Vietnam Odyssey,  24 days

VN-T-01

Overnight in Hanoi.

Although it is the modern-day capital of Vietnam, HANOI still retains the mystery and charm of past centuries. Narrow lanes and traditional shophouses invite exploration by cyclo, while its many beautiful public spaces
lakes, parks, tree-lined boulevards and monuments

give the city an air of elegance and harmony with nature unique among Asian capitals. Begin your day visiting the TEMPLE OF LITERATURE, a peaceful series of walled courtyards and graceful gateways, and one of the best surving examples of traditional Vietnamese architecture. Founded in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius, this was also the site of Vietnam's first university.

Continue to the miniature ONE PILLAR PAGODA. Also dating from the 11th century, this monument was rebuilt after being destroyed by the French in 1954. Today it stands near the vast HO CHI MINH MEMORIAL COMPLEX, a lovely park setting which is home to Ho Chi Minh final resting place, as well as a museum and other memorials. 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 afternoons, on Mondays and Fridays, and closes annually in October and November for restoration. Continue through the park to HO CHI MINH STILT HOUSE, the simple two-room dwelling where Ho Chi Minh lived from 1948 until his final days. Preserved in the same condition as during his life, it may be viewed through the windows.
Finally, head to HOAN KIEM LAKE, located in heart of Hanoi, which contains an islet with the tiny TORTOISE PAGODA. Enroute, pass other colonial landmarks such as the magnificent OPERA HOUSE (may be seen from the outside only) and ST JOSEPH'S CATHEDRAL. From the lake, walking to explore the OLD QUARTER. This fascinating network of narrow alleys and shophouses 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's paradise and a endlessly interesting place to explore local life.
In the afternoon, visit one of Hanoi's famous museums, either the HISTORY MUSEUM or the MUSEUM OF ETHNOLOGY.
Once the museum of the Ecole Francaise d'Extreme Orient, the HISTORY MUSEUM (BAO TANG LICH) is housed in an elegant building from the 1930s, and include exhibits spanning the entirety of Vietnam's history including prehistory, proto-Vietnamese civilisations, the Dong Son culture, the Oc-Eo culture and the Khmer Kingdoms.
The MUSEUM OF ETHNOLOGY 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, cemeteries and other distinctive ethnic buildings.

Visit a Water Puppet Show with transfer to/from restaurant

WATER PUPPET SHOW: a fantastic art form originating in northern Vietnam, best seen in Hanoi. The Municipal Water Puppet Theater is located on the shore of Hoan Kiem Lake.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Flight from Hanoi to Dien Bien Phu.
Transfer
Excursion by boat to Pakhoang

Overnight in Dien Bien Phu.

Sightseeing in Dien Bien Phu

In one of the most remote areas of Vietnam, surrounded by steep forested mountains, DIEN BIEN PHU was where the Vietnamese decisively defeated the French in a single battle, thereby ending their colonial control of Indochina. Begin at the DIEN BIEN PHU MUSEUM, which contains artifacts and exhibits relating to the battle before going to HILL A1, where the defenders fought a seemingly never ending onrush of French forces. When the Vietnamese finally planted a bomb on top of the hill, this ended the battle and the war. Today, there are realistic re-creations of the bunkers, and the bomb crater is still fenced off and visible. Continue outside town to the BUNKER OF DE CASTRIES, where the headquarters of this French commander have been re-created, with old French tanks and artillery pieces nearby.

Afternoon at leisure

Overnight in Dien Bien Phu.

Flight from Dien Bien Phu to Hanoi.
Transfer

Overnight in Hanoi.

By vehicle from Hanoi to Halong Bay

Excursion by boat through Halong Bay including lunch (4 hours, private)

Cruise on a traditional wooden boat among the emerald waters and craggy limestone cliffs of Halong Bay, stopping to explore one of the many caves in this area. Sail past picturesque islands, floating villages, fishermen casting their nets and pearl fisheries and observe the rhythms of daily life on the bay. Return to Halong pier.
Excursion by boat through Halong Bay including lunch (4 hours, private)

Cruise on a traditional wooden boat among the emerald waters and craggy limestone cliffs of Halong Bay, stopping to explore one of the many caves in this area. Sail past picturesque islands, floating villages, fishermen casting their nets and pearl fisheries and observe the rhythms of daily life on the bay. Return to Halong pier.

Overnight in Halong.

By vehicle from Halong to Ninh Binh with sightseeing at Hai Phong

From Halong, travel to HAI PHONG, Vietnam's third most populous city, the main industrial center of the north and one of the country's most important seaports. Take a couple of hours to stop at some of the town's highlights, including the DU HANG PAGODA, a beautiful example of traditional Vietnamese architecture and the communal house of DINH HANG KENH, known for its 500 relief sculptures in wood. Continue onwards to Ninh Binh.

