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Day 1: Hanoi

Meals: Not applicable

Upon your arrival in Hanoi, transfer to your hotel in Hanoi. Proceed for sightseeing tour of Hanoi. Head to HOAN KIEM LAKE and Ngoc Son Temple, located in the heart of Hanoi, which contains an islet with the tiny TORTOISE PAGODA. From there, walking to explore the OLD QUARTER. This fascinating network of narrow alleys and shop houses is also known as The 36 Streets, each street being named after the merchandise traditionally sold there, ranging from fabrics to crafts to medicines to tombstones. A handicraft lover paradise and a endlessly interesting place to explore local life. Afterwards, visit the MUSEUM OF ETHONOLOGY (closed on Monday & Vietnamese New Year), which brings to life the astonishing ethnic diversity in Vietnam, with art and artifacts from the 54 different ethnic groups that inhabit the country. Inside the museum are detailed descriptions of minority groups, with examples of their traditional clothing and way of life. outside are faithful reconstructions of traditional longhouses, cemetries and other distinctive ethnic buildings. Check into your hotel and stay overnight.

Day 2: Hanoi

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Have breakfast at hotel, then depart from Hanoi in the morning for scenic Halong Bay. Arriving at the pier around noon, board your charming traditional wooden junk for cruising through the Bay. Lunch will be served while boat cruising through the bay. Following cruise by rock formations with such names as Stone Dog, Fighting Cock, etc. At the core of the islets, there are two wonderful caves and grottoes to visit as Thien Cung (Heavenly Residence Grotto), Dau Go (Driftwood Grotto) before returning to Halong pier. Disembark at Halong pier at approximately 16:30 pm and return to Hanoi by vehicle. Return to your hotel and stay overnight.

Day 3: Hanoi

Meals: Breakfast

Have breakfast at Hotel, proceed for sightseeing tour of Hanoi. Begin at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where visitors can pay respects to the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh. The Mausoleum is closed in the afternoon, on Mondays and Fridays, and closes nnually in October and November for restoration. Continue to the PRESIDENTIAL PALACE (may be viewed from the outside only). Stroll through the park to HO CHI MINH STILT HOUSE, the simple two-room dwelling where Ho Chi Minh lived from 1958 until his final days. Preserved in the same condition as during his life, it may be viewed through the windows. Visit the miniature ONE PILLAR PAGODA. Also dating from the 11th century, this monument was rebuilt after being destroyed by the French in 1958. Today it stands near the vast HO CHI MINH MEMORIAL COMPLEX, a lovely park setting which is home to Ho Chi Minh's final resting place, as well as a museum and other memorials. Visit the Temple of Litereature, a peaceful series of walled courtyards and graceful gateways, this monument is one of the best-preserved examples of traditional Vietnamese architecture. Founded in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius, this was also the site of Vietnam's first university. In one courtyard, giant stone tortoises bear stele on their backs, listing the accomplishments of graduating scholars. Later, enjoy some free time for shopping activities or leisure. In evening, return to your hotel and stay overnight.

Day 4: Hanoi - Hue

Meals: Breakfast

Have breakfast at hotel, transfer from your hotel to airport. Take flight from Hanoi to Hue. After arrival, transfer to your hotel. Check in at hotel and proceed for your sightseeing in Hue. Hue served as the capital of Vietnam for more than 140 years. It houses ancient temples, imperial buildings, and French style edifices. It was established in the 17th century. Visit the IMPERIAL TOMB of EMPEROR TU DUC. Tu Duc Tomb: Emperor Tu Duc, who ruled Hue more than 100 years ago, built his tomb when he was still alive and used it for meditation, reading and theater performances. There are pavilions in a tranquil setting of forested hills and lakes. Visit the Old Imperial City, located in the heart of Hue is the IMPERIAL CITADEL, a vast complex built in the early 19th century and modeled after the Forbidden City of Peking. The original walls stretched for 10 km and were surrounded by a wide moat. Today, most of the buildings have been destroyed due to bombing during the Vietnam - American war, but the monuments that remain provide a fascinating glimpse into the court life of the Nguyen Dynasty. Approach the city past the striking FLAG TOWER, where a giant Vietnamese flag waves proudly overhead, to the imposing NGO MON GATE, the main entrance to the Imperial. Enclosure. Enter into an area of spacious courtyards and serene lotus ponds, and visit DIEN THO Palace is where the Queen mother lived, visit Thai Hoa Palace, the magnificently decorated reception hall, the Halls of the Mandarins, and the original NINE DYNASTIC URNS, among other sites. Spend a comfortable night at hotel.

