Day 1: Hanoi Arrival
Upon arriving in Hanoi, our tour guide will personally meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. The rest of the day is time at leisure.
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi
Day 2: Hanoi city tour – Night train to Sapa (B/L)
8:30 Am meet your guide at hotel lobby then hop on a rickshaw, depart for an hour rickshaw tour around the old quarter of Hanoi to view the city begins a new day. We then visit the best known highlights of Hanoi including Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Ho Chi Minh's former residence. Followed by a short walk to One Pillar Pagoda - Its design depicts a lotus blossom rising out of a sea of sorrow.
Then, we continue to visit the Temple of Literature – the oldest and possibly the finest architectural complex in Hanoi and also known as the first university in Vietnam since 11th century.
Lunch break is at an authentic home restaurant, run by a Hanoi celebrity chef who won gold hand of traditional authentic cooking.
After lunch, you enjoy a short walk through Hang Be fish market, heading to the lake of legends, Hoan Kiem lake, also known as Restored Sword Lake where emperor Le Loi returned the magic sword to the genius Great Grand Turtle. Visit Ngoc Son temple – the delightful temple situated on an islet connected to the lake bank by a charming Lucky Red Bridge – The Huc Kieu.
We then take a short drive to the outskirts of Hanoi for visiting the Museum of Ethnology where collects, classifies, assesses, preserves, restores and displays artifacts relating to Vietnam’s 54 different ethnic groups – the great learning about the tribal prior to your visit to the northwest highland of Sapa. Late afternoon, you enjoy a water puppet show which combines selective Vietnamese traditional art of “Cheo”, folk music and the unique art of made-in Vietnam puppet performance. The show last for an hour.
Dinner tonight is at Cha Ca La Vong, the best Grilled Fish eatery in Vietnam. The restaurant was opened since 1871, they haven’t changed their menu since then, the only dish they served is Grilled Fish and they made it so well. After dinner, you boarding the night train to Sapa at night
Accommodation: night train to Sapa private 4 berth cabin Livitran train
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Bac Ha weekend market & Hill Tribes (Lao Cai – Bac Ha – Sapa) ( L)
5:30 Am Arrive to Lao Cai, meet your guide at platform and driver to transfer to a mini hotel by the train station for freshening up.Then having a warm noodle breakfast in Lao Cai’s most popular eatery.
7:30Am After having breakfast, you will travel by car to the famous Bac Ha morning weekend market, probably the most authentic in the region. Bac Ha is the largest market in the area, situated inside the small town of Bac Ha. On every Sunday mornings, it is literally a riot of color as many different ethnic groups such as Flower Hmong, Phu La, Black Dao, Tay, Nung minorities... gather to buy and sell.
After spending the whole morning exploring the market, your lunch will be served in a local restaurant.
Goat meat is reserved for special meal celebrations such as weddings, and today’s lunch is at Bac Ha’s most popular such eatery. Afterwards, a visit to the town’s “castle” built in the early 20th century by a Hmong warlord, co-designed by French and Japanese architects. Then we enjoy a hiking to visit the Ban Pho village. We return in the late afternoon to Sapa for hotel check in and town orientation. As it has been a long day, the evening is on your own. There is an extremely wide choice of nearby restaurants – and dinner not included.
Accommodation: Hotel in Sapa
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4: Sapa – Lao Chai – Ta Van – Lao Cai (B/L)
After breakfast we‘ll roam through Sapa daily market, then climb up through the orchid garden to the radio tower for the town’s vest viewing.
11:00 Return to hotel for check out, then you enjoy a lunch in town. Afterwards, we‘ve scheduled a trekking tour through the region’s most picturesque countryside, via villages such as Lao Chai and Tavan, home to H'mong, and Dzay people. This is an absolutely spectacular trek through stunning scenery inhabited by some of the friendliest people you can meet. Then we drive back to Sapa by van. Relaxing, then drive down hill to Lao Cai. Have dinner, then boarding a night train trip back to Hanoi.
Accommodation: Overnight train to Hanoi private 4 berth cabin Livitran train
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5: Hanoi – The Red River Delta Heritage – Hai Phong (B/L).
5:00 Am arrive at Hanoi, meet your guide and driver at train station to transfer to hotel for freshen up and enjoy breakfast.
