Hanoi – Hue 4 days / 3 nights

Hanoi (Vietnamese: Hà Nội), the capital of Vietnam, and also its second largest city, is a fascinating blend of East and West, combining traditional Sino-Vietnamese motifs with French flair. It is largely unscathed from the decades of war, and is now going through a building boom, making it a rapidly developing city in Southeast Asia.

Invading forces from every direction agree: Hanoi makes a fine capital. It has held that title for more than a thousand years, through several invasions, occupations, restorations, and name changes. The Chinese conquered the imperial city of Thang- Long in 1408 and renamed it Tống Bình. Le Loi repelled the invaders in 1428 and ascended the throne, becoming known as Lê Thái Tổ (黎太祖); for his efforts, a slew of legends about his heroic exploits, many centred around the Hoan Kiem Lake in the Old Quarter.

The Nguyen Dynasty gave the city its modern name of Ha Noi in 1831, but they had transferred power to Hue by then; it remained there until 1887, when the French made Saigon and then Hanoi the capital of all French Indochina. It changed hands again in 1954, when it was ceded to Ho Chi Minh and the Viet Minh after almost a decade of fighting, and it became the capital of North Vietnam; Saigon was the rival in South Vietnam. Upon reunification in 1976, it assumed that title for the entire country.

The first institution of learning in Vietnam, Quoc Tu Giam, was founded here in the 11th century. Nine hundred years later, the first western-style universities in Vietnam were also founded in Hanoi. The city is one of the leading centres of scientific study and research in the country. Hanoi retains much of its older charm of bygone eras, despite the battles that have raged over it; conflict had the side effect of making it largely oblivious to modern architecture, and as a result, few buildings in the city centre area are higher than five stories. The Old Quarter is second only to Hoi An for uninterrupted stretches of colonial and pre-colonial architecture, well-preserved on dense warrens of narrow, wonderfully atmospheric streets. It trades the commercial boom and sprawl of Ho Chi Minh City in the South for a more understated charm, worth enjoying for an extra day or two, and with countless transport options and travel agents, it makes a perfect base for exploration of the North.

As you walk along the street, you may find that people start talking to you. It is a cultural norm there to make conversation with strangers. They might ask you where you are from and other general questions. It takes a while to get used to that. However, there are times when you find this friendliness extremely helpful, such as when you are lost or need help.

There are self-help interactive screen information booths around the Old Quarter but their purpose is to superficially conjure an image of coming-of-age "Vietnam has arrived" impression to the unsuspecting passer-by. An example was an inquiry typing out the American Embassy as prompted by an empty field, then it flashed on to the next interactive page asking for which district (one may not be aware that the US embassy has branches in every district) - smart and amazing!

Hue is intimately connected to the imperial Nguyễn Dynasty, based in Hue, who ruled from 1802 to 1945, when the Emperor Bao Dai abdicated in favor of Ho Chi Minh's revolutionary government. The city went through tough times during the Vietnam War, when it was conquered by the Viet Cong and held for 24 days, during which the VC slaughtered around 3,000 people suspected of sympathizing with the South, being a highschool graduate or Christian. In retaking the city American forces initially didn't use artillery or air support to avoid damaging ancient buildings but due to heavy casualties these restrictions were relaxed and the city largely destroyed.

Day 1: Hanoi – Hue (L/D)

A.M: Our car will take you to Noi Bai Airport for your flight to Hue city. After arrival, check in your hotel and relax. Have lunch

P.M: We explore Hue Citadel, a large fortress built in the 17th century (year 1805) mandated by Emperor Gia Long; Ngo Mon gate where Bao Dai ended Nguyen dynasty, Thai Hoa palace (Palace of Supreme Hamony), Hall of the Mandarins, Forbidden Purple city. Besides, we go to Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the oldest and prettiest religious buildings in the country, was an important site of protest against the Ngo Dinh Diem government in 1960s. Have dinner and overnight in Hue.

Day 2: Hue (B, L, D)

A.M: Our car takes you to the Imperial Tomb of Tu Duc lying in a boundless pine forest, 8 km from Hue. It was used by the Emperor Tu Duc in life as Summer Palace and spiritual retreat. Then, we continue the journey with visit to Khai Dinh tomb with the interminglement of many architectural trends: European and Asian, as well as ancient and modern. We also visit the Minh Mang Royal Tombs, a standard architectural complex consisting of 40 constructions (palaces, temples, pavilions, etc.) designed on a symmetric axis running from Dai Hong gate to the foot of La Thanh (Surrounding Wall) behind the Emperor's tomb. Eat lunch in restaurant.

P.M: You will discover the unique beauties in Hue Museum of Royal Antiquities with nearly 10,000 antiquities relating to the life during the Nguyen Dynasty (1802-1945), such as Collection of ordered porcelain under the Nguyen dynasty; collection of Chinese porcelain under the Ming and Qing dynasties; collection of Vietnamese ceramics dating from the 14th to 19th century; collection of Vietnamese ceramics dating from the 14th to 19th century; collection of royal robes under the Nguyen… Back to hotel, relax and eat lunch. Overnight in Hue.

Day 3: Hue – Thuan An beach (B/L/D)

A.M: We depart for Thuan An beach, which has mysterious feature as the Hue associated with a bit of pristine view. It is an interesting beach for tourists after visiting palace, tombs, pagoda, and scenery of Hue. You can relax, swim, sunbath and also visit Thai Duong temple, where Thai Duong Goddess is very esteemed by villagers or visit the temple devoted to the whale, the sacred animal of the local people.

P.M: Back to the centre of Hue city, we go to Dong Ba market. It is considered as a paradise for snapshots of daily activities as well as for shopping with everything from souvenir items to bronze goods, Hue sesame sweetmeat, conical poem hats, just to name a few.

Day 4: Hue – Hanoi (B)

After breakfast, you have your time for relaxing until transferring to the airport for your return flight to Hanoi. Finally, we take you from airport to the place that we picked up at the beginning of journey. Finishing your trip.