Day 5: Hue - Danang - Hoi An

Meals: Breakfast

Have breakfast at Hotel, then proceed for your excursion to THIEN MU PAGODA and TOMB OF EMPEROR MINH MANG WITH BOAT TRIP. Enjoy a leisurely boat ride down the PERFUME RIVER stopping first at the iconic THIEM MU PAGODA and then at the IMPERIAL TOMB OF MINH MANG. Proceed for onward journey to HOI AN. Journey from Hue to Hoi An over scenic mountainous roads and 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. Continue southwards passing LANG CO, a lovely stretch of beach curving outwards, between a clear blue lagoon and the South China Sea, and the large coastal city of DANANG before arriving in Hoi An. Before arriving in Hoi An visit CHAM MUSEUM, this houses probably the best collection of Cham art to be found anywhere in the world. Overnight stay in Hoi An.

Day 6: Hoi An

Meals: Breakfast

Have breakfast at Hotel. Enjoy sightseeing in Hoi An with a boat trip on the Thu Bon River. The walking tour will include visits to a PRIVATE HOUSE, where members of a family have lived continuously for centuries in a traditional setting, to one of the FAMILY CHAPELS, and to a typical CHINESE - STYLE PAGODA, continue to SA HUYNH MUSEUM. Visit a handicraft workshop in Hoi An and continue to the famous JAPANESE COVERED BRIDGE PAGODA. In the afternoon board a local boat and cruise down the THU BON RIVER, enjoying the countryside and stopping to visit a POTTERY VILLAGE and WOODCARVING VILLAGE. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 7: Hoi An - Danang - Ho Chi Minh City

Meals: Breakfast

Have breakfast at hotel, proceed to Danang by vehicle. After arriving in Danang, take flight to Saigon. After arrival in Saigon, transfer to your hotel. Begin your tour into modern history with a tour of the REUNIFICATION PALACE. Formerly known as the Independence Palace of the South Vietnamese president. Afterwards driving to the historic center to visit EMPEROR OF JADE PAGODA, on of Saigon's most interesting pagoda. Proceed to visit NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL and the Central Post Office. Pass by the classic European style landmarks such as City Hall , the Old Opera House. Finally end up at the central Ben Thanh Market. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 8: Ho Chi Minh City

Meals: Breakfast

After having breakfast at hotel, drive to Tay Ninh, the birthplace of the unique CAO DAI religion, a fusion Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Christanity, Islam and Vietnamese spiritual beliefs. Every day at noon, worshippers garbed in colorful robes flock to the CAO DAI GREAT TEMPLE to participate in the ddaily prayer sessions, which visitors may respectfully observe from the upper balconies. (Note : shortly before and during the TET festival (Vietnamese New Year) the daily ceremony of the priests in Tay Ninh may be cancelled without prior notice.) Afterwards, continue to the CU CHI TUNNELS. Never discovered by American forces, these tunnels were an important Vietcong base during the American War. Return to Saigon in late afternoon. Overnight stay at Hotel.

Day 9: Ho Chi Minh City - Departure

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, check-out and ake a transfer to the airport. Catch your flight for the onward journey.

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 Visit vivid Vietnam with our all-inclusive holiday package!

 Visit vivid Vietnam with our all-inclusive holiday package!

Book Online
( Part Payment )

• Destination:
• Hanoi
• Hue
• Hoi An
• Ho Chi Minh City

Hanoi

About Hanoi

In October 2010, Hanoi, the capital and second largest city of Vietnam, celebrated its 1000th birthday. A 1000 year history with shades of Chinese, Vietnamese and French culture stands behind it. Contrary to past perceptions, Hanoi is now a tourist-friendly place attracting travellers from across the world to enjoy its pagodas, boulevards, war-time memorials and architecture of colonial-French days.


