Dear Jenny,
The trip was great and we enjoyed every moment.
The plan turned out to be perfect, and it was a good decision to skip the south and Saigon because of the time limit.
I wrote a lot of comments in the "feed-back"s the guides gave me and I hope you read them.
We were especially impressed with the guide in Sa Pa – Mr. Nga and our guide in Hue and Hoi An area – Ms. Vo
They were great, very professional and nice and went out of their way to help us and make our trip a memorable adventure.
We recommend them very much.
The hotels were very good.
The cruise with the Azelia boat was beyond the expectations and very luxurious. The only problem was that we did not do all the things that were planned. It is a very good idea to spend 2 nights on the boat and to finish the trip there.
As I wrote before – the only day that was not perfect – was the day we came on the train from Sa Pa and continued to the airport.
We appreciate all the efforts and being open to our requests and changes. You were there for us by e-mail, WhatsApp and phone 24 hours a day.
We had a wonderful time and will tell our friends about you.
Tamar and Lior Perry.
PROGRAM DETAIL
Day 01 . Thu 12 April 2018 : Hanoi arrival - street food tour (SU290 @8:10) - night train to Lao Cai (-) | Guide and driver
Arrival in Noi Bai airport , you will be picked up then transferred to the city center. We will first visit the Temple of Literature constructed in 1070 to worship Confucius, which served as the first Royal National University in Vietnam. The site also honors 82 Vietnamese doctorates who passed a number of rigid exams in the feudal ages. Their names, birthdays and birthplaces are engraved in 82 headstones perched on stone tortoises. It is widely believed that touching the heads of these tortoises will bring luck. Its peaceful green compound with its neatly maintained lawns, gardens and lotus ponds make it a tranquil hideaway from the city’s bustle and heat
In the afternoon, discover the Old Quarter, also known as the “36 Streets & Corporations”. It is a veritable labyrinth of lanes where each of them is specialized in a trade or art. The best way to explore and discover this district full of life is by foot. Designed to capture all aspects of local life, the course will cover all the elements of the daily life of the inhabitants in an original way: crafts, Buddhism, temple, gastronomy, local market, visit of traditional house-tube (Vietnamese particularity), medicine…
Discover the capital through food, as a local, a real experience and a highlight of the journey.
The tour ends with a stroll around the HoanKiem Lake (Lake of the Restored Sword). Relax at a mini hotel till being transfered to the railway station for night train to Lao Cai. Overnight on train (Private cabin)
Tour guide contact: Mr Tho (+84) 947729356
Accommodation: Fanxipan Express - Ha Noi - Lao Cai Vip
Ha Noi Emotion Hotel*** - Day-use room
Day 02 . Fri 13 April 2018 : Lao Cai arrival - Lao Chai- Ta Van - Giang Ta Chai (B, L) | Guide and driver
We will arrive in Lao Cai around 6:00am and continue to Sapa, situated 40km from Lao Cai, by private car. The day is devoted to a beautiful hike through the breathtaking scenery of Sa Pa valley. Start by road that descends in the wake of the street Cau May (6 km) En route, admire the rice terraces hidden behind mist of the morning, a truly awe-inspiring sight.
Follow a small track and cross Muong Hoa River and pass well tended rice terraces on your way to the Black Hmong village of Lao Chai. Continuing through the colorful rice terraces you will reach the village of Ta Van Giay. As you continue your trek along the Muong Hoa River you will cross a small suspension bridge, roughly 2km from the settlement. Here you can discover a fascinating collection of rock carvings. These engravings depict some beautiful images of man, stilt houses and some beautiful decorative patterns. We lunch in a home in the village. After lunch the walk continues through a bamboo forest to Giang Ta Chai, a Red Dao ethnic minority village. After taking a rest nearby a waterfall to refresh, you start climbing uphill to a road where the car is ready for your journey back to Sapa for overnight
Approx: 1-hour driving/ 4 hours walking/ 1-hour lunch.
Accommodation: BB Hotel ( U Sa Pa )**** - Superior
Day 03 . Sat 14 April 2018 : Sapa - Ban Khoang - Ta Giang Phinh - Sapa (B, L) | Guide and driver
Met up at your hotel in Sapa by local guide and driver for a short road transfer heading northwards of Sapa along national road 4C to O Quy Ho with several stops for magnificent landscapes of Fansipan, Sin Chai valley and especially amazing flower and vegetable farms . Then turn right to follow a narrow road for half an hour getting through the wild region with thick rain forest covering walled-up mountains, passing several waterfalls before arriving to Ban Khoang, a village of the Red Zao ethnic peoples who live their unique way of life and well maintain their traditional values. The village looks prosperous thanks to the combination of wet rice cultivation on the terraced fields with cardamom farming under the shade of trees in thick forest. Spend over an hour walking to explore this remote village for a brief understanding of local life. Leaving Ban Khoang and process along the road for about 10km to Ta Giang Phin valley inhabited by the Black Hmong who live in some small villages scattering along a peaceful stream.
