PROGRAM DETAIL
Day 01 . Wed 20 December 2017 : Hanoi arrival (KA299 @19:25) (-) | Guide and driver
Arrival in 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 at hotel.
Day 02 . Thu 21 December 2017 : Hanoi city & street food tour (B, L) | Guide and driver
You will be picked up at the hotel at 8:00am. Starting the day trip will be a visit of the Ho Chi Minh Complex, which compromises Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum (closed on Mondays & Fridays), his former stilt-house residence, the Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh Museum. We will then 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. Lunch will be served at 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 watching the water puppet show. Overnight in Hanoi
Day 03 . Fri 22 December 2017 : Hanoi - bus to Sapa - Lao Chai - Ta Van (B) | Guide and driver
At 6:45AM, you will be picked up & take the 6-hour bus drive to Sapa. On arrival, check in hotel for refreshment.
In the afternoon, you will commence your short journey by driving south toward Muong Hoa valley. You will then start your walk by descending into the valley, which is the largest rice paddy terraced among Sapa area. The guide can provide you interesting information about rice. If you visit the valley sometime in between May and October, you will be able to observe and experience how the local do planting and harvesting, one of the most important activities in the daily life. The walk takes you from Lao Chai village of Black Hmong minority to Ta Van village of Giay minority including a visit to the local Catholic Church. After visiting Ta Van the car will return you to Sapa.
Approx: 1 hours driving/ 2 hours walking.
Day 04 . Sat 23 December 2017 : Sapa - Heaven Gate - Silver Waterfall - Ma Tra (B, L) | Guide and driver
Met up at your hotel at around 8AM by local guide and driver then depart for the Silver Waterfall. The Silver Waterfall is located about a half hour from Sapa town which offers stunning views over surrounding mountains and lush forests belonging to Hoang Lien National Park. You are advised to stop by a farm for a cup of tea and talk with people to understand their local life. Then we continue our drive uphill to the Heavens Gate, the highest stretch of road in Vietnam as well as the provincial border of Lao Cai and Lai Chau provinces. Enjoy fantastic view over the valley!
In the afternoon, start a short walk downhill through beautiful orchids gardens and pine forests. You will then reach a small village of Suoi Ho is inhabited by Hmong ethnic minority. Their house normally built of land has no windows because of the cold in the winter. You will then continue your walk through rice paddy fields and spectacular scenery to Ma tra. It is possible to stop by a primary school for a quick visit. Then our vehicle will be waiting for us for our drive back to Sapa.
Approx: 2.5 hours walking.
Day 05 . Sun 24 December 2017 : Sapa - Bac Ha ethnic market - Lao Cai - 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. Then transfer to the railway station for night train to Hanoi. Overnight on train (private cabin)
Day 06 . Mon 25 December 2017 : Hanoi arrival - Tam Coc (B, L) | 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. 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 take the ox-cart 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.
Day 07 . Tue 26 December 2017 : Ninh Binh - Halong (B, L, D) | Guide and driver
After breakfast depart to Halong Bay via Thai Binh and Nam Dinh, passing a peaceful countryside typical of Red River Delta with endless rice fields and winding rivers. We will arrive at Halong’s tourist wharf around noon and embark an elegant wooden junk. Lunch will be served while the boat gently cruises past numerous islands and limestone structures rising from the emerald water. A fresh seafood dinner will be prepared by an experienced chef and served on deck. A peaceful night on board in your private cabin.
Day 08 . Wed 27 December 2017 : Halong - Hanoi - flight to Hue (VN1547 HAN HUI 1835 1950 by Asiatica) (B) | Guide and driver
Rising to the tranquil beauty of the bay you have time for an early morning dip while the sun rises, followed by breakfast on board. We will continue to sail through the bay during the morning to explore more secluded areas. The junk will stay close at all times serving as a backup vessel for those that require it. Around midday we will return to the main harbor. A 3-hour drive will take you back to Noi Bai airport for your flight to Hue where you check into your hotel. Overnight at hotel in Hue.
Day 09 . Thu 28 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 walking 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 10 . Fri 29 December 2017 : Hue- Danang- Hoian (B, L) | 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 Danang Beach and visit Marble Mountain, Cham Museam before arriving in Hoi An’s ancient town. Check-in hotel then have lunch at a restaurant.
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 at hotel.
Hotel in Hoi An (booked by yourself): Hoi An Silk Marina resort
Day 11 . Sat 30 December 2017 : Hoian - My Son- Hoian (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 the city in the afternoon. The rest of the day is free at your own to discover the town. Overnight at hotel in Hoian.
