PROGRAM DETAIL
Day 01 . Sun 08 April 2018 : Hanoi arrival @ 8:25 AM - city tour (SU0290 @ 08:25) (L) | Guide and driver
Arrival in Noi Bai airport , you will be picked up then transferred to the hotel in city center. Check in hotel, then have lunch at a local restaurant
In the afternoon, 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. Then back to the Old Quarter for a 1.5 hour walking tour, then you will have a deeper insight of local daily life . We then head to Ngoc Son Temple set on a tiny island in the middle of Hoan Kiem Lake. Ngoc Son Temple dates back to the 13th century, and the lake itself is the picturesque heart of Hanoi, frequented by tourists and locals alike.
Finally retreat yourself with 1 hour relaxing foot massage at Mido Spa before watching the water puppet show. Come back to your hotel
Tour guide contact: Mr Phu (+84) 906201044
Accommodation: Quoc Hoa Premier hotel*** - Deluxe City View
Day 02 . Mon 09 April 2018 : Hanoi - bus to Sapa - Lao Chai - Ta Van (B) | Guide and driver
In the early morning (6:45AM), you will takek 6-hour drive to Sapa by bus. On arrival, check in hotel
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.
Accommodation: Sunny Mountain*** - Deluxe Room With Garden View
Day 03 . Tue 10 April 2018 : Sapa - Ban Khoang - Ta Giang Phinh - night train to Hanoi (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 Lao Cai station for night train to Hanoi. Overnight on train (soft sleeper 4 berth cabin)
Approx: 2-hour driving/ 4 hours walking/ 1-hour lunch.
Accommodation: Et Pumkin - Lao Cai - Ha Noi
Day 04 . Wed 11 April 2018 : Hanoi arrival - Ninh Binh - Van Long - Hanoi (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. Then, our guide and driver pick you up at hotel in Hanoi am then drive to Ninh Binh (100km). Start our trip by visiting Van Long nature reserve, referred as “the Ha Long Bay on land”. This is a magnificent waterscape of rivers, mountains, evergreen forests, caves and submerged land. Arrive in Van Long, get into a small boat to cruise along the river surrounded by spectacular rice fields and explore several caves with beautiful stalactites.
In the afternoon, transfer to visit Hang Mua cave.Its meaning as “dancing cave” because this site was previously considered as the place where Tran king used to come to enjoy dancing & singing shows performed in this cave. Arrive at Hang Mua, walk around the park, explores the caves there then we challenge ourselves with 500 steps to the top of the mountain where we will feel very happy with the fresh air on “rooftop of Ninh Binh” with the panorama view. Have 1 hour massage by the blind before driving back to Hanoi for overnight
Tour guide contact: Mr Phu (+84) 906201044
Accommodation: Quoc Hoa Premier hotel*** - Deluxe City View
Day 05 . Thu 12 April 2018 : Hanoi - Halong by shuttle bus (B, L, D) | Guide and driver
At 7:30, you are picked up by the shuttle bus & depart to Halong Bay, passing a peaceful countryside typical of Red River Delta with endless rice fields and winding rivers.
11.30 - 12.15 Arrival at Hon Gai International Harbour.
12.30 - 13.00 Transfer by tender to boat, enjoy Welcome Drink, Depart to Bai Tu long Bay.
13.00 - 14.30 Enjoy Lunch while cruising to magnificent Bai Tu Long Bay, admire the fascinating formations on the way.
15.30 - 16.30 Transfer from boat to rowing boat to visit Vung Vieng Fishing Village. Rowers are local people wearing traditional costume. It’s the opportunity to see the fisher’s daily life with the primary features in the charming nature.
17.30 Return to boat - Continue cruising through the bay.
18.30 Anchor for overnight at Cong Do area.
19.30 - 21.00 Savor a delicious Set Dinner in dinning room.
21.00 - 23.00 Relax, enjoy fresh air & overnight on board.
Accommodation: Bai Tho Junk - Bai Tho - Deluxe
Day 06 . Fri 13 April 2018 : Halong - Hanoi - flight to Danang - Hoi An (VN185 HAN DAD 1830 1950 by Asiatica) (B) | Guide and driver
06.30 Enjoy Sunrise over the Bay.
06.45 - 07.45 Coffee, tea and breakfast pastries served in dining room.
08.00 - 08.30 Explore the well- hidden Thien Canh Son cave.
09.00 - 09.30 Check-out cabins and settle bills – Luggage collection
09.30 - 10.30 Having international Brunch served in dining room.
10.30 - 11.00 Arrival at the pier. Drive back to Noi Bai airport for your flight to Danang (you will get off the shuttle bus & transfer to our private car on the way & heading to the airport).
On arrival, transfer to hotel in Hoi An for check in & overnight.
Tour guide contact: Ms Thu (+84) 905099270
Accommodation: Little Hoi An Beach**** - Little Deluxe
Day 07 . Sat 14 April 2018 : Hoi An walking tour - relax on the beach (B) | Guide and driver
In the morning, 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.