Places to visit

Temple of Literature, a famous pagoda in Hanoi, was built in year 1070 to honour Confucius the great Chinese philosopher. Wondering why is it called the Temple of Literature? Since hundreds of years, the exams for the rank of Mandarin have been conducted in the premises of this temple. It was used to train finest brains of the city, including royal family. Besides, Temple of Literature served as the Vietnam's first university. Preserving the ancient architectural styles of centuries, Temple of Literature is seen as one of the most visited cultural and historical sites of Vietnam.

Trivia: Temple of Literature is featured on the back of 100,000 Vietnamese Dong.

The One Pillar Pagoda, another famous tourist destination has been there since about 1000 years, braving various attacks, damages and reconstructions. It is a Buddhist temple that is made of wood and stands on single stone pillar and easily qualifies as a serenely beautiful place to visit.

Next on your itinerary should be Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, a large memorial dedicated to Vietnamese leader Ho Chi Minh who declared the independence of Vietnam here on 2nd September in year 1945 and whose body is protected here by a military honour guard. It is usually open from 9:00 AM to noon for public. Tip: On the day you plan to visit Mausoleum, wear full length dresses. The discipline there demands no show of legs, ban on photography, smoking and even keeping hands in pockets or crossed.

Old Quarter of Hanoi is the old city of Hanoi before modernisation. Here you will come across silk shops, merchant, artisans, local cuisines and various bars which are active in night. The old quarter is best travelled in Cyclos the native rickshaws or pedicabs used in Hanoi.Tip: Always negotiate before sitting in a Cyclo and make sure both the parties are clear on how much money is to be given.


Where to Shop

The market of Cho Hom is famous for fabrics of all price ranges that must be bought after heavy bargaining. Next on list it The Night Market which starts at 7 and sells everything from pirated DVDs to souvenirs, albeit with different prices for natives and foreigners! Dong Xuan is another market famous for wholesalers and is often the liveliest market of Hanoi!


What to Eat

The most famous dishes is Vietnamese cuisine are Pho Ga (chicken noodle soup) and Pho Bo (beef noodle soup). And the most popular places to get both these and more are at the suburb of Le Mat (the Snake village). If you are a daring foodie, try the Cobra blood wine and dog meat, two very popular dishes in Hanoi. If you want western or even vegetarian food at a reasonable price, go to Quan Bia Minh just 100 metres North of the Hoan Kiem Lake.

To conclude, While in Hanoi, get to know the people, culture, history and food and before that, learn some Vietnamese language too!

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Tourists walking on a footbridge over Haan Kiem Lake Hanoi Vietnam

Tower of Hanoi Toy Puzzle

Ancient Citadel Tower in Hanoi

Hue

Hue is a city you'll fall in love with at first sight. Well, it isn't for nothing that the city was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO! Discover its history, recent and ancient, steeped in wars, myths and amazing legends at places such as the Imperial Citadel and the Tomb of the Emperors; its local lifestyle by riding a bike through its bylanes and busy marketplaces; its zest to keep its traditions alive at Dong Ba and Hoa markets; and its love for French and English food at many of its roadside eateries and elaborate restaurants. Hue offers a laid back travel experience, a city you'll remember for its earthiness and for its amazing people.

FAST FACTS

Main Languages: Vietnamese

What to pack: Hue is wet and tropical. Carry an umbrella (or a raincoat) and a good mosquito repellant cream. A torch will come in handy more often than you think. Waterproof shoes and slippers are a must as well.

When to Go: The ideal time to pay a visit to this beautiful city is between March and August. Be there in June to catch the incredible Hue Festival, which lasts for a whopping 2 weeks. It happens every two years. The next one is scheduled to take place in the year 2012.

Local Transport: Hue is a compact city and very easy to get around in. We found hiring a bike and mingling with the locals the best way to experience the sights, the sounds, the cultures, and the local lifestyle. Other ways you can get around this beautiful heritage city is by a cyclo and a taxi. However, make sure you arrive at a fare agreement before you set foot aboard any of these, else you might be in for a rude surprise when your driver quotes $50 instead of VND 50,000 or you end up making an on-way trip for the price of a return trip. Beware!

