Day 1: Hochiminh City
On arrival at Tan San Nhat Airport, you are met and transferred to hotel by tour guide of Far East Tour. Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is a center 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. (If time permits) we stroll around the downtown to explore the different local ways of life. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 2: Hochiminh – Tay Ninh – Cu Chi Tunnels – Hochiminh
Heading out of town we drive north to visit 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 we 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. Afterwards we 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: Hochiminh – Can Tho
The sightseeing tour acquaints us with some major sights of Ho Chi Minh City. We 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. We also visit the Jade Emperor Pagoda and the War Remnant Museum before ending up our morning agenda at the bustling Ben Thanh Market where anything and everything is for sale! We 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 – Hochiminh
Upon 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 we 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, we weave our way through the intricate network of canals that are the lifeblood of the Mekong Delta.
We return to Ho Chi Minh, 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: Hochiminh – Dalat
The northbound journey begins as we depart Ho Chi Minh 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 we can soak up the cool climate as much as we want by spending our 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 – Nha Trang
An impressive way to start our day is a walk around the town. We 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. We 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 this morning before we travel by roads through the undulating terrains to the picturesque coastal town of Nha Trang. Along the way we make stopover at the scenic Ngoan Muc Pass and the Po Klong Jarai Cham Towers. These amazing structures represent an interesting culture and a colorful history of the Cham people. Overnight in Nha Trang.
Day 7: Nha Trang
This excursion is designed for those of you searching for a unique adventure. We offer a wide variety of trips that should not be missed. One of them is a mountain trip. Star from your hotel at 9.00 am, travel by van or motorbike (on request) throughout the countryside and paddy fields. Take time to explore a minority village. Afterthat, take the mountain road to Hon Ba Forest to discover the natures, streams & waterfalls….. Enjoy the picnic lunch & swim in the cool waters of the secret waterfalls. An forgettable day's adventure. Overnight in Nha Trang.
Day 8: Nha Trang – Da Nang – Hoi An
After early breakfast at the hotel, our dirver will pick you up and transfer to Nha Trang airport to catch flight to Danang, arrive in Danang you will be met and driven a short distance to Hoi An which was originally a Cham seaport but has been influenced down centuries by a myriad of traders from various cultures. There are plenty to see in this tranquil and delightful town, some of which are the famous Japanese Covered Bridges, the Pottery Museum, the 200 years old Tamky House, the Chua Ong Pagoda and the vibrant market. We visit these sights on an enchanting walking tour past many low tiled houses scattered along the small streets, and assembly halls which reflect the town's multi-cultural past.
Overnight in Hoi An.
Day 9: Hoi An – Hue
The following destination of our trip is Hue, the last imperial capital of Vietnam. 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 we see 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 10: Hue
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. We include these in a half day cruise on the Perfume River which also gives us 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 we take a walk to the bustling Dong Ba Market that sells a wide variety of local goods and handicrafts. Along the way we pass many fantastic eating spots, all ideal for visitors to sample some local delicacies. Overnight in Hue.
Day 11: Hue –Hanoi
After breakfast at the hotel, Far East Tour’s driver will pick you up transfer you to Phu Bai airport in Hue to catch flight to Hanoi, You will be met and transferred to hotel, check in hotel.
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. After lunch, we 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 a short cyclo excursion through the bustling old quarter streets named after the specific goods once offered for sale at these places.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 12: Hanoi City Tour
After breakfast, pick up at your hotel to Hochiminh Complex for visit Hochiminh Mausoleum, Hochiminh Museum and One pillar pagoda, Tran Quoc Pagoda. Continue to visit Literature temple, the first University in Vietnam in 16th century and History Museum. Have lunch in one of famous restaurant in Hanoi before walking tour in 1000 Years Old Hanoi Old Quarter then enjoy Water Puppet Unique show.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 13: Hanoi – Halong Bay
Breakfast and check out hotel. At 8h00 start the 3,5 hour drive through paddie fields to Halong Bay. Stopover on the way.
Noon: Arrival dock, get on the junk, check in, welcome wine.
After lunch, visiting Ha Long bay, Thien Cung cave (Palace of Heaven), Dau Go (grotto of wood), round over Tuan Chau island, Dog island, Dinh Huong, Ga Choi (fighting cock mountain), Turtle island, Titov beach. Enjoying sunset, having dinner, fishing – drinking and overnight on the junk
Day 14: Halong Bay – Hanoi – Lao Cai
After breakfast, visiting man's head island, Tortoise island, Luon cave, Bai Tu Long bay, Bai Tho mountain and Ha Long market.
After lunch, return to wharf, and then, pick up and transfer back to Hanoi.
In the evening, tour guide of Far East Tour will pick you up to Hanoi Railway Station for a night train to Lao Cai.
Overnight on the train.
Day 15: Lao Cai – Sapa – Cat Cat
The train arrives in Lao Cai in the morning. Meet and transfer to Sapa (38km), the former hill station discovered by the French at height of 1.600 m above sea level. Check-in hotel to relax at leisure until our tour guide take you having lunch before soft trek to Cat Cat village inhabited by Black H'mong ethnics, enjoy the nice landscapes of green forests and mountain and fresh atmosphere here. Back to Sapa .
Trekking distance: 5km
Overnight in Sapa.
Day 16: Cat Cat – Lao Chai – Ta Van – Lao Cai – Hanoi
After having breakfast, start trekking uphill to Y Linh Ho and Muong Hoa Valley through rice paddies and small hamlets to study life of hill tribes here. Communication exchange with local people in Lao Chai village. After having picnic lunch carried by the tour guide, continuing trekking through villages and rice terraced fields to Ta Van village settled by Dzay ethnic until back main way, where our car is waiting for you to transfer back Lao Cai to have dinner and catching a night train back Hanoi.
Stay overnight on train.
Day 17: Hanoi – Departure
Arrive in Hanoi early in the morning. Get picked up to a small hotel for a rest before going to the airport for your departure flight. Tour ends. Far East Tour hopes to serve you next tour.
Accommodation list:
| Hotel |
3* |
4* |
5* |
5*+ |
| Saigon |
Lavender,Tan Hai Long
|
Grand, Rex |
Duxton, Legend |
Sofitel Plaza, New World |
| Can Tho |
Saigon Cantho |
Golf 4 |
Victoria Hotel |
Victoria Hotel & Resort |
| Da Lat |
Le Petit Paris |
Blue Moon |
Hoang Anh Gia Lai Resort |
Sofitel Dalat Palace |
| Nha Trang |
Violet |
Diamond Bay resort |
Sunrise Beach resort |
Vinpearl Resort&Spa |
| Da Nang |
Riverside |
Sandy Beach resort |
Sandy Beach resort |
Furama Resort |
| Hoi An |
Lotus |
River Beach, Hoi An Beach |
Life Resort |
Swiss Bel, Palm Garden |
| Hue |
Festival |
Huong Giang, Century, Riverside |
Imperial |
La Residence |
| Hanoi |
Luxor, Viet |
Flower Garden, Sunway |
Movenpick, Sofitel Plaza |
Sofitel Metropole |
| Sapa |
Holiday |
Chau Long |
Victoria Resort&Spa |
Victoria Resort&Spa |
| Halong Junk |
Phoenix, Classic Sails |
Paloma, Emotion |
Jasmine, Prince |
Violet, Indochian Sails |
