DISCOVER VIETNAM — following the travels and books of David Halberstam.
Join our small group escorted by Mr. Cong Tran who also guided the well-known journalist. They became friends and Cong was invited to the Memorial Services in Manhattan. Cong will share with you his Vietnam memories and the First Impressions of his lifetime trip to the US Paradise —as he qualifies it.

Friday February 27 Hanoi
Arrival and transfer to the cosmopolitan Metropole Hotel. We enjoy a cup of tea in the garden café and a welcome briefing from our guide extraordinaire Cong Tran. Rest of the afternoon to be enjoyed on your own. Welcome Dinner at the Press Club
Overnight Sofitel Metropole Hotel (Opera rooms) Tea, Dinner

Saturday February 28 Hanoi
After a luxurious buffet breakfast and rich Vietnamese coffee, join us for a morning driving tour of Hanoi - One Pillar Pagoda, the wooden structure built on one stone pillar to resemble a lotus flower in bloom. The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and his commemorative house - both impressive through their simplicity and beauty.. Lake of Restored Sword, and the wonderful 11th century Temple of Literature , a Confucian center of Mandarin learning that represents s a rare example of well preserved Vietnamese architecture After Lunch at Brother's Café., enjoy your siesta. Followed by one hour cyclo ride through the Old French Quarter — along "36 streets and wares" of the past and present. Dinner to be enjoyed on your own. We will offer a list of recommended restaurants.
Overnight : Sofitel Metropole Hotel Breakfast, Lunch

Sunday March 1st Hanoi
Morning drive to several handicraft villages in the rural outskirts of Hanoi. to admire the Duyen Thai lacquer ware, Nhi Khe wooden musical instruments, silk and rice paper making workshops. Lunch at Koto Restaurant ,and afternoon return to town. In the evening, you are invited to the performance of the traditional water puppet theater, unique to the North Vietnamese region. Dinner to be enjoyed on your own.
Overnight Sofitel Metropole Hotel Breakfast, Lunch

Monday March 2nd Halong Bay ( B/L/D)
The morning drive to Ha Long Bay brings us to the wonderful Gulf of Torkin, a sea of forgotten times. Here the romance of Vietnam still lingers. And we will cruise for one day, through the silence and beauty of these mysterious "water lands." Even better on board of our own deluxe charter - Huong Hai Junk, where we enjoy lunch and celebrate the sun set with a glass of wine Lunch and Dinner on board.
Overnight Huong Hai Junk Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Tuesday March 3rd Victoria train to Sapa ( B/L/D )
Enjoy sunrise on boat. And an early kayaking around the bay.. After lunch on board we return to Hanoi, visiting But Thap Pagoda en route. This evening enjoy a wonderful dinner at Wild Lotus restaurant before departing from Hanoi to Lao Cai — Sapa at 9.30pm on Victoria night train.
Overnight Victoria train - superior cabin .

Wednesday March 4th Sapa ( B/L/D )
Arrive in the early morning at Lao Cai station, near the Chinese border; and take a scenic drive to Sapa. Enjoy the spectacular views of rice-terraced mountains and admire the Black H'Mong hill tribe people dressed in their colorful wares walking along the roadside. Arrive at the hotel for breakfast, followed by a walk through the market - where hill tribe villagers gather on Saturdays.
Overnight at Victoria Sapa Hotel (Breakfast , Lunch , Dinner)

