VIETNAM HIGHLIGHT TOUR

							                              BEST OF VIETNAM TOUR
                                        (20 Days / 19 Nights)
Day 1: BEST OF VIETNAM TOUR: ARRIVAL - HANOI (-/-/-)
On arrival at Noi Bai Airport, you are met by our guide and transferred to hotel. The capital of
Vietnam, Hanoi is a stylish and gracious city that retains an unique old world charm and some
Asia's most striking colonial architecture.




The many lakes and parks make for relaxing atmosphere
O/N in Ha Noi.

Day 2: BEST OF VIETNAM TOUR: FULL DAY HANOI CITY TOUR (B/-/-)
Today we commence our sightseeing of Hanoi with the Ho Chi Minh Complex, containing the
mausoleum of the nation's founder Ho Chi Minh, the Presidential Palace and the Ho Chi Minh's
house on stilts. Close to this complex is the One Pillar Pagoda, whose origins date back to the
foundation of Hanoi.
Later on, We follow it with a visit to the Temple of Literature, which is well known as the first
university of Vietnam and the History Museum with an excellent collection of artifacts illustrating
the Vietnamese history. In the afternoon, we visit the Ethnology museum. Enjoy your time to learn
about 54 ethics in Vietnam.
We also visit the old quarters and the peaceful lake of Hoan Kiem with its sacred temple. In front
of this lake is the famous water puppet theatre - the traditional unique Vietnamese art where we
will see a fantastic performance.
If time permits we enjoy a short cyclo ride through the bustling old quarter streets named after the
specific goods once offered for sale at these places.
O/N in Ha Noi.

Day 3: BEST OF VIETNAM VACATIONS: HANOI - SAPA BY CAR (B/-/-)
An early morning start to drive along the Red River to Sa Pa. The roads are bumpy sometimes
but various scenic landscapes changing from the delta area to the Tonkinese Alps - where
Montagnard hill tribes have lived for centuries will make for an interesting journey. At a height of
1,500 meters, Sa Pa was once a hill resort of French administrators when the summer heat
became unbearable.




Now Sapa is considered to be The Queen of the Mountains, Sapa sits regally overlooking a
beautiful valley, lofty mountains towering over the town on all sides. Welcome to the destination in
northwest Vietnam, gateway to another world of mysterious minority cultures and luscious
landscapes.
O/N in Sa Pa.

Day 4: BEST OF VIETNAM VACATIONS: SAPA TREKKING TOUR (B/-/-)
The Phan Si Pang range boasts Vietnam’s highest mountain and lends an alpine feel to the area
surrounding this hill station. Today we have enough time to explore some of nearby hill tribe
villages and visit the busy market of Sa Pa where the Red Dao, Black Hmong,Tay, XaPho ethnic
minority people converge from the surrounding valleys and hillsides to sell their goods and buy
provision .
Today, after your breakfast , we will walk from Sapa towards Muong Hoa valley where we can
admire magnificient landscapes and trek on small trails going to Y Linh Ho village (with Black
H’mong tribe). Trek through lush rice-terraces towards Lao Chai village, enjoy delicious lunch in
the local house near by Muong Hoa river, experiencing Black H’mong people’s daily life and
traditional culture. Next cross suspension bridges as you walk through Lao Chai village to Ta Van
village inhabited by Zay minorities exhibiting strong Chinese culture.
In the afternoon, our bus ride you return to Sapa for dinner.
O/N in Sa Pa.

Day 5: BEST OF VIETNAM VACATIONS: SAPA - BAC HA MARKET - BACK TO HANOI BY TRAIN (B/-/-
)
After breakfast, We continue venturing into northern Vietnam with the next stop being Bac Ha
Market. Driving long the border line with China , up and down and passing wonderful landscape
then you are in Bacha. It is your time to explore Bac Ha Market where the ethnic people coming
down from the mountains taking along their homemade products like embroidery, tobaco, rice
wine...and household animals like dogs, cats, chickens, pigs, horse, buffaloes...for sales. Market
is like a festival where the locals meet friends, drink rice wine to enjoy the life. An adventure for
life!!
In the afternoon, you have chance to enjoy a boat trip down stream Chay River and then our
guide take you for walk to ThaiGiangPho Village of the flower H'mong and the Nung, visiting one
school, and trekking by the side of the the highest mountain in BacHa through the beautiful plumb
gardens before another visit to the palace of the H'mong King that built in 1921.




