DEPARTING FROM HUE - DA NANG - HOI AN
In Hue, the mesmerizing tombs and mausoleums of the last emperors of Vietnam reveal fascinating insights into the lives of the imperial families and their subjects. The ancient citadel reflects the pomp and ceremony of the dynastic rulers as well as the scars of many years of turmoil, both ancient and modern (the Royal Citadel was badly damaged in the latter stages of the war). Yet, it still retains a sense of grace and majesty even today. Modern Hue is a delightful city of wide boulevards and period buildings set in a picture-postcard landscape. The university is renowned as one of the country's finest, and the local cuisine is regarded by many as the best in Vietnam. The hard-to-find nature beauty in the province is illustrated with the Bach Ma (White Horse) National Park and attractive beaches such as Thuan An, Lang Co and Canh Duong. The province features a well-balanced blend of imperial heritage and folk culture. Hue Citadel has been recognized as a World Cultural Heritage Site by the UNESCO since December 1993, Hue Royal Court Music (Nha nhac) has been declared as a World Intangible Cultural Heritage since November 2003.
Hoi An is a destination with two faces - the charming, old-world trading port of narrow streets and traditional houses, and the beach with its new resorts and long stretch of clean white sand. In keeping with Hoi An's heritage as a trading port, the town's tiny shophouses now host a range of craft shops and artisans, including some of Asia's best bespoke tailors.
Just south of Hoi An is the temple complex at My Son. These tower-temples served as the seat of the Champa Kingdom for the majority of its existence between the 4th and 13th centuries. The sanctuary is situated in an impressive location surrounded by hills, around 35 km inland from the coast at Hoi An. Whilst not as spectacular as the great Angkor complexes in Cambodia, the remaining structures are atmospheric enough to conjure images of the majesty of the Champa Kingdom and most visitors agree that a visit is well worthwhile.
HALF DAY TRIP TO VISIT THIEN MU PAGODA and CITADEL
We start with a visit the Imperial Citadel, which is a walled fortress and was intended to be a copy of Chinese Emperors’ Forbidden City in Beijing, China. After access the Ngo Mon Gate, we will take in the Purple Forbidden City. The Forbbiden City was reserved for the Nguyen royal family from the 18th century until the mid-1900s. Unfortunately, American bombing in 1968 in response to a communist takeover of Hue flattened most of the city. As we can see, only a few buildings are survived such as the Thai Hoa Temple, Can Thanh Temple, The Mieu, and Hieu Lam Cac, but all the remains make a well worth visit.
Leave the Imperial Citadel we drive along the bank of Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda. Here we visit the 7-storey octagonal tower, a symbol of Hue. Afterwards, transfer back to your hotel.
Inclusive of: Private transfer, entrance fee, English speaking guide
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FULL DAY TRIP TO VISIT THE BEAUTY OF HUE - THE OLD CAPITAL
Our guide and driver meet you at hotel and transfer to the boat landing for a leisure boat trip along the Perfume River to visit Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the most famous pagodas in Hue. Then, you will go ahead to visit Minh Mang Tomb. Back to your hotel by road and stop for lunch at a local typical garden restaurant.
Afternoon, you will visit the Imperial City, Tu Duc Tomb, and go shopping at Dong Ba Market. Drive back to hotel.
or another description as below, more informative:
Pick up from hotel in Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. A boat trip on the romantically named Perfume River visits Hue’s best-known religious sites, Thien Mu Pagoda. Then continue to discoverImperial Citadel from where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945 including Flag Tower, Noon Gate, Nine Dynastic Urns, Nine Holy Cannons, Thai Hoa Palace, and Forbidden Purple City.
