THE HIGHLIGHT OF VIETNAM - 10 DAYS / 9 NIGHTS (IC/SICVI01)
SAIGON - HUE - HOI AN - HANOI - HANOI

Day 1 Saigon
Sightseeing in CHOLON (CHINATOWN) beginning with CHINESE MEDICINE MARKET and BINH TAY MARKET, the vast wholesale market selling every kind of good from dried foods to T-shirts to electronics. Continue to THIEN HAU PAGODA, build by the Cantonese congregation and dedicated to the heavenly goddess. Overnight in Saigon .

Day 2 Saigon (Breakfast: Hotel)
Excursion to Cu Chi Tunnels, an important Vietcong base during the American War. Stretching over 200 km , this incredible underground network, dug by hand out of hard laterite, connected command posts, hospitals, shelter and weapon factories.
Afternoon sightseeing in Saigon, begin your tour into modern history with a tour of the REUNIFICATION PALACE . Formerly the Independence Palace of the South Vietnamese president, Continue to the harrowing WAR REMNANTS MUSEUM , which comprehensively documents the travails of the long Vietnam- American War. Afterwards driving to the historic center to visit EMPEROR OF JADE PAGODA, one of Saigon 's most interesting pagodas. Proceed to pay a quick visit to the neo-Romanesque NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL and the CENTRAL POST OFFICE. Pass by the classic European-style landmarks such as the ornate CITY HALL (HOTEL DE VILLE), the old OPERA HOUSE. End up at the central BEN THANH MARKET, where vendors display a vast array of goods and handicrafts, appealing to every taste. Overnight in Saigon .

Day 3 Saigon (Breakfast: Hotel)
Excursion to Ben Tre. Journey through Ben Luc and Tan An. Take a boat trip on Mekong River to Vam Xep canal Ben Tre where local handicrafts and sweets from coconut are produced. Enjoy fresh seasonal fruits, a performance of traditional songs, and observe the local life. Take a short ride on a horse carriage to a typical local house to taste some homemade honey-tea. Proceed by small sampan boats through the small canals and observe daily life along the riverbanks, stopping for a leisurely stroll. Overnight in Saigon

Day 4 Hue (Breakfast: Hotel)
Transfer to airport for flight to Hue . Upon arrival start your sightseeing in Hue .
Hue served as the capital of Vietnam for more than 140 years. It houses ancient temples, imperial buildings and French-style edifices. It was established in the 17th century. Embark on a local boat and cruise down the PERFUME RIVER to the iconic THIEN MU PAGODA, an elegant seven-tiered octagonal tower. Visit the IMPERIAL CITADEL, a vast complex built in the early 19th century and modelled after the Forbidden City of Peking.
Approach the city past the striking FLAG TOWER , where a giant Vietnamese flag waves proudly overhead, to the imposing NGO MON GATE, the main entrance to the Imperial Enclosure. Enter into an area of spacious courtyards and serene lotus ponds, and visit DIEN THO Residence ( Dien Tho palace) is where the Queen mother lived, visit THAI HOA PALACE , the magnificently decorated reception hall, the HALLS OF THE MANDARINS, and the original NINE DYNASTIC URNS, among other sites.
Visit the TU DUC TOMB: Emperor Tu Duc, who ruled Hue more than 100 years ago. Overnight in Hue .

