Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City: Hoang Ngan Hotel (3 Star), Vissai Saigon Hotel (4 Star), Eastin Grand Hotel (5 Star)

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1 ITINERARY Vietnam 10 Day Highlights of Vietnam Tour Day 1: Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City On arrival in Ho Chi Minh City you will be collected from the airport and transferred to your Hotel. With a bustling mix of commerce and culture, temples and skyscrapers, where the streets are lined with food stalls and French architecture Ho Chi Minh City has plenty to explore. It is a real blend of the ancient and the modern. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City: Hoang Ngan Hotel (3 Star), Vissai Saigon Hotel (4 Star), Eastin Grand Hotel (5 Star) Day 2: Mekong Delta My Tho & Ben Tre Coconut Village A 1.5 hour minivan trip to the Mekong Delta offers a glimpse into the unique and distinct agrarian life of the vibrant Southern Delta region. Cruise along the Mekong River to one of the Islands (located in the town of My Tho) and be entertained with traditional music while enjoying some tea sweetened with bee s honey. Then take a paddle-boat cruise through the narrow canals of the Mekong. The paddle-boat ride provides an interesting look into the local cottage industry of making coconut candies. Enjoy a lunch of Elephant Ear fish combined with other delicious Vietnamese dishes a local specialty. Return to your hotel. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City: Hoang Ngan Hotel (3 Star), Vissai Saigon Hotel (4 Star), Eastin Grand Hotel (5 Star) Day 3: Adventures in the Cu Chi Tunnels followed by flight to Da Nang Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, a network of tunnels stretching over 250 km, which has proven to be one of the most famous and historical aspects of the Vietnam War. The tunnel system was created in 1948 to assist the Viet Minh as they fought the French for independence. Digging and building of tunnels continued over the next 25 years 1 of 5

2 until it was an underground city with living areas, kitchens, storage, weapons factories, field hospitals and command centres. The tunnels could house thousands of people who lived almost entirely underground for years. There, people led relatively normal lives, which included getting married and raising children. During the American War, the entire area of Cu Chi was designated as a free fire zone; and was therefore, heavily attacked and bombed. In 1988, two sections of tunnels were opened up for visitors. Now you have the chance to enjoy this wonderful and informative experience. Created with moving parts these structures were designed to be lived in for long periods of time. For those who are interested, there is an opportunity to fire off rounds from a war era M16 or AK47 at the nearby firing range. (This activity is optional. Fees for the firing range are not included.) Return to Ho Chi Minh for your flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival you will be collected and transferred to your hotel in Hoi An. Day 4: Take a guided tour to My Son a world heritage site and ancient holy land One of the most stunning sights to see in Hoi An area is My Son, Vietnam s most important site of the ancient kingdom of Champa. Between the 4th and 13th centuries a unique culture which owed its spiritual origins to Indian Hinduism developed on the coast of contemporary Vietnam. This is graphically illustrated by the remains of a series of impressive tower-temples located in a dramatic site that was the religious and political capital of the Champa Kingdom for most of its existence. Located in the heart of a beautiful valley and surrounded by high mountain ranges My Son was named a Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO in Originally built with wood, they were completely destroyed by fire in the 6th century and restored in the 7th century by Sambhuvarman who rebuilt the temples with locally made bricks. Up to the 13th century, more than 70 similar temples were built, establishing My Son as a sanctuary of Hinduism in the Champa Kingdom. Though the complex has been ravaged by time and war, we can still see many majestic ancient ruins of the temples here. 2 of 5

3 After touring, take an optional choice to get back to Hoi An town by boat. We will travel up the Thu Bon River by motorised boat, stop en route to visit the traditional Kim Bong Carpentry Village before returning to Hoi An centre. Free in the afternoon. Following your visit, return to Hoi An and contact Ann Tailor at 09 Phan Chu Trinh Street, Hoi An Town to have a free tailor-made item of clothing. Day 5: Vietnamese cooking class at One Moment Cafe Our tour guide will greet you at your hotel and take you to visit the colorful Hoi An Market where you will experience the sights and smells of the busy market. You will have a chance to meet the local merchants and purchase the ingredients to use in your cooking lesson. Afterwards, head back to the restaurant to begin your lesson guided by professional chefs. They will instruct you every step of the way and when you are done, you can enjoy the meal you have prepared. For each course you can choose one of the following: First course: Fresh or fried spring rolls. Second course: Mango or papaya salad with fresh shrimp. Third course: Braised chicken with lemongrass and chilli or sautéed beef with cashews or braised fish in a clay pot. The dishes will also be served with: Stir fried water spinach and garlic; steamed rice and seasonal fruit. Spend the afternoon at your leisure. 3 of 5

4 Day 6: Explore Hoi An a melting pot of cultures Today is a free day. Hoi An offers something for everyone. You can relax at the beach, enjoy great shopping and discover the grace and history of this well preserved ancient town. It is a culinary mecca with a laidback nature. The old-town character and friendly openness of the locals of Hoi An is a delight. Day 7: The exotic city of Hanoi After breakfast you will be transferred to Da Nang airport for your 1 hour flight to Hanoi. Hanoi is known as the cultural capital of Vietnam there is much to discover and enjoy. Set on the banks of the Red River, with many of the buildings being built during the French occupation, there is a distinct charm to Hanoi. Overnight in Hanoi: Hanoi Bella Vita Hotel (3 Star), Chalcedony Hotel (4 Star), Sheraton Hanoi Hotel (5 Star) Day 8: Depart Hanoi to Cruise the Emerald Waters of Ha Long Bay The shuttle bus will pick you up at your hotel and depart for Ha Long Bay for your tour through the scenic countryside. Embark on a boat for an exploration of the wondrous Ha Long Bay (translated as where the dragon descends into the sea ) and enjoy one of Vietnam s most impressive scenic sights. This exciting cruise will provide a fantastic view of the picturesque scenery blending with the sky and some 3,000 limestone islands rising amazingly from the clear and emerald water. The limestone karsts formations are littered with beaches, grottoes and beautiful caves. Along the way, anchor for a leisurely swim in a secluded cove and an enjoyable visit to one of the many hidden grottoes beneath towering cliffs. 4 of 5

5 Overnight in Ha Long Bay: Majestic Cruise (3 Star), Glory Legend Cruise (4 Star), Huong Hai Sealife Cruise (5 Star), lunch and dinner Day 9: A leisurely morning in Ha Long Bay, travel back to Hanoi After breakfast enjoy swimming, sunbathing and relax amongst the scenic wonders. After lunch return to Hanoi for a leisurely afternoon. Overnight in Hanoi: Hanoi Bella Vita Hotel (3 Star), Chalcedony Hotel (4 Star), Sheraton Hanoi Hotel (5 Star) Day 10: Time to go home Today is a day free at leisure in Hanoi before your departure. You will be collected 3 hours prior to your flight and taken to the airport. 5 of 5