The afternoon continues with a visit to the elaborate tombs of emperors Tu Duc & Khai Dinh. This guided tour gives you a deep understanding about King’s philosophy of geomancy and how this affected royal life
Inclusive of: Private transfer, entrance fee, lunch, English speaking guide
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FULL DAY - MEMORY OF WAR - DEMILITARIZED ZONE TOUR (DMZ)
From 1945 to 1975, the Ben Hai River served as the demarcation line between North and South of Vietnam. The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) consisted of a 5 km to north and south of the demarcation line. The DMZ Tour is suitable for those who want to learn about the severe Vietnam War and those who want to “Make Love Not Make War”.
The DMZ Tour departs in early morning for a ride on HW1 heading North for Quang Tri Town. En route, visit the Dong Hung Church Ruins. On arrival in Dong Ha Town, we will take the HW 9 to visit the Rock Pile, Dakrong Bridge and Bru Ethnic Minority Village, Khe Sanh Combat Base before driving back to Dong Ha for a local lunch.
The afternoon tour will take us back to some infamous places in the Vietnam War like Doc Mieu and Con Tien Bases, The McNamara Fence and the Hien Luong Bridge and Ben Hai River - the 17th Parallel. We will have a chance to see how the Vietnamese people survived the War when visiting the Vinh Moc Tunnels - known as "the Underground City" during the war. Back to Hue City in the late afternoon.
Or a clearer descriptive:
Pick-up in Hue, head north on Highway One toward Dong Ha, stop at sites along the way, such as Highway of Horror, Quang Tri Citadel, the Ai Tu Airfield. Continue to Dong Ha, the former headquaters of the elements of the U.S Marines, head west on Route 9. The first stop is the Rockpile, a look-out of the U.S Marine Corps, visit Van Kieu ethnic minorities people in the Central of Vietnam. Continue to Khe Sanh village, visit Khe Sanh Combat Base. Lunch in Dong Ha. After lunch, head north to visit the HienLuong Bridge over the Ben Hai river at the middle of the DMZ ( Demilitarized Zone ), the river that was the only true physical demarcation between North and South Vietnam . Continue to Vinh Moc tunnels, the refuge of some 400 north Vietnamese inhabitants during the bombing operation “ Rolling Thunder “. Back to Hue. End of the trip.
Inclusive of: Private transfer, entrance fee, lunch, English speaking guide
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FULL DAY HUE - PHONG NHA - KE BANG NATIONAL PARK - HUE
Phong Nha Caves are the complex of 14 grottoes situated in a region of limestone mountains in Ke Bang National Park. Phong Nha Cave have a total length of 7,729 m. Phong Nha Cave was listed as a World Natural Heritage Site in July of 2003 by Unesco. The Cham People has used Phong Nha Cave as Buddhist sanctuaries in the 9 and 10 centuries. Visit the cave, you will have a chance to explore the remain of Cham altars and inscriptions inside the cave.
Depart from Hue for 2 and half hours to Phong Nha Caves. On the way we stop to visit some of the most famous battle-field in Vietnam War, Ben Hai River, Hien Luong Bridge, lying in the Demilitarized Zone of the Vietnam war. Have a lunch at at local restaurant then getting on boat and cruise along the river toPhong Nha Cave. The deeper one penetrates, the more magical are the natural aspects of the caves. After on boat for 700m, a large dry passage is appear, then you can walk to discover the cave for 500m more. You will have a chance to explore the remain of Cham Altars and Inscriptions inside. Return to Hue in the late afternoon and we arrive in Hue at 8pm. End tour
Inclusive of: Private transfer, entrance fee, lunch, English speaking guide
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ECO TOUR TO PHONG NHA - KE BANG NATIONAL PARK (2 DAYS/ 1 NIGHT) ( WORLD HERITAGE SITE)
Phong Nha - Ke Bang national park, recognized as a world natural heritage by the UNESCO, is known for its bio diversity, with the highest number of animals and plants on planet. The Phong Nha - Ke Bang grotto system in the Phong Nha - Ke Bang national park is recognized as the most beautiful and the longest water-grotto system in the world. This 2 days excursion is highly recommended for nature lovers and for those who want an e-co adventure feeling.
