Dear Hue,
We had a wonderful time! The programe was great, as were all the guides and yourself, we are very happy. We don't think we could've had such a full and authentic experience any other way. We will definitely be recommending this to our friends and on trip advisor! :D It is hot here... but not as hot as it was in Vietnam!
We love the photo and will be putting it on Facebook (if this is ok with you?). We would like to extend a special thank you to Thanh (our first guide) who took very good care of us when I fell ill for a few days. He was really understanding and helpful and we appreciated it immensely.
All the best
Gabriela
DETAILED PROGRAM
Day 01. 03 Jun 2015 : Hanoi arrival
Arrival in Noi Bai airport at 11h40, you will be picked up then transferred to the hotel in city center. The check-in is available at 2 pm. Free time for your own discovery. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 02. 04 Jun 2015 : Hanoi city tour- Night traint to Lao Cai (B)
A full day spent for visiting Hanoi – the politic, economic and cultural capital of Vietnam. Starting with Museum of Ethnography. Then we come to visit Tran Quoc Pagoda - the oldest pagoda in Hanoi. In the afternoon, we discover the Temple of Literature - a complex of the Confucius Temple built in 1070 and the first Royal National university in Vietnam built in 1076. This temple and its beautiful garden provide an opportunity to learn more about madarin education in Vietnam since 1000 years ago and to relax in tranquility. After that, walk around the alleys of Hanoi Old Quater, visit Hoan Kiem lake and Ngoc Son temple or Jade Mountain temple situated in the heart of Hanoi. An interesting Water puppet show will wrap our day with delight. Evening transfer to the station where you will take the night train to Lao cai. Overnight on board of four-berth airconditioned sharing cabin.
Day 03. 05 Jun 2015 : Lao Cai arrival- Sapa- Cat Cat- Ham Rong (B,L)
We arrive at about 5.30 am at Lao Cai train station. Pick-up by our local guide and driver. Transfer in our car towards the charming town of Sapa. Breakfast in a local restaurant before going down to visit Cat Cat village. Back to Sapa then discover Ham Rong Mountain from where you have a panoramic view of Sapa. Overnight in hotel in Sapa.
Note: ~2-3h walk
Day 04. 06 Jun 2015 : Sapa- Y Linh Ho- Lao Chai- Ta Van (B,L,D)
After a rest, we will leave our luggages at hotel then begin to visit the surrounding villages of Y Linh Ho, Lao Chai inhabited by Black Hmong and Ta Van village, home to the Dzay (Giay) ethnic people, located at the heart of the Muong Hoa valley. You can admire fabulous views of the valley, terraced fields and winding streams. Ovenight in homestay in Ta Van village.
Note: ~4h walk
Day 05. 07 Jun 2015- Sunday : Sapa- Bac Ha market- Lao Cai- Night train to Hanoi (B,L)
Around 7h30, drive towards Bac Ha to visit the vibrant Bac Ha Sunday ethnic market. Ethnic people from near and far villages flock to Bac Ha to exchange their products. Ethnic people from near and far villages flock to Bac Ha to exchange their products. Most still use horses to carry their loads, so they depart very early in the morning to get here in time. Their colorful costumes create a stunning picture. Stroll around the market to get a glimpse of hill tribal culture. Then, we will have time walking in surrouding villages (Ban Pho) to discover Flowered Hmong culture before being transferred to Lao Cai station to take the night train to Hanoi. Overnight on board of four-berth airconditioned sharing cabin.
Note: ~1-2h walk
Day 06. 08 Jun 2015 : Hanoi arrival- Mai Chau (B,L,D) (160km, 4h driving)
Arrival in Hanoi around 05h00, you will be taken to the hotel for early-check-in. Depart at 08h00 from Hanoi to Mai Chau- a picturesque valley, where the White Thai predominantly inhabit. Arrive in Mai Chau around noon. Lunch in the homestay with a typical Thai ethnic meal. In the afternoon, take a short walk around the neighborhood where you will be welcomed by friendly local people, communicate with them and explore their traditional lifestyle, or a cyling tour in the surrouding authentic villages such as Na Tang, Cha Long. Enjoy a traditional dance show at night while tasting Ruou Can, the local rice wine. Overnight at homestay.