Phone Code: 00-84-Local Number
Currency: Vietnam Dong (VND) | 1 Rupee = 400 VND
Voltage: 110/220 Volts
Time Zone: GMT + 7:00 hours

Shopping: Commence your shopping in Hue at the Dong Ba Marketplace, a great place to buy local snacks, fruits (such as apples - and really tasty ones!), handicrafts, and jewellery. It's also a great place to buy those conical hats so synonymous with Vietnam's culture. There are other markets in Hue out of which Hoa is a notable one. It is a nice place to visit, take a stroll amid flower-shops, and probably buy aodai, a local Vietnamese outfit. You aren't going to get it at the local price though. But do try bargaining.

Sightseeing: Hue, in itself, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site laden with historical monuments and beautiful places to see and visit. We suggest you start your tours by visiting the Imperial Citadel. A mesmerising complex of citadels and temples, the entry to this incredible citadel will cost 55,000 Dongs, which is well worth the price. While a small percentage of the citadel is in ruins as a result of the French war, the American War and the Tet offensive, most of it is in great condition. It will take you a few hours to explore the whole place.

Also visit the tombs of Khai Dinh, Tu Duc, Min Manh, Dong Khanh and Gia Long - collectively called the Tombs of the Emperors. Located by the Perfume River, there's no better way to view them than on a river boat cruise. A trip to these tombs is a day-long affair.

Also visit the Thien Mu Pagoda, the official symbol of Hue City. It has some beautiful gold and silver Buddha images.

Food: Food at many of Hue's restaurants, you'll find, is a great mix of English and French cuisines. However, while in Hue, eat like a local will. Try Banh Khoai, a slim rice pancake roll with a mixture of sprouts, pork, shrimps as the filling. Dip an end in some peanut sauce and let go. It's yummy! Also dig into some Vietnamese spring rolls and mushroom soup - at a good restaurant though.

Nightlife: Though there are a few good bars in Hue such as DMZ, Thu's Cafe, and Apocalypse Now, nightlife in hue isn't just about getting drunk and dancing your wits out. An evening-stroll along the Perfume River or celebrating with local music with a Dragon Boat Cruise are a few of the things you can enjoy other than the usual humdrum.

Activities: Try being at the My An Hot Spring and Spa for a therapeutic swim in the hot spring pools. And if the smell of sulfur gets a bit too much to handle, move over to Thanh Tan Hot Springs, start at a cooler pool and then enjoy the hotter ones; without the therapy of course. On a sightseeing-free day, pay a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Museum for a sneak peek into the history of Hue and Vietnam. The Thuan An Beach too is a nice place to visit if you have free time on your hands. Otherwise, the city's sights and attractions are going to keep you busy for most of your time.

Don't Miss:

1.Boat Cruise on the Perfume River to explore the Tombs of the Emperors 2.Riding a bike through Hue's marketplaces

Bridge over Perfume River in Hue

The Vietnamese Flag, Hue

Rain on gate of imperial Palace, Hue

Royal Tomb Vietnam

Hoi An

Hoi An is an ancient town and a remarkably kept depictment of a South-East Asian trading port dating from the 15th to the 19th century. Its edifice and its street plan reflect the influences, both indigenous and foreign, that have combined to produce this unique heritage site.

A fusion of cultures over time, the city has a number of religious buildings, such as pagodas, temples, meeting houses, etc., which relate to the development of a port community. The traditional existence, creed, ethnicity and cuisines have been conserved and many festivals still take place annually.

Fast Facts:
Telephone Code: 0510
When to go:
The best time to visit Hoi An is from February to April, when rainfall is low and temperatures are comfortable.

Local Transport:
Most folks will arrive in Hoi an via the closest airport in Danang. Other options include: Getting to Hoi an by car from Danang takes less then an hour. Hue, or Nha trang or can be reached by taxi, trains and by public bus. Hoi An bus station is at 74 Huynh Thuc Khang and it operates from 5am to 5pm.

