VIETNAM SIGHTSEEINGS TOUR 8D/7N

Day 1: ARRIVAL IN HO CHI MINH CITY (by A/C car)

Arrival in Saigon or Ho Chi Minh City, warm welcome to everybody, a moment of courtesy meeting then self-introduce with tour guide at the meeting point's Tan Son Nhat Airport. Saigon or Ho Chi Minh City, a young city with the age of more than 300 years, a center of culture, education, commerce and tourism of Vietnam, the biggest city of Vietnam mix with the West and the Orient, and once known as the "Pearl of Far East". Please note that standard check in time is 14.00, check out at 12.00. Early check in or late check-out is subject to room availability. Hotel would probably guarantee early check in or late checkout as an extra surcharge on depend to the rooming’s status at that time. Transfer to hotel for check-in and free at leisure for your own shopping and exploring the city. Evening, we highly recommend a farewell dinner cruise (see supplement) on Saigon River in a floating restaurant and getting the admirable feel of the charming views of Saigon river and city-by-night during a short river-cruising. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 2: HO CHI MINH CITY - CU CHI TUNNELS (by A/C car 70km)

Morning depart to Cu Chi Tunnels located at the threshold of Saigon and adjacent to the revolutionary base, played an important role in the two wars on before 1975. Visitors will have a lot of questions as knowing that Cu Chi was an "underground village" with its labyrinth of interlaced tunnels having a combined length of more than 200 km of tunnels built here by the Communist guerillas are the highlight of South Vietnam tours. You will be guided to the bedrooms, meeting rooms, air-raid shelters, smokeless kitchens, and experience life underground during your short visit to this extraordinary tunnel complex. Opportunity to crawl into the tunnels for discovering and hearing all things of it. You can also try shooting with real bullets here (your own account). Return to Ho Chi Minh City then visit the Reunification Palace - a symbol of Saigon old Government before 1975, (also called former President Palace) to learn the sorrowful historic of Vietnam Ideology War from 1954-1975. Then stop-over at Neo-Roman Notre Dame Cathedral - one of the most splendid and typical of the beautiful French-built churches in Ho Chi Minh city, next Municipal Post Office - Saigon's French-style main post office to admire and take photos of its nice architecture that is one of the Ho Chi Minh CITY's symbolizing images, then drive slowly along a historical boulevard which the impressive buildings as the old US Embassy the Prime Ministerial building and many more, there are like the historical witnesses to the ups and downs, political upheavals of a Nation and its generations. Later, pass by Ho Chi Minh City People Committee (also the old French City Hall before 1975), and Municipal Theatre built in 1899. Finally enjoy shopping at Ben Thanh Market - a most typical market of Vietnam, with how many things are available for your choice: jewelry, gold and silvers items, silk, lacquer-ware, woodcarving, ready-made clothes... all at extremely attractive price. You shall not miss an Outdoor dinner at Binh Quoi Village For those travelers thirsting for cultural highlights of Vietnam, try dinner at Binh Quoi village for the most traditional surrounds accompanied with the best of regional Vietnamese cuisine.Evening is the time of Cultural Show-Dinner, is a fantastic dinner in a garden-riverside restaurant on buffet or set-menu, transfer to Binh Quoi tourist village, and enjoys a traditional show of wedding ceremony before having dinner on the riverside restaurant with a very pleasant setting. The show will tell you the Southern Vietnamese traditional wedding with folk music and classic melodies, rites expressing Vietnamese humanity, a cup of reception herbal tea is good beginning to wake-up your mind for a night show. (See supplement & The wedding show is available on Tue, Thu and Sat only). Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City. (B).

