Departure in 2007
16 Jan , 27 Jan , 05 Feb , 12 Feb , 02 Mar , 13 Mar , 11 Apr , 30 Apr , 16 May , 30 May , 13 Jun , 27 Jun , 13 Jul , 27 Jul , 07 Aug , 21 Aug , 17 Sep , 10 Oct , 17 Oct , 09 Nov , 16 Nov , 04 Dec , 15 Dec
HANOI - NINH BINH - HA LONG - HUE - HOI AN - SAIGON - TAY NINH - CU CHI - MEKONG DELTA - SAIGON
ITINERARY
Day 01: ARRIVE in HANOI (-/-/D)
Welcome to Vietnam! The tour guide and a private comfortable car of THREELAND TRAVEL will be welcoming you at Noi Bai airport. It takes you 35 minutes to drive to the centre of Hanoi. Depending on your flight arrival, you will be at leisure in the rest of the day or have a light tour to Hoan Kiem Lake and stroll around the Old Quarter of Hanoi by cyclo (a kind of three-wheel rickshaw), before joining your group next day. O/N Hanoi.
To visit Hanoi is to deep yourself into the cultural ambience of this city, presently a unusual blend of thousand-year-old temples and shrines, narrow and long “tube houses”, one-century colonial-styled villas, new buildings in diversified architectural modes and luxury hotels and offices. The face of Hanoi now is difficultly preserved from thousands years under the domination and Sinisization of the Chinese feudalism, the battles of the 1st Indochinese War and bomb attacks during the Vietnam War. Yet, Hanoi did its best to maintain the image of a centre of the Red River Delta, an once-bustling trading point of Southeast Asia, and a leading city of new progressive developments in late 20th century. You will need more than a day to explore the city.
Day 02: HANOI (B/L/D)
Rise early before breakfast time and join your group at 06.00 for a real treat : walk down to Hoan Kiem Lake in the centre of the Old Quarter, where you can enjoy and join the locals in their morning exercises of Tai Chi quan, jogging, martial arts, classical dance and so on. Return to the hotel for breakfast, or visit a local restaurant for a typical local breakfast before spending your full day for a city tour. The recommended sightseeing points are the Ho Chi Minh Complex, One-pillar pagoda, the Temple of Literature, the West Lake with charming temples on its bank, and one of the Ethnology Museum or the Fine-Arts Museum.
After a long day, you will have a delicious dinner followed by an evening show of Water Puppetry, a stage art created by the Vietnamese peasants. The show last more than an hour and is a wonderful opportunity to learn about some of Vietnam’s mythology, traditions and current customs. O/N Hanoi.
Among the sightseeing points that one must see in Hanoi, the Ho Chi Minh complex is much impressive with its everlasting long queues of visitors, who desire to see Ho Chi Minh (being embalmed by Russian techniques) inside his Mausoleum, with the face and complexion are as lively as when he was alive. The marble Mausoleum is adjacent to the small house-on-stilts, where Ho Chi Minh lived during his last 11 years, stretches to the location of the One-Pillar Pagoda, a remarkable construction dated back to 1049AD modified the shape of a lotus – the flower of Buddhism – raising from water. The Ho Chi Minh Complex is 1km far from the Temple of Literature, where the Vietnamese scholars honor Confucius and his doctrine that has dominated the Vietnamese ideology and strongly influences the present society. Built in 1070, the complex covers a large studying institution, where the Vietnam’s 1st social university was founded, a place for school students pray for their success before entry exams to Universities, and where the names of the top universities' graduates are honored nowadays. The lakes of Hanoi – created by the change of the flows of the Red River - like the West lake and Hoan Kiem lake, are popular for the evening dates of local young people, and for exercises of taichi-quan and martial art of the older at dawn.
Day 03: HANOI - NINH BINH (B/L/D)
Leave Hanoi in the morning for a 2-hour drive to Ninh Binh, 100km South of Hanoi, you will reach the old capital city of Vietnam in 10th century, before Hanoi took over this role. Very few traces of the citadel and palace remain here after fierce battles of every century, but the natural landscape is outstanding with mountain ranges running along a small riverway, where you must have a boat trip rowed by the locals to go thru long caves formed by the water erosion to enjoy the scenery and relax. The official name of the area “TAM-COC” (three caves or grottoes) comes from these three caves, but the site is very often compared with Guilin (China) and Halong Bay (Vietnam) by every visitor. After the boat trip, taste a lunch of delicious local specialties including goat meat and water escargots before going on to Bich Dong charming pagoda, which leans in a mountain cliff. In the afternoon, you will overland to Phat Diem Cathedral, an unique Catholic church built by wood and stone in traditional style of a Vietnamese communal house. Back to Ninh Binh for dinner and overnight.
