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Day 01 : Ho Chi Minh arrival
On
arrival at Tan San Nhat Airport, you are met and transferred to hotel.
Ho Chi Minh City, still called Saigon by many locals, is a center of
commerce, finance, culture and tourism in Vietnam. This bustling
metropolis ,contradiction of its northern counterpart, is crowded with
bikes and motorbikes, excited by numerous shopping area and sidewalk
café ( If time permits) we stroll around the down town to explore the
different local ways of lives. O/N in Ho Chi Minh.
Day 02 : Ho Chi Minh City tour (B, L, D)
Today
we enjoy a full day sightseeing tour taking us to some major sights of
Ho Chi Minh. We pass the now-demolished wartime American Embassy on our
way to the Reunification Palace. This famous edifice was the former
residence of the President of Southern Vietnam until end of April 1975.
Close to the palace are some striking French colonial structures
including the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Sai Gon Post Office. The
following sights are the History Museum and the Jade Emperor Pagoda. We
also visit the War Remnant Museum before continuing to the bustling Ben
Thanh Market where anything and everything is for sales! The remainder
of the day will be free for you to further explore the town or simply
to relax. O/N in Ho Chi Minh.
Day 03 : Ho Chi Minh - Hue (B, L)
The
next destination of our trip is Hue via a short flight from Ho Chi
Minh. The small and quiet city of Hue is widely known for magnificent
architecture, pagodas and royal tombs laid in many small villages and
surrounding hills. On arrival , you are greeted and driven to hotel,
passing by Camp Eagle . We spend this afternoon to visit Hue with the
massive citadel, containing the Imperial City and the Purple Forbidden
City. This royal residence was all but destroyed during the 1968 Tet
Offensive, however it is still fascinating to stroll among the ruins.
Afterwards we enjoy a walk to the bustling Dong Ba Market that sells a
wide variety of local goods and handicrafts. Along the way we pass by
many fantastic eating spots, ideal places for visitors to sample some
local delicacies. O/N in Hue.
Day 04 : Hue - Quang Tri - Dong Ha - DMZ (B, L, D)
Upon
leaving the town we drive up the highway 1 northwards passing by Camp
Evans , Fire Support Base Nancy and Quang Tri battle site. Along the
way we catch a look of Ai Tu Combat Base and Airfield before arriving
in Dong Ha , which is well known as Leatherneck Square bounded by Con
Thien, Gio Linh, Dong Ha, and Cam Lo. We cross over the Hien Luong
Bridge spanning the Ben Hai River which demarcated North and South
Vietnam. Here is a chance to visit the Doc Mieu Base in the DMZ, the
infamous Vinh Moc Tunnels and the old citadel of Quang Tri. This
violent battlefield is still in many veterans? memory . O/N in Dong Ha.
Day 05 : Dong Ha - Khe Xanh - Lang Vei - Hue (B, L)
The
journey continues with a drive towards the former American marine base
of Khe Sanh. Along the highway No 9, which links Vietnam and Laos, we
traverse by a series of fire support bases, including Rockpile, Camp
Carol and Da Krong Bridge. On arrival at Khe Sanh Base we have time to
stroll around to visit some of the many battle sites and military
camps. There were all but partly cleared by villagers. We make our way
towards Tacon Airport as well as Lang Vei Special Forces Camp, in south
of Lang Vei Village. In the mid afternoon we return to Hue via Da Krong
Bridge. O/N in Hue.
Day 06 : Hue - Da Nang - Hoi An (B, L, D)
Heading
out of town we make our way to Hoian, which was originally a Cham
seaport but has been influenced down the centuries by a myriad of
traders from various cultures. Along the way we can break the journey
in Lang Co Beach for a leisurely swim and an enjoyable visit to a
nearby fishing village. The winding road begins as we make our way up
the spectacular Hai Van pass. At the top of the pass we stop to admire
a fantastic view north to Lang Co and south to Danang, the US Marines
landing beach in 1965. We stop en route to visit the Cham Museum in
Danang City , the Marble Mountain and the China Beach, which was the
former R&R ground for the US Marines. O/N in Hoi An. (B)
Day 07 : Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh City (B, L)
The
ancient architecture of Hoian is a fascinating combination of
Vietnamese traditional characters with Chinese and Japanese influence.
There are plenty to see in this delightful town, some of which are the
famous Japanese Covered Bridges, the Pottery Museum, the 200 years old
Tamky House, the Chua Ong Pagoda, the vibrant market. Today we include
these on a walking tour past many low tiled houses scattered along the
small streets and assembly halls which reflect the town's
multi-cultural past. We also have time to stroll around many shopping
areas before catching flight south. O/N in Ho Chi Minh.
Day 08 : Ho Chi Minh departure
There
is a free time to relax or further explore Ho Chi Minh City. The tour
ends after your transfer to Tan San Nhat Airport for departure.
Inclusions :
Transportation in private air-conditioned vehicle with driver
Meal as mentioned: B = breakfast, L = Lunch, D = dinner
Accommodation: twin sharing room
English or French speaking guide
Entrance fee to indicated sights
Domestic flight Ho Chi Minh - Hue, Danang - Ho Chi Minh + Domestic airport tax
Exclusions :
Other meals, tip, drinks, single room supplement, personal expenses
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