BACK TO THE RIVER - Blog - Vietravel Asia

BACK TO THE RIVER
Minh Nguyen
BACK TO THE RIVER

Listen to War Stories of Vietnam and How Vietnam Has Changed


Talking about Vietnam without mentioning the influence of rivers on the culture and history is such a shortcoming. Hundred years of inhabiting and make living on the branches of Red River, Ben Hai River, Huong River, Dong Nai River and Mekong River has formed a characterized culture. Therefore, in the journey you visit Vietnam, we would like to introduce you the theme “Back to the river”, especially whisper Vietnam’s stories in years of war. 


Day 1:  Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)



TPHCM Sài Gòn



Warmest welcome to Vietnam! Upon your morning arrival at Ho Chi Minh City/Tan Son Nhat International Airport, you will be met by Vietravel tour guide. Enjoy a chance to stretch your legs during a visit to the Reunification Palace before transferring to the hotel for an early check-in. 



Dinh Doc Lap
Dinh Độc Lập


Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.A special night welcoming you back to the rivers, listen to Vietnam’s stories in years of war. Get ready to start your adventure!


Day 2: Former US Military Bases


After a hearty breakfast we visit Cu Chi Tunnels by speedboat, which is a network of connecting underground tunnels that spread more than 150 miles.  In the late 1940s, Communist forces began digging these tunnels under the terrain of South Vietnam, and they were expanded by the Viet Cong in the early 1960s.  The tunnels were used to house Viet Cong troops, transport supplies, and launch surprise attacks, after which they could disappear underground to safety.  Early in 1968, North Vietnamese and Viet Cong would use the tunnels as refuge in the Tet Offensive.


Địa đạo củ chi
Cu Chi Tunnels


These tunnels also had smoke free kitchen, hospitals, bedrooms and shelter for women, children and the elderly. It is not just a village but an entire city underground.  If you wish, you may enter the tunnels before we depart the region.  We also visit the Notre Dame Cathedral (due to construction in process, can only watch from outside) and Central Post Office.  Enjoy dinner cruise on Saigon River. 



Nhà Thờ Đức Bà
Notre Dame Cathedral



Overnight in HCMC.


Day 3: Ho Chi Minh City / Hue


After breakfast, we transfer to the airport and fly to Hue.  Enjoy lunch and explore the Imperial Citadel (Forbidden City).  With its central location between the North and South, Hue was in a vulnerable position during the war and suffered considerable damage in the Tet Offensive of 1968.  During the initial phases of the Battle of Hue, considered one of the longest and bloodiest battles during the Vietnam War, Allied forces were restricted from bombing or shelling the city for fear of destroying its historic structures.  As the fierce fighting went on and casualties escalated, these restrictions were lifted, resulting in substantial damage to the Imperial City leaving only 10 of the 160 buildings intact.  After the war the remaining buildings fell into neglect. 


Đại nội Huế




The complex of Hue monuments has been named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993, and with a change in political systems, these buildings were gradually restored and preserved, with plans to conclude the restoration in 2022. Since we are close to Hamburger Hill, we will have commentary about the A Shau Valley, well known for the Battle of Hill 937 aka – Hamburger Hill. It is one of the most famous battles of the Vietnam War. The twenty-five-mile long and one-mile wide valley lies along the Ho Chi Minh Trail and is bordered by Laos in the west, and skirted by densely forested; 3,000-6,000 f.t high mountains. Due to its location, this was a major infiltration point for the Communist North Vietnamese Army and was the scene of heavy fighting.  


Overnight in Hue.


Day 4: Hue / Quang Tri / Former DMZ / Hue


Today’s excursion takes us to Quang Tri and the former demilitarized zone (DMZ). The DMZ restricted locals from crossing south to north thus keeping families and friends apart. Back then, this area was a battlefield, one of the most intensively bombed areas in military history. We explore Khe Sanh Combat Base and Doc Mieu Base.


song Ben Hai
Ben Hai River



Following by the Ben Hai River, which is the center of the DMZ area, was the official dividing line between Vietnam’s north and south; and take an excursion to Con Thien Fire Base.


Căn cứ Khe Sanh
baotainguyenmoitruong.vn




We also visit the Dakrong Bridge which is the starting point of Highway 15, one of the main branches of the Ho Chi Minh Trail, and the Lang Vei Special Forces Camp. Tonight, cruise along Perfume River, you are sure to enjoy this incredible evening with the Vietnamese traditional food, music and entertainment.Enjoy your night in Hue City.


Dakrong Bridge
Dakrong_bridge wikimedia.org




Day 5: Hue / Da Nang / Hoi An


Today, en route to Da Nang, we cross Hai Van Pass, the dividing line between the climate zones of North and South Vietnam. Our journey takes us pass Marble Mountains, five marble and limestone hills, where they sculpt marble into incredible works of art. Continuing on we stop at “China Beach” and then on to Chu Lai, a former U.S. Marine Corps base. There was no settlement on this spot until the construction of the base in 1965. Chu Lai has now developed into a sea port and industrial area. Sources tell that Chu Lai was dubbed after the Chinese characters of Lieutenant General Victor H. “Brute” Krulak’s name, a decorated U.S. Marine Corps officer who was considered a visionary among fellow Marines.


