On arrival at Hanoi airport, pick up and transfer to hotel. After check-in, at leisure to relax after a long flight. Overnight in Hanoi.

8:00am pick up at your hotel for full day tour of Hanoi. A blend of the modern with the mystery and charm of past centuries, Hanoi offers an air of elegance and harmony with nature. Today’s sightseeing begins with a visit to Ba Dinh Square to see Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, museum, and the simple cottage where he lived and worked. Then visit the Presidential Palace and One Pillar pagoda or Chua Mot Cot, originally built in 1040 A.D. on a pillar constructed of a single large tree trunk. Continue visiting West Lake with Tran Quoc Pagoda. Then explore Van Mieu, also known as the Temple of Literature, which dates to 1070 and is dedicated to the cult of Confucius. Stop at the Fine Arts Museum with its ethnographical displays, paintings and famous lacquerware. Then visit inside the infamous Hoa Lo Prison, which was nicknamed the “Hanoi Hilton” by prisoners of war during the Vietnam War. Onward to beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake, known as the Lake of the Restored Sword. It is closely linked to the legend of Le Loi, the hero who asked the heavens for help in resisting the advance of the Chinese in 1418 A.D. Take a cyclo ride through Hanoi’s Old Quarter, a network of narrow alleys and shop houses also known as “The 36 Streets.” This is a wonderful place to watch local life and peruse items from fabrics to crafts to exotic medicines. Later this afternoon enjoy the delightful water puppet show, a fascinating art form that originated in northern Vietnam. Overnight at the same hotel.

 

7:00am pick up at your hotel and departure to Lang Son, where you’ll visit the Dong Tam Thanh and Dong Kinh Markets. At noon, have lunch at a local restaurant, then continue the drive to Cao Bang, taking in the fabulous scenery on the way. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel. Dinner at your hotel on your own, and overnight at in Cao Bang.

 

Spend today exploring the unspoiled nature that surrounds Cao Bang as you drive along the Chinese border to Ban Gioc Waterfall. Set amid stunning scenery overlooking the border, Ban Gioc is one of the country’s largest waterfalls. You’ll have time to relax or take a swim in its emerald waters. Return to Cao Bang late afternoon for a chance to explore more of this quaint town. Overnight in Cao Bang.

 

After breakfast, depart Cao Bang & enjoy a fascinating drive to Dong Van. We’ll visit many of Vietnam’s ethnic minorities and colorful hill tribe people en route, and the landscape along the way is almost indescribably beautiful. All around you limestone rock faces will rise straight up perpendicular to the valley bellow and hill tribe people will be smiling and waving you onward. We will stop for lunch and then continue on our journey, climbing to a nearby pass and then descending into the Meo Vac Valley very close to the Chinese border. After visit Meo Vac town, we will continue to zig-zag our way to Dong Van, visiting remote areas and the hard working local people who inhabit them. It is inspiring to see how they survive as they manage their environment. Overnight in Dong Van.

This morning, we will have some extra time to wander the ancient streets lined with H’mong homes of clay bricks and tiled roofs built centuries ago. Then depart from Dong Van for Quan Ba to see the infamous Vuong Palace, where a H’mong family of high rank lived during French colonial rule. This palace attracts keen interest from architecturally minded visitors due to its mixed style of European and Chinese architecture. After the lunch, drive to Ha Giang for check-in and relaxation. Overnight in Ha Giang.

 

Early morning depart Ha Giang for Bac Ha, on our way to Hoang Sun Phi. You can stop as many times as you wish to meet local people or to take those once in a lifetime photographs. Then continue to Can Cau market. The road is hilly but scenic. The products at the market are interesting, and many different groups of ethnic minorities make the market an unforgettable experience. Back to Bac Ha for lunch. Check in at a hotel in Bac Ha. After a rest, trek about 5km of mountain path to Ban Pho village – home of Flower H’mong people. Here you’ll have the opportunity to witness their traditional lifestyle and customs. Car is available for those who wish not to hike. Overnight in Bac Ha.

