PROGRAM DETAIL
Day 01 . Tue 05 December 2017 : Hanoi arrival (-) | Guide and driver
*Flight: SIN - HAN VN662 (13.25 - 15.40)
Arrival at Noi Bai airport, you will be picked up then transferred to the hotel in city center. The check-in is available at 2 pm. The day is free for your own exploration and shopping.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 02 . Wed 06 December 2017 : Hanoi city tour & street food tour (B, L) | Guide and driver
Morning start our tour to discover Hanoi, a peaceful city with beautiful trees and lakes, the city has thousand years of history and culture. Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum - the symbol of the country and Presidential Palace, Presidential Garden, his House on Stilts and One Pillar Pagoda. After that, visit Temple of Literature - the central of culture of Hanoi that worship to Literature – the only subject for student to study in the feudal system just hundred years ago and Confucius. Have lunch in a local restaurant.
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) before enjoying Water Puppet Show.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 03 . Thu 07 December 2017 : Hanoi - Hoa Lu - Tam Coc - Ninh Binh (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 Ninh Binh.
Day 04 . Fri 08 December 2017 : Ninh Binh - Halong Bay (B, L, D) | Guide and driver
This morning we drive from Ninh Binh to Halong Bay.
12:00 – 12:30: Embark the LaFairy Sails at Tuan Chau International harbor. Enjoy welcome drink, cruise briefing & start cruising.
13:00 – 14:30: A sumptuous lunch is served while cruising into the magnificent Halong Bay with its thousands of extraordinarily shaped limestone islands, considered as the heaven on the Earth.
15:15 – 15:45: Explore Lờm Bò area and be charmed by this outstanding masterpiece of Mother Nature. Visit Mê Cung Cave – one of the most beautiful caves in Halong Bay and climb up to see the panoramic view of the bay from above
16:00 – 16:45: Explore Ngoc Trai area by kayaking.
17:00 – 19:00: Return to the LaFairy Sails for a Sunset party to admire the best moments of the day when the sun starts to set. Enjoy everyday promotion HAPPY HOUR - BUY 2 GET 1 FREE all beverages from 5 to 6pm.
19:00: Savor a sparkling and dreamlike dinner on top deck under the light of a thousand stars in middle of the tranquil Bay with extremely delicious food and be awed by a fascinating fruit and vegetable carving show. Delight in traditional music performances. Afterwards, socialize with the artist, new friends and crew members, join squid fishing.
Overnight onboard.
Day 05 . Sat 09 December 2017 : Halong Bay - Hanoi - Flight to Hue (B, L) | Guide and driver
06:30 – 07:00: Start your new day with a Tai Chi session or a photo hunt.
07:15 – 08:00: Enjoy breakfast in the fresh air and peaceful beauty of the Bay.
08:15 – 09:15: Visit Titov Island for swimming in the emerald water. Then hike up to the top of the island to take the breathtaking panoramic view of the Bay.
09:45 – 10:15: Pack your luggage and check out of the cabin while cruising towards the harbor.
10:15 – 11:45: Join a cooking demonstration before enjoying an exceptional Buffet lunch.
12:00 – 12:30: Disembark the LaFairy Sails & Farewell.
Drive straight to Noi Bai airport for your flight to Hue.
*Flight: HAN - HUI VN1547 (18.35 - 19.50) - your own arrangements
Pick up upon arrival and transfer to hotel.
Overnight in Hue.
Day 06 . Sun 10 December 2017 : Hue - Thuy Bieu village (B, L) | Guide and driver
Start the day with a visit to Hue Imperial City, the remaining vestiges of Hue's citadel, including: Flag Tower, Ngo Mon Gate, Nine Dynastic Urns, Nine Holy Cannons, Thai Hoa Palace and the Forbidden Purple City (Tu Cam Thanh), Then, 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. Cruise toward Thuy Bieu eco-village, an old laid back village situated on the bank of Perfume River known for its green tea fruit orchards. Arrive in the village, and join our cooking class to prepare Hue’s signature dishes with our chef’s instruction, then enjoy your creations in the open air riverside restaurant surrounded by lush trees. The afternoon is reserved for cycling through the peaceful village, visiting several communal houses, ancient temples and the garden-house, a typical and unique feature of Hue. Soaking your feet in medicinal herb water followed by an excellent blind massage will refresh them after a day of sightseeing. Back to the hotel.
Overnight at the hotel in Hue.
