Paul Alton MBA

Vietnam Tour - Continued

Spend the day at leisure discovering all the delights of Hoi An independently. Walk through the Old City, stopping at one of the city's many museums, or see artisans using age-old techniques to fashion a variety of crafts. Of special interest are the colorful and elaborate paper lanterns created by lantern artisans for which Hoi An is well known. Or, join the optional boat trip on the Thu Bon River visiting the Organic Village, including lunch. The boat trip begins at a local pier in the Old Town. You'll cruise along the streams, passing fishing areas before arriving in Kim Bong village, home of traditional woodworking and boat building. Return to the mainland and drive to the Traque Organic Village for lunch. Here, you'll learn about the many vegetables and herbs that are organically grown to sustain the people of Hoi An. After a Vietnamese culinary lesson and tasting, return to Hoi An
Optional: Boat Trip on the Thu Bon River & Organic Village with Lunch
Overnight: Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast

This morning, travel to Da Nang, with stunning views of bowl-shaped Da Nang Bay. Drive by the Marble Mountains, a cluster of five limestone and marble hills that are home to ancient caves and temples. Journey over the towering mountains to Hue, home to a wealth of palaces, temples, libraries, and museums. Take an afternoon tour of this former imperial capital, modeled after the Forbidden City in Beijing. Enter the Ngo Mon Gate, the principal entrance to the imperial enclosure and the central passageway reserved for use by the emperor. Continue to the Thai Hoa Palace with its spacious hallways and ornamental roof, the Halls of the Mandarins, the Nine Dynastic Urns, and the ruins of the Forbidden Purple City, once home to the royal family. Tonight, spend time at leisure to explore on your own or join the optional Cyclo Ride with Dinner at the Citadel. Enjoy a panoramic view of both the daily life and the architecture of Hue with a trishaw (cyclo) tour. Later arrive at a family-run restaurant within the Citadel and savor a multi-course dinner, a replica of the Royal Feast
Optional: Cyclo Ride with Dinner at the Citadel
Overnight: Hue
Meals: Breakfast

Today is at leisure to explore Hue independently. Or, participate in the optional boat excursion on the gentle Perfume River, which explores the life along the banks of the ancient royal capital city. The river, with its shimmering blue color is dotted with a poetic landscape of boats, gardens, pagodas, towers, and temples. The tour continues to the legendary Thien Mu Pagoda, on the north bank of the Perfume River, built in seven successive tiers. Then, a drive to the Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, the final resting place of Vietnam's longest reigning emperor and to Khai Dinh, the last monument of the Nguyen dynasty. Here, a vegetarian lunch will be prepared by the Buddhist nuns of Dong Thien Pagoda. Return to Hue
Optional: Perfume River Boat Trip and Lunch at Dong Thien Pagoda
Overnight: Hue
Meals: Breakfast

Depart Hue on the flight* to sparkling Hanoi, the cultural center of the country. Upon arrival, travel overland and through the lush Vietnamese countryside to picturesque Halong Bay, considered one of Vietnam's most celebrated attractions. As you approach, you'll see thousands of limestone islands rising out of the sea creating a truly magical scene. Arrive at your hotel in Halong Bay for overnight
*On some departures, the flight Hue-Hanoi may be changed to depart from Da Nang-Hanoi. Details will be provided locally by your Tour Manager
Overnight: Halong Bay
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Incredible views await you today! Halong Bay is considered one of the most breathtaking places on the planet, added to the list of UNESCO Heritage Sites and declared recently as one of the "New Seven Natural Wonders of the World." There are over 3000 islands in the emerald waters and over 1000 have their own names. Numbers of caves and grottos of all sizes and shapes are filled with small waterfalls, stalactites, and stalagmites. Sail on a traditional wooden boat across the tranquil bay with lunch served on board. Visit one of the caves. Afterward, drive to Hanoi, Vietnam's vibrant capital and check into your hotel. This city's history is tied to French colonialism - its architecture, cuisine, and local culture still bear evidence of the French influence
Overnight: Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today, visit the Museum of Ethnology, center for the preservation and exhibition of the cultural heritage of over 50 ethnic groups in Vietnam. In the evening, attend a performance of the world-famous Water Puppet Show, accompanied by a traditional Vietnamese orchestra and Cheo (a form of opera). The show depicts a series of ancient Vietnamese folktales, acted out by puppets over a pool of water. Tonight, at dinner, bid farewell to your Tour Manager
Overnight: Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast