THE WONDERS OF VIETNAM  

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN HO CHI MINH CITY

Arrival in Saigon or Ho Chi Minh City via flight. Warmly welcome to everybody, a moment of courtesy meeting then self-introduce with Indochina Incentive House's representative and tour guides in the meeting point's Tan Son Nhat Airport. Saigon or Ho Chi Minh City, a young city with the age of more than 300 years, a centre of culture, education, commerce and tourism of Vietnam, the biggest city of Vietnam mix with the West and the Orient, and once known as the "Pearl of Far East".

Transfer to hotel for check-in and free at leisure for your own activities for the rest of day.

Please note that standard check in time is 14.00, check out at 12.00. Early check in or late check-out is subject to room availability. Hotel would probably guarantee early check in or late checkout as an extra surcharge on depend to the rooming’s status at that time.

Evening, we highly recommend a good dinner cruise on Saigon River in a floating restaurant and getting the admirable feel of the charming views of Saigon River and city-by-night during a short river-cruising. (See supplement)

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

DAY 2: HO CHI MINH FULLDAY TOUR (by A/C car)

After breakfast, visit Neo-Roman Notre Dame Cathedral - one of the most splendid and typical of the beautiful French-built churches in Ho Chi Minh city, next Municipal Post Office - Saigon's French-style main post office to admire and take photos of its nice architecture that is one of the Ho Chi Minh CITY's symbolizing images, then drive slowly along a historical boulevard which the impressive buildings as the old US Embassy the Prime Ministerial building and many more, there are like the historical witnesses to the ups and downs, political upheavals of a Nation and its generations. Followed up, you will visit to the Reunification Palace – a symbol of Saigon old Government before 1975, (also called former President Palace) to learn the sorrowful historic of Vietnam Ideology War from 1954-1975. Later, pass by Ho Chi Minh City People Committee (also the old French City Hall before 1975), and Municipal Theatre built in 1899. Then drive slowly along a historical boulevard which the impressive buildings as the old US Embassy the Prime Ministerial building and many more, there are like the historical witnesses to the ups and downs, political upheavals of a Nation and its generations. Left time is saved for you to do shopping at Ben Thanh Market - a most typical market of Vietnam, is a big marketplace in the downtown area of Ho Chi Minh City, with how many things are available for your choice. The market is one of the earliest surviving structures in Saigon and today is considered one of symbols of Ho Chi Minh City, popular with tourists seeking local handicrafts, textiles, áo dài (traditional long-dress for female Vietnamese), and souvenirs, as well as local cuisine. Continue visit China Town, the really typical marketplace, a good indication of the importance the Chinese have traditionally played in Vietnam's economy. Witness the bustling Binh Tay Wholesales Market where the most Oriental typical commercial center, continuing to visit a Chinese Lady Temple of over 150 years, with the legendary story of the ancient boat-men refugees from mainland China during the feudal dynasties, which are illustrated via an impress collection of Chinaware and porcelain masterpieces.

Back to the hotel for good night. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City (B)

Day 3: HO CHI MINH CITY - MY THO - CAN THO (by A/C car 180km, motor-boat, rowing-boat)

After breakfast, check-out and take an interesting excursion to Mekong Rivers, overland 70 kilometers to My Tho town - the "Gateway of Mekong River and its Delta". Mekong Delta - the rice granary of Vietnam and has vast areas of durian, mango, rambutan and other delicious tropical fruit trees.

Arrival My Tho and transfer to the bank of Mekong River, take a motor river-boat which to be rent exclusively for the group then crossing the Upper River and cruising along Tan Long Peninsula, let’s enjoy this golden moment to relax the verdant luxuriant sceneries of the watery region, taste very fresh coconut milk, disembark and visit a island, stop-over a handicraft village that produces house-hold items from materials of coconut trees. Walking on the quite country roads, you will reach to local lush orchards, taste delicious fresh fruits, drink hot tea with honey during the traditional melodies and folk music surround you. From here you can observe the life of the Mekong River Delta, the main source of rice and many other agricultural products of Vietnam. Enjoy also a short tilbury carriage tour on the village road. Take boat trip along the canal network with a bit of adventure mood in Ben Tre Province to visit a bee farm and then a coconut candy workshop. Till now rivers and artificial canals are an important circulation system of the Mekong Delta.

