Vietnam - The Changing Face of Southeast Asia

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Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi

Arrival in Hanoi followed by a transfer to our centrally located hotel. The remainder of the day is free to explore Hanoi's tree-lined streets and wide boulevards. Tonight we have our orientation meeting and overnight in Hanoi.

Day 2: Hanoi City Tour by Cyclo

Today our visits include the Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and One Pillar Pagoda. After lunch we continue our sightseeing with the Fine Arts Museum, and the Ethnology Museum.. We also enjoy a tour of the old quarter by cyclo (three-wheeled bicycle rickshaw), the best way to explore this busy place. Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 3: To Halong Bay

An early departure today to Halong via Ha Bac Province, which is the cradle of Buddhism in Vietnam. We board our boat and have a seafood feast lunch.

We spend the afternoon exploring the bay, which consists of thousands of islands and islets formed by wind and water. The many limestone rock formations make for beautiful scenery and wonderful photos.

We stop and visit Surprising Cave and Luon Grotto before dinner. We spend the night on the boat.

Day 4: Halong Bay, Return to Hanoi

This morning we will continue to explore Halong Bay by boat. For early risers, the sunrise from the upper deck is a lovely way to greet the day from the water. We may see the fishing boats returning after the night fish.

After breakfast, for anyone who wants to explore by kayak, the option is available at an additional cost. We return to the pier and then back to Hanoi.

This evening we attend a water puppet performance and dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 5: Traditional Village Visit

We visit the village market as well as a Taoist Temple dedicated to Chu Dong Tu and hear the emotional love story of Chu Dong Tu and his wife.

We drive to Bat Trang pottery village and take a walk through the workshop to observe how these well-known ceramics are made. We return to Hanoi and there is free time before dinner. Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 6: Cuc Phuong National Park

We depart Hanoi and drive to Cuc Phuong National Park, the first national park of Vietnam, established in 1962. It is home to over 1983 types of plants, 89 animal species and over 320 types of birds. We visit the Endangered Primate Rescue Center, which was also the first wildlife center in Vietnam. We see Delacour's langur, Cat Ba langur and gibbons. We continue our exploration of the park with a hike. We will split into 2 groups, an easy hike to Sau Tree or a longer hike to the One Thousand Year Old Tree. Overnight Cuc Phuong National Park.

Day 7: To Ha Tinh Along the Ho Chi Minh Trail

Depart Cuc Phuong for our long, scenic drive to Ha Tinh. During our drive, we pass along the infamous Ho Chi Minh trail, with several stops to enjoy the scenic beauty and photograph the beautiful mountainous landscape. Arrive late afternoon in Ha Tinh. Dinner and overnight in Ha Tinh.

Day 8: Thien Duong Cave

We depart for Dong Hoi, once again driving along the infamous and beautiful Ho Chi Minh trail. Enjoy a boat ride on the Son river to visit Phong Nha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site where we explore some of the longest caves in Vietnam.

The cave holds traces of the Cham people, the rulers of central Vietnam before the 17th century. Admire the beautiful limestone rock formations found in the area.

We continue our drive to Dong Hoi. Overnight Dong Hoi.

Day 9: Dong Hoi to Hue via Hien Luong & Thach Han Bridges (The DMZ)

In the morning drive from Dong Hoi, along Highway 1 into the DMZ (the Demilitarized Zone). We first visit the Vinh Moc Underground Village, which is different from the more famous Chu Chi tunnels, as these tunnels and caves were used for living not fighting. The Vinh Moc tunnels have not been altered for tourists. We stop at the Hien Luong and Thach Han bridges en route to Hue, where the US and Vietnam exchanged POW's in 1972. Overnight Hue.

Day 10: Hue Sightseeing

Today we sightsee in Hue, the most important of the ancient capitals of Vietnam. We visit Dai Noi Citadel and view this fantastic structure, based on Chinese designs in Beijing. We will also visit Thien Mu Pagoda and the Royal Tombs of Tu Duc and Khai Dinh.

After lunch we visit the local Dong Ba market and take cyclos to explore the ancient streets of Hue. Overnight in Hue.

Day 11: Hai Van Pass, China Beach and Hoi An Sightseeing

Today we drive to Hoi An via the spectacular Hai Van Pass. We stop at the Cham Museum in Danang and have lunch at beautiful China Beach.