Enjoy an hour lunch break on the bank of a stream before walking along village path which connects village to village to witness daily activities of local life such as plough and harrow the fields, growing, harvesting or doing some house work. In leisure months men often gather to built new houses or repair parts of old ones while women stay home making their traditional costumes. The walk ends in mid afternoon, picked up for the road ride back to Sapa.
Approx: 2-hour driving/ 4 hours walking/ 1-hour lunch.
Day 04 . Sun 15 April 2018 : Sapa - Bac Ha ethnic market - night train to Hanoi (B, L) | Guide and driver
After breakfast, drive to Bac Ha by car to visit Bac Ha market. This is the biggest local ethnic market of the region and takes place every Sunday. Tribal people from surrounding villages flock here to exchange their products. Most still use horses to carry their loads, which means an early departure to get to the market in time.
If you visit Sapa during a spring weekend, you will frequently meet locals in their colorful costumes heading to the markets as this is the best time for youngsters to find a partner to marry. Spring in Sapa, especially around Tet Holiday (late January to early February), is therefore a very joyful time despite the cool temperatures. This is the season of courting, dating and weddings. Nature also contributes to the atmosphere vibrant red and white flowers blooming everywhere. It all makes for a rather unique setting.
After lunch, you will leave the colorful market behind, to follow a zigzag road along the mountain to visit Ban Pho 1 and Ban Pho 2 villages, inhabited by Flower H'mong people. Return to Lao Cai station in the afternoon for night train to Hanoi. Overnight on train (private cabin)
Accommodation: Fanxipan Express - Lao Cai - Ha Noi Vip
Day 05 . Mon 16 April 2018 : Hanoi arrival - fly to Hue - Hue visit (VN1543 HAN HUI 0840 0950 by Asiatica) (B) | Guide and driver
You will arrive at Hanoi train station early in the morning at 5.30am. You will be picked up from the station and brought to a 2 star hotel to freshen up and have breakfast. After that, transfer to the airport for flight to Hue. On arrival, we will take a boat trip on poetic Perfume River. Stop to visit Thien Mu Pagoda (Celestial Lady Pagoda) built in 1601 - the symbol of Hue city. After lunch time, visit Minh Mang Mausoleum, one of Hue's finest royal tombs, an architectural complex compromised of 40 buildings (palaces, temples, pavilions, etc.).
The rest of the day will be spent visiting Hue Imperial City, the last royal city of Vietnam with various beautiful structures including the Flag Tower, Ngo Mon Gate, Nine Dynastic Urns, Nine Holy Cannons, Thai Hoa Palace and the Forbidden Purple City or Tu Cam Thanh. Overnight at hotel in Hue.
Tour guide contact: Mr Nhan (+84) 905958825
Accommodation: Eldora**** - Deluxe Panorama
Day 06 . Tue 17 April 2018 : Hue- Danang- Hoian (B) | Guide and driver
After breakfast, drive on the Mandarin road, a scenic journey from Hue to Hoi An, which allows you to see a picturesque Vietnam with stunning beaches and lush tropical forest. Take some photos en route of Lang Co Beach and visit Marble Mountain, Cham Museam before arriving in Hoi An’s ancient town. Check-in hotel
In the afternoon, explore Hoi An ancient town, when visiting the Japanese Pagoda Bridge, Chinese streets, old Phung Hung houses, Hoi An’s market and ancient port. On the 1st and 15th of every lunar month, Hoi An’s ancient town is lit up by hundreds of colorful lanterns, giving it an extra portion of sparkle. Following the tour you will stop over at Reaching Out tea house, a tranquil oasis in the center of bustling Hoi An. Overnight in Hoi An.
Accommodation: Le Pavillon Hoi An Luxury Resort & Spa**** - Super Deluxe River View Balcony
Day 07 . Wed 18 April 2018 : Hoian- My Son- fly to Hanoi (VN174 DAD HAN 1415 1535 by Asiatica) (B) | Guide and driver
After having breakfast, our guide and car will pick you up at your hotel and take you to My Son Holy Land, once the capital city of the Champa Kingdom, between the 4th and 12th century. My Son is a large complex of religious relics that comprises more than 70 architectural works. They include temples and towers connecting to each other with complicated red brick designs.
Back to hotel for check out, then transfer to the airport for flight to Hanoi. On arrival, transfer to hotel for check in. Overnight in Hanoi
Tour guide contact: Mr Thanh (+84) 964 778 689
Accommodation: MK Premier Boutique Hotel**** - Luxury
Day 08 . Thu 19 April 2018 : Hanoi- Tam Coc (B, L) | Guide and driver
In the morning, our car and guide will pick you up to travel to Hoa Lu – the former capital of Vietnam, about a two-hour drive from Hanoi. On arrival, you will visit two temples, one of them dedicated to Emperor Dinh and the other in memory of Emperor Le, followed by a brief visit to the remains of the Old Palace. After lunch at a local restaurant, you will visit Tam Coc (three caves), a peaceful valley among limestone ‘karst’ hills, There, you will be rowed along a gentle river between paddy fields and through the caves. After the boat trip in Tam Coc, the rest of day we will cycle along winding roads passing lotus ponds, temples and cottages, typical of Vietnamese countryside to visit Bich Dong Pagoda situated on a hillside. Overnight in hotel in Tam Coc.