Day 07. 09 Jun 2015 : Mai Chau- Hoa Lu- Tam Coc (Ninh Binh) (B) (180km, 4h driving)
After breakfast, we will drive to Tam Coc also known as « Dry Halong Bay». On the way, we will stop to visit Hoa Lu, which used to be Vietnam’s capital during the 10th century. Then, continue the road to Tam Coc, where we will embark a small rowing boat to discover the outstanding karst waterscape on Ngo Dong River. Tam Coc literally translates to « three caves» and is adorned with beautiful stalactites and stalagmites of all sizes shaped like gemstones. When rowing, enjoy the peaceful scenery of rice paddies lining the river bank. After lunch 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 at hotel in Tam Coc.
Day 08. 10 Jun 2015 : Ninh Binh- Ha Long (B,L,D) (200km, 4-4.5h driving)
Morning drive to Ha Long bay, passing beautiful scenery along the road. Arrive in Ha Long Tourist Wharf around noon. Embark the elegant wooden junk. Lunch will be served while the boat gently cruises to admire numerous islands and limestone structures rising from the emerald water. It is also an ideal opportunity to enjoy the sea breeze and refresh your soul. Dinner with fresh seafood served by experienced chef. A peaceful night on board in your private cabin.
Note: - The visit program may change contingent on the junk
- Our guide will not accompany you on the boat, but there’s an english speaking guide on board who assists all the guests.
Day 09. 11 Jun 2015 : Ha Long- Ha Noi (B, Brunch)
Enjoy the breakfast and savor an incredible sunrise on the sundeck. Boat cruise to Luon Cave or a floating fishing village. Back to the habour around 11h00, our car will transfer you to Hanoi. Stop to visit But Thap pagoda in route. Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.
Day 10. 12 Jun 2015 : Hanoi- Flight to Hue- city tour (B)
Pick up at 07h00 then drive to Noi Bai airport for the flight to Hue VN1541 08h55/10h05, a poetic city which served as the capital of the Nguyen dynasty. It is renowned for its royal citadel monuments and elaborate tombs. Arrive in Hue around noon and check into the hotel.
In the afternoon, start the day by a cyclo-tour around the streets, then continuewith the visit of Imperial City - the architectural complex inlcuding : Flag Tower, Ngo Mon Gate, Nine Dynastic Urns, Nine Holy Cannons, Thai Hoa Palace & Forbidden Purple City (Tu Cam Thanh). Overnight at hotel.
Day 11. 13 Jun 2015 : Hue city tour (B,L)
After having breakfast, drive to visit Tu Duc royal tomb - one of the most beautiful architectural constructions of Nguyen dynasty. 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. Lunch in the village. The afternoon spent for walking or biking through the peacful village, visiting several communal houses, ancient temples and especially the garden- house - a typical and unique feature of Hue. After a day of walking, your foot will be refreshed by soaking in the medicinal herb water with excellent blind massage. Back to the hotel for overnight.
Day 12. 14 Jun 2015 : Hué- Danang- Hoian (B)
In the morning, drive along the Mandarin Road, a scenic journey from Hue to Hoi An, which allows you to see a picturesque Vietnam with stunning beachs and lust tropical forest. Visit in Danang the Museum of Cham Sculpture - with many precious antique artifacts of the former Cham Kingdom on display. Transfer to Hoi An ancient town, once an important international trading port and now a charming riverside town, reflecting the combination of Chinese, Dutch, Japanese and Portuguese culture. Free time for your own visit. Overnight in the hotel.