 

After breakfast, transfer to Bac Ha to explore the spectacular Sunday Market. Here you will see local hill tribes from all over the area. The major tribe is Flower H’mong. They, along with the Black Yao, Nung, and Phu La tribes, all come from neighboring villages to exchange local produce and livestock from their farms. After visiting Bac Ha market, drive 2.5 miles to visit the Flower H’mong village of Ban Pho, where you’ll meet a local family, learn their culture and way of life. After lunch (on your account), drive 10 miles to Trung Do where you’ll walk through rice paddies along Chay River until you reach the village. Afterwards, enjoy a boat journey on the Chay River where you will see the locals at work and gaze at the stunning mountain scenery. Then, pick up at Bao Nhai Bridge and drive to Sapa. Check in to your hotel, and later in the afternoon explore Sapa, including a trek to Cat Cat hill tribe village. Back to Sapa for dinner and relaxation. Overnight in Sapa.

After breakfast, start a half-day trek to Lao Cai and Ta Van (vehicle is available for those who don’t wish to trek). Begin the 3.5 mile walk by descending into a rice-terraced valley at the foot of Fansipan Mountain, with its gorgeous landscapes. Walk though rice fields and thatched roof villages where H’mong people live. Observe the H’mong at work and at play in their distinctive dark blue dress. Continue hiking to the village of Ta Van, one of the few villages in Vietnam inhabited by the Zay tribe. Arrive in Ta Van late this afternoon, and continue exploring the villages nearby. Then pick up and drive back to Sapa. Relax or explore Sapa town and its fascinating market. Overnight at the same hotel.

 

After breakfast, travel by car toward Silver Waterfall where you will be able to stretch and enjoy the scenery. Continue to Heaven Gate on the highest altitude roads in Vietnam. From there you can see Fansipan, the highest peak in Indochina, and its stunning views. We start descending nearby the waterfall on a trail which takes you all the way downhill through the bamboo forest of Hoang Lien National Park. Your picnic lunch will be served at a nice spot nearby a river. After lunch, continue your trek to the Black H’mong village at Sin Chai, where you will have an opportunity to explore the daily life of one of the largest ethnic minorities in the Sapa area. Then drive back to Hanoi via the new express highway, a drive of approximately five hours. Arrive Hanoi in the late afternoon and have time to relax. Overnight in Hanoi.

 

Day 11: (B): Day trip to Perfume Pagoda

After breakfast, depart for Perfume Pagoda (60 Km, 2 hours driving). The Perfume Pagoda is one of the highlights of the Hanoi area and one of the most important religious sites in Buddhist Vietnam. Upon arrival, we’ll board bamboo boats and row 1.5 hours on the Yen River surrounded by mountains. On the way, we will visit Trinh Temple on the river bank. We step out of the boat at the foot of Huong Tich Mountain, and from there we’ll hike 400 m to the top of the mountain. The pagoda itself is situated in a huge cave built into limestone cliffs, and can only be reached by boat or foot. You will have the chance to glide along scenic waterways and walk up steep mountain paths visiting the pagodas and temples that were built in this area over the centuries. Back to Hanoi in the late afternoon. Overnight at the same hotel.

7:40am pick up & drive to Ninh Binh, 100 km from Hanoi. Visit the Dinh & Le Dynasty temples in Hoa Lu, an ancient capital of Vietnam (968 – 1009). Then take an amazing rowboat excursion to visit Trang An Eco-Tourism area. Trang An Eco-Tourism complex is home to 600 kinds of flora and over 200 types of fauna. It is also a gathering point of 31 valleys and 48 cross-water caves, some of which we will visit. On the rowboat, you can enjoy the fresh air, clean and clear water with grass just below the surface – a very serene experience. The rock formations rise from rice-paddies in contrast to Ha Long Bay, where the limestone karsts jut out of the water. At Tam Coc, take a rowboat trip on the Ngo Dong River through the caves and waterways of this stunningly beautiful region featuring dramatic limestone karsts. In the afternoon, we’ll visit Bich Dong Pagoda, then transfer back to your resort for time to relax and enjoy dinner on your own. Overnight in Ninh Binh.

Day 13: (B, L, D) Ninh Binh – Ha Long – Hon Gai – Bai Tu Long Bay – Cong Do – Cap La  

8:00am pick up at your hotel and drive to Ha Long. On the way to Ha Long city, enjoy your journey through the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta, including scenery of rice fields, water buffalo, and everyday Vietnamese village life

12:00 – 12:30: Embark at Hon Gai International harbor.

12:30 – 13:00: Check-in, enjoy welcome drink & cruise briefing.