Thursday, March 5th Sapa _ Hanoi Victoria Overnight Train ( 9 pm — 5 am ) next day
Morning drive to Bac Ha, visiting en route the local colorful markets , Phong Hai , Flower Hmong, Phu La and Dao Tuyen. After lunch, we drive to Trung Do and hike 4km to visit the village Tay minority. From there, a cruise up the Chay river, will take us along magnificent caves and waterfalls. Only to return to Lao Cai in the afternoon. The overnight Victoria train will take us back to Hanoi.
Overnight on Victoria train/ superior cabin 4 pax/cabin (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Friday, March 6th Hue ( B/L/- )
We board the motor coach at the Hanoi train station for an early breakfast in a Hanoi teahouse. Followed by the airport transfer and a short flight to Hue, the Ancient Capital of Viet Nam under the Nguyen Dynasty of Emperors — from 1802 to 1945. We check into the charming La Residence Hotel, where we enjoy lunch together. Followed by a well-deserved afternoon of rest and quiet. Later, you may choose to join us for a ride boat to Thien Mu Pagoda , while admiring the sunset on the Perfume river.
Overnight Hue - La Residence Breakfast, Lunch.

Saturday, March 7th Hue ( B/L/D )
Morning tour of the Imperial City, the elaborate Tu Duc Royal Tomb and Khai Dinh Tomb with its architecture and ambiance. Enjoy lunch in a traditional Hue restaurant — "Pilgrimage. " In the evening we are the guests of a local family — Vinh Tu, who will show us around their restored Royal home and serve us dinner in the garden, By the light of paper lanterns.
Overnight Hue - La Residence Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Sunday, March 8th Danang - Hoi An ( B/L/D )
This morning we drive to Danang , following the spectacular Cloudy Pass Hai Van , along the coast. We stop en route to take pictures and to enjoy lunch in a small private restaurant. Arriving in Danang, we visit Champa Museum, under the guidance of the museum curator. We continue on to the ancient town Hoi An Ancient , A bright old port during 16th century. the town is presently included in the UNESCO patrimony. Spend the rest of the afternoon on your own, walking along the old street, the markets, and the well famous tailors' ateliers We meet for dinner at a traditional restaurant - Cargo Club
Overnight Hoi An - Victoria Hotel Breakfast, Lunch, dinner.

Monday, March 9th Hoi An - My Son ( B/L/ - )
Morning journey to My Son , one of Viet Nam ‘s most impressive Cham Sites. Lunch at Full Moon restaurant. Afternoon return Hoi An, to continue your exploration of this charming town .
Overnight Hoi An- Victoria Hotel Breakfast, Lunch

Tuesday, March 10th Saigon ( B/L/D )
Morning short flight to Saigon - Ho Chi Minh City - leaving at 8am arriving at 9.10am. Upon arrival , a city tour of the capital's historic landmarks :the French Colonial District, the Notre Dame Cathedral, the 1880 General Post Office, the former Presidential Place and the War Museum., Ben Thanh Market . After lunch at Blue Ginger, restaurant, a walk through the intriguing Ben Thanh Market, where along live chickens and snakes you find Giorgio Armani shirts and Burberry bags…. Dinner at Hoin An restaurant accompanied by traditional music.
Overnight Saigon - Renaissance Riverside Hotel . Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Wednesday , March 11 Saigon - Mekong Delta ( B/L/- )
A day trip to Mekong Delta on our private sampan boat. Mekong Delta is an area of extraordinary trade exuberance and beauty. With its floating markets, fruit orchards, Bonsai gardens, embraced river streams and canals — the Delta has become a water world of commerce and trade. Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese luncheon in a local home with a folk musical performance.
Overnight Saigon - Renaissance Riverside Hotel Breakfast, Lunch

Thursday, March 12 Saigon - Cu Chi tunnel ( B/L/D ) Morning drive to Cu Chi Tunnels , the underground camps of the guerilla soldiers fighting in the American War. This visit was a terrifying experience for me — just to witness the determination of the guerillas and their technique of wining the war…. After lunch we return to Saigon, where you enjoy the afternoon on your own — shopping in the old market, taking the last pictures, or a luxurious massage. We meet in the evening for our farewell dinner — saying good bye to Vietnam — in a traditional restaurant -Nam Kha
Overnight Saigon — Renaissance Riverside Hotel Breakfast, Lunch , Dinner

Friday, March 13th International Flight (B/-/- ) Transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport for your return flight back home — where ever that may be !

SAFE TRAVELS !!!