Day 3: HO CHI MINH CITY - DANANG / HOI AN ANCIENT TOWN - HUE ROYAL CITY (by plane, A/C car 135km)

After breakfast, check out then transfer to airport for flight to Danang by VN1310 at 08.50-10.00. From Da Nang, drive to Hoi An ancient town, lies on the banks of the Thu Bon River, 30 km south of Danang, has a distinct Chinese atmosphere with low, tile-roofed houses and narrow streets; the original structure of some of these streets still remains almost intact. Occupied by early western traders, Hoi An was one of the major trading centers of Southeast Asia in the 16^th century. All the houses were made of rare wood, decorated with lacquered boards and panels engraved with Chinese characters. Pillars were also carved with ornamental designs. Upon arrival, you will enjoy an interesting walking town-tour. It is the best way to discover Hoian ancient town, visit The Japanese Covered Bridge where retains a harmony of architectural styles, combining Chinese, Vietnamese, Japanese cultural characteristics. Ong Pagoda is one of the typical pagodas in Hoi An’s old quarter, built in 1653 and is dedicated to Quan Thanh De Quan (Quan Van Truong). Fukien ESE Assembly Hall was built in 1692 by Chinese Phuoc Kien merchants, is architecturally unique with its artistic ornaments and beautiful statues, Chinese architectural style combined with Vietnamese workmanship has enriched it with Hoi An’s cultural character. Tan Ky Ancient House, constructed almost two centuries ago as the house of a Vietnamese merchant. It has always been lovingly preserved and now looks almost exactly as it did in the early 19^th century, Hand-made Silk workshop as a last destination. Late afternoon, drive to Hue Royal City - the Complex of Monuments, the heart of central Vietnam served as Vietnam’s political capital 1802 to 1945 under the 13 emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty and was recognized as the World Cultural Heritage Site. Hue - has been the Capital of a unified Vietnam, built at about the beginning of the 19^th century, combines the oriental philosophy with the traditions of Vietnam. Intimately mingled with the natural environment, the beauty and special richness of the architecture and decorative art of the building are an original image of the Vietnamese monarchy at its most prosperous period. The trip passes many spectacular scenarios along the National Highway 1, via the breathing Hai Van Pass, literal meaning is “Sea and Cloud”, is the highest and longest pass in Vietnam with the north- south national highway zigzagging through it for almost 20 km. Reaching to a height of 496 m above sea level the pass seems to be lost in the clouds almost all of the time. In the 15^th century King Le Thanh Ton when stopping here to admire the dreamy and majestic scene of sky cloud and sea called it “De Nhat Hung Quan” (the First Grandiose Landscape of the country). From the highest point of the pass you get a bird’s eye view of the rich lowlands encircling the city of Danang with its image reflected on the waters of Han River. To the south and at the foot of the mountain lies the Nam O seashore where there is a fine beach with gentle waves and fishing boats crowding the water front. Photo-stop somewhere in the Pass, get your perfect pictures of Lang Co beach, a spectacular landscape & peaceful fishing hamlet. Check in hotel and free at leisure for your own activities. Overnight in Hue. (B).

Day 4: HUE ROYAL CITY FULL DAY TOUR (by A/C car, boat)

