Vietnam Southern Highlights

Day 01: Ho Chi Minh

Arrive in Ho Chi Minh’s Tan San Nhat airport and transfer to your hotel. Day is left at leisure and dinner at local restaurant. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh (Meals: No meals)

Day 02: Ho Chi Minh

We begin our exploring of Ho Chi Mihn city after breakfast, with the Reunification Palace, former residence of the Southern Vietnam President until 1975. Close by are some outstanding French colonial buildings such as the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Saigon Post Office and we also visit the Jade Emperor Pagoda, one of the best examples of Taoist temples in Vietnam. After lunch we drive to Cu Chi Tunnels, an astonishing underground network (approx. 200km) built by Vietnamese fighters during the long struggle for independence. The tunnels contained hospitals, accommodation as well as schools, and were used as a military base for the Viet Cong during the American war. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 03: Ho Chi Minh – Can Tho

Today we set off after breakfast for the Mekong Delta to visit Cai Be for a boat trip to experience the daily routines and activities of the locals living along the banks of the river. We some time to visit some local “industries” including rice paper making and bonsai nurseries before we continue to Ving Long and then to Can Tho, the largest town in the Mekong delta. Overnight in Can Tho (Meals: Breakfast & Lunch)

Day 04: Can Tho – Ho Chi Minh

Our journey today starts very early in the morning to visit Cai Rang market, where hundreds of local boats drift on the Mekong River trading their agricultural products. We return to the hotel for breakfast and we are then on our way to Ho Chi Minh. Rest of day is left free. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 05: Ho Chi Minh – Dalat

After breakfast we journey northwards passing through the tea and coffee plantations to the hill station of Dalat, also known as the “City of Eternal Spring”. The journey takes about 6 hours’ drive but the beautiful, tranquil scenery and panoramic views encountered on the way are well worth it. We spend some time wandering around and exploring the town. There is a distinct French influence, as Dalat was a hill retreat for the colonial French to escape the heat of the coastal plains and the Mekong Delta. This charming and romantic town, extremely popular as a honeymoon destination, is situated around a lake and surrounded by forests, waterfalls and undulating countryside. Overnight in Dalat (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 06: Dalat – Nha Trang

After breakfast, we take a short drive past pine covered hills to visit the summer residence of Vietnam’s last Emperor Bao Dai, forced to abdicate in 1945. Our next stop is Lam Ty Ni Pagoda and the Hang Nga Guest House, known as the Crazy House because of its bizarre architecture. The central market and the old rail station are also on the itinerary this morning before continuing our drive through the undulating terrains to the picturesque coastal town of Nha Trang. We stop along the way at the scenic Ngoan Muc Pass and Po Klong Jarai Cham Towers. Overnight in Nha Trang (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 07: Nha Trang

Today is all about enjoying Vietnam’s prime beach resort and we embark on a boat trip around the little islands scattered along the coast as we drop in at a local fishing village to experience first-hand the daily routine of local life. Time for snorkelling to admire the fabulous corals at Mun Island and there is plenty of time to enjoy a swim in the crystal turquoise waters or laze around on the beach. We also feast on a seafood lunch before we return to town to visit the Long Son Pagoda and the imposing Ponagar Cham Towers, which overlook the lively fishing port. Overnight in Nha Trang (Meals: Breakfast & Lunch)

Day 08: Nha Trang

The whole day is left at leisure to fully savour this corner of Vietnamese paradise, and there is plenty to explore. Overnight in Nha Trang (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 09: Nha Trang – Mui Ne

After breakfast we travel to Mui Ne for a two-night stay. Rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Mui Ne (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 10: Mui Ne

Day is left at leisure to relax and enjoy the city. Overnight in Mui Ne (Meals: Breakfast)

Day 011: Mui Ne – Ho Chi Minh

After breakfast, transfer to Tan Son Nhat airport for onward flight