Itinerary

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1. DAY 1: ARRIVAL HO CHI MINH CITY (SAIGON)

   Welcome to Vietnam, one of the most beautiful countries in Southeast Asia. Upon arrival at Ho Chi Minh City, still often called Saigon by many locals, the local guide will greet you at Tan Son Nhat International Airport and then transfer you to your hotel by private transfer. Experience Vietnam’s chaotic biggest cities, Ho Chi Minh City with its vibrating energy and fascinating culture. This dazzling city still proudly boasts French colonial charm from its architecture to its food.
   The rest of the day is yours to relax after a long journey, and do a little exploring city at your own leisure.
   Overnight at hotel in Ho Chi Minh.
   Meals included: No Meals.

2. DAY 2: HO CHI MINH - CU CHI & HISTORICAL CITY TOUR

   Start your day with a transfer to Cu Chi, which were once a major underground hideout and resistance base of Viet Cong forces during the two wars against the French and the Americans. The tunnels, entirely hand-dug, formed a highly intricate network of interlinked multilevel passageways at times stretched as far as the Cambodian border and totaling over 120km in length. Its complexity was beyond imagination containing meeting rooms, kitchens, wells, clinics, schools, depots, trenches and emergency exits, all airms for guerrilla warfare. The tunnels were deep and strong enough to withstand destructive bombings and self-contained enough to outlas prolonged sieges.
   After lunch, enjoy the attraction of Ho Chi Minh City. Visit the Reunification Palace, a former residence of Indochina Governor General and later of the President of the Republic of Southern Vietnam. Then, head out to visit the Notre Dame Cathedral, where the French colonial presence can be felt. It was constructed between 1863 to 1880 entirely of imported French building material, including bricks from Marseilles and stained-glass windows from Chartres. The French-influenced design of Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral still acts as a stop for people who seek for old beauties and calmness.
   Across the street to the Saigon Central Post Office, a stunning architectural marvel with rich Gothic, Renaissance and French influences.
   Our last stop would be at Ben Thanh market where is to stock up on sourvenirs, T-shirts, bags, coffee and other local products. Discover local life and culture if shopping is not your mission.
   Overnight at hotel in Ho Chi Minh.
   Meals included: Breakfast.

3. DAY 3: HO CHI MINH - MEKONG DELTA - CAN THO

   After breakfast, check out of hotel and then your guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel and heading down to the Mekong Delta, with our first stop being Ben Tre.
   Start your exploration of the Delta along a narrow canal lined with mangrove trees, before returning to land for by taking a sampan along a narrow canal lined with mangrove trees, before returning to land for a stroll ride through dense coconut plantations. We then return to the quayside in Ben Tre, where the bustling market and streets full of commercial activity provides a vibrant tableau for street photography.
   In the afternoon, heading to the Khmer cultural heartland of Tra Vinh, where we will visit some of the 141 Khmer temples practicing the Theravada branch of Buddhism – a wonderful opportunity to experience these serene, peaceful places and get some wonderful portraits of the young monks in their saffron-coloured robes.
   Continue your journey to Can Tho - the capital of Mekong Delta. In the evening, take the short walk to the night market by your own way.
   Overnight at hotel in Can Tho.
   Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.

4. DAY 4: VISIT CAI RANG FLOATING MARKET - FLY TO DANANG - HOIAN

   Rise early for a boat trip to Cai Rang market, the biggest floating wholesale market of the Mekong region. The market is filled with hundreds of small boats darting through the water as vendors sell their wares. Glide through the matrix of boats to see how the locals trade their fruits and vegetables and learn more about the floating marketing culture and the floating life on the boats.
   Leaving the market, continue your boat ride along narrow canals to visit a traditional homemade rice noodle factory where you can see how the locals make rice noodles, and enjoy the homemade “rice noodle pizza”.
   Get back to your hotel for breakfast, if time permits, you will visit Binh Thuy Old House where you will meet the present owner of this beautiful home and its furnishings.
   Then transfer to Can Tho airport to catch the flight to Danang city.
   Upon arrival at Da Nang airport, you will be picked up by your local guide & driver and taken to your hotel in Hoi An, the UNESCO heritage town.
   Overnight at hotel in Hoian.
   Meals included: Breakfast.

