Welcome to Enchanting Journeys

From the nomadic steppes of Kazakhstan to the frenetic streets of Hanoi, Asia is a continent so full of intrigue, adventure, solace and spirituality that it has fixated & confounded travellers for centuries.

Prepare to be charmed…. Wrapped in rainforests, edged by golden sands, crowned by volcanoes, studded with ruins of lost civilisations: this is Southeast Asia as you have always imagined it. Spirituality swirls around like the smoke from incense sticks swirls around its myriad Temples.

As a land of staggering natural beauty & cultural complexities, of dynamic megacities & hill-tribe villages, emerald waters & islands, rural adventures, old town exploration, sublime landscapes, a resilient culture & zesty cuisine, Vietnam is a fragrant & frenetic assault on the senses.

Arrive in Hanoi - the most cosmopolitan city in Vietnam where the medieval & modern co-exist, a city with a blend of Parisian grace & Asian pace, an architectural museum piece evolving in harmony with its history, rather than bulldozing through like many of the region’s capitals.

After you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal? -  Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport, subsequent to Immigration & Customs, you will be welcomed by The Journeys representative who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to the hotel, help you settle in and provide you with some useful tips for exploring the area as well as discuss the program for the next few days.

If, for any reason you are unable to make contact with our representative within 30 minutes of waiting, please call the local Emergency telephone # listed on your Contact List. Please follow the advice given by our 24 / 7 Duty Officer.  Please do not exit the Airport & make your own way to the hotel.

Reach the hotel & Check-in.

*Check-in time is 02.00 pm. For earlier arrivals in the morning, we will request the hotel for a complimentary early Check-in but cannot be guaranteed unless reserved & paid for ‘immediate occupancy’.

Balance of the day is at leisure to relax or independent exploration or optional activities (we shall be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements). 

Ah…Vietnam - a land of staggering natural beauty & cultural complexities, of dynamic megacities & hill-tribe villages.

Welcome to a world where the colours are more vivid, where the landscapes are bolder, the coastline more dramatic, where the history is more compelling, where the tastes are more divine, where life is lived in the fast lane. This world is Vietnam, the latest Asian dragon to awake from its slumber.

Self-confident & fast-developing, its progress is all-evident in the country's booming metropolises. Vietnam's allure is easy to appreciate (and something of a history lesson) as ancient, labyrinthine trading quarters of still-thriving craft industries are juxtaposed with grand colonial mansions from the French era, all overseen from the sky bars of 21^st century glass & steel high-rises.

Vietnamese culture is complex, diverse & represents something of a history lesson. The nation's labyrinthine, teeming trading quarters are rich in indigenous crafts & reflect centuries-old mercantile influences. Ancient Temples display distinctly Chinese influences in the north & Hindu origins in the south. Meanwhile the broad, tree-lined boulevards & grand state buildings that grace the capital date from the French colonial period. And it is impossible to forget Vietnam's pivotal position close to the epicentre of East Asian power & prosperity, for its cities' skylines are defined by clusters of glass & steel corporate HQs & sleek luxury hotels.

The grand old dame of Asia, Hanoi lay in a deep slumber after Vietnam’s partition in 1954 until the effects of economic reforms kicked in four decades later. The city survived American bombs & Russian planners to emerge relatively unscathed in the early 1990s as an example of a French-conceived colonial city. Huge mansions line grand boulevards, lakes & parks dot the city, providing a romantic backdrop to the nonstop soundtrack. There are still moments of Paris, as the smell of baguettes & cafe au lait permeates street corners. Known by many names down the centuries, Thanh Long (City of the Soaring Dragon) is the most evocative, & let there be no doubt that this dragon is on the up once more.

Imagine a city where the exotic chic of old Asia blends with the dynamic face of new Asia. Hanoi is where imagination becomes reality. Vietnam's capital races to make up for time lost to the ravages of war & a government that as recently as the 1990s kept the outside world at bay. Imagine the most cosmopolitan a city in Vietnam where the exotic chic of old Asia blends with the dynamic face of new Asia.

Where the medieval & modern co-exist, a city with a blend of Parisian grace & Asian pace, an architectural museum piece evolving in harmony with its history, rather than bulldozing through like many of the region’s capitals. Hanoi is where imagination becomes reality.

Founded over 1000 years ago, the capital city is rich in history, with the streets of its rambling Old Quarter dating back to the 14^th century. The tangled web of streets in the Old Quarter, has been a cauldron of commerce for almost 1000 years & is still the best place to check the pulse of this resurgent city.

Wandering these tree-lined lanes past crumbling colonial facades will transport you back in time. However, today's Hanoi is about much more than the past. The ancient city is being invigorated with modern cafes, world-class restaurants & cool art galleries.

Its streets surge with scooters vying for right of way amid the din of constantly blaring horns & all around layers of history reveal periods of French & Chinese occupation - offering a glimpse into the resilience of ambitious, proud Hanoians.

Negotiate a passage past the ubiquitous knock-off merchants & you will find the original streets of the Old Quarter. Hawkers in conical hats ply their wares, locals sip coffee & bia hoi (beer) watching life (& plenty of tourists) pass them by. Defiant real-deal farmers hawk their wares, while city folk breakfast on noodles

Witness synchronised t’ai chi at dawn on the shores of Hoan Kiem Lake while goateed grandfathers tug at their wisps over the next chess move. See the bold & beautiful dine at designer restaurants & cut the latest moves on the dance floor. Hanoi has it all: the ancient history, a colonial legacy & a modern outlook. There is no better place to untangle the paradox that is modern Vietnam

There is more to Vietnam than the traditional image of rice paddies & conical hats. Here, you will find a country bursting with energy & forward motion. Feel the hum & activity on the streets. You will see it in the way Vietnamese welcome you to their homes, invite you to taste their food & proudly show you their rich culture. Meet the people, delve into the past & witness the awakening of a Hanoi on the move

When the sun goes down, you have your pick of watering holes, from sophisticated rooftop bars to buzzing bia hơi. Dine on the wild & wonderful at every corner, sample market wares, uncover an evolving arts scene, then sleep soundly in luxury for very little cost.

Overnight.   

Although it is the modern day capital of Vietnam, Hanoi still retains the mystery & charm of past centuries.  Narrow lanes & traditional shophouses invite exploration by Cyclo, while its many beautiful public spaces - lakes, parks, tree lined boulevards & monuments - give the city an air of elegance & harmony with nature unique among Asian capitals

Morning, meet the Tour-guide in the Lobby at 09.00 am & proceed for a full day 8 hour sightseeing tour.

You will Check-out from the hotel (the luggage will be left at the Bell Desk & you can use the hotel facilities when you come back in the evening after the sightseeing).

First stop will be the Temple of Literature, a peaceful series of walled courtyards & graceful gateways set amidst landscaped grounds near the centre of Hanoi. One of the best examples of well-preserved traditional Vietnamese architecture, it is depicted on the 100,000d currency note

Founded in 1070 by Emperor Le Thanh Tong, the attractive complex, dedicated to Qufu-born philosopher Confucius (Khong Tu), was also the site of Vietnamʹs first University.  The Altars are popular with students praying for good grades, while the halls, ponds & gardens of the 5 courtyards make picturesque backdrops for student graduation photos. Originally admission was exclusively for those born of noble families, but after 1442 it became more egalitarian & gifted students from all over the nation headed to Hanoi to study the principles of Confucianism, literature & poetry. In 1484, Emperor Ly Thanh Tong ordered that Stelae (large slabs) be erected to record the names, places of birth & achievements of exceptional scholars: 82 of 116 Stelae remain standing, mostly atop turtle statues.

Continue to the miniature One Pillar Pagoda originally built by the Emperor Ly Thai Tong who ruled from 1028 to 1054. The Emperor dreamed that he met Quan The Am Bo Tat, the Goddess of Mercy, who handed him a male child. According to the annals, the heirless Ly Thai Tong then married a young peasant girl & had a son & heir. As a way of expressing his gratitude for this event, he constructed a Pagoda here in 1049.

Built of wood on a single stone pillar, the Pagoda is designed to resemble a lotus blossom, the symbol of purity, rising out of a sea of sorrow. One of the last vindictive acts of the French before quitting Hanoi in 1954 was to destroy the original One Pillar Pagoda; the structure was rebuilt by the new government.

Proceed to the nearby vast Ho Chi Minh Memorial Complex, a lovely park setting which is home to Ho Chi Minhʹs final resting place, as well as Ho Chi Minh Museum, a 5 storey architectural project situated behind Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.

Visit the Mausoleum, where you can pay respects to the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh. In the tradition of Lenin, Stalin & Mao, Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is a monumental marble edifice. Contrary to his desire for a simple cremation, the Mausoleum was constructed from materials gathered from all over Vietnam between 1973 & 1975. Set deep in the bowels of the building in a glass sarcophagus is the frail, pale body of Ho Chi Minh. The Mausoleum is usually closed from 4 September to 4 November while his embalmed body goes to Russia for maintenance.

The queue usually snakes for several hundred metres to the entrance & inside, filing past Ho’s body at a slow but steady pace. If you arrive at the right time, you will catch the changing of the guard outside the Mausoleum - the pomp & ceremony displayed here rivals the British equivalent at Buckingham Palace in London.

Continue through the Park to Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House, the simple 2 room dwelling where Ho Chi Minh lived Minh lived, worked & held meetings with top leaders, intermittently from 1948 until he passed away in September 1969. This humble, traditional Stilt House located in the compound of the opulent beaux-arts Presidential Palace (former Residence of the Governor General of Tonkin), is set in a well-tended garden adjacent to a carp-filled pond & has been preserved just as Ho left it.

The House made from wood, in the style typical of the houses of mountain ethnic minorities, is now used for official receptions & isn’t open to the public. But visitors may wander the grounds if sticking to the designated paths. The clear views through the open doorways & windows permit insights more fascinating than many Museum displays.

