DAY 1: OVERNIGHT FLIGHT: Depart from USA.
DAY2: HO CHI MINH CITY: ‘Chào bạn’ (Hello) GOOD MORNING VIETNAM! You may very well be the first one in your family to visit Vietnam as a tourist. Your relatives and acquaintances may have experienced this country very differently. The conflict that had international consequences for generations, finally ended with the reunification of the country in 1975. Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, still does justice to its older nickname as the “Pearl of the Far East.” With the relaxation of its former communist system, Ho Chi Minh City is now becoming a solid trading partner as it participates in the free market system. This is not your parents’ Vietnam! You will be greeted with open arms and encouraged to enjoy this beautiful country as if it were your own. Ho Chi Minh City still retains the look and feel of a European city after many years of French rule. Join your friends and sit at an outdoor table at one of the many cafés that dot the cityscape. Sip bold coffee and treat yourself to a vast menu of noodles, pork and seafood. Shuffle back to your hotel stuffed and satisfied!
DAY 3: HO CHI MINH CITY: The citizens of Vietnam, and Ho Chi Minh City in particular, love the history of their county. They will go out of their way to share with you their history which spans more than 1,000 years. The Reunification Palace, surrounded by majestic palm trees, was once the seat of the South Vietnamese government. In 1975, tanks broke through its gates and erected a North Vietnamese flag. It is now a museum dedicated to the history of Vietnam that witnessed the occupation of Japan, France and the United States. Later today transfer to Tay Ninh, the center of the Cao-Dai religion, founded in 1926. An unlikely combination of eastern and western religions, Cao-Dai pays tribute to its influences and preaches peace. End your full day back in Ho Chi Minh City with an unforgettable dinner! You can find traditional food items on every corner, but you may want to indulge in a French meal with Vietnamese flair!
DAY 4: HO CHI MINH CITY: Today will be a challenge. Your perception about the War in Vietnam will be put to the test. There is no other way to describe a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels. The tour is fascinating, but you may hear some disturbing things. “Imperialistic America” and “War Mongering America” are just some of the phrases that you might hear during the informational video that precedes the tour of the tunnels. Crawl into the underground city used by the Viet Cong as hiding spots, hospitals, and living quarters. You will be amazed by this underground complex that enabled the Viet Cong to wage the war. The general sentiment of reconciliation and friendship is apparent. The wounds can only be healed when former enemies forgive, but remember their mutual struggles.
DAY 5: HO CHI MINH CITY/HANOI: ‘Tam biet’ (Goodbye) Ho Chi Minh City and ‘chao mung ban den’ (welcome to) Hanoi. After your short domestic flight, land in Vietnam’s capital. Once a closed and secretive Asian city, Hanoi has embraced the West both culturally and economically. It’s hard to imagine this bastion of communism enjoying such economic growth in recent times. Immediately tour the sites of the old quarter of Hanoi on your way to the hotel. The One-Pillar Pagoda, an ancient Buddhist Temple, holds the honor of one of Vietnam’s most iconic temples. The Temple of Literature, over 1,000 years old, is the first University of Vietnam. Imagine their class reunions. No school trip is complete without a puppet show! The Vietnamese Water Puppets, located in the Old Quarter, is Vietnam’s answer to the Muppets. Relax, reflect and rest at your hotel after your long day as you prepare for tomorrow’s adventures.
DAY 6: HANOI: Today is yours to explore Hanoi with your friends independently. After breakfast return to the Old Quarter. The market in this part of town is fun and full of bargains. Shop for your family and friends back home and impress them with gems from the “Orient.” Leave out the fact that the exchange rate was in your favor. (Hey, it’s the thought that counts.) Take a visit to the United States Embassy in Hanoi.. Meet representatives of the University and learn about the renewed partnership between the U.S. and Vietnam since normalized relations resumed in the 1990’s.