13:30 – 15:00: Have lunch while cruising to magnificent Bai Tu Long Bay; admire the fascinating formations.

15:00 – 16:30: Cruise to Cap La, Tra San.

16:30 – 17:30: Enjoy kayaking around Cap La and Tra San.

17:45 – 19:00: Back to junk boat for swimming or relaxing.

19:00 – 21:00: Have dinner and overnight on board in Cong Do area. Overnight on Red Dragon Boat.

 

7:30 – 08:00: Morning view of Bay’s landscape with a cup of tea or coffee. Have breakfast in the fresh air.

8:00 – 10:00: Cruise to Cong Dam while discovering geological value of Bai Tu Long Bay.

10:00: Enjoy kayaking through the hidden lagoons and geological park in Cong Dam

12:00: Have BBQ lunch on a beach, weather permitting.

13:30: Back to junk for relaxing while cruising to Cong Do area.

16:30: Arrive at Hon Co Island to explore the well-hidden Thien Canh Son cave

17:30: Return to the boat and cruise back to Cap La

19:00: Have dinner and overnight on board. Overnight on Red Dragon Boat.

 

6:45: Have breakfast on board while cruising to Vung Ha area.

8:00: Visit the fish farms of Vung Vieng fishing village by rustic rowboat.

10:00: Check out of your cabin while cruising towards the harbor while an à la carte lunch is served.

11:30 – 12:00: Disembark. Pick up and transfer back to Hanoi and straight to airport for your flight to Hue. On arrival at Hue airport, pick up and transfer to your hotel.  Overnight in Hue.

After breakfast, depart with your personal guide and driver and begin exploring Hue. First, visit the former Imperial Citadel and Forbidden Purple City. Hue was the capital of Vietnam until the early 20th century, and generations of royalty lived in the Forbidden Purple City, inside the walled exterior of the Citadel. This was also the site of some of the most brutal fighting during the infamous Tet Offensive. This afternoon depart on a boat trip up the Perfume River past some lush, dreamlike countryside and charming scenes of Vietnamese life to the Royal Tombs of the Nguyen Emperors. The Royal Tombs, with their vast, lovingly-tended botanical gardens, beautiful open air pavilions and numerous shrines, were to provide the seven Nguyen Emperors noble burials as well as comfortable afterlives. The tombs of Minh Mang and Tu Duc are the most elegant while that of Khai Dinh is the most unusual, combining Western architecture with Vietnamese style.

 

Next, you’ll see Tu Hieu Pagoda, which is associated with Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh, the famous monk who studied at the monastery in the 1940’s but lived in exile for more than 40 years before he was allowed to return to his homeland in 2005. Continue to Thien Mu Pagoda, one of Vietnam’s oldest and most beautiful Buddhist temples. In a corner of the grounds, note the aged, pale blue Morris automobile, which transported a local monk to Saigon where he immolated himself in 1963 in protest against the anti-Buddhist laws of the Ngo Dinh Diem regime. Finish the day with a visit to the Dong Ba Market. Overnight at the same hotel.

This morning, depart Hue and drive to Hoi An. On the way stop to visit Lang Co Beach and Hai Van Pass. Arrive at Da Nang for a visit to the Cham Museum and Marble Mountain. Continuing south, enjoy a stop at Non Nuoc Beach. This afternoon arrive in Hoi An. After check-in, enjoy walking tour around the ancient town of Hoi An with your guide. Highlights of your tour through its charming streets include the Japanese Covered Bridge, the local produce market, Tan Ky House, and the Fukhien Association. You’re then free to explore or shop Hoi An on your own. The cobblestone streets in the old French Quarter are a delight to roam with many cafes, art galleries, and handicraft shops. Hoi An is especially well-known for its local artists and tailor-made clothing, with over sixty shops providing this service in town. Overnight in Hoi An.

 

This morning, you will be met and transferred to the Market Restaurant where you will take part in a join-in cooking class at Miss Vy’s Cooking Academy. A local success story, Vy now owns and operates several restaurants in town including the well-regarded Cargo Club, Moring Glory, and Market Restaurants. Enjoy an introduction to traditional methods and ingredients used in Vietnamese dishes. Your lesson will start with the purchase of various ingredients at the nearby riverside market. Instructions and recipes will be given while each dish is prepared. Today’s dishes will be curry vegetable soup, white rose, and grilled tuna with saffron in banana leaf. After class, you’ll have lunch at the Market Restaurant and perhaps try some of your own creations or order off the menu prepared by the professionals.

