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Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta – Nha Trang – Hoi An – Hue – Ha Noi – Sapa – Ha Long
(21 days / 20 nights)This is our most comprehensive trip in Viet Nam. Recently redesigned to include the northern hill town of Sapa, it is ideal for people who have more time to spare and gives an insight into the diverse cultures, landscapes and climates that pervade this amazing country.
Starting in Ho Chi Minh city, we cover the city's highlights before continuing into the fertile and productive Mekong delta. From the western boundary where the mighty Mekong River flows out of Cambodia to the very heart of the delta, we discover a lifestyle that centers on aqua culture and agriculture. Journeying from the delta to the white sands and blue ocean of Nha Trang, we encounter evidence of the ancient Cham civilization, idyllic island paradises and lazy days on the water. From Nha Trang a short flight will take us to Da Nang and a visit to the five peaks of the marble mountains said to represent the five elements of the universe before arriving at the world heritage listed town of Hoi An, which will be our base for the next four days. While here, we will discover a rich trading history that dates back to the 16th century and the legacy that the Chinese, Japanese, Dutch, Portuguese and Arab traders left with their passing. A short trip to My Son, the former capital of the Cham civilization, will be included in our Hoi An stop over.
From Hoi An we make our trip to Hue. This city served as the imperial capital for the Nguyen dynasty, the last to rule in Viet Nam. Being the former capital, Hue is surrounded by the tombs of emperors past. Cruise the Perfume River, visiting some of the royal tombs, the citadel and the forbidden purple city give you a good insight of the feudal times that helped to shape this country's history. Another short flight takes us to the modern day capital of Ha Noi. With its many lakes, parks, tree lines boulevards and French colonial architecture, Ha Noi has a heart and soul that can rarely be found in other cities. After a tour of the highlights in Ha Noi, we journey into the remote mountainous northwest to the township of Sapa. Built in 1922 by the French, Sapa sits in the shadow of Mt, Fansipan Vietnam's highest peak. You will be able to enjoy a close interaction with some of Vietnam's friendly ethnic minority people and walk around some of the most stunning scenery Viet Nam has to offer. Moving back to Ha Noi for a brief stopover we then travel to the fourth and final world heritage site on this tour, Ha Long bay. The beauty of this amazing bay has captured the imagination and creative talents of poets, authors, filmmaker and photographers from around the globe, we will spend the best part of a day cruise the emerald waters, swimming and feasting on fresh local seafood. Drive back to Ha Noi for one last night before bidding farewell to Viet Nam, its cultural diversity and the ever present friendly smiles and warm nature of its people.
*** If you like, you can combine this program with the program for swimming holiday.
Suggestion: 4 days more on beach.
Day 01: Arrive Ho Chi Minh city (Sai Gon)
Day 02: Sai Gon
Day 03: Sai Gon – Chau Doc
Day 04: Chau Doc – Can Tho
Day 05: Can Tho – Vinh Long
Day 06: Vinh Long – Sai Gon
Day 07: Sai Gon / Nha Trang
Day 08: Nha Trang
Day 09: Nha Trang / Da Nang – Hoi An
Day 10: Hoi An
Day 11: My Son
Day 12: Hoi An – Hue
Day 13: Hue
Day 14: Hue / Ha Noi
Day 15: Ha Noi – Sapa
Day 16: Sapa
Day 17: Sapa
Day 18: Sapa – Ha Noi
Day 19: Ha Noi – Ha Long bay
Day 20: Ha Long – Ha Noi
Day 21: Depart Ha Noi.