5. DAY 5: HOIAN

   After breakfast, you will proceed to Cam Thanh, the 7 hectare water coconut forest which houses many species of sea life such as crabs, snails, fish, turtle…This is the ideal spot for fishing. Once we are there, get on a basket boat – a locally used daily for fishing. Disembarking the boat to begin another chapter of your day. You’ll depart for Tra Que village. At the village, you will be shown the environmentally sustainable practices which the local villagers have used for centuries and is still being used extensively today. Put on a uniform to join the gardeners on their farming activities. You’ll be shared about raking soil on the field; scooping water, planting vegies.
   After some farming practices, head a local family to enjoy a foot massage and the traditional herbal foot dip. After lunch, you will transfer to Hoian town and get ready for the afternoon walking tour.
   Your tour guide will pick you up and take you to discover the charm of Hoi An, as a renowned World Heritage Site. Once a bustling maritime commercial port of Asia between 15th and 19th centuries, Hoi An is now a peaceful town of exceptionally well-preserved architecture, lifestyles and traditions. The town exemplifies a fascinating fusion of cultures between Vietnam and the outside world including China, Japan, Thailand and the Philippines. Besides visiting must-see highlights of the Old Town such as the town’s iconic 400-year-old Covered Bridge, the 200-year-old Tan Ky House…The highlight of the day is the visit to the Reaching Out Tea House, a welcome little oasis of calm in the busy, vibrant Old quarter, owned and operated by the mute and deaf people. Here you will be treated with delicious cakes and incredible tea in the Eastern style.
   Overnight at hotel in Hoian.
   Meals included: Breakfast.

6. DAY 6: HOIAN - DANANG - HUE

   After breakfast, you will travel for approximately 3.5 hours to the Royal City of Hue. Today the drive over the Hai Van Pass will be one of the most scenic ones on your trip. En route, you will stop to visit the Marble Mountain, My Khe Beach which was home to American GIs during the war, and Lap An Lagoon.
   Arrive in Hue after midday and check into your hotel.
   In the afternoon, your guide and driver will pick you up and transfer you to the wharf for your boat ride on the Perfume River. During the boat cruise, you will stop to visit the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda, a symbol of Hue.
   After the boat cruise, you will explore the Dong Ba Market runs along the north bank of Huong (Perfume) River. At the market, you will have a chance to discover a favourite Noddle shop by Anthony Bourdain – the World Famous Chef and TV Producer. Here you will sample the best Bun Bo Hue “Hue Noddle soup”.
   Return to the hotel in the late afternoon. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure.
   Overnight at hotel in Hue.
   Meals included: Breakfast.

7. DAY 7: HUE CITY TOUR - FLY TO HANOI

   After breakfast, begins your day with a visit to the atmospheric Imperial Citadel, a large complex that contains the remains of the former Imperial Palace and Forbidden Purple City, where the emperors and his family once lived. The two-hour walking tour allows you to see the magnificent architecture and gardens as your guide explains the events and the intrigue of the former royal court.
   Next, you’ll visit one of the most aesthetic royal tombs, Khai Dinh Tomb. This jaw dropping perfect blend of Western and Eastern architecture was constructed between 1920-1931 for the 12th emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty – Emperor Khai Dinh.
   Move on to Dong Khanh Tomb, recognized by UNESCO as a world cultural heritage and a unique architectural work in the system of Nguyen Dynasty mausoleums in the ancient capital of Hue. You will have the opportunity to learn about the long process of forming this royal tomb.
   If the time permits, you’ll continue to visit a Truc Chi Garden, the crafting bamboo paper art workshop. You will have a chance to meet one of the students there and be treated to hands-on experience to learn how to use the etching technique with bamboo pulp to create artworks.
   After that, you will be transferred to Hue airport for the flight to Hanoi city.
   Upon arrival, you will be met by your local tour guide and driver who will drive you to the hotel in the city centre for check-in.
   Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.
   Meals included: Breakfast.

