CTV8: Vietnam discovery Tour 18 days 17 nights

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Itinerary in brief:

Day 1: Hanoi arrival
Day 2: Hanoi city tour (B, L)
Day 3: Hanoi – Hoa Binh –  Mai chau (B, L, D)
Day 4: Maichau - Hanoi  (B, L)
Day 5: Hanoi – Halong bay on board (B, L, D)
Day 6: Halong – Hanoi – Hue flight (B )
Day 7: Hue city tour (B, L)
Day 8: Hue – Danang – Hoian (B)
Day 9: Hoian – Myson sanctuary (B)
Day 10: Hoian – Nha trang day train (B)
Day 11: Nha trang island tour (B, L)
Day 12: Nha trang relaxation (B)
Day 13: Nha trang – Dalat (B, L)
Day 14: Dalat – Ho chi minh (B, L)
Day 15: Ho chi minh city ( B, L )
Day 16: Ho chi minh - My tho - Ben tre – Can tho home stay( B, L,D )
Day 17: Can tho - Ho chi minh ( B, L )
Day 18: Ho chi minh departure (B)
 
Itinerary in Details

Day 1 :Hanoi arrival
Arrival at Noi Bai Airport, you are warmly welcomed  and transferred  to hotel by private Asia View Travel’s guide with signboard, check in, relax. Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.

Day 2: Hanoi  city tour ( B, L )
Breakfast at hotel, This morning we start city tour  with the Ho Chi Minh Complex. This famous site contains the mausoleum of the nation’s founder Ho Chi Minh (Close on Monday, Friday & October for annual maintenance ), the Presidential Palace and the Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts. Close to this complex is the One Pillar Pagoda, whose origins date back to the foundation of city. We follow this with the impressive Ethnology Museum, dedicated to Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups.  Lunch at local restaurant. Afternoon, visit the Temple of Literature, which is well known as the first university of Vietnam, Vietnam’s first university.  Constructed in 1070, the gardens and well-preserved architecture offer a relaxing glimpse into Vietnam’s past. We continue to visit the Restored Sword Lake (Hoan Kiem Lake) and Ngoc Son Temple,  do a cyclo tour around   around the 36 streets of the Hanoi old quarter to learn more about simple life of Hanoian. Enjoy water puppet show- a remarkable Vietnamese art form that combines traditional music, fireworks, underwater puppeteers, and elaborate puppets floating gracefully over water. Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.

Day 3: Hanoi – Hoa binh – Mai chau  ( B, L , D)
We depart Hanoi and head west toward Hoa Binh City where we stop for refreshments and coffee. Leaving Hoa Binh, we drive towards Mai Chau valley, about another two hours away to White Thai village of Poomcong. Enjoy the stunning views while lunching on tasty local dishes cooked by the White Thai girls of the village. Afternoon we walk to the surrounding village. Our hosts for this evening will be the White Thai minority people. In sampling these peoples hospitality, we find out a little more of their lives and cultures with a cultural exchange following the evening meal. Overnight at home stay in Mai chau.

Day 4: Mai chau – Hanoi ( B, L )
Following breakfast we embark on a lovely walk to Lac village and Van village. As we walk we will encounter the local villagers going about their daily business tilling the fields, logging or herding the buffalo. We enjoy lunch in Mai Chau before we drive back to Hanoi. Visit Muong village in Hoa Binh before tour finish at your hotel in Hanoi. Check in, relax.

Day 5: Hanoi – Halong bay ( B, L,D )
Breakfast at hotel, then 8:30 AM  start a 3. 5 hour drive through the Red River Delta to Ha Long City. Comfort stop en route for photos and coffee ( by your own ) before arriving to Ha Long City.
11.30 – 12.15   Welcome you at Hòn Gai Tourist International Port
12.30   Check in Overnight Cruise, welcome drink and program introduction
13.00 – 14.30   The cruise start the journey
Lunch served with local cuisines menu and passing the paramount view at Ha Long such as Kicking Dog Island , Fighting Chicken Islet, Huong Peak, Thien Cung Cave,Dau Go Island…
15.00 – 16.00   Explore Surprise Cave – one of the most famous caves on the Ha Long bay.
16.30 – 17.30   Small boat take you to Titop seaside: visiting islands, climb to Titop Mountain 200m in height to see the whole bay and swimming at Titop Seaside.
18.00   Return to your cruise or relaxation or enjoy sunset on the bay
19.30 – 21.00   Dinner at the restaurant with organized menu
21.00   Free at your leisure like lying on deck or going to catch squid…
Overnight on junk.
 
