07 DAYS SOUTHERN HIGHLIGHTS - from $535

Publisher Yabbedoo

This Vietnam package tour covers the main points of interest in Southern Vietnam like Dalat, Buon Ma Thuot, Nha Trang and Mui Ne. Detail Itinerary DAY 1: HO CHI MINH CITY - DA LAT (L) Pick up at your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City for the 7 hour drive to Dalat, often referred to as the “city of eternal spring” because of its moderate climate. The scenic drive passes through tea, coffee and mulberry plantations. Shortly before arriving to Dalat, we will stop at Prenn Waterfalls, one of numerous waterfalls in the area. Upon arrival in Dalat, have a panorama drive around Xuan Huong Lake, considered a flower basket in the heart of Dalat. Check into the hotel and have time for relaxation. Accommodation at hotel in Dalat DAY 2: DA LAT CITY TOUR AND SURROUNDINGS (B,L) Lying 1,500 m above sea level and surrounded by pine hills, Dalat has been known as the prime hill resort city thanks to its mild weather, romantic valleys, tranquil lakes surrounded by pine hills, colonial time villas, pagodas and monasteries. Dalat is also the flower festival city of Vietnam. In the morning, you will visit the bustling local market where farmers come and sell their daily produce. Continue to visit the summer palace of the former emperor Bao Dai. The next stop will be the Hang Nga House, also known as “Crazy House”, a unique piece of art by Madam Viet Nga, a contemporary architect and then drive to visit the Golden Valley where Bonsais and rare flowers can be admired. TRUC LAM PAGODA AND TUYEN LAM LAKE In the afternoon, transfer to Dalat’s cable car station. Savour the panoramic views of Dalat from the platform and then board the cable car for an enjoyable ride above pine forests and rolling hills to Truc Lam Pagoda – the largest Institute of Meditation in Vietnam. Visit the pagoda and then take a relaxed boat trip on Tuyen Lam Lake, also known as the lake where rivers, springs and forests meet. Built in the 1980’s, it is one of the largest and most beautiful lakes in the area DAY 3: DALAT - LAK LAKE - BUON MA THUOT (B,L) Today’s journey takes you further north towards Buon Me Thuot, famous for its coffee plantations. The 160 km drive takes about 4 hours and passes through spectacular mountain and pinewood scenery. Have lunch at Lak Lake en route. Visit Buon Jun village by the lake where you will take a scenic boat ride on dugout canoes (2 persons per canoe) that brings you to a village of ethnic M'nong people. Then embark on an elephant ride. Continue your drive to Buon Ma Thuot. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. A performance of ethnic dances, songs and gong music with local “Can” wine can be booked at surcharge. Accommodation at hotel in Buon Ma Thuot DAY 4: BUON MA THUOT - NHA TRANG (B,L) In the morning, visit the Ethnographic Museum in Buon Ma Thuot, which is housed in the palace of former King Bao Dai. Take the scenic road towards the coastal plains to Nha Trang. In the afternoon, visit a selection of the numerous cultural attractions in and around Nha Trang. Places of interest include the Oceanographic institute – the pride of Khanh Hoa Province. Furthermore, you will visit Long Son pagoda, built in commemoration of the monks and nuns who died whilst fighting the Diem Government, and the Po Nagar Temples – outstanding examples of Cham architecture situated on Mount Cu Lao. Savour the panoramic views of the surrounding bay and countryside from the hilltop. Accommodation at hotel in Nha Trang. DAY 5: NHA TRANG ISLAND TOUR / MUN ISLAND “THE ONLY MARINE PARK IN VIETNAM” (B,L) In the morning, pick up at your hotel and drive to the harbour for embarkation. Visit the Tri Nguyen Aquarium and continue the cruise to Mun Island – Vietnam’s only marine park. Snorkel at the island to discover Nha Trang’s stunning underwater world, sunbath and swim at Tam Island. Hop on a local basket boat and enjoy a seafood lunch at Mieu Island or at Con Se Tre Resort (Bamboo Resort). Explore the life of fishermen at Mieu fishing village before we return to the hotel. Accommodation at hotel in Nha Trang DAY 6: NHA TRANG - PHAN THIET/MUI NE (B,L) We travel southwards, passing lush rice fields, salt ponds and dragon fruit plantations. En route visit the 13th century Po Klong Jarai Cham Towers at Phan Rang, perched high on a rocky hill surrounded by prickly pear cacti. More photo stops will be made at the fishing harbour of Phan Thiet and at the vast sand dunes at Cape Mui Ne, which have inspired numerous photographers for many years. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. Accommodation at hotel in Phan Thiet / Mui Ne. DAY 7: PHAN THIET/MUI NE - HO CHI MINH CITYM (B) The morning is at leisure. Check-out and drive Ho Chi Minh City. The tour ends with a transfer to your hotel (accommodation is not included). A transfer to Ho Chi Minh City Airport can be arranged at surcharge. Tour included - Accommodation in shared twin room with air-condition (AC) and private bathroom - Meals as stated in the programme [B= breakfast, L= lunch, D= dinner] - Transfers and tours with local English or French-speaking guides in private air-conditioned vehicles, all entrance fees and boat fees as mentioned in the programme - Drinking water and cold towels available on the vehicles, elephant ride, snorkel gear (mask and snorkel). Tour excluded: Domestic airfare (quoted separately, if requested), international airfare to / from Vietnam (quoted separately, if requested) - Surcharges for other language guides, surcharges for Lunar New Year (TET) holiday - Personal travel insurance, personal expenditure, such as drinks, souvenirs, laundry, camera fees, communications, postage, gratuities - Meals and services other than mentioned in the programme, drinks with meals, compulsory gala dinners during festive seasons and peak season surcharges which will be advised at the time of booking Vietnam Visa application and visa stamp fees (Please note that a visa is compulsory for most nationalities.), early check-in and late check-out at hotels, if not mentioned in the program. NOTE: Small deviations in the tour program are sometimes necessary, depending on weather, road conditions, flight schedules and room availability. Prices will be adjusted periodically in case of fuel price increase by our suppliers.