Vietnam In Depth

Please note that this proposed itinerary is subject to availability. We will only proceed with all reservations upon receiving your written confirmation. We recommend your confirmation as early as possible.

Flight times and the daily sequence of sightseeing are subject to change.

Transfer times are approximate and subject to local conditions at the time of travel.

All flight times are local.

ITINERARY

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Day 1: Saigon Arrival (Flight to be advised/own tickets) Meet at the airport and transfer to your hotel. Meals: None Accommodation: The Reverie Saigon Hotel/Deluxe Address: 22-36 Nguyen Hue st., Dist. 1 Tel: (84-8) 6268 1888. Day 2: Saigon CITY HIGHLIGHTS TOUR Saigon is the country’s commercial center and, with over eight million inhabitants and four million motorbikes, a city that never sleeps. Despite the well-documented hustle and bustle, Saigon retains its connections with the past. A walking tour to admire Saigon’s historic landmarks is a must. Transfer to Dong Khoi Street, or Rue Catinat as it was known in the time of the French occupation, to discover some of the beautiful French colonial buildings built in the late 19th and early 20th century. Appreciate the splendidly restored exteriors of the Opera House and the former Hotel de Ville which are still two of the finest buildings in Saigon. Wander up to the Notre Dame Cathedral, a red brick edifice with twin spires based on the original construction from Paris (it is only possible to visit inside when no service is being performed). Then head across the square to the Central Post Office, designed by the French architect, Gustave Eiffel, before he had risen to fame for the Eiffel Tower. The

former Presidential Palace, the headquarters of the Saigon Government during the American war, is a short drive away and reveals the history of Saigon during its turbulent recent past. Continue to the City Hall (the former Hotel de Ville's) which was completed in 1908 by the French. It remains as one of the most stunning colonial monuments especially when floodlit at night (outside visit). Then sit down at The House of Saigon coffee shop for a break and a little personal interaction with your guide over a cup of coffee. Your guide will give you some interesting tips such as how to cross the road without breaking a sweat or say a few simple words in Vietnamese as well as offer an insight of the local’s daily lives. In the afternoon, drive to the War Remnants Museum for a vivid glimpse of the American war through the local’s eyes (Please note that some of the photos are very graphic). Head to China town to visit Thien Hau temple, built by the Cantonese congregation in the early 19th century to honor the Goddess of the Sea. The temple’s ornate interior courtyard is always full of life as worshippers from the local Chinese community come to offer their prayers. Take time to make a wish, write it on a small card and attach it to one of the incense coils in the local custom. Continue your visit to FITO, the first museum of traditional medicine in Vietnam, offering an insight into how traditional medicine was used in the past. Return to your hotel. NOTES:

Suggested time: 8:30

Duration: 9 hours Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Accommodation: The Reverie Saigon Hotel/Deluxe Address: 22-36 Nguyen Hue st., Dist. 1 Tel: (84-8) 6268 1888.

Day 3: Saigon Day 3: Saigon – VISIT CU CHI TUNNELS (BY BOAT, JOIN-IN TOUR) At 07:00, transfer from your hotel to Bach Dang Jetty (Dong Duong pontoon) in District 1 and depart for Cu Chi Tunnels. Embark on the join-in speedboat for an excursion from bustling Saigon to an area in the outskirt of town showcasing picturesque scenery. Enjoy light snack for breakfast on board. This trip provides a glimpse of the changing faces of Vietnam – from the glittering skyscrapers and busy commercial centers to green orchard fields and houses built on stilts dotted along the Saigon River. The tunnel complex was initially developed in 1948 to help protect the Viet Cong guerrillas from the French air and ground sweeps. The tunnels also served as communication routes, storage facilities for food and weapon caches as well as hospitals and living quarters for guerrilla fighters throughout the period of the American war. Today’s visit to the underground villages will provide a better understanding of how the tunnels were constructed, the hardship of life in the tunnels and the Vietnamese resilience during combat. Cruise back to Saigon around noon while enjoying simple lunch on board. Arrival city center, transfer back to your hotel, free time at leisure. NOTES:

Availability: Morning only

Suggested time: 07:00

Duration: 5 hours

Capacity: Max. 14 pax Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Accommodation: The Reverie Saigon Hotel/Deluxe Address: 22-36 Nguyen Hue st., Dist. 1 Tel: (84-8) 6268 1888.

