Day 1 ARRIVAL - HANOI
On arrival at Noi Bai Airport, you are met and transferred to the hotel. Ha Noi, Vietnam's capital, is a stylish and gracious city that retains an unique old world charm and some Asia ‘s most striking colonial architecture. Many lakes and parks are made for relaxing atmosphere. If time permits we embark on a cyclo for a short excursion through the bustling old quarter streets named after the specific goods once offered for sale at these places.
Overnight : at hotel
Day 2 HANOI - SAPA
An early morning start to drive towards Sa Pa. The roads are bumpy at times, but various scenic landscape changing from the delta area to the Tonkinese Alps make for an interesting journey. At an elevation of 1,500 meters, Sa Pa was once a hill resort of French administrators when the summer heat became unbearable. The remoteness and the simple lifestyle of ethnic minority people are a highlight of Sa Pa although conditions are basic. After checking into hotel in Sapa we can soak up the fresh climate as much as we want by spending time to wander around. The ethnic people are frequently seen in this hill town and small vendors along the street sell local textiles and handicraft.
Overnight : at hotel
Meals : Breakfast
Day 3 SAPA
The range of Phan Si Pan boasts Vietnam’s highest mountain and lends an alpine feel to the area surrounding this hill station. Today we have enough time to visit the bustling Sa Pa Market where the Red Dao, Black Hmong, Tay and Xa Pho ethnic minorities converge from the nearby mountainsides and valleys to trade their goods and buy provisions. We then get well off the beaten track as we embark on a walk to explore this beautiful mountain region. Along the way we traverse several rustic villages and see many mountaineers doing their daily works such as logging, herding buffalo and tilling the field. The blend of verdant mountain backdrop and colourful population makes for an unimaginable view.
Overnight : at hotel
Meals : Breakfast
Day 4 SAPA - BAC HA
Upon leaving Sapa we set off on our scenic drive through the border town of Lao Cai to the colourful Sunday Market at Bac Ha. This market also attracts a wide variety of ethnic minority groups including the Variegated Hmong, Dao, Phu La, La Chi and Tay. They still retain their old age cultural traditions and are recognisably distinct from each other by their dress. The experience of this congregation is colorful and unique. After the market we enjoy a walk around the area, visiting the Hmong King’s former residence and Ban Pho where the villagers make the potent local maize alcohol.
Overnight : at hotel
Meals : Breakfast
Day 5 BAC HA - HANOI
The return journey begins as we depart Bac Ha Town and pass through the green and rugged mountain scenery to Hanoi. These back roads are a great way to explore the real Vietnam. We see very few other travellers, mostly rural dwellers who are just as interested in finding out about our lives as we are of theirs. The drive is very long, but we can make many stops at our pleasure, to stretch our legs and take some wonderful photographs.
Overnight : at hotel
Meals : Breakfast
Day 6 HANOI - HA LONG BAY
Today we enjoy a half day city tour starting with the Ho Chi Minh Complex, containing the mausoleum of the nation’s founder Ho Chi Minh, the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts. Close to this site is the One Pillar Pagoda, whose origins date back to the foundation of Hanoi. We follow this with a trip to the Temple of Literature, well known as Vietnam’s first university and the History Museum which displays an excellent collection of artifacts illustrating the Vietnamese history. The peaceful lake of Hoan Kiem and the bustling Dong Xuan Market are also visited before we depart for Halong Bay, stopping en route at the Dong Trieu Pottery village.
Overnight : at hotel
Meals : Breakfast
Day 7 Ha Long Bay - CAT BA ISLAND
Heading out of town we embark on a boat for seven hour cruise to explore the legendary Ha Long Bay. Views of sailing junks navigating past over 3,000 limestone islands and out crops jutting out of the clear and emerald water of the bay are nothing short of spectacular. These limestone karst formations are littered with beaches, grottoes and beautiful caves. 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. After a huge seafood lunch on board we weave our way towards Cat Ba Island and also have time for another swim.
Overnight : at hotel
Meals : Breakfast/Lunch
Day 8 CAT BA ISLAND - HANOI
The impressive way to catch your first glimpse of Cat Ba is a walk along the seaside at dawn. Today you have a half free day to explore Cat Ba Island on your own pace. There are various options to choose from, some of which are rowing a tiny boat, kayaking or visiting the national park. These optional activities are not included; however our guide is on hand to advise you with invaluable information. We regroup at our hotel in the early afternoon and travel by ferry to Hai Phong, the biggest port town of northern Vietnam. On arrival in this town we board our awaiting vehicle for a two hour drive back to Hanoi, arriving in time to see a performance of Hanoi's famous water puppets.
