Vietnam Veteran Tour 11 days: Vietnam War Experience

Upon arrival, meet and transfer with guide to hotel for check in (Early check-in is NOT included and subject to hotel’s availability)

Accommodation             : At the hotel in Hanoi 
Meals                            : None
 

After breakfast, our guide will pick you up and show you around Hanoi, Vietnam’s gracious capital. We enjoy a full day city tour starting with the Ho Chi Minh Complex, home to his mausoleum, garden, house on stilts and a museum which traces his life and work.

Our first stop is to visit the mausoleum of the nation’s founder Ho Chi Minh. Located in the center of Ba Dinh Square, this is the most important monument of Vietnam in which Ho Chi Minh’s body is preserved. This site only opens on Tuesday to Thursday and weekends from 08:00 – 11:00. 

The next destination is the Presidential Palace and the Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts. The Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house was completed on May 19th, 1958 as a birthday present for uncle Ho and becomes a symbol of his simple life. 

Close to this complex is the One Pillar Pagoda. The pagoda looks like a lotus blossoming from the square pond. It was constructed in 1049 by King Ly Thai Tong based on his dream of Goddess of Mercy seating on a lotus flower and giving him a boy.
We follow this with the Vietnam Military History Museum this is one of the oldest museums in Hanoi. It is particularly interesting to see and important for those wishing to learn about Vietnam, because most of the country’s history is about war and fighting for independence. 
Lunch will be your own account 

In the afternoon, visit the Hoa Lo Prison. The Americans called this prison “Hanoi Hilton” during the Second Indochina War. Visitors can view the original cells, complete with leg-irons, along with a selection of bilingual (Vietnamese and English) displays illustrating the horrors of life in the prison during the French colonial period

Finally we spend your time in Museum of the Revolution. Built in 1917 by the French colony, the place is now dedicated to displaying artifacts, documentaries and sporadic exhibitions about Vietnamese’s struggle in modern history. 


Accommodation             : At the hotel in Hanoi
Meals                            : Breakfast
 

Breakfast served at hotel and then starts a 3-hour drive through the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta to Ha Long City.
 
Declared as a World Heritage site by the UNESCO in 1994, Ha Long Bay is one of Vietnam’s most spectacular natural attractions. Nearly 200 km far from Hanoi, the bay is dotted with 1600 limestone islands, capturing visitors’ attention.
 
Arrive in Halong ad board a luxury wooden sailing junk for a cruise through the limestone cliffs and emerald waters of Ha Long Bay, giving us the chance to take in the stunning scenery of this World Heritage Site. While on board we will be served a sumptuous fresh, local seafood lunch followed by a swim and exploring some of the limestone caves in this area. When the sun comes down we drop anchor for the night nearby a remote island.  Dinner served on board. Overnight on Junk
 
Accommodation             : On Ha Long boat
Meals                            : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
 

Rising to the tranquil beauty of the bay we have time for an early morning dip with joys and emotions for watching sunrise on sea followed by breakfast. This morning we continue to move around the bay to find more secluded areas. The junk will be near us at all times serving as a back-up vessel for those that require it. At around midday we will return to the main harbor before transferring to our awaiting vehicle for a 3-hour journey to Noi Bai airport for flight to Hue.
Hue was the capital of Vietnam under the Nguyen Dynasty. Not only is it famous for the splendid architecture of citadels, palaces, royal tombs and pagodas but the ancient traditions of Hue also created a unique romantic city.

Upon arrival Hue, pick up & transfer to hotel in Hue. Overnight at the hotel in Hue

Accommodation             : At the hotel in Hue
Meals                            : Breakfast, Lunch
 

Morning at 07 pick up at hotel in Hue, we will transfer to demilitarized zone along National way 1A. This morning we will visit the Hien Luong Bridge, Ben Hai River, where use to be the Seventeenth Parallel - the border between North and South of Viet Nam during the war (DMZ) and Vinh Moc Tunnel. In the afternoon, we will follow the Highway No 9, visit Khe Sanh and Suspension Bridge of Dakrong. Then we return to Hue. Tour ends at the hotel about 06:00PM.

Accommodation             : At the hotel in Hue
Meals                            : Breakfast
 

We then set out for the exploration of Hue's famous highlights, including a boat trip to visit the picturesque Thien Mu, or Heavenly Lady Pagoda
Built in 1601, it is one of the best know religious and must-see sites in Hue. Both landscape and monuments here are always in harmony and bring a feeling of peace for travelers. 

Disembark the board for a visit the elaborate mausoleum of former emperor Tu Duc.
Stretching along the Perfume River, Tu Duc mausoleum is considered to be the most picturesque site of Hue. The tomb was designed by the Emperor Tu Duc himself and this is the largest architectural work of Nguyen Dynasty’s royal palaces and tombs.

Transfer back to Hue center Hue for lunch at local restaurant.

In the afternoon we continue to visit the Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City
Built in the 19th century by Nguyen dynasty, the Citadel becomes the most important historical and cultural monument in Vietnam. It is a square 2 km wall encompassing 3 walled enclosures: the Citadel, the Yellow Imperial city, and the Forbidden Purple city.

If time permits, we continue to do the walking and shopping in Dong Ba Market to enjoy the specialty of Hue city. Overnight at the hotel in Hue

Accommodation             : At the hotel in Hue
Meals                            : Breakfast
 

After having breakfast, we continue our south journey by road to Hoian
The ancient town of Hoian is a small town in Central Vietnam. In the 16th and 17th centuries, Hoian was a busy international commercial port for foreign merchants. Today, Hoian is popular for its peaceful beauty, eclectic architecture, tailors and cafes.

