10 Days - Cochinchina and Annam Discovery

HIGHLIGHTS:
* Historical monuments of the former Saigon
* Historical and cultural monuments of Hue
* Ancient architecture, peaceful countryside and beautiful beach in Hoi An
* Lush orchards and floating markets of the Mekong Delta
* Unique cruise along the Mekong River with overnight on board

Itinerary in details:

Day 01: Saigon- Arrival
Ppon arrival at Tan Son Nhat airport, meet your English-speaking tour guide and transfer to the hotel for check in. Free on your own.
Spend the night at hotel in Saigon.

Day 02: Saigon visit – Da Nang - Hoi An (01 hour flight)
The morning is dedicated to exploring Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon). Visit the Reunification Palace, which was the presidential residence until April 30, 1975, the day of the fall of Saigon.

Next, visit the War Remnants Museum. Located in the former military building of the U.S. Information Agency, the museum highlights the history of the war. Then visit China Town with Binh Tay market and Thien Hau Pagoda.

In the late afternoon, transfer to airport for short flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival, transfer to Hoi An Town.

Spend the night at hotel in Hoi An. Meal: Breakfast

Day 03: Hoi An
Start the day with a bike ride to the village of Tra Que in the middle of a quintessential rural landscape dotted with coconut trees.
Discover the lifestyle of the local farmers and learn about their techniques for digging and picking vegetables. Relax and enjoy a foot massage using medicinal herbs. Next, take a cooking class of Tam Huu, the most famous specialty of the village mixed with shrimp, pork and herbs.

In the afternoon, discover the romantic streets of Hoi An in all its medieval splendor on a night tour of the city. Marvel at the historical Fujian Sanctuary, the well-built Japanese Bridge, and the mysterious Tan Ly House. Little wonder this jewel of a city has become a must-see for seekers of cultural and historical heritage.

Spend the night at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast/ Lunch

Day 04: Hoi An - Cu Lao Cham - Hoi An
In the morning, embark on the journey to the enchanting Cham Islands. Visit local fishing villages of Lang Bai, Lang Huong and join a more adventurous activity such as snorkeling to watch fantastic coral reef.

Relax on the gorgeous beach of Bai Chong before lunch.
Return to Hoi An in the afternoon. Enjoy free time to explore the city at your leisure.
Spend the night at hotel in Hoi An.
Meals: Breakfast/ Lunch

Day 05: Hoi An - My Son - Hue
In the morning, take a two-hour drive to My Son to explore the ancient Champa Kingdom. The My Son Sanctuary, 48 km from Hoi An, is located in Vietnam’s Quang Nam province. During the period of the Champa Dynasty (4th-12th centuries), this area was the Champa spiritual center and the focus of religious worship for the people of that time.

In the afternoon, drive to Hue, cross the Hai Van Pass, and go along the Lang Co Bay to reach Hue, the ancient capital of Vietnam from 1804 to 1945.

Check in at the hotel and take a  rickshaws tour to Dong Ba market, crossing the Trang Tien bridge over the Perfume River.
Spend the night at hotel in Hue.
Meal: Breakfast

Day 06: Hue - Discover imperial City
Discover Hue city, beginning with a morning visit to the Imperial City of the Nguyen Dynasty (1804-1945). Delve into the history and beauty of this revered World Heritage destination by touring The Flag Tower, the South Door, the Edict Pavilion, the Supreme Harmony Palace, and the Forbidden Purple City.

After visiting the Imperial City, take an hour-long cruise on the romantic Perfume River, a place of inspiration for numerous Vietnamese writers, musicians and artists. Then drive to visit the Celestial Lady Pagoda, an ancient Buddhist monument before returning to the city for lunch.

Spend the afternoon exploring the Tu Duc Royal Tomb, built amid frangipani and pine trees, designed by the emperor himself.
Spend the night at hotel in Hue.
Meal: Breakfast

Day 07:  Hue - Saigon – Cai Be
After breakfast, depart for Phu Bai airport to fly to Ho Chi Minh City. Take a 2 hour journey to Cai Be, a charming city on the banks of the Mekong River.

Check in at the Mekong Lodge in the heart of Cai Be, a quintessential Mekong Delta village. Take a bike ride around the village, a cooking class to learn how to prepare local specialties, or participate in a fruit and vegetable carving class.
Spend the night at the lodge.
Meals: Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner

Day 08: Cai Be – Tra On
After breakfast, board the Le Cochinchine boat for a delightful Mekong cruise. Enjoy the sound of the busting floating market amid the aquatic land’s beautiful landscape.

Enjoy lunch on board. Arrive at Cho Lach, a lovely town in Ben Tre province which is known as the land of coconuts. Disembark and take a bike ride around Cho Lach village, tasting tropical fruits from the orchards.

Re-embark and journey to Tra On, appreciating the stunning sunset over the Mekong River.
Enjoy dinner and spend the night on board.
Meals: Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner

Day 09: Tra On – Can Tho – Saigon
In the morning, wake up with the floating market’s lively sound. Enjoy breakfast on board while cruising toward Can Tho on the Bassac River. Upon arrival, visit Cai Rang floating market, the most bustling and largest one in the Mekong Delta.

Disembark around 10 a.m at the Ninh Kieu wharf and begin the journey back to Ho Chi Minh city, arriving mid-afternoon.
Spend the night at hotel in Saigon.
Meal: Breakfast

Day 10: Ho Chi Minh ctiy - Departure
Spend free time at your leisure until transfer to Tan Son Nhat airport for your return flight home. End of our service

Note: This trip can be extended by visiting temples of Cao Dai in Tay Ninh (1 day), a beach holiday in Phu Quoc Island or cultural extension to Siem Reap to visit the Angkor Temples.

What is a private tour?
A private tour is run exclusively for you, your own families or friends with no other strangers.  You may choose an ideal pre-made private tour on our website.  Alternatively, we can customize an itinerary in line with your specific wishes. In particular, you will benefit from the following advantages:

+ Start the tour on any date at your convenience.
+ Choose the tour length as long as your schedule and budget allow.
+ Plan the tour with hotels and sightseeing spots that you are specifically interested in.
+ You may order the dishes you want .
+ Experienced guides and skillful drivers in each city offer services are provided for your exclusive use.
+ Travel at your own pace that flexibly fits your travel style.
+ Ideal for those who need special assistance, such as the elderly, people with disabilities or families with small children.