Dear Mrs. Jenny Tu Dao,
We had a nice trip and the definitely organisation was perfect.
The guides were good an very helpful.
We were specially thankful to Mr. Phuong for walking with us instead of the foreseen bicycling.
Mr. Hung was because of his Vietnamese accent a little bit difficult to understand.
One remark to the driver in Hanoi, he almost crashed us between a truck and at that moment we had plenty of time so there was no reason to hurry. Sorry for him but the tip was in proportion.
The most impressive point for us were:
1 Halong Bay
2 Hoi An
3 Mai Chau
We will certainly recommend your organisation.
Sincerely,
Gilbert Defour
PROGRAM DETAIL
Day 01 . Sun 25 February 2018 : Saigon arrival (EK392 @ 19:35) (-) | Guide and driver
Welcome to Saigon (now known as Ho Chi Minh City) – the most hectic and business city of Vietnam. Upon arrival at the airport, welcome by the local tour guide and transfer to the city center to check in hotel. Free time at your leisure. Overnight in Saigon
Day 02 . Mon 26 February 2018 : Saigon free (B) |
Free time for your own activities.
Day 03 . Tue 27 February 2018 : Saigon- Cu Chi- Tay Ninh- Saigon (B, L) | Guide and driver
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 04 . Wed 28 February 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 05 . Thu 01 March 2018 : Can Tho- Saigon (B, L) | Guide and driver
Early in the morning, take the boat to explore the floating market of Cai Rang, the largest and lively Mekong Delta. The setting is magnificent: hundreds of motor sampans, filled with rice, fruits and crafts, come together to exchange and sell local products. You will stop at Mr Ba Cong's house to discover several kinds of exotic fruits by visiting his garden and then visit the Binh Thuy old house. Arrival in Sai Gon in the late afternoon. Overnight at hotel
Note:
- Transfer time and distance by car: 3h30 / 170km
- State of the road: good
- Visiting time: 2h
- Boat time: 1h
Day 06 . Fri 02 March 2018 : Saigon - fly to Danang - Hoi An (VN122 SGN DAD 1130 1250 by Asiatica) (B) | Driver
After breakfast, free time for relaxation until being transferred to the airport at 9AM for flight to Danang. On arrival, you are picked up to hotel in Hoi An for check in. Free at your leisure. Overnight in Hoi An
Day 07 . Sat 03 March 2018 : 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 08 . Sun 04 March 2018 : 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 09 . Mon 05 March 2018 : 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 10 . Tue 06 March 2018 : Hoi An - Danang - Hue (B, L) | Guide and driver
After having breakfast at hotel, drive to Hue. Stops en route are the sensational Marble Mountain, Danang Beach and Danang city for a visit to the Cham Museum. We then follow the road over the scenic Hai Van Pass before arriving in Hue, the last imperial capital of Vietnam.
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 stroll through the bustling Dong Ba Market, passing many fantastic eating spots where visitors have a chance to sample various local delicacies. Overnight at hotel in Hue.
Day 11 . Wed 07 March 2018 : Hue - Thuy Bieu village (B, L) | Guide and driver
Start the day with a 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. 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 12 . Thu 08 March 2018 : Hue - Phong Nha - Ke Bang - Dong Hoi (B, L) | Guide and driver
In the morning, we depart from Hue to Phong Nha (160km - 3.5 hours drive). En route, we will visit the Basilica of Our Lady of La Vang, a catholic church originally built in the forest near Quang Tri close to the DMZ. Several buildings in La Vang were rebuilt and destroyed during the war between North and the South Vietnam. Lunch in Dong Hoi.
In the afternoon we will take a boat trip along Son River to explore the Phong Nha Cave. Of the 300 caves and grottos in Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park, only 20 have been surveyed. Notably, Phong Nha, is the most beautiful cave holding several records for the highest and longest cave, the longest underground river, most beautiful beaches inside a cave and the most splendid stalagmites and stalactites. These amazing natural works of art have been given beautiful names such as the "Lion", the "Fairy Caves", the "Royal Court" and the "Buddha".
Walk back to the boat, and cruise to the wharf then return to your hotel in Dong Hoi for overnight
Day 13 . Fri 09 March 2018 : Dong Hoi - fly to Hanoi (VN8590 VDH HAN 0945 1105 by Asiatica) (B) | Guide and driver
After breakfast, at 7:30AM, transfer to the airport for flight to Hanoi. On arrival, transfer to hotel for check in. Free time at your leisure. Overnight in Hanoi
Day 14 . Sat 10 March 2018 : Hanoi- Mai Chau (B, L) | Guide and driver
Depart at 08h00 from Hanoi to Mai Chau- a picturesque valley, where the White Thai predominantly inhabit. Arrive in Mai Chau around noon, transfer to hotel then lunch followed by a short break.
