Detail program

Day 1 ~ Saigon
Arrive in Saigon and transfer to the Caravelle Hotel. Situated in the heart of Saigon, this hotel has been at the center of Saigon's history for 60 years. There will be welcoming drinks in the evening and a complete tour briefing as you get acquainted with your Tour Director.

Day 2-3 ~ Saigon ~ Cu Chi & Tay Ninh
Absorb the frenetic atmosphere of Saigon as we take time to explore the city's historic landmarks, pagodas, tree-lined boulevards and bustling markets, especially in Cholon - famous as the historic "China Town" of Saigon. We will have an opportunity to meet young students from Ho Chi Minh's city colleges. They are the "Post-War Generation" - young, confident and passionate, and the best representatives of the new Vietnam. There will be plenty of time to enjoy great local foods in superb Vietnamese restaurants and marvel at the carnival atmosphere of Saigon's nightlife. The following day we tour outside the city to the Cao Dai Temple at Tay Ninh and explore the infamous Cu Chi Tunnel Complex built by communist guerillas during the Vietnam War.

Day 4-5 ~ Dalat
Departing Saigon, we ascend to the cool mountain climate of the Central Highlands and the town of Dalat, a delightful hill station established by the French, and surrounded by pine forests and lakes. Our hotel is the beautiful and historic Hotel Sofitel Palace Dalat, and there will be relaxing time to explore the quiet streets, surrounding hills, French villas, and spend time with an artist-monk. We will also visit the "Crazy House," designed by Ms. Hang Nga, an architect of some repute known in the Highlands. One of her earlier building designs was torn down by the authorities as being "anti-socialist." She had one very big, advantage in her favor: her father was formerly president of Vietnam in the 1980's. A highlight of the following day is a two-hour walking tour to K'Ho minority village, located 16 km from Dalat.

Day 6-7 ~ Nha Trang
Traveling across the breathtaking Ngoan Muc Pass, through vestiges of the ancient Champa Kingdom, we arrive at the picturesque coastal town of Nha Trang, famous for its beautiful mountains and beaches. We'll check in at Ana Mandara Hotel or Evason Hideaway (optional), the two best properties of The Six Senses Group in Vietnam. Enjoy great swimming, marvelous seafood, relax on palm-fringed beaches and visit the renowned Vietnamese black and white photographer, Tran Thanh Long. Experiencing his artwork is the highlight of today's activities.

Day 8-9 ~ China Beach & Hoi An
Flying out from the former Vietnam War military airbase at Cam Ranh Bay, we arrive at the third largest city in Vietnam- Danang, and check into the Furama Resort. This luxurious 5-star hotel is located directly on the site of the historic "China Beach" in Danang. We will tour the caves and shrines of the Marble Mountains - a former base for communist guerillas during the war, and end with a tour of the Cham Museum - recognized by the world's archaeologists for its collection of Champa stone-carving. The following day is reserved for visiting one of Vietnam's true "Gems" - Hoi An. A former merchant town, charming and wonderfully preserved, was originally a Chinese trading port, and it retains Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, and European influences from its unique and ancient history. We'll explore its narrow lanes and historic architecture, finally taking in a cooking class at the Red Bridge Restaurant.

Day 10-11 ~ Hue ~ Hanoi
Traveling over the Hai Van Pass, north of Danang Bay, we arrive in Hue City and hotel check-in is at one of Hue City's most charming venues, La Residence Spa and Resort. Today we explore the ruins of The Citadel - the seat of the Nguyen Dynasty in Hue and now declared a world heritage site. The next morning we'll board a dragon boat for a leisurely trip up the Perfume River to Hue's oldest and most revered pagoda, Thien Mu. Then we'll take a two-hour walking tour to Minh Mang's Tomb with a stop for lunch at a local house. Our host and friend will invite us to join in an informal cooking class.
After a short flight from Hue, we arrive in Hanoi, Vietnam's capital and cultural center. Hanoi is a stylish and gracious city that retains much of its unique Old World charm. We check in at the Sofitel Metropole Hanoi, - Hanoi's most historic, well-preserved address, dating from 1903 in the French colonial manner. The hotel has hosted such luminaries as Charlie Chaplin, Graham Greene, Catherine De Neuve, and Robert McNamara..

Day 12-14 ~ Halong Bay ~ Hanoi
Today we travel to Ha Long Bay and cruise the thousands of islets made famous by the movie "Indochina." In the evening we visit the artist and art performer Dao Anh Khanh and his house on stilts. We'll enjoy an informal dinner and open discussion with Khanh and his friends. The following day, in the morning, we explore Hanoi by cycle. We'll tour the lively Old Quarter, the ancient Temple of Literature, and explore the amazing life of Ho Chi Minh by visiting his mausoleum, museum, and House on Stilts. The cycle tour ends with lunch at the Hoa Sua Restaurant. In the afternoon we'll enjoy a performance at Hanoi's famed Water Puppet Theatre and shopping in Old Hanoi. The last evening in Hanoi, we have an interesting cocktail meeting with foreign journalists from the world press and media company at the Hanoi Press Club. We'll get to know the "New Vietnam" from the perspectives of Vietnam's expatriates and media people and we'll have an opportunity to exchange views. Following will be a Farewell Dinner at the Press Club's fine dining room. On Day 14, your journey ends with your airport transfer.

Tour Prices: (US$ per person), based on group of 2person.

Commissionable to all agents

Deluxe Hotel category	Superior Hotel category	Standard Hotel category
$2469	$1708	$1415