Day04: NINH BINH – NAM DINH – HALONG (B/L/D)
You will be on the way to circle the Red River Delta today. The landscape along the trans-provincial ways are remarkable with green vast fields, hardworking peasants scooping water or transplanting the rice seedling, water buffaloes ploughing on the fields or swimming happily in muddy canals, and vendors cycling with stacks of bamboo fishing nets or pigs and chickens behind their bikes. The sights are spectacular in March, April and October, the harvest time, and in January, the seedling transplanting time.
There are numerous temples and shrines dedicated to the Vietnamese legendary and historical heroes to visit en route, among which Pho Minh Tower in the Tran Dynasty temple and Keo Pagoda in Thai Binh are most important. Visiting craft-making villages and crossing rivers by Binh and Bach Dang ferryboats afterwards will give you exciting experience of the Vietnam daily life. Arrive Halong City late afternoon for your dinner and overnight.
Day 05: HALONG – HANOI (B/L/D)
Take a boat from the Wharf of Halong in the morning and cruise the bay for at least 5 hours, you will reach the breathtaking views of Halong seascape and discover the magnificent beauty of this “Descending-dragon” bay. Legend said that the fishermen living along the sea used to suffer pirates and typhoons for such long time before a mother dragon and her offspring were sent from the God for help. Upon their arrival, the dragons turn into walls of islands and rocks, whose access are known just by a few local fishermen. Actually, with 2,000 to 3,000 islands and rocks blocking the way, accessing Halong is not simple if you are not from an experienced crew. The shapes of the dragons, and the different ways they landed have granted the neighbouring areas several poetic names relating to Dragon (or “Long” in Vietnamese) – Ha Long, Bai Tu Long, and Bach Long Vy. Afternoon back to Hanoi for dinner and overnight.
Halong may be the very 1st point of Vietnam that gained a worldwide fame simply for its beauty, its unique and the ease to reach from big towns. It’s a pride of the Tonkin Gulf, a World Natural Heritage designated by UNESCO in 1994, and a rendezvous of 90% of tourists coming to Northern Vietnam. Halong appear on “Indochina” (French, 1991), “Tomorrow never die” (US, 1997), “The Quiet American” (US, 2000) and numerous movies of Vietnamese and overseas producers, who found the mistery and charm of the Bay an everlasting source of inspiration of Indochina. Here sprout nearly 3,000 limestone and dolomite islets and odd-shaped rock sculptures, covering some 1,500 square kilometre. Since 1990s, Halong started to attract boat trips with different visiting time, from 4 to 48 hours, and later 20th and early 21st century became a captivating destination for kayaks, parachutes and huge travel cruisers. With a limited time of 5-6 hours, you can explore a small part of marvelous rock gardens of the bay, call on some grand grottoes or stop for swimming, then back to the boat to enjoy tasty fresh seafood. An extended time for 2 to 3 days on the bay will be very suitable to overnight on the boat, attending fishing activities of the crew, or to approach the further islands, lagoons, inland rock-covered lakes by kayaks.
Day 06: HANOI – HUE (B/L/D)
Morning at leisure for your last shopping in Hanoi before your are picked-up and transferred by your tourguide to the airport to take a flight to Hue at 12.30.
You will be welcomed in Hue and transferred to your hotel in the city centre for check-in before departing to visit the Royal Citadel, Forbidden City and Hue Royal Museum, the traces of the last Vietnam feudal dynasty, and Dong Ba bustling market. O/N in Hue.
Hue, originally called Phu Xuan, was built in 1687 and became the cultural, religious and economic capital of “Nguyen” Feudal Dynasty from 1744 to 1945. Undergoing so many rebellions of the peasants against the royal courts and landlords, being destroyed by the conflicts between the landlords themselves and between opposing political powers in 20th century, Hue hardly maintain the architectural works of the citadel, kings’ tombs, Buddhist temples without assistance and aids of UNESCO and overseas organizations, as well as of the Vietnamese archeologists. Yet, the traditions of an ancient Hue with the culinary art, house decoration style, tenderness of young women are well-preserved by the inhabitants.
