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VIETNAM AT A GLANCE 12-DAY ITINERARY, SOUTHEAST ASIA Experience the fascinating wonders Vietnam has to offer, from the historical landmarks of Saigon to the UNESCO village of Hoi An. Discover charming Hanoi as well as day trips to the Mekong Delta and Halong Bay. Legend states that gods sent dragons to Halong Bay, who dropped jewels and jade from their mouths into the bay, creating close to 2000 limestone islands—hence the name Halong, which means "descending dragon." DAY 1: DEPART THE U.S. Depart on your overnight flight from the U.S. to Saigon. DAY 2: ARRIVE SAIGON Wake up in Vietnam's most evocative and largest city; early arrivals have even more free time to start soaking in the ambiance of this exciting destination across the world. (B, L, D) DAY 3: SAIGON Begin your day with a taste of recent history. Your first stop provides a somber look at guerrilla warfare in the Cu Chi Tunnels before returning to contemporary Saigon. There awaits a treasure trove of fascinating heritage alongside urban modernity. Visit the colonial Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office; the Reunification Palace; and the chilling War Remnants Museum. Finish at Cholon and the lively Ben Thanh Market. (B, L, D) DAY 4: SAIGON – DAY TOUR TO MEKONG DELTA Journey to Ben Tre to take a cruise on the Mekong. Paddle through the maze of palm-lined canals and get a glimpse of daily life on the Mekong Delta. Make a stop at Vinh Trang Pagoda en route back to Saigon. (B, L, D) DAY 5: SAIGON TO HOI AN Fly to Danang and transfer to Hoi An, but not before pausing at the Marble Mountains. Once you arrive, take a walking tour of charming Hoi An, a wonderfully laid-back and willfully traditional place whose streets are a delight to wander. Visit an old merchant's house, the elaborate Japanese Bridge, and the bustling market. (B, L, D) DAY 6: TRA QUE VILLAGE Drive out into the countryside to Tra Que, a small farming community that supplies many hotels and restaurants in the area with fresh vegetables and herbs. Snap photos of the lush, green countryside and stroll through the gardens to see the farmers at work. Spend the afternoon at leisure back in Hoi An. (B, L, D) DAY 7: HOI AN TO HUE Leave Hoi An for Hue, a dignified and scholarly city that epitomizes Vietnam's dynastic pass. The scenic route over the Hai Van Pass helps you enjoy the journey. At your destination, take a cyclo ride up to the imposing imperial citadel, the magnificent centerpiece of the former royal empire, which bears the scars of extensive damage from the Vietnam War. (B, L, D) DAY 8: HUE TO HANOI Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Royal Tomb of Minh Mang, a complex of 40 monuments set in surroundings of gardens and pools. Continue to Cu Chi Mekong Delta Hanoi ( 3N ) Saigon ( 3N ) Hoi An (2N) Inbound (1N) Flight home Halong Bay (1N) 0 200 miles 0 200 km L A O S V I E T N A M C A M B O D I A T H A I L A N D C H I N A M YA N M A R Air Road South China Sea Gulf of Thailand Bay of Bengal Gulf of Tonkin Danang Hue (1N) 36 | Vietnam at a Glance Temple of Literature the old Thien Mu Pagoda before taking a cruise on the Perfume River. Fly to Hanoi. (B, L, D) DAY 9: HANOI Sightseeing today takes you through the Ho Chi Minh Quarter, where you'll pass Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum and visit the Stilt House, set in the gardens of the Presidential Palace. Also visit One Pillar Pagoda and the Confucian Temple of Literature. End the day's explorations with a cyclo tour through the Old Quarter and see a traditional puppet show. (B, L, D) DAY 10: HANOI TO HALONG BAY Stay overnight aboard a traditional junk boat, and fall asleep among the karst peaks on the tranquil green waters of Halong Bay. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and a vision of awe-inspiring beauty, it isn't hard to see why it is one of Vietnam's most popular destinations. A fresh seafood meal is included during your voyage. (B, L, D) DAY 11: HALONG BAY TO HANOI After enjoying a Halong Bay sunrise and a visit to Sung Sot Cave, return to Hanoi. (B, L, D) DAY 12: DEPART HANOI Transfer to the airport and depart on your flight to the U.S. (B)

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