In the aend of the day, you will be transferred by bus to Lao Cai Railways Station for overnight
train back to Hanoi.
O/N on board.

Option 1: Bac Ha & Muong Khuong Market on Sunday

Option 2: Coc Ly Market on Tuesday
About 35km from Bac Ha, Coc Ly Market is a colorful Tuesday market in a mountainous area
where ethnic people gather to buy and sell goods, dine and drink, or just wander to enjoy the
ambience of the montagnard market by the Chay River.
Option 3: Lung Khau Nhin Market on Thurday
Taking place every Thursday, Lung Khau Nhin Market is a small market hiding itself amongst the
mountains and forests of the far north Vietnam about 10 km from the border with China. Although
not being so big or famous among visitors as Coc Ly and Can Cau, Lung Khau Nhin market, be
side a normal shopping place, play an important role to spiritual life of local ethnic peoples Flower
H’mong, Black Zao, Zay, and especially to those who come from very small ethnic groups such
as Pa Zi, Tou Zi, Tou Lao who live in small and isolated villages around this corner of the country,
come for meeting, socializing...

Option 4: Can Cau Market on Saturday
Can Cau is a rural ethnic market, simply set up on the open ground at the side of a mountain,
looking down a picturesque valley about 20 km north of Bac Ha. It is every Saturday morning
when hundreds of ethnic peoples mainly Flower H’mong gather to sell their farming products and
buy necessities. The market’s most colorful part is clothes section with shirts, blouses, skirts…or
parts of the traditional costumes with embroidry patterns in different motifs lying on dark batik
bacground bur may be the most interesting section is the tobacco and wine section when buyers
are allowed to taste the product before buying and many men get too drunk to buy anything more!




In the perfect light of the early morning, It is not only the colorful market and the peoples but also
the beautiful surrounding nature make the visit here an unforgettable trip, especially for nature
lovers and photo hunters.

Day 6: BEST OF VIETNAM VACATIONS: HALONG BAY CRUISE - CATBA ISLAND (B/L/-)
06h00: Arrive at Hanoi Railways Station, our guide and driver will come to pick you up and
transfer to restaurant for leisure and breakfast. Then we continue transferring to Halong Bay.
On arrival, we embark on a cruise to visit Ha Long Bay, listed as a World Heritage Area of
outstanding natural beauty. This picturesque “Dragon descending to the sea” Bay has 1,969
limestone islets rising from the sea, many of them containing beautiful grottoes. During the boat
trip, fresh seafood lunch prepared and served on board.
Arrival in Cat Ba, we have free time to relax on a beach
O/N in Cat Ba
Day 7: BEST OF VIETNAM VACATIONS: CATBA ISLAND - HAI PHONG - HANOI (B/-/-)
After a short transfer takes us to the national park of Cat Ba, we set off on a half-day exploring
Vietnam's unique offshore park.
The afternoon we board a hydrofoil to Hai Phong and drive back to Hanoi.
O/N in Ha Noi.

Day 8: BEST OF VIETNAM VACATIONS: HANOI - HUE (B/-/-)
After breakfast at hotel, transfer to Noi Bai airport for flight to Hue. Upon arrival we visit the
Imperial Citadel. And then we enjoy a boat trip on the Perfumes River to visit the beautiful
riverside Thien Mu Pagoda - one of the oldest ancient architectural structures for religious work
ship in Hue. We aleso have an enjoyable visit to the mausoleum of Emperor Minh Mang in a
tranquil setting of gardens and lakes. This impressive landmark reflects the beautiful architecture,
intricate decor and mysterious statues. Afterwards we take a short drive though the rolling hill to
see the elaborate royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc and the famous Tu Hieu Pagoda. The
sightseeing tour of Hue also includes with a walk to the bustling Dong Ba Market that sells a wide
variety of local goods and handicrafts. Along the way we pass many fantastic eating spots, all
ideal for visitors to sample some local delicacies.
O/N in Hue.




Day 9: BEST OF VIETNAM VACATIONS: HUE - DANANG - HOIAN (B/-/-)
O/N in Hoian In this morning, before leaving to Danang we will take a short drive though the
rolling hill to see the elaborate royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc and the famous Tu Hieu Pagoda.
The scenic 4-hour drive via Hai Van Pass offers spectacular views of mountains, the sea, idyllic
beaches and villages (we can choose the shorter way by driving through the tunnel).
Upon arrival Da Nang, we will take a visit to Cham Museum formerly known as the Ecole
Francaise d'Extreme Orient. This museum contains many exquisite limestone carvings from the
vanquished Kingdom of Champa which has been the central coastal littoral prior to the march of
the Vietnamese nation southward. Then a visit to Marble Mountains with its beautiful grottoes and
temples whose peaks represent the five elements of the universe. Later on, we keep on rolling
further southward to Hoi An, which was originally one of major trading centers of Southeast Asia
in the 16th century.
O/N in Hoi An.

