The secrets of Vietnam await you on this two-week exploration that brings you to the highlights as well as some less-traveled locations. Beginning in the ancient capital of Hanoi, travel North to Sapa, nestled high in the mountains and experience a unique ethnic culture and stunning vistas. Enjoy an eco-travel experience that gets you in touch with the people and the environment of the North. We next head to the coast and Ha Long Bay, a natural wonder that you simply must see. Further south we discover the jewels of the centre, Hue, Da Nang and Hoi An. Each city offering a different clue to the sectrets and history of this land. We arrive in Ho Chi Minh City and tour the Mekong Delta region and this great city which is the modern face of Vietnam.

ITINERARY

Day 1 | Arrive Hanoi  (B/D)

Upon arrival, meet your guide and driver then transfer to hotel. The rest of the day is free to spend at your leisure. In the evening, enjoy a traditional “Water puppet” show, followed by your welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

 Hanoi, The capital of Vietnam welcomes you with very special oriental beauty which lies in the lovely and friendly smiles of the locals you meet. During the first day, you will stay at one of the most comfortable hotels in the city centre. It is located near and within the Old Quarter, therefore you will find it easy to explore the vibrant life of a true Hanoian, go shopping and visit many cultural spots within easy walking distance.

Day 2 | Hanoi City Tour  - Sapa (B/L/)

Today, you will visit some beautiful spots which are regarded as the heart and soul of Hanoi such as Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and Stilt House, then continue our visit to the Temple of Literature, the first National University of Vietnam, where you may take part in music exchanges with local people. Lunch is served at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, learn about the 54 traditions of Vietnam through an excursion to the Museum of Ethnology, then continue to Ngoc Son temple in a beautiful Jade island of Hoan Kiem Lake. Inn the late evening, you will catch a night train to Sapa.

Day 3 | Lao Cai - Bac Ha - Sapa  (B/L)

Day 5 | Topas Ecolodge – Ban Ho – Lao Cai  (B/L)

Day 7 | Ha Long Bay – Hanoi (B)

Early in the morning enjoy a cup of tea or Vietnamese coffee then join the Vietnamese Tai Chi class on the sundeck and catch the first rays of sunrise for another beautiful day on the bay. Continue our cruise among the breathtaking scenery, visit one of the most beautiful limestone cave, and open your eyes, your mind and your ears to nature. At 9.30am we will check-out and then have a delicious brunch before disembarking. Around 11:00 meet the driver at the pier then enjoy the drive back to Hanoi.

Day 8 | Hanoi – Danang  (B/L/D)

Breakfast at your hotel then transfer to the airport for the morning flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival, travel to the Cham Museum to see the best collection of Champa artifacts. Lunch in a local restaurant. Continue the drive to Hoi An with a photo stop at the beautiful Marble Mountain. Check-in at your hotel in Hoi An then free time until dinner.

 Hoi An is called the “Ancient Town”, one of quietest cities in Vietnam with plenty of lantern shops, silk shops and tailors shops along the streets. Hoi An is one of the exciting and gaudy trading port centers of Southeast Asia from the 16^th century. Hoi An is also known for Chinese and Japanese architecture and tasty central Vietnamese cuisine.

Day 9 | Hoi An  (B)

After breakfast, start the day with a walking tour in the small quiet streets in the  old heritage town. Visit one of the old traditional houses, Japanese bridge, Chinese Assembly hall, handicraft workshop, and vibrant marke.  In the afternoon you will be free to join one of these optional tours:

Option 1: Half day My Son

Option 2: Cooking class

Option 3: Fishing village

After breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive to Hue via Da Nang and Hai Van (Sea Cloud) pass. En route you will have a chance for a photo stop at the China Beach, and then drive over the stunning pass which geographically devides Vietnam into two different climate zones. Another stop at Lang Co Beach will allow you the chance to step into the water of one of most beautiful beaches of the central coast of Vietnam. Lunch on arrival in Hue. In the afternoon take a boat trip along the romantic Perfume River to visit Thien Mu pagoda, then continue on to the Imperial City. Take a walking tour to visit the last Royal Nguyen dynasty’s monuments. Check-in at the hotel then free time.

 Hue is famous for it’s magnificent monuments and architectural buildings. Located in the centre of Vietnam, with a simple life and pleasant local people, Hue brings to you a warm welcome feeling.

Day 11 | Hue – Ho Chi Minh city (B/L/D)

Accommodation: In Ho Chi Minh City

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12 | Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnel  (B/L)

Today you will visit Ho Chi Minh City, the former Saigon – capital of the South Vietnam during 1954-1975. The tour will include the War Remnants Museum, which shows the Vietnam War through many left-over weapons and photos taken by international journalists, then  travel on to see the Reunification Palace, former residence of the South Vietnam President. Continue the morning with a stop at Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office, which was designed by the Gustavo Eiffel Company in 1886. Enjoy a Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant, and then drive to Cu Chi to see the tunnels which were built over a period of 20 years from 1940s to 1972 by Vietcong to hide themselves. Take a walking tour at the site, try a short part of the tunnel (if you wish to) to understand more about the life of guerrillas in the war time. Return to the hotel by late afternoon.

Accommodation: In Ho Chi Minh City

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 13 | Mekong Delta Exploration  (B/L/D)

Depart to Cai Be, a small town deep in the Mekong Delta. Here board a private boat and visit the colourful Cai Be floating market, where you’ll cruise among local barges full of fruits and vegetables. Later a special visit will be made to an ancient Mandarin’s house, dating from the 19^th century, where the family will host you with a delicious lunch. You will also visit some local home factories that produce rice paste, rice popcorn and coconut candies. After lunch, your boat trip will cruise deeper into the countryside on smaller canals and creeks passing under small traditional bridges made from wood and bamboo. You will discover beautiful landscapes and observe typical Mekong Delta rural life. At the end of your cruise, return by road to Ho Chi Minh City.

Farewell dinner tonight at a local restaurant.

Accommodation: In Ho Chi Minh City

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14 | Ho Chi Minh city – Departure  (B)

Breakfast then free time for any last minute shopping or sightseeing until your departure. Hotel check-out time is at 12:00.

Accommodation: On your flight

Meals: Breakfast

INCLUSIONS:

• Accommodation in a double or twin share room with daily breakfast
• Overnight cruise on board in Halong Bay (non-private boat)
• Return train ticket on soft sleeper with airconditioner in 4 berth cabin.
• Private air-conditioned vehicle during all tours and transfers.
• Local Experienced English speaking guide where mentioned
• Entrance fees for all visits as mentioned in the itinerary
• Meals as specified in the itinerary
• Water puppet show
• Private boat in Mekong
• 1 bottle of Water, 1 soft drink and tissues/day/person

EXCLUSIONS:

• Flight in and out of Vietnam
• Domestic flight
• Single supplement
• Vietnamese visa (a visa is compulsory and must be arranged in advance)
• Meals, if not specified in the itinerary
• Travel insurance (we highly recommend that you purchase adequate insurance)
• Gratuities for guides and drivers
• Personal expenses, such as laundry, telephone, drinks, etc.
• All other services not mentioned in the itinerary

Write a review

Your Name:

Your Review:

Note: HTML is not translated!

Rating: Bad Good