Day 07 . Mon 11 December 2017 : Hue - Danang (B, L) | Guide and driver
After breakfast, visit Minh Mang Tomb before driving to Danang. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch in a local restaurant. You will be taken to the famous Lady Buddha statue measuring 67 meters in height and the Linh Ung pagoda on Son Tra peninsula and Marble Mountains. Then drive to Ba Na Hills where you will take cable car to your hotel. Check in and take a rest.
Overnight in Danang.
Day 08 . Tue 12 December 2017 : Danang free (B) |
Free time at your leisure.
Overnight in Danang.
Day 09 . Wed 13 December 2017 : Danang - Hoi An walking tour (B) | Guide and driver
Breakfast at hotel. At noon, check out hotel and drive to Hoi An. Upon arrival, you will be taken on a half-day walking tour through the narrow, winding streets of Hoi An’s ancient town, visiting Chua Ong Pagoda, Chinese assembly halls, the 200- year old Tan Ky ancestral house, and the Japanese Bridge. Explore Hoi An night market. Transfer back to hotel.
Overnight in Hoi An.
Day 10 . Thu 14 December 2017 : Cooking class at The Market Restaurant (B, L) | Guide and driver
08h30 - 13h30
We visit Hoi An’s colorful and bustling central market by boat in small groups with an English speaking tour guide where participants learn about; the uses of different fresh noodles, how to know and buy fresh fish, fresh herbs , fresh and dried spices and their uses in our recipes, rice and different grains. You will also see and taste traditional candy, Vietnamese tea as well as many exotic fruits.
We then return to Vy’s Market Restaurant by boat where you will be guided around the many street food counters and taste along the way. You will also see and taste traditional candy, Vietnamese tea as well as many exotic fruits before coming back cooking class.
Here you can hear, smell, see, touch, taste and interact with variety of food making processes.
The cooking lesson runs about 2.5 hours – the teachers first show each dish before you prepare the same dishes yourselves. After the lesson we enjoy what we have cooked and then you will receive a copy of the recipes and do it again when back home.
Afternoon is free at your leisure.
Overnight in Hoi An.
*Note: Cooking class for 2 people only
Day 11 . Fri 15 December 2017 : Hoian - Danang - Flight to Dalat - Dalat full day city (B, L) | Guide and driver
Pick up then transfer to the airport for the flight to Dalat.
*Flight: DAD - DLI VN1955 (08.25 - 09.30) - your own arrangements
Upon arrival, meet your guide. Today you can start discovering the city of spring from Robin Hill. From the top of the hill, where we take the chair lift down to Tuyen Lam Lake, we can view the grandiose mountainous area of the Langbiang plateau. You may have a feeling as if you were in some hilly town in Europe. Then below Truc Lam Monastery appears among the pine trees. You will find this place so colorful with many a flower garden, yet so peaceful. After that you will take the steps down toward the Tuyen Lam Lake and collect our boat for a ride on the vast lake. On the other side of the lake is the resort of Da Tien. You will be surprised with the cute rooms in form of the sleeping elephant on the hill side amidst the pine trees. Then our real adventure starts. This may be the most interesting moment when you sit on the back of an elephant wandering in the pine forest, looking over to beautiful Tuyen Lam Lake (2 people/elephant). Lunch in a local restaurant. Continue the tour to visit Crazy House, a very interesting idea of architecture then visit the old station of Dalat, where you can see the steam locomotive from the past. Transfer to your hotel. Check in and take a rest.
Overnight in Dalat.
Day 12 . Sat 16 December 2017 : Dalat - Flight to Saigon (B) | Guide and driver
Free time till transfer to Lien Khuong airport for your flight to Saigon. Late check out at Dalat Edensee until 17h30.
*Flight: DLI - SGN VN1383 (21.35 - 22.25) - your own arrangements
Upon arrival, meet your guide and transfer to hotel.
Overnight in Saigon.
Day 13 . Sun 17 December 2017 : Saigon city tour (B, L) | Guide and driver
You will be picked up at 9:00 am from your hotel in Saigon, to visit the Notre Dame Cathedral and the General Post Office. The Saigon city tour then continues along Dong Khoi Street, where the Opera House and the Peoples’ Committee building, built in 1897 by French architect Ferret Eugene, are situated. The 800 seat Opera House served as the home of the Lower House Assembly of South Vietnam after 1956. You will then visit The Reunification Palace, formerly known as Presidential Palace, which was the residence of the president of South Vietnam until the end of April 1975. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, you will visit the War Remnants Museum formerly known as the Museum of American War Crimes. This is a poignant display of the futility of war. Next on the sightseeing list is Thien Hau Pagoda located in Cho Lon, the city’s Chinatown. This pagoda is dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea. The most impressive features of the structure are the intricate friezes and the carved tableaus towards the front of the pagoda. The impressive incense coils inside the pagoda also make for some great photos. Visit Ben Thanh market then transfer to hotel.