The Royal Citadel, begun in 1805, is the greatest legacy of the Nguyen emperors. Like the Citadel, the city of Hue itself is a walled city, and was designed by French architects. It has been divided into three parts : the Common City, the Imperial City, and the Forbidden City. Surrounding the Forbidden City is a water canal, a symbol of the ocean and the world. In the early days, there were 880 palaces in Hue, of which less than 20% survived the war – a tremendous lost of Vietnam.
Day 07: HUE (B/L/D)
You have much more time today to discover Hue deeply. More than any other city, Hue reflects the former glory of the nation of Vietnam better. The history of the city goes back to the 3rd century BC, when it was the capital of Nhat Nam district of the Chinese Han dynasty, then gradually became the capital of the Kingdom Champa, citadel of Vietnamese landlords and a cultural centre of culinary, old values and lifestyle of Vietnam. With Hue’s historical significance, the city was awarded as a Cultural World Heritage by UNESCO in 1994.
With a boat ridden along the poetic Perfume River, you can reach Thien Mu Pagoda, the centre of Buddhism of the city, whose 90% are Buddhists, and the Tomb of King Minh Mang, which is reachable from a river pier. You should go on by car to the Tomb of Kings Tu Duc and Khai Dinh, the best-reserved early 19th and early 20th centuries’ monuments of the Nguyen emperors to enjoy very different styles of the royal architecture under this Dynasty. O/N in Hue.
Day 08: HUE - DANANG - HOIAN (B/L/D)
Departing from Hue, passing Danang with stops to sightsee the Marble Mt., the famous China Beach, enjoy landscape of Hai Van (the Cloudy Mountain Pass) and Lang Co Beach, you will reach Hoian after lunchtime. Spend your afternoon visiting the town of Hoi An – along with your guide, walk over the tile-roofed Japanese Bridge, visit taciturn Chinese Assembly Halls and Trading Houses, pagodas and stroll into the market located by Thu Bon river, you may find out the same feelings of the artists, who see the rooftops of Hoi An a magical old world of Oriental feel and source of inspiration. This is also a wonderful town to shop for silk and tailored-clothes that can be complete within a day. Then, if time available, take the boat trip along Thu Bon River with stops to visit craft villages in its neighbouring peninsulas. O/N Hoian.
Hue – Danang and Hoian form the significant cluster of Central Vietnam, though, each city has its diversified style. Whilst Hue is quiet, traditionally-reserved and poetic, Danang is an ardent seaport guy with more and more constructions growing everyday and somehow more popular for cruiser ships than long-staying guests, whist the ancient Hoian architecture is an enchanting mix of Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese styles. In the early 1980s Hoi An’s ancient quarters and historical monuments came under the protection and restoration efforts of UNESCO and overseas experts.
Day 9: HOIAN
It’s your time to deeply discover Hoian as well as relax in the beach today. Cycling with your tourguide will be the best way to visit this town and travel along to Cua Dai (Big Beach) that 3km from the centre. The beach and crystal water of Cua Dai is marvelous for a full-day at leisure. If you are staying at Hoian Beach Resort or Victoria Hoian, the beach is in walking distance. Lunch with seafood nearby the beach. Dinner and O/N Hoian.
Day 10: DA NANG – SAIGON (B/L/D)
Back to Danang in the early morning to take the early daily flight at 08.20 to Saigon (Hochiminh City).
You will be warmly greeted at the airport and transferred to the hotel in the city centre. Start the tour with the Reunification Palace, the witness of the dramatical Vietnam War end in 1975, if you wish to learn something about the peculiar War that split the USA citizens’ ideas during 1960-1970th. The grand building today is a Museum and Hall of official receptions. Nearby the Palace is the Post Office and the Notre Dame Cathedral, built between 1877 and 1883 and one of the city’s major landmarks. Neo-Romanesque in form, the Notre Dame is the major seat of the Catholic religion in modern Vietnam.
