Best Of Vietnam
10 Days / 9 Nights

Continue to the miniature One Pillar Pagoda, 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. When open to the public, you will visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where visitors can pay respects to the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh. The Mausoleum is closed in the afternoons, on Mondays and Fridays, and closes annually in October and November for restoration.

Continue 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. Preserved in the same condition as during his life, it may be viewed through the windows.

Finally, head to Hoan Kiem Lake, located in heart of Hanoi, which contains an islet with the tiny Tortoise Pagoda. En route, pass other colonial landmarks such as the magnificent Opera House (may be seen from the outside only) and St. Joseph’s Cathedral. From the lake, enjoy a walking tour through the Old Quarter. This fascinating network of narrow alleys and shophouses is also known as The 36 Streets, each street being named after the merchandise traditionally sold there, ranging from fabrics to tombstones. A handicraft-lover's paradise and a endlessly interesting place to explore local life.

This afternoon, drive east to Halong city.
Overnight accommodations at the Tuan Chau Resort (Pine Hill Villa - Deluxe)

Danang is a thriving regional center, one of the largest cities in Vietnam. Sightseeing will include a visit to the Cham Museum which houses one of the finest collection of Cham sculpture in the world. Drive past China Beach as you continue south to Hoi An. Stop to visit the Marble Mountains, five stone hillocks, once islands, that now rise sharply from the surrounding ricefields. Riddled with caves and shrines, they are said to each represent one of the five elements of the universe.

Sightseeing in Danang

Arrive at Hoi An, this exquisitely preserved merchant town was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. Enjoy a tour by cyclo (man-powered taxi). Highlights will include the Phuoc Kien Assembly Hall, a Chinese pagoda built around 1690 and then restored and enlarged in 1900. It is typical of the Chinese clans that were established in the Hoi An area.

Walk across the Japanese Covered Bridge, 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.

Also visit the Tran Family Chapel, this house for worshipping ancestors was built about 200 years ago with donations from family members. The Tran family traces its origins to China and moved to Vietnam around 1700. The architecture of the building reflects the influence of Chinese and Japanese styles.
Overnight accommodations at the Life Heritage Resort or similar.

This afternoon enjoy a leisurely boat ride down the Perfume River, stop at Thien Mu Pagoda, an elegant seven-tiered octagonal tower which has become Hue's most widely recognizable monument. Continue cruising into the countryside to the Imperial Tomb Of Minh Mang, a majestic complex of courtyards, pavilions and temples in a beautiful natural setting.
Overnight accommodations at the Saigon Morin Hotel or similar.

This afternoon your tour continues into the countryside around Hue to the Imperial Tomb Of Tu Duc. Tu Duc, the longest reigning Vietnamese emperor, designed and built this elegant tomb during his lifetime, using it as a retreat for meditation, reading and theater performances. Take some time to soak in the tranquil atmosphere, wandering among the gracefully proportioned pavilions, courtyards and lotus ponds. Afterwards visit the Imperial Tomb Of Khai Dinh, dramatically located on a hillside. The last of the monumental tombs of the Nguyen dynasty, completed in 1931, this tomb incorporates distinct European elements into the traditional Vietnamese architecture. Finally, walk through bustling Dong Ba Market, the largest market in town. Return to your hotel.

Highlights will include a visit to the Reunification Palace. Formerly the Independence Palace of the South Vietnamese president, this 60s style building was famously stormed by tanks on April 30, 1975 signifying the fall of South Vietnam. It has been preserved in its original state, and the original tanks remain on display near the entrance gates.

Also visit the War Remnants Museum, which documents the Vietnam War. Afterwards driving to the historic center to visit Emperor of Jade Pagoda, one of Saigon's most interesting pagoda.

Drive pass the classic European-style landmarks such as the ornate City Hall and the old Opera House (both may only be viewed from the outside), and pay a quick visit to the neo-Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office. Finally visit Ben Thanh Market, the busiest market in the city.
Three nights' accommodations at the Windsor Plaza Hotel or similar.

Afterwards, continue to the Cu Chi Tunnels. During the Vietnam War, the Cu Chi Tunnels were an important Vietcong base. Stretching over 125 miles, this incredible underground network, dug by hand out of hard laterite, connected command posts, hospitals, shelter and weapon factories. Today, you can walk through the area and learn about the day-to-day life of the VC, see the cleverly disguised entrances and elaborate booby-traps, and even venture inside the tunnels, some of which have been modified to accommodate tourists.

Tour Starts: Hanoi / Tour Ends: Saigon
Tour Code: VN-T-15

Type Of Tour: Locally Hosted Tour By Private Vehicle With Driver & English Speaking Guide.

Included Meals: 9 Breakfasts / 1 Lunch

Included Flights (Economy Class): Hanoi to Danang / Hue to Saigon

Note: Your Vietnam Invitation Letter, required for visa upon arrival is included. Visa fees are not included and must be paid in person. During the Tet New Year period, February 04 to 24, 2010, visa upon arrival may not be available.