Day 6: Halong bay –  Hanoi – Hue flight ( Brunch )
Rising to the tranquil beauty of the bay we have time for an early morning dip with joys and emotions for watching sunrise on sea followed by breakfast. This morning we continue to move around the bay to find more secluded areas. The junk will be near us at all times serving as a back up vessel for those that require it. At around midday we will return to the main harbor before transferring to our awaiting vehicle for a 3.5 hour journey directly to the airport for flight to Hue. The guide in Hue will pick you up, transfer to hotel, check in, relax.

Day 7: Hue city tour( B, L )
Breakfast at hotel, we then set out for the exploration of Hue's famous highlights, including the Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City. Built in the 19th century by the Nguyen dynasty, the City was home to the former Emperors of Vietnam from 1802 until 1945. We embark on a boat for cruise upstream on the Perfume River, viewing the city and the tranquil villages on the riverbank. We will walk up to visit the Thien Mu pagoda, a nicely located pagoda, overlooks the Perfume River and the beautiful scenery beyond, where you get to learn more about the Buddhism in Vietnam.  One of the most poignant displays here is a car belonging to a former monk, who in 1963, drove to Saigon and set himself alight to protest against the South Vietnamese regime and its treatment of Buddhists. Disembark the board for a visit the elaborate mausoleum of former emperor Tu Duc, built decades before its occupant's death the tomb was used as a palace retreat before the emperors final resting place. On return to the city, we then take a walk to the bustling Dong Ba Market and pass many fantastic eating spots where visitors have a chance to sample some local delicacies.

Day 8: Hue – Danang – Hoian (B, )
This morning say good bye Hue and embark on southern bound journey to  Hoian – the old trading town. Along the way though we will stop at Lang Co beach for coffee ( by your own ) and refreshments. From here we head up to the Hai Van pass, stopping at the top to take in the stunning views north over Lang Co beach and south over Danang city. Continuing on our way down the other side and into Da nang, where we will stop at the beautiful Non Nuoc Beach and Cham Museum, which contains the finest collection of Cham sculpture in the world. We also visit the Marble Mountains, five sacred hills containing dozens of Buddhist shrines. Arrive in Hoian ancient town , check in, relax. We spend the rest of afternoon to discover Hoian.
Take a walk tour to explore Hoian ancient town, once a major Asian trading port in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Hoi An’s architecture and relaxed lifestyle have changed little over the years. Take a leisurely walking tour of the ancient town center and visit the sites of former merchants’ homes, a 400 year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, and a Chinese Communal Hall. Believed to have been settled no less than 2,200 years ago, Hoi An was known as Faifo to early Western traders.  Hoi An was one of the major ports of Southeast Asia from the 17th to 19th centuries. Chinese, Japanese, French, English, Spanish, Portuguese and other traders had small communities here, and the old wooden houses, bridges and temples that remain are reminiscent of a Vietnam of centuries past. This unique old trading town slowly became isolated due to its river silting up and by destroyed rail lines, leaving it untouched by war and frozen in time. Nowadays, this absolutely charming and relaxed town has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town is also famous for it's shops in particular it's large number of tailors. If you wanted, you could  have a whole new wardrobe made for you here.

Day 9: Hoian – My son sanctuary  - Hoian ( B )
We drive to visit holly land My Son. This is a former capital of the ancient Cham civilization that ruled central Vietnam between the second and thirteenth centuries. Hinduism from India heavily influenced their religion. Located 60km from Danang, My Son is considered to be one of the best-preserved Cham structures in Vietnam. The complex is comprised of seventy Hindu-like towers and temples dating from the second century. This site is a must-see for those who are interested in architecture and ancient civilizations. It is one of four World Heritage listed sites in Vietnam. Balance of the day will be at your leisure to do your endless shopping in Hoian. Overnight at hotel  in Hoian.