Back to your hotel and then day is yours to relax on the beach. Overnight at hotel in Hoi An
Day 08 . Sun 15 April 2018 : Hoi An free (B) |
Breakfast at hotel and then day is yours to relax on the beach. Overnight at hotel in Hoi An
Day 09 . Mon 16 April 2018 : Hoi An free (B) |
Breakfast at hotel and then day is yours to relax on the beach. Overnight at hotel in Hoi An
Day 10 . Tue 17 April 2018 : Hoian - Danang - water rafting - Hue (B) | Guide and driver
After breakfast, drive on the Mandarin road, a scenic journey from Hoi An to Hue via Danang, which allows you to see a picturesque Vietnam with stunning beaches and lush tropical forest. Stop at Hoa Phu Thanh, which offers new experiences of adventure aquariums trip in Da Nang and a special space in a lean-to with natural surroundings by water rafting. Arrive to Hue, check in hotel for overnight
Tour guide contact: Ms My (+84) 935487969
Accommodation: Emm Hue*** - Deluxe
Day 11 . Wed 18 April 2018 : Hue visit (B, L) | Guide and driver
After breakfast. visit Minh Mang Mausoleum, one of Hue's finest royal tombs, an architectural complex compromised of 40 buildings (palaces, temples, pavilions, etc.). 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. Disembark for lunch at a local restaurant.
The afternoon 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. We then visit the Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, which was built between 1864 and 1867 by 3000 soldiers and workers. It includes 50 monuments surrounded by a 1500m long wall and covers an area of 12 hectare. Take time to soak in its tranquil and relaxing setting. Overnight at hotel in Hue.
Day 12 . Thu 19 April 2018 : Hue - Saigon - Cu Chi tunnel (VN1371 HUI SGN 0755 0925 by Asiatica) (B) | Guide and driver
At 5:30AM, you will be taken to the airport for the flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
Upon arrival, check into hotel. In the afternoon, drive to the Cu Chi Tunnels, situated 70km from Saigon. The Cu Chi Tunnel system was created around 1948 to assist the Viet Minh in their combat against French occupiers. Construction and enlargement continued during American bombings and they were turned into an underground city with living areas, kitchens, storage, weapon factories and field hospitals. The Cu Chi Tunnels could house up to 10,000 people who lived underground for years, getting married and raising children. During the Vietnam- American War the entire area of Cu Chi was designated as a fire free zone yet was heavily bombarded. Since 1988, two sections of the tunnels are open for visitors to crawl through and better understand the war. Overnight at hotel in Saigon.
Tour guide contact: Ms Thao (+84) 903600435
Accommodation: Cititel Central Sai Gon Hotel*** - Deluxe City View
Day 13 . Fri 20 April 2018 : Saigon city tour (B, L) | Guide and driver
You will be picked up at 8:00am 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 Fito Museum, are a couple of first private museums in Vietnam which are devoted to the Traditional Vietnamese Medicine & Pharmacy. 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. Another site that cannot be missed is Binh Tay Market or ‘Cho Lon’, which can be roughly translated to ‘big market’. Although the whole district lives up to its name a visit to this market really says it all. Selling everything from fake Ray Bans to dried squid, you are bound to enjoy a walk through the maze of stalls in this bustling market. your tour of Saigon will end with a visit to a lacquer ware workshop. Overnight at hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 14 . Sat 21 April 2018 : Saigon - Ben Tre - Saigon (B, L) | Guide and driver
You will be picked up at your hotel at 8:30am and driven to Ben Tre. Upon arrival at Hung Vuong pier you will embark a boat to cruise on Ben Tre River, one of the tributaries of the Mekong River. Enjoy the lively activities on the river like fishing and water transferring. You will stop at a brick-factory, to see how bricks are made by hand in a traditional way. Your next stop is one of numerous coconut processing workshops located along the canal.
Take a bicycle-cart along a village path and stop at a farmer’s house for lunch. You then talk a walk to a mat-weaving village before embarking small rowing-boats to travel along palm tree lined waterways back to Hung Vuong pier. You return to Ho Chi Minh City, take a 90-minute body massage for relaxation. Overnight at hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 15 . Sun 22 April 2018 : Saigon - Mui Ne (B) | Driver
Morning at 8AM, drive to Mui Ne, a getaway to paradise with pristine beaches, vast sand dunes, postcard-perfect fishing villages, a vibrant nightlife and friendly people. Overnight at hotel
Accommodation: Pandanus Resort & Spa**** - Superior
Day 16 . Mon 23 April 2018 : Mui Ne free (B) |
Today you are free at your leisure to relax on the beach or unwind yourself at your resort
Day 17 . Tue 24 April 2018 : Mui Ne free (B) |
Today you are free at your leisure to relax on the beach or unwind yourself at your resort
Day 18 . Wed 25 April 2018 : Mui Ne - Saigon (B) | Driver
Today at 12:00, you will take 5-hour drive from Mui Ne back to Saigon. Overnight in Saigon
Accommodation: Cititel Central Sai Gon Hotel*** - Deluxe City View
Day 19 . Thu 26 April 2018 : Saigon departure (SU0293 @11AM) (B) | Driver
After breakfast, at 8AM, transferred to take your departure flight from Saigon. The hotel is available until noon only.