DAY 7: HANOI: How does a cruise and a seafood lunch sound? If the answer is “great”, Ha Long Bay (Dragon Descending to the Sea) is your next adventure. If you answered “no”, you certainly will regret your choice even if the hotel has cable. Cruise past bizarre rock formations such as the Dinh Huong (the incense Um), Cho Da (the Stone Dog), islands with sandy beaches and Ga Choi (the Fighting Roosters) Islets. As you marvel at these natural wonders, you will have the best seafood lunch you have ever had! Back at your hotel enjoy a farewell dinner with your friends.
DAY 8: RETURN FLIGHT HOME: ‘Tu biet’(Adieu) Hanoi. ‘Chao don nha.’ ( Welcome home!)
DAY 1: OVERNIGHT FLIGHT: Depart from USA.
DAY2: HO CHI MINH CITY: ‘Chào bạn’ (Hello) GOOD MORNING VIETNAM! You may very well be the first one in your family to visit Vietnam as a tourist. Your relatives and acquaintances may have experienced this country very differently. The conflict that had international consequences for generations, finally ended with the reunification of the country in 1975. Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, still does justice to its older nickname as the “Pearl of the Far East.” With the relaxation of its former communist system, Ho Chi Minh City is now becoming a solid trading partner as it participates in the free market system. This is not your parents’ Vietnam! You will be greeted with open arms and encouraged to enjoy this beautiful country as if it were your own. Ho Chi Minh City still retains the look and feel of a European city after many years of French rule. Join your friends and sit at an outdoor table at one of the many cafés that dot the cityscape. Sip bold coffee and treat yourself to a vast menu of noodles, pork and seafood. Shuffle back to your hotel stuffed and satisfied!
DAY 3: HO CHI MINH CITY: The citizens of Vietnam, and Ho Chi Minh City in particular, love the history of their county. They will go out of their way to share with you their history which spans more than 1,000 years. The Reunification Palace, surrounded by majestic palm trees, was once the seat of the South Vietnamese government. In 1975, tanks broke through its gates and erected a North Vietnamese flag. It is now a museum dedicated to the history of Vietnam that witnessed the occupation of Japan, France and the United States. Later today transfer to Tay Ninh, the center of the Cao-Dai religion, founded in 1926. An unlikely combination of eastern and western religions, Cao-Dai pays tribute to its influences and preaches peace. End your full day back in Ho Chi Minh City with an unforgettable dinner! You can find traditional food items on every corner, but you may want to indulge in a French meal with Vietnamese flair!
DAY 4: HO CHI MINH CITY: Today will be a challenge. Your perception about the War in Vietnam will be put to the test. There is no other way to describe a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels. The tour is fascinating, but you may hear some disturbing things. “Imperialistic America” and “War Mongering America” are just some of the phrases that you might hear during the informational video that precedes the tour of the tunnels. Crawl into the underground city used by the Viet Cong as hiding spots, hospitals, and living quarters. You will be amazed by this underground complex that enabled the Viet Cong to wage the war. The general sentiment of reconciliation and friendship is apparent. The wounds can only be healed when former enemies forgive, but remember their mutual struggles.
DAY 5: HO CHI MINH CITY/HANOI: ‘Tam biet’ (Goodbye) Ho Chi Minh City and ‘chao mung ban den’ (welcome to) Hanoi. After your short domestic flight, land in Vietnam’s capital. Once a closed and secretive Asian city, Hanoi has embraced the West both culturally and economically. It’s hard to imagine this bastion of communism enjoying such economic growth in recent times. Immediately tour the sites of the old quarter of Hanoi on your way to the hotel. The One-Pillar Pagoda, an ancient Buddhist Temple, holds the honor of one of Vietnam’s most iconic temples. The Temple of Literature, over 1,000 years old, is the first University of Vietnam. Imagine their class reunions. No school trip is complete without a puppet show! The Vietnamese Water Puppets, located in the Old Quarter, is Vietnam’s answer to the Muppets. Relax, reflect and rest at your hotel after your long day as you prepare for tomorrow’s adventures.
