VIETNAM LUXURY GOLFING TOUR 18 DAYS

Breakfast at hotel. We drive to Cu Chi district, 50 km to the northwest of Saigon city. The incredible underground network in Cu Chi stretched over 200 kilometers and became legendary during the American war. The extensive tunnels have been specially constructed with living areas, storage facilities, weapon factories, filed hospitals, command center, plus accommodation. Upon arrival to the Cu Chi tunnels, watch a short introductory video showing how they were constructed, then spend the next hour exploring the maze of tunnels, you will even have a chance to crawl through the tunnels. Also on display are various mantraps, the remains of an American tank and numerous bomb craters made by 500 pound bombs dropped by B52 bombers. For those interested there's even the opportunity to fire off rounds from an AK47 or MK16 at the nearby rifle range. Have your lunch at Mandarin restaurant.

The following program is a sightseeing of major sights in Ho Chi Minh city. First stop is Notre Dame Catholic cathedral and short visit to French built post office nearby and then we will visit the War Remnants museum, which primarily contains exhibits relating to the American phase of the Vietnam war. We continue to visit the Reunification palace. Discover the history and fascinating street life of Saigon on a walking tour along Dong Khoi street, known as Rue Catinat in French-colonial times.

Free your time at leisure and overnight in Saigon.

After enjoy buffet breakfast at your hotel. We travel to the Vietnam Golf and Country Club - Lee Trevino designed and home of the 2008 Vietnam Carlsberg Masters Asian Tour Event. The club is home to two 18-hole courses (East and West). Initial impressions of this course upon arrival are fantastic. Impeccably manicured greenery flanks the drive in as you pull up to the modern clubhouse and are directed to the spacious locker rooms. The courses themselves are well worth the trip. The older West course is marred slightly by the presence of a single giant tree in the centre of the fairway on several holes, a design quirk that is slightly overused but enjoyed by many. Nevertheless, holes such as the 5th - a tricky short dogleg par-4, and the 18th - a grandstand closer played downhill through a narrow funnel of trees, are top shelf holes by any standards. The East course is slightly more forgiving than its Western companion due to its wider fairways. However, hugely undulating greens and plentiful water hazards mean that it’s far from easy. Top holes here include the 5th and the 6th, the second of which is an uphill par-5 and is probably the toughest of either course.

Transfer back to Saigon city.

Enjoy your special dinner on Bon Sai cruise, cruise along Saigon river, enjoy your dishes and listening to traditional folk music, sing and dance. You will have relaxation-time to catch the over view of the city, people working at Saigon port. Along both sides of the river are mansions, life of the civilians…..Free your time to explore Saigon nightlife. Overnight in Saigon.

Breakfast at hotel. Journey south to the Mekong delta, known as the ‘rice bowl of Vietnam’, and spend a full day exploring one of Vietnam’s most fertile regions and the main cultivation area of rice and tropical fruits.
We transfer to My Tho city (02 hour). It‘s famous for its extensive orchards and immense rice fields. On arrival, take a leisurely boat trip around the four beautiful islands known as Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix and Tortoise islands (04 sacred animals of Buddhism). Enjoy a rowing boat ride in the shadows of the water-coconut palms along the tiny canals. Enjoy fresh coconut juice on boat. We will visit the picturesque orchards and sample the freshly picked fruit at the invitation of friendly local farmers. Spend some time in the villages to learn about the daily lives of the inhabitants, enjoying some kinds of tropical fruits while listening Southern traditional music.

We continue to “Coconuts homeland”, Ben Tre - Where you can learn how to make coconut candy. You can try some candies, visit the honey bee farm and try the honey, banana wine, ginger jams, soy beans… made by the villagers. Enjoy a horse-cart around the village to have a look at the orchards and visit local people’s house. Enjoy a relaxing cup of honey tea before returning to My Tho via a natural canal, cruising under the shadows of water coconut palms. You will have a chance to enjoy the famous dish “Fried Mekong Elephant Ear Fish” at local restaurant. Drive back to Saigon.

