Vietnam Comprehensive Tour - 13 Days
Hanoi - Sapa - Hoi An - Hue - Saigon - Can Tho

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Includes:
- Accommodation and meals as described (please note that some hotels provide only CBF).
- All transfers within the journey, including pick-up at airport.
- Domestic airfares as states in the itinerary in economy class.
- All entrance fees.
- English, French or German speaking guides (other languages available upon request).

Excludes:
- Visa fees.
- Airport taxes.
- Personal expenses such as drinks, laundry, souvenirs.

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Day 1 - Hanoi	• Arrival in Hanoi • Transfer • Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 2 - Train	• Sightseeing 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. • Transfer to/from train station • By train from Hanoi to Lao Cai. • Overnight in Train.
Day 3 - Sa Pa	• Transfer to Sa Pa • Excursion to Ta Phin with soft trek (Red Dzao village) Visit the handicraft village of TA PHIN, inhabited by the Red Dzao people, known for their distinctive red headscarves and skill at handicrafts. • Visit Ham Rong Mountain and San May (Cloud Yard) • Overnight in Sa Pa.
Day 4 - Sa Pa	• Excursion to Lao Chai, Ta Van, and Giang Ta Chai with trek From Sa Pa, travel by jeep to the village of Lao Chai, where the trek begins. Visit the HMong, Dzay and Dzao people, while enjoying spectacular scenery of terraced rice paddies, waterfalls and the small bamboo forests that are unique to the northern region. From Ta Van, continue to Giang Ta Chai, another minority village populated by Hmong and Dzay, after which visitors transfer by jeep back to Sa Pa. • Overnight in Sa Pa.
Day 5 - Hanoi	• By vehicle from Sa Pa to Hanoi • Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 6 - Hoi An	• Hoi An • Transfer • Flight from Hanoi to Danang. • By vehicle from Danang to Hoi An Journey south past the Marble Mountains and small villages. Sightseeing in Hoi An • Sightseeing in Hoi An 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. • Overnight in Hoi An.
Day 7 - Hue	• By vehicle from Hoi An to Hue From Hoi An journey north past DANANG, passing LANG CO, a lovely stretch of beach curving outwards between a clear blue lagoon and the South China Sea, before arriving at Danang. Continue along steep mountainous roads with spectacular views of the coastline, crossing the dramatic HAI VAN PASS, the high dividing line between the climate zones of north and south Vietnam, before arriving in Hue. • Sightseeing in the Old Imperial City 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 • Overnight in Hue.
Day 8 - 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. • 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 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.
Day 9 - Saigon	• Transfer • Flight from Hue to Saigon. • Transfer • Sightseeing 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 building was 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. Finally, end up at the central BEN THANH MARKET, where vendors display a vast array of goods and handicrafts, appealing to every taste • Overnight in Saigon.
Day 10 - Saigon	• Excursion to Cu Chi Tunnels and Tay Ninh 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.
Day 11 - Can Tho	• By vehicle from Saigon to Can Tho with sightseeing in My Tho and a boat ride 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. From My Tho, continue onwards through the Mekong Delta to Can Tho. Overnight in Can Tho.
Day 12 - Saigon	• Excursion by boat to Cai Rang Floating Market In the early morning, set out by boat to explore CAI RANG FLOATING MARKET, the biggest and most bustling of the Mekong Delta markets, which attracts fruit and vegetable vendors from all over the region. Buyers on smaller boats weave between the large barges selling wholesale produce. Each vendor advertises fresh samples of their wares on long poles that tower overhead above the colorful boats. Sail through the market, watching people haggle and trade, and possibly sample some of the fruit yourself. By 9 am, the activity has died down and it is time to return to the pier, after exploring some of the backwaters and canals. • By vehicle from Can Tho to Saigon • Overnight in Saigon.
Day 13 - Saigon	• Transfer

USD p.p	1 Pax	2 Pax	3-6 Pax	SGL S/C	Booking
Var A	2,560	1,440	1,210	320
Var B	2,850	1,600	1,370	460
Var C	3,940	2,200	1,970	950

All prices are per person in USD, based on twin-sharing in double rooms in the default hotel for the listed category.
* Meal plan: ABF.
** Reduction for 3rd pax in triple room Var. A:$87; Var. B:$65; Var. C:$183.
*** Child reduction (sharing bed of parents): under 2 years FOC; under 12 years -30%.

NOTE: The itinerary can slightly change according to the season, local conditions, climate, flight schedules and room availability.

Hotel	Var A	Var B	Var C
Hanoi	Phuc Loi Hotel Standard Ha Long Hotel Hanoi ROH Prince Hanoi Hotel ROH Huy Hoang 1 2nd Class	Ocean Hotel ROH Green Park Hotel ROH	Melia Hotel Deluxe Nikko Hotel Hanoi ROH-Leisure Sofitel Plaza Hanoi Deluxe
Train (Victoria Express Train)
Sapa	Bamboo Sapa ROH Royal View Hotel Superior	Chau Long ROH	Victoria Sapa Resort & Spa SUP room
Hoi An	Phu Thinh 2 Hotel 2nd Class Vinh Hung 2 1st Class	Lotus Hotel Standard Ancient House Resort Superior Glory Hotel Executive Superior	Life Heritage Resort Hoi An Superior Palm Garden Beach Resort & Spa Superior Gardenview Hoi An Riverside Resort VN Standard
Hue	Imperial Garden Hotel Deluxe Ngoc Huong Hotel ROH	Hue Heritage ROH Huong Giang Hotel Superior Gardenview	Saigon Morin Hotel Superior Imperial Hotel Deluxe City View La Residence Hotel And Spa Superior
Saigon	Saigon Star Hotel ROH Saigon Royal Hotel ROH Bong Sen Annex Economy	Chancery Hotel Standard Room Vien Dong Hotel ROH	Windsor Plaza Hotel Executive Moevenpick Hotel Saigon Superior Equatorial Hotel Deluxe
Can Tho	Hoa Binh Hotel Can Tho Superior (No Extra Bed)	Golf Can Tho Hotel Superior	Victoria Can Tho Resort Superior

For bookings of roundtrip or module packages, we will confirm one of the hotels mentioned above according to the selected category. Please note that compulsory gala dinners and peak season surcharges may apply during peak periods surrounding the public holidays of Christmas and New Year - these surcharges will be confirmed at the time of booking.

Included in the price(B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner):

Accommodation and meals as described (please note that some hotels provide only CBF).
All transfers within the journey, including pick-up at airport.
Domestic airfares as states in the itinerary in economy class.
All entrance fees.
English, French or German speaking guides (other languages available upon request).

Not included in the price:

Visa fees.
Airport taxes.
Personal expenses such as drinks, laundry, souvenirs.

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The tour above is a typical tour. If it doesn't fit your requirements, do not hesitate to talk to us about your preferences. In most cases, we will be able to customize this tour or package to match your expectations. Please click here to tell us about your request...

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Vietnam Comprehensive Tour - 13 Days Hanoi - Sapa - Hoi An - Hue - Saigon - Can Tho

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Vietnam Comprehensive Tour - 13 Days
Hanoi - Sapa - Hoi An - Hue - Saigon - Can Tho