DAY 6: HANOI: Today is yours to explore Hanoi with your friends independently. After breakfast return to the Old Quarter. The market in this part of town is fun and full of bargains. Shop for your family and friends back home and impress them with gems from the “Orient.” Leave out the fact that the exchange rate was in your favor. (Hey, it’s the thought that counts.) Take a visit to the United States Embassy in Hanoi.. Meet representatives of the University and learn about the renewed partnership between the U.S. and Vietnam since normalized relations resumed in the 1990’s.
DAY 7: HANOI: How does a cruise and a seafood lunch sound? If the answer is “great”, Ha Long Bay (Dragon Descending to the Sea) is your next adventure. If you answered “no”, you certainly will regret your choice even if the hotel has cable. Cruise past bizarre rock formations such as the Dinh Huong (the incense Um), Cho Da (the Stone Dog), islands with sandy beaches and Ga Choi (the Fighting Roosters) Islets. As you marvel at these natural wonders, you will have the best seafood lunch you have ever had! Back at your hotel enjoy a farewell dinner with your friends.
DAY 8: RETURN FLIGHT HOME: ‘Tu biet’(Adieu) Hanoi. ‘Chao don nha.’ ( Welcome home!)
DAY 1: OVERNIGHT FLIGHT: Depart from USA.
DAY2: HO CHI MINH CITY: ‘Chào bạn’ (Hello) GOOD MORNING VIETNAM! You may very well be the first one in your family to visit Vietnam as a tourist. Your relatives and acquaintances may have experienced this country very differently. The conflict that had international consequences for generations, finally ended with the reunification of the country in 1975. Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, still does justice to its older nickname as the “Pearl of the Far East.” With the relaxation of its former communist system, Ho Chi Minh City is now becoming a solid trading partner as it participates in the free market system. This is not your parents’ Vietnam! You will be greeted with open arms and encouraged to enjoy this beautiful country as if it were your own. Ho Chi Minh City still retains the look and feel of a European city after many years of French rule. Join your friends and sit at an outdoor table at one of the many cafés that dot the cityscape. Sip bold coffee and treat yourself to a vast menu of noodles, pork and seafood. Shuffle back to your hotel stuffed and satisfied!
DAY 3: HO CHI MINH CITY: The citizens of Vietnam, and Ho Chi Minh City in particular, love the history of their county. They will go out of their way to share with you their history which spans more than 1,000 years. The Reunification Palace, surrounded by majestic palm trees, was once the seat of the South Vietnamese government. In 1975, tanks broke through its gates and erected a North Vietnamese flag. It is now a museum dedicated to the history of Vietnam that witnessed the occupation of Japan, France and the United States. Later today transfer to Tay Ninh, the center of the Cao-Dai religion, founded in 1926. An unlikely combination of eastern and western religions, Cao-Dai pays tribute to its influences and preaches peace. End your full day back in Ho Chi Minh City with an unforgettable dinner! You can find traditional food items on every corner, but you may want to indulge in a French meal with Vietnamese flair!
DAY 4: HO CHI MINH CITY: Today will be a challenge. Your perception about the War in Vietnam will be put to the test. There is no other way to describe a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels. The tour is fascinating, but you may hear some disturbing things. “Imperialistic America” and “War Mongering America” are just some of the phrases that you might hear during the informational video that precedes the tour of the tunnels. Crawl into the underground city used by the Viet Cong as hiding spots, hospitals, and living quarters. You will be amazed by this underground complex that enabled the Viet Cong to wage the war. The general sentiment of reconciliation and friendship is apparent. The wounds can only be healed when former enemies forgive, but remember their mutual struggles.
DAY 5: HO CHI MINH CITY/HANOI: ‘Tam biet’ (Goodbye) Ho Chi Minh City and ‘chao mung ban den’ (welcome to) Hanoi. After your short domestic flight, land in Vietnam’s capital. Once a closed and secretive Asian city, Hanoi has embraced the West both culturally and economically. It’s hard to imagine this bastion of communism enjoying such economic growth in recent times. Immediately tour the sites of the old quarter of Hanoi on your way to the hotel. The One-Pillar Pagoda, an ancient Buddhist Temple, holds the honor of one of Vietnam’s most iconic temples. The Temple of Literature, over 1,000 years old, is the first University of Vietnam. Imagine their class reunions. No school trip is complete without a puppet show! The Vietnamese Water Puppets, located in the Old Quarter, is Vietnam’s answer to the Muppets. Relax, reflect and rest at your hotel after your long day as you prepare for tomorrow’s adventures.
