Southeastern Asia, bordering the Gulf of Thailand, Gulf of Tonkin, and South China Sea, alongside China, Laos, and Cambodia

total: 329,560 sq km
land: 325,360 sq km
water: 4,200 sq km

Hanoi

Vietnamese (official), English (increasingly favored as a second language), some French, Chinese, and Khmer; mountain area languages (Mon-Khmer and Malayo-Polynesian)

Buddhist 9.3%, Catholic 6.7%, Hoa Hao 1.5%, Cao Dai 1.1%, Protestant 0.5%, Muslim 0.1%, none 80.8% (1999 census)

Dong (VND). Bank notes are 500d; 1,000d; 2,000d; 5,000d; 10,000d; 20,000d; 50,000d and 100,000d. Unlike most of Vietnam's neighbouring countries, the US Dollar is widely accepted.

tropical in south; monsoonal in north with hot, rainy season (May to September) and warm, dry season (October to March)

No vaccinations are officially required. Malaria prophylaxis is no longer recommended but visitors are advised to check with their doctor or travel immunization clinic regarding the advisability of inoculation against typhoid, tetanus, hepatitis A & B.

Comfortable lightweight clothing in natural fabrics such as cotton is most suitable for travelling in Vietnam. The dress code is fairly casual as in most parts of the tropics, but it is advisable to cover arms and legs in the evenings against biting insects. A lightweight raincoat is a good idea in the rainy season. During the winter months warm clothing is needed for visiting the north of Vietnam. Visitors to Buddhist countries should not wear shorts, short skirts or other skimpy clothing when visiting religious buildings. Shoes should be removed before entering a private home.

Day 1:
Hanoi - Arrival (D)

Meet on arrival at Hanoi / Noi Bai International Airport and transfer to hotel for check in.

P.m: City tour (if time permits): Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, his residence, One-Pillar Pagoda and Hoan Kiem Lake, Temple of Literature, built in the 11th century as Vietnam's first university and the Old Quarter of Hanoi. Dinner at local restaurant. Evening: Water puppet show, the unique Vietnamese Hoan Kiem Lake traditional art. Accommodation.

Day 2:
Hanoi - Thai Binh - Ninh Binh (B/L/D)

Breakfast at hotel. Pick up at hotel and drive to Thai Binh to visit the Keo Pagoda with its beautiful bell tower in a quiet village on the Red River Delta. Continue on to Pho Minh tower in Nam Dinh; lunch en route. Proceed to Tam Coc to visit "Halong Bay on land" - the same limestone rocks as in Halong Bay but seen from a winding stream through paddy fields instead of the sea. Enjoy spectacular scenery during the boat trip to Tam Coc caves with visit of the Bich Dong Pagoda. Dinner and accommodation at Van Xuan, a simple hotel in Hoa Lu.

Day 3:
Tam Coc - Cuc Phuong - Hoa Binh (B/L/D)

Breakfast at hotel. Visit Dinh and Le dynasty temples. Drive to Cuc Phuong National Park for 3-hour easy trekking. Lunch en route. P.m: Drive on to Hoa Binh for dinner and accommodation in a very basis hotel.

Day 4:
Hoa Binh - Mai Chau - Hanoi (B/L/D)

Breakfast at hotel. Drive to Mai Chau in its pretty valley with a patchwork of Mai Chau rice paddies, farms and stilt houses. The area is the home of many ethnic minorities, including the Muong and the Thai. Lunch en route. Drive back to Hanoi. Dinner and accommodation.

Day 5:
Hanoi - Departure (B)

Breakfast. Leisure time until transfer to Hanoi / Noi Bai International Airport for departure.

*All Prices are subject to change with out prior notice

USD 151