Day 1: Hue - Phong Nha
Morning, depart for Quang Binh Province on the formerly Ho Chi Minh Trails. We will stop at Vuc Quanh Village, a war relic museum founded by a NVA veteran devoting his remaining life to commemorate his comrades. In this village the authentic scenes of war in the 1960’s reappeared, from the ramparts, pontoon bridge, food stores, weapon stores, hospital, schools, local houses to the remains of some of American arms like magnetic bomb, “tropical tree”, pineapple bomb…
On arrival at Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park – World Natural Heritage, we will have a chance to enjoy the forest life. Some of the rare and valuable wild animals in Red-book have been re-discoverred and preserved there like: Ha Tinh langur, Annamese Leaf Monkey Trachypithecus hatinhensis, Annamese Macaques, Mountain hockey bird… Night at a simple guest house in the area.
Day 2: Phong Nha - Hue
Early morning get up and back the forest again for enjoying the bird's sound. Back the hotel for breakfast then take the boat trip on the Son River to discover the beauty of Phong Nha Cave - (Water cave) - the biggest caves system in Vietnam with : Bi Ky cave, Cung Dinh cave, Tien cave. Continue upto Tien Son Cave (Dry cave) to view the Phong Nha - Ke Bang Karst system mountain. Back the Phong Nha wharf for a late lunch before driving back to Hue or take you back to Dong Hoi for a beach extension at the beautiful Sun Spa Resort.
Inclusive of: Accommodation base on twin/triple sharing with breakfast at Saigon Quang Binh hotel, Private transfer, entrance fee, 02 lunch 01 dinner, English speaking guide, boat trip
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HALF DAY TRIP TO VISIT DANANG FROM HOI AN
Morning, depart from Hoi An to Danang. En route, you will visit the Marble Mountains and the sand-stone carving village. The trip continues to visit Cham Museum, founded by the French Extreme Oriental School, which has the most plentiful collection of Cham sand-stone carving and sculptures in the world. Then, we drive to visit Danang Cathedral (Cock Church) constructed by the French firstly served for the first French Christians' praying. A short visit to the colorful Han Market, before returning to Hoi An.
Inclusive of: Private transfer, entrance fee, lunch, English speaking guide
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FULL DAY TRIP TO VISIT HOI AN - THE PEACEFUL ANCIENT TOWN
Situated about 30 km South-East from Danang City, Hoi An has reserved its ancient town. Together with My Son Holy Land, Hoi An Ancient Town was recognized the World Heritage by the UNESCO. With a variety of tailor shops, restaurants, cafes … and the local people which fall in line with the ancient houses and the Chinese Assembly Halls along the old and small streets and the handicraft villages, Hoi An is one of the most interesting and charming destinations in Central Vietnam.
A full day trip to visit this ancient town is enjoyable for understanding the daily life, the faiths of the local inhabitants and its unique beauty. The trip is started in the morning by walking through the narrow streets in the ancient quarter to visit the Chinese Assembly Halls, the old houses and Japanese Bridge. Lunch is at the local restaurant in the old town. In the afternoon, you will be transferred by boat and guided to visit the handicraft villages specializing in ceramics and boat-building yards.
Inclusive of: Private transfer, entrance fee, lunch, English speaking guide
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MY SON HOLY LAND FROM DANANG OR HOI AN
My Son, the Holy land of Cham People, was constructed in a small valley in Duy Xuyen Valley, it comprises a complex of Cham Temples. Located about 50 km South-West from Hoi An, it was the site of religious ceremony of Cham kings under the Champa Dynasties. The trip begins in the morning by a car ride from Hoi An to My Son Towers. On arrival at the entrance, you will be transferred by Jeep and take a walk to visit the site. The past history , the diversified and plentiful culture and religious life of Cham People and their skillful art in sand stone carvings will be shown. Drive back to Hoi An or Danang with a stop enroute at a local house to learn how to make ricepaper. Lunch is served at a local restaurant before returning to hotel.
