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10 Days - Imperial Vietnam

Vietnam is a country with a rich past, containing romantic legends, heroic struggles and deep cultural traditions. Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups, most of whom live in remote areas, follow age-old customs. These diverse, fascinating cultures dwell within a stunning countryside of spectacular natural scenery and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Vietnam extends along the eastern coast of the Indochina Peninsula from the fertile southern Mekong Delta and the northern Red River Delta, to vast rubber plantations, rolling hills covered with thick forest, and stretches of white sand beaches on nearly two thousand miles of coastline. Many say that Vietnam's greatest resource is its friendly, welcoming people. Long closed to the outside world, Vietnam retains a charming innocence. Yet in the decade since the country opened its doors to visitors, it has built world-class hotels and tourism facilities with both international standards and traditional Vietnamese hospitality. Luxury Travel is ready to take you on an unforgettable discovery of Vietnam.

Highlight:
- Watching the plethora of craftsmen and sellers in Hanoi’s Old Quarter
- Visiting Chuong Village, home of the traditional Vietnamese bamboo hat
- Private boat excursion on mystical Halong Bay Vietnamese meal
- Laughing with local children at the famed water puppet show in HanoiVietnamese cooking
- Walking tour of scenic Hoi An
- Touring the impressive Tomb of Tu Duc and the Imperial Tomb of Khai Dinh in Hue
- Taking an Asian cooking class in Danang
- Maneuvering through the markets in the Mekong Delta

Day by day itinerary:
Day 01: Hanoi, Vietnam
Welcome to Vietnam. You are met on arrival in Hanoi, and transferred to your luxury hotel located in the heart of this bustling city. Award-winning hotel Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel, Hanoi

Day 02: Hanoi - City Tour (B)
This morning drive to Hay Tay province to visit Chuong Village. Also called the "Conical Hat Village," they produce the iconic Vietnamese bamboo hat, called a non. Explore the Rattan Village, know for its traditional bamboo and rattan weaving.

A blend of the modern, with the mystery and charm of past centuries, Hanoi offers an air of elegance and harmony with nature. Today’s sightseeing continues with a visit to the Temple of Literature, founded in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius, it is one of the best surviving examples of traditional Vietnamese architecture. Next, see the miniature One Pillar Pagoda, and the nearby Ho Chi Minh Memorial Complex, containing a museum and Ho Chi Minh's final resting place. Stroll through Hanoi’s Old Quarter, a network of narrow alleys and shop houses also known as 'The 36 Streets.” This is a wonderful place to watch the local life, and peruse items from fabrics to crafts to exotic medicines.

Later this afternoon watch the delightful water puppet show, a fascinating art form that originated in northern Vietnam. Overnight at Award-winning hotel Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel, Hanoi

Day 03: Hanoi to Halong Bay (B, L, D)
Today, drive to Halong Bay, an area of picturesque islands shrouded in mist, floating villages and pearl fisheries. Embark on your personal luxury junk to cruise between karst formations and visit floating villages. Swim in the turquoise waters and enjoy a candlelit dinner onboard. Bhaya Legend, Ha Long Bay

Day 04: Halong Bay to Danang (B)
After a leisurely morning onboard, disembark and drive to Hai Phong for your flight to Danang. You will be taken to your luxury resort for an evening at leisure. Overnight at Furama Resort Da Nang, Da Nang

Day 05: Danang & Hoi An Sightseeing (B and L)
This morning, explore the Hoi An Market-mingle with the local vendors and shop for ingredients for your cooking class later today. Next, take a boat ride on the Perfume River to the Red Bridge Restaurant and Cooking School. Here you learn and help prepare five traditional dishes to enjoy for lunch. You will be entertained and discover some special techniques at the fruit and vegetable carving demonstration.