In the afternoon, we will make a nice bike ride to discover an authentic country really unknown by mass tourism. We will be charmed by the traditional houses on stilts, the smiles of the Thai, friendly acceuils and green rice, vegetable gardens and bamboo forests near our path, crossing the villages: Chieng Sai, Cha, Cha Long, Na Tang, Tong Dau ... Return to the lodge to enjoy its natural surroundings. After dinner (by yourself), you will enjoy the traditional music show in the evening. Overnight at hotel.
Day 15 . Sun 11 March 2018 : Mai Chau - Pa Co market (B, L) | Guide and driver
Breakfast then transfer to Pa Co Sunday market, The market is a small one that runs every Sunday in Pa Co village where local people, mostly H’Mong coming from the surrounding neighborhood to trade. Market starts early in the morning and finish a couple of hours before noon. Then take a relaxing walk in the neighboring villages of Sailing. This short trip is worth every minute of your time from the great drive to the interaction with the local people of different tribes.
In the afternoon, relax with the comfort of your room or unwind at our swimming pool & massage centre. You can also choose to explore the surroundings on your own. Overnight in Mai Chau
Day 16 . Mon 12 March 2018 : Mai Chau - Ninh Binh (B, L) | Guide and driver
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. Arrive at 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 17 . Tue 13 March 2018 : 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.
12:45 Embark your cruise onboard Bhaya Cruises. Enjoy welcome drinks while our Cruise Manager does the itinerary and safety briefing.
13:00 Let the vacation begin with a tasty lunch while the boat cruises towards the southwest of Halong Bay.
15:00 Discover the mysterious Tien Ong Cave which is not only a beauty spot but also an archaeological site. Covering an area of 1,000 m2 with stunning stalactites and stalagmites, the cave is one of the finest caves in Halong Bay.
17:00 Bar opens for the Happy Hour "Buy one get one free". Take the chance to get more delicious drinks and fun.
17:30 Join exciting “Master-Chef Competition” and fruit carving demonstration, learn and try your hands with authentic Vietnamese food. The winner or the Master-Chef of Bhaya Cruise would be awarded surprising gifts. It’s also time to admire the sunset over enchanting Halong Bay while the boat anchors for an overnight stay.
19:00 Enjoy set-menu dinner on board while your Cruise Manager introduces the following day program.
21:00 Retire to your cabin or join our staffs for squid fishing. Overnight on board.
Day 18 . Wed 14 March 2018 : Ha Long visit (B, L, D) | Guide and driver
06:30 Start off your day with a Tai Chi lesson on the sundeck with complimentary tea and coffee being served. Rejuvenate your body and mind with the slow movement of Tai Chi and enjoy the dawn on the bay.
07:00 Full breakfast is served onboard. The vessel weighs anchor to sail to Hang Trai Island.
8:45 Transfer to Bhaya Spirit (day boat) for the second day’s activities.
09:00 Bhaya Spirit will pass by Ang Du area, Hang Du, Kong Skull Island filming area to reach Coc Cheo Islet area. Kayaking and swimming freely in Coc Cheo Islet area – a less touristic and more private area.
11:00 Back to the boat, Bhaya Spirit takes you to a floating pearl farm for a special local lunch experience, while the boat passes Ho Ba Ham Area, Ba Men Temple, But Island, Me Cung Cave. Discover around to learn about pearl cultivating and handicraft process and local life in Ha Long Bay with our tour guide.
12:30 Lunch is served on floating farm with authentic Vietnamese style menu.
15:00 Comeback Bhaya Cruise and relax.
17:00 Bar opens for the Happy Hour "Buy one get one free”, enjoy relaxing time on the sundeck.
19:00 Enjoy set-menu dinner onboard while Cruise Manager introduces itineraries for next day.
21:00 Retire to your cabin or join with our staffs for squid fishing. Overnight on board.
Day 19 . Thu 15 March 2018 : Halong – Hanoi (B) | Guide and driver
06:15 Take part in Tai Chi lesson on the sundeck with complimentary tea and coffee.
07:00 Light breakfast is served onboard. The boat weighs anchor to sail to Cua Van floating fishing village.
07:45 Take your time to visit the village which is voted as one of the 11 insanely beautiful small towns around the world by huffingtonpost.com. You can choose either kayak or traditional rowing boat to go around discovering local life on the waters.
09:00 Return to your boat and relax. Brunch will be served in the restaurant
10:30 Disembark at Tuan Chau International Passenger Port. Drive back to Hanoi for overnight
Day 20 . Fri 16 March 2018 : Ha noi free (B) |
Freetime for your own activities.
Day 21 . Sat 17 March 2018 : Ha noi free - departure (EK395 @ 00:40 on Mar 18th) (B) |
Freetime for your own activities until transfer to the airport at 9PM for departure flight (Late check out included)