Overnight in Ninh Binh.

Excursion to Cuc Phuong National Park and Kenh Ga floating village, with boat trip

Tropical plants and exotic animals abound in the jungle region of Thanh Hoa, making CUC PHUONG NATIONAL PARK home to an extraordinary variety of species. Established in 1962, it is considered to be one of Vietnam's most important nature reserves. Before entering the park gates, stop at ENDANGERED PRIMATE RESCUE CENTER, which saves nearly extinct primates from hunters and medicine seekers. Tour the Center, run jointly by German and Vietnamese biologists, and observe some of the different gibbons, langurs and lorises that currently make their home here before being reintroduced to the wild.
KENH GA FLOATING VILLAGE: enjoy a leisurely boat ride past verdant rice paddies to Kenh Ga village, located at the base of dramatic limestone cliffs. Enjoy watching daily life along the riverbanks and observe the unique method that the villagers use to row their boats with their feet.

Overnight in Ninh Binh.

Excursion to Tam Coc (Dry Halong Bay), and Hoa Lu with boat trip

DRY HALONG BAY: actually called Tam Coc, it boasts breathtaking scenery, with huge rock formations jutting out of rice paddies. Tam Coc means 3 caves: Hang Ca, the first cave is 127m long; Hang Giua, the second cave is 70m long and Hang Cuoi is only 40m long.
HOA LU: was the capital of Vietnam under the Dinh Dynasty (980-1009). The site was suitable for a capital due to its proximity to China and natural protection afforded by the region's bizarre landscape. Most of the ancient capital of Hoa Lu was destroyed.

Visit Phat Diem

PHAT DIEM is the site of a cathedral remarkable for its vast dimensions and unique Sino-Vietnamese architecture. During the French era, the cathedral was an important centre of Catholicism in the north and there was a seminary here.

Overnight in Ninh Binh.

By vehicle from Ninh Binh to Vinh
Drive to Vinh on National Road No.1

Excursion to Kim Lien and Hoang Tru

KIM LIEN: Ho Chi Minh's birthplace. The house in which he was born in 1890 is maintained as a sacred shrine and is a favorite pilgrimage spot for Vietnamese people. Ho's childhood home is a simple farmhouse, reflecting his humble background.

Overnight in Vinh.

Excursion to Phong Nha Cave
Journey northwest across Quang Binh Province.

PHONG NHA CAVE: located in the village of Son Trach, there are meters of underground passageways filled with abundant stalactites and stalagmites. It was formed approximately 250 million years ago.

Overnight in Dong Hoi.

By vehicle from Dong Hoi to Dong Ha
Excursion to Vinh Moc Tunnel and Quang Tri Citadel

QUANG TRI: the town was once an important citadel city. During the war, it was heavily bombed and not many of the original buildings of the time are left.
VINH MOC TUNNELS: 2.8km of tunnels built by the villagers of Vinh Moc, who lived in one of the most heavily bombed places. The people began tunneling by hand into the red clay earth and made the tunnels their home.

By vehicle from Dong Ha to Hue

Overnight in Hue.

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 THIEN MU PAGODA, an elegant seven-tiered octagonal tower which has become Hue's most widely recognizable monument. Continue cruising into the countryside to the IMPERIAL TOMB OF MINH MANG, a majestic complex of courtyards, pavilions and temples in a beautiful natural setting.

Visit the Imperial Tombs of Tu Duc and Khai Dinh

Venture into the countryside around Hue to the IMPERIAL TOMB OF TU DUC. Tu Duc, the longest reigning Vietnamese emperor, designed and built this elegant tomb during his lifetime, using it as a retreat for meditation, reading and theater performances. Take some time to soak in the tranquil atmosphere, wandering among the gracefully proportioned pavilions, courtyards and lotus ponds. Afterwards visit the IMPERIAL TOMB OF KHAI DINH, dramatically located on a hillside. The last of the monumental tombs of the Nguyen dynasty, completed in 1931, this tomb incorporates distinct European elements into the traditional Vietnamese architecture.

Overnight in Hue.

Located in the heart of Hue is the IMPERIAL CITADEL, a vast complex built in the early 19th century and modelled 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 Residence ( 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.

Visit Dong Ba Market

DONG BA MARKET: a local market near the Imperial City

By vehicle from Hue to Danang

Journey south from Hue over scenic mountainous roads with 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 past LANG CO, a lovely stretch of beach curving outwards between a clear blue lagoon and the South China Sea, before arriving at Danang.