Your afternoon walking tour of Hoi An includes a visit to the Japanese Covered Bridge Pagoda constructed in 1593, and the nearby Sa Huynh Museum. See the Tran Family Chapel and the Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, a 17th century Chinese pagoda. Stop at a Lantern Making workshop to observe locals making the silk cloth for the lanterns of the world. Overnight at Furama Resort Da Nang, Da Nang

Day 06: Danang to Hue (B)
Today, drive north over scenic mountainous roads to Hué. En route, stop at the dramatic Hai Van Pass and admire the spectacular views. This is the high dividing line between the climate zones of north and south Vietnam. Drive past stretches of curving beaches and clear blue Eastern Sea lagoons.

Upon arrival in Hué late in the morning, start your sightseeing of Hue’s Old Imperial City. In the afternoon, you will embark on a boat excursion down the Perfume River. Cruise to the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda, an elegant seven-tiered octagonal tower that has become Hué's most widely recognizable monument.

Return by boat and visit the Imperial Citadel, a vast complex built in the 1800’s; with a 6-mile wall and surrounding moat, it was modeled after the Forbidden City in Beijing. Destroyed through war, today you can still see the monuments to life during the Nguyen Dynasty. See the Flag Tower and the imposing Ngo Mon Gate entrance to the complex. In the spacious courtyard area visit the Dien Tho Palace, Thai Hoa Palace, Hall of Mandarins and see the original Nine Dynastic Urns. Overnight at Award-winning hotel La Residence Hotel & Spa, Hué

Day 07: Hue (B)
Today, travel into the countryside to see the Tomb of Tu Duc. The longest reigning Vietnamese emperor, Tu Duc designed and built this elegant tomb during his lifetime, using it as a retreat for meditation, reading and theater performances. Visit the Imperial Tomb of Khai Dinh - completed in 1931, this hillside tomb, incorporates European elements into its traditional Vietnamese architecture.

Next, explore a local incense-making village before returning to hotel for an evening at leisure. Overnight at Award-winning hotel La Residence Hotel & Spa, Hué

Day 08: Hue to Ho Chi Minh City (B)
Today, fly from Hue to Ho Chi Minh City, where colonial buildings and traditional temples stand beside the emerging modern skyline.

You are met upon arrival, and start your city sightseeing. Learn about Vietnam’s recent history at Reunification Palace, formerly the South Vietnam’s Independence Palace, until stormed by tanks on April 30, 1975. Preserved in its original state, the early war tanks are on display. Visit the War Remnants Museum, featuring a detailed photographic exhibition and vast collection of planes, tanks and weapons. See the Emperor of Jade Pagoda and Notre Dame Cathedral before ending the day at the Ben Thanh Market. Overnight at Caravelle, Ho Chi Minh City

Day 09: The Mekong Delta (B and  L)
Enjoy a drive into the heart of the Mekong Delta, to Cai Be. Here embark on one of the local boats to explore Cai Be Floating Market, with its lively fruit and vegetable barges. Continue along smaller waterways and canals, stopping at the Mekong River Islands to visit the local orchards and cottage industries. Watch how the delta residents make traditional treats such as dried longyans, rice pancakes and puffed rice candies, with the chance to sample the local delicacies.
Disembark the boat at Vinh Long for your drive back to Ho Chi Minh City. Overnight at Caravelle, Ho Chi Minh City

Day 10: Depart Ho Chi Minh City (B)
Today you are taken to the airport for your departing flight home or on to your next destination.

Tour Includes:
- Accommodations as indicated in the itinerary
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- All transfers and sightseeing provided in a private deluxe vehicle when possible
- Local English-speaking guide for sightseeing
- Entrance fees per final scheduled itinerary
- Airport porterage, where available (2 bags per person)
- Local taxes
- Travel Guard Medical Emergency and Assistance Plan

Package price is per person, based on double occupancy, please contact us for details. Single supplement applies. Land, air, and governmental/park taxes are subject to change based on date of departure. International airfare is at your charge. Other restrictions may apply. Contact us for complete journey details.

Private Holidays off beaten paths in Vietnam

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