Morning enjoy the exciting historical tour by a visit to the Royal Tomb of Tu Duc King, its serious sceneries, impressive architectures to remind a splendid monarchy and the circulate widely false news of the real tomb of Tu Duc remains hidden for future generations to discover. Continue to visit the Royal Tomb of Khai Dinh King, is the final resting place of the Emperor of Vietnam from 1916-1925. The tomb represents a fusion of traditional Vietnamese style and modern influence, the tomb is almost entirely made of concrete and includes many European architectural details. Afternoon, you spend time strolling around the mighty Imperial City, photo-stop at the Royal National high-school and its Royal Stele on the bank of Perfume River, which was the most famous National school in Vietnam, visit The Imperial City - Purple Forbidden City, is the best-preserved remnant of a vast citadel and royal quarters that once existed on the site. To put the ruins into context, it is important to consider how they were originally used., there are a network of palaces, gates, and courtyards that served as The Emperor’s home and the administrative core of the Empire, visit The Flag Tower - a huge structure of three flat-top pyramids, the nine holy cannons are housed in two buildings beside the The Nhan and Quang Duc Miradors in the Citadel of Hue, Palace of the Supreme Harmony, was the building for great court’s meetings. It faces the Noontime Gate (Ngo Mon Gate) and lies right on the central axis of the Citadel, The Mieu Temple is situated southwest of the Citadel and facing south, dedicated to ten Emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty, then The Royal Theater - DUYET THI DUONG was the oldest of Vietnamese traditional stage that remained. Transfer to the Royal Marina and continuing boat upstream to visit Thien Mu Pagoda (Pagoda of Heavenly Lady).  While the wind smoothly moves the bamboo branches. One hears the Thiên Mụ bell, and the Thọ-Xuong rooster’s song. Thien Mu Pagoda located on a sloping pine hill with the front side facing the Perfume River, was firstly built in 1601 which its 21-metre-high tower of seven storeys and refined bell are always the most beautiful sceneries of the ancient pagodas in whole country, and the highest spirit of Vietnamese also, a moment enjoy the beautiful views of sunset, the sun is setting down along the Perfume river and the tinged clouds becoming dim on horizon. Let’s put in your mind the sceneries surroundings…they may be a shine star of lifetime and memorable feelings. Back to your hotel and free evening for individual exploring in dreamlike Hue. Overnight in Hue. (B)

Day 5: HUE ROYAL CITY  - HANOI - HALONG BAY (by plane, A/C car 175km).

After breakfast, check out then transfer to airport for flight to Hanoi by VN1540 at 08.10-09.20. Upon arrival in Hanoi, drive straight up to Halong Bay, 175 km from Hanoi, the highway is smoothly and cost you of 3.5 - 4 hours usually, since we have to stop somewhere for the rests or visiting also. Landscapes en route are very interesting with the immense rice-fields, farmers are working in the fields, small and peace villages ...there are the sweet beginnings to talk with then explanation of Vietnam by our tour guide. Arrival Halong Bay, check-in then takes your time to free at leisure. We highly recommend a strolling walk along the shore of Halong Bay while the sun is setting down, enjoy yourself the pure breeze, beautiful view of glow of sunset in the sky... is the perfect compensation to the busy days recently. Overnight in Halong Bay. (B)

Day 6: HALONG BAY - HANOI (a Cruising tour by wooden junk, and A/C car 175 km)

Early get in the bus at 06h30, breakfast in boxes will be prior placed in your luxury Junk. Transfer to the Marina for a cruising tour 5 hours by a big wooden Junk on Halong Bay, this is a golden time for your voyage - a masterpiece of Nature is dawning in the bright morning sunlight. Ha Long Bay is constituted by 3000 small and big islands of all shapes. In 1994 UNESCO classified Halong Bay as a World Natural Heritage and in November 2000, the World Heritage Committee reconfirmed this classification, your excursion to Halong Bay will re-evaluate the classification of UNESCO to this fairyland. In the book intituled "Wonders of the World" published in 1950. The French marshal Lyautey compared it with Venice rocks in the "Letters of Tonkin and Madagascar” (June 24, 1895). The French novelist Yvonne Schultz did not hesitate to praise the miraculous beauty of this bay: All heights and ten thousand forms; imagination, imitation, pagodas, Hindu temples, menhirs, Chinese towers, pieces of chess-board or true immense mountain. And the extraordinary flows simulating the ruined keeps, the broken down bastions, a succession of palaces with the open belly and tribes of mutilated idols. HALONG BAY is nearly a hidden bay with thousands of limestone islands densely rising from the blue jade water in a sea area of over 1500 square kilometers. Its 1969 green islands enfeeble the strong winds blowing from the ocean to leave the transparent water of the bay often calm in cool and healthy air. From time to time, sailing Junk appearing and disappearing between the islands make the poetic sight more colorful like sparkling pearls or coral reefs found out in the bay. The beauty of the bay is not monotonous, at different positions of viewing; it will astonish viewers with quite different fascinations. In the caves and grottoes of stone islands, visitors will discover and admire how many impressive stalactites and stalagmites. The caves have strange but very accurate names, have their own legends in their names as Thien Cung (Heaven Palace) grotto, Dau Go (Wooden Head) grotto, stop-over to visit the caves, your sailing Junk will continue to visit around the shapely islets of fighting cock, incense-burner and others. Landing in Titop Islet, there is the calm and so clean sand & transparent beaches, somewhat little rocky mountains and a beautiful tall terrace, enjoy sun-sea bathing there that always waits to give you the most wonderful sea bathing in calm, transparent water under the sunlight. We shall suggest you do not miss a romantic lunch with very fresh seafood on-board (See supplement), since after visit the floating-rafts/houses of living seafood, taste the specialties of Halong Bay is quite a lifetime experience. Then, the Junk sailing back to Marina then pick-up your luggage then drive back to Hanoi. Overnight in Hanoi. (B).

