mekong River and is often referred as the ‘rice bowl’ or the ‘garden from heaven’ of Vietnam. Because the soil is very rich you will find here countless green rice paddies and dozens of tropical fruits, which only grow in this certain area. A visit to this region allows us to explore the ‘life on the water’ of the local people. Because of periodical floods the local people adapted their lives to he water. Experience their floating houses, floating schools and even their complete floating markets! Your senses will be thrilled if you see the wet rice civilization. We enter a cruise on the Mekong River towards the Cai Rang floating market. The sightseeing is extremely exciting with hundreds of people participating in the market by boat. Rice, fresh fruits, fish, handicrafts, everything is for sales!! The lunch is delicious, including a Mekong River delicacy " the Elephant Ear Fish". We exchange the unforgettable Mekong Delta for the busy streets of Ho Chi Minh City where we will join a farewell diner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city .
 

Day 14: Ho Chi Minh City - Departure (B)                       
You will have free time until we transfer you to Saigon Airport for your departure.
 

End of our service.
 

Note:                                                                             
This itinerary is designed from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City in 14 days, but can be reversed while keeping all above-mentioned visits. Please feel free to contact us for further information.
 
Price in Euro per person (by a group of more than 15 persons, 1 person free of charge)
 

Tarif valid until 31 December 2006
The tariff is set up in Euro. Payment in USD is based on the exchange rate applied by the Vietnamese Bank at the time of settlement. Click here for the current Exchange Rate

• Price for a group of at least 2 person

• Price for 1 person: Please contact us
   

The price include:

• Accommodation in standard hotels with daily breakfast (hotels can be upgraded upon request)

• Meals as stated in the program (B = Breakfast ; L = Lunch ; D = Diner)

• Air-conditioned vehicles for all transportations

• English speaking guide

• Boat trips as mentioned in the program

• Entrance fees

 The price exclude:

• International air-tickets and airport departure tax.

• Domestic air-fare (Hanoi - Hue = 64 € including airport tax)

• Meals not mentioned in the program (between 5 - 7 Euros/meal/person)

• Drinks, phone calls and all personal expenses