Then. head to Hoan Kiem Lake, considered to be the heart of Hanoi, symbolising the city, to see Hanoi's most visited Temple Ngoc Son ('Temple of the Jade Mountain') sitting on a small Island in the northern part of the Lake, connected to the lakeshore by an elegant curved scarlet Bridge (called Cau The Huc meaning ‘morning sunshine’), constructed in classical Vietnamese style. The Temple is dedicated to the God of Literature, General Tran Hung Dao (who defeated the Mongols in the 13^th century), La To (patron Saint of Physicians) & the scholar Van Xuong.

Just at the beginning of the Bridge is a stone brush Tower located on a small hillock with 3 carved Chinese characters "Ta Thanh Thien" (writing on the blue sky). At its foot is Dai Nghien (Inkstab). The monument of King Le Thai To is situated on the Western Bank of the Lake.

In the centre of the Lake there is an islet where the tiny Tortoise Pagoda & Tortoise Tower stands. A large tortoise carcass of 2.1 metres long & weighing 250 kilos, that lived some 400-500 years back, is still kept at the Temple. Many central & municipal bodies as well as busy trade streets are located around Hoan Kiem Lake.

Enroute, to the Lake, you will be driving by other colonial landmarks (may be seen from the outside only) such as the magnificent Opera House & St. Joseph’s Cathedral.

Hanoi Opera House (also known as the Hanoi Municipal Theatre) is one of the most significant architectural & historical landmarks in Hanoi - the capital’s Theatre of Performing Arts & the stage for the city’s most interesting & important Performances throughout the year. 

From the time they first arrived in Hanoi in 1883, the French had intended to build in this city a venue for performing arts. The construction of the Hanoi Opera House was started by the French in 1901 & completed in 1911, modeled after the Opera Garnier Theater in Paris, though smaller in stature & using materials suitable for the local climatic conditions. Although not suitable for Western art activities, this was the first theater in Hanoi in Western style.

There is also Labour's Culture Palace built with the help of the Soviet Union, inaugurated in 1985 on the site of the former Exhibition House. The large hall with a circular stage seats 1,200 & the small hall has 250 seats. This is mainly reserved by around 24 Clubs for their year-round activities. Close by is Lenin Park (Thong Nhat Park) built over a former marsh, now converted to a large lake with a statue of Lenin on an islet.

The Cathedral of Hanoi (St. Joseph's Church or Cua Bac Church), built in 1886 in Gothic style, slightly influenced by that of Vietnamese Pagoda, is the most beautiful & largest Church in Hanoi. A reminder of French colonial presence in Vietnam, from street level, the Cathedral’s bold, neo-gothic motifs create a powerful impression above surrounding the houses & streets. Near the Cathedral is the office of Hanoi's Bishop & in front of it is the Madonna Monastery.

From the Lake, hop on a Cyclo (Cycle rickshaw) & begin exploring the Old Quarter, the name commonly given to the historical civic urban core of Hanoi, located outside the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long. Once the main form of transport here, Cyclos move at the perfect pace for you to take in interesting street scenes without having to worry about traffic & navigation. After this gentle introduction, pick a few streets to tackle on foot.

For many locals, the Old Quarter is an intriguing neighbourhood considered the 'real' Hanoi. If you make friends with someone born in the Old Quarter, chances are they will share with you fond memories of growing up on these atmospheric streets. A handicraft loverʹs paradise & an endlessly interesting place to explore local life. 

It is home to a mix of Vietnamese architecture, green spaces, ancient shops & fresh-as-it-gets street food - all of it easily explored on foot.

The Old Quarter's street names date back 5 centuries to when the area was divided among 36 Artisans' Guilds, each gathered around a Temple or a Dinh (communal house) dedicated to the Guild's patron spirit, set up in this area north of the Lake.

This fascinating network of narrow alleys & shophouses is also known as “36 Streets” & each guild street was named for 36 trades or craft or traditionally sold there, mainly high-quality goods & merchandise ranging from Fabrics to Crafts to Medicines to Tombstones, to supply the royals in the Thang Long Citadel, just steps away. Today, only a few streets sell the same products they once did. Some streets, however, have kept the traditions of the past & these can be great fun to explore on foot, and with your camera in hand.

The Old Quarter may not have many Malls, but shopping here happens at the street level. Hang Dau, Ly Quoc Sư, Tạ Hien & Hang Da streets are lined with stores selling clothing, bags, shoes & sportswear targeted at tourists. For a more curated selection, try Vui Studio, the minimalist boutiques on Chan Cam Street, or the small natural beauty shops on Hoi Vu Street.

Hang Bạc (Silver Street), where Silversmiths once made money & jewellery for the Palace, still houses jewellery stores & money changers. Hang Ma is where Hanoians go to buy religious goods & festival decorations. Hang Gai, now known as Silk Street, was named for the pinkish dye this street famously sold & used in clothing. Shops here now trade in fabrics & custom-made suits & dresses. Lan Ong is a fragrant street filled with traditional medicines & herbs.

Shops pouring into sidewalks, motorcycles navigating narrow streets, the smell of noodles & flowers - the Old Quarter can be a hectic place. Constant motion is part of the charm. Old Quarter's most recent attraction is Train Street. Tiny cafes & stationery stores have moved into the buildings facing the tracks & countless Instagrammers come every day to have their pictures taken with this colourful backdrop.

Wherever you go, you will have a chance to glimpse the tube houses that are typical of the Old Quarter. These houses have narrow facades, but are built deep & high, with multiple courtyards to allow light inside. Also interesting are the Soviet-influenced apartment blocks, which you can find up & down Hang Dieu Street.

The Old Quarter is chock-full of speciality restaurants & popular stalls that have been around for years. One thing Hanoians love to do is spend hours at coffee shops, just people-watching & sharing news.

You will notice bicycle vendors selling fresh flowers & ripe fruit, old friends gathering for games of checkers & cooks doing a roaring trade in steaming pho & bun cha. The longer you wander, the more you’ll be rewarded with moments in hidden alleyways, secluded Pagodas & cosy Coffee Shops.

If you are hungry, get a seat at a cafe & enjoy the action from a safe distance & grab a bowl of bun cha at Bun Cha Huong Lien where President Obama dined, or go for a less crowded alternative at Hang Quạt.

Don’t leave without sampling the original egg coffee at Cafe Giang. Apart from egg coffee, another famous original dish from the Old Quarter is cha ca la vong - a magical blend of fish chunks marinated in turmeric & spices, grilled & served with soft rice noodles, dill & crunchy peanuts.

Vietnamese regularly gather to eat & drink on sidewalk corners, with long meals & countless rounds of beers going late into the night. This ‘bia hoi’ tradition is a fun way to experience local life & make new friends. The most famous beer corner in the Old Quarter is Bia Hoi Junction. The party spills out onto Tạ Hien Street, where backpackers & locals sit on tiny plastic stools & drink fresh draft beer in the evening air.

Enjoy lunch in the Old Quarter (not included – direct payment).

The Cyclo jaunt around Old Quarter concludes & the tour continues on to visit a Museum (so many Museums here but you can visit only one in the available time). 2 are especially interesting - History Museum & the Museum of Ethnology.  

Built between 1925 & 1932, the architecturally impressive Museum of History was formerly home to the Ecole Française d’Extreme-Orient. Its architect, Ernest Hebrard, was among the first in Vietnam to incorporate a blend of Chinese & French design elements.

Housed in an elegant building from the 1930s, it includes exhibits spanning the entirety of Vietnamʹs history including prehistory, proto�]Vietnamese civilisations, the Dong Son culture, the Oc�]Eo culture & the Khmer Kingdoms. The Museum has rich collections of archaeological findings of great scientific & artistic value, including some relating to the era of the Hung kings about 4,000 years ago represent the evolution of the Vietnamese nation.

Exhibit highlights include Bronzes from the Dong Son culture (3^rd century BCE to 3^rd century CE), Hindu statuary from the Khmer & Champa Kingdoms, jewellery from imperial Vietnam & displays relating to the French occupation & the Communist Party. The former Museum of the Vietnamese Revolution is now part of the National Museum of Vietnamese History. The 40,000 exhibits enthusiastically present the histories of conflict & revolution within Vietnam, from the liberation movements against the French occupation to the establishment of the Communist Party & the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

The other Museum you can go to is the superb Museum of Ethnology that showcases the depth of Vietnamese cultural diversity with an astounding collection of 15,000 artifacts gathered from throughout the country.

It brings to life the astonishing ethnic diversity in Vietnam, with tribal art & artifacts & everyday objects, from the 54 different ethnic groups that inhabit the country. Inside the Museum are detailed descriptions (Vietnamese, French & English) of the minority groups, with examples of their traditional clothing & way of life.

Displays portray a typical village market, cemeteries & other distinctive ethnic buildings & the making of conical hats & a Tay shamanic ceremony. You can also check out a traditional Black Thai longhouse reconstructed in the Museum. There is also a Center for Research & Conservation where scientists from all over the world study traditional Vietnamese cultures. The section Museum of Fine Arts contains artistic works of great value, ranging from bronze drums (1^st millennium B.C.) to sculptures, paintings, engravings & lacquer works by contemporary artists are displayed, not to mention folk art.

The sightseeing concludes & you return to the hotel.

But the day is not over yet. In the evening around 07.00 pm, meet the Tour-guide / Rep again & proceed to Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre to enjoy a 1 hour traditional Water Puppet Show, a fantastic art form originating in the northern Vietnam, best seen in Hanoi. In a unique Performance like no other, historical stories are told through Puppets on water. Multilingual programs allow the audience to read up on each vignette as it is performed. Especially interesting for children but adults are mesmerized, too.

The Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre is the best place to witness the eponymous art form integral to Vietnam, that dates back to the 11^th century. When the rice paddies got flooded by the Red River & the talented village Puppeteers would appear with wooden Puppets to entertain the village folks.