8:45 Am meet your guide and driver at hotel lobby to depart for the exploration of The Red River Delta Heritages
Today features two of the best interesting handicraft villages of the northern territory – Tho Ha village and Dong Ho village as well as the best known Buddhist pagoda of But Thap which is a rare pagoda well preserved since 17th century. The bodhisattva thousand eyes& thousand hands statue of the pagoda is regarded as the masterpiece of finest Vietnam wood carving art…
Tho Ha is located at over 30 miles north of Hanoi, can be reached after a one and a half hours drive from Hanoi. Tho Ha is a traditional village on a peninsula, surrounded by the Nhu Nguyet river. The easiest way to get to the village is to take a short ferryboat across the river.
The local people here are famous for their hospitality and industry. They live by traditional jobs of making rice paper and rice wine. You will be amazed by the architecture of this village. Your guide will bring you to visit a family where the local people live by making rice paper and raising pigs. As you walk around the village you will have a chance to mingle with the local people.
Walking into the Tho Ha village is like walking into another world. The village is geographically isolated, and a result, it offers a unique glimpse into rural life that you will not see elsewhere during your time in Viet Nam.
Dong Ho village is famous for its magnificent wood block printing and hand-made paper for drawing as well as painting
Today, tour Hanoi environs along the Red river delta.
We end in Hai Phong, Vietnam’s principal seaport and third largest city. Better yet, it has the laid-back feel of Hanoi in the 1990s, yet scantly visited by overseas tourists.
Hai Phong was chosen as a destination of our last July Gourmet tour. All the press and Cook book writers had great time there. I will advise the best central hotel for your convenience of walking around to feel the beautiful city that really less travelers
Accommodation: Huu Nghi hotel/ Deluxe
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6: Hai Phong – Halong (B/L/D)
Check out hotel, Morning walk through Hai Phong ‘s colonial streets and markets. Although hotel breakfast is included today, save room for a taste of Hai Phong’s best favorite Banh Da Cua – Crab and noodle soup. Via Hai Phong railway station, then you visit the city market before boarding van to Ha Long Bay - designated a UNESCO World Heritage. Going through the scenic countryside, we get to Ha Long Bay. Ha Long Bay is truly one of Vietnam’s most impressive scenic sights. We embark on a boat for exploring the islands and grottos. Sailing pass by the evocatively shaped islets and dramatic caves of Ha Long bay can be a magical experience. Along the way we will anchor for a leisurely swim in a secluded cove and an enjoyable visit to one of the many hidden grottoes beneath towering cliffs. Stay overnight on the Junk Cruise
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Overnight on cruise
Day 7: Halong – Hanoi (B/L)
We will wake up in the morning to the calming sound of the waves crashing on the nearby islands. Enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning and relax. Sitting on the upper deck, we can enjoy the breath - taking beauty of the rocky Islands rising from the crystal-clear waters of the Bay.
7.30 having breakfast on board, then we take a sampan boat to visit Luon Cave.
8.30 start cruising back to Ha Long city. Have lunch on board and arrive at harbor by 12:00 noon, boarding our awaiting van for a 3 and a half hour drive to Hanoi. Check into hotel in Hanoi for leisure. Dinner tonight is on your own arrangement.
Meal: Breakfast and Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi
Day 8: Hanoi – Hue (B)
After breakfast, meet your guide and driver at hotel lobby and depart for Noi Bai airport, fly to Hue.
Upon your arrival, our guide and driver will pick you up and take you to the hotel. Relaxing and have lunch on your own. After noon, join the cyclo tour exploring Citadel: Ngo Mon, Thai Hoa palace, imperial city and forbidden city
Accommodation: Saigon Morin/ Superior
Meal: Breakfast
Flight: HAN-HUE: VN 245 1100 - 1210
Day 9: Hue city tour (B/L)
Hue is an ancient romantic land and famous for its magnificent architecture of citadel, palaces, pagodas and royal tombs built under the 13 emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty in a poetic background of greenery on the banks of the Perfume River. Hue was recognized as the World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 1993. Hue has been representing the cultural and spiritual centre of Vietnam for a long period of time.
