Day1 - Arrival at Noi Bai airport and transfer to hotel. Hanoi, Vietnam's capital, is a stylish and gracious city that retains a unique old-world charm and some of Asia 's most striking colonial architecture. The many lakes and parks make for relaxing atmosphere. Time permitting, short cyclo excursion through the bustling old quarter streets named after the specific goods once offered for sale at these places. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day2 - Half-day city tour starting with the Ho Chi Minh Complex which contains the mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh, the nation's founder, the Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh's house on stilts. The complex also comprises the One-Pillar Pagoda, whose origins date back to the foundation of Hanoi, the Temple of Literature, Vietnam 's first university and the History Museum, which displays an excellent collection of artifacts illustrating the Vietnamese history. Visit of the peaceful lake of Hoan Kiem and of the bustling Dong Xuan Market. Departure for Halong Bay through a scenic countryside. Overnight in Ha Long.
Day 4 - Early morning flight to Da Nang. Short drive to Hoi An, originally a Cham seaport influenced over the centuries by myriads of traders from various cultures. There are plenty to see in this tranquil and delightful town, including the famous Japanese covered bridges, a pottery museum, the 200-year old Tamky House, the Chua Ong pagoda and the bustling market. Low tiled houses and assembly halls scattered along the small streets reflect the town's multi-cultural past. Overnight in Hoi An.
Day 5 - The next stop of our trip will be Hue , Vietnam 's imperial capital between 1802 and 1945. Along the way we explore the sensational Marble Mountains and the so-called 'China Beach' before continuing to the interesting Cham Museum in Danang City . The winding road begins as we make our way up to the spectacular Hai Van Pass. At the top of the pass we will stop to admire a fantastic view north to Lang Co and south to Danang. Arriving in Hue we enjoy a boat trip on the Perfume River with stopovers at the bustling Dong Ba Market and the beautiful Thien Mu Pagoda. We then visit the Imperial City and the Forbidden Purple City. This royal residence was all but destroyed during the 1968 Tet Offensive but it is still fascinating to walk among the ruins. Overnight in Hue.
Day 6 - The sightseeing tour of Hue would not be complete without a visit to the elaborate tomb of Emperor Tu Duc. We then board a plane to Ho Chi Minh City in the South wher we check-in at the hotel. In Ho Chi Minh City, still called Saigon by many locals, bicycles and motorbikes are ubiquitous as are shopping area and sidewalk cafés. An afternoon city tour takes us to the Reunification Palace, the former residence of the president until the fall of South Vietnam in April 1975. Close to the palace are some beautiful French colonial structures including the Notre Dame Cathedral and the old Saigon post office. We also visit the Jade Emperor Pagoda and the War Remnant before we continue to the bustling Ben Thanh Market where anything and everything is for sale. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City .
Day 7- Morning drive to Mekong delta, Vietnam's largest 'rice bowl'. Arrival in My Tho and boat trip around the intricate small canals of the delta - a great way to observe the local life and to see the many islands dotting the landscape. The lush green vegetation of the famous Unicorn Island gives us the opportunity to stroll around an orchard, taste many seasonal fruits and enjoy wonderful traditional music. The next stop of our trip is Ben Tre Province to visit some fascinating local industries. After lunch we return to Ho Chi Minh, stopping along the way at the beautiful Ving Trang pagoda and in Cho Lon, Saigon's Chinatown, crammed with sacred temples and mysterious narrow lanes. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City .
Day 8- Free time for relaxation or further exploration of Ho Chi Minh City. Transfer to Tan San Nhat airport and departure.