Overnight in Saigon.
Day 14 . Mon 18 December 2017 : Saigon - Tay Ninh - Cu Chi - Saigon (B, L) | Guide and driver
Morning depart for Tay Ninh, the head quarter of Cao Dai religion. On arrival we will have time to visit the impressive Holy Temple of Caodaism, the famous local religion that is the symbol of the curious combination of the Confucianism, Taoism, Christianity and Buddhism before attending the fantastic mid-day mass.
After having lunch in local restaurant, drive to Cu Chi, the famous network of tunnels were used as the base from which the Vietnamese mounted their operations of the Tet Offensive in 1968. The Cu Chi Tunnels consist of more than 250km of underground tunnels. This main axis system has many branches connecting to underground hideouts, shelters, and entrances to other tunnels. The tunnels are between 0.5 to 1m wide, just enough for a person to crawl along. Transfer back to Saigon.
Overnight in Saigon.
Day 15 . Tue 19 December 2017 : Saigon - Ben Tre - Can Tho (B, L) | Guide and driver
You will be picked up at your hotel at 8:30am and driven to Ben Tre. On arrival in Hung Vuong pier, boating on Ben Tre river – one of tributaries of Mekong river - is along mangrove tree from town to country. Witness lively activities in morning as fishing, coconut cargo boats carrying on river. Stop at traditional brickwork to see how to make bricks by hand. Go on by boat to My Long village, walking to hamlet to see making rice paper and enjoy some rice cake. Turn on Cai Son canal winding through coconut jungle, visit coconut workshop, have a look stages of coconut processing from husk off, prize out to peel out by hand. Go on small waterway and stop at a bee garden, enjoy some fruits, honey tea and listen to local music as well.Visit candy mill and enjoy some sweet by the way. Continue short walking to visit farmer house who making sleepmats.
Cycle rural tracks or drive tuktuk through coconut grove, vegetable plains (cucumber, bitter melon...). Keep going by row boat on shady palm tree canal and stop for lunch at Green Garden riverside restaurant. Boating back Hung Vuong pier by motorboat. Drive to Green Village in Can Tho. Check in and take a rest. Explore the canal by a free rowing boat and cycle around the village. If you like cooking, the host is willing to show you how to cook Vietnamese food. Enjoy dinner.
Overnight at Green Village 2.
Day 16 . Wed 20 December 2017 : Can Tho - Cai Rang floating market - Tra Su - Chau Doc (B, L) | Guide and driver
We will rise at 5 a.m to take a boat trip through the winding waterways of Cai Rang floating market, the biggest and busiest floating market in the Mekong Delta. Here the waterways become a labyrinth of hundreds of motor sampans filled with fruit, vegetables, plants and food, all jostling for a space. This is an opportunity to take photos, communicate with the locals and taste delicious fresh fruit. After disembarking we will drive to Chau Doc, the closet town to the Vietnam Cambodian border in An Giang province.
On the way, visit Tra Su cajuput forest which is renowned for not only its almost-untouched natural beauty but also its sanctuary of flora and fauna. Take a boat trip into the forest, you will immediately feel like you are harmonising with nature because of all of the impressive pictures of cajuputs, the fragrance of the flowers and the music-like noise of birds, insects and animals making people relaxed comfortable. From the observation post, you can overlook the forest with an area of nearly 900 ha, home of many birds and animals, including some rare ones.
Arrive at Chau Doc at 17h00. Check in hotel and take a rest.
Overnight in Chau Doc.
Day 17 . Thu 21 December 2017 : Chau Doc - Saigon (B, L) | Guide and driver
Morning climb up to Sam Mountain. Then continue by boat along the cannal into the village of Cham where we visit the ancient largest Mosques of Cham community in An Giang and to show a clear distinctive architecture and customs of residents here. Drive back to Saigon.
Overnight in Saigon.
Day 18 . Fri 22 December 2017 : Saigon free (B) |
Free time for your own activities.
Overnight in Saigon.
Day 19 . Sat 23 December 2017 : Saigon departure (B) | Driver
6h00: Transferred (without guide) to take your departure flight from Saigon.
*Flight: SGN - SIN QF5156 (08.55 - 12.00)