Day 10 :Hoian - Nha trang day train ( B )
This morning there is plenty of time to discover what Hoi An  has to offer. You can spend your time walking around  exploring the many Chinese assembly halls and  fascinating ancestral homes, some of which have  been occupied by the same family for fifteen genera- ions. You might like to take a boat ride with one of the local women across the Thu Bon River. Perhaps you would like to hire a bicycle and head off on a scenic ride to Cua Dai beach, about 4 km away. There's even the chance to improve your culinary skills with a Vietnamese cooking lesson! One thing is for sure - there is no shortage of things to do in this town! We then transfer to train station for train, take the afternoon train to Nha Trang. Pick up at Train Station in Nha Trang, transfer to hotel for late check in.

Day 11: Nha trang island tour ( B, L )
Start from your hotel to Cau Da port. Tri Nguyen Aquarium on Mieu Island is the first place to visit, many sea species of Nha Trang/Khanh Hoa province make a small ocean world there. Mun Island is the best island for snorkeling where you can see lots of lives colorful corals and fish. Visit a fishing village and taking a fresh lunch at the island. On the way back you will be able to see caves in which the sea swallows make their nest.

Day 12: Nha trang relaxation ( B )
Breakfast at hotel. Free today for the beach relaxation. Overnight at resort in Nhatrang.

Day 13: Nha trang – Dalat (B, L)
After breakfast at hotel we drive up to Dalat, enjoy the beautiful scenery andtake some stop-overs on the way for photo and refreshment. Check in hotel up on arrival in Dalat and then visit the visit Emperor Bao Dai's Summer Palace that is indicative of Bao Dai's status as the puppet ruler of an occupied country. Time is on your own to explore Dalat by yourself. Remember that coffee and cake in Dalat are some of the best in Vietnam and easily to be found in any finer cafes. Overnight at hotel in Dalat

Day 14: Dalat – Ho chi minh (B, L )
Breakfast at hotel, we spend full day to discover Dalat city. 9:00 AM we take the cable car to visit  Truc Lam Buddhist Meditation Monastery to visit attractive Flower Garden. We continue with Hang Nga Crazy House, the romantic Love Valley. You'll be taken to have a look at an embroidery workshop in an attractive garden setting called “XQ Su Quan” .After visiting the Dalanta waterfall, transfer to the airport for flight to Ho chi minh city, The guide in HCM city will pick you up, transfer to hotel in city center, check in, relax.

Day 15: Ho chi minh city tour ( B, L )
Pick up at  hotel, take city tour of dynamic Ho Chi Minh City, still called Saigon by many locals. We visit the Reunification Palace which was the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until end of April 1975, and some French colonial structures including the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Old Sai Gon Post Office before we shall see the exhibition on Vietnam War to the famous War Museum. Lunch at local restaurant. Afternoon, we pass a place with its famous lacquers and the tour ends at the city's finest shopping street, Dong Khoi Street and the bustling Ben Thanh Market where anything and everything is for sale. Overnight at hotel in Ho chi minh

Day 16: Ho chi minh – My tho – Ben Tre – Can tho ( B, L, D )
You will be picked up at your hotel, transfer to My Tho, 84km from Ho chi minh city. This trip provides a look at a wide variety of the life and scenery on Vietnam River from the peaceful Delta. The huge ships, which come from many different countries moving slowly, quietly along the river is what you will see at the Saigon River. Do not miss this sight! On the way you will see daily activities of local people along the river sellers and buyers bargaining, exchanging fish, the products that they got from their working on the sea. From My Tho, you will ride on a local motor boat around Dragon Island, Unicorn Island, Phoenix Island, Turtle Island and stop at the famous Unicorn Island. While at the Unicorn Island, you will take a short trek and go for a rowing boat trip. You will also enjoy lunch, tropical fruit and free time  bike ride in the rural village. From there, you will continue your motor boat trip to Ben Tre province to visit a handmade coconut candy workshop. Then transfer to a small motor boat and travel along the lush, green canals that are so beautiful for photography. We continue drive to Can Tho. Overnight at home stay in Can Tho.

Day 17: Can tho – Ho chi minh ( B, L)
Cruising along the small and picturesque tributaries by local boat, we will see the Cai Rang floating market (The nicest one with heaps of rowing boats). Take in the beautiful scenery and daily activities of locals who live along the Mekong canals and you will roam through the village to visit a rice husking mill and a rice noodles making shop. Stops at Can Tho market where a  car/van  will drive you back to Sai Gon. Drop off at your hotel in Saigon. End of tour.

Day 18: Ho chi minh departure ( B )
Breakfast at hotel, free time until  transfer to  the airport for your departure flight. End of tour.

Thank you for traveling with Asia View Travel.