HUE ANCIENT CAPITAL

Hue is a quiet, relaxing city, big enough to be interesting but small enough to cycle around. The food is great, the best in Vietnam and the women are supposed to be the most beautiful in the country

KING MINH MANGS TOMB

Located 12 km far from the city on the left branch of the Perfume River, built as the plan drawn out by the King himself and on the place chosen by the King too in the middle of the pine forest. It took ten thousand soldiers and artisans to complete the project from 1840-to 1843. The tomb consists of about 40 monuments of various sizes; all lie within an oval shaped wall with a circumference of 2000m. A walk of about 700m in length bisects the interior of the complex into two equal halves. Along it are the Salutation Court, Stele House, Sung An Temple, Minh Lau Pavilion, and the tomb itself being at the very back of the complex.


KING TU DUCS TOMB
Tu Duc was the fourth emperor of The Nguyen Dynasty. He had his tomb constructed when still on the throne in 1848. It is 7 km far from the city; his tomb includes 50 monuments surrounded by a 1500m wall. Emperor Tu Duc was an expert in eastern philosophy, history, and literature. It comprises of an important number of buildings, man-made ponds full of nenuphars and lotuses, crossed by various bridges and covered by frangipanes. This is one of the most romantic and splendid masterpieces.
KING KHAI DINHS TOMB

Khai Dinh, the twelfth king of the Nguyen Dynasty and the father of King Bao Dai who is the last emperor of Vietnam. The construction started from 1920 to 1931. Emperor Khai Dinhs tomb is built using concrete, its roof with slates and the gate is made of wrought iron. The builder made use of the lighting rod and electricity is used to light the place. Beyond these modern building materials and designs, the tomb had elements of eastern art mixed with western designs. The conception of architecture and decoration got the European influence.

THIEN MU PAGODA

Located 6 km far from the city on the left branch of the Perfume River, this Buddhist monastery was erected in 1601 by Lord Nguyen Hoang, the ancestor of The Nguyen, on a used hilly brick foundation of a Cham building.
According to legend, the people around this area used to see a vision of an old lady appearing on the hill where the pagoda now sits. Upon seeing people, she always said that someday a great leader would build a pagoda at this site to bring peace to the country. One day, when Lord Nguyen Hoang passed by this area, upon hearing the story, he ordered the construction of the pagoda in 1601. He named it Chua Thien Mu - Heavenly Lady Pagoda.The Pagoda was the center of Buddhism in central Vietnam
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SAPA - FOG CITY

Sapa is famous for both its fine, rugged scenery and its rich culture diversity. Sapa is nestling of many ethnic minority village and vivid green rice terraces are sculpted into the mountain sides. It would be of considerably less interest without the HMong and Dzao people, the largest ethnic groups in the region. Its lush, deep river valleys, in the shadows of Vietnam’s tallest peak Mount Fansipan.
In the center of town is the spectacle of Sapas famed market, which has become a fixture on standard Southeast Asian tourist itineraries. Treks through the surrounding mountainside are an opportunity to visit picturesque villages, most notably those of the Hmong and Red Dao people. One inconvenience that will not change is the weather. If you visit off - season, dont forget your witner woolies. Not only is it cold (0oC), but winter brings fof and drizzle. The chilly climate does have a few advantages, though - the area boasts temperate - zone fruit trees bearing fruit such as peaches and plums, and gardens for raising medicinal herbs. The dry season in Sapa lasts from around January to June. January and February are the coldest (and foggiest) months. From March to May the weather if often excellent, and the summer is warm despite the rains between June and August. The window from September to mid - December is a pleasant time to be in Sapa, though there is a bit of lingering rain at the start and the temperature dips by December Fansipan MountainFansipan Moutain (3143m), accross the valley from Sapa, is Vietnams highest peak and a popular expedition for those willing to brave its deceptively steep slopes.

