JOURNEY OF VIETNAM'S ANCIENT & OLD CAPITALS

Since the dawn of the nation, Vietnam has been passing many ups and downs. During its long history, many dynasties descended and lost the throne, many places were selected as capital and changed, each was closely associated with important events and the existence of one or several dynasties.

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival (D)
Arrive at Noi Bai airport and transfer to hotel. In the afternoon, visit History Museum with a sermina on Vietnam’s old capitals since the dawn of the nation. If time permits, take a cyclo around Hanoi’s old quarter and see the 500-years-old handicraft center of Hanoi. Dinner followed by Water Puppet show.

Day 2: Hanoi – Phong Chau (B,L,D)

Price / Person (for 2+)
Executive	Contact us for current rates!
Deluxe
Standard
(Single person surcharge applicable)

More than 4,000 years ago the Hung kings established the country of Van Lang, the first governing body of the ancient Vietnam, on the soil of Vinh Phu. They made Phong Chau the capital of Van Lang. Nowadays there remain several temples and shrines dedicated to the Hung kings in Phong Chau.  This cluster of shrines and temples built from time immemorial perch on gentle slopes and top of the Nghia Linh mountain range, 175 meters above sea level. We visit Hung Kings Temple which is a complex of majestic buildings including Ha Temple and Pagoda, Gieng Temple, Trung and Thuong Temples, and Hung Kings Tomb. You’ll have to climb up the hill to reach the Thuong temple and Hung Kings’ Tomb. We continue to Hung Kings Museum, built to present numerous artifacts from the dawn of the nation when the Hung Kings founded and ruled the country. Here you will be introduced to the artifacts and told interesting historical and legendary tales about Hung Kings’time. Back Hanoi. Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 3: Hanoi – Co Loa (B,L,D)
Today we depart for Co Loa Citadel by bycicle, pass through rice fields, ride on narrow roads between flower gardens. Known as the capital of Kingdom of Au Lac, the next dynasty after Kingdom of Van Lang, Co Loa was built around 3rd century BC by King An Duong Vuong.  His kingdom was a military one based on conquest and force. This is still suggested by the studies of Vietnamese archaeologists and by the illustration here. Co-Loa was once called "Old Snail City" because the citadel's walls resembled concentric rings of a snail shell. Co-Loa today remains a major archaeological site in northern Vietnam. You will find the remains of the citadel and many vestiges here. You will also have chance to hear Co Loa’s famous love story which now maitains traces of a Well and a Statue. Back hanoi. Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 4: Hanoi – Hoa Lu (B,L,D)
Hoa luwas the capital of Vietnam under the Dinh Dynasty. Hoa Lu is an old imperial city near Hoa Binh. It is also know as "the Dry Ha Long Bay" because of the many limestone formations that dot the area. The huge rock edifices jut out of paddy fields and canals providing a unusual and dramatic landscape. Small boats carry travellers along the canals and stop at some of the impressive peaks. It is a relaxed and romantic setting. We discover partly of the old imperial city of Royal period which has been destroyed. A boat trip to Bich Dong cave will be offered then. Back Hanoi. Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 5: Hanoi – Hue (B,L,D)
In the morning, visit Hanoi’s Ancient Citadel. In 1010, King Ly Thai To moved the capital from Ninh Binh to Hanoi, renamed it as Thang Long ( descending Dragon). Since then, with a short interuption in Nguyen Dynasty, has been Vietnam’s center.  Now, time and war may have destroyed the original appearance of the citadel but yet traces of these one thousand years remain. You will visit Flag Tower, Doan Mon Gate, Kinh Thien Palace, Hau Lau pavillion and Cua Bac Gate. Have lunch with Shrimp Cake in a nice restaurant by West Lake. In the afternoon, transfer to Noi Bai airport for flight to Hue. Overnight in Hue.

Day 6: Hue (B,L,D)
The fact that the Nguyen Dynasty, the last feudal dynasty of Vietnam, selected Hue as its capital and invested in construction during one and a half centuries has left Hue City with a voluminous cultural heritage. This includes material architecture with a complex of splendid and luxurious palaces, mausoleums, citadel and ramparts, temples and others. Moreover, an intangible heritage, consisting of precious spiritual sources, habits and customs, festivals, art branches, and traditional handicrafts, which were constructed by the great effort of generations, has given Hue city a salient and specific value, as well as its own unique identity. We board trip along Perfume River. The ornate tomb of Emperor Minh Mang, set within a beautiful landscaped garden, will be the first stop. From here we will cruise back to the eccentric Tu Duc's tomb, and discover this Emperor's opulent lifestyle. With the mid day approaching, it will be time to cover the short distance back to the Perfume River and board our Dragon Boat. We enjoy lunch while cruising back down towards Hue, stopping on the way to visit the Thien Mu Pagoda, considered by many as the unofficial symbol of Hue. It is an active Buddhist monastery with its origins dating back to 1601. Onward to the imperial City which was once the place where the Royal family lived and worked. Have a royal dinner with complicated dishes served by pretty servants in traditional costumes.

Day 7: Hue – Hanoi (B)
Free for walking around the beautiful city of Hue before transfering to airport for the flight to Hanoi. In the afternoon, take a cyclo visiting Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple which is supposed as Hanoi’s heart. Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 8: Hanoi Departure
Free shopping till the departure time of your own flight.

All tours include: Present of handmade work - Accommodation based on twin sharing either Executive, Deluxe or Standard - Air Conditioned transportation - Meals in full board - All admission fees - English speaking guide - Tourist insurance. NOT included are: Single person surcharge - Drinks - Personal expenditures - International air ticket and airport tax - Tips