Vietnam Deltas, Beaches and Plateaus

DAY 1: HO CHI MINH ARRIVAL

Upon arrival to Ho Chi Minh City, our guide and driver will be waiting to provide transport to the hotel for check in.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

DAY 2: HO CHI MINH CITY

Begin the first full day with a day tour of Ho Chi Minh City. Head to Cholon, the city’s Chinatown district, discover the markets and shops of the area, as well as the Cantonese Thien Hau Pagoda – dedicated to the goddess of the Sea. Next pay a visit to Vietnam’s first traditional medicine museum, the FITO Museum, displaying an amazing collection of 3,000 items relevant to the development of traditional Vietnamese medicine.

Head back into the centre of the city to visit Ben Thanh Market where an incredible display of fresh produce is offered. Simply stroll through the market seeing and enjoying the variety of goods for sale.

In the afternoon visit the War Remnants (or History Museum) and the former Presidential Palace. From here, stroll along to the major sights of colonial Ho Chi Minh City: the Old Ho Chi Minh City Post Office, Dong Khoi Street (formerly Rue Catinat), Continental Hotel, Opera House and City Hall. At the end of the afternoon head back to the hotel.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Note: History Museum is closed on Mondays.

DAY 3: HO CHI MINH CITY – MEKONG DELTA

Start the morning departing bustling Ho Chi Minh for the 2-hour drive to the delta town of Cai Be. On arrival, board the overnight boat for a cruise. Enjoy cruising on local, traditional wooden boats with meals served en-route; admire the scenery and daily life of the local villagers on the way.

Overnight on the Mekong Delta..

DAY 4: MEKONG DELTA – HO CHI MINH CITY – NHA TRANG

Crossing the Mekong on the way to Cai Rang Floating Market, take in traditional sights such as rice barges, wooden ship building yards and even fruit drying along the Mekong’s banks. After paying a visit to the colourful floating market, check-out and disembark before returning to Ho Chi Minh City. The private car and guide will be available up until the flight to Nha Trang.

Overnight in Nha Trang.

DAY 5: NHA TRANG

Nha Trang has every activity a sun worshipper could hope for. Aside from its golden stretches of land and crystal clear waters, the coast is dotted with many islands each with their own distinct character. The turquoise waters play host to a variety of marine life, and snorkeling and scuba diving are perennial favorites.

This morning take a boat off the coast of Nha Trang which visits some of the nearby islands and where you can swim and snorkel in the clear warm waters. Along the way, visit nearby islands and villages or simply relax on the boat’s deck and ‘people watch’ as Vietnamese villagers, whose descendants have lived on these islands for generations, go about their daily lives. After a fresh seafood lunch on ‘Bamboo Island’ return to Nha Trang City.

Overnight in Nha Trang

DAY 6: NHA TRANG – DALAT

Today drive to Dalat with a stopover in the rural heartland of Nha Trang to experience first-hand the charming lifestyle and culture of the local people. The day begins at a local rice paper factory to see how local fare is made. Continue with a visit to a typical local house to learn how to make Vietnamese traditional food such as Banh Xeo (savoury pancakes) before sitting down to enjoy a local meal. In the early afternoon depart for the 4-hour drive to Dalat along a spectacular road. Rising 800 meters from the coast, the Ngoan Muc Mountain range offers gorgeous views over valleys, mountain passes and to the ocean. Along the way pass by hill tribe villages inhabited by the Ede, Koho and Chu Ru groups.

On arrival the rest of the afternoon is at leisure.
Overnight in Dalat

DAY 7: DALAT

Take an orientation tour of this former colonial hill station. Dalat is home to vast flower gardens, pine forests, vineyards and perhaps the most colourful market in Vietnam. Visit the Dalat Railway Station which dates back to 1932, Linh Phuong Buddhist Pagoda, an organic vegetable farm, the palace of the last Emperor of Vietnam and the fascinating Lam Dong Museum. The remainder of the afternoon is free at leisure. (As an optional extra this tour can be done by a restored Citroen Car).

Overnight in Dalat

DAY 8: DALAT – HO CHI MINH CITY – DEPARTURE

Today is departure day. Enjoy some free time before a transfer to Dalat’s airport for onward flight to Ho Chi Minh City.