You can end your tour in Cho Lon – The Big Market, the name of a grandiose market in the centre of the bustling China town that does not exist in any other city in Vietnam, where every board is in two languages – Chinese and Vietnamese, so are the communication languages of the inhabitants. A lot of Chinese are being successful in Saigon with their trading know-hows, wisdom and dynamic. Have an Welcome dinner in the everning and O/N in Saigon.
Built on the site of an ancient Khmer settlement and an outpost for early pioneers in the 14th century, Ho Chi Minh City did not begin to come into its own until the early 17th century. The derivation of the name, Saigon, is somewhat vague and centers around its water location. Some say that Saigon comes from the Annamese word Thay Ngon, meaning a highly populated area near a dammed river. Others claim that Sai Gon is a transcription of the Khmer word Prei Kor or The Kapok Tree Forest. In any case, the city is fast regaining its reputation as one of Asia’s most vibrant cities. The tree-lined boulevards and French colonial architecture hearken to the city’s recent past, while the bustling markets, changing infrastructure and dynamism of the people look to the future.
Day 9: SAIGON - TAYNINH - CUCHI TUNNELS - SAIGON (B/L/D)
Your day begins with a visit to Tayninh, the centre of Caodaism, a local sect of Buddhism founded by a Vietnamese countryman in early 20th century. Arriving at noontime, you will have the chance to witness the daily ceremony at the temple of Cao Dai called Tayninh Holysee. In his novel “The Quiet American,” Graham Greene described the temple as the “Walt Disney Fantasia of the East”. The eye over the main entrance and on the inside ceiling is characteristic of every Cao Dai church, and is a reminder of the Creator of the Universe. Yet, the midday mass is very solumn and respectful. Today, the Caodaism numbers over 2 million members, who are vegetarians, obey the rules of chastity, and lead very simple lives helping the sick and the infirm. They are known for their séances and communications with the spirit world.
On the way back to Saigon is located Cu Chi Tunnels, one of the few remaining monuments to the Vietnam War. Beneath the ground lie 200 km of tunnels, dug by hand and inhabited by the forces of the Vietnamese guerillas during the conflict. At its peak, prior to the Tet Offensive in 1968, the tunnel complex was base to almost 10,000 troops. To this day, it remains one of the most impressive examples of how fierce the war was. Return to Saigon in late afternoon. O/N in Saigon.
Day 12: SAIGON - MEKONG DELTA - SAIGON (B/L/D)
The mighty Mekong flows into the South of Vietnam with its 9 tributaries before unloading a huge water capacity to the Pacific Ocean. It enriches the land of the South, making Vietnam the 2nd World Rice Exporter. It also makes the traffic complicated with a system of ferryboats, rowing boats, motor boats, floating markets, floating villages. It’s also featured by numerous fish farms, where the fish are fed in big ponds or huge underwater cages and under floating houses of the farmers. It's also the cradle of the delicious Basa - a kind of catfish that Vietnam has exported into USA and Europe.
You will drive Southward from Saigon, passing by the newly-built My Thuan Bridge, a pride of the Mekong people since it ease their traffic thru Mekong tributaries. Reach Cat Be exciting floating market with local people being occupied in selling, purchasing, exchanging goods from their boats. Take a walk thru the orchards and visit the rice-paper making and rice crips family factories of the Mekong people. Lunch in an orchard. Afternoon visit another noisy market in Vinh Long and bonsai garden on the way back to Saigon for a Farewell dinner. O/N in Saigon.
Day 13: DEPARTURE (B/-/-)
It your own time today. Finally, you are free for relaxing and shopping in Saigon, the biggest commercial centre of Vietnam. A bus will be at your hotel for transferring you to the Tan Son Nhat Airport for the flight leaving Vietnam. We hope you’ve got a memorable trip and look to see you back!
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
INCLUDES
* English/French-speaking guides. Other languages are available upon request.
* Twin-shared rooms at 2-3 star hotel.
* Meals as mentioned in the Program. Special requirements (vegetarian, diet etc.) could be arranged upon prior notice.
* Land transfer by air-con vehicle
* Boat trip in Tamcoc, Halong Bay and Mekong delta
* Dragon boat in Hue
* Admission
EXCLUDES
* International flight from/to Vietnam and airport tax
* Domestic air ticket from Hanoi to Hue and airport tax
* Domestic air ticket from Danang to Saigon and airport tax
* Visa arrangement.
* Drinks and other personal expenses (laundry, phone calls etc.)
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