Sightseeing in Danang

Danang is a thriving regional center, one of the largest cities in Vietnam. Tour the CHAM MUSEUM, an elegant colonial building which now houses the finest collection of Cham sculpture in the world and briefly pass CHINA BEACH, a famous spot for American soldiers during the Vietnam-American War. Continue south to Hoi An, stopping enroute to visit the MARBLE MOUNTAINS, five stone hillocks, once islands, that now rise sharply from the surrounding ricefields. Riddled with caves and shrines, they are said to each represent one of the five elements of the universe.

By vehicle from Danang to Hoi An

Journey south past the Marble Mountains and small villages.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Sightseeing in Hoi An with a boat trip on the Thu Bon River

The exquisitely preserved merchant town of HOI AN was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. Its colorful shophouses and temples reflect a diverse heritage, dating back to the 16th and 17th century, when it was a major port for Western, Chinese and Japanese traders. Today it is a thriving center of traditional crafts and a shoppers’ paradise, best explored on foot.

Wander through the cobbled streets, past low tile-roofed buildings, the bustling central MARKET and the small HARBOUR where colorfully painted boats are moored. The walking tour will include visits to a PRIVATE HOUSE, where members of the same family have lived continuously for centuries in a traditional setting; to one of the FAMILY CHAPELS built by prominent merchant or official families as centers for ancestor worship; and to a typical CHINESE-STYLE PAGODA or ASSEMBLY HALL. Finally, continue to the famous JAPANESE COVERED BRIDGE, first constructed in 1593 by the Japanese community of Hoi An to link the town with the Chinese quarters across the stream.
In the afternoon, board a local boat and cruise down the THU BON RIVER, enjoying the unspoiled countryside and stopping to visit a POTTERY VILLAGE and a WOODCARVING VILLAGE before returning to Hoi An harbour.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Journey south along the coast and Highway 1 past Tam Ky and Quang Ngai. This region is one of the most arid in Vietnam. The nearby plains are dominated by rocky, roundish mountains and support some marginal irrigated rice agriculture.

Sightseeing in Qui Nhon

Tour the highlights of QUI NHON town, visiting the two Cham towers of THAP DOI, which feature unusual curved pyramidal roofs; LONG KANH PAGODA, the most important temple in town; and QUANG TRUNG MUSEUM, dedicated to Nguyen Hue, the second oldest of the three brothers who led the Tay Son Rebellion and crowned himself Emperor Quang Trung in 1788. The museum is known for its demonstrations of binh dinh vo, a traditional martial art that is performed with a bamboo stick.

Overnight in Qui Nhon.

By vehicle from Qui Nhon to Pleiku
Sightseeing in Pleiku

PLEIKU is a major market town in the western highlands, where many members of the JARAI minority reside. The Jarai are most famous for their unusual cemeteries, with carved wooden totems representing the deceased. Visit the colorful LOCAL MARKET and the GIA LAI ETHNOGRAPHY MUSEUM for an introduction to the ethnic minorities of the region. Continue outside town to to SEA LAKE (BIEN HO), a beautiful, deep mountain lake formed from a prehistoric volcanic crater, enjoying lovely views from the old crater rim. Enroute, visit villages of the JARAI and BAHNAR minorities. If time permits, a visit to MINH THANH PAGODA and a TEA PLANTATION can be included.

Overnight in Pleiku.

Buon Ma Thuot is the capital of Dac Lac Province and the largest town in the western highlands. The region's main crop is coffee which is grown on plantations, many of which were originally set up with the help of former East Germany.

ETHNOGRAPHIC MUSEUM: This comprehensive museum is a good place to get an understanding of the 31 distinct ethnic groups in Dak Lak Province. Displays feature traditional Montagnard dress, as well as agricultural implements, fishing gear and musical instruments.

TUA: close by Buon Ma Thuot is the Ede hamlet of Tua, whose inhabitantse raise animals and grow manioc, sweet potatoes and maize. Ede society is matrilineal and matrilocal (centred on the household of the wife's family). Extended families live in long houses.

Overnight in Buon Ma Thuot.

Excursion to Lak Lake with boat trip and elephant riding

Journey south on Route 27, a breathtaking road past forest, coffee plantations and rice fields. Arrive at LAK LAKE, a tranquil area where inhabitants still follow a traditional rural lifestyle. Enjoy a BOAT TRIP by dugout canoe takes to various MNONG VILLAGES on the lake. This matrilineal tribe passes name and inheritance through the female line, and generally live in longhouses. Enjoy one hour elephant ride (2 people per elephant). Finally, continue to the small VILLA OF EMPEROR BAO DAI, built as a countryside retreat, and enjoy the lovely lake views.

