ITA Travel - Vietnam 11D/10N : A GREAT EXPERIENCE OF VIETNAM - TOUR FROM SOUTH TO NORTH

Day 1, Arrival - Ho Chi Minh (L)

On arrival at Tan San Nhat Airport, you are met and transferred to hotel. Ho Chi Minh City is a center of commerce, finance, culture and tourism in Vietnam. This bustling metropolis, contradiction of its northern counterpart, is crowded with bikes and motorbikes, excited by numerous shopping area and sidewalk cafés. An afternoon city tour of dynamic Ho Chi Minh City, still called Saigon by many locals, includes the Nôtre Dame Cathedral, Old Saigon Post Office, a lacquerware factory, the Chinatown and Giac Lam Pagoda. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.

Day 2, Ho Chi Minh - Tay Ninh - Cu Chi - Ho Chi Minh, (B, L,)

Today, we head out of town to Tay Ninh, the head quarter of Cao Dai region. On arrival we attend the fantastic mid-day temple service when the followers fill the hall wearing colored robes, a symbol of the curious combination of the Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism. On return trip, we also make stop to explore Cu Chi Tunnels, an incredible underground tunnel network constructed by Vietnamese fighters during the long struggle for independence. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.

Day 3, Ho Chi Minh - My Tho - Ho Chi Minh, (B, L)

After two hours by road from Ho Chi Minh’s bustling streets, we start venturing into the watery world of the Mekong Delta. As a highlight of the trip, we take a cruise along narrow waterways through the lush vegetation to an orchard garden where we have the opportunity to visit local homes as well as enjoy a lunch followed with seasonal fruits. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.

Day 4, Ho Chi Minh - Da Nang - Hoi An, (B, L)

There is free time for your own exploration of the town before you board a flight to Da Nang. The tour of central Vietnam begins with sightseeing of Hoi An which was originally a Cham seaport but has been influenced down centuries by a myriad of traders from various cultures. The tranquil and charm of Hoi An 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. Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 5, Hoi An - Hué, (B, L)

Heading north of Hoi An is Hué, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. The scenic route passes through Da Nang before climbing over the Pass of Ocean Clouds and dropping down to the wonderfully photogenic fishing village of Lang Co. The sensational Marble Mountains and the display of Cham’s sculpture are also visited on our journey. Overnight in Hué.

Day 6, Hué, (B, L).

The elaborate tomb of Emperor Tu Duc and the beautiful pagoda of Thien Mu are not be missed. Today we include these in a guided boat trip on the Perfume River which also provides us a fantastic views of the countryside and an enjoyable visit to the mausoleum of Emperor Minh Mang, in a tranquil setting of gardens and lakes as well as the Imperial Citadel from where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945. Overnight in Hué.

Day 7, Hué - Ha Noi - Ha Long, (B, D)

The massive citadel of Hué is not to be missed. We visit this masterpiece, containing the Imperial City and the Purple Forbidden City. This royal residence was all but destroyed during the 1968 Tet Offensive, however it is still fascinating to walk among the ruins. The rest of your time will be free for your own exploration of the town before boarding a short flight to north. Arriving at Noi Bai Airport, we embark on a two and half hour drive to Halong, truly one of Vietnam’s most scenic impressive sights. Along the way we will have chance to make stop as you please, to stretch your legs and take pictures. Overnight in Halong

Day 8, Ha Long - Ha Noi, (B, L)

Today, we embark on a cruise out to explore the picturesque scenery blending with the sky and some 3,000 limestone islands rising amazingly from the clear and emerald water. Along the way we will anchor for a leisurely swim in a secluded cove. After a seafoodlunch on board we return to Ha Noi. Overnight in Ha Noi.

Day 9, Ha Noi, (B, L)

Today we enjoy a full day city tour starting with the Ho Chi Minh Complex. This famous site contains 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 city. We follow this with the Temple of Literature, which is well known as the first university of Vietnam and the impressive Ethnologic Museum, dedicated to Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. The beautiful West Lake and the History Museum with an excellent collection of artifacts illustrating the Vietnamese history are also highlight of our trip. We visit these sights before continuing to the peaceful lake of Hoan Kiem. In front of this lake is the famous water puppet theatre where we will see a fantastic performance. Overnight in Ha Noi.

Day 10, Ha Noi - Hoa Lu - Ha Noi, (B, L)

As a highlight of the trip, we spend today visiting Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s first capital with two remaining sanctuaries of the Dinh and Le dynasties and enjoying a boat trip on a river through the quiet and peaceful landscape of rice fields surrounded by limestone formations to the grottoes of Tam Coc. Overnight in Ha Noi.

Day 11, Ha Noi - departure, (B).

There is a free time to relax or further explore Ha Noi. The tour ends after your transfer to Noi Bai Airport transfer for departure.