Established in 1969, the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater uses a stage filled with water as the setting for the Performance, offering an authentic experience with changing mood lights& a Vietnamese orchestra playing traditional songs about agricultural harvests & mythical legends, that are acted out by Puppets in a pool of water. Artists stand hidden behind a screen in waist-high water, which serves as the stage, as they manoeuvre exquisite handcrafted wooden Puppets, through an apparatus put under in the water surface, narrating historical legends.

The 1hour Performance usually shows 17 short vignettes replicating the daily lives of Vietnamese farmers & fishermen, legends of dragons & other historical tales.

The Performance concludes by 09.00 pm & you are transferred to Hanoi Station to board your overnight train for Lao Cai. place (your luggage would already be picked up & placed in the vehicle)

You will board the Tourist train Orient Express (which enjoys a good reputation as a luxury brand but this one is owned by Vietnam Railways & not super luxurious) which provides an inspirational comfortable experience onboard, to reach Sapa.

Orient Express features a modern design with 'Soft Sleeper' 2^nd class 4 Berth Deluxe & 1^st class 2 Berth VIP air-conditioned wood-panelled cabins with remarkable interior decor. Berths are equipped with individual reading lights, baggage storage (luggage can be kept in your compartment under the bottom bunks). Pillows & Blankets & Snacks are provided (we recommend that you bring your own food although ‘some’ Trains have a Restaurant car). Each carriage contains a number of cabins & Rest-rooms with a Wash-basin & western & squat toilets are located at the end of each carriage.

Passengers have the best opportunity to relax or simply let the beauty gliding over your spacious windows (although the picturesque scenery bit is relevant only to day trains, not yours).

Overnight on board.   B

Arrive at Lao Cai Station in the early morning.

Lao Cai in the northwest of Vietnam, is squeezed right next to the Vietnam - China border. Razed in the Chinese invasion of 1979, most of the buildings here are modern. The border crossing was shut down during the 1979 war & only re-opened in 1993. Now, it is a bustling spot fuelled by growing cross-border trade.

For travelers, Lao Cai is the jumping-off point when journeying between Hanoi & Sa Pa by train & a stop-off when heading further north to Kunming in China. The clean surreal environmental landscape encompasses the stunning beauty of famous scenic spots as Sa Pa, Bac Ha, Bat Xat, Muong Khuong.

Lao Cai province is also known for its towering mountains including Fansipan & the dragon-jaw-shaped Ham Rong Peaks offering panoramic views & huge orchid gardens, rivers, waterfalls & ethnic hill tribes. Over 25 ethnic groups living here, have created a unique identity of Lao Cao with historical traditions & cultural heritage.

As you exit from your Carriage, you will be welcomed by a Journeys Rep / Driver & straightaway depart for Sa Pa (30 minutes drive), gateway to another world of mysterious minority cultures & luscious landscapes.

But before leaving, enjoy breakfast in a local restaurant.  

You will enjoy the breath-taking views of terraced rice paddies, tea farms & pineapple plantations as you drive uphill along the winding mountain ride up towards Sa Pa via Muong Khuong, a small trading town near the border.

Enroute stop briefly at Cao Son, the ethnic local market set among beautiful mountain & organized by H'Mong, Phu La, Dao & Black Han people living in the 4 largest villages of the district.

There is no noise, no scramble or rush but plain & rustic atmosphere at the colourful Market full of local handicrafts products & which still sustains its unique original features.

You will have a great opportunity to see the tribes-people from the local villages who not only gather for purchasing local products, but also for exchanging gossip & experiences on all aspects of life such as farming, caring for animals & even finding partners. You can interact with them & broaden your knowledge about the daily life in the villages.

In the vast space of mountains, people seem to be carefree. You can catch Nung. Flower Hmong (Red Hmong), Phu La, Black Dao, Tu Di & Giay minorities & local Chinese traders from different tribal villages, either in groups, couples or single flocking to the market & engaging in business as they buy, sell, bargain & barter their goods amongst one another.

Some carry products in their shoulder baskets, some let their horses carry the goods, some just drive their motorbike or ride their bike to the market. Some buy rice, some buy brocade fabric, some buy vegetables, some enjoy the highland specialties, etc.

Similar to many other markets such as Bac Ha, Coc Ly, Can Cau, the Cao Son Market is also divided into many smaller areas. Goods that represent mountainous features such as vegetables, herbs, shiitakes, fungus, honey, corn alcohol, upland rice, household appliances, jewelry etc. are gathered & tidily organized in one particular place.

Among the stalls, those that sell brocade fabric seem to be most outstanding because of their colorful products with exquisite patterns. These fabric stalls show the skillfulness, ranging from growing flax, making thread, weaving, dying to embroidering, of Mong, Phu La & Dao women.

Close by to the ‘trading’ area, there are many choices to try out the traditional local cuisine. You may be overwhelmed by the charming smell diffusing from some special dishes like sweet smell from “thang co” of Mong people – a dish made of cattle’s (such as pigs, cows, buffalos, horses) meat & viscera or the spicy & hot yeast from some kinds of ethnic alcohol such as Coc Dam & Coc Ngu corn alcohol. In that animated & allured atmosphere, it is much likely that you will take a seat & join local people enjoying their cuisine.

Enjoy spending time walking around the Market taking in the sights & sounds (not to mention tastes) & perhaps engage in some business with the local people.

Leaving the market, take a short walk to Flower Hmong village before a break for lunch (not included - direct payment).

Hop on the car again & leave for Sa Pa, driving along Chay River through the mountains, valleys & hamlets arriving at the Coc Ly Bridge where you will hop on to a Boat & enjoy a 1 hour cruise along the charming Chay River.

Disembark at Trung Do village, jump in the waiting car & continue on to Sa Pa.

Arrive in Sa Pa by afternoon & Check-in at the hotel. 

Balance of the day is at leisure for independent exploration (we would be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

The Queen of the Mountains, the beautiful town of Sa Pa located in Vietnam’s remote Northwest Mountains, established as a hill station by the French in 1922, sits regally overlooking a beautiful valley, close to the Chinese border, with lofty mountains towering over the town on all sides.

Sa Pa is oriented to make the most of the spectacular views emerging on clear days & the mesmerizing scenery that surrounds the city. It is famous for both its incredibly picturesque scenery & rich cultural diversity.

The town in the Hoang Lien Son mountains, overlooks the cascading rice terraces that spill down the mountains like a patchwork quilt & ancient stone engravings of the Muong Hoa Valley. The mountains are often shrouded in thick mist that rolls back & forth along the peaks, offering tantalising glimpses of what lies in wait on a clear day but even when it is cloudy, local hill-tribe people fill the town with colour.

If you were expecting a quaint alpine town, recalibrate your expectations. Modern tourism development has mushroomed haphazardly. But you are not here to hang out in town. Once you have stepped out into the lush fields, you will understand the Sa Pa area's real charm.

The valleys & tiny villages around Sa Pa town are home to a host of hill-tribe people who wander in to town to buy, sell & trade. The billowing red headdresses of the Red Dzao are visible all over town, a surreal sight amid the accelerating development. There are a number of other ethnic minorities inhabiting this mountainous town, including H’mong, Tay, Giay, Muong, Thai, Hoa & Xa Pho. With the distinct customs, habits & unique clothing styles, every group has been contributing to drawing a colorful vivid cultural picture of the town.

Their villages may look medieval but most villagers now have a mobile phone & an email address to stay in touch. Most of the Montagnards have had little formal education & are illiterate, yet all the youngsters have a good command of English, French & a handful of other languages.

Sa Pa Church & Muong Hoa Valley are attractive places for authentic discoveries & for passionate photographers.

Overnight.  B L D  

The stunning landscapes are also northern Vietnam's premier trekking base, from where hikers launch themselves into a surrounding countryside & Mount Fansipan.

Enjoy a sumptuous breakfast at the hotel & Check-out, before meeting the Tour-guide & setting out on a full day Trek.

Trekking is an excellent way to explore the daily life & familiarize yourself with the cultures of the Tribes who live here.

Explore Sa Pa’s cultural diversity & haunting natural beauty. Take a guided hike through yawning valleys decorated with terraced rice fields & pass through remote hill tribe villages. We have 3 Trekking options to choose from: Soft trek (3 km), medium trek (6 km) & long trek (12 km).  

Enjoy lunch at one of the remote hill tribe villages & learn about local traditions & daily life.

In time, meet the driver & drive back to Lao Cai Station to board the night train for Hanoi.

Overnight on board.   B L

Early morning arrival in Hanoi Station.

As you exit from the carriage, you will be welcomed by the Journeys Rep / Driver & immediately depart for Ha long Bay.

Enroute, stop at a restaurant for breakfast, before driving on through the picturesque rice paddies.

Arrive in the sprawling Ha long City (also known as Bai Chay) - the Bay's main gateway, but its high-rises are a disappointing doorstep to this site. Spend an hour or 2 in exploring the city.

Development has not been kind to Ha long City (known locally as Bai Chay). Despite enjoying a stunning position on the cusp of Ha long Bay, this is a gritty town with pockets of bland high-rise hotel development dotting the shoreline. Most travellers opt to skip Ha long City completely, preferring to spend a night out in Ha long Bay itself. In the city hotels, Chinese & Korean visitors are now more prevalent, as they prefer to enjoy terra firma attractions such as casinos & karaoke bars after day cruising in the Bay.

Majestic & mysterious, inspiring & imperious: words alone cannot do justice to the natural wonder that is Ha long Bay. Dotted with jagged limestone pinnacles, UNESCO World Heritage listed Ha long Bay is one of Vietnam’s biggest attractions that covers some 150,000 hectares (1500 sq. km). A vision of ethereal beauty & unsurprisingly, northern Vietnam's number one tourism hub.

