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Day 1: Arrival - Ho Chi Minh
On arrival at Tan San Nhat Airport, you are met by our guide and transferred to hotel. The bustling Ho Chi Minh City, still called Saigon by many locals, is a center of commerce, finance, culture and tourism in Vietnam. This metropolis ,contradiction of its northern counterpart, is crowded with bikes and motorbikes, excited by numerous shopping areas and sidewalk cafes. ( If time permits) we stroll around the down town to explore the different local ways of life. O/N in Ho Chi Minh.
Day 2 : Ho Chi Minh
Today we spend a full day exploring the captivating Ho Chi Minh City. The most places of interest are located near the town center. We pass by the now-demolished wartime American Embassy on our way to the Reunification Palace. This famous mansion was a former residence of the President of Southern Vietnam until end of April 1975. Close to the palace are some striking French colonial structures including the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Sai Gon Post Office. Upon leaving these landmarks we drive to see the crowded Saigon's Chinatown, locally named Cho Lon, which is crammed with fascinating temples as well as mysterious and narrow lanes. We follow it with a visit to the Jade Emperor Pagoda and the War remnant exhibit with a wealth of images from the notorious conflicts. The sightseeing ends up with a walk around the retail Ben Thanh Market where anything and everything is for sale!. O/N in Ho Chi Minh. (B)
Day 3 : Ho Chi Minh - Pleiku - Camp Enari - Catecka Tea Plantation
The modern comfort will be left behind as we board a flight and travel into Vietnam central highlands. This mountainous region is now at peace but was one the most strategically important position during the Vietnam war. On arrival at Pleiku Airport, you are greeted by our local guide and set off on a drive southwards along the highway No 14 . There are several stops en route to visit Ham Rong Pass and Camp Enari which was once the former headquarter of the 4th Infantry Division. The following war sites are Cacteka plantation, Pleime, and Ban Can. This village is the former operational areas of the 4th Division. O/N in Pleiku. (B)
Day 4: Pleiku - Komtum - Dakto - Pleiku
Upon leaving Pleiku Town we travel by roads to Komtum and pass by the former US DZ site where some French barracks are still standing. This rough mountainous area was once a violent battle field between the NVA units and the 4th Division along the Ho Chi Minh and Sihanouk trails. On arrival in Dakto area we embark on a walk to dig some war vestiges out the former airbase and the Chalie hill. These war sites are still close however we need to have a special permit to explore this military area. Today we make a stop in Komtum Town and visit the traditional culture center, the Komtum Seminary, the Wooden Church and the Banar hill tribe village. They are just some major attractions in town. O/N in Pleiku. (B)
Day 5: Pleiku - Quy Nhon
The following destination of our trip is Quy Nhon. This coastal town was a supply depot of the first Log Command. We drive along a winding road and cross over the Mang Yang Pass before arriving at An Khe. This major military area housed the First Air Cavalry Division. Once reaching Quy Nhon we head northwards along the highway No 1 to visit the petroleum farm , the ammunition dump and the strategic base in Bong Son area. These war sites have not much remnants to see and are almost replaced by rice fields or peaceful villages but still evoke some souvenirs of time gone by. En route we pass by Phu Cat Airbase which is now managed by the Vietnamese Army therefore no picture is allowed. O/N in Quy Nhon. (B)
Day 6: Quy Nhon - Nha Trang
Today we continue traveling by road along the central coast though the rice bowl of Tuy Hoa to Nha Trang. There are several stops to meet the local people and catch the wonderful pictures. A part of the pleasure of travelling in this region is the simple joy of seeing the rice fields and the smiling faces of the people. On arrival in Nha Trang we enjoy a half day tour seeing some major sights in place. The first stop is Long Son Pagoda with a famous giant Buddha image. We follow it with a trip to the Hon Chong Rock formation and the impressive Ponagar Cham Towers, which are overlooking the colourful fishing port. The remainder of day is free for a well earned rest on the beautiful white sand beach. O/N in Nha Trang. (B)
Day 7: Nha Trang - Ho Chi Minh
The turquoise water surrounding a string of islands plus a wonderful white sandy beach stretching the whole length of Nha Trang City make it one of Vietnam's premier beach resorts. Today we have plenty of free time for relaxing, soaking up the fabulous sunshine or swimming in the crystal warm waters. The usual water sports such as fishing, snorkeling, boating and scuba diving are also available; however your guide are on hand to advise you with invaluable. By mid afternoon we regroup at hotel for a transfer to airport and board a short flight back to Ho Chi Minh. On arrival you are greeted by our guide and driven to hotel. The remember of day will be fee for exploring the town and catching up on many funny shopping areas. O/N in Ho Chi Minh. (B)
Day 8: Ho Chi Minh - Departure
There is a free time to relax or further explore Ho Chi Minh City. The tour ends after your transfer to Tan San Nhat Airport for departure. (B)
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