Day 12 . Sun 31 December 2017 : Hoi An free (B) |
Breakfast at hotel and then day is yours to freely explore the peaceful riverside town in your own time. Overnight at hotel in Hoi An
Day 13 . Mon 01 January 2018 : Hoi An - Danang - Saigon (VN117 DAD SGN 1015 1145 by Asiatica) (B) | Guide and driver
After breakfast, at 8AM, you will be taken to the airport for the flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
Upon arrival, check into hotel. In the afternoon you will 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. Overnight at hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 14 . Tue 02 January 2018 : Saigon - Ben Tre - Can Tho (B, L) | Guide and driver
Leaving the bustling city of Saigon behind, you depart to the Mekong Delta considered Vietnam’s biggest rice basket. Arrive at Hung Vuong pier in Ben Tre and embark your boat to cruise along Bến Tre River, a tributary of the great Mekong, to explore the local lifestyle and the daily hustle and bustle. Stop at the brickfield belonging to Mr. Tu Lo to see how bricks are made by hand in Vietnam and a coconut candy home factory located along the canal to witness the process of making this local candy and other souvenirs. You will then have the opportunity to taste bee honey tea at a local honey farm and a variety of tropical fruit that grow amply in the orchards of the Mekong Delta. You can then walk or go by tuk-tuk through the coconut groves and green rice paddies to soak up and relax in the tranquil countryside atmosphere. Lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon you will take a trip on small rowing boats through a maze of waterways lined by two rows of palm tree. Cruise back to the pier and disembark. Drive to Can Tho for the night.
Day 15 . Wed 03 January 2018 : Can Tho – 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. Proceed to Chau Doc, continue the tour to visit Tra Su, getting to the wild birds Sanctuary, cruising smoothly with small boats to discover the arrays of splendid canals deep into the forest, watching storks, cranes and other tropical birds. Back to the Town, hotel check in. Overnight in Chau Doc.
Day 16 . Thu 04 January 2018 : Chau Doc - speedboat to Phnom Penh (B, L) | Guide and driver
In the morning we will take a speed boat to Phnom Penh and arrive in the capital city of Cambodia around noon. Time to rest and have lunch. The afternoon will be spent exploring Phnom Penh. We commence our tour with a visit to the National Museum, then on to the Silver Pagoda situated inside the Royal Palace complex and lastly Wat Phnom Pagoda considered the spirittual heart of the city. Overnight at hotel.
Day 17 . Fri 05 January 2018 : Phnom Penh - fly to Siem Reap (K6 105 PNH REP 0955 1050 by Asiatica) (B) | Guide and driver
After breakfast, at 7:30AM, you will be transfered to the airport for flight to Siem Reap. On arrival check in hotel for refreshment.
Start our trip by visiting Roluos Group of temples built between 877-889, situated 13km from Siemreap. They were constructed when the ancient Khmers created their first settlement in the Angkor region. There are 3 temples:
- Bakong is the most impressive temple, much older than Angkor Wat with beautiful carvings on its lintels that are still in good shape
- Preahko temple is close to the main temple Bakong and consists of 6 elegant brick towers with exquisite decoration and statues of Nandi, Shiva's sacred bull.
- Lolei temple constructed in 893, is an island temple dedicated to members of the royal family and the Hindu God Shiva.
Overnight in Siem Reap
Day 18 . Sat 06 January 2018 : Siemreap - Angkor Thom - Angkor Wat - Siemreap (B, L, D) | Guide and driver
We will visit the South Gate of Angkor Thom also referred to as "Great City", the famous Bayon Temple built in the late 12th century and the Baphoun Temple dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, the Terrace of Elephants, the Terrace of the Leper King and Phimean Akas known as "Heavenly Palace". In the afternoon, we will tour the World Heritage site "Angkor Wat", the world's largest religious building. We continue our day with a visit to Bakheng Hill Temple and watch the sunset from the top of the hill. Back to the hotel. Dinner with special Aspara dance show.
Day 19 . Sun 07 January 2018 : Siem Reap - Kbal Spean - Banteay Srei - Siem Reap (B, L) | Guide and driver
We will start our day trip by visiting Kbal Spean referred to as “The river of a Thousand Lingas” which is situated 30km north of Angkor Wat, roughly a one hour drive. It closes at 3pm. We will take a forest walk and then return for lunch. We will continue from there straight to Banteay Srei, "The Citadel of Women" built at a time when the Khmer Empire was gaining significant power. Like numerous others, it is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. It is a masterpiece of Khmer art with its intricate, pink sandstone construction and ornate design. On the way back to Siem Reap, we will visit Srah Srang, "The Royal Bath" and Banteay Kdei, a richly decorated Buddhist temple. Overnight at hotel.
Day 20 . Mon 08 January 2018 : Siem Reap - Tonle Sap Lake departure @21:00 (PG910 @21:00) (B) | Guide and driver
In the morning we will explore Tonle Sap Lake, the largest natural lake in Indochina. We will cruise for one to two hours and visit its floating villages and discover life on the water. After disembarking we will drive back to Siem Reap through the peaceful countryside passing quaint villages with lush rice paddies and rows of palm. The rest of the day is free at your own before being brought to the airport at 18:00 for your departure (Late check out till 17:00 is included)
Asiatica Travel services end at the airport.