VIETNAM ODYSSEY: EXPLORE SAIGON TO HALONG BAY’S DIVERSITY AND RICH HERITAGE!

• After arrival in Ho Chi Minh City.
• Enjoy lunch with local specialties - Pho.
• In the afternoon, embark on a comprehensive city tour of Ho Chi MinhCity. This tour includes visits to:

• The War Remnants Museum showcases artifacts and exhibitions related to the Vietnam War.
• Notre – Dame          Cathedral,  is        a prominent landmark, a significant religious site,          and    a        famous        Roman        Catholic cathedral in Vietnam.
• Independence Palace holds great historical and political importance and symbolizes the country's journey towards independence and reunification.
• Central Post Office, a historic post office built during the French colonial period in the late 19th century, is a significant architectural landmark in the city.
• Ben Thanh Market is a bustling landmark renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse array of goods. This historic market offers a rich tapestry of local crafts, souvenirs, delectable street food, and a lively cultural experience for visitors and locals alike.
• Free time to explore Saigon.
• Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

• Have breakfast (arranged by yourself).
• Depart for The Cu Chi Tunnels, located approximately 60 kilometers northwest of Saigon Center (travel approximately 02 hours). This immense underground network played a crucial role during the Vietnam War (1954 – 1975), serving as a strategic base for the Viet Cong soldiers. You will have the opportunity to explore a section of the tunnels, witnessing the guerrilla fighters' remarkable engineering and survival techniques. Crawling through the narrow passages, you will gain insights into the harsh conditions and challenges faced by the soldiers during the war.
• Enjoy lunch with local specialties
•  (arranged by yourself).
• Depart from the Cu Chi Tunnels to Mekong Delta (traveling 119 km in 2.5 hours).
• Arriving at My Tho Port, take a boat on The Upper Mekong River, which is part of the vast Mekong River system, one of the largest river systems in the world. Admire the floating fish farms on the river, and sightsee four famous islets: Dragon, Unicorn, Turtle, and Phoenix.
• Our next stop is the Thoi Son Islet, affectionately known as the Unicorn Islet. On this quaint island, you'll have the chance to immerse yourself in the authentic countryside experience. We'll take leisurely walks through charming village lanes and visit a local bee farm, where skilled beekeepers produce delicious honey. In addition, you will be treated to the mesmerizing tunes of Don Ca Tai Tu (Southern folk music performances), a unique musical genre recognized as an intangible cultural heritage of the world.

• Enjoy a local specialty lunch (arranged by yourself).
• Leaving the Unicorn Islet behind, we will continue our river journey to Phung Islet, also called Phoenix Islet. The boat ride offers fantastic views of the delta's lush greenery and serene waterways.
• Our adventure takes a spiritual turn as we learn about the intriguing Coconut Religion, a unique belief system practiced by some of the Mekong Delta's inhabitants. Our guide will enlighten us on the customs and rituals associated with this fascinating spiritual tradition.
• Next, we will visit a coconut candy workshop, where you'll witness the process of making this delectable treat. You'll also have the opportunity to taste freshly made coconut candy and learn interesting facts about the vast coconut plantations in Ben Tre Province.

• Experience the tranquility of the Mekong Delta as we take a serene boat ride through the intricate network of small canals and waterways. The lush surroundings and peaceful ambiance create an unforgettable moment of harmony with nature.
• Embrace the simplicity of rural life, enjoy the fresh air, and relax amidst the natural surroundings. Chance to experience the serene countryside, witness traditional farming practices, and explore local fruit gardens and plantations.
• Back to Ho Chi Minh City and get on the train SQN2 (21:30 PM - 6:15 AM) to Nha Trang City.

• Arrival in Nha Trang and start your journey in a wonderful city.
• Long Son Pagoda: Explore this site featuring a towering white Buddha statue and panoramic views of the city.
• Po Nagar Cham Towers: Visit these ancient Cham temples showcasing remarkable architecture and cultural heritage.
• Dam Market: Immerse in local life at this bustling market offering fresh produce, seafood, and various handicrafts.
• Nha Trang Beach: Relax or indulge        in          water activities     along the picturesque coastline.
• Enjoy some local specialties (arranged by yourself).
• Get on the train SE22 (20:11 PM - 06:26 AM) to Da Nang.

• Depart for Ba Na Hills, and you will witness the mesmerizing transformation of the scenery, from bustling city streets to lush green mountains and misty landscapes. Ba Na Hills is known for its remarkable cable car system, one of the longest in the world, offering awe-inspiring panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and forests. Once you reach the top, you will step into a fairytale-like world. Ba Na Hills boasts a French village replica, cobblestone streets, and colorful gardens. Take a stroll through the village, marveling at the intricate details of the buildings and enjoying the serene atmosphere. Visit the Golden Bridge, a famous architectural masterpiece that has become an iconic symbol of Vietnam. This stunning bridge is held up by two enormous hands emerging from the mountainside, creating a truly unique and magical sight.
• Depart Hoi An Ancient Town (traveling 60 km in 02 hours) in Quang Nam Province.
• Enjoy dinner with local specialties - Cao Lau.
• Overnight in Hoi An Ancient Town.