Then go straight to the centre of Mekong Delta. Slow-down for photo and picturings, set-off and a moment on peak of My Thuan bridge for gaze away out to rivers & delta, it is a longest and most beautiful bridge of Vietnam measuring 1,600m across the Upper River. Cross Lower River by big ferry to reach Can Tho – the capital of Mekong Delta.

Arrival in Can Tho, check-in then take your time to free at leisure, enjoy yourself the romantic and pleasant views of Vietnam countryside. Nothing is more refreshing than a view to the sun that is about setting in the horizon, sight and sound by the riverside at sunset, and salubrious countryside breeze, which blows over are indeed soothing and invigorating. Overnight in Can Tho. (B)

Day 4: CAN THO - HO CHI MINH CITY (by A/C car 170 km, motor-river boat)

This morning, after breakfast, transfer to the pier then embark on an elegant traditional Mekong wooden ship, and cruising during sunrise, visit Cai Rang floating market where thousand commercial boats on the busy river are exchanging their specialities of Mekong Delta. Explore the treasures, strange-looking views of Mekong Rivers. Cruising back to the Pier, Stop-over Ninh Kieu wharf on the bank of Lower river - is a beautiful city garden where hundreds of shuttle-boats are waiting the passer-by, a good and memorable Group-picture should be take place, proceeding to visit Cantonese Congregation Pagoda, It is called Ong Temple built at the end of the 19th century using construction materials such as wood pillars, grinstones and rafters from Kuang Tong, China.

Back to your hotel, check-out then visit Khmer pagoda of Munirangsyaram, on Hoà Bình street, there is very popular due to its elaborate sculptures and modeled on the Tam Bao (Three Treasures) tower, which is part of Cambodia’s famed Angkor Wat complex. If the time may permit, you will visit to Binh Thuy ancient house. The house features the French architectural style with five compartments and two roofs. Binh Thuy ancient house was constructed in 1870 by the Duong family. Especially, the house contains a large number of valuable “antiques” which have been preserved until now. They include two set of furniture (tables and chairs) originated from Van Nam, China, a set of salon table originated from the era off Louis 15^th, etc.

Then drive back to Saigon and free leisure at night.  Overnight in Saigon. (B)

Day 5: HO CHI MINH CITY - CU CHI - DA NANG - HOI AN ANCIENT TOWN (by A/C car 70km, plane)

Morning depart to Cu Chi Tunnels located at the threshold of Saigon and adjacent to the revolutionary base, played an important role in the two wars on before 1975. Visitors will have a lot of questions as knowing that Cu Chi was an "underground village" with its labyrinth of interlaced tunnels having a combined length of more than 200 km of tunnels built here by the Communist guerrillas are the highlight of South Vietnam tours. You will be guided to the bedrooms, meeting rooms, air-raid shelters, smokeless kitchens, and experience life underground during your short visit to this extraordinary tunnel complex. Opportunity to crawl into the tunnels for discovering and hearing all things of it. You can also try shooting with real bullets here (your own account).

Drive back to airport for an afternoon flight to Da Nang City, an ancient land closely connected with cultural traditions, mixing the famous beautiful sites, the white sand beaches. From Da Nang you continue to Hoi An ancient town, lies on the banks of the Thu Bon River, 30 km south of Danang, has a distinct Chinese atmosphere with low, tile-roofed houses and narrow streets; the original structure of some of these streets still remains almost intact. Occupied by early western traders, Hoi An was one of the major trading centres of Southeast Asia in the 16^th century. All the houses were made of rare wood, decorated with lacquered boards and panels engraved with Chinese characters. Pillars were also carved with ornamental designs.