HALF DAY COOKING TOUR IN HOI AN
You are picked up at hotel by cyclo and transfer to Tra Que Organic Village and take a walk through the gardens to see the local farmers working on their fields using the traditional rudimentary tools of farming. The cyclo ride returns to Hoi An Market where you are going to take Hoi An Market Tour to choose and purchase the local ingredients preparing for the cooking lesson. Arriving to the cooking school, you are joining the demonstration how to cook the traditional food. The lesson will take about 45 minutes. After the class, you will savour the dishes prepared for lunch. The cooking tour will be finished after the boat trip back to the first departure.
FULL DAY COOKING TOUR IN HOI AN
Recipes: Vegetarians are provided with replacement ingredients.
1. Beef Noodle Soup (Pho). This includes the making of fresh rice noodles
2. Clay Pot Fish with Fresh Dill (Cha Ca)
3. Lemongrass Shrimp grilled in Banana Leaves (Tom Nuong La Chuoi)
4. Grilled Chicken and Banana Flower Salad (Goi Hoa Chuoi Ga Nuong)
The full day cooking class tour is started at 08:00AM at the meeting point with a welcome drink at Hai Cafe. You are transferred by minivan to Tra Que Organic Village for a walk through the gardens to see the local farmers working on their fields using the traditional rudimentary tools of farming. You will choose the fresh saw-tooth coriander and Vietnamese mint for your cooking lesson. A special herbal drink at a local home is welcomed here.
On arrival at the local village market, you are guided to purchase the local ingredients, including star anise, cardamom, sesame rice paper, water spinach and banana flower.
The trip continues to the cooking school where you have a chance to freshen up before beginning our class. You are joined together with the instructor to learn the traditional ways of preparing and cooking Vietnamese food from scratch. Using the freshest ingredients and traditional Vietnamese utensils, you are learning how to cook the four famous dishes, including the national dish 'Pho'. Lunch includes all of the above meals.
After the class, you will savour the dishes prepared. Leisurely cruise along the Hoi An River back to Central Hoi An.
Bring your swimsuit and after the cooking tour has finished relax and enjoy free use of our new 20m swimming pool. The cooking class tour finishes at approximately 2.30pm. You are transferred back to central Hoi An and arrive approximately 3.00pm.
FULL DAY TOUR TO CHAM ISLAND - THE CHARMING NATURE
Morning, you are transferred to the quay for the speed boat cruise to Cham Island. On arrival at the Bai Lang Beach, visit the local Tan Hiep Market, ship shelter and the old Hai Tang Pagoda. The boat cruises to Bai Chong Beach for a rest. Lunch at the beach. Afternoon, take bathing and snorkeling at Bai Chong Beach. Speed boat trip returns to Hoi An. End of service!
DISCOVER THE BIGGEST LAGOON IN ASIA
Guide & driver pick you up at hotel and transfer to An Bang Village to visit the unique “Town of Graves" also known as "The Ghost City". Continue to Cau Hai Lagoon.
Arrive at Vinh Hien, visit Thanh Duyen Ancient Pagoda located on Tuy Van Hill, one of the three oldest pagodas in Thua Thien Hue Province. The pagoda was constructed under the reign of Emperor Minh Mang to worship the Buddha. From Dieu Ngu Tower, at the back of the pagoda viewing to Tam Giang Lagoon, you can admire the panorama of the peaceful lagoon.
Drive to Ham Rong Beach where the rocky mountain runs along the coast. Seafood lunch. Free to swim at the beach till afternoon. Return to Hue City. End of the trip!
This tour is also a full-day cycling challenge with 120km along the Lagoon. Check you health and ready to cycly with us!
FULL DAY TRIP TO THE TRADITIONAL VILLAGES
The morning bike ride through the countryside will take you to Duong No village, a traditional Vietnamese Village where Ho Chi Minh lived during his childhood. En route, you can stop for a visit to Pho Trung Communal House, the Confucius Temple - where the local students worshiped to Confucius, Pho Loi river's stele, then continue to visit Thach Can Village. This village is proud to have the oldest Village Communal House in Hue. We will then stop at a garden house in the village and cycle through the paddy-fields to Thanh Tien Village, which is famous for their traditional paper flower.