8. DAY 8: HANOI CITY TOUR

   After breakfast, pay your respect to the nation’s founder at the Ho Chi Minh Complex and Ba Dinh Square, an important point of pilgrimage for the Vietnamese. Explore the nearby simple cottage on stilts where Ho Chi Minh lived and worked during his humble beginnings as a revolutionary. Next, move to the Ho Chi Minh Museum featuring an extraordinary tribute to his life. Gain insight into the prewar history of the country at the Governor’s Residence, also known as the Presidential Palace, an excellent example of Hanoi’s classical French architectural heritage, and Ho Chi Minh refused to live in the opulent structure for symbolic reasons, opting to build a traditional Vietnamese stilt house on the grounds instead. Stop by the iconic One Pillar Pagoda - a unique Vietnamese architecture reminiscent of a lotus blossom rising from a pond and hear the legend of its construction. Before have a lunch,  stop to visit the first place named Tran Quoc Pagoda, a Buddhist relic and national heritage lying on the West Lake.
   Afternoon, continue with the Temple of Literature, built in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius. Next is Hoa Lo (so-called Hanoi Hilton), a prison used by the French colonists in Vietnam for political prisoners, and later by North Vietnam for U.S. Prisoners of War.
   Later, hop on a cyclo, one of the most typical vehicles in Hanoi, is a human-powered transport with a seat at the front for passengers and the driver at the back. With this an hour leisurely ride, which is perfect chance for photos and slow-moving sightseeing, you will have a great chance to have the local closer touch.
   The world famous water puppet has its roots in an art form that dates back to the 11th century. The traditional of water puppet stems from a time
   when rice paddy fields were flooded and villages would make entertainment by standing in the waist-deep water with the puppets performing over the water. The 45 minute show which is accompanied by folk song music, tells you about all aspects of local life in briefing. This kind of activity shouldn't be missed when you are in Hanoi.
   Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.
   Meals included: Breakfast.

9. DAY 9: HANOI - SAPA

   After breakfast, you will check out your hotel and be transferred by shuttle bus (luxury limousine bus) on the road for 5,5 hours to Sapa. Established as a hill station by the French in 1922, Sapa today is a must-visit destination in the Northwest. This is northern Vietnam’s premier trekking base, from where hikers launch themselves into a surrounding countryside of cascading rice terraces and tiny hill-tribe villages that seem a world apart.
   After arriving Sapa and checking into your hotel and relax.
   In the afternoon, your guide and driver will take you to visit Sau Chua ethnic Black Hmong village. This village has been recently discovered and much less visited. It is located on the mountain summit, therefore, you can take the best photos of panorama Sapa Town down there at sunset. Besides, you will have lots of interactions with the villagers who show their great hospitality and want to share their life so you’ll learn more about how they live. Back to Sapa, you can stroll around the town, visit the Old French Church, or just relax at hotel for your refreshment.
   Overnight at hotel in Sapa.
   Meals included: Breakfast.

10. DAY 10: SAPA - TREKING TO VISIT LOCAL VILLAGES

    After breakfast, you will meet your tour guide again and begin the day with a 3km-trek through the breathtaking landscape to the village of Suoi Ho.
    Continue your hike toward the stunning village of Matra. You will pass the impressive ruins of a French Catholic church built in the early twentieth century. Take a few minutes to explore this intriguing sight and take some photos as you wish.
    Your hike will grow deeper until your arrival at Ta Phin Village, inhabited by the Red Dzao ethnic minority tribe, with their beautiful traditionally embroidered outfits and practice of shaving their hair and eyebrows as a sign of respect. Ta Phin village is also home to the Black H’mong minority who live their own way with no cultural mixture.
    Pause at a Red Dzao family and over a cup of tea, have a chat with them learning about their lifestyle. Enjoy a delicious lunch cooked and served by the family.
    After lunch, you have time to stroll around the village, take pictures and do some fun shopping. The Red Dao people are known for their expertise in herbal medicine as well as the usage of plants from the land to treat many illnesses. If you’re a bit sore from the activities of the day, sample a traditional herbal bath made by a local Dzao specialist, famous for its therapeutic qualities.
    Leaving Ta Phin you will be picked by your private driver and taken back to Sapa town where the balance of the day will be at your leisure. You may take a stroll around the town and visit the night market for some delicious local delicacies.
    Overnight at hotel in Sapa.
    Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.

