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Detail Itinerary
DAY 1: ARRIVAL - HANOI
On arrival at Noi Bai Airport, you are met and transferred to hotel. Ha Noi , Vietnam's capital, is a stylish and gracious city that retains an unique old world charm and some Asia 's most striking colonial architecture. The many lakes and parks make for relaxing atmosphere. If time permits we embark on a cyclo for a short excursion through the bustling old quarter streets named after the specific goods once offered for sale at these places. O/N in Hanoi.
DAY 2 : HANOI
Today we enjoy a full day city tour starting with the Ho Chi Minh Complex, containing the mausoleum of the nation's founder Ho Chi Minh, the Presidential Palace and the Ho Chi Minh's house on stilts. This complex also comprises the One Pillar Pagoda, whose origins date back to the foundation of city. We follow this with a trip to the Temple of Literature, which is well known as the first university of Vietnam and the impressive Ethnologic Museum, dedicated to Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups. The beautiful West Lake and the History Museum with an excellent collection of artifacts illustrating the Vietnamese history, are not to be missed. We visit these sights before continuing to the peaceful lake of Hoan Kiem. In front of this lake is the famous water puppet theatre where we will see a fantastic performance. O/N in Ha Noi. (B)
DAY 3 : HANOI - SAPA
An early morning start to drive towards Sa Pa. The roads are bumpy at times, but various scenic landscape changing from the delta area to the Tonkinese Alps make for an interesting journey. At an elevation of 1,500 meters, Sa Pa was once a hill resort of French administrators when the summer heat became unbearable. The remoteness and the simple lifestyle of ethnic minority people are a highlight of Sa Pa although conditions are basic. After checking into hotel in Sapa we can soak up the fresh climate as much as we want by spending time to wander around. The ethnic people are frequently seen in this hill town and small vendors along the street sell local textiles and handicraft. O/N in Ha Noi. (B)
DAY 4: SAPA
The range of Phan Si Pan boasts Vietnam's highest mountain and lends an alpine feel to the area surrounding this hill station. Today we have enough time to visit the bustling Sa Pa Market where the Red Dao, Black Hmong, Tay and Xa Pho ethnic minorities converge from the nearby mountainsides and valleys to trade their goods and buy provisions. We then get well off the beaten track as we embark on a walk to explore this beautiful mountain region. Along the way we traverse several rustic villages and see many mountaineers doing their daily works such as logging, herding buffalo and tilling the field. The blend of verdant mountain backdrop and colourful population makes for an unimaginable view. O/N in Sa Pa. (B)
DAY 5: SAPA - BAC HA - HANOI
Upon leaving Sapa we set off on our scenic drive through the border town of Lao Cai to the colourful Sunday Market at Bac Ha. This market also attracts a wide variety of ethnic minority groups including the Variegated Hmong, Dao, Phu La, La Chi and Tay. They still retain their old age cultural traditions and are recognisably distinct from each other by their dress. The experience of this congregation is colorful and unique. After the market we enjoy a walk around the area, visiting the Hmong King's former residence and Ban Pho where the villagers make the potent local maize alcohol. In the mid afternoon you are transferred to Lao Cai train station for return trip to Hanoi. O/N on board. (B)
DAY 6: HANOI - HALONG
The train journey will deliver us to Hanoi train station by early morning. Here we meet up with our car for a drive through the scenic countryside to Halong bay. On arrival, we embark on Huong Hai Junk at 12h15 for an exploration of the bay which is truly one of Vietnam's most scenic impressive sights. At 13h00 we enjoy a huge lunch served on board and cruise out passing by the picturesque scenery. The limestone karst formations are littered with beaches, grottoes and beautiful caves. Along the way we will anchor for a leisurely swim in a secluded cove and an enjoyable visit to one of the many hidden grottoes beneath towering cliffs. A perfect way to round off the day is a taste of local wine and an observation of the sunset. We have dinner at 19h30 before enjoying some night activities. O/N in Halong Bay. (B,L)
DAY 7: HALONG - NINH BINH
The following destination of our trip will be Ninh Binh. Upon leaving the town we set off on our drive through the scenic countryside. A part of the pleasure of travelling in this region is the simple joy of seeing the rice fields and the smiling faces of the people. We make stop en route for a visit to Keo Pagoda, one of the most exceptional religious architecture in Vietnam. We then continue to Ninh Binh and have time to visit the ancient capital of Hoa Lu with two remaining temples of the Dinh and Le dynasties. They were founded in the late 10th century. Despite the turbulent history , these temples still preserve their original structure. O/N in Ninh Binh. (B)
DAY 8: NINH BINH - TAM COC - VINH
Heading out of town we set off on a short drive to Tam Coc which is surnamed '' Inland Halong Bay''. Here we have the chance to take a rowing boat trip on a river through the quiet and peaceful landscape of rice fields surrounded by limestone formations to the grottoes of Tam Coc. The next stop of our trip will be Bich Dong which is famous for the three Buddhist shrines hidden beneath towering cliffs. After seeing this landmark we travel along the highway No1 past the many peaceful villages to Vinh, our today's final destination. O/N in Vinh. (B)
DAY 9 : VINH - DONG LOC - PHONG NHA - DONG HA
The overland journey continues with the next stop being Dong Loc crossroads which is now becomes a historical war site. Here we begin driving along the Ho Chi Minh Trails to the world heritage site of Phong Nha. This complex composes of 14 grottoes littered in the limestone mountains in Ke Bang. The main tunnel with a total length of 7,729 m boasts the longest underground river in Vietnam, and is decorated with multiform stalactites and stalagmites . We enjoy a boat trip exploring this wondrous site before continuing to Dong Ha Town, our base for seeing the Khe Sanh war site. O/N in Dong Ha. (B)
