The World Travel

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.