Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City - Dalat
The drive from Ho Chi Minh City to Dalat (approx. 7 hours) passes through spectacular countryside as the road weaves through plantations, villages and mountains to the plateau of the Central Highlands. There will be opportunities to stop at silk weaving farms and coffee and tea plantations en-route as we explore this verdant region. Check in to your hotel.
Late afternoon visit the town's bustling central market, renowned for its fresh vegetables and fruit that is rarely found in a tropical country they even grow strawberries here and environs. Take a tandem or horse ride around Xuan Huong Lake (on your own expenses).
Overnight Dalat.
(Lunch)

Day 2: Dalat
This morning you will explore Dalat highlights tour. Much delight will be taken in an exploration of Dalat's architecture - from the villas of the 'French Quarter' to the unusual guesthouse shaped with each annex shaped like a different animal, known as the 'Crazy House'!
You will visit the Tuyen Lam Lake and its pagoda, the former Railway Station (in use only for an optional steam train ride) and Dalat Cathedral. Continue to visit Bao Dai's Summer Palace that sits on a hill just outside the main centre. Bao Dai was the Last Emperor of Vietnam and the Palace has been preserved exactly as he left it in 1954. It is a classic example of art deco that is a tourist attraction in itself. Afterward, you go to visit. Subject to opening times, also
visit the Ethnic Museum, which houses a fascinating display of artefacts and traditional costumes.
Lunch at local restaurant and afternoon is at leisure.
Overnight Dalat.
(Breakfast, Lunch)

Day 3: Dalat - Phan Thiet
Enjoy a spectacular drive through the lush Ngoan Muc mountain pass to the coastal plain near Phan Rang (5 hours). The highland crops of coffee, tea and vegetables are replaced with that of tobacco, grapes and rice as the road descends into the dry climate.
At Phan Rang we pause by the roadside to visit the nearby Cham towers of Po Klong Garai. Built in the 13th Century, they have been carefully restored by Polish architects and command a dominating position atop a hillock overlooking the town and coastal strip. The region continues to be the home to many of the 99,000 descendants of the Cham civilisation in Vietnam today and the towers remain an important religious site at times of festivities.
Continuing our drive south we pass through many local plantations of the unique 'dragon fruit' found only in this dry southern region of Vietnam. The road veers off from the highway to join the waterfront at the town of Phan Thiet. Known for its fishing industry and production of the infamous 'nuoc mam' (fish sauce), Phan Thiet has recently become a newly discovered beach retreat. Canopies of coconut palms dot the waterfront inter-sped with seafood restaurants where you can dine and relax in a hammock under the shade near the water.
The rest of the afternoon and evening is at leisure.
Overnight Phan Thiet.
(Breakfast, Lunch)

Day 4: Phan Thiet
Five kilometres along the beachfront lies the small fishing community of Mui Ne known for its sweeping sand dunes that form a backdrop to the coast. We enjoy a short but rugged jeep ride over the dunes for those who are looking for an aspect of adventure, followed by a delicious seafood lunch at one of the beachfront restaurants.
The rest of the afternoon and evening is at leisure.
Overnight Phan Thiet.
(Breakfast, Lunch)

Day 5: Phan Thiet to Ho Chi Minh City
Morning at leisure before the return drive to Ho Chi Minh City (4 hours).
(Breakfast)

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