Day 4: Saigon BEN TRE - LOCAL BOAT Depart for a 1.5-hour drive from Saigon to Ben Tre, one of the country's southern provinces, situated in the Delta of the Mekong River. Take in the lush surroundings of rice paddies and fruit farms alongside the highway as you leave behind the busy city. Arrive at the waterfront pier and hop on an enjoyable motor boat excursion, take a glimpse at the Delta scenery, houses built on stilts and local fish farms along the way. Upon arrival at Turtle Island, enjoy a leisurely walk through the village observing tropical gardens along the way. You will have the chance to see a family run-business where they make coconut candy directly in front of the pier. Continue on your journey by sampan, be paddled by a personalized rower while you take the time to discover the maze of small canals. Bid farewell to your friendly boat rower, take a short stroll under through a shaded area of coconut gardens before reaching a rest-stop to enjoy a cup of honey tea and a traditional folk song performance. Lunch will be served at My Tho, taste some local delicacies before returning to Saigon mid-afternoon. NOTES:

Suggested time: 8:30 – 17:00

Duration: 8.5 hours Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Accommodation: The Reverie Saigon Hotel/Deluxe Address: 22-36 Nguyen Hue st., Dist. 1 Tel: (84-8) 6268 1888.

Day 5: Saigon - Nha Trang (Air) Pick up at your hotel to transfer to Tan Son Nhat airport for flight to Nha Trang. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel & free time at leisure.

Meal: Breakfast Accommodation: Six Senses Ninh Ban Bay/Hill Top Villa Address: Ninh Hoa, Khanh Hoa, Vietnam Tel +84 58 3524 268 Day 6: Nha Trang JOIN-IN NHA TRANG DAY CRUISE ON EMPEROR JUNK This morning, you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to Hon Tam pier (join-in basis). Then get on speed boat and head out to Mieu Island to visit the temple where local people come to pay their respects. Followed by a 30-minute walk across the island to see the villagers’ daily activities. Then board the Emperor Junk and cruise through the bay to the Tam, Mot and Mun islands which are popular to snorkelers and scuba divers. Enjoy kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving or just chill out on the beach. Lunch is served on board as the boat drops anchor at Dam Bay on Tre Island, a tranquil lagoon that is home to many fishermen and farmers. The cruise continues south to Hon Tre Island and Tru Beach, a wild stretch of sand with tropical coconut trees to capture photos and go swimming. Then head your way through Vinpearl Land and catch a glimpse of the Bao Dai Villa on the way back to Hon Tam pier. Transfer back to your hotel (join-in basis). NOTES:

Suggested time: 08:30

Duration: 7.5 hours

Capacity: Max. 32pax Meal: Breakfast, Lunch Accommodation: Six Senses Ninh Ban Bay/Hill Top Villa Address: Ninh Hoa, Khanh Hoa, Vietnam Tel +84 58 3524 268 Day 7: Nha Trang Whole free day to discover Nha Trang and enjoy resort facilities. Meal: Breakfast Accommodation: Six Senses Ninh Ban Bay/Hill Top Villa Address: Ninh Hoa, Khanh Hoa, Vietnam Tel +84 58 3524 268

Day 8: Nha Trang – Da Nang (Air) – Hoi An Pick up at your hotel to transfer to Cam Ranh airport for flight to Da Nang. After checking-in hotel in Hoi An and be ready for discover this ancient town by WALKING TOUR.

Between the 17th and 19th centuries, Hoi An was a prosperous trading port. Today, this World Heritage-listed ancient town boasts well-preserved buildings, pedestrianized streets and unique cuisine, allowing visitors a glimpse of its illustrious past. The narrow lanes are ideal for a guided walking tour. There is plenty to visit including the old merchant’s houses with influences from Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese architecture; the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge; the Assembly Hall of the Chaozhou Chinese Congregation with outstanding wood carvings; and the colorful market with stalls brimming with local specialties including silk, which can be turned into fashionable garments within a day or two. NOTES:

Availability: Morning, Afternoon

Suggested time: 09:00, 14:00

Duration: 3 hours

The ticket is valid for entry to 5 sightseeing spots in Hoi An including merchant’s houses, Japanese bridge, Museum, Pagoda and Congregation Hall for 24 hours; however it is valid for entry to Hoi An town for as long as you are in Hoi An. It is a must you need to keep that entrance ticket at all times in case you'd like to visit Hoi An later in the evening or the next day in your own free time.

