RICE IN VIETNAMESE CULTURE AND ECONOMY

DAY 1-3: HANOI AND SUBURBAN AREA

Hanoi, the thousand-year-old cultural capital of Vietnam, is the center of culture and politics of the country with preferential natural landscapes as well as the historical monuments, the intangible cultural heritage such as Ca Tru singing, etc. All of them has created the unique attraction of Hanoi.

HIGHLIGHTS:

1. Visit Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh mausoleum, Old Quarter.
2. Watch Water puppet show.
3. Learn about agricultural cooperative.

DAY 4: NINH BINH

South of Hanoi, Ninh Binh province is blessed with natural beauty, cultural sights and the Cuc Phuong National Park. Highlights include boat trips amid karst landscapes at Tam Coc and the Unesco World Heritage-listed Trang An Grottoes.

HIGHLIGHTS:

1. Explore Tam Coc and Hoa Lu

2. Visit temples of Dinh Tien Hoang and Le Dai Hanh

DAY 5-6: HALONG BAY — HANOI
A spectacular seascape of some 1,600 limestone islands and islets towering from emerald water, Ha Long Bay is also an outstanding example of earth's history. Those limestone pillars are covered by the lush green of tropical plants and boast amazing karst grottoes, caves and caverns. The Bay has first recorded as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 thanks to its exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance. In 2000, it had the honour of being recognised the second time for its significant geomorphic features, as a billion-year-living proof of Earth's formation.

HIGHLIGHTS:

1. Experience the overnight cruise.

2. Swim at the beach.
3. Visit fishing village.
4. Row on a boat through passages.
5. Visit the herbs farm or a cow-milk farm on the way back to Hanoi (if available).

DAY 7-8: HUE

Right in the middle of Vietnam, Hue was the capital for 143 years (1802 — 1945). It is a city rich in history. Hue is home to 7 imperial tombs as well as the ancient imperial city. During the Vietnam War, Hue suffered badly. The “Battle of Hue” was one of the longest and deadliest battles. Along with human casualties, many historic sites were damaged or destroyed.

HIGHLIGHTS:

1. Explore Imperial City, Dong Ba Market, Thien Mu Pagoda and Tombs of Tu Duc.

DAY 9: HOI AN

Hoi An Town is an exceptionally well-preserved example of a Southeast Asian trading port dating from the 15th to the 19th century. Its buildings and street plan reflect the influences, both indigenous and foreign, that have combined to produce this unique heritage site.

HIGHLIGHTS:

1. Explore Hoi An Ancient town
2. Learn how to make lanterns

DAY 10-11: SAIGON

Ho Chi Minh City attractions are a vibrant mix of old and new, with well-preserved colonial structures and war relics from the devastating Vietnam War as well as sleek skyscrapers, elegant sports clubs, and expansive shopping malls against a metropolis backdrop. Great for immersing in the local culture, no two districts are the same in Ho Chi Minh City and there are plenty of ornate pagodas and Buddhist temples to visit and photograph as well.

HIGHLIGHTS:

1. Visit Notre Dame Cathedral, War Remnants Museum, Reunification Palace,
    Central Post Office, Ben Thanh Market and Cu Chi Tunnels.

DAY 12-14: VINH LONG — CAN THO

Floating markets have existed in Vietnam for hundreds of years and have become a crucial part of daily life in the Mekong Delta. Visiting one of these vibrant floating markets is something that cannot be skipped when visiting Vietnam. There are plenty to choose from but these are the ones that top the list.

HIGHLIGHTS:

1. Explore the floating market — Cai Be.

2. Visit the floating market — Cai Rang.

3. Row on a boat along the canals, visit local houses and gardens.