• Have breakfast (arranged by yourself).
• Embark on a comprehensive city tour of Hoi An Ancient Town. This tour includes visits to:
• Japanese Covered Bridge: Explore this unique bridge with historical architecture and picturesque views of Hoi An's riverfront.
• Ancient Houses: Visit historical homes, from ancient houses to traditional craft shops.
• Phuc Kien Assembly Hall: Discover this ancient assembly hall with traditional architecture and a spiritual ambiance.

Get on the bus to Hue (1:30 PM - 4:30 PM).

• Enjoy some local specialties (arranged by yourself) and overnight in Hue.

• Have breakfast (arranged by yourself) and start to explore the beauty of Hue.
• Village of Incense Making: Explore the traditional village where incense sticks are made, witnessing the intricate process and cultural significance.
• Thien Mu Pagoda: Visit this historic pagoda, a symbol of Hue, known for its elegant architecture and serene setting along the Perfume River.
• Khai Dinh Tomb: Discover the elaborate tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh, showcasing a fusion of Western and Eastern architectural styles.
• Tu Duc Tomb: Explore the tomb complex of Emperor Tu Duc, known for its tranquility, beautiful gardens, and pavilions, reflecting the emperor's poetic nature.
• Get on the bus to Quang Binh province (16:45 PM - 21:00 PM) Overnight in Quang Binh.

• Phong Nha Cave: Explore one of the most famous caves in the region, known for its stunning stalactites and stalagmites formations.
• Paradise Cave: Visit this otherworldly cave, often described as a "paradise" due to its breathtaking natural beauty and intricate formations.
• Chay Lake - Dark Cave: Experience an adventurous side by exploring the Dark Cave, where you can engage in activities like zip lining, mud bathing, and kayaking.
• Nuoc Mooc Eco-trail: Enjoy nature with a visit to this eco-trail, offering lush scenery, crystal-clear streams, and opportunities for swimming and relaxation.
• Enjoy some local food (arranged by yourself) and explore Quang Binh.
• Get on the bus to Ha Noi (21:15 PM - 6:15 AM) OR get on the train SE4 (18:51 PM - 05:55 AM).

Embark on a comprehensive city tour of Ha Noi City. This tour includes visits to:

• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum & Museum and One Pillar Pagoda: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum & Museum is a significant cultural and historical site, that serves as a tribute to Ho Chi Minh, the revered leader of the Vietnamese independence movement. One Pillar Pagoda is a small but iconic Buddhist pagoda, built on a single pillar rising from a lotus pond, symbolizing purity and enlightenment in Buddhism.
• Temple of Literature (since 1070), is a historic complex that holds great cultural significance, was originally dedicated to Confucius, and served as Vietnam's first national university.
• Hoan Kiem Lake, also known as “Lake of the Returned Sword”, is a picturesque landmark located in the heart of Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. This charming lake holds significant cultural and historical importance and is a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
• Ngoc Son Temple and The Huc Bridge (since the 11th century), are two captivating landmarks situated on Hoan Kiem Lake. Ngoc Son Temple, also known as the Temple of the Jade Mountain, is a historic Buddhist temple that dates back to the 18th century. The temple is located on a small island in the northern part of Hoan Kiem Lake and is accessible via the red-painted The Huc Bridge. The Huc Bridge, meaning "Morning Sunlight Bridge," is a vivid red-painted wooden bridge connecting Hoan Kiem Lake's shores to Ngoc Son Temple. The bridge is an iconic symbol of Hanoi and adds a touch of charm to the surrounding landscape.

Enjoy lunch with local specialties - Bun Cha.

Freetime to explore Ha Noi in your own way.

Overnight in Ha Noi City.

• Get on the bus and depart for Tuan Chau Port in Ha Long City (traveling 150 km in 02 hours), and visit the most beautiful bay in the Gulf of Tonkin – HaLong Bay by cruise.
• The cruise stops at Bo Nau Cave (Pelican Cave), the core area of the world’s natural heritage. Transferring by tender to Sung Sot Cave (Surprising Cave) – Ha Long Bay's biggest and most beautiful cave.

• Leaving the Surprising cave, keep moving by tender to Titov Island was named by Uncle Ho, after Gherman Stepanovich Titov - the Soviet astronaut who visited in 1962. Enjoy swimming, relaxing on the beach, or climbing the steps of the Rock to the top of the island. A magical panoramic view of HaLong Bay will surprise you there.

• Visit Luon Cave - one of the caves open to the form of beautiful endemic then vegetation of Ha Long Bay. Two options to choose from how to discover it: Kayaking for free and a traditional woven (bamboo) boat rowed by a local boatman (expense).

• Back to the hotel and enjoy dinner with local specialties (arranged by yourself).

• Explore HaLong in your own way.
• Get on the bus and return to Ha Noi City.
• End of the trip.