Note: Elephant riding can be cancelled without prior notice for safety reason due to elephant can become aggressive especially during hot weather
By vehicle from Buon Ma Thuot to Nha Trang

Overnight in Nha Trang.

Visit the highlights of downtown NHA TRANG, starting with the ancient PO NAGAR CHAM TOWERS, built between the 7th and 12th centureies. Climb over the rocky CHONG PROMONTORY for views of the surrounding coastline and visit the LANG SON PAGODA and the Gothic NHA TRANG CATHEDRAL. Continue to the PASTEUR INSTITUT, a historic center of medical research founded by Dr. Alexandre Yersin, which now coordinates vaccination and hygeine programs for the region. Dr. Yersins library and office are now a museum. Finally, explore the OCEANOGRAPHIC INSTITUTE, which contains a mini-aquarium with a variety of colorful local marine specimens, including seahorses.
Excursion by boat to Tam islands, Con Se Tre with a visit to seawater aquarium

Travel by boat to SEAWATER AQUARIUM. Mieu Island has an important fish-breeding farm where over forty species of fish, crustaceans and other marine life are raised in three separate compartments. Continue to visit CON SE TRE and TAM ISLAND located southwest of Bamboo Island, Tam Island is similar to the nearby Ebony Island.

Overnight in Nha Trang.

By vehicle from Nha Trang to Saigon with sightseeing at the Cham Towers

Journey south along the coast to Saigon, stopping enroute at the PO KLONG GARAI CHAM TOWERS, four brick monuments from the Cham civilization, dating back to the 13th century.

Overnight in Saigon.

A vibrant metropolis, SAIGON teems with energy, activity and motion. Everywhere you look, you see the meeting of traditional and modern life. The emerging modern skyline stands cheek by jowl with colonial buildings and traditional temples. Outside on the streets, young professionals zip by on motorcyles, chatting on cellphones; inside the quiet temple courtyards, worshippers pray amidst clouds of incense. Begin your tour of this exciting city with a tour of the historic center, strolling along DONG KHOI STREET, formerly known as the Rue Catinat, the main shopping thoroughfare and heart of old colonial Saigon. Pass by classic European-style landmarks such as the ornate CITY HALL (HOTEL DE VILLE), the old OPERA HOUSE (both may only be viewed from the outside), and pay a quick visit to the neo-Romanesque NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL and the CENTRAL POST OFFICE.

Afterwards dive into modern history with a tour of the REUNIFICATION PALACE. Formerly the Independence Palace of the South Vietnamese president, this 60s style uwas famously stormed by tanks on April 30, 1975 signifying the fall of South Vietnam. It has been preserved in its original state, and the original tanks remain on display near the entrance gates. Continue to the harrowing WAR REMNANTS MUSEUM, which comprehensively documents the travails of the long Vietnam- American War. Inside are detailed photographic exhibitions; outside is a collection of tanks, planes and weapons. A powerful experience, this museum is guaranteed to provoke strong emotions. In the afternoon, head out to CHOLON (CHINATOWN), stopping to visit two of Saigon's most interesting pagodas, the JADE EMPEROR PAGODA and GIAC LAM PAGODA, the oldest in the city. The sprawling, densely packed Cholon retains a traditional Asian feeling, unlike the more modern Saigon city center. Explore the highlights of this fascinating area, beginning with a brief visit to BINH TAY MARKET, the vast wholesale market selling every kind of good from dried foods to T shirts to electronics. Continue to THIEN HAU PAGODA, build by the Cantonese congregation and dedicated to the heavenly goddess. End your tour at the central BEN THANH MARKET, where vendors display a vast array of goods and handicrafts, appealing to every taste

Overnight in Saigon.

From Saigon, drive to TAY NINH, the birthplace of the unique CAO DAI religion, a fusion of Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Christianity, Islam and native Vietnamese spiritual beliefs. Every day at noon, worshippers garbed in colorful robes flock to the CAO DAI GREAT TEMPLE to participate in the daily prayer sessions, which visitors may respectfully observe from the upper balconies. (Note: shortly before and during the annual 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. Stretching over 200 km, this incredible underground network, dug by hand out of hard laterite, connected command posts, hospitals, shelter and weapon factories. Today, you can walk through the area and learn about the day-to-day life of the VC, see the cleverly disguised entrances and elaborate booby-traps, and even venture inside the tunnels, some of which have been modified to accommodate tourists. Return to Saigon in the late afternoon.

Overnight in Saigon.