Transfer to hotel for check in. Overnight in Hoi An. (B)

Day 6: HOI AN ANCIENT TOWN - MY SON HOLYLAND (by A/C car 40km)

The Central Vietnam is well-known as the Heritage Road, a pilgrimaged voyage to My Son Holy Land, and 40km away from the ancient town of Hoi An, where are the relics of the lost Kingdom of Champa from 7^th ~ 16^th century, this golden time until now keeps priceless cultural vestiges with the traces of parapet and outer wall, and still moss-green towers stand strongly to the challenges of time with their true value of cultural art, recently recognized by UNESCO as the World Heritage Sites. My Son Cham Holland with more than 70 constructions made of bricks and stones between the 7^th and the 13^th century in accordance with different architectural styles, showing how talented Champa artists. In the past, My Son Holly Land was once the capital of Cham Pa Kingdom that the French historians called it “My Son Sanctuary” or “Valley of Kings”. Most of its architectural works had fallen into ruin either through war or over the passage of time; the vestiges of 25 structures remain to this day.

Transfer back to Hoi An ancient town and enjoy an interesting town-tour by walking. It is the best way to discover Hoian ancient town, visit The Japanese Covered Bridge where retains a harmony of architectural styles, combining Chinese, Vietnamese, Japanese cultural characteristics. Ong Pagoda is one of the typical pagodas in Hoi An’s old quarter, built in 1653 and is dedicated to Quan Thanh De Quan (Quan Van Truong). Fukienese Assembly Hall was built in 1692 by Chinese Phuoc Kien merchants, is architecturally unique with its artistic ornaments and beautiful statues, Chinese architectural style combined with Vietnamese workmanship has enriched it with Hoi An’s cultural character. Tan Ky Ancient House, constructed almost two centuries ago as the house of a Vietnamese merchant. It has always been lovingly preserved and now looks almost exactly as it did in the early 19^th century, Hand-made Silk workshop as a last destination.

Overnight in Hoian. (B)

Day 7: HOI AN ANCIENT TOWN - DA NANG - HUE ROYAL CITY 

After breakfast, transfer to Danang city, brief visit to the Museum of Cham Sculpture, began in 1915. This is the only museum dedicated to preserving the unique Champa sculptural heritage in South East Asia. There are about 300 items of sculpture exhibited here. Most of them are original works carved in sandstone, some are terracotta. Items exhibited include altars statues and decorations from Cham towers and palaces. The statues include the Gods Siva Vishnu Brahma as well as the brahmanists Buddha dancers and musicians elephant lions the holy cow Nandin and the holy bird Garuda. These date from the 7^th century to the 15^th century. Then stone carving villages at Marble Mountains, where visitors will see the skilful artisans working on the products of marble / granite and visitors can choose a collection of excellent stone products for souvenir. Proceeding to Hue Royal City, the Complex of Monuments, the heart of central Vietnam served as Vietnam’s political capital 1802 to 1945 under the 13 emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty and was recognized as the World Cultural Heritage Site. Hue - has been the Capital of a unified Vietnam, built at about the beginning of the 19^th century, combines the oriental philosophy with the traditions of Vietnam. Intimately mingled with the natural environment, the beauty and special richness of the architecture and decorative art of the building are an original image of the Vietnamese monarchy at its most prosperous period.

Check in your hotel and free at night. Overnight in Hue. (B)

Day 8: HUE ROYAL CITY TOUR (by A/C car, boat)

Breakfast at hotel, enjoy the exciting historical tour by a visit to the Royal Tomb of Tu Duc King, its serious sceneries, impressive architectures to remind a splendid monarchy and the circulate widely false news of the real tomb of Tu Duc remains hidden for future generations to discover. Continue to spend time strolling around the mighty Imperial City, photo-stop at the Royal National high-school and its Royal Stele on the bank of Perfume River, which was the most famous National school in Vietnam, visit The Imperial City - Purple Forbidden City, is the best-preserved remnant of a vast citadel and royal quarters that once existed on the site. To put the ruins into context, it is important to consider how they were originally used., there are a network of palaces, gates, and courtyards that served as The Emperor’s home and the administrative core of the Empire, visit The Flag Tower - a huge structure of three flat-top pyramids, the nine holy cannons are housed in two buildings beside the The Nhan and Quang Duc Miradors in the Citadel of Hue, Palace of the Supreme Harmony, was the building for great court’s meetings. It faces the Noontime Gate (Ngo Mon Gate) and lies right on the central axis of the Citadel, The Mieu Temple is situated southwest of the Citadel and facing south, dedicated to ten Emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty, then The Royal Theater - DUYET THI DUONG was the oldest of Vietnamese traditional stage that remained.

