Vietnam Package Tour - Vietnam Classic 2, 9 days

Day 1	Hanoi Arrival in Hanoi Transfer Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 2	Hanoi Sightseeing in Hanoi Hanoi, a city of lakes, shaded boulevards and public parks, is the capital of Vietnam. It is a very attractive city with French style buildings and less traffic than other cities in Asia. ONE PILLAR PAGODA: built by the Emperor Ly Thai Tong, who ruled from 1028 to 1054. Constructed of wood on a single stone pillar, it is designed to resemble a lotus blossom. TEMPLE OF LITERATURE: a peaceful series of walled courtyards and graceful gateways, this momument is one of the best-preserved examples of traditional Vietnamese architecture. Founded in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius, this was also the site of Vietnam's first university. In one courtyard, giant stone tortoises bear stelae on their backs, listing the accomplishments of graduating scholars. HO CHI MINH'S STILT HOUSE: Near the Mausoleum is the two room stilt house where Ho Chi Minh lived from 1948 until his final days. Visitors also pass the simple three-room bungalow where Ho Chi Minh lived and worked from 1954-8, which has been preserved in the same condition and may be viewed through the windows. OLD QUARTER: Discover the old quarter of Hanoi by cyclo. This fascinating are of narrow alleys and shophouses is also called "36 streets," most of which are named after the crafts or merchandise traditionally sold there. Excursion to Thay and Tay Phuong Pagodas THAY PAGODA: the Master's Pagoda, also known as Heavenly Blessing, is dedicated to Thich Ca Buddha. Eighteen arhats appear on the central altar. Water puppet shows are performed on a small stage which is raised on stilts above a pond. TAY PHUONG PAGODA: consists of three parallel single-level structures built on a hillock said to resemble a buffalo. Seventy-six figures carved from jackfruit wood, many from the 18th century, are the pagoda's most celebrated feature. Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 3	Hanoi Excursion to Halong Bay with boat trip Cruise on a traditional wooden boat among the emerald waters and craggy limestone cliffs of Halong Bay, stopping at different islands to explore some of the many caves in this area. Sail past floating villages, fishermen casting their nets and pearl fisheries and observe the rhythms of daily life on the bay. Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 4	Hanoi - Hue Transfer Flight from Hanoi to Hue. Transfer Sightseeing in Hue Hue served as the capital of Vietnam for more than 140 years. It houses ancient temples, imperial buildings and French-style edifices. It was established in the 17th century. Visit the Old Imperial City IMPERIAL CITY: this is in the Citadel and was built in the early 19th century and modeled after the Forbidden City in Peking. There are numerous palaces and temples within these walls, as well as towers, a library and a museum. NGO MON GATE: this is the principal entrance to the Imperial Enclosure and faces the Flag Tower. The central passageway with its yellow doors was reserved for use by the emperor, as was the bridge across the lotus pond. THAI HOA PALACE: built in 1803 and moved to its present site in 1833, Thai Hoa Palace is a spacious hall with an ornate roof of huge timbers supported by 80 carved and lacquered columns. HALLS OF THE MANDARINS: these buildings, in which the mandarins prepared for court ceremonies, held in Can Chanh Reception Hall, were restored in 1977. NINE DYNASTIC URNS: these were cast in 1835-36. Traditional ornamentation was then chiselled into the sides of the urns, each dedicated to a different Nguyen sovereign. FORBIDDEN PURPLE CITY: this was reserved for the personal use of the emperor. The only servants allowed into the compound were eunuchs, who would pose no threat to the royal concubines. today site in ruins Visit the Imperial Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc TU DUC TOMB: Emperor Tu Duc, who ruled Hue more than 100 years ago, built his tomb when he was still alive and used it for meditation, reading and theater performances. There are pavilions in a tranquil setting of forested hills and lakes. The tomb was constructed between 1864 and 1867. Tu Duc, who was the longest reigning Emperor, lived a luxurious life. Overnight in Hue.