Day 7: HANOI FULL DAY TOUR (by A/C car, rickshaw)

After breakfast, enjoy a full day tour of Hanoi, let’s experience the basic concepts of political Vietnam currently by visit to the Chairman Palace area, there are Ho Chi Minh mausoleum, Ba Dinh National square, Stilt House; One Pillar Pagoda, a nice group picture should photo in the parade yard of Ba Dinh National square with the great back view of Ho Chi Minh mausoleum. Continuing to visit Tran Quoc Pagoda & Quan Thanh Temple are located on an islet of West Lake, then the Temple of Literature, is a classic Confucianism temple from the category "Confucianism", was founded as a Confucian Temple and a huge statue and alter to Confucius remain there today, the first university in Viet Nam was founded here and many rows and rows of big stone slabs that sat on the backs of stone tortoises. These slabs are actually the stelae of the school's successful doctorate candidates. In the afternoon, you will visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology where contains more than 10,000 objects which depict all aspects of life, customs, and habits of the 54 ethnic groups of Vietnam. Then enjoy an interesting tour by traditional Pedicabs, the best and most stylish way as far more charming to see Hanoi and to take in the sights and sounds of the Old quarter is by Cycle ( a tricycle ), your people will enjoy 1 hour cycle tour the Old Quarter and shopping streets to watch the daily lives of the people living on and around the busy areas, the small rickshaws will carry you strolling around the Old Quarter and shopping streets, to relax and view to daily-life surrounding or communicating is a good way to have a full impression of the city, catch the spirit of Vietnam. Rickshaws will return back at the Garden of Hoan Kiem Lake - the Return-Sword Lake, to visit Ngoc Son - Heroic Temple, But Tower, where you will be fascinating with legendary stories from 600 years that a turtle stole a king's sword and took it to the bottom of this lake. A moment free in Garden of Hoan Kiem Lake to enjoy the lovely Hanoi landscapes in the sunset until the time of water puppet show, a unique art form of Vietnamese, at Thang Long Water Puppet Troupe, and you will also experience more about a specific culture in South-East Asia coming from agriculture of wet rice during the performance. Overnight in Hanoi. (B).

Day 8: DEPARTURE FROM HANOI (by A/C car)

After breakfast, take time to free at leisure until the time of checkout, transfer from your hotel to Noi Bai International airport for a flight back home. Have a safe trip come home! It’s timely, you have to say good-bye Vietnam. We (Toan Vinh Tours) thank you very much for your choice of our company as your ground handler in Vietnam then may be Indochina countries on further, be sure all our people are your best friends always and beyond. May we will meet and honoured welcome you have other voyages to Indochina in the days coming, continuing to discover, to experience the endless imposing landscapes, and then get the really restful moments in a diversified World and this colourful Sub region of the Mekong River: VIETNAM - LAOS - CAMBODIA - THAILAND - MYANMAR! GOOD-BYE & DO HOPE TO SEE YOU AGAIN! (B).

BEACH EXTENSION 4D/3N in PHAN THIET BEACH

Day 8,9,10,11: HO CHI MINH CITY - PHAN THIET BEACH / MUI NE BAY  -DEPARTURE FROM HO CHI MINH CITY (by A/C car 220km).