Ha long Bay is the stuff of myths & naturally the Vietnamese have concocted one. “Hạ long” means “where the dragon descends into the sea”. Legend has it that the Islands of Ha long Bay were created by a great dragon that lived in the mountains. As it charged towards the coast, its flailing tail gouged out valleys & crevasses. When it finally plunged into the sea, the area filled with water & formed mountains that peek above the sea as rocky Islands. It retains much of the otherworldly magic conjured up by towering limestone pillars & 3,000 or more incredible jungle-clad Islands & tiny Islets punctuated by perfect beaches & deserted wind & wave eroded grottoes, topped by sparsely forested slopes ringing with birdsong, rising from deep emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin.

Ha long Bay is pure art, a priceless collection of unfinished sculptures hewn from the hand of nature. All of the stunning karst islands & surrounding cliffs are made of limestone, which has been steadily eroded over the centuries to create what is left today - the towering pillars topped with greenery & the sheer cliffs that enclose the Bay.

Visitors can’t help but compare the magical, mystical landscape of limestone Islets to Guilin in China & Krabi in in southern Thailand, but in reality, Ha long Bay is more spectacular.

While the vast majority of the Islands in the Bay are uninhabited vertical rocks sticking out of the sea, Cat Ba Island - the largest in the Bay - actually has a few tiny fishing villages. There are also 17 Caves & Grottoes where various artifacts like stone tools & bones from circa 4500 BC have been discovered in the mountains within. The most famous Cave is Cai Beo Cave.

About half of the Cat Ba Island was declared a National Park dedicated by Ho Chi Minh personally in 1963 & protects the Island's several diverse ecosystems with waterfalls, mangrove forests, spectacular limestone hills & a large lake.

Lying to the south of Ha long Bay off the north-eastern coast of Vietnam, the 300-or-so karst Islands & limestone outcrops of Lan Ha are just as beautiful as those of its superstar neighbour, but feel more isolated & untouched. Lan Ha also has the additional attraction of numerous white-sand beaches, which aren't found at Ha long.

Geologically, Lan Ha is an extension of Ha long Bay but sits in a different province. Around 200 species of fish, 500 species of mollusc, 400 species of arthropod (prawns, crabs) & numerous hard & soft corals live in the waters here, while larger marine animals in the area include seals & 3 species of dolphin.

Beyond the breathtaking vistas on a boat cruise through the Bay, visitors to Ha long come to explore the caves - some of which are beautifully illuminated for the benefit of visitors & to hike in Cat Ba National Park.

The best way to experience this magnificent bay is on a Cruise in one of the many traditional junks.

Reach the Hong Gai Tourist Wharf, where you will Check-in around noon at the OS Lounge, the private waiting area prior to boarding a traditional private Junk where you will spend the next 24 hours, cruising in the Bay - a natural wonderland composed of jutting limestone islands & sparkling turquoise waters.

Listen to a cruise briefing as you savor a gourmet lunch of fresh seafood onboard as you sail out into the mystical Bay, cruising around some of Ha long’s many Islands, including Dinh Huong & Ga Choi. Along the way, visit one of the Bay’s 3 largest Caves - Thien Cung, Dau Go or Sung Sot.

Embark on an overnight cruise & begin sailing among the emerald waters & craggy limestone cliffs of Ha long Bay, stopping at different Islands to explore ‘some’ of the many Caves. Sail past floating villages, fishermen casting their nets & pearl fisheries and observe the rhythms of daily life on the Bay.

Today, all Boats must follow one of 5 Government prescribed routes through the Bay, meaning overnight cruises leaving roughly from the same place at the same time play ‘follow the leader’ as they hit the major highlights of the Bay almost in frustrating concert.

Stop at an island cove with a sheltered white-sand beach & take a dip in the warm waters of the South China Sea. Swimming (weather permitting) is only allowed at a few designated beaches, with drones surveilling the skies to make sure boat captains stringently comply.

Take a 45 minutes bamboo boat trip around Vung Vieng, one of the largest fishing villages in Ha long Bay. Interact with fishermen who have been living in the bay for almost three generations. Watch them at work & admire the setting in a closed lagoon, surrounded by mountains.

Most Junks also offer Kayaking (optional, extra cost, not included). Paddling around the karsts allows you to experience the limestone towers from a completely different angle: up close & without the constant thrum of an engine in the background.

Pass the night on your private Junk, lulled to sleep by the gentle rocking of calm waters.

You are free to simply relax & soak up the stunning scenery from the sundeck.

Enjoy watching the peaceful sunset as you take part in a cooking demonstration with a professional Chef and if you want, participate in singing & dancing activities.

The boat will moor for the night in the Cong Do area. Pass the night on the Junk, lulled to sleep by the gentle rocking of calm waters.

Overnight on board.   B L D 

Awake early & participate in Tai Chi on the top deck or simply relax & enjoy the sunrise over the Bay’s towering islands.

Enjoy a morning cup of coffee or tea, before setting out to explore nearby islands by rowboat.

Cruise towards Thien Canh Son Cave, a medium-sized, less-visited cave in Bai Tu Long Bay. Visit the beautiful limestone grotto then walk back to the boat for a final glimpse of Ha long Bay.

Return to the junk for breakfast then take advantage of the sundeck & admire the amazing rock formations of Bai Tu Long Bay as we navigate back to land.

Enjoy lunch on board as you cruise through the islets, before heading back to the Pier.

Arrive by afternoon & disembark.

Meet the Journeys Rep / Driver at the Dock & immediately depart for Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport for your flight to Hue.

Arrive at the Pier in Ha long Bay by afternoon. On disembarkation, you will be welcomed by a Journeys Driver / Rep, who will ensure your comfort & drive you straight to Terminal 1 - Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport for your onward flight to Hue (if immediate connection is not available, you may be able to spend time exploring the city before going to the Airport).     

Arrive in Hue, one of the most charming towns in Vietnam & is located on the banks of the beautifully named Perfume River.

After you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal? -  Hue Phu Bai International Airport, you will be welcomed by the Journeys representative who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to the hotel, help you settle in & provide you with some useful tips for exploring the area as well as discuss the program for the next few days.

If, for any reason you are unable to make contact with our representative within 30 minutes of waiting, please call the local Emergency telephone # listed on your Contact List. Please follow the advice given by our 24 / 7 Duty Officer.  Please do not exit the Airport & make your own way to the hotel.

Reach the hotel & Check-in.

*Check-in time is 02.00 pm. For earlier arrivals in the morning, we will request the hotel for a complimentary early Check-in but cannot be guaranteed unless reserved & paid for ‘immediate occupancy’.

Balance of the day is at leisure for independent exploration or optional activities (we would be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Pronounced ‘hway’, this deeply evocative political, cultural & religious capital of the Nguyen dynasty Emperors from 1802 to 1945, still resonates with the glories of imperial Vietnam, even though many of its finest buildings were destroyed during the American War.

‘Poetic, romantic & dreamy’ are 3 adjectives used to describe this wonderful city which owes its charm partly to its location in central Vietnam on the banks of the enigmatically named Song Huong (Perfume River) - picturesque on a clear day, atmospheric even in less flattering weather, that separates the walled old town from the modern city.  

History lovers will of course, find a huge amount to enjoy here, from the rambling ancient architecture to the engaging Museums that will fill you in with a fascinating insight into Hue of ancient days.

UNESCO World Heritage listed Hue blends the new & old & has inspired many Vietnamese painters, singers & poets.

A major seat of imperial Vietnam, the historical city is packed with Temples, Tombs, Palaces & Pagodas scattered along the Perfume River - or at least the remains of those that successive armies didn’t manage to completely destroy. A major attraction is its vast, 19^th century Dại Noi Citadel, surrounded by a moat & thick stone walls. It encompasses the Imperial City, with Palaces & Shrines; the Forbidden Purple City (Tu cam thanh), once the Emperor’s home & a replica of the Royal Theater.

After 1975, Hue’s cultural sites were left to decay - imperialist reminders of the feudal Nguyen dynasty. In time, the local People’s Committee recognised the potential, declaring these sites as ‘national treasures’ and restoration & preservation work continues. Today, the tranquil, conservative city with just the right concentration of nightlife, blends the new & old as sleek modern hotels tower over crumbling 19^th century Citadel walls.

And as this is a riverfront town, you will also be able to spend time enjoying the cool breezes & the pretty vistas as you stroll along the riverside walkway, & if you want to get out of the town center than you will also be spoiled for choice.

Foodies won’t want to miss the fussy degustation-style Imperial cuisine for which this city is rightly famous. Hue is also well-known for the sophisticated Royal cuisine boasting over 1,000 speciality dishes. Visitors have to find the right spots to ensure these specialities are prepared in the traditional way & they are not disappointed. The culinary delicacies in Hue are diverse, but you cannot help noticing the presence of numerous vegetarian restaurants which attracts not only tourists but also local people eat vegetarian meals twice a month, as a part of their Buddhist beliefs.

Many parts of the city can be explored by walking. Though (in your ‘free’ time) you may want to try a Xe Om (motorcycle taxi) is a convenient means of transportation in Vietnam, which can be found on every street corner. You must always remember that it is fun & a bit adventurous to travel by motorcycle but most importantly, the price must be negotiated before you step on the vehicle.

Overnight.  B  

Meet the Tour-guide at 09.00 am & spend an entire day touring Vietnam’s former ancient capital.

Start with a visit to the Imperial Citadel, home to the Imperial City & Forbidden Purple City - once the Emperor's private residence. The 19^th century Imperial City comprising 4 Citadels was modeled on the Forbidden City in Beijing.

Hoang Thanh (Imperial City) included royal palaces & shrines, Tu Cam Thanh (Forbidden Purple City) for royal residences, Dai Noi (Inner city) & Tran Binh Dai, which exclusively ancient architecture. The Imperial Enclosure houses many palaces & temples within its walls. The original thick stone walls stretched for 10 km & 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.

Walk 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 where the Queen mother lived. Visit the Thai Hoa Palace, the magnificently decorated Halls of the Mandarins and the original Nine Dynastic Urns.