Day 10: BEST OF VIETNAM VACATIONS: HOIAN - MY SON - HOIAN (B/-/-)
We take a morning visit to Hoi An, which was originally one of major trading centers of Southeast
Asia in the 16th century. Visit of Hoi An Town with its low tiled houses of Chinese appearance,
Japanese covered bridge, brightly painted temples and pagodas make it one of Vietnam's most
delightful places.
After tour in Hoian, drive to My Son, 70 km from Hoian. My Son is the Holy Land of Champa
Kingdom from 04th to 13th century. Now the ruins of My Son is well preserved by UNESCO as
World Culture Heritage.




O/N in Hoi An.

DAY 11: BEST OF VIETNAM VACATIONS: HOIAN - DANANG - NHATRANG (B/-/-)
After breakfast at the hotel in Hoi An, you will be transferred to Danang airport for flight to Nha
Trang. Coming here, we start the trip to visit the Tri Nguyen Aquarium and the off-shore islands
around Nha Trang, including Mun Mot island. Enjoy swimming and beach activities. Lunch at Tam
island with fresh seafood. Afternoon visit the Po Nagar Cham Tower, it is dedicated to Yan Po
Nagar, the goddess of the country. Then continue to visit Chong Promontory - looks like the work
of a giant, who carelessly put several massive rocks together. On one side of the rock, facing the
sea, there is a deep handprint with the five fingers close together. And finally, discover
Oceanographic Institute - established on 14 September 1922, is the National Oceanographic
Institution, responsible for research and investigation in the ocean.
O/N in Nha Trang.

DAY 12: BEST OF VIETNAM VACATION: NHA TRANG (B/-/-)
Nha Trang has earned its place on Vietnam's tourist mainline partly on merit and partly due to its
location. Fit for a King or a gathering of the world's most gorgeous ladies, Nha Trang is the 29th
most beautiful bay in the world and known as the Vietnamese Mediterranean Towering lush
mountains surround Nha Trang Bay, creating a near perfect moon shape crescent as the sun
dawn each morning on this lively beach town in Vietnam.
On this day, after breakfast at hotel, Sea-bathing in the blue water beach with no tour, no guide
is the best time to refesh yourself.
O/N at Nha Trang.

DAY 13: BEST OF VIETNAM VACATIONS: NHA TRANG - DALAT (B/-/-)
Drive to Dalat city, 1500 m above the sea level. Refresh with a little bit cool of the highland city,
which was known as “A little Paris” or “a flower city”. Visit the Tuyen Lam Lake - a natural lake
situated on top of a hill covered with pine trees, 6km east of Dalat City. The lake has been
surrounded by many stories and legends with sorrowful endings in which the heroine drowns in
the lake to keep her true love forever. Discover King Bao Dai’s summer palace - filled with
artefacts from decades and governments past and is extremely interesting, then take time to visit
city flower garden and Dalat Market, one of the most beautiful markets in the highland with a wide
array of flowers, fruits and vegetables.
O/N in Da Lat.

DAY 14: BEST OF VIETNAM VACATIONS: DALAT (B/-/-)
After breakfast, start to visit to garden and Dalat Market, one of the most beautiful markets in the
highland with a wide array of flowers, fruits and vegetables. Then visit to Lat K’ho hilltribe Village
on the foot of Lang Bian Mountian, continue to visit the Old Dalat University and the Old railway
station from French period. Finally visit to the Crazy house, one of new but strange architecture
in Dalat design by the daughter our former president Truong Trinh. Overnight in Dalat




DAY 15: BEST OF VIETNAM VACATIONS: DALAT - HO CHI MINH CITY (B/-/-)
Visit the colorful Dalat Market with arrays of flowers and vegetable and Prenn Water Fall. Drop
by Chicken Village, a K’ho hill tribe village near Bao Loc, at the gate of the village has a scupture
of a Chicken, the bird has to do with a village legend (and actually it has about four different
versions of the story, and each is a hoot)
Drive to Ho Chi Minh (320 km) via Bao Loc with stop at coffee and tea plantations.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city.

