Friendly Vietnam
The North and the South
Saigon - Mekong Delta - Cu Chi - Danang 
- Hoi An - Hue - Halong Bay - Hanoi
Vietnam stretches over a thousand miles from north to south. Her history and culture date back to 400BC and her citizens are friendly and inviting. We'll see the lush Mekong Delta, Halong Bay and the great cities of this inviting country. February through April are the best months to visit Vietnam as the climate is sunny and warm.

Day 1 We arrange the overnight flight to Saigon, Vietnam.

Day 2 We cross the international date line and lose a day in the process. Fear not for we make it up on our return flight which arrives the same day it departs from Vietnam. Our very friendly hosts greet us at the Saigon airport and we transfer to our hotel. Overnight Saigon.

Days 3-4 In Saigon, ships sail right into the harbor on the incoming tide, via a 40-mile inlet from the Pacific Ocean. Sampans and river junks pole their way along narrow channels and glide quietly toward distant villages and rice fields. Broad shady boulevards bisect the city's business district with huts standing in stark contrast to the modern buildings. Interesting sights include the former US Embassy, Hotel de Ville, Presidential Palace, and the busy Chinatown. This afternoon will find us we are descend into Cu Chi to see the amazing tunnel system built by soldiers during the Vietnam War. Continue through the Meking Delta. Taste a fruit from the lush orchards and the we are treated to a casual Sampan journey on the Mekong River.

Day 5 Depart by air for Danang and transfer to our hotel. Visit the Cham Museum and enjoy a little free time for souvenir shopping. Heavy fighting occurred in this area during the Vietnam War.

Day 6 Our motor coach delivers us to China Beach. Stroll the cobblestone lanes of Hoi An and learn first-hand how Vietnamese live on our tour of markets, temples and homes. Enjoy an authentic Vietnamese dinner.

Day 7 After breakfast, we follow the coastal road past Marble Mountain arriving in Hue. This imperial city is close to the 17^th parallel border, former border of North South Vietnam. Treasures of the city include the Imperial Palace (with its spacious courtyards) the Golden Water Bridge (over which the king alone was allowed to pass) and the tombs of former emperors. .An exotic journey awaits. Drift along the tranquil River of Perfumes in a dragon boat. See the tomb of Emperor Tu Doc. Transfer to the airport for the flight to Hanoi.

Days 8-9 Many travelers through the centuries have been impressed by the old and picturesque city. In the center of town, dividing into two sections, is the Hoan-Kiem Lake. The French have left their mark here by building wide, tree-lined streets. The Red River flows through densely populated farmlands where rice, sugarcane, tobacco and corn are grown. Many mills and factories provide stable employment to locals. Enjoy a cruise amidst the many limestone inlets of Halong Bay before we return to Hanoi.

Day 10 We explore the life of a national hero, Ho Chi Minh. Visit the museum, mausoleum and the simple wooden house, from where this great man ruled North Vietnam. Visit the Temple of Literature. Experience cultural Vietnam by entering the Old Quarter, which is series of 36 very old streets where peddlers have spent their lives selling the fruits of their labor. A farewell dinner & the "Water Puppets" will entertain us this evening

Day 11 Depart by air for home.