SPLENDORS FROM SOUTH TO CENTER

Day 1 : Arrival in Saigon. Visit of the city (- / L / D)

Speaking of Saigon, we immediately think of a big city, bustling with shopping malls, tall buildings, which never sleeps. But in depth, the city reveals its "precious pearls" - historical, cultural testimonies expressing the life and spirit of the local people.

You will visit the city. Cho Lon is very well known by visitors. It was founded in the 17th century by Chinese migrants, it has attracted many traders from other countries. Until now, Cho Lon and its surroundings are the cohabitation of space and trade of Chinese, Indian and Vietnamese.

By visiting the region of Cho Lon (market), you'll discover another face of the city of Saigon, a multicultural place. Visit the Hindu Temple Mariaman : the temple is located in the middle of Saigon, we recognize it through its native architecture and mystical. It is appreciated as a famous heritage among three current Hindu monuments in Saigon. This is the place where we practised the Mariaman cult - Indian woman genius.

By visiting this temple, visitors can watch the statutes, sculptures, antiques, listen to the story of the foundation, and discover the spirits of the temple. Then you will head to the mosque at number 66 Dong Du Street. The mosque is one of the Islamic centers, which was built as early as in Saigon in 1935. The mosque attracts many believers and tourists. Its architecture is simple, spacious and airy with arches, columns and long corridors that symbolize the typical Indian art.

Outside the religious function, the mosque is still the place where public activities are organized and where children learn about the ideologies of the Koran. You will be able to go and watch believers pray every friday. A Muslim spectacle in the heart of Saigon. Then you will visit: the former Catinat Street, the Cathedral, the Temple of the Jade Emperor, the Temple of the Protecting Goddess of the Sailors Thien Hau.

In the evening, we'll take you on the Indochina junk for a romantic dinner. You will spend a romantic moment in a charming and intimate space. You will make a 2-hour cruise on the Saigon River and admire the city on the other side. While tasting wine and specialties, you will look at the buildings full of lights as bright as crystals. You’ll feel a romantic and poetic Saigon.

Overnight at the hotel.

Included meals: lunch and dinner.

Day 2 : Saigon – Cu Chi – Tay Ninh – Saigon (120 km/ 3h00 journey) (B / L / D)

After breakfast, departure for Tay Ninh province to discover the long history of this territory. The guide will tell you the evolution of foundation and development of Tay Ninh. Visit the Thanh That Cao Dai (the Great Cao Dai Temple) which was founded in 1926 by Ngo Minh Chieu, according to Cao Dai sect, one of the main religion in Vietnam which currently has about 2.5 million practitioners.

At noon, you will have the opportunity to watch a ceremony in the temple. Taking the road to Cu Chi. 70 km away from Ho Chi Minh City, Cu Chi is famous for its huge network of underground tunnels. It was first used by the Viet Minh during the war. By visiting this historical relic, you can dive in the past of Vietnam and in the soldiers lives. Above, the eucalyptus forest gradually reasserts itself, gradually erasing the scars left by the defoliants and bombs. End of the tour, and back to Saigon.

Overnight at the hotel.

Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 3 : Saigon – Ben Tre - Can Tho (180 km/ 3h30 journey) (B / L / D)

In Vietnamese, the Mekong is called Song Cuu Long, which means the river of the Nine Dragons, referring to its nine major tributaries that flow into the South China Sea. In this region known as the "rice bowl" of Vietnam, Mother Nature delivers its benefits besides. Rich and fertile land, clear water and fish, dreamy landscapes, actually nothing is missing.

From the pier of Hung Vuong, you will make a motorized sampan trip on the river Tien towards Ben Tre. A quick stop in the brick-making workshop. Visit of a workshop production of coconut candy. You will continue the tour to the village of Thanh Nhon. You will visit the mats workshop. Then you will take "xe loi" or the bike for a ride through the coconut gardens, rice paddies and vegetable fields to discover local life. In the afternoon, you will make a rowing boat cruise through the water canals surrounded by palm trees. Transfer by boat back to the pier and landing. Drive to Can Tho.

Overnight at the hotel.

Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 4 : Can Tho – Sai Gon. Flight to Nha Trang (180 km/ 3h30 journey) (B / L / D)

At 34 km away in Vinh Long’s southwest, on the banks of the Song Hau (Hau River), Can Tho is located in the heart of the Mekong Delta. It is the main city of the province of the same name and is the political, economical and academical center. Can Tho is a good base to go by boat to discover the Mekong arm, villages and floating markets.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will take a motor boat to visit the floating market of Cai Rang, one of the most lively floating markets of the Mekong Delta. You have to go at the right time, at dawn. Hundreds of boats come together over water under the splendid sun. The seller with his conical hats will be happy to choose, from the pyramids of fruit piled up in their boats, your fruit, and they will peel it off and prepare it in front of you.

