Introduction: Most of our traveling will be done aboard the Reunification Express train, a fascinating and unforgettable way to view the unfolding landscape of Vietnam. We begin by discovering the attractions of the steamy southern city of Saigon, before taking the train to the beach resort city of Nha Trang, then to the remarkable ancient port town of Hoi An, etc. We finish our adventure in charming and graceful Hanoi.
Tour type: private - hard
Class: superior - deluxe
Duration: 12 days
Arrival/ Departure: Ho Chi Minh City/Hanoi or reverse.
Price: from USD1.105/person
Meals planned: B: breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner
Group size: on request (2 - 16 persons)
Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City - Arrival (D)
Today, you are warmly welcomed at the airport in Ho Chi Minh city, also called Saigon. This is the largest city in Vietnam and the nation's economic capital. The metropolitan area Ho Chi Minh City and surrounding towns, is populated by more than 9 million.
If time permits, we will visit the bustling Cho Lon Market (Chinatown). This trip helps you view the city from another perspective and to see the abundance of fresh local produce that is such an important feature of Vietnamese cuisine. We will then enjoy the welcome dinner.
Overnight at hotel, Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 2: Ho Chi Minh - Mekong Delta (B, L)
The Mekong Delta (or the “Nine Dragon river delta”) is the region in southwestern Vietnam where the Mekong River approaches and empties into the sea through a network of distributaries. The Mekong delta region encompasses a large portion of southeastern Vietnam of 39,000 square kilometers. The size of the area covered by water depends on the season. A river cruise on the Mekong river is a great experience to watch the daily life of the locals.
We start at the hotel at 7:45am to drive to Tien Giang, on of the provinces of Mekong Delta. Arrive in My Tho City. Take a boat ride to visit Con Phung Island with full of tropical fruit gardens. We will have chance to enjoy the fruit and Mekong folk songs performed by the local artists. The visit the most ancient pagoda in Mekong Delta - Vinh Trang. After lunch, we visit the Dong Tam Snake Farm before coming back to Ho Chi Minh City.
Overnight at hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 3: Cu Chi Tunnels - Nha Trang (B, L)
This morning, we head out to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels. Cu Chi is actually the name of the district which covers an extensive underground network (approximately 200 kilometers) of tunnels dug initially by the Viet Minh and later expanded by the Viet Cong. The tunnels contained hospitals, plus accommodation and schools, and were used extensively for refuge and storage and also utilized as a military base for the Viet Cong close to Saigon. The 1968 Tet Offensive was launched from Cu Chi with surprising effect. A section of the tunnels has been widened to allow tourists to get a feel for what the life underground must have been like (please note that this will be hot and sweaty and also a bit claustrophobic!).
Return to bustling Ho Chi Minh City. We explore Ho Chi Minh City’s grand boulevards, passing famous sites such as the former President’s Palace, the Old Saigon Post Office, the Notre Dame Cathedral. We will then transfer to the station for night train to Nha Trang.
Overnight on train (Soft sleeper berth in A/C cabin).
Day 4: Nha Trang City (B, L)
Nha Trang is a coastal city and capital of Khanh Hoa province, on the South Central Coast of Vietnam. It is well known for its pristine beaches and excellent scuba diving and is fast becoming a popular destination for international tourists, attracting large numbers travelers. It is already very popular with Vietnamese tourists. Nha Trang Bay is widely considered as amongst the world's most beautiful bays. Tourists are welcome to participate in the Sea Festival, held biennially. Nha Trang was the site of the Miss Universe 2008 Pageant on July 14, 2008 and it will also host Miss World 2010.
On arrival in Nha Trang we transfer to the restaurant for breakfast. We will then visit the Po Nagar Cham Tower. The tower was constructed by the Cham in honor of Yang Ino Po Ngar, the mother of the kingdom and the Long Son pagoda with its enormous Buddha statue. After lunch, you are free to swim and relax on the beach or join many optional sea - sport activities available here.
Overnight at Hotel, Nha Trang.
Day 5: Nha Trang Islands and Snorkeling tour (B, L)
We spend a whole day to visit Nha Trang Bay. We start from your hotel to Cau Da port. Tri Nguyen Aquarium on Mieu Island is the first place to visit, many sea species of Nha Trang/ Khanh Hoa province make a small ocean world there. We will then cruise to the Mun Island, which is the best island for snorkeling. Here, the snorkeling trip help you see lots of lives colorful corals and fish. We visit a fishing village and taking a fresh lunch at the island. On the way back you will be able to see caves in which the sea swallows make their nest.
Overnight in Nha Trang.
