Day 1: This morning, depart from your hotel and drive to Phong Nha – Ke Bang. On arrival, pick up and transfer to the pier for a boat cruise along the Son River to Phong Nha Cave, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The deeper one descends, the more magical are the natural aspects of the cave. After 700 m, a large dry passage appears, allowing you to discover the cave on foot for a further 500 m. You will also have a chance to explore the remains of Cham Altars and the inscriptions inside. Formed approximately 250 million years ago, Phong Nha Cave is the largest and most beautiful cave in Vietnam. It is remarkable for thousands of meters of underground passageways and river caves filled with abundant stalactites and stalagmites. Its rock formations have evocative names such as Lion, Fairy Caves, Royal Court and Buddha. Back to your hotel in Dong Hoi late afternoon. Overnight in Dong Hoi.

 

Day 2: After breakfast, transfer to Ke Bang Caves for a morning of exploring. Upon arrival, an electric car will take you to the cave, or you can descend 524 stone steps on foot to enter the cave and witness the magnificence of the stalactites with a diameter of about 3-4 meters. They are real masterpieces of nature. Later, see Thien Duong Cave (Paradise Cave), featuring dozens of stalactite mounds 30-50 cm tall and resembling Buddha statues. Phong Nha means “Cave of Teeth,” and was used by the North Vietnamese as a hospital and ammunition depot during the American War (as the war is known by here). In 1990, British scientists surveyed 35 km of the cave and discovered the main cavern is nearly 8 km long with 14 other caves nearby. Transfer to hotel in the late afternoon. Overnight at the same hotel.

 

Day 3: Tour of DMZ – Vinh Moc Tunnels – transfer to Hue

After breakfast, embark on a day trip the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone). Visit Peace Bridge over the Ben Hai River, the river that was the only true physical demarcation between North and South Vietnam, at the middle of the DMZ. Continue to Vinh Moc Tunnels, the refuge of over 400 people during the bombing operation known as “Rolling Thunder.” Return to Hue with a stop to visit Phuoc Tich Village and arrive in Hue late in the afternoon. Overnight in Hue.

 

Day 4: Full day Hue

After breakfast, depart with your personal guide and driver and begin exploring Hue. First, visit the former Imperial Citadel and Forbidden Purple City. Hue was the capital of Vietnam until the early 20th century, and generations of royalty lived in the Forbidden Purple City, inside the walled exterior of the Citadel. This was also the site of some of the most brutal fighting during the infamous Tet Offensive. This afternoon depart on a boat trip up the Perfume River past some lush, dreamlike countryside and charming scenes of Vietnamese life to the Royal Tombs of the Nguyen Emperors. The Royal Tombs, with their vast, lovingly-tended botanical gardens, beautiful open air pavilions and numerous shrines, were to provide the seven Nguyen Emperors noble burials as well as comfortable afterlives. The tombs of Minh Mang and Tu Duc are the most elegant while that of Khai Dinh is the most unusual, combining Western architecture with Vietnamese style.

 

Next, you’ll see Tu Hieu Pagoda, which is associated with Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh, the famous monk who studied at the monastery in the 1940’s but lived in exile for more than 40 years before he was allowed to return to his homeland in 2005. Continue to Thien Mu Pagoda, one of Vietnam’s oldest and most beautiful Buddhist temples. In a corner of the grounds, note the aged, pale blue Morris automobile, which transported a local monk to Saigon where he immolated himself in 1963 in protest against the anti-Buddhist laws of the Ngo Dinh Diem regime. Finish the day with a visit to the Dong Ba Market. Overnight at the same hotel.

 

Day 5: Hue – Bach Ma National Park – Hoi An

7:30am departure for 30-mile drive to Bach Ma National Park, a former French hill station for the colonial administration of Hue.  We’ll take a jeep into the park itself (5 miles) and visit Rhododendron Waterfall and National Park. Later, we’ll drive to Lang Co Beach for lunch, driving through Hai Van Pass and visiting the Cham  Museum, Marble Mountain, and Non Nuoc Beach en route. Arrive in Hoi An in the afternoon. After check-in, enjoy walking tour around the ancient town of Hoi An with your guide. Highlights of your tour through its charming streets include the Japanese Covered Bridge, the local produce market, Tan Ky House, and the Fukhien Association. Dinner and overnight in Hoi An.