Transfer to an orchards where you can enjoy the seasonal fruits. Then you will visit an ancient house in Binh Thuy. The driver will be waiting for you there, and you will go back to Saigon. Arrived in Saigon you will go to the airport for the flight to Nha Trang. Arrival in Nha Trang, transfer to the hotel.

Overnight in Nha Trang.

Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 5 : Nha Trang. Visit of the city (B / L / D)

Located 18 km away from Nha Trang, Nha Phu is probably the most popular bay by travelers. Among the best attractions of this place, you will find Monkey Island which is considered as a pearl in the middle of the sea and a natural reserve in which more than a thousand of monkeys are living. Aside from beach activities, you will have the opportunity to discover the real circus made by very smart monkeys with couples racing "monkey-dog," unique, a show you shouldn’t miss ! You can also get very close and even touch these adorable animals because they aren’t wild.

Next to the island of Nha Phu you will find the island of Hoa Lan (Orchid) which has a cool climate and the most romantic landscapes. It is also a special place reserved for fans of orchids with over a hundred of different varieties. You can enjoy the An Binh beach, with its white sand and incredibly clear and pure water. You can swim in the mild sun, play sports under the spray or even visit the zoo.

Return to the mainland. Visit the Cham towers of Po Nagar in the north of the city, on a hill overlooking the Cai River. The largest, 25 meters high, is dedicated to the worship of the goddess Yan Po Inu Nagar Cham, venerated by Buddhists as the Thien Y Ana, the Holy Mother of the Kingdom of Champa or Shiva female version. Her statue stands in the main temple.

Overnight at the hotel.

Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 6 : Free time in Nha Trang (B / - / - )

Free day for personal moments and to relax at the beach.

Overnight at the hotel.

Included meals: breakfast

Day 7 : Nha Trang- Quy Nhon (230 km/ 5h00 journey) (B / L / D)

Long day journey through the city of Tuy Hoa. A short stop to visit the Swallow tower. This road is dominated by mountains of the Annamite Cordillera under the curves along the coastline of beautiful beaches such as Dai Lanh (former Cape Varella). Arrival in Quy Nhon, ancient capital of the Cham under the name of "Vijaya". In this region you can admire beautiful remains such as Cham towers sanctuaries from 11th to 15th century tower of Copper, Silver round. Installation at the hotel.

Overnight in Quy Nhon.

Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 8 : Quy Nhon- My Son- Hoi An (380 km/ 8h00 journey) (B / L / D)

Departure to Hoi An via My Son, the "Sacred Valley" of the Champa kingdom with over 70 towers sanctuaries from the 7th to the 13th century. It is surrounded by a natural amphitheater of hills and symbolizes nature. This site is the Shiva pedestal, the privileged place of contact between the human world and the cosmic world. You will discover all the spirituality that ruled the kingdom for more than five centuries and you will try to penetrate its mysteries. After visiting the "territory of Saint My Son", you will continue the journey to Hoi An. Arrival in Hoi An. Checkin at the hotel.

Overnight at the hotel.

Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 9 : Hoi An – Tra Nhieu- Tra Que (B / L / D)

We invite you to come discover Hoi An and its surrounding countryside differently. Together, we will guide you away from the usual tours. We will help you discover little known locations that have maintained their charm and authenticity. Each of our tours is limited in size to ensure maximum comfort, service and quality. And, rather than offering a run-of-the-mill tour. We organize custom-tailored excursions, according to your personal interests. And, we personally accompany you on a cycling “adventure”, taking the time to answer your questions, so that you will discover and share our love for this marvelous country.

The guide takes you from your hotel and riding to where you board the shuttle to cross the river Thu Bon for about 15 minutes, to the Kim Bong carpenters village. You will visit the shipbuilding workshop, wood carving, mosaic and other workshops. The locals will teach you how to make the traditional wooden boats that move the rivers, try the famous basket boats at Mr. Kha’s workshop has 85 years, which manufactures cart boats, woven by bamboo and palm trees.

Continue your ride to the Tra Nhieu mat village; you will be listened to the presentation of the war history and their activities. The fishermen leave their nets, boats and prepare their tools for a long ride 2-3 weeks at sea. Taking the path along the river, you will see coconut water, fishing nets, and wild birds, then visit the craft mats making.