The trail starts at the pink building just 1km before Tram Ton Pass. From that permit checkpoint, its a 3 - 4hr like up to the base camp (2200m). Everyone sleeps in the small hut at base camp, and you will be provided with a sleeping bag. The base camp has a makeshift bar and a river, where you can take a cold bath. Typically, trekkers reach the summit and return to base camp on the second day. The steep, muddy trail travels through the jungle and bamboo forest, and ropes have been set up on the larger rock faces. The round - trip from base camp to the summit takes roughly 8hr and there are great vatage points along the way. On top, you can take a picture holding the Vietnamese flag. The third day, one generally leaves base camp on a different route, heading down to Sin Chai, where ajeep or motorbike will pick you up and bring you back to Sapa.

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SAPA - FOG CITY

Sapa is famous for both its fine, rugged scenery and its rich culture diversity. Sapa is nestling of many ethnic minority village and vivid green rice terraces are sculpted into the mountain sides. It would be of considerably less interest without the HMong and Dzao people, the largest ethnic groups in the region. Its lush, deep river valleys, in the shadows of Vietnam’s tallest peak Mount Fansipan.
In the center of town is the spectacle of Sapas famed market, which has become a fixture on standard Southeast Asian tourist itineraries. Treks through the surrounding mountainside are an opportunity to visit picturesque villages, most notably those of the Hmong and Red Dao people. One inconvenience that will not change is the weather. If you visit off - season, dont forget your witner woolies. Not only is it cold (0oC), but winter brings fof and drizzle. The chilly climate does have a few advantages, though - the area boasts temperate - zone fruit trees bearing fruit such as peaches and plums, and gardens for raising medicinal herbs. The dry season in Sapa lasts from around January to June. January and February are the coldest (and foggiest) months. From March to May the weather if often excellent, and the summer is warm despite the rains between June and August. The window from September to mid - December is a pleasant time to be in Sapa, though there is a bit of lingering rain at the start and the temperature dips by December Fansipan MountainFansipan Moutain (3143m), accross the valley from Sapa, is Vietnams highest peak and a popular expedition for those willing to brave its deceptively steep slopes.

The trail starts at the pink building just 1km before Tram Ton Pass. From that permit checkpoint, its a 3 - 4hr like up to the base camp (2200m). Everyone sleeps in the small hut at base camp, and you will be provided with a sleeping bag. The base camp has a makeshift bar and a river, where you can take a cold bath. Typically, trekkers reach the summit and return to base camp on the second day. The steep, muddy trail travels through the jungle and bamboo forest, and ropes have been set up on the larger rock faces. The round - trip from base camp to the summit takes roughly 8hr and there are great vatage points along the way. On top, you can take a picture holding the Vietnamese flag. The third day, one generally leaves base camp on a different route, heading down to Sin Chai, where ajeep or motorbike will pick you up and bring you back to Sapa.

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HALONG BAY - WORLD HERITAGE

Halong is situated in the North – East region of Vietnam, lies 160 km to the east of Hanoi. Halong is a bay in the Gulf of Tonkin comprised of regions of Halong City. Halong borders Cat Ba Islands in the southwest, the east sea in the east and the mainland.

Halong is a natural wonder of the world and one of Vietnam’s five UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Halong is made up of 1.969 islands of various sizes. There are two kinds of islands; limestone and schist with over 3000 limestone islands emerge from emerald green water of Halong. While some islands are no more than large rocks, others are much more substantial and contain huge cathedral – like caves of stalactites. Most of the islands are clothed in thick green vegetation and ring with the sound of bird song in the early morning. Secluded sandy caves are everywhere an in the summer months the warm waters of the bay are ideal for swimming, snorkeling or kayaking. History shows that Halong Bay has been the setting for local naval battles against Vietnams coastal neighbours. On three occasions in the labyrinth of channels in Bach Dang river near the islands the Vietnamese army stopped the Chinese from landing. In 1288 General Tran Hung Dao stopped Mongol ships from sailing up the nearby Bach Dang River by placing steel-tipped wooden stakes at high tide, sinking the Mongol Dubhai Khans fleet.

Local legend says that long ago when the Vietnamese were fighting Chinese invaders, the gods sent a family of dragons to help defend the land. This family of dragons descended upon what is now Ha Long Bay (hence the name "Bay of Descending Dragons") and began spitting out jewels and jade. These jewels turned into the islands and islets dotting the bay, linking together to form barriers against the invaders. The people kept their land safe and formed what later became the country of Vietnam. The best way to appreciate the delights of Halong Bay is to cruise among the islands on a wooden boat while enjoying a tea or enjoy fresh seafood.

