Friendly Vietnam

Our eventful journey begins in the capital Hanoi with its bustle, wide boulevards, charming alleys and swarms of alleys in the Old Town – an old craft and trading district dating back to the 13th century that still simmers with commerce. In central Vietnam we visit the ancient imperial city of Hue and the charming coastal city of Hoi An. In the southern parts of the country we experience the metropolis Saigon and make an excursion to the Mekong Delta. We travel by bus, plane and boat and get to experience the cultural and geographical diversity that Vietnam constitutes. Before the return trip to Sweden we get to enjoy sunbathing and swimming in Mui Ne where we stay 3 nights.

Day 1: Flight to Hanoi
Meals are included on board the long-haul flight.

Day 2: Hanoi
Arrival in the Vietnamese capital Hanoi. Transfer to the hotel. The rest of the afternoon is then free and in the evening we gather for a welcome dinner. Overnight in Hanoi. (Noon)

Day 3: Hanoi
After breakfast we go to Ba Dinh Square where Ho Chi Minh proclaimed national independence for Vietnam in 1945. Here we first visit Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum where Vietnam’s father lies on the parade and then visit the stake house where Ho Chi Minh lived until his died in 1969. We also see the nearby Buddhist One-Pillar Pagoda, one of the main symbols of Hanoi. We then visit the Van Mieu Confucius Temple (Temple of Literature) dating from the early 1000s. Then we ride a bicycle taxi through winding alleys in the Old Town at Hoan Kiem Lake in central Hanoi and see a mua roi nuoc performance – a kind of puppet show where wooden puppets, on a stage of water, are skillfully maneuvered by hidden puppet masters behind the scenes. Overnight in Hanoi. (Breakfast and lunch)

Day 4: Hanoi – Halong Bay
After breakfast we head to Halong Bay. On board the excursion boat we eat lunch (seafood) surrounded by Halong Bay’s fantastic archipelago. The archipelago is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and consists of sugar-top-shaped and jungle-clad small islands, many of which have deep but well-hidden caves. We do a beach break at one of the islands to visit one of the larger caves. Overnight stay on the boat. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner.)

Day 5: Halong – Hue
In the morning, our tour continues in Halong Bay. In the afternoon we return to Hanoi for domestic flights to the ancient imperial city of Hue. Overnight in Hue. (Breakfast and lunch.)

Day 6: Hue
In the morning we take a riverboat along the Perfume River and visit the Thien Mu Pagoda (one of Vietnam’s most important Buddhist monasteries) and one of the many palace-like imperial tombs along the river. After lunch we visit the Hues Citadel and the Forbidden City. In the late afternoon we take a trip to the Dong Ba market. Overnight in Hue. (Breakfast and lunch)

Day 7: Hue – Da Nang – Hoi An
After breakfast we go to Hoi An. During the bus ride, we stop at the Hai Van Pass where we get a beautiful view of the South China Sea. At the pass there are still some bunkers that remain since the Vietnam War. After lunch, we visit the small but interesting Chamm Museum with its unique exhibition of sculptures from the Hindu Champa kingdom that once lay in what is now central Vietnam. We also stop at the Marble Mountains and visit a Buddhist shrine housed inside a cave. Overnight in Hoi An. (Breakfast and lunch.)

Day 8: Hoi An
The coastal city of Hoi An has a long history and was once one of Vietnam’s most important trading cities, where mainly merchants from China, but also more long-distance traders from, for example, Japan and Europe, sought to conduct international trade. Many foreigners, especially Chinese, came to settle in the city. This has left its mark on the local architecture, which is usually in the South Chinese style or is a combination of domestic and foreign elements. Hoi An with its rich cultural heritage and car-free city center is one of the most pleasant and peaceful cities in Vietnam. The city is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You get around easily on your own in Hoi An and there are many historically interesting and beautiful places to visit. In addition, the city offers excellent shopping opportunities. The beach just outside the city is also nice. Overnight in Hoi An. (Breakfast.)

Day 9: Mui Ne
Transfer to Da Nang Airport and flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Transfer to Mui Ne. Overnight in Mui Ne. (Breakfast)

Day 10-11: Mui Ne The day for beach life and own walks. Overnight in Mui Ne. (Breakfast.)

Day 12: Mu Nei – Ho Chi Minh City In the afternoon transfer to Ho Chi Minh City. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City. (Breakfast)

Day 13: Mekong Delta After breakfast we go to Ben Tre Province 85 km from Saigon to take a boat trip in the Mekong Delta. The area is known for its coconut farms and we visit, among other things, a coconut candy manufacturer on one of the islands in the river delta. Ben Tre was hit hard during the Vietnam War but is now a popular excursion destination. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City. (Breakfast and lunch.)

Day 14: Cu Chi & Ho Chi Minh City
After breakfast we go on a day trip to the Cu Chi tunnels 60 kilometers northwest of Saigon. The tunnel system was within the U.S. 25th Infantry Division area and reached virtually all villages in the district. The tunnels made it possible for the South Vietnamese guerrillas and the North Vietnamese army to appear where the enemy least expected it. Among other things, we are shown how the various traps of the guerrillas were constructed by personnel from the Vietnamese military. Here you also have the opportunity to visit one of the safe tunnels that are adapted to today’s tourists. Back in Saigon, we go on a city tour and get to see some of the city’s architectural sights such as the War Memorial Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Main Post Office. Joint farewell dinner in the evening. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 15: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) The
day for your own adventures in Saigon. Feel free to ask your tour guide for tips on museums, sights and shopping routes. In the late afternoon we go to the airport for the journey home. (Breakfast)

Day 16: Arrival at the boarding place
Meals are included on board the long-haul flight.