Making an affectionate homeland tour

17:14' 02/07/2007 (GMT+7)

VietNamNet Bridge - The affectionate homeland tour of Ben Thanh Tourist was designed for travelers who have plenty of time for vacations. They can combine traveling in cars and planes. The 13-day tour, which starts in Ho Chi Minh City, gives tourists an opportunity to enjoy great sunny beaches in a beautiful country for those looking for relaxation, plus learning about the history and culture of Vietnam by visiting royal tombs, temples and world heritage sites. On the trip that includes 11 provinces and cities in the country, travelers can wallow in the sunshine of beautiful beaches at Mui Ne, Nha Trang, Dai Lanh and My Khe. It offers a variety of different activities to ensure that all participants will have an enjoyable time. When travelers get worn-out from all the sea sport activities such as water-skiing, jet skiing and snorkeling, the tour operator will arrange other pleasant programmes in the ancient city of Hue. In the city, visitors can witness a performance of nha nhac, the royal music of the former Nguyen Dynasty, and visit cultural heritage sites recognised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). They also can enjoy a boat trip on the Huong River to see the Trang Tien Bridge and enjoy traditional, regal Hue music while releasing flower garlands and coloured lanterns to bring good fortune. After seven days of traveling by car to provinces and cities in southern and central regions including Binh Thuan, Khanh Hoa, Binh Dinh, Danang, Quang Nam, Thua Thien-Hue and Quang Binh, tourists will fly to the capital city of Hanoi from Phu Bai Airport in Hue. Ben Thanh Tourist allocates six days to explore tourist attractions in the north. Hanoi is the major destination of the tour with a three-night stay in the city for sightseeing and preparing to visit other destinations such as Halong, Ninh Binh and Ha Tay. The tour takes in most of the major sites in the capital including Hoan Kiem (restored sword) Lake, Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam (Temple of Literature), the National University, Dong Xuan Market, Quan Thanh Temple, West Lake, Tran Quoc Pagoda, and One Pillar Pagoda, among others. From Hanoi tourists return to Ho Chi Minh City by plane. The tour costs VND 10.5 million per person. The tour offers two ways for visitors to choose their meals. Ben Thanh Tourist can arrange meals for guests during the 13-day excursion or if guests do it by themselves, the tour operator will refund VND 1.2 million. (SGT) For bookings, contact Ben Thanh Tourist at 86 Ly Tu Trong street, district 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Tel: (08) 520 520, Fax: (08) 829 62 69. Email: domestic@benthanh tourist.com (Source: Viet Nam Net)