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Days 1 to 2 - Hanoi
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Stay at the Sofitel Metropole
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Enjoy a sightseeing tour to visit the city's landmarks such as Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, The Temple of Literature (First University built in the 11 Century), Hanoi Hilton Museum. Spend some free time walking around and browsing the quaint shops of Hanoi Old Quarter. Afterwards a short visit to Dong Xuan market. Enjoy a one hour cycling tours around Hanoi City's old quarters. In the evening attend the traditional water puppetry show. |
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Days 2 to 3 - Ha Long
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Stay overnight on a remodeled junk (traditional boat)
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You will set out in the morning by car to the World Heritage Site of Ha Long Bay. Board your junk and sail into the wondrous scenery of Ha Long Bay. The area is famous for its limestone rock formations jutting out of the sea. Visit some of the caves, small beaches and islands in the area. There is the opportunity to go for a swim or rent a kayak in one of the bays for further exploration. You could also choose to stay at a hotel in Ha Long City or Cat Ba Island if you wish to be land based at night. Meals are included on the cruise. |
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Days 3 to 4 - Hanoi
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Stay at the Sofitel Metropole
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Breakfast is served onboard the boat this morning. Continue cruising around the bay for several hours and enjoy a visit by 'sampan' wooden boat to Luon Cave before returning to the junk. Enjoy a light brunch before disembarking. Transfer back by car to Hanoi, visiting Dong Trieu ceramic and pottery village on the way. Arrive in Hanoi in the afternoon and check back in to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy the markets, shops and cafes of Hanoi or simply relax at the hotel. |
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Days 5 to 7 - Hue
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Stay at La Residence Hotel & Spa
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This morning you will fly from Hanoi To Hue. This quiet city is widely known for the magnificent architecture of its citadels, palaces, royal tombs, pagodas and temples built under the Nguyen Dynasty. The main landmark is the Perfume River, with the old city and the Citadel on the north side and the newer city, including most hotels and restaurants, on the south side. Much of the riverside has wisely been done up as a pleasant promenade and park dotted with bizarre sculptures. You will visit the Old Imperial City, the Tombs of the Emperors, including a boat trip on the Perfume River, and the Thien Mu Pagoda. |
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Days 8 to 10 - Hoi An
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Stay at the Palm Garden Resort
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After breakfast drive to Hoi An, via Danang. You will cross the Hai Van Pass offering magnificent views of the China Sea. Visit the fascinating Cham Museum, famous China Beach and the Marble Mountains en route to charming Hoi An. Known as Faifo to early Western traders, it was one of South East Asia's major international ports and today it still retains that special old-world feel. Enjoy a walking tour through the Old Quarter and try some of the local specialties. Take a boat trip on the Thu Bon River the visit handicraft villages. The rest of your time is at leisure to relax at the resort.
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Days 11 to 12 - Saigon (HCMC)
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Stay at the Equatorial Hotel
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Transfer from Hoi An to Danang and fly to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Sightseeing includes a visit to the Notre Dame Catholic Cathedral, the distinct French built Post Office and then the Reunification Palace, formerly the Presidential Palace governed by the US-pro government of Republic of Vietnam. Later visit the War Remnants Museum, which primarily contains exhibits relating to the American phase of the Vietnam War. You will board the Cai Be Princess and cruise along the Phu An canals as well as tour the Cai Be floating Market.
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Days 13 to 15 - Mekong Delta
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Stay at the Victoria Can Tho Resort (and Equatorial Hotel in Saigon)
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Leave Saigon for My Tho. Enjoy a boat ride on the Mekong River. Continue with a visit to a snake farm and then continue driving to Can Tho. Early morning board for a 3-hour cruise to Cai Rang and Phong Dien, two large floating markets with stops at a Bun Tau noodle factory and a short trek before arriving at a rice-husking mill. Enjoy a morning drive through typical southern Vietnamese countryside to Cu Chi district, and Tay Ninh Province. Visit a rice paper making factory at Tan Phu Trung Village and the tunnels of Cu Chi guerrilla fighters. Continue towards Tay Ninh to visit the incredible Cao Dai Great Temple, and attend the noon time service. The tour ends in Saigon..
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