EXOTIC VIETNAM

16 DAY TOUR

Days 1 & 2. US to Vietnam

Travel to Vietnam on China Airlines. Individual itineraries to San Francisco where the group meets. Change planes in Taiwan. Arrive at Tan Son Nhat Airport, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), late evening. Transfer to hotel for a good night's rest.

Day 3. Saigon Sightseeing.

City tour of Saigon. Reunification Hall--the Palace or White House of the South Vietnamese Presidents, preserved just as it was in April, 1975. History Museum on the grounds of the Saigon Zoo. Cho Lon (China-town), Thien Hau Chinese Pagoda, Cho Lon Market.

Days 4 & 5. Mekong Delta.

Three provincial capitals (My Tho, Vinh Long, and Can Tho) into the heart of the Mekong Delta. Overnight in Can Tho. Cruise on the mighty Mekong River and on canals. Orchard islands, floating market, Vietnamese homes, and the Munirangsyaram Khmer (Cambodian) Pagoda. Return to Saigon for overnight rest.

Days 6 & 7. Da Lat - Central Highlands.

Overland to Da Lat, honeymoon capital of Vietnam. Stop at Floating Village, Dam Bri Cascade (hike down to the bottom of the falls) on the way, drive through beautiful valley of mulberry trees. Gouga Waterfall, Valley of Love, Bao Dai Summer Palace, rubber plantations.

Days 8 & 9. Nha Trang.

Overland through mountain passes and magnificent scenery as we descend from Dalat to the coast. Phan Rang and Po Nagar Cham Towers, island aquarium, Long Son Pagoda, French villas, beach front cafes. Opportunity to swim at the beach.

Day 10. Da Nang and Hoi An.

Morning flight to Da Nang. After lunch in Da Nang, enjoy the picturesque town of Hoi An. Cars and buses are forbidden in historical city center. View architecture of this ancient capital city and international port--visit inside Japanese style homes built by early merchant families; Japanese bridge, Chinese meeting hall. Free time for shopping in one of the best places for handcraft and antiques, or stroll the streets and the market. Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 11. My Lai and Da Nang.

Visit the Son My Memorial at the site of a massacre of Vietnamese civilians by U.S. troops. As we return to Da Nang, pass through the remnants of the huge U.S. Marine base at Chu Lai and through the town of Tam Ky. Marble Mountain. Swim at the R&R Center at China Beach, made famous by the TV show and known as the place where the U.S. Marines arrived in 1965.

Day 12. Hanoi.

Morning flight to Hanoi on Independence Day. Stay in the Old Quarter. Walking tour of narrow streets lined with shops named for the wares of the merchants and artisans who traditionally traded there. Hoan Kiem Lake, One Pillar and Tortoise Pagodas. Temple of Literature, the oldest university in Vietnam and temple to Confucius. Water Puppet performance, unique to Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and home/office--view Uncle Ho lying in state.

Day 13. Cuc Phuong National Park.

Visit one of the most unspoiled nature reserves in the world. Rare and unique species of flora and fauna are found in this sub-tropical forest. See the abundant wildlife and visit with Muong tribespeople.

Days 14 & 15. Ha Long Bay.

To Ha Long Bay. One night in the hotel and one night on board cruising through the 3,000-island archipelago of limestone monoliths. Swimming, cave spelunking, gourmet dining on freshly-caught seafood. Plenty of time to relax, sun-bathe, and enjoy this fantastic scenery. Return to Hanoi.

Day 16. Return to US.

Morning flight from Noi Bai Airport to home.