VIETNAM ODYSSEY

The FITO museum is Vietnam’s first museum of traditional medicine, go here next to see over 3000 exhibits all dedicated to the traditional medicine of Vietnam; including ancient books, documents and implements for mixing indigenous herbs. Next, browse an incredible display of fresh produce at the city centre market of Ben Thanh.

For your afternoon you can choose to visit whichever interests you the most: the War Remnants Museum or the History Museum.

Afterwards we’ll stroll to the Presidential Palace and then on to the main colonial sites of Ho Chi Minh City: The City Hall, Dong Khoi Street (formerly Rue Catinat), The Continental Hotel, Opera House and the Post Office.

Continue to a cottage factory where coconut candies, rice paper and ‘pop-rice’ are produced. Get back in the boat and admire the scenery as you witness the traditional life of the riverbank villages. We’ll cruise to Dong Hoa Hiep Island and sample some local Mekong specialties for lunch, before heading back to Ho Chi Minh in the afternoon.

An island lover’s paradise, Nha Trang has a host of different, distinctive islands with a wealth of marine life, golden sand and clear waters. A variety of activities can be done here including snorkeling and scuba-diving.

In the afternoon, take a city tour to visit the Po Nagar Cham Tower and the Long Son Pagoda with its white Buddha Statue. You’ll also see the ‘XQ’ workshop which displays exquisite embroidered items. Your walk ends at the colorful Dam Market.

Take a stroll around the old town center to its colorful market, past the houses which were originally home to merchants of this port town. See Hoi An’s unique 400 year old Japanese Covered Bridge, an excellent place for taking photographs.

See the finest collection of Cham sculptures in the world at the Cham Museum, before heading down to the scenic fishing village of Lang Co via the Pass of Ocean Clouds.

Vietnam’s first university was established in the grounds of a temple in 1076 and operated for an amazing 700 years. Quoc Tu Giam, as it is known, is well-preserved and a stroll around its halls evokes images of academia in the time of the Mandarins. 

Next see one of Vietnam’s most iconic temples, The One Pillar Pagoda; founded in 1049 by King Ly Thai To as a sign of gratitude for receiving a son. Pay a visit to the father of modern Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum and his modest nearby house built on stilts. 

Travel to West Lake and the Tran Quoc Buddhist Pagoda, walking 700m further on to the Taoist temple of Quan Thanh, which is dedicated to one of the principle deities of Taoism.

In the afternoon, visit the Ethnology Museum which doubles as a research centre and displays exhibits detailing the variety of ethnic groups in Vietnam. 

Hanoi’s Old Quarter is known as the ’36 streets’. Amble around here taking in the atmosphere, through charming Hang Be Market, down bustling narrow streets and alleys and around Hoan Kiem Lake. It’s a wonderful area to explore, with thousands of shopkeepers and small businesses and plenty of photo opportunities.

End your day with a performance of the uniquely Vietnamese art form of water-puppetry, which enacts episodes from history as well as scenes from rural life in Vietnam.

Discover the area’s 1200 year old history, immersing yourself in the village culture. See 400 year old houses and meet to talk with locals as you wander through narrow village alleyways and past tiny temples.

We’ll visit the hamlet of Mong Phu, whose original village entrance is the only one in the country to remain intact; and continue through alleys to see the old houses of the village made from laterite.

Enjoy a local lunch in one of these 100 year old homesteads. After lunch go to Mia Pagoda with its interesting array of 287 different statues, including a statue of the Buddha and the ‘Eight Vajra Deities’. Next are two temples dedicated to the national heroes Phung Hung and Ngo Quyen.

You’ll see Red Dao, Tay and Black Hmong tribe people here selling handicrafts, silverware and many other things. After the market take a light trek to a variety of hill tribe villages with the stunning Hong Lien Son Mountain Range as your backdrop. After the trek and meeting with hill tribes, the rest of your day is free to relax.

Arrive at Halong City in the late morning and board a traditional wooden junk (or a classic replica steamship - The Emeraude) for an overnight journey into the bay.

You’ll sail past a variety of rock formations, many named after their resemblance to things (Sail, Dog, and Incense Pot), and weigh anchor as the sun begins to set over the bay. Enjoy a relaxed dinner before settling down for the night.