Meals: Breakfast Accommodation: Hotel Royal Hoi An MGallery Collection/ Deluxe Address: 39 Dao Duy Tu st. Tel: (84-510) 3950 777. Fax: (84-510) 3950 888 www.accorhotels.com Day 9: Hoi An Whole free day to discover Hoi An and enjoy hotel facilities. Meals: Breakfast Accommodation: Hotel Royal Hoi An MGallery Collection/ Deluxe Address: 39 Dao Duy Tu st. Tel: (84-510) 3950 777. Fax: (84-510) 3950 888 www.accorhotels.com

Day 10: Hoi An - Hue Pick up at your hotel transfer to Hue. Check-in hotel & free time at leisure. Meal: Breakfast Accommodation: La Residence Hue / Superior Address: 5 Le Loi Street, Hue City, Vietnam Tel: +84 (0)5 43 83 74 75 Fax: +84 (0)5 43 83 74 76 Day 11: Hue

CITY HIGHLIGHTS TOUR Hue served as an imperial capital to the Nguyen Lords, a feudal dynasty which reigned from the 17th to the 19th century. With splendid emperors’ tombs, ancient pagodas and the remains of the Citadel, the city retains its royal charm. Start from your hotel with a 10-minute cyclo ride from your hotel to the Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO listed site. Enter through the towering main gate and you will appreciate the magnificent architecture and gardens while your guide explains about the events and the intrigue of the former royal court. Despite being bombed heavily, there are some incredibly well preserved sections still intact and others which are being lovingly restored. From there, the vehicle will take you to visit Thien Mu pagoda, Hue’s best-preserved religious monument. Standing on the riverbank with its seven-storey tower, the pagoda is a sight to behold. In the afternoon, drive out 30 minutes to the elaborate Khai Dinh Royal Tomb. Its architecture and atmosphere showcase elements of eastern art and western designs. Continue to the serene Tu Duc Royal Tomb, designed to blend in with its natural surroundings and built on principles of feng-shui. Transfer back to your hotel with an optional stop en route at an incense stick making house. NOTES

Suggested time: 09:00

Duration: 8 hours

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch Accommodation: La Residence Hue / Superior Address: 5 Le Loi Street, Hue City, Vietnam Tel: +84 (0)5 43 83 74 75 Fax: +84 (0)5 43 83 74 76

Day 12: Hue - Hanoi (Air) Pick up at your hotel to transfer to Hue airport for flight to Ha Noi. Check-in hotel & free time at leisure. Meals: Breakfast Accommodation: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel/ Premium Room Address: 15 Ngo Quyen St., Hoan Kiem Dist. Tel: (84-4) 3826 6919. Fax: (84-4) 3826 6920 www.sofitel-legend.com Day 13: Hanoi CITY HIGHLIGHTS TOUR (WITH CYCLOS) With ochre-colored colonial buildings, tree-lined boulevards and scenic lakes, Hanoi is full of charm. Start the tour at the historic Ho Chi Minh mausoleum, an imposing monument lavishly built using marble and granite, and where the preserved body of “Uncle Ho” resides. (Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed every Monday & Friday, all afternoons and from early September until mid of November). Behind the Mausoleum, you can see Ho Chi Minh's House. The simple house where Ho Chi Minh lived and worked is made of wood and enjoys a tranquil setting, with a view of a lotus pond. Ho Chi Minh’s belongings

are on display and you can walk up the steps of his house to see his bedroom. Wind your way afterwards to the Temple of Literature, the first University for the sons of mandarins, for an overview about Hanoian culture and appreciation for ancient Vietnamese architecture. In the afternoon, visit the serene Museum of Ethnology, a 20-minute drive out of town that offers a fascinating insight into Vietnam’s 54 ethnic minority groups. (Museum of Ethnology is closed on Mondays) Drive back to central Hanoi for an hour cyclo tour through the Old Quarter to enjoy the bustling local life, then cap off the day with a show at the water puppet theatre - a uniquely northern Vietnamese art form depicting scenes of rural life and episodes of national history NOTES

Suggested time: 8:00 – 17:30 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Accommodation: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel/ Premium Room Address: 15 Ngo Quyen St., Hoan Kiem Dist. Tel: (84-4) 3826 6919. Fax: (84-4) 3826 6920 www.sofitel-legend.com