 

This afternoon, take a drive to explore the 4th century Cham religious sanctuary of My Son, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999. My Son, whose inhabitants practiced a branch of Hinduism, was once the political and religious capital of the Champa Kingdom. My Son is an exceptional example of Hindu architecture. Located in a verdant valley protected by mountains, the settlement was abandoned in the 15th century. While a small site, the ruins at My Son are the largest and most intact remaining in Vietnam. Return to Hoi An in the late afternoon. Overnight at the same hotel.

 

Early morning transfer to airport for your flight to Da Lat. On arrival, pick up at airport and transfer to the pristine Cam Ly Waterfall, Van Thanh village. On the way you can visit Elephant Waterfall – the most natural and majestic falls in Lam Dong. Upon arrival in Da Lat city, check in to your hotel, after which we’ll transfer to take a cable car to visit Truc Lam Monastery, located on Phoenix Hill. From there, you can take in the panoramic view of Tuyen Lam lake and Elephant Mountain in the distance. Then visit the fascinating and tranquil XQ Embroidery Garden, and later the dried flower showroom on Mai Anh Dao Street, known to have the largest collection of dried flowers in the country which are exported to all parts of the world. Lastly, stroll through Emperor Bao Dai’s Summer Palace and Da Lat market afterward. Overnight in Da Lat.

After breakfast, depart to visit Lac Minority villages. En route you can see the vegetable fields and the countryside around the city and take pictures of people working in the fields. Take a Jeep to Lang Biang, located at 2167m above sea level, where you will have a very nice view of Da Lat city from the top. This afternoon, you’ll see Da Lat’s railway station and take the train journey to Trai Mat to visit Linh Phuoc Pagoda, locally known as Ve Chai Pagoda, located 7 km from Da Lat City. It is a unique structure which is delicately inlaid with thousands of pieces of broken bottles and terracotta. Then have free time to relax and have dinner on your own. Overnight at the same hotel.

After breakfast, journey to Nha Trang through areas of ethnic minorities, plantations growing flowers, vegetables, and coffee, as well as sturgeon and salmon farms. You’ll also see Bidoup-Nui Ba National Park, with its majestic views of dark green jungles, mountains hidden in fog, and white waterfalls pouring down the side of the road from the top of mountain – all creating a masterpiece of nature. Arrive in Nha Trang and take a rest just before having lunch on your own. In the afternoon, take the fantastic coastal road going to Bai Dai Beach (Long Beach) – one of the beautiful and clean beaches in Nha Trang for swimming, enjoying special sea food and exciting games on the white sand. Discover the beauty of Sea City at night. Overnight in Nha Trang.

 

This morning, you’re to free relax on the beach until 9:00am pick up at your hotel and transfer to visit the Vietnam Oceanographic Institute to see a collection of sea creatures found in Nha Trang Bay. After that, visit Long Son Pagoda, Cathedral or Stone Church built in French colonial time, and then have lunch in one of Nha Trang’s wonderful eateries. Continuing on you’ll see Hon Chong Promontory Rocks (meaning “Husband Rocks” – the rock cluster with the name Wife is closed by). Standing on Chong Island, you’ll find yourself in front of the blue sky, the vast sea, and Yen Island in the distance. Next stop is Po Nagar Cham Temples featuring unique architecture of Champa culture. The Po Nagar Towers were built by the Cham King Harivacman from 813 to 817. The bricks are placed so tightly together that the mortar is almost unseen. This afternoon depart Nha Trang to visit Vinh Phuong – Vinh Ngoc Villages, located 30 minutes from Nha Trang. You can observe the real life of local people, see the ancient houses and local markets in the countryside. Transfer back to your hotel late in the afternoon. Overnight at the same hotel.  

8.30am: Pick-up from the hotel; transfer to Cau Da Port

9:00: Take a boat trip to Nha Trang Bay, from where you can see the beautiful landscape of over 19 islands

10:00: Visit Hon Mun Beach Conservation Area. Mun Island is one of the best places for snorkeling. You will have the opportunity to see and touch numerous sea creatures and colorful fish, as well as admire the coral reefs.

12:00: Boat trip to Mot Island; lunch on the boat.

13:30: Boat trip to Mini Island, where guest get to indulge in water sports such as jet skiing and parasailing (on your account).