Excursion
Today we spend a full day to explore Hue ‘s highlights. Including boat trip to Thien Mu pagoda also known as heavenly lady pagoda, one of the best loved architectural pagodas in Vietnam considered by many as the unofficial symbol of Hue. It is an active Buddhist monastery with its origins dating back to 1601. Also visit King Tu Duc mausoleum, which is a picturesque complex including his tomb and palace that emperor Tu Duc ordered the construction by himself when he was still alive.
Then we go to Dong Thien pagoda for a well-prepared vegetarian lunch, served by nuns in a much more the life of religious people in the central area.
Afternoon, enjoy your free time for shopping and exploring at Dong Ba market
Meal: Breakfast, vegetarian Lunch at a pagoda
Accommodation: Hotel in Hue
Day 10: Hue – Hoi An (B)
Morning drive over the mighty Hai Van pass for an over view of the Pacific Ocean and famous Long Co fishing village. On the way, we stop to visit Cham Museum where the remaining evidence of the Champa civilization can be viewed. Then heading to Hoi An town for check in to your hotel.
Located on the north bank of the Thu Bon river, the historic Hoi An was one of South East Asia's major international ports and today it still retains that special old-world feel.
Excursion: Afternoon you enjoy a walking tour through the Hoi An Old Quarter to visit the town's landmarks of Japanese Covered Bridge, ancient Assembly Hall, Phuc Kien Temple.
Transport: Car/ Van
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An
Day 11: Hoi An – My Son (B)
My Son was an imperial city during the Cham dynasty, and 75km far from Hoi An. My Son is the former capital of the ancient Cham civilization that ruled Central Vietnam from the second to the thirteenth century. Their religion was primarily derived from Indian Hinduism. My Son is considered to be one of the best-preserved Cham structures in Vietnam. The complex is comprised of seventy Hindu-like towers and temples dating from the second century. My Son Sanctuary is a large complex of religious relics that comprises more than 70 architectural works. They include temples and towers that connect to each other with complicated red brick designs. The main component of the Cham architectural design is the tower, built to reflect the divinity of the king.
Excursion: Our day starts at 08:00 at hotel and come back hotel at around 13:00.
Afternoon, return to Hoi An and rest of the day free at your own leisure.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Vinh Hung I/ Special Room
Day 12: Hoi An – Nha Trang (B)
This morning we are transferred to Da Nang airport for the flight to Nha Trang. Upon arrival at Cam Ranh airport we will be picked up by our guide and driver to transfer to Nha Trang city for hotel check in and relax. You are free to enjoy walking along the beach or relax
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Nha Trang
Flight: VN335 DAD-NHA(9.40-10.45)
Day 13: Nha Trang boat trip( B, L)
Today you enjoy a boat trip to explore Nha Trang bay, and Snorkelling.
Are you interested in snokelling? If not, then we touring around the bay and islands. Afternoon you enjoy a city tour Nha Trang. Destination to Nha Trang ‘s highlights includes Long Son pagoda, Thap Ba Ponaga Tower, Dam market, Nha Trang Ocean institution. Get back to hotel by late afternoon.
Accommodation: Yasaka hotel/ Deluxe
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 14: Nha Trang – Da Lat (B)
Check out in the morning we will board our private van for 4 and a half hour drive to Da Lat, the scenery along the way is absolutely amazing and so many chance for Kodak moment!
Upon arrival at Da Lat we check in at hotel, Lunch on your own. afternoon we relax and enjoy a walking via Xuan Huong Lake, to Da Lat market, hundreds different kind of highland vegetable, fruits, Artichoke tea, Coffee, packaged highland fruit jams can be found here. We walk back to hotel via the old catholic church of Da Lat.
Lunch and Dinner tonight are on your own arrangement.
Transport: Car/ Van
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Da Lat
Day 15: Da Lat (B, L)
Today you explore Da Lat ‘s highlights. 8:30 depart from hotel by van Da Lat flower garden and take a cable car ride to view Da Lat from the air. We also visit Truc Lam pagoda, the best known Buddhist monastery in Da Lat where monks are so friendly, some speaks excellent English and they are interested in talking to expat tourist. Then you visit the Crazy House.
Lunch today is at Ngoc Duy restaurant. Travel back to hotel in the afternoon, enjoy your time at leisure. Or wandering around the town by yourself, or reserve a booking for playing golf in one of a top golf course in Da Lat. Price will be advised upon your request.
