Vietnam Package Tour - Vietnam Overland, 13 days

Day 1	Hanoi Arrival in Hanoi Transfer 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. MUSEUM OF ETHNOLOGY: This museum 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. OLD QUARTER: Discover the old quarter of Hanoi. This fascinating area of narrow alleys and shophouses is also called "36 streets," most of which are named after the crafts or merchandise traditionally sold there. HOAN KIEM LAKE: right in the heart of Hanoi, this lake contains an islet with the tiny Tortoise Pagoda, topped with a red star and the Ngoc Son Pagoda on its northern shores. Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 2	Hanoi - Halong Sightseeing in Hanoi Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (closed Monday & Friday / all October & November) HO CHI MINH MAUSOLEUM: in the tradition of Lenin and Stalin before him and Mao after him, the final resting place of Ho Chi Minh is a glass sarcophagus set deep in the bowels of a monumental edifice that has become a site of pilgrimage. The Mausoleum is open only in the mornings, and is closed on Mondays and Fridays. Every year, it closes in October and November for renovation and maintenance. Visit Ho Chi Minh's Stilt House 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. Visit the Museum of Ethnology MUSEUM OF ETHNOLOGY: This museum 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. By vehicle from Hanoi to Halong Bay Journey east along Highway 5 across Hai Hung Province and around Halong Bay. Overnight in Halong.

Day 3	Halong - Ninh Binh Excursion by boat through Halong Bay (4 hours) 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. By vehicle from Halong to Ninh Binh Journey south across the provinces of Ha Tay and Nam Ha. Overnight in Ninh Binh.

Day 4	Ninh Binh - Vinh Excursion to Tam Coc ("Dry Halong Bay") with boat trip 'Dry Halong Bay' or Tam Coc, is best seen by rowboat via the Ngo Dong River. With these boats, visitors are able to enter the caves silently, making for a peaceful and unique experience. DRY HALONG BAY: Also called Tam Coc, meaning "three caves", it boasts exquisite scenery with huge rock formations rising from the rice paddies. The caves, Hang Ca, Hang Giua and Hang Cuoi, are 127m, 70m and 40m respectively in length. By vehicle from Ninh Binh to Vinh Journey to Vinh on Highway 1. Overnight in Vinh.

Day 5	Vinh - Hue 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. By vehicle from Vinh to Hue Journey south along Highway 1 past Ha Tinh, Dong Hoi, Dong Ha, Quang Tri and Huong Dien. This central part of Vietnam saw plenty of action during the American War and many bomb craters are visible. It is also a very poor area, with a harsh climate characterized by typhoons and arid weather. Overnight in Hue.

Day 6	Hue 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. 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 Overnight in Hue.

Day 7	Hue - Hoi An 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 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. 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. Sightseeing in Hoi An 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. Now, this beautifully preserved historic city is best seen on foot. The walking tour will include five of the following sites: QUAN CONG TEMPLE: founded in 1653, this Chinese temple is dedicated to Quan Cong, whose partially gilded statue is in the central altar at the back of the sanctuary. Stone plaques on the walls list contributors to the construction 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 by the Japanese community of Hoi An to link the town 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 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. PHUNG HUNG HOUSE: the same family has been living here for eight generations. The house is a combination of Vietnamese, Japanese and Chinese styles. 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. Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 8	Hoi An - Qui Nhon Boat trip on the Thu Bon River 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. THANH HA VILLAGE: Famous for it's simple brown pottery. By vehicle from Hoi An to Qui Nhon 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. Overnight in Qui Nhon.