DAY 6: HANOI: Today is yours to explore Hanoi with your friends independently. After breakfast return to the Old Quarter. The market in this part of town is fun and full of bargains. Shop for your family and friends back home and impress them with gems from the “Orient.” Leave out the fact that the exchange rate was in your favor. (Hey, it’s the thought that counts.) Take a visit to the United States Embassy in Hanoi.. Meet representatives of the University and learn about the renewed partnership between the U.S. and Vietnam since normalized relations resumed in the 1990’s.
DAY 7: HANOI: How does a cruise and a seafood lunch sound? If the answer is “great”, Ha Long Bay (Dragon Descending to the Sea) is your next adventure. If you answered “no”, you certainly will regret your choice even if the hotel has cable. Cruise past bizarre rock formations such as the Dinh Huong (the incense Um), Cho Da (the Stone Dog), islands with sandy beaches and Ga Choi (the Fighting Roosters) Islets. As you marvel at these natural wonders, you will have the best seafood lunch you have ever had! Back at your hotel enjoy a farewell dinner with your friends.
DAY 8: RETURN FLIGHT HOME: ‘Tu biet’(Adieu) Hanoi. ‘Chao don nha.’ ( Welcome home!)
DAY 1: OVERNIGHT FLIGHT: Depart from USA.
DAY2: HO CHI MINH CITY: ‘Chào bạn’ (Hello) GOOD MORNING VIETNAM! You may very well be the first one in your family to visit Vietnam as a tourist. Your relatives and acquaintances may have experienced this country very differently. The conflict that had international consequences for generations, finally ended with the reunification of the country in 1975. Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, still does justice to its older nickname as the “Pearl of the Far East.” With the relaxation of its former communist system, Ho Chi Minh City is now becoming a solid trading partner as it participates in the free market system. This is not your parents’ Vietnam! You will be greeted with open arms and encouraged to enjoy this beautiful country as if it were your own. Ho Chi Minh City still retains the look and feel of a European city after many years of French rule. Join your friends and sit at an outdoor table at one of the many cafés that dot the cityscape. Sip bold coffee and treat yourself to a vast menu of noodles, pork and seafood. Shuffle back to your hotel stuffed and satisfied!
DAY 3: HO CHI MINH CITY: The citizens of Vietnam, and Ho Chi Minh City in particular, love the history of their county. They will go out of their way to share with you their history which spans more than 1,000 years. The Reunification Palace, surrounded by majestic palm trees, was once the seat of the South Vietnamese government. In 1975, tanks broke through its gates and erected a North Vietnamese flag. It is now a museum dedicated to the history of Vietnam that witnessed the occupation of Japan, France and the United States. Later today transfer to Tay Ninh, the center of the Cao-Dai religion, founded in 1926. An unlikely combination of eastern and western religions, Cao-Dai pays tribute to its influences and preaches peace. End your full day back in Ho Chi Minh City with an unforgettable dinner! You can find traditional food items on every corner, but you may want to indulge in a French meal with Vietnamese flair!
DAY 4: HO CHI MINH CITY: Today will be a challenge. Your perception about the War in Vietnam will be put to the test. There is no other way to describe a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels. The tour is fascinating, but you may hear some disturbing things. “Imperialistic America” and “War Mongering America” are just some of the phrases that you might hear during the informational video that precedes the tour of the tunnels. Crawl into the underground city used by the Viet Cong as hiding spots, hospitals, and living quarters. You will be amazed by this underground complex that enabled the Viet Cong to wage the war. The general sentiment of reconciliation and friendship is apparent. The wounds can only be healed when former enemies forgive, but remember their mutual struggles.
