VIETNAM

Highland and Beach (4 days / 3 nights)

Country scene with Hill tribe peoples

Day 1 Ho Chi Minh City - Dalat
Scenic drive from Ho Chi Minh City to the central highland resort of Dalat. En route, stop at rubber plantations, the "floating villages" at La Nga, Dambri Waterfall, and tea and coffee plantations. A visit to a silk-making business is optional. Upon arrival in Dalat, enjoy a brief orientation tour around the city before transfer to hotel.

OVERNIGHT IN DALAT

Day 2 Dalat

Full day of sightseeing in and around Dalat, including a tour of the summer residence of Vietnam's last emperor, Bao Dai, the old steam engines of the Dalat Cremaillere Railway, and monasteries, cathedrals and convents that populate this former French retreat. Dalat's temperate climate makes it ideal for vegetable and flower cultivation, and the tour includes a visit to the Dalat Market and the Dalat Flower Garden to see a variety of orchid species.

OVERNIGHT IN DALAT

Day 3

Dalat - Phan Rang - Phan Thiet
In the morning, drive through the pine trees and hills surrounding Dalat to visit the legendary Magic Table and a Chinese pagoda. The mountainside drive continues down a series of switchbacks affording spectacular views of the arid lowlands and the sea. Stop near the seaside town of Phan Rang to visit Po Klong Garai, a well-preserved 14th century Cham Tower. Stop near Phan Thiet to visit an orchard where the other worldly "Dragon" fruit is grown. Upon arrival, check in to hotel in time to enjoy a beautiful sunset on the beach.

OVERNIGHT IN PHAN THIET

Day 4 Phan Thiet
Full day of leisure on the beach. (Optional are a city tour of Phan Thiet, visits to Cham ruins, biking to fishing villages and sand dunes along Mui Ne peninsula, visits to a factory producing "Nuoc Mam" fish sauce - a staple of Vietnamese cuisine, and visit to see the colourful fishing boats in Phan Thiet port.)

OVERNIGHT IN PHAN THIET

Day 5 Phan Thiet - Ho Chi Minh City
Spend the morning relaxing on the beach. Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the afternoon.

This is a suggested Itinerary and it can be combined with other destinations in Vietnam or Southeast Asia, or vacation ideas.

As the prices depend upon choice of accommodation and the season, please call to obtain the price for your selected dates of travel.

* Note: There are optional full-day excursions to Lat village and Langbian Mountain