In the afternoon, we arrive in Hoi An - a "living museum" because of its well-preserved architectural styles. Dinner and overnight in Hoi An.

Day 12: Hoi An Boat Trip, Vietnamese Cooking Demonstration

An early morning visit to the fish market. This afternoon we have a walking tour of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Quaint pastel buildings line the streets, interspersed with colorful temples, small art galleries and meandering canals. We visit a typical ancient house, Hoi An Museum, a Chinese pagoda and an ancient Japanese Bridge. After breakfast we enjoy a morning boat trip on the river to observe local life. We have lunch in a local restaurant in town.

This afternoon, you'll visit and orphanage or a local school (depend on day of the week). We will also try our hand at making lanterns. This evening, enjoy a Vietnamese cooking demonstration and try your hand at some appetizers, followed by dinner. Overnight Hoi An.

Day 13: My Son World Heritage Site

We drive today to the holy land of the Cham people, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of My Son. The My Son ruins cover a large area and have beautiful groups of ruins of Cham towers and Hindu temples.

From the 3rd to the 13th Century, there were 74 towers built by the Northern Cham (also referred to as the Betel Nut Clan). This afternoon is free to explore Hoi An. Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 14: Fly to Nha Trang, to Dalat

Leaving the little charming Hoi an for a short drive to Danang airport for a short flight to Nha Trang (Cam Ranh Airport). Upon arrival journey through beautiful and majestic Krong Pha and Dran pass to Dalat. Time to relax and enjoy some free time before dinner and to enjoy Dalat at night. Depending on the airlines this might be a direct flight to Dalat. Overnight in Dalat.

Day 15: Dalat City Sights

This morning we explore Dalat's sights: "Crazy House", the former Palace of the Emperor Bao Dai, the Flower Garden. After lunch Take the cable car up to Truc Lam Zen Monastery. We then have a relaxing stop at a coffee and tea house before enjoying free time to visit the local market or walk around the lake. Overnight in Dalat.

Day 16: Scenic Drive to Saigon

Enjoy a long scenic drive with many stops for photo opportunities as we cross the mountain pass of Preen. Marvel at the impressive views of Dalat with its French villas and pine forest. This area is known for the many green houses, coffee and tea plantations as we pass through Duc trong.

Before stopping for lunch in Bao Loc, we stop at the Dambri waterfall. After lunch we continue our drive to Saigon passing by the floating houses in La Nga river, and some beautiful churches of the Catholic community who came to the south of Vietnam under French time. Overnight in Saigon.

Day 17: Saigon, Cu Chi Tunnels

A short drive from Saigon to the Northwest, we will explore the infamous Cu Chi Tunnels, the Cu Chi guerrillas underground tunnel system that, at one time, stretched as far as the Cambodian border.

The network consists of over 130 miles of tunnels in the Cu Chi district alone; parts of which are several stories deep. There are trap doors, specially constructed living areas, storage facilities, weapons factories, field hospitals, command centers and kitchens - all under ground! Parts of this remarkable tunnel network have been enlarged and upgraded and are now open to the public. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure in Saigon. Overnight in Saigon.

Day 18: Cai Be, Tien Riverboat Trip, Mekong Delta

We drive today from Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) to Cai Be in Tien Giang Province. Upon arrival we board our boat to travel on the Tien River to the Cai Be floating market. During the day we get on and off the boat to explore local villages where we can see coconut candy, dried longan, rice cakes and fish sauce being made. We will also visit a local house that has a beautiful garden on our way into Vinh Long Province. Overnight in Can Tho.

Day 19: Saigon, Floating Market

We visit Cai Rang market this morning by boat. Cai Rang is a wholesale market and the sellers hang their products over their boats with a stake to advertise what is on sale. There is time to explore Saigon on your own in the afternoon. Overnight in Saigon.

Day 20: Saigon City Sights

This morning we explore the sites of this fast paced city. Highlights include: Notre Dame Cathedral, the historic post office, the War Crimes Museum, and Reunification Hall. After lunch in Saigon there is free time to explore on your own for some last minute shopping or massage before our farewell dinner. Overnight in Saigon.