Venture into the countryside around Hue to the Imperial Tomb of Tu Duc, the longest reigning Vietnamese emperor, who designed & built this elegant tomb during his lifetime, using it as a retreat for meditation, reading & theater performances. Take some time to soak in the tranquil atmosphere, wandering among the gracefully proportioned pavilions, courtyards & lotus ponds.  Also visit the Imperial Tomb of Khai Dinh, 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.

Featured in various songs & poems, Thien Mu Pagoda has become an essential part of Hue City. With the symbol of the octagonal 21 meter high tower, the Pagoda is the perfect combination of artificial architectural work & picturesque nature. Tourists can also visit other pagodas such as Tu Dam, Tu Hieu, Huyen Khong.

Afternoon, continue the tour, stopping at the Imperial Museum, Tu Hieu Pagoda & vibrant Dong Ba riverside market.

The sightseeing concludes & you are transferred back to the hotel.

Balance of the day is at leisure for independent exploration or optional activities (we would be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Overnight.  B  

Morning, accompanied by the Tour-guide at 08.00 am, proceed to enjoy a leisurely boat cruise down the romantic Perfume River.

Stop at Thien Mu Pagoda (namely “Heaven Fairy Lady” also known as Linh Mu Pagoda), one of the most fascinating ancient Pagoda in Hue city. The name derives from a special legend. Long time ago, an old woman appeared on the hill where the Pagoda stands today, telling local people that a Lord would come & build a Buddhist Pagoda for the country’s prosperity.

King Nguyen Hoang who was initially the Governor of the province of Thuan Hoa (now known as Hue) was on a holiday to contemplate the seas & mountains of the local area when he passed by the village, heard the local legend & ordered the construction of the beautiful Pagoda on the hill in 1601.

The initial Temple was a very simple construction, but as time went by, several Kings of the Nguyen Dynasty such as Gia Long, Minh Mang, Thieu Tri & Thanh Thai redeveloped. restored & expanded it with more intricate features. The most striking feature is the iconic octagonal 7 storeys Phuoc Duyen Tower (initially called Tu Nhan Tower) erected in 1884 by King Thieu Tri, that has become the unofficial symbol of Hue, often the subject of folk rhymes & cadao about the former imperial capital. Dedicated to a Buddha who appeared in human form, it is the highest Stupa in Vietnam.

The Pagoda also played a great historical role. During the summer of 1963, the Pagoda, like many other in South Vietnam, became a hotbed of anti-government protest, a major organising point for the Buddhist movement, often the location of hunger strikes, barricades & protests. The country’s Buddhist majority had long been discontented with the rule of President Ngo Dinh Diem since his rise to power in 1955. Diem had shown strong favouritism towards Catholics & discrimination against Buddhists in the army, public service & distribution of government aid. Discontent with his policies exploded into mass protest in Hue during the summer of 1963 when 9 Buddhists died at the hand of Diem’s army & police on Vesak, the birthday of Gautama Buddha. Protests were held across the country & steadily grew in size. Today, the Pagoda is surrounded by flowers & ornamental plants. At the far end of the garden stretches a well-maintained calm & romantic pine-tree forest.

Move on to the ornate Minh Mang's Tomb in Huong Tho Commune on the west bank of the picturesque Perfume River, touted as the most majestic of all Nguyen Dynasty royal Tombs, part of a majestic complex encompassing around 40 Palaces, Temples, Pavilions, etc. in a beautiful natural setting. Looking from afar, the Complex looks like a human being with the hill as his pillow & his hands & feet reaching to the river. 

A perfect combination of manmade & natural beauty of Hue, where architecture fits harmoniously into the surrounding landscape, the Tomb was constructed in 1840 under the order of King Minh Mang.  

Enjoy lunch at a riverside restaurant before departing for Hoi An driving along the dramatic 500 metre high Hai Van Pass, the high dividing line between the climate zones of north & south Vietnam.

Continue southwards passing Lang Co, a lovely stretch of beach curving outwards between a clear blue lagoon & the South China Sea.

Enroute, stop at large coastal city of Da Nang known as the tourist capital of South-central Vietnam, with a west-coast location that makes for beautiful sunsets against an impressive backdrop of lush mountains. As the 4^th largest city in Vietnam after Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi & Hai Phong, Da Nang is the economic & political center & also a history as a French colonial port.

For decades it had a reputation as a provincial backwater, but stroll along the Han riverfront & you will find the entire Da Nang Beach strip booming with gleaming new modernist hotels, high-end Resort developments, luxury apartments & glitzy seafood restaurants. Spectacular Bridges now span the Han River & in the north of the city, the landmark new D-City is rising from the flatlands.

Da Nang’s pristine beaches offer a wide range of fun-filled activities & sightseeing opportunities, with calm waters & lifeguards. The 20 mile stretch of white sand at the tranquil My Khe Beach with clear blue waters, made popular by the American troops who visited during the Vietnam War, it is considered to be one of Vietnam's most picturesque beach, a favourite spot for sunbathing, fishing, snorkelling, jet-skiing & surfing.

Da Nang hosts some of Vietnam's top luxury resorts, but much of the beach still belongs to the people who make it their playground, gym & source of livelihood.

With broad beaches, fantastic street food, the fabled Hai Van Pass & a growing collection of Cafes, Restaurants & Bars, it is no wonder the residents of Da Nang sport some of the broadest smiles in the country. Seeing Da Nang after-dark at its shimmering neon-lit best is an impressive sight. Stroll along the Han riverfront & discover the city's street-food scene & impressive French colonial buildings.

In Da Nang, an international fireworks competition is organized every year & you can see mesmerizing performances by numerous artists from around the world, which lighten up the romantic Han River.

A must-do for any first-time visitor to Da Nang is climbing the steps to the top of Marble Mountains, a cluster of 5 limestone & marble hills within Hoa Hai District on the outskirts of the city, to enjoy spectacular views across Non Nuoc or My Khe Beaches. Named after natural elements, the peaks are individually known as Thuy Son (water), Moc Son (wood), Hoa Son (fire), Kim Son (metal) & Tho Son (earth). There are also a good mix of 17^th century Buddhist sanctuaries & Pagodas dotted across the mountains & in the caves, where locals pray & get their fortunes told.

You, however, ‘cos the limited time, visit only the quaint Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture & handicraft village at the foot of Marble Mountain.

Perhaps the only Museum in the world showcasing the Cam Pa civilisation, it houses, probably the best collection of the art & beautiful sculptures reflecting the 1000 year Cham period to be found anywhere in the world. Recognized as a national first-class relic by the Vietnamese Ministry of Culture, Sports & Tourism, the Museum is regarded as an architectural gem of Southeast Asia. There are more than 300 sandstone & terracotta artifacts, many dating to the 4^th century, inspired by Buddhism & Hinduism. The sculptures were collected from Cham Temples & Towers throughout central Vietnam. Although profoundly influenced by the architecture & sculpture of the Indian civilization, the Champa had their own vision of life & religion and this brought to their sculpture a subtle & distinct beauty.

Right next to the Museum is the unique Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village which as a proud history covering more than 200 years

After spending a couple of hours in Da Nang, continue on to Hoi An.

Arrive in the sleepy riverside town in late afternoon & Check-in at the hotel.

Balance of the day is at leisure for independent exploration or optional activities (we would be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Graceful, historic Hoi An is Vietnam’s most atmospheric & delightful town - oozing charm & with more than 2,000 years history, having largely escaped the destruction of successive wars. Once a sleepy riverside village, it is now quite definitely a tourist town - with hotels, restaurants, bars, tailors & souvenir shops dominating the old centre.

Hoi An is an exceptionally well-preserved example of a major Southeast Asian trading Port dating from the 15^th to 19^th century. It was the principal Port of the Cham Kingdom, which controlled the strategic spice trade with Indonesia from the 7^th - 10^th century & the foreign influences are discernible to this day.

The culture & heritage is mostly from the Cham people whose Kingdom originally stretched from Hue South to Phan Thiet (South of Nha Trang) - the Champa's most likely originally from Java. The original Cham political capital was Tra Kieu, the commercial capital was Hoi An & the spiritual capital was My Son. The Cham people were Hindu & by the 10^th century, the influence of Arab traders to Hoi An resulted in some converting to become Muslims.

The 2^nd major influence was from the Chinese, firstly from Traders but especially the escaping Ming Dynasty armies who after settling in Hoi An for some years moved further south & created Saigon as a major trading Port. The 3^rd & last major influence of culture & heritage was from the fairly recent Vietnamese which came after the Cham lost control of this area.

Despite this air of irreality, Hoi An’s charisma pervades & the 21^st century curses of traffic & pollution are almost entirely absent.

While the serious shipping business has long since moved to Da Nang, the heart of the city is still the UNESCO World Heritage listed Old Town, full of winding lanes & Chinese-styled shop-houses, which is particularly atmospheric in the evening as the sun goes down.

While almost all shops now cater to the tourist trade, the grand architecture & beguiling riverside setting that befits its heritage has been largely preserved, which is unusual in Vietnam & renovation has proceeded slowly & carefully. Its buildings & its street plan reflect the influences, both indigenous & foreign, that have combined to produce this unique heritage site.

The face of the Old Town has preserved its incredible legacy of tottering Japanese merchant houses, Chinese temples & ancient tea warehouses – though, of course, residents & rice fields have been gradually replaced by tourist businesses.

Hoi An is known for clothing & shoes and with more than 600 shops (mainly 100s of tailors) catering to a very limited pool of tourists, are very much part of the scene here. The main thoroughfare in the Old Town is Tran Phu with Lounge Bars, boutique Hotels, Travel Agents, Art Galleries & a glut of shops etc.

