Pagodas &
Battlefields
8
days & 7 nights |
|
This journeys traces the areas of former military operations
as well as the beauty of the Imperial capital of Hue and
picturesque seaport of Hoian. |
Itinerary
DAY 1: ARRIVAL - HO CHI MINH
On arrival at Tan San Nhat Airport, you are met and
transferred to hotel. Ho Chi Minh City, still called Saigon
by many locals, is a center of commerce, finance, culture
and tourism in Vietnam. This bustling metropolis
,contradiction of its northern counterpart, is crowded with
bikes and motorbikes, excited by numerous shopping area and
sidewalk cafés. ( If time permits) we stroll around the down
town to explore the different local ways of life. O/N in Ho
Chi Minh.
DAY 2: HO CHI MINH
Today we enjoy a full day sightseeing tour taking us to some
major sights of Ho Chi Minh. We pass the now-demolished
wartime American Embassy on our way to the Reunification
Palace. This famous edifice was the former residence of the
President of Southern Vietnam until end of April 1975. Close
to the palace are some striking French colonial structures
including the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Sai Gon Post
Office. The following sights are the History Museum and the
Jade Emperor Pagoda. We also visit the War Remnant Museum
before continuing to the bustling Ben Thanh Market where
anything and everything is for sales! The remainder of the
day will be free for you to further explore the town or
simply to relax. O/N in Ho Chi Minh. (B)
DAY 3 : HO CHI MINH - HUE
The next destination of our trip is Hue via a short flight
from Ho Chi Minh. The small and quiet city of Hue is widely
known for magnificent architecture, pagodas and royal tombs
laid in many small villages and surrounding hills. On
arrival , you are greeted and driven to hotel, passing by
Camp Eagle . We spend this afternoon to visit Hue with the
massive citadel, containing the Imperial City and the Purple
Forbidden City. This royal residence was all but destroyed
during the 1968 Tet Offensive, however it is still
fascinating to stroll among the ruins. Afterwards we enjoy a
walk to the bustling Dong Ba Market that sells a wide
variety of local goods and handicrafts. Along the way we
pass by many fantastic eating spots, ideal places for
visitors to sample some local delicacies. O/N in Hue. (B )
DAY 4 : HUE - QUANG TRI - DONG HA - DMZ
Upon leaving the town we drive up the highway 1 northwards
passing by Camp Evans , Fire Support Base Nancy and Quang
Tri battle site. Along the way we catch a look of Ai Tu
Combat Base and Airfield before arriving in Dong Ha , which
is well known as Leatherneck Square bounded by Con Thien,
Gio Linh, Dong Ha, and Cam Lo. We cross over the Hien Luong
Bridge spanning the Ben Hai River which demarcated North and
South Vietnam. Here is a chance to visit the Doc Mieu Base
in the DMZ, the infamous Vinh Moc Tunnels and the old
citadel of Quang Tri. This violent battlefield is still in
many veterans’ memory . O/N in Dong Ha. (B)
DAY 5 : DONG HA - KHE SANH - LANG VEI - HUE
The journey continues with a drive towards the former
American marine base of Khe Sanh. Along the highway No 9,
which links Vietnam and Laos, we traverse by a series of
fire support bases, including Rockpile, Camp Carol and Da
Krong Bridge. On arrival at Khe Sanh Base we have time to
stroll around to visit some of the many battle sites and
military camps. There were all but partly cleared by
villagers. We make our way towards Tacon Airport as well as
Lang Vei Special Forces Camp, in south of Lang Vei Village.
In the mid afternoon we return to Hue via Da Krong Bridge.
O/N in Hue. (B)
DAY 6 : HUE - DANANG - HOIAN
Heading out of town we make our way to Hoian, which was
originally a Cham seaport but has been influenced down the
centuries by a myriad of traders from various cultures.
Along the way we can break the journey in Lang Co Beach for
a leisurely swim and an enjoyable visit to a nearby fishing
village. The winding road begins as we make our way up the
spectacular Hai Van pass. At the top of the pass we stop to
admire a fantastic view north to Lang Co and south to Danang,
the US Marines landing beach in 1965. We stop en route to
visit the Cham Museum in Danang City , the Marble Mountain
and the China Beach, which was the former R&R ground for the
US Marines. O/N in Hoi An. (B)
DAY 7 : HOIAN - HO CHI MINH
The ancient architecture of Hoian is a fascinating
combination of Vietnamese traditional characters with
Chinese and Japanese influence. There are plenty to see in
this delightful town, some of which are the famous Japanese
Covered Bridges, the Pottery Museum, the 200 years old Tamky
House, the Chua Ong Pagoda, the vibrant market. Today we
include these on a walking tour past many low tiled houses
scattered along the small streets and assembly halls which
reflect the town's multi-cultural past. We also have time to
stroll around many shopping areas before catching flight
south. O/N in Ho Chi Minh. (B)
DAY 8 : HO CHI MINH - DEPARTURE
There is a free time to relax or further explore Ho Chi Minh
City. The tour ends after your transfer to Tan San Nhat
Airport for departure. (B)
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