Transfer from the airport in Saigon to Phan Thiet beach, 220 km from Saigon to Phan Thiet beach - Ne Cape, the tropical paradise, one of the leading relaxed destinations in Vietnam, where you have wonderful days for relaxation. The highway is smoothly and cost you of 4-5 hours usually, since we have to stop somewhere for the rests or visiting also. Landscapes en route are very interesting with the immense rice-fields, farmers are working in the fields, small and peace villages ...there are the sweet beginnings to talk with then explanation of Vietnam by our tour guide. In Phan Thiet beach, You would probably take time to free at leisure, enjoy your own activities for sun-sea bathing, lazy arround or just self-discover the exotic sightseeing in surroundings by rent Bicycle or Motor-cycle. A selection of particularly interesting water sports for Pro or just Initiate is available such as non-motorized water sports is available, inclusive of kayaking, catamaran, body boarding and wind surfing by your own, specially in a wind-surfing ( for more information, access to www.windsurf-vietnam.com or www.c2skykitecenter.com or www.stormkiteboarding.com or www.kiteboarding-vietnam.com ….. Please feel free to advise if you have requirements for during the stay in Phan Thiet beach, otherwise we will not remain the tour guide / coach or reserved lunch / dinner. Following is a particularly interesting fullday tour to discover the most lovely aspects, the nature landscape in Phan Thiet beach:

OPTIONAL TOUR : PHAN THIET SAFARI tour (fullday)

Today, you will have one full day city tour. Firstly, a short visit to Phan Thiet port - one of the largest commercial fishing ports in Vietnam and watch the renowned multi colored boats come in as the fishermen deliver their catch. Travel then Thuy Tu fishermen museum where you will find the largest whale skeleton in the world, along with over 100 other whale skeletons of varied species. Followed-up, a moment to have a look or buy something in Phan Thiet Market, then visit to ancient Duc Thanh school where the famous teacher, Nguyen Tat Thanh (later known as President Ho Chi Minh) stopped to teach on his journey throughout Vietnam on 1911. On the way drive back to resort, visit Pô Sänü towers - ancient towers constructed by the Chams who once were the owners of a nation called the Kingdom of Champa which had been existing for more than a thousand years. Now the towers still stand there, old and weathered in the shape of a linga, standing on a rocky hilltop and overlooking the sea like the historical witnesses to the ups and downs of a nation on this land for over millennium. The towers seem to wait for you, the visitors coming from the distant lands to discover the left secrets of the ancient vestiges belonging to a lost kingdom. Just a very short distance of the ancient Champa towers is the old fighting bunkers, which its communication trenches, bartizans and fighting shelters are quite a must-see of the one-time civil-war, is really a memorable to meditative about the political upheavals. Afternoon, enjoy an exciting Jeep safari tour which both young and seniors will enjoy this natural trek. The old jeeps departs from your hotel and take you to the nearby coastal resort town of Mui Ne. From there you begin your off-road journey towards the colourful sand dunes, which have been a theme for photographers for many years, each dune have its own beauty, and may change their shapes under winds. Continue through some volcanic stone banks to drive on and experience the colourful petit-canyon, is quite a copy of grand-canyon in Arizona - USA. Continued the jeep tour running on the seaside where you will view a wide scenic unspoiled beach, just you and the sea birds….! That’s a moment of life-time! On way back to hotel, there are further opportunities to visit the magical “fairy stream” where you can have the pleasure to walk barefooted in the river, surrounded by coconut trees, grandiose cliffs made from red and yellow clay. Transfer you back to the hotel. End of tour.

Including: Private transfer by A/C car, jeep, sightseeing, entrance fees, English speaking guide.

