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| Classic Vietnam |
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| Detail Itinerary |
| Day
1 |
Arrive At Hanoi |
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Arrival in Hanoi - Transfer - Overnight in Hanoi. |
| Day
2 |
Hanoi |
B, |
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Morning at leisure - Sightseeing in Hanoi
Head to HOAN KIEM LAKE, located in heart of Hanoi, which contains an islet with the tiny TORTOISE PAGODA.
From there, walking to explore the OLD QUARTER. This fascinating network of narrow alleys and shophouses is
also known as The 36 Streets, each street being named after the merchandise traditionally sold there,
ranging from fabrics to crafts to medicines to tombstones. A handicraft lover paradise and a endlessly
interesting place to explore local life. Afterwards, visit the MUSEUM OF ETHNOLOGY (closed on Monday &
Vietnamese New Year), which brings to life the astonishing ethnic diversity in Vietnam, with art and
artifacts from the 54 different ethnic groups that inhabit the country. Inside the museum are detailed
descriptions of minority groups, with examples of their traditional clothing and way of life. Outside are
faithful reconstructions of traditional longhouses, cemeteries and other distinctive ethnic buildings.
Visit a Water Puppet Show
WATER PUPPET SHOW: a fantastic art form originating in the northern Vietnam, best seen in Hanoi.
Overnight in Hanoi |
| Day
3 |
Hanoi - Halong |
B,L, |
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By vehicle from Hanoi to Halong Bay - Excursion by boat through Halong Bay including lunch (4 hours,
private)
Cruise on a traditional wooden boat among the emerald waters and craggy limestone cliffs of Halong Bay,
stopping to explore one of the many caves in this area. Sail past picturesque islands, floating villages,
fishermen casting their nets and pearl fisheries and observe the rhythms of daily life on the bay. Return
to Halong pier.
Overnight in Halong |
| Day
4 |
Halong - Hanoi - Hue |
B, |
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By vehicle from Halong to Noi Bai Airport - Flight from Hanoi to Hue. - Transfer - Excursion to Thien Mu
Pagoda with a boat trip on the Huong Giang river
Embark on a local boat and cruise down the PERFUME RIVER to the iconic THIEN MU PAGODA, an elegant seven-
tiered octagonal tower which has become Hue's most widely recognizable monument. During the early 1960s,
this became a center of anti-government protest, and the site of the famous self-immolation of the monk
Thich Quang Duc.
Overnight in Hue |
| Day
5 |
Hue |
B, |
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Sightseeing in Hue
Hue served as the capital of Vietnam for more than 140 years. It houses ancient temples, imperial buildings
and French-style edifices. It was established in the 17th century.
Visit the Old Imperial City
Located in the heart of Hue is the IMPERIAL CITADEL, a vast complex built in the early 19th century and
modelled after the Forbidden City of Peking. The original walls stretched for 10 km and were surrounded by
a wide moat. Today, most of the buildings have been destroyed due to bombing during the Vietnam-American
War, but the monuments that remain provide a fascinating glimpse into the court life of the Nguyen Dynasty.
Approach the city past the striking FLAG TOWER, where a giant Vietnamese flag waves proudly overhead, to
the imposing NGO MON GATE, the main entrance to the Imperial Enclosure. Enter into an area of spacious
courtyards and serene lotus ponds, and visit DIEN THO Residence ( Dien Tho palace) is where the Queen
mother lived, visit THAI HOA PALACE, the magnificently decorated reception hall, the HALLS OF THE
MANDARINS, and the original NINE DYNASTIC URNS, among other sites.
Visit the Imperial Tombs of Tu Duc and Khai Dinh
Venture into the countryside around Hue to the IMPERIAL TOMB OF TU DUC. Tu Duc, the longest reigning
Vietnamese emperor, designed and built this elegant tomb during his lifetime, using it as a retreat for
meditation, reading and theater performances. 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, dramatically located on a hillside. The last of the monumental tombs of the Nguyen
dynasty, completed in 1931, this tomb incorporates distinct European elements into the traditional
Vietnamese architecture.
Afternoon at leisure - Overnight in Hue |
| Day
6 |
Hue - Hoi An |
B, |
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By vehicle from Hue to Hoi An with sightseeing in Danang
Journey from Hue over scenic mountainous roads with spectacular views over the coastline. Halfway between
Danang and Hue lies the dramatic HAI VAN PASS, the high dividing line between the climate zones of north
and south Vietnam. Continue southwards passing LANG CO, a lovely stretch of beach curving outwards between
a clear blue lagoon and the South China Sea.
