Venturing into Sa Pa Area, you will see various hilltribes who still retain their traditional lifestyle and unique customs. You also spend the time admiring the scenic landcapse of Halong Bay , the misterious architecture of Hue ancient capital and the delight Hoi An with some fantastic shopping areas. The next stop is couthern Vietnam where you are captivated by the local life in Mekong Delta and the amazing Cao Dai Temple.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival - Ha Noi
On arrival at Noi Bai Airport, you are met by our guide and transferred to hotel. The capital of Vietnam, Hanoi 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 enjoy a short cyclo ride through the bustling old quarter streets named after the specific goods once offered for sale at these places. O/N in Ha Noi.

Day 2 : Hanoi
Today we spend a full day exploring Hanoi. The first stop is 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. Close to this complex is the One Pillar Pagoda, whose origins date back to the foundation of city. We follow this with a visit to the Temple of Literature, which is well known as the first university of Vietnam, the History Museum with an excellent collection of artifacts illustrating the Vietnamese history and the Ethnologic Museum. This gleaming mansion is dedicated to Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups. Afterwards we drive back to the town center with stopover at the Tran Quoc Pagoda and Quan Thanh Temple. They are some major highlights set by the beautiful West Lake. We see these sights before continuing to the peaceful lake of Hoan Kiem with its sacred temple. 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: Ha Noi - Sa Pa
An early morning start to drive along the Red River to Sa Pa. The roads are bumpy at times, but various scenic landscape changing from the delta region to the Tonkinese Alps make for an interesting journey. On arrival in Sapa we have a chance after checking into hotel, to soak up the fresh climate as much as you want by spending the time to wander around and catch the first look. This hill station was founded in early last century and rapidly became an ideal place for anyone seeking an enjoyable escape from the unbearable heat in plains. At an elevation of 1,500 meters, Sapa has some warm days and cool evenings. The ethnic minority people are frequently seen in this hill town and small vendors along the street sell local textiles and handicraft. O/N in Sa Pa. (B)

Day 4: Sa Pa Hiking
The mountain range of Phan Si Pan boasts Vietnam's highest peak and lends an alpine feel to the area surrounding this hill station. Today we 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. Heading out of town we embark on a walk, using the local tracks to Lao Chai village, home of the Black H'Mong people. The footpath traverses some terraced rice fields, giving us a chance to see many mountaineers doing their daily works such as herding buffalo, growing salad, and tilling fields. The blend of verdant mountain backdrop and colourful population makes for a fantastic view. We arrive at Ta Van hamlet and visit the Zay ethnic minorities. They still retain their age old cultural traditions and wear distinctive costumes. O/N in Sa Pa. (B)

Day 5 : Sa Pa - Bac Ha ( Sunday)
Upon leaving Sa Pa we set off on a rough but scenic drive through the border town of Lao Cai to Bac Ha. This remote hill town is a world famous site with the lively and colourful Sunday market. There are various ethnic minority groups including Dao, Phu La, La Chi and Tay but the dominants are the Flower Hmong people. These ethnic minorities are recognisably distinct from each other by their dress and come in town for trade on every Sunday. Once arriving in Bac Ha we stroll around this colourful congregation to see the different hill tribe groups and their amazing trading way. We also have time to explore the surrounding areas on a walking tour past Hmong King's former residence and Ban Pho Village where they make the potent local maize alcohol. By mid afternoon, we are transferred to Lao Cai train station for a night train journey to Hanoi. O/N on board. (B)

Day 6: Ha Noi - Ha Long - Cat Ba
The train journey will deliver us to Hanoi train station in early morning. You are met by our guide and driven straight to Halong Bay. We board a traditional boat for seven hour cruise to explore the legendary Ha Long Bay. Views of sailing junks navigating past over 3,000 limestone islands and out crops jutting out of the clear and emerald water of the bay are nothing short of spectacular These 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 interesting visit to one of the many hidden grottoes beneath towering cliffs. The extra enjoyment is a wonderful seafood lunch served on board. You spend the time after lunch for your own pleasure; admiring the landscape, lazing around the deck or simply soaking up the sunshine. On arrival in Cat Ba pier we catch a short drive to the town center. O/N in Cat Ba. (B,L).