Day 5 Hoi An (Breakfast: Hotel)
Transfer from Hue to Hoi An with sightseeing in Danang. Visit Cham Museum , this houses probably the best collection of Cham art to be found anywhere in the world. MARBLE MOUNTAINS : consist of 5 stone hillocks, once islands, made of marble. Each is said to represent one of the five elements of the universe. TAM THAN: located in Marble Mountain near Thuy Son.
Arrive Hoi An, visit JAPANESE COVERED BRIDGE PAGODA: the first bridge on this site was constructed in 1593 by the Japanese community of Hoi An to link the town with the Chinese quarters across the stream. SA HUYNH MUSEUM : located near the Japanese Covered Bridge , it contains exhibitions from the earliest period of Hoi An's history.
TRAN FAMILY CHAPEL: this house for worshipping ancestors was built about 200 years ago with donations from family members. The architecture of the building reflects the influence of Chinese and Japanese styles.
PHUOC KIEN ASSEMBLY HALL: Chinese pagoda built around 1690 and then restored and enlarged in 1900. The temple is dedicated to Thien Hau Thanh Mau (Goddess of the Sea and Protector of Sailors and Fishermen).
LANTERN MAKING WORKSHOP: Visit one of the lantern workshop in Hoi An. The framework of lantern will be made by the industry itself and clients can observe locals making silk cloth on the lantern. Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 6 Hoi An (Breakfast: Hotel) * No local guide *
Whole day free at leisure. Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 7 Hanoi (Breakfast: Hotel)
Transfer to Danang airport and fly to Hanoi .
Upon arrival, start your sightseeing tour in Hanoi .
TEMPLE OF LITERATURE : a peaceful series of walled courtyards and graceful gateways, this monument is one of the best-preserved examples of traditional Vietnamese architecture.
HOAN KIEM LAKE : located in the centre of the city this is an enchanting body of water. Legend has it that in the mid-15 th century, Heaven gave Emperor Ly Thai To a magical sword that he used to drive the Chinese out of Vietnam . One day whilst boating on the lake a giant golden tortoise grabbed the sward. Since then, the lake has been known as the ' Lake of the Restored Sword.
NGOC SON TEMPLE : located in the northern end of Hoan Kiem Lake , it was founded in the 18 th century. Surrounded by water and shaded by trees, it's a delightfully quiet place to rest. The temple is dedicated to the scholar Van Xuong, General Tran Hung Dao and La To , patron saint of physicians.
Discover the old quarter of Hanoi by cyclo (1 hour). It is also called 36 streets most of which are named after the crafts or merchandise traditionally sold there.
Evening enjoy a WATER PUPPET SHOW. Overnight in Hanoi

Day 8 Hanoi (Breakfast: Hotel / Lunch: Seafood Lunch on Boat Trip)
Depart from Hanoi in the morning for scenic Halong Bay , cruising on a traditional wooden boat among the emerald waters and craggy limestone cliffs of Halong Bay , stopping at different islands to explore some of the many caves in this area. Sail past floating villages. Disembark at Halong pier and return to Hanoi by vehicle. Overnight in Hanoi

Day 9 Hanoi (Breakfast: Hotel)
Visit the miniature ONE PILLAR PAGODA. Also dating from the 11th century, this monument was rebuilt after being destroyed by the French in 1954. Today it stands near the vast HO CHI MINH MEMORIAL COMPLEX. Begin at the HO CHI MINH MAUSOLEUM, where visitors can pay respects to the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh. Continue to the Presidential Palace. Stroll through the park to HO CHI MINH STILT HOUSE, the simple two-room dwelling where Ho Chi Minh lived from 1948 until his final days.
MUSEUM OF ETHNOLOGY : This museum brings to life the astonishing ethnic diversity in Vietnam , with art and artifacts from the 54 different ethnic groups that inhabit the country. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight in Hanoi .

Day 10 Hanoi (Breakfast: Hotel) * No local guide *
Time at leisure.

THE CLASSIC VIETNAM - 8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS (IC/SICVI02)
HANOI - HALONG - HUE - HOI AN - SAIGON - SAIGON

Day 1 Hanoi
Sightseeing in Hanoi
Head to HOAN KIEM LAKE , located in heart of Hanoi , which contains an islet with the tiny TORTOISE PAGODA. From there, walking to explore the OLD QUARTER. Afterwards, visit the MUSEUM OF ETHNOLOGY , which brings to life the astonishing ethnic diversity in Vietnam , with art and artifacts from the 54 different ethnic groups that inhabit the country. Overnight in Hanoi .

Day 2 Halong (Breakfast: Hotel / Lunch: Seafood Lunch on Boat Trip )
Drive to Halong Bay , cruising on a traditional wooden boat among the emerald waters and craggy limestone cliffs of Halong Bay , stopping to explore one of the many caves in this area. Sail past picturesque islands, floating villages. Return to Halong pier. Overnight in Halong.

