Vietnam vacations, Vietnam Travel Heritage,Holidays Vietnam heritage tours

VIETNAM HERITAGE TOUR

The discovery of Vietnam’s marvelous world heritage sites will amaze visitors wherever they
are, from the peaceable city of Hanoi, the natural wonders of Halong Bay to the Citadel of
Hue, the ancient town of Hoi An and the holy land of My Son. Sailing in the fantastic world of
Halong Bay with over 2,000 islands of different sizes and shapes rising from the emerald
waters of the Gulf of Tonkin is
a perfect way to enjoy this masterpiece of nature.

Leaving this natural backdrop for the cultural legacies, visitors will be strolling through the
poetic and graceful Hue Citadel and the quaint and lovely town of Hoi An, lost in nostalgia
and melancholy inspired by the slow local pace of life. Then it will be exciting to have a short
hiking trip to the holy land of My Son and witness the mystical presence of Hindu gods and
Champa kings in every red
brick and sandstone statue.

A 2-day extension to Phong Nha, a prospective world heritage site boasting a complex of
magnificent caves, is optionally made from Hue.

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi

Arrive at Noi Bai Airport. Pick up and transfer to a hotel. Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital city, boasts
tree-lined streets and centuries-old temples. An afternoon sightseeing tour features both
cultural and historical highlights, comprising the Temple of Literature, the Ethnology
Museum, the old quarters and a downtown pedicab ride (1 hour). The sightseeing day ends
with a water puppet show, a
theatrical genre reflecting the agricultural civilization of thousands of years ago.
O/N in Hanoi.

Day 2: Hanoi – Cat Ba - Halong (B, L)
Depart for Cat Ba Island (50km) via a newly-built road on the southern edge of the island,
passing straits, salt marshes, lush valleys and breath-taking cliffs. On arrival at Beo Jetty,
board a private boat for a cruise (6 hours) in Lan Ha Bay, famous for its pristine islands,
crescent beaches and crystal waters. Explore
Halong Bay’s magic caves and limestone formations. Lunch of fresh seafood is served on
board. The cruise ends at sunset, a spectacular view in Halong Bay.
O/N in Halong.

Day 3: Halong – Hanoi (B)
The morning is leisure for personal pursuits: relaxing on the sandy beach of Tuan Chau
Island, walking on stone steps to Mt. Bai Tho (200m) which offers a panoramic view of
Halong Bay and shopping for souvenirs on Halong Road (coal carvings, embroideries,
ceramics...). In the afternoon, return to Hanoi. O/N in Hanoi.

Day 4: Hanoi – Hue (B, D)
Early in the morning, transfer to Noi Bai Airport for a short flight to Hue, widely known for its
magnificent monuments built under the Nguyen Dynasty (1802 – 1945). On arrival, visit the
tombs of King Khai Dinh (ruled 1916 – 1925) and King Minh Mang (ruled 1820 –1840)
which show the contrast between Oriental and Occidental architectures. Then take a boat
ride on the Perfume River to
Hon Chen Temple and Thien Mu Pagoda, viewing rural landscape at sunset. In the evening,
a typical royal court dinner with a presentation of ancient dancing and music is arranged
(minimum group size: 10). O/N in Hue.

Day 5: Hue – Danang - Hoi An (B)
A morning sightseeing tour focuses on the Imperial Citadel, built in 1804 on a site chosen in
accordance with the principles of geomancy, and the Dong Ba Market, famous for its best
conical hats in Vietnam. In the afternoon, transfer to Danang (110km) with a stop-over on
the Hai Van Pass overlooking the scenic Lang Co lagoon. Then pay a visit to the Cham
Sculpture Museum, which boasts the finest collection of Cham sandstone sculptures in the
world. Transfer to Hoi An (35km). O/N in Hoi An.

Day 6: Excursion to My Son & Hoi An (B)
Enjoy a day trip to explore two World Heritage sites recognized by UNESCO in 1999. First,
travel over rural roads to My Son (70km), where architectural treasures and sculptures of
Cham culture dating from the 7th to the 13th century can be explored. Then transfer to Hoi
An for a leisurely walk around a centuries-old city with ancient houses, temples, markets
and handicraft workshops. O/N in Hoi An.

Day 7: Departure from Danang (B)
Spend last minutes for downtown shopping (stone-carvings, silk, paintings,...) or at leisure
before check-out. Transfer to the airport for departure.

LE NGUYEN TRAVEL

Weather