Day 02, Full Day Hanoi Sightseeing (B)
Breakfast at hotel. Enjoy a day of sightseeing in and around Hanoi, begin the day visiting the Temple of Literature, a peaceful series of walled courtyards and graceful gateways. Founded in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius, this was also the site of Vietnam's first university.

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.

In the afternoon, visit one of Hanoi's famous museums, either the History Museum or the Museum of Ethnology. Return to your hotel, remainder of day at leisure.

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.

Continue overland to Danang then on to Hue. Sightseeing in Danang will include 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.

Continue to the city of Danang, briefly passing China Beach and visit the Cham Museum, displaying the finest collection of Cham sculpture in the world. Continue on to Hue over Hai Van Pass, the dividing line between the climate zones of north and south.
Two nights’ accommodations in the city of Hue.

Also visit the Imperial Citadel, located in the heart of Hue, the Imperial Citadel is a vast complex built in the early 19th century and modelled after the Forbidden City of Peking. Most of it was destroyed during the war, what remains give a small glimpse into this once imperial city. Finally, walk through bustling Dong Ba Market, the largest market in town.

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.
Two nights' accommodations in the city of Saigon.

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.

Continue on 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.

In the afternoon, explore Cholon (Chinatown). After a brief visit to Binh Tay Market, continue on to Thien Hau Pagoda then on to Ben Thanh Market, the busiest market in the city.

Tour Will Operate With A Minimum Of 2 Tour Participants