VIETNAM SOUTHERN – Cities & Sites
(9 DAYS 8 NIGHTS)
Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta – Dalat – Phan Rang – Phan Thiet
Description
This popular 9-day programmed features the highlights of southern Vietnam including the cosmopolitan Ho Chi Minh City, the verdant and fertile Mekong Delta, the romantic highland city of Dalat and the sun-drenched resorts of Phan Thiet. Every road traveled on the journey will afford visitors continually changing views: rice paddies, mountains, plateaus, sea and sand dunes, embedding in mind vivid impressions of the southern region boasting rich culture, friendly people and breath-taking scenery.
Highlights
- Explore vibrant Ho Chi Minh City, the dynamic heart of Vietnam
- Tour the world renowned Cu Chi tunnels, base for operations during the war
- Cruise on the Mekong River and stop over at floating markets
- Visit of the orchards and or rice fields in the Mekong Delta
- Explore the fruit garden, try a little fishing in the backyard pond with bamboo polls
- Tour cool, green Dalat, former French hillside colonial resort, over 1300m high
- Enjoy jet skiing, wind surfing or parasailing in the pristine waters of Phan Thiet
- Meet local’s and taste delicious Vietnamese food every day at atmospheric restaurants.
Program
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN HO CHI MINH CITY
Arrive at Tan Son Nhat Airport. Pick up and transfer to hotel. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
DAY 2: CITY TOUR – CU CHI TUNNEL
In the morning, take an excursion to Cu Chi, 70km north of Saigon, famous for its 200-km-long tunnels. The afternoon tour round Ho Chi Minh City and features the History Museum, the Binh Tay Market in Chinatown, Thien Hau Temple and a lacquer ware workshop. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
DAY 3: HO CHI MINH CITY – CAN THO
Leave for Can Tho (170km). Vivid farming activities and the riverine life of the Mekong Delta can be seen en route. At Cai Be, take a cruise on the Mekong River, visit floating markets, orchards garden and local homes, taste seasonal fruit-and-honey tea while enjoying a performance of traditional southern singing. On arrival in Can Tho, check in hotel. Overnight in Can Tho.
DAY 4: CAN THO – HO CHI MINH CITY
Enjoy an early morning boat ride on the Mekong River to the bustling Cai Rang floating markets thronged with buyers and sellers moving around in boats laden with farm products. Taste seasonal fruit at a verdant orchard. Check out from the hotel and return to Ho Chi Minh City. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
DAY 5: HO CHI MINH CITY – DALAT
In the morning, transfer to Dalat (310km) past vast rubber plantations, extinct volcanic cones and endless pine forests. Stopover in Bao Loc, home to tea plantations and worm silk. Explore Dambri Falls, one of the most magnificent waterfalls in Vietnam, and visit a tea-processing plant for a tea break. Overnight in Dalat.
DAY 6: EXCURSION IN DALAT
Dalat, was established as a hill station during French colonial period. It is renowned for its Colonial colonial French-styled villas and pine forests. A full day sightseeing tour is highlighted with by the Dalat Market, Lovers' Lane, Truc Lam Pagoda, Chinese Pagoda and a flower farm. Overnight in Dalat.
DAY 7: DALAT – PHAN RANG – PHAN THIET
Travel down to Phan Thiet (260km) across the scenic Ngoan Muc Pass in a series of switchbacks with a stopover at the 13th-century Po Klong Garai Towers in Phan Rang. Hidden among coconut trees, this nice chain of seaside resorts is a pleasurable place for all. Spend the afternoon relaxing or roam over to colored sand dunes at Hon Rom. The coast offers spectacular views at sunset. The 18-whole golf course is optional. Overnight in Phan Thiet.
DAY 8: PHAN THIET – HO CHI MINH CITY
In the morning, relax by the pool side or lounge on the sandy beach. Transfer to Ho Chi Minh City (200km) with a visit to a dragon fruit farm en route. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
DAY 9: DEPARTURE FROM HO CHI MINH CITY
Spend last minutes for downtown shopping (embroideries, silk, lacquer ware...) or at leisure before check-out. Transfer to the airport for departure.