11. DAY 11: SAPA - BAC HA MARKET (on Sunday) - NIGHT TRAIN BACK TO HANOI

    After breakfast and check out of the hotel, you will be picked up and driven for three hours to Bac Ha for the colorful Sunday Market. Nestled deep in the mountains, Bac Ha town is a quiet backwater Monday to Saturday, but by Sunday crowds of locals from thousands of surrounding villages descend on the town for trading at the market.
    Upon arrival, you will set out to explore the market with your guide. The market itself is a kaleidoscope of color, noise, and culture, where locals in an array of traditional dress barter for cows and show off delicately embroidered and embellished designs. Wander, camera in hand, and soak in the lively atmosphere while fending off the persistent sellers. The scent of fresh herbs and fragrant, strong tobacco wafts among the tented stalls and the overpowering smell of animals drifts down from the live market above.
    Next, you’ll leave the market for the H’mong King’s house (King Hoang A Tuong) built by the French colonists and the Chinese in 1920. Then enjoy a short trekking visit Ban Pho village.
    Finish the trip you’ll continue onwards to Lao Cai station for your night train journey back to Hanoi. You will have the opportunity to drop your bags at mini hotel near the station where you can take a shower or have dinner before boarding the train. Accommodation on the train will be on a shared basis in a four-berth soft sleeper compartment with air-conditioning.
    Accommodation: On Train.
    Meals included: Breakfast.

12. DAY 12: HANOI - NINH BINH

    Upon arrival at Hanoi Train Station, your guide will pick you up and take you to a nearby hotel where you will have the opportunity to take a shower and have some rest.
    Having breakfast at local restaurant and depart for Vietnam's first capital, Hoa Lu - Ninh Binh. We will spend 2 hours driving through rural northern Vietnam to reach Ninh Binh. First place to visit after arriving is the temples of Dinh and Le Dynasty which dedicated to Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang and Emperor Le Dai Hanh.
    In the afternoon, you’ll visit Trang An Grottoes that was recognized as an UNESCO World's Heritage Site for its majestic limestone massif. Delve into area by embarking on a traditional sampan gently rowed down the exquisite river through numerous caves such as Hang Toi, Hang Sang, Hang Nau Ruou...to admire the fascinating scenery. Return by sampan to the harbor.
    Then taking a short bicycle ride passing through local villages and paddy fields to Bich Dong Pagoda. Stop over to take picture with the peaceful country scene if you wish. Transfer to hotel. Check in & free at leisure.
    Overnight at hotel in Ninh Binh.
    Meals included: Breakfast.

13. DAY 13: NINH BINH - HALONG BAY

    After breakfast, you will travel to Halong Bay and arrive the harbor around noon. There, you will embark on a cruise in the must-see Halong Bay. This world-famous bay is one of the most beautiful landscapes in Vietnam, with its giant rock islets covered in luxuriant vegetation overlooking the waters. Halong Bay includes some 1,900 islands and islets of rocky peaks, often uninhabited and unvisited.
    This scene creates a spectacular marine landscape, which earned it UNESCO World Heritage status in 1994. You will be served lunch and dinner aboard with excellent and freshly caught seafood from the bay. At the end of the day, you will have the chance to enjoy a night fishing session on the boat.
    Accommodation: Overnight on cruise.
    Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

14. DAY 14: HALONG BAY - HANOI

    Rising to the sound of the bay, enjoy an elegant breakfast before visiting a beautiful limestone grotto to admire its many unique rock formations. Then you’ll get back to the boat to form your final lasting impression of Halong Bay’s awe-inspiring beauty while cruising back to the dock, at the same time enjoy your lunch/ brunch.
    Getting back onshore, you will be transferred directly to Hanoi city. Check in & enjoy your free time.
    Overnight at hotel in Danang.
    Meals included: Breakfast.

15. Day 15: HANOI - DEPARTURE

    After breakfast, you are free until your guide & driver greets you at the hotel and escorts you to Noi Bai International Aiport, to catch your departure flight home!
    Meals included: Breakfast.