Day 6: Nha Trang - Da Nang - Hoi An (train) (B)
Hoi An was originally a Cham port town, but has been influenced down the centuries by a myriad of traders from various cultures. There is a distinctly Chinese appearance with pagodas and assembly halls scattered along the small streets. Hoi An was once a bustling port in centuries gone by, before the river silted up. Today it is a delightful backwater town with an air of liveliness about it. The tranquility and charm of Hoi An, coupled with its low tiled houses, makes it one of the most delightful places to visit in Vietnam. It is a constant favorite of our travelers and staff.
We leave Nha Trang early in the morning for Da Nang by train. Upon arrival to Danang, we transfer to Hoi An. We visit the famous Cham sculptures museum with its collection of relics from the Cham Kingdom on the way. We continue to Hoi An ancient town, the port town since the 10th century. Today we take a walking tour around the town. We visit some old merchants’ houses, the 400 year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, and the colorful local markets.
Free to swim or relax at the Cua Dai Beach.
Overnight at Hotel, Hoi An.
Day 7: Hoi An - My Son Sanctuary (B)
In the morning, we drive to visit My Son. The My Son temple complex is regarded one of the foremost Hindu temple complexes in Southeast Asia and is the foremost heritage site of this nature in Vietnam. It is often compared with other historical temple complexes in Southeast Asia, such as Borobodur of Java in Indonesia, Angkor Wat of Cambodia, Bagan of Myanmar and Ayutthaya of Thailand. As of 1999, My Son has been recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site. At its 23rd meeting, UNESCO accorded Mỹ Sơn this recognition pursuant to its criterion C (II), as an example of evolution and change in culture, and pursuant to its criterion C (III), as evidence of an Asian civilization which is now extinct.
You are free in the afternoon to browse for souvenirs, tailor made clothes or hire a bicycle to ride to the nearby Cua Dai beach.
Overnight at Hotel, Hoi An.
Day 8: Hoi An - Hue (B)
Hue became the name of Vietnam's most well known ancient capital because many historical buildings are located in Hue, largely a legacy from its time as a capital of the Nguyen dynasty (1802-1945). Inside the city are the Royal Citadel, Flag Tower, Royal Palace, and Royal Tombs. Hue’s Forbidden Purple City was once reserved for the royal family; it was severely damaged during the War. Outside the city is the religious site known as Nam Giao Hill, or Heaven’s Altar.
After breakfast we travel across the spectacular Hai Van pass to Hue, the ancient Imperial city of the Nguyen Kings. On arrival, we transfer to our hotel and have a short break for lunch before head on to the see the Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, with its lotus-filled lake and central pavilion and the simple and serene Tomb of Khai Dinh are the most interesting.
Overnight at Hotel, Hue.
Day 9: Hue - Hanoi (B, L)
This morning we cruise on the Perfume River. The Perfume River is 30km long and that is from Bang Lang to Thuan An estuary. The River is gorgeous sight from its basis, and runs among peaks, jungle trees and plants. The river brings with it fragrances of tropical flora. Probably that's why the name of the river has been the Perfume River. We disembark the boat and visit the 16th century Thien Mu pagoda and the impressive tomb of Emperor Minh Mang. We have few hours for shopping at Dong Ba market before transferring to Hue railway station to catch train to Hanoi late afternoon.
Overnight on train (Soft sleeper berth in A/C cabin)
Day 10: Hanoi city (B, L)
Hanoi is the second largest city of Vietnam with total population of over 6 million people. As the capital of Vietnam for almost a thousand years, The enchanting Hanoi is considered to be one of cultural centers of Vietnam, where most of Vietnamese dynasties had left behind their imprint. Even though some relics have not survived through wars and time, the city still has many interesting cultural and historic monuments for visitors and residents alike.
We arrive in Hanoi early morning and transfer to the restaurant for breakfast. We will then spend a day touring Hanoi. We begin with a visit to the President Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum and residence. We also visit the famous One Pillar Pagoda nearby. Leave the President's complex, we continue to visit the Temple of Literature which was the first university in Vietnam and was built in 1070. Then we go to the Museum of Ethnology, which is an excellent museum containing the ethnic costumes of the various minorities of Vietnam, as well as relics, tools and even full size replicas of their homes and buildings. We take a walking tour around the Restored Sword Lake, and around the Old Quarter before enjoy Water Puppet show.
Overnight at Hotel, Hanoi.
Day 11: Hanoi - Ha Long bay - Hanoi (B, L)
Halong Bay has twice been recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage Area for its exceptional scenic beauty and outstanding geological and geomorphic values. Thousands of islands emerging uneven in the fanciful waves look strong and magnificent but also mild and vivid. Amidst these islands, we feel as if we were astray in a petrified legendary world.
You are picked at the hotel at 8am to start the ride to Halong Bay. Upon arrival, take 04 hours boat cruise on the bay. Boat will stop at Thien Cung cave and Dau Go cave. Seafood lunch is provided. After lunch, we return to Hanoi.
Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.
Day 12: Hanoi - Departure (B)
Free at leisure until transfer to airport for departure. Trip ends.
Readmore: Vietnam By Train 12 days
Class: superior - deluxe
Duration: 12 days
Arrival/ Departure: Ho Chi Minh City/Hanoi or reverse.
Price: from USD1.105/person
Meals planned: B: breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner
Group size: on request (2 - 16 persons)
Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City - Arrival (D)
Today, you are warmly welcomed at the airport in Ho Chi Minh city, also called Saigon. This is the largest city in Vietnam and the nation's economic capital. The metropolitan area Ho Chi Minh City and surrounding towns, is populated by more than 9 million.
If time permits, we will visit the bustling Cho Lon Market (Chinatown). This trip helps you view the city from another perspective and to see the abundance of fresh local produce that is such an important feature of Vietnamese cuisine. We will then enjoy the welcome dinner.
Overnight at hotel, Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 2: Ho Chi Minh - Mekong Delta (B, L)
The Mekong Delta (or the “Nine Dragon river delta”) is the region in southwestern Vietnam where the Mekong River approaches and empties into the sea through a network of distributaries. The Mekong delta region encompasses a large portion of southeastern Vietnam of 39,000 square kilometers. The size of the area covered by water depends on the season. A river cruise on the Mekong river is a great experience to watch the daily life of the locals.
We start at the hotel at 7:45am to drive to Tien Giang, on of the provinces of Mekong Delta. Arrive in My Tho City. Take a boat ride to visit Con Phung Island with full of tropical fruit gardens. We will have chance to enjoy the fruit and Mekong folk songs performed by the local artists. The visit the most ancient pagoda in Mekong Delta - Vinh Trang. After lunch, we visit the Dong Tam Snake Farm before coming back to Ho Chi Minh City.
Overnight at hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 3: Cu Chi Tunnels - Nha Trang (B, L)
This morning, we head out to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels. Cu Chi is actually the name of the district which covers an extensive underground network (approximately 200 kilometers) of tunnels dug initially by the Viet Minh and later expanded by the Viet Cong. The tunnels contained hospitals, plus accommodation and schools, and were used extensively for refuge and storage and also utilized as a military base for the Viet Cong close to Saigon. The 1968 Tet Offensive was launched from Cu Chi with surprising effect. A section of the tunnels has been widened to allow tourists to get a feel for what the life underground must have been like (please note that this will be hot and sweaty and also a bit claustrophobic!).
Return to bustling Ho Chi Minh City. We explore Ho Chi Minh City’s grand boulevards, passing famous sites such as the former President’s Palace, the Old Saigon Post Office, the Notre Dame Cathedral. We will then transfer to the station for night train to Nha Trang.
Overnight on train (Soft sleeper berth in A/C cabin).
Day 4: Nha Trang City (B, L)
Nha Trang is a coastal city and capital of Khanh Hoa province, on the South Central Coast of Vietnam. It is well known for its pristine beaches and excellent scuba diving and is fast becoming a popular destination for international tourists, attracting large numbers travelers. It is already very popular with Vietnamese tourists. Nha Trang Bay is widely considered as amongst the world's most beautiful bays. Tourists are welcome to participate in the Sea Festival, held biennially. Nha Trang was the site of the Miss Universe 2008 Pageant on July 14, 2008 and it will also host Miss World 2010.
On arrival in Nha Trang we transfer to the restaurant for breakfast. We will then visit the Po Nagar Cham Tower. The tower was constructed by the Cham in honor of Yang Ino Po Ngar, the mother of the kingdom and the Long Son pagoda with its enormous Buddha statue. After lunch, you are free to swim and relax on the beach or join many optional sea - sport activities available here.
Overnight at Hotel, Nha Trang.
Day 5: Nha Trang Islands and Snorkeling tour (B, L)
We spend a whole day to visit Nha Trang Bay. We start from your hotel to Cau Da port. Tri Nguyen Aquarium on Mieu Island is the first place to visit, many sea species of Nha Trang/ Khanh Hoa province make a small ocean world there. We will then cruise to the Mun Island, which is the best island for snorkeling. Here, the snorkeling trip help you see lots of lives colorful corals and fish. We visit a fishing village and taking a fresh lunch at the island. On the way back you will be able to see caves in which the sea swallows make their nest.
Overnight in Nha Trang.
Day 6: Nha Trang - Da Nang - Hoi An (train) (B)
Hoi An was originally a Cham port town, but has been influenced down the centuries by a myriad of traders from various cultures. There is a distinctly Chinese appearance with pagodas and assembly halls scattered along the small streets. Hoi An was once a bustling port in centuries gone by, before the river silted up. Today it is a delightful backwater town with an air of liveliness about it. The tranquility and charm of Hoi An, coupled with its low tiled houses, makes it one of the most delightful places to visit in Vietnam. It is a constant favorite of our travelers and staff.