Day 7: Cat Ba - Hai Phong - Hanoi
The interesting national park makes Cat Ba a highlight in Vietnam tourist map. Today you have a half free day to explore Cat Ba Island on your own. There are various options to choose from, some of which are biking, kayaking or exploring the national park. These optional activities are not included; however our guide is on hand to advise you with invaluable information. We regroup at our hotel in early afternoon and travel by ferry to Hai Phong, the biggest port town of northern Vietnam. Once arriving in Ha Phong we meet up with our waiting vehicle and drive back to the capital city. The ideal way to spend your last evening in Vietnam is a dinner at one of the town famous eating spots. O/N in Ha Noi. (B)

Day 8: Hanoi - Danang - Hoi An
Today we have free time to explore Hanoi before taking a short flight to Danang. On arrival we are greeted by our guide and driven to Danang Center for a visit to the famous Cham Museum. This structure contains many exquisite limestone carvings from the vanquished Kingdom of Champa which has been the central coastal littoral prior to the march of the Vietnamese nation south. We make our way to Hoi An which was originally a Cham seaport but has been influenced down centuries by a myriad of traders from various cultures. There are plenty to see in this tranquil and delightful town, some of which are the famous Japanese Covered Bridges, the Pottery Museum, the 200 years old Tamky House, the Chua Ong Pagoda and the vibrant market. We include these sights in an enchanting walking tour past many low tiled houses scattered along the small streets and assembly halls which reflect the town's multi-cultural past. O/N in Hoi An. (B)

Day 9: Hoi An - Hue
The southbound journey continues to Hue which was once the feudal capital of Vietnam from 1802 to 1945. Along the way we visit the China Beach and the sensational Marble Mountains, whose peaks represent the five elements of the universe. 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. On arrival in Lang Co, we make a break by the beach for a leisurely swim. The impressive drive will deliver us to Hue by early afternoon. We start our sightseeing tour with 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. Close to this masterpiece is Hue Imperial Museum which displays an interesting collections of bronzes, Chinaware, court robes and various emperors' personal belongings. O/N in Hue.(B)

Day 10: Hue
The beautiful riverside Thien Mu Pagoda is one of the oldest ancient architectural structures for religious work ship in Hue. We include this in a half day cruise on the Perfume River which also gives us a taste of the scenic countryside and an enjoyable visit to the mausoleum of Emperor Minh Mang in a tranquil setting of gardens and lakes. This impressive landmark reflects the beautiful architecture, intricate decor and mysterious statues. Afterwards we take a short drive though the rolling hill to see the elaborate royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc and the famous Tu Hieu Pagoda. The sightseeing tour of Hue continues with a walk to the bustling Dong Ba Market that sells a wide variety of local goods and handicrafts. Along the way we pass many fantastic eating spots, all ideal for visitors to sample some local delicacies. O/N in Hue. (B)

Day 11: Hue - Ho Chi Minh
The following destination of our trip is Ho Chi Minh via a short flight from Hue. On arrival you are met by our guide and transferred to hotel. This metropolis ,contradiction of its northern counterpart, is crowded with bikes and motorbikes, excited by numerous shopping areas and sidewalk cafes. We spend this afternoon seeing some major sights of Ho Chi Minh. The drive will pass many lively streets on our way to the Reunification Palace. This mansion was the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until end of April 1975. Close to the palace are some striking French colonial structures including the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Sai Gon Post Office. We follow these with a visit to the Jade Emperor Pagoda and the War remnant exhibit. The retail Ben Thanh market is not to be missed. This bustling center is an interesting place where anything and everything is for sale!. O/N in Ho Chi Minh. (B)

Day12 : Ho Chi Minh - Cu Chi - Tay Ninh - Ho Chi Minh
The incredible underground network in Cu Chi stretched over 200 kilometres and became legendary during the American war. The extensive tunnels have been specially constructed with living areas, weapon factories, filed hospitals, command centres, plus accommodation. Today we have an excursion to Cu Chi Tunnels to visit an exposition hall and a widened section of the tunnels to get a feel of the underground life. There are also possibilities to fire off rounds from an AK47 or MK16 at the nearby rifle range. Upon leaving Cu Chi we drive a short distance to Tay Ninh, the headquarters of Cao Dai Sect . This religion was founded in 1923 and now numbers over 2 million members. We arrive in time to see the ornate temple of Cao Dai and attend the fantastic mid-day service when the followers fill the hall wearing colored robes. These costumes are a symbol of the curious combination of the Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism. O/N in Ho Chi Minh. (B)