Free your time at leisure. Overnight in Saigon.

Breakfast at hotel. Depart Saigon for Dalat, a cool mountain resort built by the French in 1920s as a hill station. Its lakes, waterfall, evergreen forests and gardens make Dalat one of the most enjoyable places in Vietnam.
Enjoy a beautiful drive through rubber, coffee and tea plantations, with a stopover at La Nga floating village, and lunch at Lien Do restaurant in Bao Loc.

Upon arrival in Dalat we check-in to our hotel. Free your time at leisure. Overnight in Da Lat.

We suggest 02 options for your accommodation:

Breakfast at hotel. A short drive to the cable car station for a 15 minute ride with a beautiful view overlooking the pine forest and vegetable gardens of the city of Dalat.
Visit the Crazy House and Bao Dai villa, the last emperor's summer villa and enjoy a train ride through vegetable gardens to Trai Mat then visit Linh Phuoc Pagoda, a famous beer bottle and ceramic fragments pagoda in town.

Transfer Lat village (12km from town) to visit the local ethnic minorities and enjoy an interesting 1 hour dance and gong show.

Transfer back to hotel. Overnight in Da Lat.

Breakfast at hotel. Enjoy playing one round at the Dalat Golf Course in the morning, a beautiful course and the first golf course built in Vietnam in the1920's.

In the afternoon, leaving Dalat for Nha Trang, the most popular beach resort in Vietnam. We arrive into Nha Trang in the late afternoon.

Check in hotel and overnight in Nha Trang.

We suggest 03 options for your accommodation:

Today there will be a boat trip to visit an offshore fishing village and aquarium then enjoy swimming and snorkeling in the Vietnam sea.

Lunch at a local restaurant.

You will have free time this afternoon for more swimming and to wander the town.

Breakfast at hotel. This morning we transfer to the airport for a flight to Danang. Upon arrival in Danang, we have a 45 minute drive to Hoi An. When you arrive there will be a short walking tour to orient yourself with Hoi An.

Enjoy a walking around the historic town soaking up the atmosphere, exploring the many Chinese assembly halls and fascinating ancestral homes, some of which have been occupied by the same family for fifteen generations. One of the most spectacular Assembly Halls is the Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, built in 1690. The pagoda inside contains intricate statues and artwork, in part dedicated to Thien Hau Than Mau, the Goddess of the Sea and protector of fishermen. Walking tour of the ancient town centre takes us to the sites of former merchants’ homes, the 400-year old Japanese Covered bridge - The symbol of Hoian. The Japanese Covered bridge was the first bridge in Hoian and was constructed in 1593. It was built by the Japanese community of Hoian to link them with the Chinese quarters across the stream.

We suggest 03 options for your accommodation:

Breakfast at hotel. Visit Hoian’s colorful market, and experience the amazing sights, sounds and aromas of this busy market. We will have the opportunity to interact with the local sellers and learn about all the ingredients to be used in the cooking lesson later.

Cruise on Thu Bon river to Tra Que village - a charming little village on the edge of Hoian, the village is famous for its sweet scented & green vegetables that spice up on the daily meals of Hoi An people: Cao Lau and Quang noodles. Come here, you will have a chance to discover the art of cultivating and water plants, tasting and doing a cooking class with local dishes…Walking through the market gardens where local farmers work their fields using the traditional methods of hundreds of years ago. Arriving at Tra Que’s Family House we have a chance to freshen up before beginning our class. Working together with our Family Chef we learn the traditional ways of preparing and cooking Vietnamese food from scratch. After the lesson, sit down and enjoy the dishes that you have created.

Afternoon. We will enjoy Amazing Sunset Cocktail cruise on Thu Bon river. Admire a glorious sunset while enjoying cocktails with family and friends. A perfect way to start the evening. The sun is low in the sky and the wind is gentle. Excellent calm water cruising. A complimentary cocktail is served upon boarding, having some snack and setting the scene for the unforgettable evening ahead. On board, we also served food with set menus and A la carte menu, so you can order your dinner.