Day 9	Qui Nhon - Nha Trang By vehicle from Qui Nhon to Nha Trang Sightseeing in Nha Trang Nha Trang is the capital of Khanh Hoa Province and has one of the most beautiful municipal beaches in Vietnam. PO NAGAR CHAM TOWERS: built between the 7th and 12th centuries, the site was used for Hindu worship as early as the 2nd century AD. The towers serve as the Holy See honoring Goddess Yang Ino Po Nagar, the Goddess of the Dua clan which ruled over the southern part of the Cham Kingdom covering Kauthara and Pan Duranga. CHONG PROMONTORY: famous for its different sized rocks. PASTEUR INSTITUT: founded in 1895 by Dr Alexandre Yersin (1863-1943). Today the institute coordinates vaccination and hygiene programs for the country's southern coastal region. Dr.Yersin's library and office are now a museum. OCEANOGRAPHIC INSTITUTE: founded in 1923, it has an aquarium and specimen room open to the public. The 23 ground floor tanks are home to a variety of colorful local marine specimens, including seahorses. LANG SON PAGODA: was founded in the late 19th century and continues to have resident monks. The entrance and roof are decorated with mosaic dragons constructed of glass and ceramic tile. At the top of the hill behind the pagoda is the huge white Buddha seated on a lotus blossom. NHA TRANG CATHEDRAL: built in the French Gothic style and complete with medieval-style stained glass windows, it stands on a small hill overlooking the train station. Overnight in Nha Trang.

Day 10	Nha Trang - Saigon By vehicle from Nha Trang to Saigon with sightseeing at the Cham Towers Journey south along the coast and Highway 1 past Dien Khanh, Lam, Phan Rang, Phan Tiet, Xuan Loc and Bien Hoa. Ninh Tuan Province, where Phan Rang is located, is home to tens of thousands of descendents of the Cham people. PO KLONG GARAI CHAM TOWERS: the four brick towers constructed at the end of the 13th century, during the reign of the Cham monarch Jaya Simhavarman III, were built as Hindu temples and stand on the top of a crumbly granite hill. Overnight in Saigon.

Day 11	Saigon Sightseeing in Saigon and Cholon (Chinatown) Saigon is the largest of Vietnamese cities, with the hustle and bustle of Vietnamese life visible everywhere. There are street markets, sidewalk cafes and sleek new bars. The city churns and bubbles. Yet within this teeming metropolis are 300 years of timeless traditions and the beauty of an ancient culture. To the west of the city is District 5, the huge Chinese neighborhood called Cholon, which means 'Big Market'. NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL: built between 1877 and 1883 and set in the heart of Saigon's government 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: a French-style building with a glass canopy and iron frame, situated 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 in 1908, also known as Hotel de Ville , and located at the northern end of Nguyen Hue Boulevard. With its ornate gingerbread façade, it looks like the town hall of a French town. (May be viewed from the 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 the Saigon Concert Hall. (May be viewed from the outside only). JADE EMPEROR PAGODA: was a key meeting place for Chinese secret societies. It has very colorful and mysterious ambience. REUNIFICATION PALACE: this was the Independence Palace of the South Vietnamese president and was stormed by tanks on 30 April 1975, signifying the fall of South Vietnam. It has been preserved in its original state. WAR REMNANTS MUSEUM: collections of weapons and photographs from two Indochina wars are exhibited along with the original French 'Guillotine' brought here in the early 20th century. BEN THANH MARKET: the central market of Saigon, its 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. GIAC LAM PAGODA: the oldest pagoda in Saigon, built at the end of the 17th century. Because the last reconstruction here was in 1900, the architecture, layout and ornamentation remain almost unaltered by the modernist renovations that have transformed so many other religious structures in Vietnam. Ten monks live in this pagoda, which also incorporates aspects of Taoism and Confucianism. BINH TAY MARKET: Cholon's main marketplace, much of the business conducted here is wholesale. THIEN HAU PAGODA: built by the Cantonese congregation in the early 19th century. The pagoda is one of the most active in Cholon and is dedicated to Thien Hau. It is said that she can travel over the oceans on a mat and ride the clouds to wherever she pleases. Overnight in Saigon.

Day 12	Saigon Excursion to My Tho with a boat trip to Mekong River islands From Saigon, transfer to My Tho, a bustling town in the rich agricultural region of the Mekong Delta and visit the Vinh Trang Pagoda, a beautiful temple and a sanctuary for orphans and other needy children. Afterwards board a local boat to explore the islands of the Mekong, stopping at a fruit orchard to enjoy fruit and tea while listening to local music. The trip also includes a brief sampan ride through the tiny waterways that thread the island. Overnight in Saigon.

Day 13	Saigon Transfer