In the last day, checkout and transfer straight-up to the airport for a flight back home. Have a safe trip come home. It’s timely; you have to say Good-Bye Vietnam. You surely have plentiful memories of Orient also my country. We (Toan Vinh Tours) thank you very much for your choice of our company as your ground handler in Vietnam and may be Indochina countries on further, be sure all our people are your best friends always and beyond. May we will meet and honoured welcome you have other voyages to Indochina in the days coming, continuing to discover, to experience the endless imposing landscapes, and then get the restful moments in a diversified World and a colourful Sub region of Mekong River: VIETNAM - LAOS - CAMBODIA - THAILAND - MYANMAR! GOOD-BYE & SEE YOU AGAIN! (B)

BEACH EXTENSION 4D/3N in NHA TRANG BEACH

Day 8,9,10,11: HANOI or SAIGON - NHA TRANG BEACH - DEPARTURE FROM HANOI or SAIGON (by plane,  A/C car)

From the airport in Hanoi or Saigon, take the daily flights to Nha Trang beach, Nha Trang - the first choice for a memorable beach vacation on the central coast Vietnam, this was a place that was an absolute must as it was meant to have beautiful beaches with ‘crystal clear water’, this resort town has something for everyone - really! Ringed by many bays and beaches - some yellow sand, others brilliant strips of white sand and its the nearby islands, tours of Nha Trang’s historic sites. It is quite a typical beach resort towns, there is enough to do for a longer stay than you may be planning. Please note that standard check in time is 14.00, check out at 12.00. Early check in or late check-out is subject to room availability. Hotel would probably guarantee early check in or late checkout as an extra surcharge on depend to the rooming’s status at that time. In Nha Trang beach, You would probably take time to free at leisure, enjoy your own activities for sun-sea bathing, lazy arround or just self-discover the exotic sightseeing in surroundings by rent Bicycle or Motor-cycle. A selection of particularly interesting water sports for Pro or just Initiate is available such as non-motorized water sports is available, inclusive of kayaking, catamaran, body boarding and wind surfing by your own, specially in a wind-surfing, diving ( for more information, access to http://sailingclubvietnam.com or www.cocodivecenter.com or www.vietnam-diving.com  or www.kiteboarding-vietnam.com ….. Please feel free to advise if you have requirements for during the stay in Nha trang beach, otherwise we will not remain the tour guide / coach or reserved lunch / dinner. Following is a particularly interesting fullday tour to discover the most lovely aspects, the nature landscape in Nha Trang beach:

OPTIONAL TOUR : NHA TRANG ISLANDS AND SNORKELING TOUR (fullday)

Start from your hotel Then transfer to Cau Da port. Boat cruises will take you to the offshore islands for sightseeing and sun / sea-bathing. Tri Nguyen Aquarium on Mieu Island is the first place to visit; many sea species of Nha Trang make a small ocean world there. Mun Island is the best island for snorkeling where you can see lots of lives colorful corals and fish. Visit a fishing village and taking a fresh lunch in an island (Bamboo Island or the other island). On the way back you will stop-over to see the rocky cliffs of Mun island where the sea swallows make their nest year-round. Transfer you back to the hotel. (L)

Including: Private transfer by A/C car, boat, lunch, sightseeing, snorkelling gear, entrance fees, English speaking guide.

In the last day, checkout and transfer straight-up to the airport for a flight back home. Have a safe trip come home. It’s timely; you have to say Good-Bye Vietnam. You surely have plentiful memories of Orient also my country. We (Toan Vinh Tours) thank you very much for your choice of our company as your ground handler in Vietnam and may be Indochina countries on further, be sure all our people are your best friends always and beyond. May we will meet and honoured welcome you have other voyages to Indochina in the days coming, continuing to discover, to experience the endless imposing landscapes, and then get the restful moments in a diversified World and a colourful Sub region of Mekong River: VIETNAM - LAOS - CAMBODIA - THAILAND - MYANMAR! GOOD-BYE & SEE YOU AGAIN! (B).

BEACH EXTENSION 4D/3N in CHINA BEACH ( DANANG - HOIAN )

Day 8,9,10,11: HANOI or SAIGON - DANANG / HOIAN -DEPARTURE FROM HANOI or SAIGON (by plane,  A/C car)

You can extend your trip on beach when you are in the Central Vietnam. Free at leisure.