Classic trip with Vietnam’s cultural highlights and beautiful beaches
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Travel to the highlights of traditional Vietnam, the country that has retained its very own ego despite the influence of Chinese and European colonial rulers. Let’s explore the many facets of mystic Halong Bay, bustling Saigon and Hue World Heritage.
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Destination
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Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi
Welcome to Vietnam! Your local guide and chauffeur take you to town. We leave the rest of the day for your leisure to while off the jet lag and acclimatize yourself. If you arrive in the morning, we have some interesting optional activities in the afternoon or evening ready upon your request.
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Day 2: Hanoi
Early hours we visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and have an insight of some interesting episodes of his life. Next attraction is the Museum of Vietnamese History with thousands of artifacts reflecting the origin and the entire length of the country’s evolution. It is not difficult to see the influence of Confucius in the way the Vietnamese think and behave. Let’s figure out what’s behind and visit the Temple of Literature which was built in the 11th century in honor of Confucius. Afternoon we visit the Old Quarter. Follow our guide on foot passing through the quaint old streets, yet colorful and charming with arrays of little houses and centuries old craft shops. Evening our curiosity will be given to the lively figurines in the famous water puppet performance.
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Day 3: Halong Bay
Drive through the surburb and the countryside towards long Bay for the magnificent overnight cruise. A dragon is said to have created the bizarre world of 2,000 limestone cliffs and islets in Halong Bay. That sounds like a good story, and we see the result as we cruise through a unique landscape on our comfortable junk
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Day 4: Halong to Hue
Early risers may join the taichi class on the sundeck. After a leisurely breakfast, we head for the mainland and drive to the airport in Hanoi. A flight brings us to central Vietnam.
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Day 5: Hue to Hoi An
Hue is the former monarchy’s capital city under Nguyen Emperors from 1802. We visit the Citadel of Hue and the Imperial Tomb of Ming Mang marvelling at majestic architecture and decors. Hue river to visit the sacred Thien Mu Pagoda. In Danang, we look into a superb collection of sculptures at the Cham Museum. Later we have a walking tour in the quaint centuries-old port town of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
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Day 6: Free day in Hoi An
Relaxing by the pool, sunbathing on the beach, refreshing bath in the sea, strolling through Danang or Hoi An - make your free days just the way you want them and let your mind wander!
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Day 7: Hoi An to Saigon
In the morning we fly to Saigon and visit the tunnels of Cu Chi where Viet Cong built a massive system of underground bunkers and tunnels to support guerilla warfare. Back to the city center we see wide boulevards and colonial buildings from the time of the French occupation in the 19th century and explore the Notre Dame Cathedral, the main post office, the former town hall and the opera.
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Day 8: A Day in The Mekong Delta
to the Mekong Delta. We board the boat in Ben Tre and explore the world of waterways, canals and rural tranquility. We also stop at a temple of Cao Dai faith. Your guide provides in-depth information on the teachings of Caodaism.
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Day 9: Phan Thiet
Today we take the morning drive to the beach town in Phan Thiet, but before arriving we take a scenic cable car up Ta Cu Mountain to the main draw being the 49 metre-long reclining Buddha, accompanied by the beautiful views of the surrounding lowlands, crisscrossed with rice fields and dragonfruit plantations. In Phan Thiet, pure relaxation! A rewarding balance after the fascinating cultural exploration trip through Vietnam.
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Day 10: Phan Thiet
Relax in Phan Thiet.
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Day 11: Phan Thiet
Relax in Phan Thiet.
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Day 12: Departure
At leisure till transfer time. We drive straight from Phan Thiet to the airport in Saigon. We wish you a good journey home.