Đèo Hải Vân
Hai Van Pass


We continue on to the area which was the former Marine Regimental Headquarters and easternmost combat base known as LZ Baldy/Hill 63, located about 20 miles south of Da Nang, before arriving at our final destination, Hoi An. Enjoy a tour of the well-preserved ancient city of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the ancient town by pedal taxi and explore the city’s historical Old Town with its many shops where they produce popular brand name clothing. This afternoon you have some free time to relax, do some shopping or meander on your own and meet some of the local people.  We spend the night in Hoi An.


Hội An




Day 6: Hoi An / Free Day


After breakfast, we make our way for Ba Na Hills and the Golden Bridge. Spanning 150 meters, this pedestrian bridge offers wonderful views of the trees and scenery below. The afternoon is yours to do a bit of shopping or visit some places that are special to you, whether in Da Nang or Hoi An. Taxis are inexpensive in Vietnam so you can go anywhere you like.  Perhaps you just want to catch your breath and relax, it’s your choice.Enjoy your night in Da Nang.


Đà Nẵng - cầu vàng
Golden Bridge



Day 7: Hoi An / Da Nang / Hanoi


This morning, we visit the beautiful


Da Nang - Son Tra Peninsula
Son Tra Peninsula



Son Tra Peninsula with its pristine coastline and fantastic natural assets – crystal clear sea water, white sand, and a jungle which is a sanctuary to a vast diversity of plants and animals. The peninsula is dominated by Son Tra Mountain, dubbed “Monkey Mountain” by American soldiers. Next we transfer to the airport and fly to Hanoi where we overnight. 


Day 8: Hanoi / Ha Long Bay Cruise


Depart for Ha Long Bay, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where we board a luxurious vessel for an overnight cruise.  Ha Long Bay is of unimaginable beauty with its more than 2000 islands rising from the emerald green waters of the Gulf of Tonkin – what a breathtaking sight!  Legend tells that the islands of Ha Long were created by a great dragon. 



Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay

While charging from the mountain towards the sea its flailing tail gashed out valleys, and when it finally plunged into the sea, the area backfilled with seawater, leaving only the pinnacles visible.  We cruise through limestone islets, enjoy the tranquility of the lagoon at Luon Cave on a traditional row boat, and visit Titop Island, regarded as one of the most attractive sites in Ha Long Bay. At each cave or island you will be told the legend or the story of its name.  We attend chef’s cooking demonstration; conclude the day with an elegant dinner and overnight on board.



Day 9: Ha Long Bay / Hanoi


Ha Long Bay - Cave




Start your day with a Tai chi session on the sundeck. Explore Surprise Cave, one of the largest and most famous grottoes in Ha Long Bay. Say goodbye to Ha Long and return to Hanoi where we visit the site of the former Hoa Lo Prison, ironically nicknamed the “Hanoi Hilton” by American POWs. 



Nhà từ Hỏa Lò
Hoa-Lo-Prison hanoijourney.com


The prison was demolished in the 1990s – only the gatehouse remains as a museum.  U.S. Senator John McCain was probably the most famous POW at the “Hanoi Hilton” from October 1967 until 1973.  We also pass by the place where John McCain’s plane was shot down.  Finish out the day with a stop at the Old Quarter for last minute souvenirs.  


Overnight in Hanoi.


Day 10: Cruise along Red River


At 07:30, you will embark on a boat trip from the bay no. 42 – Chuong Duong Do Wharf in Hanoi. After a leisurely cruise down the Red River, you will disembark to visit the picturesque grounds of Dam Temple & Dai Lo Temple in Ha Tay Province.


You will return to the boat and then continue down the Red River taking in the beautiful views and tranquil atmosphere. You will leave the boat to visit Chu Dong Tu Temple where many people go to pray for love, after which you will return to the boat and enjoy a delicious lunch on board as you float further along the Red River.



Sông hồng
vnexpress.net


You will arrive in Bat Trang Village where you can wander through streets and visit the old temples along the Red River. You will have time to explore the Bat Trang Ceramic Village where you can see the skill of the local artisans and buy some unique and attractive ceramics to take home with you. At around 15:30, you will make the return journey to Hanoi arriving back in the city at approximately 16:30.


Gốm Bát Tràng
wikipedia.org



Overnight in Hanoi.


Day 11: Free at leisure


Today is a free day for living like a local. You are truly a Hanoian.At the end of the day, we welcome you to the party of “River flows in you”. Tonight, we share our stories, our experiences during the trip and our hopes. We hope you enjoy the best moments here in Vietnam. 



Văn Miếu
The Temple of Literature



Day 12: Hanoi departure


Today free at leisure till your flight to home. Goodbye and see you again.



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