Day 13 : Ho Chi Minh - Mekong Delta - Ho Chi Minh
Heading out of town, we travel by roads to the Mekong Delta. This plain region boasts the largest rice bowl of Vietnam. On arrival in My Tho we board a boat navigating around the intricate small canals, which is a great way to observe the local lifestyle close-up and catch a view dotted by many islands. The exciting river trip will pass by the lush green vegetation towards the famous Unicorn Island where we have a chance to stroll around an orchard, taste many seasonal fruits and see farmers at work. We navigate some narrower canals using small rowing boats to Ben Tre Province for an interesting visit to some local industries. The extra enjoyment is a lunch at one of the famous local eating spots. We drive back to Ho Chi Minh, stopping off en route to see the beautiful Ving Trang Pagoda and the Saigon's Chinatown, locally named Cho Lon. This bustling area is crammed with sacred temples and mysterious, narrow lanes. O/N in Ho Chi Minh. (B,L)

Day 14: Ho Chi Minh - Departure
There is a free time to relax or further explore Ho Chi Minh. The tour ends after your transfer to Tan San Nhat Airport for departure. (B)

 INCLUSIONS: +Transportation in private air-conditioned vehicle with driver + Accommodation: twin sharing room at mentioned hotels or similar one + English or French speaking guide + Entrance fee to indicated sights + Meals as indicated : B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner + Water puppet show + Cyclo trip + Domestic flight Hanoi - Danang, Hue - Ho Chi Minh + Train ticket Lao Cai - Hanoi + Boat trip in Halong Bay, Hue and Mekong DeltaEXCLUSIONS: Other meals, tip, drinks, airport tax, single room supplement, personal expenses, travel insurance, visa, flight in / out of Vietnam, any optional additional tours or activities during free time, surcharge for peak season, local holiday days and gala dinner

TRIP NOTES

- VIETNAM IS A DEVELOPPING COUNTRY WHOSE INFRASTRUCTURE MAY DIFFER FROM WHAT YOU EXPECT FROM YOUR HOME LAND. THE ROAD CONDITIONS ARE POOR IN CERTAIN AREAS.

-THE ITINERARY IS CORRECTED AT THE TIME OF VIEWING. OCCASIONALLY, THE PROGRAMME CHANGES AS WE MAKE IMPROVEMENT STEMING FROM OUR PAST TRAVELLERS' COMMENTS AND OUR OWN RESEARCH OR DUE TO LOCAL CONDITIONS OR CIRCUMSTANCES BEYOND OUR CONTROL. THIS INCLUDES FESTIVAL, PUBLIC HOLIDAYS, WEATHER AND FLIGHT DELAY,.. THAT MAY EFFECT THE ITINERARY.

-THE TRIP INCLUDES SOME MEALS AS MENTIONED AT THE ITINERARY HOWEVER OUR GUIDE WILL BE ON HAND TO ADVISE YOU AS FAR THE AVAILABLE RESTAURANTS WHERE YOU CAN ENJOY LOCAL FOOD AT YOUR OWN BUDGET. THE MEAL COST IS ALL DEPENDING ON YOUR CHOICE OF EATING PLACE. THE PACKAGE TOUR WITH FULL BOARD MEAL IS ARRANGED UPON REQUEST .

- THE DRESS STANDARDS ARE CONSERVATIVE THROUGHOUT ASIA. LOOSE , LIGHTWEIGHT, LONG CLOTHING ARE ALL RESPECTFUL AND COOL IN ASIAN HOT CLIMATE. IN ADDITION TO YOUR ITEMS OF PERSONAL CLOTHING, WE SUGGEST YOU TO BRING TRAINER OR SNEAKER SHOES, JACKET FOR COLD WEATHER, TORCH/FLASH LIGHT, HAT, RAIN COAT FOR WET SEASON, SUN CREAM, SUNGLASSES, DAYPACK, TOILETRIES AND SMALL TOWER, INSECT REPELLENT.

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