People:
85% ethnic Vietnamese, 3% ethnic Chinese, also Khmer, Cham (a remnant of the once great Indianised Champa Kingdom) and members of some 55 ethno-linguistic groups.

Languages:
Vietnamese, French, Chinese, English and a variety of Mon-Khmer and Malayo-Polynesian local dialects.

Location:
South East Asia

Shopping
Before heading out on a shopping spree in Vietnam, it is very important to have an eye for 'what to pick'. It can be a very fun and interesting experience then. Based what is that you want take your pick from a choice of high-class shopping malls, super markets, boutiques, open markets and street stalls and elaborate galleries. Be wary of sellers and definitely try bargaining, to enhance your chances of grabbing a good deal. Vietnam is by and large known for picking up handicrafts, traditional attires antiques, artwork, gems and war souvenirs.

Night shot of Hoi An. Vietnam. Unesco World Heritage Site

Hoi An old town

Vietnamese woman counting her money at farmers market

My Son ruins, Vietnam

Fishing boat in Vietnam

Vietnamese Woodworker

Ho Chi Minh City

Also known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh is an emerging metropolis and a gateway to Vietnam. Witnessing a heady merger of traditional and modern influences, this city is considered as the face of Vietnam. Being the largest city and the hub of commerce in the country, the effervescent city of Ho Chi Minh is perched on the west bank of the River Saigon. From various pagodas to buzzing markets to the roads jammed by numerous motorbikes, the wonders of Ho Chi Minh will surely steal your heart.

Sightseeing

Reunification Hall: Also known as the Independence Palace, this five-floor palace was South Vietnam's Presidential Palace. On April 30, 1975, tank 843, now parked outside, crashed at the palace's gate, marking the end of the war. Check out the various parts of the palace including the intriguing recreation room which features a circular sofa, a scary basement full of 1960s phones and other equipment. Go through the photo gallery and watch a propaganda film recounting the story Ho Chi Minh's indomitable revolutionary forces. (Entry - 15000 Vietnamese Dong; open daily 07:30-11:30 am, 13:00-16:00 pm

War Remnants Museum: Located near by Reunification Palace, War Remnants Museum houses many war hardware pieces. The museum also displays some gruesome photographs of the Vietnam (American) War and other war material. (Entry - 10000 Vietnamese Dong; open daily 07:30-11:45 am, 13:30-17:30 pm)

City Hall: This striking French colonial building in cream and yellow looks beautiful at night with floodlit highlighting it. It was earlier called the Hôtel de Ville and has now been re-branded as the People's Committee Hall.

Museum of Vietnamese History: This museum is located at the intersection of Le Duan Street and Nguyen Binh Khiem and houses a vast collection of Vietnamese antiquities. Before visiting this museum, one should read up about Vietnamese history.

Notre Dam Cathedral Built by the French, this Catholic cathedral is located in the city centre (Dong Khoi, District 1), just next to the Post Office. (Free entry)

Fast Facts

Main languages: Vietnamese, Cantonese, Mandarin, English and French

When to go: November to March

Local transport: Buses, taxis, train, cyclo

Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND)

Voltage: 127/220 V

Time Zone: UTC/GMT +7 hours

Phone code: +84 - 8

The People's Committee building, also named Hotel de Ville, located in Saigon, Ho Chi Minh city

Thien Hau Temple, Ho Chi Minh City, Saigon, Vietnam

Sculpture in front of Ho Chi Minh City Hall

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• The above rates are valid for minimum 2 adults traveling together
• Any meals and services unless mentioned in the itinerary are not included
• The hotels and services as mentioned in the itinerary are subject to confirmation
• Rates may change in case of change in hotel rates, transport rates or entrance fees, government or airport taxes
• Rates are not valid during trade fairs, exhibitions and special events. A surcharge will be levied
• The above prices are calculated based on the lowest available airfare. Prices are subject to change due to non-availability of seats in the required class at the time of booking
• The rate of exchange taken for computing the above price is Rs. 54 to an USD. In the event of an increase in the ROE, the prices defined may change
• In case of unavailability in mentioned hotels, alternate accommodation will be arranged in a similar category hotel.

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