Overnight : at hotel
Meals : Breakfast
Day 9 HANOI - DANANG - HOI AN
An early morning transfer to the airport for an hour flight to Danang. On arrival we are greeted and driven a short distance to Hoi An which was originally a Cham seaport but has been influenced down centuries by a myriad of traders from various cultures. There are plenty to see in this tranquil and delightful town, some of which are the famous Japanese Covered Bridges, the Pottery Museum, the 200 years old Tamky House, the Chua Ong Pagoda and the vibrant market. We visit these sights on an enchanting walking tour past many low tiled houses scattered along the small streets, and assembly halls which reflect the town's multi-cultural past.
Overnight : at hotel
Meals : Breakfast
Day 10 HOI AN - HUE
The following destination of our trip is Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. After breakfast we depart for Hue, stopping en route to visit the sensational Marble Mountains, the China Beach and the Cham Museum in Danang. This structure is home to Vietnam's largest collection of Cham treasures. The winding roads begin as we make our way up the spectacular Hai Van Pass. At the top of the pass we stop to admire a fantastic view north to Lang Co and south to Danang. Arriving in Hue we see the Imperial Citadel and the Purple Forbidden City. This royal residence was all but destroyed during the 1968 Tet Offensive, however it is still fascinating to walk among the ruins.
Overnight : at hotel
Meals : Breakfast
Day 11 HUE
The beautiful riverside pagoda of Thien Mu which now becomes the symbol of Hue, and the elaborate royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc are not to be missed. We include these in a half day cruise on the Perfume River which also gives us a taste of the scenic countryside as well as an enjoyable visit to the mausoleum of Emperor Minh Mang, in a tranquil setting of gardens and lakes. After an impressive boat trip we take a walk to the bustling Dong Ba Market that sells a wide variety of local goods and handicrafts. Along the way we pass many fantastic eating spots, all ideal for visitors to sample some local delicacies.
Overnight : at hotel
Meals : Breakfast
Day 12 HUE - HO CHI MINH
Today we continue our trip with the next stop being Ho Chi Minh City. This metropolis, contradiction of its northern counterpart, is crowded with bikes and motorbikes, excited by numerous shopping area and sidewalk cafes. A half day sightseeing tour takes us in the Reunification Palace which was the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until end of April 1975, and some French colonial structures including the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Old Sai Gon Post Office. After seeing the Jade Emperor Pagoda and the War Remnant, we end off our city tour with the bustling Ben Thanh Market where anything and everything is for sale.
Overnight : at hotel
Meals : Breakfast
Day 13 HO CHI MINH - TAY NINH - CU CHI - HO CHI MINH
The head quarter of Cao Dai sect is located in Tay Ninh. This religion was founded in 1923 and now numbers over 2 million members. After breakfast we travel by roads to Tay Ninh to see the ornate temple of Cao Dai and attend the fantastic mid-day service when the followers fill the hall wearing colored robes, a symbol of the curious combination of the Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism. Afterwards we continue to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, which were an incredible underground network constructed by Vietnamese fighters during the long struggle for independence. The tunnels contained hospitals, plus accommodation and schools, and were used as a military base for the Vietcong in the American war.
Overnight : at hotel
Meals : Breakfast
Day 14 HO CHI MINH - Mekong Delta - HO CHI MINH
Heading out of the town, we travel by roads to the Mekong Delta, Vietnam's largest rice bowl. On arrival in My Tho we embark on a boat navigating around the intricate small canals in the delta region, which is a great way to observe the local lifestyle close-up and catch a view dotted by many islands. The exciting excursion will pass the lush green vegetation before arriving at the famous Unicorn Island. Here we have opportunities to stroll around an orchard, taste many seasonal fruits and enjoy wonderful traditional music. The next stop of our trip is Ben Tre Province to visit some fascinating local industries. After feasting on a huge lunch we return to Ho Chi Minh, stopping off along the way to see the beautiful Ving Trang Pagoda and the Cho Lon, Saigon’s Chinatown, which is crammed with sacred temples and mysterious, narrow lanes.
Overnight : at hotel
Meals : Breakfast/Lunch
Day 15 HO CHI MINH
There is free time to relax or further explore Ho Chi Minh. The tour ends after your transfer to Tan San Nhat Airport for departure.
Meals : Breakfast
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