Free your time to relax or discover the hidden charm of Hoian town.

Buffet breakfast at your hotel. We drive north to play one of Vietnam’s newest courses and what may possibly be its best. Located to the north of Da Nang and south of Hue, this 18 hole championship course is designed by 6 time Major winner Sir. Nick Faldo. The course is nestled between a back drop of undulating mountain terrain on one side and a spectacular beach front on the other. Laguna Lang Co Golf Club is the centre piece of Laguna Lang Co, a destination resort complex comprising of the award winning Banyan Tree Lang Co & Angsana Lang Co Resorts. The 6,958 yard par 71 course takes great advantage of the variety of existing environments with golf weaving between trees, over rice paddy fields and streams, through impressive rock features and alongside the beach. On each both the front and back nine the golfer gets to experience every one of these environments making for a very memorable golf experience and giving the golf course a true sense of place.

Transfer back to Hoian an town. Free your time at leisure. Overnight in Hoian.

Breakfast at hotel. We leave Hoian to Hue (145km). On the way, you’ll have a brief look at the remarkable Hindu statuary in the Cham museum - One of the largest collection of Cham sculpture and artwork in the world. The museum is officially known as the Museum of Champa Sculpture. We will explore a nearby stone-cutting craft village.

In the afternoon. We will visit the Hue Citadel complex including Royal Citadel and Forbidden Citadel - UNESCO World Heritage sites, set up by Nguyen Dynasty from 1805 to 1945, is now one amongst the relics of the Hue ancient capital. The sightseeing continues with a walk to the bustling Dong Ba market - fantastic to wander boulevards, verdant parks and ochre buildings that retain an old-world around. It sells all manner of items and is a lively place to spend a couple charm, Dong Ba is also famous for the best conical hats in Vietnam.

Tonight you will have a chance to enjoy “Royal dinner” at Royal Park restaurant. Enjoy a delicious food while listening to melodious music and having a feeling of being the King and Queen. All wear traditional royal clothes. All the served food is royal including dishes reminding dragon, phoenix, or peacock...Overnight in Hue.

We suggest 02 options for your accommodation:

Breakfast at hotel. This morning an excursion boat trip along the romantic Perfume river carries us through a tranquil setting of gardens and lakes, where Hue’s best known religious sites are located. We will visit Thien Mu pagoda - one of the oldest ancient architectural structures for religious work ship in Hue. We continue to visit the mausoleum of Emperor Minh Mang in a tranquil setting of gardens and lakes. This impressive landmark reflects the beautiful architecture, intricate decor and mysterious statues.

Afterwards we take a short drive though the rolling hill to see the elaborate royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc - One of the most beautifully designed complexes among the tombs of the Nguyen dynasty. Embedded in a lush pine forest, this tomb is the final resting place of Emperor Tu Duc (1848-83) who had the longest reign of all emperors of the Nguyen dynasty. Have your lunch at Tinh Gia Vien restaurant.

Free your time at leisure until our guide and driver pick you up and transfer to the airport for a short flight to Hanoi (01 hour). You are welcome at Noi Bai airport and then transferred to the hotel for check in. Overnight in Ha Noi.

We suggest 03 options for your accommodation:

Breakfast at hotel. Full day city tour starting with the Ho Chi Minh complex (Closed on Mondays and Fridays mornings and whole September and October for annual repairs). Visit One Pillar pagoda, founded by King Ly Thai To in 1049. This structure has become an important symbol for the people of Hanoi. Our next stop will be the Temple of Literature - Vietnam’s first university. Constructed in 1070. The temple is dedicated to one of the world’s most famous scholars, Confucius. Inside the temple grounds huge stone stele rest on the backs of even larger stone turtles (in Vietnamese culture the turtle represents longevity).