Day 16: BEST OF VIETNAM VACATIONS: HALF-DAY SAIGON CITY TOUR (B/-/-)
Breakfast at the hotel, A half-day tour of Ho Chi Minh City takes in the Notre Dame Cathedral -
the most famous landmark as well as core Cathedral of the city, It is considered to be a famous
age-long cathedral in Southern Vietnam that attract not only Catholics but also most tourists for
its neo-Romanesque style architecture and a sacred atmosphere. Then we visit Old Post Office ,
It has a Gothic architectural style and was designed and constructed by the famous architect
Gustave Eiffel in harmony with the surrounding area.




Today, the building is a tourist attraction. Then transfer to Chinatown to visit Thien Hau Pagoda -
one of the most active in Cholon and is dedicated to Thien Hau. It is said that she can travel over
the oceans on a mat and ride the clouds to wherever she pleases and Binh Tay Market – much of
the business conducted here is wholesale.
Afternoon: Free time (no tour, no guide)
O/N in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 17: BEST OF VIETNAM TOUR: FULL DAY TO TAYNINH + CU CHI TUNNELS (B/-/-)
Depart for Tay Ninh, the head quarter of Cao Dai region founded on 1926. On arrival we attend
the fantastic mid-day mass when the followers fill the hall wearing colored robes, a symbol of the
curious combination of the Confucianism, Taoism, Christianity and Buddhism.
Afternoon, transfer about 30km north-west of Ho Chi Minh City to Cu Chi town. Cu Chi tunnels
were used as the base from which the Vietnamese mounted their operations of the Tet Offensive
in 1968. The Cu Chi tunnels consist of more than 200km of underground tunnels. This main axis
system has many branches connecting to underground hideouts, shelters, and entrances to other
tunnels, the tunnels are between 0.5 to 1m wide, just enough for a person to crawl along.
O/N in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 18: BEST OF VIETNAM TOUR: HO CHI MINH CITY - MY THO - BEN TRE - CAN THO (B/L/-)
In the morning, transfer to My Tho, take a boat trip downstream to Ben Tre, where you have the
opportunity to discover the local people life in Mekong Delta with popcorn and pop-rice workshop,
rice paper mill, coconut candy mill, fruit gardens… Biking or transfer by horse carriage on village
road.
After lunch at a local restaurant, proceed to Can Tho.
Arrive in Can Tho, the city located on Mekong Delta bank.
O/N in Can Tho.

Day 19: BEST OF VIETNAM TOUR: CAN THO - HO CHI MINH CITY (B/-/-)
After breakfast at hotel, transfer to Ninh Kieu wharf for a boat trip to visit Cai Rang floating
market. Time for taking part to the local activities and taking pictures. Then continue by boat to
Phong Dien Islands. The car picks up at Phong Dien and transfer back to Ho Chi Minh City.
O/N in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 20: BEST OF VIETNAM TOUR: HO CHI MINH CITY - Departure (B/-/-)


At leisure until transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport for departure flight (check out hotel before 12h00)

---End of services---



INCLUDING:
• Transportation in private air-conditioned vehicle with driver
• Train ticket Lao Cai - Hanoi (4-soft berth A/C cabin)
• Air ticket Ha Noi - Hue, Danang - Nha Trang
• Accommodation in hotels (twin shared room)
• Meals as indicated: B = breakfast, L = lunch
• English or French speaking guide
• Entrance fee to indicated sights
• Water puppet show
• Boat trips



EXCLUDING: Other meals, tip, drinks, airport tax, single room, personal expenses, insurance,...
TOUR PRICE:

              Tour Cost in USD per person applied to groups of (Valid till 30 Sep 2012)
Grade of
Hotel
                                                                                           Single
              1 Pax          2 Pax          3 - 6 Paxs     7 - 10 Paxs      11 - 14 Paxs
                                                                                           Supplement


2-Star
              4,067          2,278          1,916          1,474            1,256          432
Hotels


3-Star
              4,487          2,488          2,126          1,684            1,468          642
Hotels


4-Star
              5,238          2,870          2,507          2,066            1,849          1,012
Hotels


5-Star
              On Request On Request On Request On Request On Request On Request
Hotels



To get more informations about the trip, please take a look to this link:

http://vietlongtravel.com/viet-nam-tours/vietnam-sightseeing-tours/best-of-vietnam-
tour.html
Or contact to us: Nguyen Thi Thai Ha
Sales Manager
Cellphone: +84988724882
YM: thaiha19_8
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