Mekong Cruise Vietnam, Mekong Cruise, Mekong Delta Tour, Mekong Delta Explorer. Book a cruise of Mekong delta departure from Hochiminh, Mekong Cruise ...
OVERVIEW
 Experience the cultural essence of “the Land of the Ascending Dragon”. If you are visiting Vietnam for the first time, “Essential Vietnam” will give you a great taste of the country. Many of our past travellers have started with a journey like this and are enticed to return to explore this captivating land more deeply. This 10-day journey introduces you to the vibrancy of South Vietnam, the historic charm of Central Vietnam and the beauty and majesty of the north. Mekong Cruise

Designed to capture the real essence of Vietnam, this guided nine-day journey is a fascinating introduction to one of Asia's most captivating countries. From the enchanting waterways of the Mekong Delta in the south to the dramatic karst scenery that dominates Halong Bay in the north, each destination offers a window into Vietnam's timeless culture and centuries-old traditions as well as its vibrant present. Mekong Cruise

Ho Chi Minh City is the starting point of this Vietnam tour. Affectionately known as Saigon to locals, this throbbing metropolis still retains many traditional enclaves and mesmerizing sights. Feast your senses at the bustling Chinese district of Cholon, trace the development of Vietnamese medicine in FITO Museum, browse for interesting souvenirs at Ben Thanh Market and uncover the architectural legacy of French colonialism in the city's downtown.

Leaving the hustle and bustle of the city behind, this Vietnam tour heads south to the Mekong Delta. In this fertile region criss-crossed with countless lush plantations and waterways, spend a day cruising the colorful Cai Be floating market and cottage industries to catch a glimpse of rural Vietnamese lifestyles. Mekong Cruise

Journey up to Central Vietnam to Hoi An. In this ancient port city, amble through the well-preserved streets to discover the fascinating potpurri of cultural influences on its architecture and history. This Vietnam tour package then travels from Hoi An to Hue via the Hai Van Pass, a highly scenic stretch of coastline flanked between blue oceans and towering mountains. In Hue, the mesmerizing collection of old tombs, mausoleums and citadels provide insights into the grandeur of an imperial city that for centuries shaped Vietnam's cultural and intellectual development. Mekong Cruise

This Vietnam tour then ventures north to Hanoi, the alluring capital home to ancient pagodas, picturesque lakes, French-style colonial buildings and wide tree-lined avenues. Stroll across the tranquil compound of the Temple of Literature, wander through the narrow alleyways of the Old Quarter and marvel at the fascinating exhibits in artifacts-rich museums. Three hours away lies Halong Bay, where you will embark on an overnight cruise to take in the magnificent vistas of soaring limestone cliffs jutting out of emerald waters. Mekong Cruise

DAY 01: HA NOI ARRIVAL Vietnam Travel Online Welcome to Vietnam , transfer of 45 min to your hotel in town, transfer to hotel for check in. Overnight in Hanoi. DAY 02: HA NOI FULLDAY CITY TOUR (B/L,D) Vietnam Travel Online A full day city tour of Vietnam’s capital. Hanoi is a unique city with tree-lined boulevards, French colonial architecture, peaceful lakes and oriental temples. The city tour includes such sights as Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and his house on stilts, the One Pillar Pagoda, the Temple of Literature, the Quanh Thanh Temple and the Tran Quoc Pagoda on the edge of West Lake. After lunch in town continue to the Museum of Ethnology and end the afternoon with a visit to the Lake of the Restored Sword and a cyclo tour of the Old Quarter. Dinner at a local restaurant and overnight in Hanoi(B,L,D)

DAY 03 : HANOI-HOALU-HANOI (B,L) Vietnam Travel Online
A 70km drive through rural northern Vietnam to the site of Vietnam’s first capital, Hoa Lu. After visiting the two remaining sanctuaries of the ancient citadel, take a sampan on a river through the rice paddies to the grottoes of the sacred Tam Coc Caves. Enormous limestone karsts jut out from the green rice fields giving rise to this place’s other name, ‘Halong on Land’. Climb up to the Bich Dong Pagoda, which offers a scenic view of the surrounding countryside. Back to Hanoi at late afternoon.
Overnight in Hanoi(B,L)

DAY 04 : HANOI/HALONG BAY (B,L,D) Vietnam Travel Online
Leave Hanoi by road for Halong Bay. Enjoy the journey through the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta and the scenery of rice fields, water buffalo and everyday Vietnamese village life. Arrive in Halong and board the traditional sailing junks. Whilst cruising the exquisite waters sample the regions fresh seafood. Visit the largest fishing village in Halong bay by tender in about 30 minutes then back to the mother boat to reach Titop island where you can either enjoy kayaking or swimming on Titop beach. Watch the sun set over the bay whilst enjoying a delicious dinner. After dinner, you can enjoy film entertainments or squid fishing with boat crews or massage, all available on board.
Overnight on board junk. (B,L,D)