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HANOI CAPITAL

As the capital turning 1000 in 2010, Hanoi has within it the finest touch of what a Vietnamese cultural tradition of over a thousand years has to offer. The city hosts more cultural sites than any other city in Vietnam , including over 600 pagodas and temples. Even though some relics have not survived war and time, the city still has many interesting cultural and historic monuments for visitors and residents alike.

As a city between the rivers, built from lowland, Hanoi has many scenic lakes and sometime is called "city of lakes". Among its lakes, the most famous are Ho Guom (Sword Lake), Ho Tay (West Lake), Ho Thien Quang (Halais Lake), Truc Bach Lake, and Bay Mau Lake. Hanoi has famous traditional professional handicraft villages such as Bat Trang pottery village, Ngu Xa bronze casting village, Yen Thai glossy silk...

Among Hanois sightseeing highlights are the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum; the National Art Museum; the grisly Hoa Lo Prison (also known as the infamous Hanoi Hilton); central Hoan Kiem Lake, where Hanoians enjoy brisk morning walks or tai chi in a tranquil city landmark that symbolizes the citys mythical origins; and the Old Quarter, whose narrow winding streets are named after the individual trades practiced here since the 15th century. Hanoi is Vietnam s cultural center, and the galleries, puppetry, music, and dance performances are worth staying at least a few days to take in.

Hoan Kiem Lake ( Lake of Restored Sword )
Hoan Kiem Lake ( Lake of Restored Sword ) is a famous landmark in Hanoi and a centre of the city. There is an interesting legend behind this lake. Apparently in the 15th century, Emperor Le Thai To of Vietnam was supposedly handed a magic sword by a divine tortoise living in the lake, thus helping him to repel invaders from China . After the country has been liberated, the tortoise snatched back the sword from the emperor and thus the lake is named " Lake of Restored Sword ". This lake was once part of the nearby Red Riber (Song Hung) and a swamp, until the French drained the land in the 19th century thus forming this lake. There are several species of tortoise living in this lake, and you will sometimes see them on the water surface. The area surrounding the lake is very beautiful with flowers, trees, benches, paths etc where both locals and tourist relax. Please see part 2 of this tip Hoan Kiem Lake is at the centre of Hanoi and a focus point of the city. The lake isnt too large and doesnt take too long to walk around. The lake is central to the locals as well as the tourists in Hanoi . If you visit early in the morning while it is still cool you will be able to watch the locals do Tai Chi. Badminton courts are painted onto the ground all around the lake and sometimes you will see the locals playing this too. The lake is a great place to meet people and see local life. It can be busy at times but this is due to the fact that the locals love and use this lake as much as the tourists. There are loads of shops and coffee bars around and its great to spend the afternoon people watching.

Van Mieu (The Temple of Literature)
The Temple of Literature is Vietnam s historical seat of learning and is the most sacred place for the disciples of Confucius. It is one of the few remaining buildings from the original city founded by Emperor Ly Thanth Tong in the 11th century and is a well-preserved example of Vietnamese architecture. It became the site of the countrys first university in 1076.
In the temple there are number of courtyards which separated by wall and gates. In the courtyards you will see pond covered with lilies, bonzai trees. The complex is quite large. The temple is surrounded by picturesque garden, manicured lawn and large trees which provide shades. The middle footpath with low hedges in both sides will guide you to the different part of the temple. In either side of the temple there are large tortoises engrave with list of people who graduated with their names, dates and places of birth who achieved doctorates. The Temple of Literature with Chinese architecture is well kept considering it was built in the in the 11th century. After the hustle, bustle and the chaotic of Hanoi traffic, it was quite relieved to visit one of the tourist attractions as it was nice, quite and relaxing.