After your lunch at Cha Ca street with “Cha Ca La Vong”, a favorite dish of Hanoian - Listed in 1000 places to visit before you die, we continue to visit Vietnam Museum of Ethnology - The museum has successfully recreated the daily life together with the religious rituals and the symbolic festivals of each ethnic group in Vietnam. Visitors have the opportunity to admire costumes, embroidery as well as outside stilt houses and habitats from the 54 ethnic groups in Vietnam.

We will have a short walking to visit the oldest bridge of Hanoi “Long Bien bridge” to take photos and see the local life of Hanoi people before enjoying a cyclo ride through Hanoi’s Old Quarter, also known as “36 streets.” This bustling area of narrow streets and alleys is home to thousands of small businesses and shopkeepers. It’s a great place to explore with plenty of photo opportunities all around you. We will travel around the famous Hoan Kiem Lake (Lake of the Restored Sword.) - The heart of Hanoi Capital.

Start your evening with a traditional water puppet performance (Roi Nuoc). The stage is actually a large container of water where the characters (carved wooden puppets} “act” out the story. Most of the stories are whimsical and fun, and the puppeteers stand in waist deep water behind a screen controlling the puppets with rods that mostly are under the water.

Have your dinner at Dinh Lang restaurant with Vietnamese traditional music. Overnight in Hanoi.

Breakfast at hotel. We depart for Ha Long city (170 km), approximately three hours away to visit Halong bay (a World Natural Heritage site and a New World’s Wonder). Halong bay features thousands of limestone karsts and isles in various sizes and shapes with 1969 islets. Several of the islands are hollow, with enormous caves, other support floating villages of fishermen. You have chance of observing scenic country side of Vietnam dominated by enormous lush rice field.

On the way to Halong Bay. We will stop at Chi Linh Star Golf and Country Club to enjoy a round of golf on a course where every hole is constructed and designed to international standards.

Tee off and enjoy a round of 18 hole at this 27-hole course, which opened in 2003, hosted the 2004 Carlsberg Masters which was the first professional golf tournament in Vietnam’s north. The course lies in a splendid valley surrounded by rolling forested hills and a number of lakes, creeks, and natural water hazards which come into play on many of theholes. Playing conditions are maintained at a high standard year round as Tiff Eagle grass greens ensure smooth and fast putting surfaces.

After the game, we will continue driving to Halong City. Check-in hotel and tonight you will be staying in Halong.

Breakfast at hotel and then you will transferred to Halong jetty to embark on a boat for an exploration of the legendary Halong Bay. This exciting five hour cruise will provide us a fantastic view of the picturesque scenery blending with the sky and some 3,000 limestone islands rising amazingly from the clear and emerald water. The limestone karsts formations are littered with beaches, grottoes and beautiful caves. Along the way we will anchor for a leisurely swim in a secluded cove and an enjoyable visit to one of the many hidden grottoes beneath towering cliffs.

Transfer back to Hanoi. Overnight at hotel in Hanoi city.

Breakfast at hotel and then our driver will take you to Phoenix Golf Resort in Hoa Binh (1 hour and 20 minutes). The course is located 50 kilometers north of Hanoi, the view from this course and clubhouse is spectacular. With limestone natural carvings framing and often impacting play on many of the holes, the golf course minnors the the stunning scenery of Halong Bay’s famous natural setting. The 54-hole Phoenix Golf Resort is the largest pure-play golf facility in Vietnam and second largest in Asia. The three courses are named Phoenix, Dragon, and Master. The latter is a links-style open course, while the other two play in a more mountainous fashion.

Transfer back to Hanoi city. Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.

Breakfast at hotel. Free time to relax or visit the exciting Dong Xuan covered market, the oldest and largest market in Hanoi. Here you can buy anything from ‘ghost money’ (usually fake $100 bills!) to replica Louis Vuitton bags. Our guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel and transfer to the airport for your departure flight.