Hoi An is pedestrian-friendly: the Old Town is closed to cars & the distances from the hotels to the centre are walkable. Motorbikes are only banned from the centre of town during certain times of day, so keep an eye out for them; even in the most narrow alleys. Evenings are especially busy with motorbikes two, or even three abreast competing with pedestrians for even the smallest space on the street!

The city's government does not allow motorbikes to enter the Old Town on the 14^th & 15^th of each lunar month. This is especially true on ‘Hoi An Legendary Night’ when the Old Town is transformed into a magical land of silk lanterns, traditional food, song & dance and games in the streets.

Walk on some of the streets outside the old town & you will see open-fronted workshops operating all hours where the clothes are made. And yet, down by the market & over on Cam Nam Island, you will find life has changed little.

You certainly do not (usually) require an Entrance Ticket just to walk the streets. But to enter the Old Town through the main entrance - the Japanese Bridge (& handful of buildings that aren't shops) require a Ticket. But there is nothing to stop you using the nearby footway on the waterfront instead for free.  Piped (western, classical) music throughout the main old town streets adds to the crass Disneyland feel.

Perhaps more than any other place in the country, Hoi An retains a sense of history that envelops you as you explore it. It is a great place to hire a bike.

Overnight.   B L   

The exquisitely preserved merchant town of Hoi An with its colorful shop-houses & Temples reflect a diverse heritage, dating back to the 16^th & 17^th centuries. Today it is a thriving center of traditional crafts and a shoppers paradise, best explored on foot.

The city requests that visitors dress "decently" while visiting sites in the Old Town. Men should wear a shirt & women shouldn't wear bikini tops, sleeveless blouses or skirts above the knees. Respect the local culture & remember that you are not on the beach.

Morning, meet the Tour-guide at 08.00 am & begin the tour, wandering through the cobbled streets, past low tile roofed buildings, the bustling central Market & the small Harbour where colorfully painted boats are moored.

Walk to the Japanese Covered Bridge's Pagoda (Chua Cau or Lai Vien Kieu), located on the west end of Tran Phu Street considered to be the Main entry point to the Old Town with the Chinese quarters across the stream. Constructed in the early 1600's by the Japanese community, roughly 40 years before they left the city to return to Japan under the strict policy of ‘sakoku’ enforced by the Tokugawa Shogunate, the Bridge was renovated in 1986 & today, it is the ‘land mark’ symbol of Hoi An. The annexed Pagoda is on one side of the Bridge's interior.

The walking tour will include a brief visit to a Private House, where members of the same family have lived continuously for centuries in a traditional setting. The design of the house shows how local architecture incorporated Japanese & Chinese influences. Japanese elements include the crab shell-shaped ceiling supported by 3 beams in the living room. Chinese poems written in mother-of-pearl are hanging from a number of the columns that hold up the roof.

Visit one of the Family Chapels built by prominent merchant or official families as centres for ancestor worship.

Numerous congregation halls, where Chinese expatriate residents socialized & held meetings, are dotted about the town & are typically named after the home region of their members, such as Fujian & Canton. See a typical Chinese style Pagoda or Cantonese Assembly Hall built in 1885 which has a calm courtyard with ornate statuary. Take a peek at the half-hidden back yard & its kitschy pastel dragon statues.

Hoi An’s innumerable Museums can be given a miss as they are not so great. However, if there is free time at hand, then we can certainly recommend which ones to visit.

The sightseeing concludes & you return to the hotel or continue exploring on your own.

Later in the afternoon, travel outside of Hoi An to the UNESCO World Heritage listed My Son.

My Son is a cluster of abandoned & partially ruined Hindu Temples of Quang Nam province in in South-Central Vietnam, constructed between the 4^th & 14^th century by the Kings of Champa, an Indianized united Kingdom of various tribes of the Cham ethnic group, who ruled South & Central Vietnam from the 3^rd century until 1832. Upon their succession, Champa Kings would traditionally build Temple complexes at My Son.

During the centuries when Tra Kieu (which was then known as Simhapura) served as the political capital, My Son was the most important intellectual & religious centre & may also have served as a burial place for Cham monarchs. It is considered to be the smaller version of the grand cities of Southeast Asia’s other Indian-influenced civilisations: Angkor (Cambodia), Ayu-thaya (Thailand), Bagan (Myanmar) & Borobudur (Java).

Clear streams run between the structures & past nearby coffee plantations. Although Vietnam has better preserved Cham sites, none are as extensive & few have such beautiful surroundings - in a verdant lush jungle valley surrounded by hills & overlooked by Cat’s Tooth Mountain (Hon Quap), its crooked peak mimicked by the architecture of some Temples' roofs. These mountains are the source of the Thu Bon holy river flowing through the site believed to be the longest inhabited archaeological site in Indochina.

Even though much of the site was destroyed by US carpet bombing during the Second Indochina War, it is considered one of the foremost Hindu Temple complexes in Southeast Asia & one of the most important heritage sites of this nature in Vietnam. These ancient enigmatic Cham ruins are often referred to as Vietnam’s Angkor Wat - an evidence of an Asian civilization which is now extinct. Inspite of American bombs reducing many of the Towers to ruins, there is still plenty to see.

The Champa people were predominately Hindus & the Temples are dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva. The earliest Temples were built of wood in the 4^th century but these structures were destroyed by a massive fire, the exact cause of which is unknown. Subsequent Kings rebuilt these temples in wood, then close-fitted bricks with no mortar & finally in limestone. The majority of the surviving structures are in brick.

Between the 4^th - 14^th century, the Champa Kings built at least 70 structures in the area, sometimes on top of the ruins of previous structures. These structures were decorated with sculptures of gods, priests, sacred animals (dragons, snakes, lions, elephants) & scenes of mythical battles. In addition to being a place of worship, Kings & religious leaders were interred here.

In 1832, the Champa were annexed by the Vietnamese Emperor Minh Mang & My Sơn Temple complex was largely forgotten & was reclaimed by the jungle. In 1898, the Frenchman M.C. Paris rediscovered the Complex during the French occupation of Vietnam. This led to the study & partial restoration of the site by the Ecole Française d'Extreme-Orient & other scholarly societies. Later, French archeologists are credited with extensively documenting the site as it existed at the time, including copious photographs.

This documentation of the French scholars became especially important after the outbreak of the Second Indochina War (called the "Vietnam War" in the United States, and the "American War" in Vietnam). The communist Viet Cong, who supported North Vietnam, took shelter in the ruins. In response, US B-52 aircraft carpet-bombed the region extensively for a week in August of 1969. As a result of this bombing, only 18 structures remain of the 70 or so originally documented by the French.

As a result of the US military bombings during the Second Indochina War, there are some bomb craters still visible within the Temple complex. The most noticeable of these craters is located by the Temples of Group F.

Today, efforts are under way to preserve & restore the Temples to the conditions documented by the French. These restoration efforts involve the use of materials that is as similar as possible to those used by the original Champa architects. The restored sections of Temples are readily visible & obviously distinguishable from the original sections, as the modern bricks are cleaner & a noticeably different color.

There are also a couple of Champa Museums, describing many of the artifacts & the history of the site. Another Museum exists near Group A. These Museums contain well-preserved sculptures from the surrounding ruins.

The Temples are in varying states of (dis)repair, with restoration still underway on some. They are situated in 10 "groups", labeled A-L. Four of the sites (A, B-C-D, E-F & G) are located in the same general vicinity. The H, K & L ruins are separate, but clearly marked on large maps situated frequently throughout. All of the sites are connected by reasonably well-labeled walking tracks

The entire layout of the Temples is religiously designed according to the sun & rays of the sun; in the early morning this is clearly visible. The early morning sunlight shines behind the head of Lord Vishnu from where it is scattered throughout.

Spend a couple of hours exploring the Complex on the ‘guided’ tour.

Return to Hoi An by evening.

Balance of the evening free to relax or for independent exploration or optional activities (we would be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

If the timings permit, we recommend a cruise down the Thu Bon river as one of the best ways to idle away an hour or two to watch the Sunset, a favourite of Romantics & Photographers.

Or walk around the old town at night. The most popular activity is actually quite simple; as sundown approaches until 09.30 pm, the old town lights up with lanterns & other lights and attracts window shopping & peaceful evening walks. Locals come out in the Old Town during this time window when the temperature is cooler & stroll around, exploring shops, restaurants, people watch or to simply soak in the beauty of Hoi An.

The street lanterns shut down approximately 09.30 pm & vendors & food stalls follow suit in the following hour. By around 10.30 pm, most vendors, bars, & restaurants are closed with only late night bars & very few food stands remaining.

Overnight.   B

After an early breakfast, you will be transferred from Hoi An to Da Nang International Airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).

Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City, also commonly referred to as Saigon, the largest city in Vietnam.

After you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal? -  Saigon Tan Sơn Nhat International Airport, you will be welcomed by The Journeys representative who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to the hotel, help you settle in and provide you with some useful tips for exploring the area as well as discuss the program for the next few days.

If, for any reason you are unable to make contact with our representative within 30 minutes of waiting, please call the local Emergency telephone # listed on your Contact List. Please follow the advice given by our 24 / 7 Duty Officer.  Please do not exit the Airport & make your own way to the hotel.

Reach the hotel & Check-in.

*Check-in time is 02.00 pm. For earlier arrivals in the morning, we will request the hotel for a complimentary early Check-in but cannot be guaranteed unless reserved & paid for ‘immediate occupancy’.

Relax for an hour before meeting the Tour-guide for a tour of the city.

Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) is a metropolis on the move - & we are not just talking about the motorbikes that throng the streets. Saigon, as it is known to all but city officials, is Vietnam at its most dizzying: a high-octane city of commerce & culture that has driven the whole country forward with its limitless energy.

It is Vietnam at its most dizzying: a high-octane city of commerce & culture that has driven the country forward with its pulsating energy. A living organism that breathes life & vitality into all who settle here, and visitors cannot help but be hauled along for the ride.