Meal: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Da Lat
Day 16: Da Lat – Saigon (B)
We check out this morning and transfer to airport for the flight to Saigon. Upon arrival at Saigon airport, meet your guide, driver to depart for a half day city tour Saigon. Starting our tour with the Reunification Palace, then continue to the War Remnants Museum. Then, visit Notre Dame Cathedral –built between 1877 and 1883. This is one of the best sample of classical French colonial architecture. We also visit another sample of French colonial architecture - the Old Post, Ben Thanh Market - a fantastic place for bargains of every kind!
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Northern/ Sunrise Deluxe
Flight: VN465 DLI-SGN (8.45-9.35)
Day 17: Saigon – Cu Chi (B)
This morning, You leave Saigon for driving through pleasant countryside before arriving at Cu Chi. We then spend the next hour exploring the maze of tunnels where the Vietnamese could escape bombings, hide from enemy, and mount surprise attacks. Also on display are various mantraps and the remains of an American tank as well as numerous bomb craters made by 500 pound bombs dropped by B52 bombers. After that, we drive back to Ho Chi Minh City arriving at approximately 1pm.
Afternoon: free
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon
Day 18: Saigon – Cai Be home stay (B/L/D)
Excursion: Depart at 8:00am from Saigon to My Tho, explore a part of Mekong Delta by cruising along the river to see the local fishing port where hundreds of fishing boats anchoring to unload fishes. Visit an orchard island where you can experience how people make their living from fruit trees. Enjoy tasting seasonal fruits and honey tea while listening to amateur local artists playing Tai Tu music (kinds of typical southern music).
Rowing through the densely palm trees canal to visit another islet. Enjoy a short walk in a peaceful and shade tropical fruits garden. Continue the cruise to a garden restaurant on the side of a canal for lunch.
Drive to Cai Be. Stay at Ba Đức’s house – a colonial restored house which has been built from 19th Century and renovated in early 20th century modestly hidden in the freshly green color of 2.5ha orchard garden. Walks around garden, for sure, it will help you release all of stressful things before joining the typical Vietnamese set menu dinner (prepared by the host family). It is a great chance to join Mrs. Duc to cook your food especially the crispy spring-roll. Occupy your owned cozy bed, enjoy the feeling of ease and relax
Meal included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Home stay at the ancient house
Day 19: Vinh Long – Can Tho (B/L)
Excursion: Free morning to relax in Ancient house. You will be welcomed on boat. The program will start with the visit of Cai Be colorful floating market cruising among local barges full of fruits and vegetables. Then, an optional stop can be made at local workshops where you can see how rice paste, coconut candy and pop-rice, pop-corn is made.
It is so interesting to visit the handicraft village where you can see how they make some special products: making rice-net for spring-rolls, fish sauce & soya sauce, cooking salt, sewing coconut-leaves for cottage proof...
A delicious lunch will be served at an ancient house over 170 years old or under the shade of local orchards on the An Binh Island
After lunch, the rowing boat will take you deeper into the countryside on smaller canals and to enjoy the peaceful time. It is so interesting to see traditional house, made of wood and palm tree leaves and see some activities of the local farmers with an opportunity to make contacts with them and see how they catch fish or pick up fruits by ancestral ways in Mekong Delta..
One more stop can be made at the nursery garden where you can learn how to have some high quality fruit trees. This is the best choice for you to contact the real famous farmers – Mr Tiger & his son who are very successful in Vietnam agriculture. We will enjoy some kinds of fruits from his garden & homemade rice wine when listening to the traditional music
The cruise will end at around 15:30 pm in Vinh Long town. We will meet our awaiting van and drive to Can Tho for check in.
Meals included: Breakfast and Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Can Tho
Day 20: Cai Rang floating market. Can Tho - Saigon (B/L)
Excursion: Breakfast at hotel in Can Tho. 7.00am, board a Sampan to visit Cai Rang floating market and a family run noodle-making factory. Witness the rural life and the beautiful vegetation along the riverbanks. Discover Can Tho market. Have lunch in Can Tho.
After lunch, we drive back to Saigon. Arrive in Saigon at around 16.00pm. You are free at leisure and overnight in Saigon.
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation:Hotel in Saigon
Day 21: Saigon departure (B)
Breakfast is at the hotel. Enjoy your free time until being transferred to the airport for boarding your onward flight.
Meal: Breakfast