Go back at the dock, you board the boat with residents and cycling to the Tra Que vegetable village - About 150 farmers and 400 owners live on site, cultivate about 20 types of vegetables and herbs including mint, salad, basil, cilantro, broccoli among the other more than 40 hectares of land, 8 tons of Tra Que vegetables are sold each year. The farmers do not use pesticides or OGM but natural fertilizers in particular, a kind of seaweed that is in the river, harvested by gardeners by boat every morning.

To Tra Que village, you will be warmly greeted by Mr. Minh family , 3 generations one , a welcome drink "basil juice", stroll through the village and meet local people who work in the garden. The local farmer will teach you all about cultivation methods and how to protect developing vegetable from the insects as well as join the farmers in preparing gardening activities such as raking the ground, sowing, watering greens, transplanting and tending greens. Then relax and soak your feet with a mix of local herbal remedy and Chinese traditional medicine in order to reduce your aches and pains, rheumatism.

Prepare lunch with a local family. You will learn how to make “ Tam Huu” spring roll, “Xeo” pancake. Your lunch will consist of many local delicacies including “Tam Huu” spring roll, “Banh Xeo” or local pancake of people in Centre of Viet Nam. After lunch, take a bit rest before returning to your hotel.

Overnight at the hotel.

Included meals : breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 10 : Hoi An – Da Nang – Hue (130 km/ 2h30 journey) (B / L / D)

Stop at Da Nang, colonial Touran to visit the Cham Museum, which houses a large collection of sculptures typical of Champa Kingdoms. Arrival in Hue. Hue is the ancient capital of Vietnam under the Nguyen Dynasty. Hue has a simple beauty, quiet and taciturn. Perfume River increased the romance of the city every sunset.

Start your bike ride through the streets of the former capital and feel the rhythm of local life. Shops, homes and people are quiet and peaceful. When you reach the front door of the Royal Citadel, you will discover the world’s heritage of UNESCO in Vietnam. The citadel is considered as a real art museum, historical testimony, and as a place of the last kings of Vietnam. Under the roofs of the palace, watch the images, sculptures symbolizing the typical oriental Vietnamese art. Drive to the mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc & Khai Dinh, another royal monument.

Before ending the day, you will learn how to make incense sticks and poetic hats in both professional villages. Stop to visit the pagoda "énuques- Tu Hieu" Back to Hue.

Overnight at the hotel.

Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 11: Hue (B / L / D)

08:00 Depart from your hotel, Embarking on boat for cruise along the poetic Perfume River you can see a pavilion that the king and royal family used to have bath. You also experience the daily life of local people as well as contemplate the beauty of landscapes and fill your heart and mind with fresh air. Main destination of our journey is the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda (Heavenly Lady Pagoda) which was built in 1601-the symbol of Hue city.

10:00 Continue your trip biking around the village which is located in the city center and the Nguyen Emperors’ tombs. Thuy Bieu is a wonderland of pomelo that possesses a very special taste and fragrance. Keep cycling toward Thuy Bieu Village along verdant paths; you can see local people’s daily life. Thuy Bieu Village has been well-known with its immense grapefruit gardens, which its grapefruit is different from other species throughout Viet Nam. It’s smaller but sweeter and known under the name of Thanh Tra people which was only provided for the Royal Family.

Have a nice biking and walking around quiet Thuy Bieu Village, feeling the comfortable relax in a friendly air of local. While biking , taking short stop in schools, communal houses, ancient temples and especially the garden house - Its housing architecture is typical of Hue and the Nguyen dynasty with small cottages hidden in large luxuriant gardens, long gates and fences carved out of ornamental trees. Thuy Bieu is a hidden gem of untouched nature and culture Keep biking through 2 most pristine hamlets Nguyet Bieu and Luong Quan where you can contemplate lush greens, laid back lifestyle. We continue biking through an orphanage. to fulfill their dream to go to school.

12:00 Come back to a local house in Thuy Bieu for cooking class, you will prepare lunch by yourself with our chief’s instruction.Have lunch with Hue traditional dishes you have just cooked.

13:30 Relax by steeping your foot in medicinal herb water – a traditional therapeutic practice.

Retour to your hotel at 14h.

Overnight at the hotel.

Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 12 : Hue – Flight to Saigon/ Hanoï. Return flight (B / - / -)

You will have free time until the transfer to Phu Bai Airport (Hue) for the flight to Hanoi (or Saigon), then for the return flight.

Included meals: breakfast

End of the Tour