Then drive back to center of city and transfer to the Royal Marina and continuing boat upstream to visit Thien Mu Pagoda (Pagoda of Heavenly Lady).

While the wind smoothly moves the bamboo branches.

One hears the Thiên Mụ bell, and the Thọ-Xuong rooster’s song.

Thien Mu Pagoda located on a sloping pine hill with the front side facing the Perfume River, was firstly built in 1601 which its 21-metre-high tower of seven storeys and refined bell are always the most beautiful sceneries of the ancient pagodas in whole country, and the highest spirit of Vietnamese also. A moment enjoy the beautiful views of sunset, the sun is setting down along the Perfume River and the tinged clouds becoming dim on horizon. Let's put in your mind the sceneries surroundings...they may be a shine star of lifetime and memorable feelings.

Rest time is saved for doing shopping at the busy market of Dong Ba, take your time to viewing, happy communicate with the jolly salesgirls who are quite well on speaking foreign languages. Here you can buy some handicrafts for souvenir, first and foremost Hue palm-leaf conical hat.

Back to hotel and free at night. Overnight in Hue. (B)

Day 9: HUE MONUMENTS COMPLEX - HANOI (by A/C car, rickshaw, plane)
After breakfast, check out & transfer to Phu Bai airport for flight to Hanoi. Hanoi - its legendary beginnings from 1,010 to 15th century then before the World War II, after 1954 as well, is the cradle of Red River Delta civilization with green rice-fields, its Old streets and colonial Quarter, its calm lakes, the shaded boulevards, its verdant public parks and sunny smiles with truly Far-East Asian faces ...Our experienced tour guide will transmit you the most lovely aspects of Hanoi - the ancient city of 1,000 yrs, during 45' by coach from the airport to your hotel in the centre city.

Arrival in Hanoi, enjoy a full day tour of Hanoi, let’s experience the basic concepts of political Vietnam currently by visit to the Chairman Palace area, there are Ho Chi Minh mausoleum (outside), Ba Dinh National square, Stilt House; One Pillar Pagoda, a nice group picture should photo in the parade yard of Ba Dinh National square with the great back view of Ho Chi Minh mausoleum. Continuing to visit Tran Quoc Pagoda & Quan Thanh Temple are located on an islet of West Lake, then the Temple of Literature, is a classic Confucianism temple from the category "Confucianism", was founded as a Confucian Temple and a huge statue and alter to Confucius remain there today, the first university in Viet Nam was founded here and many rows and rows of big stone slabs that sat on the backs of stone tortoises. These slabs are actually the stele of the school's successful doctorate candidates.

In the afternoon, you will visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology where contains more than 10,000 objects which depict all aspects of life, customs, and habits of the 54 ethnic groups of Vietnam. Enjoy an interesting tour by traditional Pedicabs, the best and most stylish way as far more charming to see Hanoi and to take in the sights and sounds of the Old quarter is by Cycle ( a tricycle ), your people will enjoy 1 hour cycle tour the Old Quarter and shopping streets to watch the daily lives of the people living on and around the busy areas, the small rickshaws will carry you strolling around the Old Quarter and shopping streets, to relax and view to daily-life surrounding or communicating is a good way to have a full impression of the city, catch the spirit of Vietnam. Rickshaws will return back at the Garden of Hoan Kiem Lake - the Return-Sword Lake, to visit Ngoc Son – Heroic Temple, But Tower, where you will be fascinating with legendary stories from 600 years that a turtle stole a king's sword and took it to the bottom of this lake.

A moment free in Garden of Hoan Kiem Lake to enjoy the lovely Hanoi landscapes in the sunset until the time of water puppet show, a unique art form of Vietnamese, at Thang Long Water Puppet Troupe, and you will also experience more about a specific culture in South-East Asia coming from agriculture of wet rice during the performance.

Back to hotel and free leisure at night. Overnight in Hanoi. (B)

Day 10: HANOI - HA LONG Bay (by A/C car 170km, a Cruising tour by wooden junk)          

After breakfast, depart to Halong Bay, 175 km from Hanoi, the highway is smoothly and cost you of 3.5 - 4 hours usually, since we have to stop somewhere for the rests or visiting also. Landscapes en route are very interesting with the immense rice-fields, farmers are working in the fields, small and peace villages ....there are the sweet beginnings to talk with then explaination of Vietnam by our tour guide.

In 1994 UNESCO classified Halong Bay as a World Natural Heritage and in November 2000, the World Heritage Committee reconfirmed this classification, your excursion to Halong Bay will re-evaluate the classification of UNESCO to this fairyland.

In the book intituled “Wonders of the World” published in 1950. The French marshal Lyautey compared it with Venice rocks in the “Letters of Tonkin and Madagascar “ (June 24, 1895). The French novelist Yvonne Schultz did not hesitate to praise the miraculous beauty of this bay:

All heights and ten thousand forms; imagination, imitation, pagodas, Hindu temples, menhirs, Chinese towers, pieces of chess-board or true immense mountain. And the extraordinary flows simulating the ruined keeps, the broken down bastions, a succession of palaces with the open belly and tribes of mutilated idols.

HALONG BAY is nearly a hidden bay with thousands of limestone islands densely rising from the blue jade water in a sea area of over 1500 square kilometers. Its 1969 green islands enfeeble the strong winds blowing from the ocean to leave the transparent water of the bay often calm in cool and healthy air. From time to time, sailing Junk appearing and disappearing between the islands make the poetic sight more colorful like sparkling pearls or coral reefs found out in the bay. The beauty of the bay is not monotone, at different positions of viewing, it will astonish viewers with quite different fascinations. In the caves and grottoes of stone islands, visitors will discover and admire how many impressive stalactites and stalagmites.

12:30    On arrival, embark on your Hai Long junk and enjoy a welcome drink.

13:15    Set-menu lunch is served onboard as the junk cruises to Bai Tu Long Bay passing the Vung Dai, Ba Cua, Cay Tao (Apple Tree), Con Vit (Duck) Islets and Gia Luan on Cat Ba Islands.

15:30    Visit the Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave. Then swim at Titop or Soi Sim beach.

18:00    Cruise to the overnight anchorage near Ho Dong Tien or Trong Cave

19:00    Set-menu dinner is served onboard.

21:00    Retire to your cabin

Overnight aboard. (B, L, D)

Day 11: HA LONG BAY - HANOI (by A/C car 170km, a Cruising tour by wooden junk)         

7:00      Light breakfast is served on board. The junk weighs anchor and cruises to Luon Cave, passing beautiful spots like Dau Nguoi (Man Head) and Con Rua (Tortoise) Islets, etc.

7:45      Explore Luon Cave.

8:30      Begin the leisurely cruise back to harbor passing Ngon Tay (Fingers), Ga Choi (Fighting Cocks), Lu Huong (Incense Burner), Ba Hang and Con Cho Da (Stone Dog) Islets.

9:30      Brunch is served on board.

11:30    Disembark at the harbor

NOTES: Cruise itinerary and schedule are subject to change due to weather, tide levels and operating conditions.

Our car is waiting for you at the pier and driving back to Ha Noi.

Transfer to hotel for check in and free at night. Overnight in Hanoi. (B)

Day 12: DEPARTURES FROM HANOI (by A/C car)     

Today, after breakfast, free at leisure for your own activities until check-out then transfer to airport for a flight back home. Have a safe trip!

It’s timely; you have to say good-bye Vietnam. We (Toan Vinh Tours) thank you very much for your choice of our company as your ground handler in Vietnam then may be Indochina countries on further, be sure all our people are your best friends always and beyond. May we will meet and honoured welcome you have other voyages to Indochina in the days coming, continuing to discover, to experience the endless imposing landscapes, and then get the really restful moments in a diversified World and this colourful Sub-region of the Mekong River: VIETNAM - LAOS - CAMBODIA - THAILAND - MYANMAR! GOOD-BYE & DO HOPE TO SEE YOU AGAIN! (B)

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