Afternoon, we cycle to Thanh Toan Roofed Bridge (built in 1776), then visit the Farming Exhibition Hall displaying Hue traditional farming tools. Leisurely pedaling cross the paddy fields along the An Cuu River to your hotel.
A TRIBUTE TO THE FOUNDERS OF HUE AREA
We cycle or ride west of Hue in the morning for Princess Huyen Tran's Temple - where the locals worship Princess Huyen Tran - who devoted her life in exchange for the nowadays Central Vietnam by her wedding to the Cham's King in 1306. Nearby is the infamous Chin Ham relics ( Nine trenches ) - which known as "the Hell on the Earth" during the Ngo Dinh Diem's regime. Lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon, an exciting boat trip cross the Ta Trach river - a branch of the Huong river, brings you to Emperor Gia Long's Tomb complex. This is a wonderful place to learn about the Nguyen's Dynasty history while enjoying the breathtaking beautiful scene of Emperor Gia Long Tomb - the First Emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty ( 1802 - 1945 ), the last Dynasty in Vietnam. Return the city by van, en route, stop for a visit at Nam Giao esplanade, where the Nguyen Emperors offered Ritual to the Heaven's every Lunar New Year.Back to your hotel. End the trip.
ECO TOUR TO BACH MA NATIONAL PARK AND LANG CO BEACH
(2 DAYS/ 1 NIGHT)
Bach Ma was a Hill -station founded by the French colonials in the early 30s of the 20th century. Going out of the city, you will be transferred to the mountainous area located about 45 km from the city center. Another place to relax after the trekking on Bach Ma National Park is Lang Co Beach. This ecological tour will take you to the unique and beautiful landscapes around Hue City.
Day 1: Hue - Bach Ma National Park
Morning, our local guide and driver pick you up at your hotel and transfer to visit Bach Ma National Park. On arrival of the entrance, you will visit Bach Ma's Museum to have a general view about the ecological system of Bach Ma National Park. Luckily, you would have a chance to meet the birds in the park by the “bird caller” guide, who can ape skillfully the bird voice to sing with then ...
Check-in at a villa on the top of the park . Trekking along the trail to Ngu Ho( Five Lakes ), relaxing and swimming. Picnic lunch is served. You continue the trekking through the forest to Do Quyen Waterfalls ( at the height of 300 meters ) and return to the villa for dinner. In the evening, join the camp-fire and discover the sounds of Mother Nature by night.
Day 2: Bach Ma - Lang Co - Hue
Early morning, get up to walk up to Bach Ma Summit, visit the Sea Observation peak and enjoy the spectacular sunrise and the panorama view of Tam Giang Lagoon, Lang Co beach... Or you might just sit on the balcony of your villa, sipping your coffee in the clouds...
Check-out and get down to the foot of Bach Ma and drive to Lang Co. On arrival at Lang Co Beach, you will have a local seafood lunch at a local restaurant. You are free to swim and relax on the beach until time to return to Hue City (or transfer to your hotel in Da Nang/ Hoi An).
CHAM ISLAND - THE CHARMING NATURE (2 DAYS/ 1 NIGHT)
Day 1: Hoi An - Cham Island
You are picked up at hotel and transferred to the quay for taking the speed boat cruise to Cham Island. On arrival at the Bai Lang Seashore, you visit the local Tan Hiep Market, Ship shelter and the old Hai Tang Pagoda. The boat transfer to Bai Chong Beach for rest and bathing. Dinner and night at Bai Chong Beach.
Day 2: Cham Island - Hoi An
Breakfast at Bai Chong Beach. Take snorkeling at Bai Xep Beach. Then, the speed boat returns to Bai Chong Beach for swimming and lunch. Afternoon, back to Hoi An.