DAY 5: HO CHI MINH CITY/HANOI: ‘Tam biet’ (Goodbye) Ho Chi Minh City and ‘chao mung ban den’ (welcome to) Hanoi. After your short domestic flight, land in Vietnam’s capital. Once a closed and secretive Asian city, Hanoi has embraced the West both culturally and economically. It’s hard to imagine this bastion of communism enjoying such economic growth in recent times. Immediately tour the sites of the old quarter of Hanoi on your way to the hotel. The One-Pillar Pagoda, an ancient Buddhist Temple, holds the honor of one of Vietnam’s most iconic temples. The Temple of Literature, over 1,000 years old, is the first University of Vietnam. Imagine their class reunions. No school trip is complete without a puppet show! The Vietnamese Water Puppets, located in the Old Quarter, is Vietnam’s answer to the Muppets. Relax, reflect and rest at your hotel after your long day as you prepare for tomorrow’s adventures.
DAY 6: HANOI: Today is yours to explore Hanoi with your friends independently. After breakfast return to the Old Quarter. The market in this part of town is fun and full of bargains. Shop for your family and friends back home and impress them with gems from the “Orient.” Leave out the fact that the exchange rate was in your favor. (Hey, it’s the thought that counts.) Take a visit to the United States Embassy in Hanoi.. Meet representatives of the University and learn about the renewed partnership between the U.S. and Vietnam since normalized relations resumed in the 1990’s.
DAY 7: HANOI: How does a cruise and a seafood lunch sound? If the answer is “great”, Ha Long Bay (Dragon Descending to the Sea) is your next adventure. If you answered “no”, you certainly will regret your choice even if the hotel has cable. Cruise past bizarre rock formations such as the Dinh Huong (the incense Um), Cho Da (the Stone Dog), islands with sandy beaches and Ga Choi (the Fighting Roosters) Islets. As you marvel at these natural wonders, you will have the best seafood lunch you have ever had! Back at your hotel enjoy a farewell dinner with your friends.
DAY 8: RETURN FLIGHT HOME: ‘Tu biet’(Adieu) Hanoi. ‘Chao don nha.’ ( Welcome home!)
Country Description
Gain a deeper understanding of our country’s history through first-hand exploration! Start off your trip with a visit to the reunification palace in Vietnam’s historical city, Ho Chi Min. Then, take your travels to the Cu Chi Tunnels right outside the city center. Enter the mind of a North Vietnamese soldier, navigating the dark and mysterious tunnels used during the war. Next, travel up the coast to Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi. Here you will explore the historic Buddhist temples, dating as far back as the 11th century. Learn all about the evolution of Vietnam’s Communist Government structure and the changes it has undergone since the war, explore one of Ha Long Bay’s 1,600 limestone islands, and much much more.
Vietnam’s economy has come a long way. After undergoing political and economical shifts, the country has increased private industry and established stronger international economic relations. Oil and coal play a large role in Vietnam’s economy as well. These natural resources provide both energy for its people and a large portion of the country’s export revenues. The most recent contributor to Vietnam’s economy is tourism; since establishing better ties with Western cultures tourism is booming in this beautiful country. Find out why for yourself!
TourBitz – Travel Tidbits for your international Adventure!
Official Name: The Socialist Republic of Vietnam
Capital: Hanoi
Language(s): Vietnamese
Major Industries: Vietnam’s agricultural economy suffered greatly during the Vietnam War. Since the war and the recognition of the country by the United States and other nations, Vietnam has enjoyed a surge in high tech manufacturing and is a new player in the oil production stage. Once one of the poorest nations in Asia, today’s Vietnam ranks above India, the Philippines and China!
Currency: VND
Population: est 91 million.
Fun TourBitz: Yes, Vietnam conjures up images of war, unrest in the United States and possibly a general uneasiness throughout the western world. However, if we take a breath we can appreciate the fact that ‘Speed Dating’ originated in the hill counties of Vietnam.