We leave Nha Trang early in the morning for Da Nang by train. Upon arrival to Danang, we transfer to Hoi An. We visit the famous Cham sculptures museum with its collection of relics from the Cham Kingdom on the way. We continue to Hoi An ancient town, the port town since the 10th century. Today we take a walking tour around the town. We visit some old merchants’ houses, the 400 year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, and the colorful local markets.
Free to swim or relax at the Cua Dai Beach.
Overnight at Hotel, Hoi An.
Day 7: Hoi An - My Son Sanctuary (B)
In the morning, we drive to visit My Son. The My Son temple complex is regarded one of the foremost Hindu temple complexes in Southeast Asia and is the foremost heritage site of this nature in Vietnam. It is often compared with other historical temple complexes in Southeast Asia, such as Borobodur of Java in Indonesia, Angkor Wat of Cambodia, Bagan of Myanmar and Ayutthaya of Thailand. As of 1999, My Son has been recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site. At its 23rd meeting, UNESCO accorded Mỹ Sơn this recognition pursuant to its criterion C (II), as an example of evolution and change in culture, and pursuant to its criterion C (III), as evidence of an Asian civilization which is now extinct.
You are free in the afternoon to browse for souvenirs, tailor made clothes or hire a bicycle to ride to the nearby Cua Dai beach.
Overnight at Hotel, Hoi An.
Day 8: Hoi An - Hue (B)
Hue became the name of Vietnam's most well known ancient capital because many historical buildings are located in Hue, largely a legacy from its time as a capital of the Nguyen dynasty (1802-1945). Inside the city are the Royal Citadel, Flag Tower, Royal Palace, and Royal Tombs. Hue’s Forbidden Purple City was once reserved for the royal family; it was severely damaged during the War. Outside the city is the religious site known as Nam Giao Hill, or Heaven’s Altar.
After breakfast we travel across the spectacular Hai Van pass to Hue, the ancient Imperial city of the Nguyen Kings. On arrival, we transfer to our hotel and have a short break for lunch before head on to the see the Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, with its lotus-filled lake and central pavilion and the simple and serene Tomb of Khai Dinh are the most interesting.
Overnight at Hotel, Hue.
Day 9: Hue - Hanoi (B, L)
This morning we cruise on the Perfume River. The Perfume River is 30km long and that is from Bang Lang to Thuan An estuary. The River is gorgeous sight from its basis, and runs among peaks, jungle trees and plants. The river brings with it fragrances of tropical flora. Probably that's why the name of the river has been the Perfume River. We disembark the boat and visit the 16th century Thien Mu pagoda and the impressive tomb of Emperor Minh Mang. We have few hours for shopping at Dong Ba market before transferring to Hue railway station to catch train to Hanoi late afternoon.
Overnight on train (Soft sleeper berth in A/C cabin)
Day 10: Hanoi city (B, L)
Hanoi is the second largest city of Vietnam with total population of over 6 million people. As the capital of Vietnam for almost a thousand years, The enchanting Hanoi is considered to be one of cultural centers of Vietnam, where most of Vietnamese dynasties had left behind their imprint. Even though some relics have not survived through wars and time, the city still has many interesting cultural and historic monuments for visitors and residents alike.
We arrive in Hanoi early morning and transfer to the restaurant for breakfast. We will then spend a day touring Hanoi. We begin with a visit to the President Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum and residence. We also visit the famous One Pillar Pagoda nearby. Leave the President's complex, we continue to visit the Temple of Literature which was the first university in Vietnam and was built in 1070. Then we go to the Museum of Ethnology, which is an excellent museum containing the ethnic costumes of the various minorities of Vietnam, as well as relics, tools and even full size replicas of their homes and buildings. We take a walking tour around the Restored Sword Lake, and around the Old Quarter before enjoy Water Puppet show.
Overnight at Hotel, Hanoi.
Day 11: Hanoi - Ha Long bay - Hanoi (B, L)
Halong Bay has twice been recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage Area for its exceptional scenic beauty and outstanding geological and geomorphic values. Thousands of islands emerging uneven in the fanciful waves look strong and magnificent but also mild and vivid. Amidst these islands, we feel as if we were astray in a petrified legendary world.
You are picked at the hotel at 8am to start the ride to Halong Bay. Upon arrival, take 04 hours boat cruise on the bay. Boat will stop at Thien Cung cave and Dau Go cave. Seafood lunch is provided. After lunch, we return to Hanoi.
Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.
Day 12: Hanoi - Departure (B)
Free at leisure until transfer to airport for departure. Trip ends.
Readmore: Vietnam By Train 12 days
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