Day 3 Hue (Breakfast: Hotel)
Transfer to Noi Bai Airport and fly to Hue .
Upon arrival, visit the IMPERIAL TOMB OF TU DUC. Tu Duc, the longest reigning Vietnamese emperor, designed and built this elegant tomb during his lifetime. Afterwards visit the IMPERIAL TOMB OF KHAI DINH, the last of the monumental tombs of the Nguyen dynasty, this tomb incorporates distinct European elements into the traditional Vietnamese architecture. Overnight in Hue .

Day 4 Hoi An (Breakfast: Hotel)
Embark on a local boat and cruise down the PERFUME RIVER to the iconic THIEN MU PAGODA, an elegant seven-tiered octagonal tower that has become Hue 's most widely recognizable monument.
Visit the IMPERIAL CITADEL, a vast complex built in the early 19th century and modelled after the Forbidden City of Peking. Approach the city past the striking FLAG TOWER , where a giant Vietnamese flag waves proudly overhead, to the imposing NGO MON GATE, the main entrance to the Imperial Enclosure. Enter into an area of spacious courtyards and serene lotus ponds, and visit DIEN THO Residence ( Dien Tho palace) is where the Queen mother lived, visit THAI HOA PALACE , the magnificently decorated reception hall, the HALLS OF THE MANDARINS, and the original NINE DYNASTIC URNS, among other sites.
Drive to Hoi An over scenic mountainous roads with spectacular views over the coastline. Pass the HAI VAN PASS, the high dividing line between the climate zones of north and south Vietnam . Continue southwards passing LANG CO and stiop at DANANG before arriving in Hoi An.
Visit CHAM MUSEUM : this houses probably the best collection of Cham art to be found anywhere in the world. There are more than 300 artifacts in the museum, many dating to the 4th century. There are beautiful sculptures reflecting the 1000 year Cham period.
MARBLE MOUNTAINS : consist of 5 stone hillocks, once islands, made of marble. Each is said to represent one of the five elements of the universe. TAM THAN: located in Marble Mountain near Thuy Son. Overnight in Hoi An

Day 5 Hoi An (Breakfast: Hotel)
The walking tour will include visits to a PRIVATE HOUSE, where members of the same family have lived continuously for centuries in a traditional setting; to one of the FAMILY CHAPELS built by prominent merchant or official families as centers for ancestor worship; and to a typical CHINESE-STYLE PAGODA or ASSEMBLY HALL. Continue to SA HUYNH MUSEUM, located near the Japanese Covered Bridge , it contains exhibitions from the earliest period of Hoi An's history. Visit a handicraft workshop in Hoi An where local products are being made by the industry itself. Finally, continue to the famous JAPANESE COVERED BRIDGE PAGODA, first constructed in 1593 by the Japanese community of Hoi An to link the town with the Chinese quarters across the stream.
In the afternoon, board a local boat and cruise down the THU BON RIVER , enjoying the unspoiled countryside and stopping to visit a POTTERY VILLAGE and a WOODCARVING VILLAGE before returning to Hoi An harbour.
Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 6 Saigon (Breakfast: Hotel)
Transfer to Danang airport and fly to Saigon .
Begin your tour into modern history with a tour of the REUNIFICATION PALACE . Formerly the Independence Palace of the South Vietnamese president. Continue to the harrowing WAR REMNANTS MUSEUM , which comprehensively documents the travails of the long Vietnam- American War.
Afterwards driving to the historic center to visit EMPEROR OF JADE PAGODA, one of Saigon 's most interesting pagodas. Proceed to pay a quick visit to the neo-Romanesque NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL and the CENTRAL POST OFFICE. Pass by the classic European-style landmarks such as the ornate CITY HALL (HOTEL DE VILLE), the old OPERA HOUSE. End up at the central BEN THANH MARKET, where vendors display a vast array of goods and handicrafts, appealing to every taste. Overnight in Saigon .

Day 7 Saigon (Breakfast: Hotel) * No local guide *
Whole day free for leisure. Overnight in Saigon

Day 8 Saigon (Breakfast: Hotel) * No local guide *
Time at leisure.

Updated: Jul20,2010