Day 5	Hue - Danang - Hoi An Visit the Thien Mu Pagoda and Tomb of Emperor Minh Mang with boat trip THIEN MU PAGODA: just outside of Hue, on the bank of the Perfume River, this was a hotbed of anti-government protest during the early 1960s. Behind the main sanctuary of the pagoda is the Austin motorcar which transported the monk Thich Quang Duc to the site of his 1963 self-immolation. TOMB OF EMPEROR MINH MANG: a complex built in 1840 by King Minh Mang, known for its magnificent architecture, military statuaries and elaborate decorations. It is perhaps the most beautiful of Hue's pagodas and tombs. By vehicle from Hue to Hoi An Journey south along Highway 1 past the Hai Van Pass, Lang Co and Danang. HAI VAN PASS: the pass crosses over a spur of the Truong Son Mountain Range that juts into the South China Sea. It is an incredible mountainous stretch of highway with spectacular views. LANG CO: has a pretty, island-like stretch of palm-shaded sand with a crystal-clear lagoon on one side and many km of beachfront facing the South China Sea. Visit Cham Museum CHAM MUSEUM: this houses probably the best collection of Cham art to be found anywhere in the world. There are more than 300 artifacts in the museum, many dating to the 4th century. There are beautiful sculptures reflecting the 1000 year Cham period. Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 6	Hoi An Sightseeing in Hoi An with a boat trip on the Thu Bon River Hoi An is a picturesque riverside town south of Danang. Known as Faifo to early western traders, it was one of South East Asia's major international ports during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. The walking tour of Hoi An will visit five of the following sites, followed by a boat trip on the Thu Bon River. QUAN CONG TEMPLE: founded in 1653, this Chinese temple is dedicated to Quan Cong, whose partially gilt statue is in the central altar at the back of the sanctuary. Stone plaques on the walls list contributors to the contruction and repair of the temple. PHUOC KIEN PAGODA: Chinese pagoda built around 1690 and then restored and enlarged in 1900. It is typical of the Chinese 'clans' that were established in the Hoi An area. The temple is dedicated to Thien Hau Thanh Mau (Goddess of the Sea and Protector of Sailors and Fishermen). JAPANESE COVERED BRIDGE: the first bridge on this site was constructed in 1593. It was built by the Japanese community of Hoi An to link them with the Chinese quarters across the stream. The bridge was provided with a roof so it could be used as a shelter from rain and sun. TRAN FAMILY CHAPEL: this house for worshipping ancestors was built about 200 years ago with donations from the family members. The Tran family traces its origins to China and moved to Vietnam around 1700. The architecture of the building reflects the influence of Chinese and Japanese styles. SA HUYNH MUSEUM: located near the Japanese covered Bridge, it contains exhibitions from the earliest period of Hoi An's history. SA HUYNH MUSEUM: located near the Japanese Covered Bridge, it contains exhibitions from the earliest period of Hoi An's history. PHUNG HUNG HOUSE: one family has been living here for already 8 generations. The house is a combination of Vietnamese, Japanese and Chinese style. QUANG DONG PAGODA: this pagoda was open to all Chinese traders or seamen and is dedicated to Thien Hau it s a small chinese style temple with a lintel gate, a rockery courtyard and lucky animals depicted in statuary. BOAT TRIP ON THE THU BON RIVER TO KIM BONG VILLAGE ON CAM KIM ISLAND: Kim Bong Village is a village of woodworkers and boatbuilding families. Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 7	Hoi An - Danang - Saigon By vehicle from Hoi An to Danang Flight from Danang to Saigon. Transfer Excursion to Cu Chi Tunnels CU CHI TUNNELS: Cu Chi was an important base during the American War, because of its strategic location. The Vietcong built a 200km long network of tunnels connecting command posts, hospitals, shelter and weapon factories. Dug out of hard laterite by hand tools without the use of cement, this amazing network was never discovered. Sightseeing in Saigon Saigon is the largest of Vietnamese cities, and one will see the hustle and bustle of Vietnamese life everywhere. There are street markets, pavement cafes and sleek new cafes and pubs. The city churns and bubbles. Yet within this teeming metropolis are 300 years of timeless traditions and the beauty of an ancient culture. NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL: built between 1877 and 1883, is set in the heart of Saigon's governement quarter. It has a neo-Romanesque form and two high square towers, tipped with iron spires. In front of the cathedral is a statue of the Virgin Mary. CENTRAL POST OFFICE: this is a French-style building with its glass canopy and iron frame right next to the Notre Dame Cathedral. The structure was built between 1886 and 1891 and is by far the largest post office in Vietnam. CITY HALL: completed 1908, also known as "Hotel de Ville" at the northern end of Nguyen Hue Boulevard. With it's ornate gingerbread facade it looks like the town hall of a French town. view from outside only OPERA HOUSE: built around the turn of the century and first renovated in the 1940s, the building housed the lower division of the National Assembly. Today it is a Municipal Theatre and also known as “Saigon Concert Hall”. view from outside only REUNIFICATION PALACE: this was the Independence Palace of the South Vietnamese president and was stormed by tanks on April 30, 1975 signifying the fall of South Vietnam. It has been preserved in its original state. WAR REMNANTS MUSEUM: collections of weapons and photographs from 2 Indochina wars are exhibited along with the original French 'Guillotine' brought here in the early 20th century. BEN THANH MARKET: this is the central market of Saigon and the market and the surrounding streets make up one of the city's liveliest areas. Everything commonly eaten, worn or used by the average resident of Saigon is available here. DONG KHOI STREET: known as 'Rue Catinet' during the French years, this is a main shopping street in the centre of Saigon where there is a lot of choice of handicrafts and laquerware. Overnight in Saigon.

Day 8	Cai Be - Saigon Excursion to Cai Be and Vinh Long Cruise aboard the Cai Be Princess along the canals of Phu An In the morning, embark on the Cai Be Princess, a comfortable, elegant wooden boat. Tour the colorful floating market of Cai Be, afterwards visiting a historic Mandarin house dating from the 19th century. Continue to the untouched area of Phu An, where life continues largely undisturbed as it has for decades. Continue exploreing the small canals and bywaters, passing under traditional bamboo bridges and weaving between fishing nets. Stops can be made during the cruise to visit fruit plantations or local cottage workshops. Overnight in Saigon.

Day 9	Saigon Transfer