Highlights Of Vietnam
11 Days / 10 Nights

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.

This afternoon enjoy a walking tour of Hoi An Old Quarter. 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 in Hoi An at the Life Heritage Resort Hoi An or similar.

Return to Hoi An, journey overland from Hoi An over scenic mountainous roads with spectacular views over the coastline. Halfway between Danang and Hue lies the dramatic Hai Van Pass, the high dividing line between the climate zones of north and south Vietnam.

This afternoon your sightseeing tour includes a 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.
Two nights’ accommodations in Hue at the Saigon Morin Hotel or similar.

This afternoon visit the Imperial Tomb of Tu Duc, Tu Duc was the longest reigning Vietnamese emperor. He 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, visit the bustling Dong Ba Market, the largest market in Hue.

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.

Also visit 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 cyclo tour (man-powered taxi) 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, also visit one of Hanoi's famous museums, either the History Museum or the Museum of Ethnology. Return to your hotel..

This evening enjoy a Waterpuppet performance at a local theater.

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.