Sights of the South,  9 days

VN-T-09

A vibrant metropolis, SAIGON teems with energy, activity and motion. Everywhere you look, you see the meeting of traditional and modern life. The emerging modern skyline stands cheek by jowl with colonial buildings and traditional temples. Outside on the streets, young professionals zip by on motorcyles, chatting on cellphones; inside the quiet temple courtyards, worshippers pray amidst clouds of incense. Begin your tour of this exciting city with a tour of the historic center, strolling along DONG KHOI STREET, formerly known as the Rue Catinat, the main shopping thoroughfare and heart of old colonial Saigon. Pass by classic European-style landmarks such as the ornate CITY HALL (HOTEL DE VILLE), the old OPERA HOUSE (both may only be viewed from the outside), and pay a quick visit to the neo-Romanesque NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL and the CENTRAL POST OFFICE.
Afterwards dive into modern history with a tour of the REUNIFICATION PALACE. Formerly the Independence Palace of the South Vietnamese president, this 60s style building was famously stormed by tanks on April 30, 1975 signifying the fall of South Vietnam. It has been preserved in its original state, and the original tanks remain on display near the entrance gates. Continue to the harrowing WAR REMNANTS MUSEUM, which comprehensively documents the travails of the long Vietnam- American War. Inside are detailed photographic exhibitions; outside is a collection of tanks, planes and weapons. A powerful experience, this museum is guaranteed to provoke strong emotions. Finally, end up at the central BEN THANH MARKET, where vendors display a vast array of goods and handicrafts, appealing to every taste

Overnight in Saigon.

From Saigon, drive to TAY NINH, the birthplace of the unique CAO DAI religion, a fusion of Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Christianity, Islam and native Vietnamese spiritual beliefs. Every day at noon, worshippers garbed in colorful robes flock to the CAO DAI GREAT TEMPLE to participate in the daily prayer sessions, which visitors may respectfully observe from the upper balconies. (Note: shortly before and during the annual TET festival (Vietnamese New Year) the daily ceremony of the priests in Tay Ninh may be cancelled without prior notice).
Afterwards, continue to the CU CHI TUNNELS. Never discovered by American forces, these tunnels were an important Vietcong base during the American War. Stretching over 200 km, this incredible underground network, dug by hand out of hard laterite, connected command posts, hospitals, shelter and weapon factories. Today, you can walk through the area and learn about the day-to-day life of the VC, see the cleverly disguised entrances and elaborate booby-traps, and even venture inside the tunnels, some of which have been modified to accommodate tourists. Return to Saigon in the late afternoon.

Overnight in Saigon.

From Saigon, transfer to My Tho, a bustling town in the rich agricultural region of the Mekong Delta and visit the Vinh Trang Pagoda, a beautiful temple and a sanctuary for orphans and other needy children. Afterwards board a local boat to explore the islands of the Mekong, stopping at a fruit orchard to enjoy fruit and tea while listening to local music. The trip also includes a brief sampan ride through the tiny waterways that thread the island.

Overnight in Saigon.

By vehicle from Saigon to Dalat

Overnight in Dalat.

Nestled in the mountains, DALAT is a charming former colonial hill station with an abundance of colorful parks, lakes, gardens and waterfalls. Its ever temperate climate has earned it the name and City of Eternal Spring. Begin at XUAN HUONG LAKE, located in the heart of DAlat and a pleasant place for a stroll. Stroll around the FRENCH DISTRICT, whose atmosphere is reminiscent of a provincal town in France and visit the DALAT CATHEDRAL. Continue to whimsical HANG NGA ART GALLERY, nicknamed the CRAZY HOUSE by locals. This guesthouse, caf? and art gallery reflects the unique style of the architect Mrs. Dang Viet Nga, who has incorporated touches such as caves, giant spider webs, and a concrete giraffe into the building design. Finally, visit the FLOWER GARDEN, with a profusion of colorful blooms, including flowers rarely seen elsewhere in Vietnam.

Excursion to Lat Village and Lang Biang Mountain by jeep

Travel outside the town to LAT VILLAGE, a group of nine villages located at the base of LANG BIAN MOUNTAIN. Five of the villages are of the LAT ethnic group, while the other four are Chill, Ma and Koho.

Overnight in Dalat.

Begin the day at the CREMAILLERE RAILWAY STATION, a cog railway that linked Dalat and Thap Cham in the first part of the 20th century, with an old Russian steam train on display. Afterwards, tour BAO DAI'S SUMMER PALACE, for an insight into the daily life of the last Vietnamese emperor and his family. Finally, visit the romantically named VALLEY OF LOVE, a park cum carnival much favored by the local Vietnamese.

By vehicle from Dalat to Phan Thiet

Overnight in Phan Thiet.

All day at leisure

Overnight in Phan Thiet.

Overnight in Phan Thiet.

By vehicle from Phan Thiet to Saigon