Accommodation: Ninh Binh Hidden Charm**** - Deluxe
Day 09 . Fri 20 April 2018 : Ninh Binh - Hai Phong - Ha Long Bay - Lan Ha Bay (B, L, D) | Guide and driver
9h00: Pick up you at your hotel and depart to Hai phong to Dinh Vu Port, Hai phong where we arrive at around 11h30. You can take special tea at lounge by warm welcome.
12h00: Transfer by tender to the Cruise . On the way to the main boat, you will have a chance to see Cai Trap canal.
12h15: We welcome our guests onboard the Azalea Cruise Halong and then check in, enjoy Welcome Drink, receive cruise briefing, safety instructions and check in. Start cruising and explore Halong Bay – one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature.
12h40: Azalea Cruise Halong proceeds to Da Chong islet, where you can see a lighthouse built by the French over 100 years ago. We have lunch before continuing our journey via the islets of Con Vit and Gia Luan. These amazing limestone karst formations rise up out of the sea in an impressive manner. This area is untouched, as not many cruise ships use the route via the Cat Ba Island – Thoi Quyt area – Coc Ngoi islet – through Cua Van to Ba Trai Dao area.
15h00: We progress to Ba Trai Dao beach area of Lan Ha Bay- a separate part of Halong Bay. This is a quiet tourist paradise in Vietnam. The region is known for its pristine beaches and spectacular beauty, having about 400 fascinating islands. Unlike the main, Ha Long Bay, the islands of Lan Ha Bay are forested, and most are small in stature.
You may prefer to try your hand at kayaking or simply just enjoy a swim. This is a great experience, immersed in the crystal clear waters of the bay, in the Ba Trai Dao area.
17h30: Returning Azalea Cruise boat you can watch the magnificent sunset over the Gulf of Tonkin. Onboard you may join a traditional cooking class. Our chef will instruct you in the making of some Vietnam dishes. In the early evening the boat has its Happy Hour deal.
19h30: Deluxe dinner is served. Enjoy delicious local food prepared and served for you by our wonderful onboard catering staff. This is a delightful meal in an intimate romantic setting
21h30: Enjoy the landscape of the bay at night up on the top deck. Relax whilst enjoying drinks from the bar. Try your hand at night squid fishing, watching a movie in the restaurant. Overnight on board.
Overnight on Azalea Cruise in Halong Bay.
Accommodation: Azalea Cruise - Deluxe Balcony
Day 10 . Sat 21 April 2018 : Ha Long Bay - Bai Tu Long Bay (B, L, D) | Guide and driver
6h00: The day starts early onboard Azalea Cruise Halong with Tai Chi session on the sundeck.
Coffee, tea and pastries for light breakfast are served in the dining room with morning view of bay’s landscape, then continue our journey.
8h30:Transfer to day boat for visit Viet Hai village. You will take the bicycle trip along the village path and go through rain forests and dark tunnel. Enjoy stunning scenery of rice fields on the way. Stop at the village to relax. Visit an ancient local house, made from straw, mud, bamboo…you will have chance to see the local life on a valley of local people. Optional electric car service is available (at an extra cost).
Back to day boat for visiting Bai Tu Long Bay. Lunch served on day boat.
13h30:Visit Bai Tu Long Bay, free kayaking and swimming at Ba Ham Lake area situated in the middle of a narrow, rectangular area, with the all four sides enclosed by vertical cliffs. (if the weather permit).
16h00: Return to Azalea Cruise Halong. You will join a traditional cooking class. Our chef will instruct you in the making of some Vietnam dishes. Watch the magnificent sunset over the Gulf of Tonkin. In the early evening the boat has its Happy Hour deal.
19h30: Deluxe dinner is served. Enjoy delicious local food prepared and served for you by our wonderful onboard catering staff. This is a delightful meal in an intimate romantic setting
21h30: Enjoy the landscape of the bay at night up on the top deck. Relax whilst enjoying drinks from the bar. Try your hand at night squid fishing, watching a movie in the restaurant. Overnight on board.
Option: Massage service available. Please book with Cruise Manager directly (please see massage menu)
Overnight on Azalea Cruise Halong
Day 11 . Sun 22 April 2018 : Halong – Hanoi (B, L) | Guide and driver
06h00: Why not rise early to witness the bay at its very best whilst enjoying an invigorating Tai Chi session on the sundeck; after which we serve light breakfast. Upon completing breakfast continue our journey and head out in canoes to explore the bay in the area where the Sang Toi cave is situated.
9h30: Return to Azalea Cruise Halong for check-out procedures
10h00: Whilst cruising back you can enjoy a delightful brunch
11h35: We return to the quay side in the south of the bay, where our visitors disembark.
12h10: We bid farewell at Dinh Vu port, this is the end of the program.
14h00: Back to your drop-off point in Hanoi. Overnight in Hanoi
Accommodation: MK Premier Boutique Hotel**** - Luxury
Day 12 . Mon 23 April 2018 : Hanoi departure @09:45 (SU291 depart at 9:45) (B) | Guide and driver
At 6:30AM, you are transfered to the airport for your flight off.