Day 14: Hanoi - Halong Depart for a 3.5 hour journey to Halong Bay stopping for a break at Dai Viet Center – the best place to stop and stretch your legs en route. On arrival in Halong Bay, board your deluxe junk, settle into your cabin and prepare your appetite for an enjoyable lunch on deck. In mid-afternoon visit the mysterious Tien Ong cave, adorned with stalactites and stalagmites, and then continue to Cua Van area. It was once the fishing village, however most of them have moved on land for their children’s future due to the lack of education system and access to vital information. Head back to the boat, participate in a cooking class with the chef or enjoy sunset on the top deck before dinner. Overnight on junk (joined boat – private cabin, 2 persons per cabin) Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Accommodation: Jasmine Cruise/Superior Address: Number 1, Vuon Dao Street, Bai Chay Halong Bay, Vietnam Hotline: (84) 973 161 140 - Fax: (84-4) 39263847

Day 15: Ha Long – Hanoi – Lao Cai - Sapa

Rise early and greet the day with another refreshing Tai Chi class on the upper deck. Transfer from the main boat to a small beach on Ti Top Island. Those wanting a bit of exercise can climb to the top of the island (20 minutes). Later, board the main boat and enjoy a delicious buffet brunch while cruising back to shore. Arrive at the jetty in late morning then transfer back to Hanoi. (Light snack provided en route. Option to stop at a small pottery workshop en route). Upon arrival Hanoi, transfer to train station and depart for Sapa. Overnight on train. Meals: Brunch Accommodation: Overnight on train Day 16: Sapa SAPA TREKKING LAO CHAI TO TA VAN Drive 30 minutes south of Sapa town into the Muong Hoa valley, home to the largest terraced rice fields in Vietnam. If your visit is between May and October, it will coincide with the planting and harvesting time, and provides a chance to see the local farmers in action. The walk takes you from Lao Chai village of the Black Hmong minority to Ta Van village of the Giay minority. The magnificent views of the terraced fields, Fansipan mountain range and the cool climate all contribute to an excellent experience. Trek a total of 5km through farmlands and rolling hills before heading back to the hotel early afternoon. NOTES

Availability: Morning, Afternoon

Suggested time: 08:00, 13:30

Duration: 4 hours

Sapa is not recommended from Jan to May since there is no any farming activities and rice fields. The weather is hazy and drizzling. There is only one crop in a year in Sapa. December is also not recommended as it is very cold and cloudy.

From June, local people start the farming season on rice fields. People can see the greenest Sapa around August and early September.

From September to October is the best time to visit Sapa as the green rice fields turn into golden yellow thought there might be drizzle some days. The local start the harvest season around this period.

The harvest season is already over in November however the weather is cool and sunny which is great for trekking to villages.

Sapa is becoming more and more popular with tourists. Many local people have limited income, therefore selling souvenir items can often be seen as another way to earn money. Expect hilltribe vendors to follow you and to be persistent in persuading you to buy their handicrafts. If you’re not interested, just say ‘no’ and ask your guide to walk you away.

Meal: Breakfast Accommodation: Victoria Sapa/Superior Address: Xuan Vien Street, Sa Pa, Lao Cai, Việt Nam Tel: +84 20 3871 522 Day 17: Sapa – Hanoi TREKKING CAT CAT & Y LINH HO Winding through hilly terrain and terraced paddy fields, the road out of Sapa leads to Cat Cat village, just 2km from the town (you can either walk from your hotel or be shuttled by support minivan to the village). A leisurely walk of 3km through the old village offers an overview of the traditional customs and practices of the ethnic Black Hmong. Stop by the stunning waterfall and the vestige of a hydroelectric power station constructed by the French during the colonial era. Follow a dirt trail sneaking through the mountains along a narrow river and enjoy the spectacular scenery, after 2km trekking, you reach Y Linh Ho village, also home to the Black Hmong minority. Take a rest by the river before trekking back to the road where your driver will take you back up to Sapa town. Arrive at your hotel early in the afternoon. The total trekking distance is 5km.

NOTES

Availability: Morning, Afternoon

Suggested time: 08:00, 12:30

Duration: 4 hours Meal: Breakfast Accommodation: Overnight on train Day 18: Hanoi Departure (Flight to be advised/own tickets) Pick up at hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight to next destination. For domestic flights you need to be at the airport at least one hour prior to departure. For international flights you need to be there at least two hours prior to departure. Your guide will inform you the pickup time. Meal: Breakfast End of services TOUR COST This itinerary is provided for example only. For full details including pricing, please contact us at info@toiinternational.com.