DAY 05 : HALONG BAY/HANOI/DANANG-HOIAN(B,Br) Vietnam Travel Online
Wake up to fresh coffee and a wholesome breakfast before cruising back to Halong City. En route the junk weaves through strange-shaped rock formations that invite comparisons from fighting cocks to dragons and even General de Gaulle’s nose! After another wonderful brunch on board disembark at the dock at Halong City. Transfer back to Hanoi, catch the flight to Danang, transfer to Hoian for check-in.
Overnight in Hoian (B,Br)

DAY 06 : HOIAN/HUE (B,L) Vietnam Travel Online
Hoi An was a major Asian trading port in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries and its architecture and relaxed lifestyle have changed little over the years. Take a walking tour of the ancient town centre to visit the former merchants’ homes, the 400 year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, a Chinese communal hall and the colourful market.

Leave Hoi An after lunch for Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. The scenic route passes through Danang before climbing over the Pass of Ocean Clouds and dropping down to the wonderfully photogenic fishing village of Lang Co. Arrive in Hue late in the afternoon and transfer to hotel. Overnight in Hue. (B,L) DAY 07 : HUE FULLDAY CITY TOUR Vietnam Travel Online Visit the former imperial capital of Vietnam. A boat trip on the romantically named Perfume River visits Hue’s best-known religious site, Thien Mu Pagoda, and the mausoleum of former emperor Minh Mang, in a tranquil setting of gardens and lakes. In the afternoon visit the elaborate mausoleums of emperors Tu Duc and Khai Dinh and the Imperial Citadel from where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945. Overnight in Hue(B,L) DAY 08 : HUE/HOCHIMINH CITY (B,L) Vietnam Travel Online

Transfer to Hue Airport after breakfast for the short flight to dynamic Ho Chi Minh City, still called Saigon by many locals. A full day city tour takes in the city’s bustling Chinatown and begins with a visit to the Thien Hau Temple, from where you will take a cyclo ride; the most appropriate and unusual way to explore Cholon, literally meaning ‘big market’. The ride will take you to the lively Binh Tay Market. Then visit a lacquerware factory to witness workers continuing a Vietnamese ancestral tradition. After lunch visit the War Museum and the former Presidential Palace, from there on you will go on foot (the car will be available at all times) to visit the major sights of colonial Ho Chi Minh City: the Notre Dame Cathedral, Old Saigon Post Office, Dong Khoi Street (formerly Rue Catinat), Continental Hotel, Opera House and City Hall. After this historical visit, enjoy some wonderful ice cream at Fanny’s, a quaint little parlour with a French atmosphere, before exploring the trendy boutiques on Ton That Thiep Street.

Overnight in HCMC(B,L)

DAY 09 : HOCHIMINH CITY/MEKONG DELTA/HOCHIMINH CITY (B,L) Vietnam Travel Online

Depart to Cai Be, deep in the Mekong Delta. Board the Cai Be Princess junk boat and start the tour with the visit of the colourful Cai Be floating market. Follow with a visit of some locale home factories that produce rice paste, rice pop corn and coconut candies. Cruise then to evergreen islands among the Mekong River through large networks of meandering rivers, crisscrossed with countless arroyos. Lunch at a fruit orchard then cruise to Vinh Long and discover beautiful landscapes along the river and observe the typical Mekong Delta rural life.

Overnight in HCMC(B, L)

DAY 10: SAIGON – DEPARTURE (B) Vietnam Travel Online
Breakfast at hotel. Time at leisure until transfer to Tan Son Nhat for your onward flight

PRICING - US DOLLARS PER PERSON (Valid till 30 Sep, 2011)

PRICING – US DOLLARS PER PERSON (Valid from 01 Oct to 20 Dec, 2011)

INCLUSIVES :
-A/C vehicle transfer with driver Vietnam Travel Guide
-Hotel accommodation in twin sharing room with breakfast Vietnam Travel Guide
-Sightseeing and entrance fee at all mentioned sites Vietnam Travel Guide
-English, French speaking local guide Vietnam Travel Guide
-Meal as stated in itinerary  Vietnam Travel Guide
-Boat trip in Halong and Mekong Vietnam Travel Guide
-GOV tax tour.   Vietnam Travel Guide

EXCLUSIVES:

-Domestic flight as program Vietnam Travel Guide
-Drinks Vietnam Travel Guide
-Personal expenses Vietnam Travel Guide
-Entrance fee for photo or video camera to the sites Vietnam Travel Guide
-Others not mentioned in the price above Vietnam Travel Guide
-Tips and gratitude for guide, porters and drivers Vietnam Travel Guide

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