Chua mot cot (One Pillar Pagoda)
The One Pillar Pagoda (Chua Mot Cot) is a small and famous Pagoda of Vietnam located at a premise near to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Ho Chi Minh Museum. The One Pillar Pagoda has become the symbol of Vietnamese rich culture and history. The pagoda was built in the reign of king Ly Thai Tong (1028-1054). According to legend, in his dream, in 1049, the king saw a vision of Kwan Yin. She led him to a shrine in the middle of a lotus pond. When he woke up, he consulted with his court and decided to replicate the shrine in his dream to dedicate it to Kwan Yin. The One-Pillar Pagoda, built of wood on a single stone, is designed to resemble a lotus blossom, symbol of purity, rising out of a sea of sorrow. Today, many tourists visited the pagoda to offer their worship and sought the Goddess for blessings.
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Vietnam Grand Experience Tour

Vietnam Grand Experience Tour

(21days/20nights)

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi(-, -, D )
Arrive at Noi Bai airport. Pick up and transfer to a hotel. An afternoon tour of Hanoi. Visit The Temple of Literature, Tran Quoc Pagoda and then take a cyclo to exploring old quarter (1hour). O/N in Hanoi.

Day 2: Hanoi(B, L, D )
Spend all day exploring Hanoi. Visit Ho Chi Minh Museum, One Pilllar Pagoda, Sword Lake,Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, History Museum. O/N in Hanoi.

Day 3: Hanoi- Halong (B, L, D)
After breakfast at your hotel, depart for Halong Bay (170km). Stop over at ceramic and hand embroidery workshops in Haiduong. Arrive to Halong Bay. Board a boat for a cruise in Halong Bay. Visit magical grottoes, marvel at odd - shaped inslands and relax in the best scenic beauty ofVietnam. Surprised Cave, Titop Beach, the fish - farm. Stop for a swim and kayak ride. Lunch and Diner of fresh seafood are served on boat. O/N on boat.

Day 4: Halong - Ninhbinh (B, L, D)
Early in the morning, enjoy a sunrise cruise in the breathtaking scenery of Halong Bay. Continue to cruise to Soi Sim Beach. Stop for a swim and kayak ride. Then visit Ga Choi and Dinh Huong Island, Co Don, Cho Da Islet. After lunch at restaurant in Halong, transfer to Ninhbinh. Stop over in Hai Phong for visiting Hang Kenh Temple, Du Hang Pagode. Arrive in Ninhbinh, check in hotel. O/N in Ninhbinh.

Day 5: Ninhbinh - Hanoi(B, L, D)
First, take a sampan ride to Tam Coc, known asVietnams "insland Halong Bay". Then visit Hoa Lu, visit the Dinh Le dynasty temples, an ancient capital ofVietnam (968 - 1009). Return to Hanoi. O/N in Hanoi.

Day 6: Hanoi- Perfume Pagoda (B, L, D)
Depart for Perfume Pagoda. Arrive and walk to Yen wharf. Take a boat to visit Trinh Temple. Then trek up " Huong Tich" cave on the top of mountain. After lunch, visit Thien Tru pagoda and then back to Yen wharf. Then road trip back to Hanoi. In the evening, enjoy Hanoiis famed water puppet theatre. O/N in Hanoi.

Day 7: Hanoi- Hue(B, L, D)
Transfer to Noi Bai airport for a short fligh to Hue. Pick - up and transfer to a hotel. In the afternoon, take a boat on the Perfume River. Visit Thien Mu Pagoda, Hon Chen Temple and tomb of King Minh Mang. O/N in Hue.

Day 8: Hue(B, L, D)
A whole day exploring Hue. Visit the tomb of King Tu Duc and Khai Dinh. In the afternoon is sightseeing with a visit the Royal Citadel, Dong Ba Market, famous for its best conical hats inVietnam. O/N in Hue.

Day 9: Hue- Danang - Hoian (B, L, D)
Transfer to Hoian (140km). Stop over for visiting Lang Co Beach, Hai Van Pass. Visit Marble Mountains, stone - carving village of Non Nuoc in Danang. Arrive in Hoian. Check in hotel. At leisure for personal pursuits. O/N in Hoian.

Day 10: Hoian - Myson (B, L, D)
Travel on rural roads to My Son (55km), where explore the architectural treasure and sculptures of Cham culture dating from the 7th to the 13th century. In the afternoon, visit Japanese Covered Bridge, Thu Bon River, Old house of Tan Ky, Phuc Kien Assembly Hall. O/N in Hoian.

