The first stop on the tour is the Mekong Delta, a land of endless green rice fields, tropical orchards and floating markets such as Cai Rang and Phong Dien in Can Tho City.
Sapa, the misty town in the northern province of Lao Cai, is a must-see destination listed in every itinerary. One reason is the famous Sapa Love Market and another is the trek to Ham Rong Mountain for a panoramic view of Sapa Town. Hikers will be dazzled by the poetic and splendid scenery of red-tiled roofs looming in the mist.
Despite its growing popularity Sapa has changed very little and much can be earned about the life and culture of ethnic groups from the locals.
Next stop is the UNESCO world heritage Ha Long Bay, in the northern province of Quang Ninh. Halong Bay resembles a geographic work of art with more than 1,500 spectacular islands and islets including the Sail, the Pair of Roosters and the Incense Burner, as well as grottoes and caves such as Thien Cung (Heaven Palace Grotto), Dau Go (Wooden Stake Grotto), Sung Sot (Surprise Grotto), and Tam Cung (Three Palace Grotto). When exploring the bay and observing the stalactites of many shapes and colors it is easy to get lost in the legendary world of the stone islands.
Another world heritage awaits the travelers: Hoi An Ancient Town in the central province of Quang Nam. The ancient town is famous for pagodas, wooden houses and architectural wonders such as the Japanese Bridge, Tan Ky House, Tu Duc King Temple and Thien Mu Pagoda, all standing as a testimony to the elegant and meticulous architecture and design of the past.
The grandiose complex of Bich Dong Pagoda and Tam Coc Grotto in Ninh Binh Province will excite even the most seasoned travelers with the pristine beauty of stalactites and stalagmites sparkling like gemstones in the caves and the serenity of the ancient pagoda.
The tour also includes a city tour in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi with visits to famous cultural and historical sites and cruises to coastal cities such as Nha Trang and Danang, as well as Mai Chau Valley, a beautiful green valley with stilt houses of ethnic groups in Hoa Binh Province.
Ben Thanh Tourist has been honored as the best service provider in 2009 voted by readers of Sai Gon Tiep Thi newspaper at an award ceremony “Best Service Company in 2009” last week. The result comes from 40,000 votes by customers in a survey in the Sai Gon Tiep Thi newspaper in four services: transport, travel, healthcare and supermarket.
(Source: VietNamNet/SGT, URL:http://english.vietnamnet.vn/travel/2009/05/846160/)