After arriving in DANANG, tour the CHAM MUSEUM, an elegant colonial building which now houses the finest
collection of Cham sculpture in the world and briefly pass CHINA BEACH, a famous spot for American soldiers
during the Vietnam-American War. Continue south to Hoi An, stopping enroute to visit the MARBLE MOUNTAINS,
five stone hillocks, once islands, that now rise sharply from the surrounding ricefields. Riddled with
caves and shrines, they are said to each represent one of the five elements of the universe.
Overnight in Hoi An |
| Day
7 |
Hoi An |
B, |
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Sightseeing in Hoi An
Hoi An is a picturesque riverside town south of Danang. 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. Now, this
beautifully preserved historic city is best seen on foot. The walking tour includes:
JAPANESE COVERED BRIDGE PAGODA: the first bridge on this site was constructed in 1593 by the Japanese
community of Hoi An to link the town with the Chinese quarters across the stream. The bridge was provided
with a roof so it could be used as a shelter from rain and sun.
SA HUYNH MUSEUM: located near the Japanese Covered Bridge, it contains exhibitions from the earliest period
of Hoi An's history.
TRAN FAMILY CHAPEL: this house for worshipping ancestors was built about 200 years ago with donations from
family members. The Tran family traces its origins to China and moved to Vietnam around 1700. The
architecture of the building reflects the influence of Chinese and Japanese styles.
PHUOC KIEN ASSEMBLY HALL: Chinese pagoda built around 1690 and then restored and enlarged in 1900. It is
typical of the Chinese clans that were established in the Hoi An area. The temple is dedicated to Thien Hau
Thanh Mau (Goddess of the Sea and Protector of Sailors and Fishermen).
LANTERN MAKING WORKSHOP: Visit one of the lantern workshop in Hoi An. The framework of lantern will be made
by the industry itself and clients can observe locals making silk cloth on the lantern.
Afternoon at leisure - Overnight in Hoi An
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| Day
8 |
Hoi An - Danang - Saigon |
B, |
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Transfer to Danang airport - Flight from Danang to Saigon. - Transfer - Sightseeing in Saigon
A vibrant metropolis, SAIGON teems with energy, activity and motion. Everywhere you look, you see the
meeting of traditional and modern life. The emerging modern skyline stands cheek by jowl with colonial
buildings and traditional temples. Outside on the streets, young professionals zip by on motorcyles,
chatting on cellphones; inside the quiet temple courtyards, worshippers pray amidst clouds of incense.
Begin your tour into modern history with a tour of the REUNIFICATION PALACE. Formerly the Independence
Palace of the South Vietnamese president, this 60s style building was famously stormed by tanks on April
30, 1975 signifying the fall of South Vietnam. It has been preserved in its original state, and the
original tanks remain on display near the entrance gates. Continue to the harrowing WAR REMNANTS MUSEUM,
which comprehensively documents the travails of the long Vietnam- American War. Inside are detailed
photographic exhibitions; outside is a collection of tanks, planes and weapons. A powerful experience, this
museum is guaranteed to provoke strong emotions.
Afterwards driving to the historic center to visit EMPEROR OF JADE PAGODA, one of Saigon's most interesting
pagoda. Proceed to pay a quick visit to the neo-Romanesque NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL and the CENTRAL POST
OFFICE. Pass by the classic European-style landmarks such as the ornate CITY HALL (HOTEL DE VILLE), the
old OPERA HOUSE (both may only be viewed from the outside).
Finally, end up at the central BEN THANH MARKET, where vendors display a vast array of goods and
handicrafts, appealing to every taste.
Overnight in Saigon |
| Day
9 |
Saigon |
B, |
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Excursion to Cu Chi Tunnels
Never discovered by American forces, the CU CHI TUNNELS were an important Vietcong base during the American
War. Stretching over 200 km, this incredible underground network, dug by hand out of hard laterite,
connected command posts, hospitals, shelter and weapon factories. Today, you can walk through the area and
learn about the day-to-day life of the VC, see the cleverly disguised entrances and elaborate booby-traps,
and even venture inside the tunnels, some of which have been modified to accommodate tourists.
Afternoon at leisure - Overnight in Saigon |
| Day
10 |
saigon |
B, |
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Departure transfer. |
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