At the peak of the Vietnam War in 1969, the city had 4.5 million inhabitants who were all evacuated when Saigon & the rest of the South fell to North Vietnam in 1975. The city has recovered in the 45 years since then, with the current population at over 8.9 million within city proper & over 21 million within the metropolitan area. 

It was renamed Ho Chi Minh City, after the spiritual leader of Vietnamese Communism, but residents were so reluctant to adopt the new name that authorities kept the official name but the city centre is still called Saigon.

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is the business & financial hub of Vietnam, with a prominent history going back hundreds of years. The Khmers originally settled the region, with the Vietnamese taking over in the 17^th century. The French conquered Saigon, as it was then known, in 1859 & made it the capital of Cochin China in 1862, which resulted in numerous elegant architecture & broad boulevards that are still present to this day.

Today, Ho Chi Minh City is a popular tourist destination due to its fascinating culture, classic French architecture & sleek skyscrapers as well as ornate Temples & Pagodas.

Wander through timeless alleys to incense-infused temples before negotiating chic designer malls beneath sleek 21^st century skyscrapers.

The ghosts of the past live on in the churches, temples, former GI hotels & government buildings that one generation ago witnessed a city in turmoil, but the real beauty of Saigon’s urban collage is that these 2 worlds blend so seamlessly into one exciting mass.

Ancient pagodas or teeming markets, past ramshackle wooden shops selling silk, spices & baskets before fast-forwarding into the future beneath sleek skyscrapers or at designer malls, fantastic gourmet restaurants that offer a combination of French, Chinese & of course, local Vietnamese cuisine. The city is also filled with minimalist rooftop bars that overlook Saigon & beyond,

The Saigon experience is about so many things - memorable conversations, tantalising tastes & moments of frustration - yet it will not evoke apathy. Stick around this conundrum of a city long enough & you may just unravel its mysteries. Saigon is a name so evocative that it conjures up a thousand jumbled images.

Meet the Tour-guide at 12.00 pm & embark on a 6 hour sightseeing tour of the city.

Spend the day discovering history, traditions & cultures of the energetic Ho Chi Minh City as you wander through timeless winding alleys to magnificent Pagodas, bustling marketplaces & architectural masterpieces.

Commence the tour of with a visit to 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 & the old Opera House (both may only be viewed from the outside) & pay a quick visit to the neo Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral & the Central Post Office.

Ho Chi Minh or Saigon City Hall was originally constructed as Hotel de Ville de Saigon in 1898 by French architect Gardes & later underwent a design conversion in 1902 -1908 to turn it into People’s Committee Building for the then city of Saigon.

Occupying the end of Nguyen Hue walking promenade, the People’s Committee Building Saigon in central Ho Chi Minh City is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, featuring well-preserved French colonial architecture in a spacious garden landscape.

Renamed after 1975 as Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, it has 3 French colonial style buildings with embossed statues of animals & people, intricate bas-reliefs on the walls, as well as a statue of Ho Chi Minh in front of the main building.

Located in District 1, the People’s Committee Building Saigon is accessible within a 5 minute walk from other prominent colonial structures such as the Saigon Opera House, Rex Hotel, Notre Dame Cathedral & Union Square Shopping Mall.

Next, dive into modern history with a tour of the Reunification Palace.

Independence Palace built on the site of the former Norodom Palace, is a famous landmark designed by architect Ngo Viet Thụ & was the home & workplace of the President of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. It was famously stormed by tanks on April 30, 1975 signifying the fall of South Vietnam. It has been preserved in its original state & the original tanks remain on display near the entrance gates. 

Surrounded by royal palm trees, the dissonant 1960s architecture of this landmark government building & the eerie ambience of its deserted halls make it an intriguing spectacle. The first Communist tanks to arrive in Saigon rumbled here on 30 April 1975 & it is as if time has stood still since then. The building is deeply associated with the fall of the city in 1975, yet it is the kitsch detailing & period motifs that steal the show.

In 1868 a residence was built on this site for the French governor-general of Cochin-China & gradually it expanded to become Norodom Palace. When the French departed, the Palace became home to the South Vietnamese President Ngo Dinh Diem. So unpopular was Diem that his own Air Force bombed the Palace in 1962 in an unsuccessful attempt to kill him, and most of the colonial-era structure was damaged.

The next President ordered a new modernist residence to be built on the same site, this time with a sizeable bomb shelter in the basement. Designed by Paris-trained Vietnamese architect Ngo Viet Thu, it is an outstanding example of 1960s architecture, with an airy & open atmosphere & was completed in 1966, but Diem did not get to see his dream house as he was killed by his own troops in 1963.

The new building was named Independence Palace & was home to the succeeding South Vietnamese President, Nguyen Van Thieu.

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. 

Drive to the historic center to visit Emperor of Jade Pagoda (also known as Tortoise Pagoda) is one of the 5 most important shrines in Ho Chi Minh City.

Built at the turn of the 20^th century by a community of Cantonese who migrated from Guangzhou province in Southwest China, this Pagoda is a fine representation of Mahayanist branch of Buddhism that is practiced widely in Vietnam.

In the main hall, the Emperor Jade Chua Ngoc Hoang or the 'God of the Heavens' reigns supreme. Aided by two assistants, the Emperor decides who can enter this higher realm. Those who don't pass this gate will meet with the formidable 'God of Hell', on the left, who will send sinners to one of the 10 levels of hell. Life in purgatory is magnificently if somewhat gruesomely represented by the intricate carvings on the temple wall, depicting different kinds of punishments that await transgressors.

In a different hall, the goddess of fertility Kim Hua, surrounded by figures of women & small children, blesses childless couples who pray for an offspring here. The goddess of mercy Kuan Yin, who forms a very important part of any Taoist temple, has an altar in a room on the top floor.

Emperor Jade Pagoda is an active shrine very much in use by the locals who come here to prayer or make votive offerings of flowers, and light candles & joss sticks. With worshippers coming & going, the temple can get busy & feel a little cramped. Dimly lit narrow passageways filled with smoke lend an atmospheric feel to the place, adding to its charm.

There is also an overcrowded tortoise pond in front of the temple grounds & feeding the animals is considered part of the merit-making, temple-going rituals.

The sightseeing concludes & you are transferred back to the hotel.

Return to the hotel or stay back in the market to discover on your own.

Balance of the day is at leisure for independent exploration or optional activities (we would be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Overnight.   B 

Today, you will leave Saigon and travel to the town of Can Tho in Mekong River Delta.

Enroute stop at riverside town of Cai Be & Vinh Long. And a candy factory & orchard garden,

Vietnam’s ‘rice basket’, the Mekong Delta is a watery landscape of green fields & sleepy villages, everywhere crisscrossed by the brown canals & rivulets fed by the mighty Mekong River. Its inhabitants - stereotyped as friendly & easygoing - have long toiled on the life-sustaining river, with their labours marked by the same cycles governing the waterways. The delta, which yields enough rice to feed the country with a sizable surplus, was formed by sediment deposited by the Mekong. The process continues today, with silt deposits extending the shoreline by as much as 80m per year. The river is so large that it has two daily tides. Lush with rice paddies & fish farms, this delta plain also nourishes the cultivation of sugarcane, fruit, coconut & shrimp. The uniquely southern charm with its welcoming introduction to life along the river is the real draw & visitors can explore quaint riverside towns, sample fruits bartered in the colourful floating markets or dine on home-cooked delicacies before overnighting as a homestay guest.

On reaching Cai Be in the Mekong Delta by lunchtime, cross the river by motorized boat to visit some fluvial islands & then explore the countryside by bicycle.

Cai Be, has a distinctive ecological system in the river network of South Vietnam. The nature is fertile & the local people are opened-heart & hospitable. With its floating market, tropical fruits & rich history, Cai Be is an intriguing & attractive destination for travelers from all over. The history of Cai Be Floating Market is still unknown but people believe that it was formed during time of the formation of the delta in 17^th - 18^th centuries by people from central Vietnam.

More than 400 boats in the delta gather for trading each day. The hustle & bustle of the market begins in early morning but remains open all day. Some people come here to buy products from merchants & take back to the markets in the mainland for resale.

Visiting Cai Be Market offers great photographic & unique opportunities; from boat rides along the bustling river to cruising through the mysterious canals, to meeting local merchants & sampling delicious fresh locally grown fruits.

Drive on & arrive at Vinh Long, the capital of Vinh Long province & a gateway to island life,

A bit more chaotic than other Mekong towns of its size, Vinh Long has noisy, motorbike-filled streets, though its riverfront (& its several restaurants) make for a pleasant escape from the mayhem. Despite the lack of in-town attractions, Vinh Long is the gateway to river islands & some worthwhile sites, including the Cai Be floating market & orchards.

A number of canals run through Vinh Long, with tall vehicular bridges crossing them. Transport by boat is possible, although parts of the town, particularly An Binh, become unreachable at low tide.

Spend an hour & drive on to your final destination of Can Tho.

Arrive by afternoon & Check-in at the hotel.

The epicentre of the Mekong Delta, Can Tho is the largest city in the region and feels like a metropolis – a buzzing town with a lively waterfront & a colourful mix of narrow back streets & wide boulevards that make for some rewarding exploration. Can Tho has a reputation for being a welcoming place, where everybody is smiling & welcoming.

As the political, economic, cultural & transportation centre of the Mekong Delta, Can Tho has a lively waterfront lined with sculpted gardens, an appealing blend of narrow backstreets & wide boulevards, and perhaps the greatest concentration of foreigners in the delta.  It is also the perfect base for nearby floating markets, the major draw for tourists who come here to boat along the many canals & rivers leading out of town.

Balance of the day is at leisure for independent exploration (we would be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Overnight.   B L   

The city is famous for its floating markets, Buddhist pagodas, delicious food, fresh fruit, its large student population & welcoming atmosphere. Can Tho is a big city, but the centre can be easily explored on foot.

