Indochina tours, indochina voyages, vietnam tours - Vietnam
 

VIETNAM

 
 General info
 Highlights
 Tours
 Hotels
 Travel hints



 
Vietnam » Crossing the Seventeen Parallel 13D-12N

  

Now is the time to visit Viet Nam, 34 years later, when peace, and harmony prevail and its stunning landscapes and cultural discoveries far exceed the travelers’ expectations. Unforgettable!  

  
  
 

Day 1&2 Hanoi arrival... immerse yourself in the heart of the city's Old Quarter during an orientation tour; visit the must-see sights in Hanoi including the Hanoi Hilton and John McCain's landing site in the lake; wind your way through the reminiscences of colonial downtown and its French-built villas; meet and chat with Chuck, a former GI and now in charge of US Veteran Fund in Vietnam, and listen to his short lecture on landmine problems in the DMZ, Tonight, enjoy the famed north Vietnamese water puppet performance and taste the traditional sumptuous dishes that Hanoi has to offer.

  
 

Day 3&4 Halong... after a smooth and scenic drive to northeast Hanoi, board a traditional Junk and enjoy a relaxing and elegant stay while cruising in the emerald waters of this legendary Bay; enjoy a superb fresh seafood meal on board while marveling at the fantastic towering limestone cliffs. Next day, return to Hanoi and join a group of musicians and singers, members of a city band of veterans...what a great opportunity for a warm handshake and interaction with former Vietcong soldiers! Later, take the night train to DongHoi.

  
 

Day 5 Donghoi-Hue (night train Hanoi-Donghoi on night the 4th)... a big day is in store right after you get off the train and enjoy breakfast at a local restaurant; drive to former battle fields including KheSanh; visit TaCon airbase, also experience the Vinhmoc tunnels, which used to house a communists base. After a tranquil, scenic drive, arrive in Hue in the early evening.

  
 

Day 6 Hue... tour Hue City highlights such as the Imperial Citadel, Dongba market and the ancient Thien Mu pagoda; cruise along the Perfume River on a dragon boat and view the life of locals along its banks; relax by the pool of the hotel or walk the neighboring area to enjoy the tranquil ambience that Hue preserves.

  
 

Day 7 Hoian... a rewarding drive through the Ocean Clouds mountain pass towards China beach in Danang; be lazy and relax on the fine sandy beach with a picnic lunch, then continue to Hoi An; walk this ancient small town streets and feel Hoi An, ancient gathering place for merchants from Japan, China, India during the 16th and 17th centuries; admire its charming and well preserved architecture and cultural value.

  
 

Day 8&9 Hoian-Nhatrang (flight Danang-Nhatrang)... early morning visit to the fish market and and take a relaxing cyclo drive thru the village of CamNam and a short cruise on the Thubon river. Arrive at Camranh airport in Nha Trang and drive to downtown of this sun-washed city; visit to the fishing island Tri Nguyen and cruise to another hidden island for your beach break.

  
 

Day 10&11 Saigon (flight Nhatrang-Saigon)... be surprised by the vibrancy of this industrious metropolis with chaotic traffic weaving all around; tour all the hot spots including Central Post Office, Reunification Palace and the provocative War Remnants Museum; browse for some souvenirs at the bustling BenThanh market or stroll along the ancient Rue Catinat (now Dong Khoi Street). Fascinating and extraordinary, this city's life and lights seem not to stop until well past midnight. Drive to the outskirts of the city to Cu Chi to witness the tremendous work done by V.C and guerrilla fighters during the Vietnam war, the complicated network of tunnels that remains to these days.

  
 

Day12 Mekong... board your private boat and set out for an exploration of the Mekong life and its people; stop by some island in the Mekong river to visit a local family home and lush orchards; venture out on a sampan ride through some small canals; sample a variety of tropical fruits and honey tea; learn how to make coconut candy and discover how extremely yummy it is. Enjoy an extraordinary, Mekong style lunch in an authentic restaurant before heading back to Saigon.

  
 

Day13 Depart Saigon... your last chance for some last minute shopping in the bustling market or just relaxing until your flight home or going onward to the Siem Reap extension.

  
 

This itinerary can be customized to suit the travelers' schedule and interests. 

 
 
     
 
 


© 2008 INDOCHINA VOYAGES. All rights reserved | Tel: (84-4) 3972 6886  |  Fax: (84-4) 3972 6888  | Email: info@indochinavoyages.com | Licence No: 01-308/VNAT