Day 11: Hoian - Danang - Buon Ma Thuot (B, L, D)
Before leaving for Danang airport. Stop for visiting Cham Museum which boasts the finest collection of Cham sandstone sculptures in the world. Take a short flight to Buon Ma Thuot. Pick - up and transfer to a hotel. Visit villages minorities.O/N in Buon Ma Thuot.

Day 12: Buon Ma Thuot - Dalat (B, L, D)
Transfer to Dalat, nestling of the Langbian Plateau at a elevation of 1,500m above sea level. Stop for visiting Lake Lak. Elephan ride and dugout ride to Mong villages of Yun and Mlieng. Gong show at Yun village. Arrive in Dalat, check in hotel. At leisure for personal pursuit. O/N in Dalat.

Day 13: Dalat - Muine (B, L, D)
Visit Bao Dais summer palace, Flower garden, Datanla waterfall. Then tranfer to Mui Ne. Arrive in Mui Ne, check in a hotel. At leisure personal pursuit: relaxing or swimming on the sandy beach. O/N in Mui Ne.

Day 14: Muine (B, L, D)
Spend a day at leisure for relaxing, swimming at a resort or roaming over coloured sand dunes at Hon Rom. O/N in Phan Thiet.
Day 15: Muine - Ho Chi Minh City (B, L, D)
In the morning, at leisure personal pursuits: swimming or relaxing. After lunch, transfer to Ho Chi Minh City, formerly called Saigon. O/N in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 16: Ho Chi Minh City(B, L, D)
A whole day tour of Ho Chi Minh City. Visit Notre Dame Cathedral, Post Centre. In the afternoon, visit War Remnant Museum. Continue to visitChina town and Thien Hau Temple. O/N in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 17: Ho Chi Minh City- Tayninh - Cu Chi Tunnels (B, L, D)
After breakfast, transfer to Tayninh (99km). Explore the construction between 1933 and 1955 and attend the monk prayer session to witness the daily mass held by the Cao Dai followers. After lunch, transfer to Cu Chi Tunnels, is considered a heroic district for its role in the anti American war in Vietnam. Explore the destruction, damage and defoliation all over the area. O/N in Ho Chi Minh.

Day 18: Ho Chi Minh City- Vinhlong - Cantho (B, L, D)
After breakfast, transfer to Vinh Long (140km). Boat ride on the Mekong River to visit Caibe floatting market, gardens....then visit Binh Hoa Phuoc island. Then on to Can Tho. O/N in Cantho.

Day 19: Cantho - Chaudoc (B, L, D)
Take a boat to visiting floating Phong Dien, then return to Cantho for lunch. After lunch, transfer to Chaudoc, is pleasant little town near the Cambodian border. Arrive in Chau Doc, visit Sam Mountain, Tay An pagoda. O/N in Chaudoc.

Day 20: Chaudoc - Ho Chi Minh City(B, L, D)
Before leaving Chaudoc, take a boat to visit Floating Houses and then visit the Mosques, the Cham village. After lunch, return to Saigon. O/N in Saigon.

Day 21: Departure from Ho Chi Minh City(B, L, -)

Spend last minutes shopping or at leisure before check - out. Transfer to the airport for departure.

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Halong Bay - 1 Day

Halong Bay - 1 Day

We will pick you up between 730am - 800am at your hotel and transfer to Halong Bay (170km). Stop over at ceramic and hand embroidery workshops in Hai Duong(15 minutes). Arrive in Halong Bay, embark a wooden boat for a cruise in Halong Bay. Lunch of fresh seafood is served on board. Cruise among hundreds of islets to discover unspoilt pockets of Halong Bay.
OPT1: (4 hours)
Enjoy sunbathing and the magnificent scenery of Halong Bay, crusie to visit Thien Cung and Dau Go caves, fish-farm... At the end of the day, back to harbor and take a bus back to Hanoi. Arrive in Hanoi, tour finished
OPT2: (06 hours)
The boat stops for a visit to Sung Sot Cave, kayaking and swimming, taking photos and admiring the beautiful view. Back to harbor and take a bus to Hanoi. Arrive in Hanoi, tour finished.

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