The canal system around Can Tho is a fascinating travel network, much more relaxed than the bustling roads. Floating markets where many goods are exchanged make for a lively scene & can be easily visited by small boats where the "boat ladies" are charmingly eager to welcome you aboard.

Wake up early at dawn or before & leave the hotel to visit the famous Cai Rang main wholesale floating market of the area.

Transfer to Ninh Kieu Pier to board a small rowboat (probably with a small motor as well) that can take you through the small canals that the larger tour boats cannot navigate. (Alternatively, we can also offer the upgraded Mystic Sampan that offers higher-end breakfast cruises).

Continue the boat ride to visit the Mekong Delta’s famous orchards & sample the fresh, exotic fruit. Then venture deeper into the country side, passing traditional houses made of wood & palm leaves as you observe the activities of the local people.

Disembark & continue the tour on land.

Visit the downtown Ninh Kieu Park situated along the Can Tho Riverfront.  Although the Park sports some greenery, one of its most noticeable features is a public Square surrounding a large statue of Ho Chi Minh. The Park is a busy place in the evenings, when locals gather to hang out, play badminton, breakdance, or sit & eat sweet bean che.

Just across from Ho Chi Minh's statue in Ninh Kieu Park is a little Pagoda, constructed in the 1890s. Apparently a secret hideout for communist revolutionaries during the Vietnam War, the Pagoda is now considered a national monument. It is worth seeing if only for its artistic value, with its intricate altars featuring carved wooden bas-reliefs.

The other big attraction is Ninh Kieu Tourist Market, which houses souvenir vendors, cafes & restaurants. The Night Market on Nguyen An Ninh & Chau Van Liem streets is a good place to look for bargains, tra sua milk tea & a variety of street food. Plenty of restaurants dot Hai Ba Trung Street nearby too, so you will invariably find what you need if you look around.

Pass by the 18^th century Xuan Khanh Quarter named Tham Tuong after General Tham Tuong who fought the Siamese troops advancing from Ha Tien in 1772. The name of the place was changed after the Vietnam War to reflect the ideology of the new regime in power.

The central street of Xuan Khan - Mau Than St is famous as the longest street in the Mekong Delta stretching for over 30 km. Named after the “Tet Offensive”, launched on Vietnamese New Year, 30 Jan 1968. In Vietnamese, the offensive is called Tet Mau Than (hence the name "Mau Than", meaning "year of the monkey").

Xuan Khanh Market at the start of the street is a daily stop for many citizens. The Street is also a centre for the local community as there are 2 churches & the Quang Duc Pagoda just a few hundred metres distant. One of the biggest & most active Buddhist temples with monks living in the premises & depending on the day of your visit you may see traditionally dressed monks or a celebration service at one of the churches that often reach into the street in the evening.

The area is also frequented by students from nearby Can Tho University who live in Xuan Khanh Student Quarter or do their daily shopping here. There are small eateries in the street & alleys as well as cafes catering to the student population. As this Quarter is less frequented by tourists, you will find more local colour here than in the upmarket Ninh Kieu Pier.

The sightseeing ends & you proceed to the hotel to Check-out & enjoy lunch.

Post lunch, depart for Saigon, arriving in the late afternoon. 

On arrival, Check-in at the hotel.

Balance of the day is at leisure for independent exploration or optional activities (we would be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements for optional programs).

Overnight.   B L      

Today, get ready to explore some of Vietnam’s iconic spots outside of Saigon.

Meet the Tour-guide at 07.00 am & depart for an excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels, one of Ho Chi Minh’s most iconic attractions.   

On the outskirts of Ho Chi Minh City, amidst humid jungles that will cause rivulets of sweat to drip down your face, lies one of the city’s most iconic attractions: the Cu Chi Tunnels. An immense network of connecting Tunnels located in the Cu Chi District of Ho Chi Minh City & are part of a much larger network of Tunnels that underlie much of the country.

Cu Chi Tunnels is the common name of the immense honeycomb network of connecting Tunnels system in the Cu Chi area of Ho Chi Minh City, part of a much larger network that underlie much of the country.

In order to combat better-supplied American & South Vietnamese forces during the Vietnam War, Communist guerrilla troops known as Viet Cong (VC) dug hundreds of miles of Tunnels, including an extensive network running underneath the Cu Chi district northwest of Saigon, even covering a place that once was a US airbase. 

Cu Chi has become a place of pilgrimage for Vietnamese school children and Communist Party cadres. Today, visitors can walk through the area & learn about the daily life of the VC & see the cleverly disguised entrances & elaborate booby traps and even crawl through these tight spaces, inside the legendary Tunnels, some of which have been modified to accommodate visitors. Visiting the Tunnels gives you a first-hand experience of an eye-opening snippet inside the lives of the Viet Cong. Be aware, this is not an experience for the claustrophobic.

The network connected over 250 km of command posts, communication & supply routes, hospitals, kitchens, food & weapon caches & factories & bomb shelters, living quarters for 1,000s of North Vietnamese fighters, developed into entire self-contained underground villages & was an important Viet Cong base during the infamous Vietnam War (or “American War” as it’s referred to here) as protection against American air raids. At its peak during the War, the network in the Cu Chi district linked VC support bases from the outskirts of Saigon all the way to the Cambodian border.

As opposing U.S soldiers were committed to aerial bombardment tactics, the underground Tunnels served as a perfect solution for the Viet Cong to survive & continue their guerrilla warfare to counter the growing American military effort. The triumphant Tet Offensive in 1968 against the Americans, was one of the Viet Cong’s most successful campaigns planned & launched from the Cu Chi Tunnels. The Viet Cong would mount surprise attacks, set numerous booby traps for enemy troops such as trip wires that would detonate grenades or punji sticks, camouflaged pits with sharpened bamboo sticks to impale soldiers, after which they could disappear underground to safety.

To combat these guerrilla tactics, U.S. forces would eventually train some soldiers to function as so-called “tunnel rats” to spend hours navigating the cramped, dark tunnels to detect booby traps & scout for enemy troops.

The Tunnels have a depth of 3 floors. The upper floor is about 3 meters below the ground, the middle floor is about 6 meters from the ground, the bottom floor is more than 12 meters deep. The Network includes countless trapdoors, living areas & kitchens, storage facilities, armoury, weapon factories, field hospitals & command centres. In some areas there were even large Theaters & Music Halls to provide diversion for the troops (many of them peasants) & their supporters.

Today the remaining Tunnels have become a major tourist attraction giving the visitor a unique experience & a feel of what underground life during the U.S.-Vietnam War.

It is important to know that the sections (enlarged & upgraded versions of the real thing) of the Tunnel complex, open to public, are split over 2 neighbouring sites.

Ben Dinh is near village of Ben Dinh & the other site is 15 km away at Ben Duoc. Visiting the Tunnels at Ben Dinh is easier to reach by road. Even if you stay above ground, it is still an interesting experience learning about the region's ingenious & brave resistance activities.

Suitable for more adventurous individuals, Ben Duoc section, with a narrower & rougher Tunnel system which is 5 times bigger than Ben Dinh, allows you to explore a more elaborate & realistic Tunnel system. In these Tunnels, you will also find fascinating sites, such as the Ben Duoc Memorial Temple & Hoang Cam Kitchen.

You can walk through the area & learn about the daily life of the VC & see the see the cleverly disguised entrances & elaborate booby�]traps and even venture inside the Tunnels, some of which have been modified to accommodate visitors.

Learn from the Tour-guide about the role these underground channels played in protecting people during the American War in Vietnam & gain a deeper understanding for the daily life that took place far below the surface of the earth as you wander inside the Tunnels.

He / she will give you an overview of Cu Chi & its legendary history - about the traces, exhibits, old weapons here. Then, enjoy a short documentary film about the Tunnels history & how fierce the war was, in this area. Gradually, you will find out the reason why Cu Chi is a symbol of the ingenuity, loyalty, hard work & determination of the Vietnamese.

Visitors can now crawl through some of the safer areas of the Tunnels, view command centers & booby traps. You can even eat a meal featuring typical foods that soldiers living in the Tunnels would have eaten.

Both sites have attached Gun Ranges which offer an opportunity to handle weapons used during the war such as AK47s & M16s. You can also participate in a paintball game, kayak & cycling!

The Chu Chi Tunnels are part of a massive War Museum in Ho Chi Minh offering visitors a sneak-peek at the underground life of Vietnamese soldiers back in 1948.

Finish the 2 hour tour experience & get ready to leave for the provincial city of Tay Ninh in south-eastern Vietnam bordered by Cambodia on 3 sides & Saigon River on the Eastern border. The area’s dominant geographic feature is Nui Ba Den (Black Lady Mountain), which towers above the surrounding plains.

Tay Ninh serves as the headquarters of one of Vietnam’s most interesting indigenous hybrid religions, Cao Daism founded in the 1920s & which combines elements of Buddhism, Confucianism, Hinduism, Christianity & Islam in order to promote peace.

Built between 1933 & 1955, the Cao Dai Great Temple at the Sect’s Holy See is one of Asia's most unusual & astonishing structures. The Temple is a rococo extravaganza blending the dissonant architectural idio­syncrasies of a French church, a Chinese pagoda & an Islamic mosque. Women enter though one side while men from the other & shoes are to be left outside.

Spend time exploring the beautiful Temple & participate in the noontime prayer service.

Return to Saigon by late afternoon.

Balance of the day is at leisure for independent exploration or optional activities (we would be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Overnight.  B L

Alas, this wonderful experience comes to an end. Time to say good-bye to idyllic Vietnam  & go home. 

.

Check-out of the hotel by 11:00 am (if the departure time is later in the evening, we will request the hotel to allow the use of hotel facilities & to leave the luggage at the Bell Desk). 

In time, you will be met by a Journeys Rep, who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to Terminal? -  Ho Chi Minh City - Tan Son Nhat International Airport for the flight back home.  B

 .

  ***      End of Services      ***