15:00: Boat trip to Tri Nguyen Aquarium, where guests can see the floating fish farm

16:00: Return to Cau Da Port, then transfer to Nha Trang where you’re free to relax on the beach or explore Nha Trang on your own. Overnight at the same hotel.

 

This morning transfer to airport for your flight to Saigon. On arrival, pick up and transfer to enjoy a full day Saigon City tour, including street food for dinner. You’ll begin visits to the highlights of downtown including Reunification Palace, formerly South Vietnam’s Independence Palace, until stormed by tanks on April 30, 1975. Preserved in its original state, the original war tanks are on display. Later, see the War Remnants Museum featuring a detailed photographic exhibition and vast collection of planes, tanks and weapons. See the Emperor of Jade Pagoda and Notre Dame Cathedral and the 1880s General Post Office & Ben Thanh Market. Continue sightseeing in Chinatown with Thien Hau Chinese temple and Chinese Medicine Street. Then back to your hotel for time to relax.

 

Later this afternoon, pick up from your hotel and transfer to Le Van Tam Park to the starting point of your walking tour. The first stop is a public park where local people enjoy some dancing exercises and Goi Du Du (Papaya salad with fried beef). They gather here when the sun goes down to socialize and dance together. It is up to you to dance with them or just watch. Then, after a short walk, try your first meal of the evening: Banh Xeo, on Dinh Cong Trang. Banh Xeo is a large rice pancake filled with vegetables, shrimp and pork. Hidden in a small alley, this local street restaurant has become very famous and serves some of the best banh xeo in Saigon. The second stop is a street food place located near Tan Dinh Market where you can try a delicious local soup inspired by Chinese recipes. After another short walk, it is time for a tasty com suon non nuong, a local Saigon dish with rice and pork ribs. After crossing a busy intersection, indulge yourself with a delicious dessert and a Vietnamese café. Finally, after 10 minutes walking, enjoy the end of this evening at a live music café featuring piano and Vietnamese songs (Ban Sonate café at 52 Dang Dung Street). At the end of the tour, return to your hotel around 22:00. Note: Places are subject to change upon availability. Overnight in Saigon.

 

7:30 am pick up at your hotel and drive to Cu Chi. Enjoy scenic drive through the countryside as people work on their rice paddies with thatched hut villages scattered along the way. Arriving at the tunnels, you will have an opportunity to go underground to see the intricate system of tunnels and learn the tactics of the Revolutionary Forces. Having finished your adventure through the Iron Triangle, continue on to Tay Ninh to visit the Cao Dai Holy See and take part in the colorful noon ceremony. Back to Saigon in the afternoon and drop off at your hotel. Overnight at the same hotel.  

 

8:00am departure from your hotel. This is your introduction to the rice basket of Vietnam. Upon arrival at Cai Be, you’ll board a junk boat for a tour of Cai Be’s colorful floating market. We’ll proceed to visit home factories which produce such products as rice paste, rice popcorn, coco candies, and dried longyans. Then, return by boat for an excursion to Dong Phu, Binh Hoa Phuoc, and An Binh islands located between Vinh Long and Cai Be. These islands in the Mekong River are home to a large network of meandering rivers, crisscrossed with many arroyos, and remain unknown to many people. Lunch will await you at a fruit orchard where family descendants will welcome you with a cup a warm green tea. After lunch and a short walk to visit the orchard, you’ll board a boat for a 45-minute cruise to discover beautiful landscapes along the river and observe typical Mekong delta rural life. A stop can be made on the way at An Binh ancient Church. After crossing the Co Chien River, the excursion will end at Vinh Long Pier. Then pick up and drive to Can Tho, where you’ll check in to your hotel upon arrival. At leisure to relax, explore, and have dinner on your own. Overnight in Can Tho.

In the morning take a boat trip to the Cai Rang Floating Market – a highlight of your Mekong Delta visit. The sights of the busy and colorful floating market are unique to this area. Weaving through the various boats, you’ll arrive at a tropical fruit garden (Ba Cong Fruit Garden) where you can savor the seasonal fruits of the area. This orchard is well-known for some of the most delicious fruits in Vietnam. Afternoon return to Saigon. Drop off at hotel. Overnight in Saigon.

This morning, you’re at leisure until transfer to airport for your flight back home from Saigon. End services.