Journey from one World Heritage Site to another. Experience two different atmospheres, both charming and deeply etched with history. This tour gives you enough time to explore so many of the area's cultural treasures at a relaxing pace. Interesting and gorgeous sites are numerous in this part of Vietnam, and we're offering you to the chance to see most of them while still having plenty of free time for your own leisure.

DESTINATIONS

• Some of Hue's historic jewels
• The scenic route to Hoi An, Lang Co beach and the dramatic Hai Van pass
• Danang, its Cham museum, and the Marble Mountain
• Hoi An, the lovely World Heritage Site ancient port town

HIGHLIGHTS

• Relax while boating on the river and strolling around the citadel
• Learn about the ancient Cham civilization
• Visit the Marble Mountain and enter the lovely World Heritage Site of Hoi An
• Expedition to the World Heritage My Son sanctuary

[Day 1] Hue Arrival
Meals: N/A | Accommodation: hotel

We pick you up at Hue Airport or train station upon your arrival and transfer to your hotel.
In the afternoon, we'll tour the Imperial Citadel. This site enclosed the land of eight villages and covers 6km2 - sufficient area to house the Emperor and his family, courtiers, officials, concubines, bodyguards, and servants. There are ten gates through the four massive walls of the citadel, and although many are in poor condition, the city overall remains undamaged by war or natural disasters. The complex has been recognized as a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage site. You'll also have time to experience daily life of Hue's locals with a visit to the Dong Ba market before returning to your hotel for a good night's rest.

[Day 2] Hue Exploration
Meals: breakfast and lunch | Accommodation: hotel

The morning starts with a motorized sampan ride down the Perfume River to the towering yet delightful Thien Mu Pagoda, considered to be the finest pagoda in Hue, and an icon throughout Vietnam. Car transfer from the pagoda to the tomb of emperor Ming Mang to enjoy a walk through a courtyard guarded by statues of mandarins, horses and elephants. Carefully planned by the emperor himself and built shortly after his death in formal Chinese style, it's opulent and exotic, and a good example of classic Sino-Vietnamese architecture.

After a tasty lunch to sample classic Hue cuisine, we visit the tomb of the controversial emperor Khai Dinh - an elaborate concrete construction which reflects an interesting combination of Vietnamese and European features from the time of Vietnam's last emperors.

En route back to Hue, we'll pause at the Ngoc Son Princess 'Garden House', where the owner will be pleased to explain the geomantic (feng shui) principles underlying the design and construction. We'll then finish the drive back to your hotel for some time on your own to stroll and relax.

[Day 3] Hue – Hoi An
Meals: breakfast | Accommodation: hotel

Get in the car and watch the scenes of Vietnam go past as we drive to Hoi An.
On the way, you'll visit the Cham Museum in Da Nang which houses the largest displays of Cham art anywhere in the world. We will also drive to the nearby Marble Mountains: five limestone peaks with marble outcrops known for their beauty and their cave network. At the foot of Marble Mountain, an important religious site since the time of the Chams, you can see many artisans crafting fine marble objects.

Enjoy a guided visit to the ancient town and World Heritage Site of Hoi An and let your guide explain its considerable significance in the history of Vietnam. A stay in Hoi An is frequently mentioned by many travelers as one of their favorite parts of any journey to Vietnam.
Overnight accommodation will be in Hoi An.

[Day 4] Hoi An – My Son Sanctuary
Meals: breakfast | Accommodation: hotel

6.00 am: Drive about 50km from Hoi An to the My Son sanctuary. This was the site for religious ceremonies of kings of the Champa dynasty, and was also a burial place for Champa's royalty and national heroes. The My Son temples are one of the largest Hindu complexes in southeast Asia and are a premier heritage in Vietnam. Though much of the complex has been destroyed over time, we can still see many majestic ruins of temples and learn what archaeologists can tell us about the deep history in this area.
Afterwards, we head back to Hoi An to spend the rest of the day at leisure.

[Day 5] Hoi An Departure
Meals: breakfast | Accommodation: N/A

Pick up from your hotel to drive to Da Nang airport. Trip ends.

Note: N/A

PRICE PER PERSON (Valid from 01/01/2013 to 31/12/2013)

Group discount is available, please contact our sales staff at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Included

• Accommodation in Hue and Hoi An
• Meals as specified in the program
• Travel in an appropriate air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced driver
• Boat trip to Thien Mu pagoda
• The services of an experienced English-speaking guide
• All entrance fees
• VAT and other taxes

Not included

• Accommodation in Hoi An for the last day
• Flight or train tickets to Hue.
• Beverages, gratuities and personal expenses.
• Camera fees (if any)
• Insurance
• Surcharge in peak season (Christmas & New Year)

Mid-range
• Hue: Gold hotel - Deluxe room Or similar hotel
• Hoi An: Thuy Duong 3 hotel - Superior room

Superior
• Hue: Camellia hotel - Sky View room or similar hotel
• Hoi An: Vinh Hung resort - Superior room

Deluxe
• Hue: Indochine Palace - Deluxe room or similar hotel
• Hoi An: Boutique Hoian - Superior room