Day 13. 15 Jun 2015 : Hoian city tour (B)
Walking inside the old trade center town, you will follow the narrow lanes lined with centuries-old houses influenced by Chinese, Japanese, French and European architectures and visit its numerous places of interest: Japanese Pagoda Bridge, Chinese street, Phung Hung old house, Hoi An market, the ancient port and Chuc Thanh pagoda – the oldest pagoda of Hoi An (1454), built with Chinese bonze. Then, our guide will accompany you to a craftsman house where you get a brief introduction to the history, form and color of lanterns, and many stages of their manufacture. You can make your own lantern and keep it as a souvenir. Overnight at hotel in Hoian.
Day 14. 16 Jun 2015 : Hoian- Danang- Flight to Nha Trang (B). No guide
Pick up at 10h00 then transfer to Danang airport for your flight to Nha Trang city VN1945 12h05/13h30. Gorgeous beaches, white sand, endless sunshine and sparkling azure water are waiting for you. Overnight at hotel.
Day 15. 17 Jun 2015 : Nha Trang free day (B). Neither guide nor driver
Full day to relax on Nha Trang beach. Overnight in Nha Trang.
Day 16. 18 Jun 2015 : Nha Trang free day (B). Neither guide nor driver
Full day to relax on Nha Trang beach. Overnight in Nha Trang.
Day 17. 19 Jun 2015 : Nha Trang- Flight to Saigon- ½ day city tour (B). No guide in Nha Trang
Pick up at 09h00 then transfer to the aiport for the flight to Saigon VN1357 11h00/11h55. You will be picked up by our driver and guide then transferred to the city.
Start in the afternoon the city tour by visiting the Notre Dame Cathedral and the General Post Office, then continue 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 18. 20 Jun 2015 : Saigon- Tay Ninh- Cu Chi- Saigon (B)
You will be picked up at the hotel at 08 am to drive to Tay Ninh, 100km from Ho Chi Minh, to visit the ornate temple of Cao Dai and attend a fantastic mid-day service. Caodaism followers fill the hall wearing colored robes, a symbol of this curious combination of Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism. Lunch at a local restaurant.
You then 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.
Day 19. 21 Jun 2015 : Saigon- Ben Tre- Can Tho (B,L)
Leave the bustling city behind we depart to the Mekong Delta, the largest rice basket of Vietnam. Arrive at Hung Vuong pier (Ben Tre town), embark and cruise along the Ben Tre river– a tributary of Mekong River to discover the local culture and their daily activities. Stop at a brick-field belonged to Mr Tu Lo to see how Vietnamese make bricks by hand and a coconut candy workshop located along the canal to witness the process of making coconut candies. Continue rowing through the canals to visit Nhon Thanh village. Stroll around the village to enjoy the tranquility and taste fresh tropical fruit.
You will cyclo or take “xe loi” (a kind of local tuk tuk) on the small road passing green rice fileds, vegetable gardens and fruit orchards. Have lunch at a local house on the river bank.
Road to Can Tho where you will arrive in the late afternoon. Overnight in the hotel in Can Tho.
Day 20. 22 Jun 2015 : Can Tho- Saigon (B)
Early morning, take a boat trip through the winding waterways of Cai Rang floating market- the biggest and busiest floating market in Mekong Delta. This is the best time to visit the market as it is crowded with hundreds of sampans that offer fruits, vegetables, plants, food and other goods for trade. You will earn a great oppotunity to take photos, communicate with locals and taste fruits. Leave the market then drive back to Saigon. On the way back, we will stop at an old Binh Thuy house 5kms from Can Tho city and Long Dinh mat weaving village where you witness the making of a mat, a very popular item closely associated with Vietnamese culture. Overnight in Saigon.
Day 21. 23 Jun 2015 : Saigon departure (B)
After breakfast, free time for relaxation until being picked up at 15h30 then transferred to take your departure flight from Saigon at 18h45. The hotel is available until noon only.
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