Itinerary

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1. Day 1: Hanoi Arrival

   Welcome to check in Hanoi, the charming capital of Vietnam. Your guide and driver will meet you outside the baggage claim of Noi Bai International Airport to welcome and take you to the hotel at city center. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure to recover from jet lag. Meals: N/A. Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi.

2. Day 2: Hanoi City Tour

   For early risers, you may wake up early to discover another different part of Hanoi before 7:00 A.M. Walk on your own around the central Hoan Kiem Lake where you can find yourself among thousands of local people meditating, doing tai chi, exercising and playing badminton. Enrich your experience with a trial of some local dishes on the street pop up restaurants before making your way back to the hotel for refreshment. Today we spend a full day exploring the charming Hanoi City. Start after breakfast with a visit to Ho Chi Minh Complex containing the mausoleum of the nation’s founder Ho Chi Minh, the Presidential Palace and the Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts. Close to this complex is the One Pillar Pagoda, whose origins date back to the foundation of city. We follow it with a visit to the Temple of Literature, which is well known as the first university of Vietnam. The sightseeing also includes the outlying Ethnology Museum, dedicated to Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups. Afterwards we drive back to the town center and enjoy a rickshaw ride through the Old Quarter where people still trade in old ways. Conclude your day at the famous water puppet theatre for a fantastic performance of the art form unique to Vietnam. Meals: Breakfast. Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi.

3. Day 3: Hanoi – Duong Lam Village – Train to Sapa

   This day is to trace back the origin of Vietnam’s culture and traditions. Duong Lam village is one of the few typical villages which is still kept almost intact. The site is well famous for its traditional architecture, its attractive narrow alleyways, temples dedicated to the two kings born there. Following the breakfast, journey southwest to leave behind the hustle and bustle of Hanoi for the majestic quietness of the countryside. On arrival, pay a visit to an ancient house where you will learn about the architecture of this almost 400 year old accommodation and the way the locals live through a warm welcome and chat with the host. Then, walk around some parts of this charming village to discover more. First, stop at the Communal House and the nearby village pagoda – fine examples of Northern Vietnamese architecture. Next, visit the temples of King Ngo Quyen and Phung Hung before strolling further to the unique- in – design Mia pagoda housing a huge collection of 287 Buddhist statues. After that we journey an hour on a bicycle through the village and its never-ending rice fields. On the way, pick up any chance to interact with the inhabitants of this national treasure who live simple but happy life. Later this afternoon, transfer back to Hanoi where a day- use room is arranged for your comfort before catching the overnight train to Lao Cai. Meals: Breakfast & Lunch. Accommodation: Overnight train.

4. Day 4: Lao Cai – Sapa Trekking – Homestay

   Upon arrival in Lao Cai railway station, you will be picked up by our guide and driver for one hour drive up to Sapa where your breakfast is served. Today is an intensive day. Begin with a transfer from Sapa Centre toward Sa Seng, a less visited ethnic Hmong minority village where you will trek around to explore the local daily life. Continue trekking uphill along the side of Den Thang Mountain for about an hour before arriving at Hang Da Village. This Hmong community is located at the elevation of 1,800m, therefore you will find the breath taking view of the Muong Hoa Valley. Enjoy your picnic lunch followed by the next 30 minute walking down to Hau Chu Ngai, another Hmong village. Challenge yourself by descending into Hong Den Hamlet, consisting of only a few homes scattered on a rocky point. Take a moment to enjoy some of the best scenery in the area before following the trail down to Hau Thao village. Conclude your day at Ta Van Bridge for some awesome photos then head toward your homestay. Take part in the cooking demonstration and enjoy dinner with the host family before spending your night here. Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner. Accommodation: Homestay.

5. Day 5: Sapa Trekking – Back to Sapa Town

   Enjoy breakfast at homestay, before setting out on a full day’s trek to explore Sapa’s cultural diversity and haunting natural beauty. Take a guided hike through yawning valleys decorated with terraced rice fields and pass through remote hill tribe villages. You have three trekking options to choose from: Soft trek (3 km), medium trek (6km) and long trek (~12km). Trekking is an excellent way to explore the daily life and familiarize yourself with the cultures of the H’mong, Dzao and Dzay people who populate the region. Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch. Accommodation: Hotel in Sapa.

6. Day 6: Sapa – Shuttle bus to Hanoi

   This morning, you are free until the transfer back to Hanoi by a shuttle bus. On arrival, you will picked up and transferred to the hotel for overnight. Meals: Breakfast. Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi.

7. Day 7: Hanoi – Nha Trang

   After breakfast, you will be taken to Noi Bai Airport to catch up the domestic flight to Nha Trang. Pick up and hotel transfer. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure. Meals: Breakfast. Accommodation: Hotel in Nha Trang.

8. Day 8: Nha Trang snorkeling

   Today, transfer by car to a pier where you will board a speed boat to cruise toward Hon Mun Island that is well known for its high-rise cliffs with dangerous wattles forming caves and grottoes. It is said that the rare black stone could be found in the caves where every year flocks of swallow migrate and build their nets. Mun Island is not only a place where marine researcher, oceanographers and tourists observe and explore the sea creatures’ life but also is the ideal place for snorkeling in Vietnam. Later in the afternoon, you will be transferred back to hotel where you find your time at leisure. Meals: Breakfast. Accommodation: Hotel in Nha Trang.

9. Day 9: Nha Trang Departure

   After breakfast, enjoy your free time until the airport transfer to catch up your departure flight. Meals: Breakfast. Accommodation: N/A.