The scenery en route is very beautiful. We make a stop at Lang Co beach for coffee and refreshments before winding our way up the spectacular Hai Van Pass to admire the stunning views north to Lang Co beach and south to Danang City. Continue on our way down to the other side and head to Da Nang where we will stop at the Cham Museum, the famed China Beach, and the Marble Mountains. We will visit Hoi An town with ancient merchants' houses, a Phuc Kien temple, the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, and the colorful riverside markets, workshops where artisans make Hoi An's famous lanterns. Guests learn how the lanterns are made then have a chance to create their own lanterns, from designing the frame to gluing the cloth. most delightful places. Overnight at hotel in Hoian

Accommodation             : At the hotel in Hoian
Meals                            : Breakfast
 

Today we take about a 2 hours drive Southward on the National Highway, 80 kilometers to My Lai Massacre memorial in Quang Ngai province. Before reaching My Lai village, we make a stop at local market which offers some of the most close-up views of the daily local life in the Central Coast. After, we will visit Chien Dan Cham towers, a vestige of the Champa civilization.

In one of the most horrific incidents of violence against civilians during the Vietnam War, a company of American soldiers brutally killed the majority of the population of the South Vietnamese hamlet of My Lai in March 1968. Though the exact numbers remains unconfirmed, it is believed that as many as 500 people were murdered including women, children and the elderly in the My Lai Massacre… This tour to the historical site of My Lai will give you an insight into the American – Vietnam War. In this village, there are also many stories about the life and mythical things in the war in the 19th century in Vietnam. You will visit the museum, stroll around the village, interact with the locals and have lunch at a local restaurant before going back to Hoi An late in the afternoon.

Accommodation             : At the hotel in Hoian
Meals                            : Breakfast
 

Start your exploration today with a visit to the 4th century Cham religious sanctuary of My Son,

It is classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, located in a beautiful green valley surrounded by impressive mountains. While a small site, the ruins at My Son are the largest and most intact remaining in Vietnam. It is also the home to the Museum of Cham Sculpture, which records the development of the culture and history of the Cham people through their elaborate sculptures and carvings. The passable road ends about 1.5 miles from the actual site.

In the afternoon transfer to the airport for your flight to Saigon. Upon arrival transfer to the hotel for your overnight

Accommodation             : At the hotel in Saigon
Meals                            : Breakfast
 

Morning after having breakfast, depart for the famous Cu Chi Tunnels 

Located 70 km northwest of Saigon, Cu Chi Tunnels were an incredible underground network constructed by Vietnamese soldiers in the American war. Nowadays, the tunnels have become a popular tourist attraction of Vietnam.

Afternoon, we take a half day of city tour to visit all famous sites of this bustling city. The first destination is the Reunification Palace

Reunification Palace is a unique construction designed for the President of South Vietnam during Vietnam War. When entering, visitors can not only admire its architectural beauty but also enjoy fresh atmosphere created by trees and grasses around.

Followed by some French colonial structures including the Old Saigon Post Office & Notre Dame Cathedral

Notre Dame Cathedral is one of the most famous architectural monuments influenced by European architecture. Both its exterior and interior are impressive with bright red color of bricks, stained glass panels and carved tiles, attracting many tourists.

After visiting the Jade Emperor Pagoda, we continue our trip to the bustling Ben Thanh Market, which is firstly well-known as the place for real Vietnamese food. There are a number of vendors and food stalls in the market food section that offers guests many freshly delicious dishes. You also can find any goods for daily use as well as variety of eye-catching local handicrafts, souvenirs here. 

Overnight at the hotel in HCM city

Note: When visiting Cu Chi, after exploring this unique destination, tourists have free time to discover by themselves and this is the time for who wants to try shooting with the real guns. Before shooting a bullet, tourists will be given instruction about the gun and the way to use it. Please remember to wear the covering ears facilities in order not to be startled.
Tourists can choose between the AK-47, M16,.30 Caliber Machine Gun, M60, M1 carbine, M1 Garand and Russian SKS… You will need to buy the bullets by yourself. There are different kinds of bullets; the cheapest type is 2.5 USD per bullet however you are required to buy at least 10 bullets.
 

Morning at around 08:30 we depart from the southern economic hub of Ho Chi Minh City to the area referred locally as ‘the rice bowl of Vietnam’- Ben Tre. 

Situated in Mekong Delta, Ben Tre has advantages to develop ecotourism with many fruit gardens, the floating fishing village, etc. For nature lovers, Ben Tre will be a wonderful destination. 

On arrival in Ben Tre Province head towards Tien Giang where you will board your local boat for a cruise among the aptly named Dragon, Unicorn, Turtle and Phoenix Islands. En-route visit a small factory producing handicrafts made of coconut and Turtle Island, where a stop will be made in a tropical orchard to taste some exotic fruit.  After the boat trip, take a ride on a horse driven cart along country roads to a famed garden for a honey tasting session. Continue on a smaller rowing boat for a more adventurous cruise on the Xep Canal which is set amongst a forest of palm trees. We then return to Ben Tre for lunch and followed by a journey back to Saigon. The remaining time would be spent at your own pleasure. Overnight at the hotel in Ho Chi Minh
 

Today you are free until time to transfer to airport for flight home. End of Asia King Travel services. Thank you for choosing our Vietnam Veteran Tour 11 days!

Accommodation             : Not available- Standard check out time is at 12.00 (noon time)
Meals                            : Breakfast