DAY 10: DONG HA - DMZ - HUE
An impressive way to start our day is a drive along the road No 9 past the peaceful area, which was once home to a series of fire support bases during the American war. We arrive at the former American marine base of Khe Sanh and have time to stroll around to visit some of the many battle sites and military camps. There were all but partly cleared by villagers. We make our way towards Tacon Airport as well as Lang Vei Special Forces Camp, in south of Lang Vei Village. Upon leaving these sites, we make our way via A Luoi to Hue, Vietnam's feudal capital from 1802 to 1945. O/N in Hue. (B)
DAY 11: HUE
The beautiful riverside pagoda of Thien Mu which now becomes the symbol of Hue, is not to be missed. We include this in a guided cruise on the Perfume River which also gives us a taste of the scenic countryside as well as an enjoyable visit to the mausoleum of Emperor Minh Mang, in a tranquil setting of gardens and lakes. Upon leaving this landmark we continue seeing the elaborate royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc. We then return to the town and have time exploring the massive citadel, containing the Imperial City and the Purple Forbidden City. This royal residence was all but destroyed during the 1968 Tet Offensive, however it is still fascinating to walk among the ruins. O/N in Hue. (B)
DAY 12: HUE - HOIAN
Heading out of the town, we drive south to Hoi An which was originally a Cham seaport but has been influenced down the centuries by a myriad of traders from various cultures. Along the way we can break the journey in Lang Co Beach for a leisurely swim and an enjoyable visit to a nearby fishing village. The winding road begins as we make our way up the spectacular Hai Van pass. A view from the top of the pass is one of Vietnam's most impressive panoramic scenes. The next stop of our trip is Da Nang which is famous for the Cham Museum. After seeing this sight we continue to the China Beach and the Marble Mountain, whose peaks represent the five elements of the universe. On arrival in Hoian we have time to visit the famous Japanese Covered Bridges, the Pottery Museum, the 200 years old Tam Ky House, the Chua Ong Pagoda, the vibrant market. O/N at Hoian hotel. (B)
DAY 13: HOIAN - KOM TUM
An An early morning start to drive along the road 14 B to Thanh My. On arrival we turn left to the road 14 which is the main link of Ho Chi Minh Trails and drive upwards to Kom Tum in Vietnam central highlands. The journey is long but the spectacular landscape will make for an interesting day. A part of the pleasure of travelling in this region is the simple joy of seeing the rice fields and the smiling faces of the people. We arrival in Kom Tum mid afternoon and have time to visit town with the Komtum Seminary, the traditional culture center, the Wooden Church and the Banar ethnic village. O/N in Kom Tum. (B)
DAY 14: KOM TUM - LAK LAKE
The interesting journey continues along the central highlands and pass Vietnam's biggest growing coffee area to Pleiku and Komtum. The deep contrast of lush vegetation and red surface of basaltic soil is incredible all along the way. On arrival in Buon Ma Thuat we turn left to Lak Lake , home to the Mnong hill trible people. We enjoy a short dugout ride on Lak Lake which is surrounded by the verdant and rugged mountains. Afterwards we transfer to June village where we are guest of a M'nong family in a traditional long house. The facilities here are very basic, but the experience is definitive unique. This also offers us a chance to explore the simple lifestyle of the M'nong hill tribe people. O/N in Lak Lake. (B, D)
DAY 15: LAK LAKE - DRAYSAP WATER FALLS - HO CHI MINH
Today we spend a full day drive along the Ho Chi Minh trails which now becomes a highway liking the central highlands and Ho Chi Minh City, the metropolis of Vietnam. Along the way we make stop to visit a famous water fall, locally named D'raysap by the E de Hill tribe people. This fall is amid the primitive forest ; however you need some physical preparations to ascend the strenuous path. Upon leaving this site we continue traveling south. The journey is long and but we can make stop as you please to stretch your legs and take some wonderful pictures. O/N in Ho Chi Minh. (B)
DAY 16: HO CHI MINH - CU CHI
The sightseeing tour acquaints us with some major sights of the city. We pass the now-demolished wartime American Embassy before we visit the Reunification Palace which was the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until end of April 1975, and some French colonial structures including the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Old Sai Gon Post Office. After seeing the Jade Emperor Pagoda and the War Remnant Museum, we continue our trip on to the Cho Lon, Saigon's Chinatown, which is crammed with fascinating temples and mysterious, narrow lanes. We then drive this afternoon, to explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, an incredible underground tunnel network of approximately 200 kilometres constructed by Vietnamese fighters during the long struggle for independence. O/N in Ho Chi Minh. (B)
DAY 17: MEKONG DELTA
Upon leaving the town, we set off on a two hour drive to the Mekong Delta, Vietnam's largest rice bowl. On arrival in My Tho we embark on a boat navigating around the intricate small canals in the delta region, which is a great way to observe the local lifestyle close-up and catch a view dotted by many islands. The exciting excursion will pass the lush green vegetation before arriving at the famous Unicorn Island. Here we have opportunities to stroll around an orchard, taste many seasonal fruits and enjoy wonderful traditional music. The next stop of our trip is Ben Tre Province to visit some fascinating local industries. After feasting on a huge lunch we return to Ho Chi Minh, stopping off along the way to see the beautiful Ving Trang Pagoda and the Cho Lon, Saigon's Chinatown, which is crammed with sacred temples and mysterious, narrow lanes. O/N in Ho Chi Minh. (B,L)
DAY 18: HO CHI MINH DEPARTURE
There is a free time to relax or further explore Ho Chi Minh City. The tour ends after your transfer to Tan San Nhat Airport for departure. (B).
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