Day 1 : Arrive in
Ho Chi Minh city.
Arrive in Ho Chi Minh
city from Sydney. You will be picked up and transferred to your hotel in center
Saigon. In the afternoon, you will visit War Remnants Museum, the Reunification
Palace, the Notre Dame Cathedral, Saigon City Hall and the historic Central
Post Office.
Overnight
at Continental Hotel.
Day 2 : Saigon- Can
Tho Mekong Delta. (B-L-D)
Dep.,
Sai Gon at 8h00 head south to Cai be. On arrival walk through the village
streets and watch locals making manioc chips before boarding a boat for a
journey through the town's floating market. Cruise through the secluded canals
to an island where we stop to enjoy seasonal fruits before our boat takes us to
Vinh Long where we get back on the bus for our trip to Can Tho to stay
overnight. Overnight at Victoria Can
Tho hotel.
Day 3 : Can Tho.
(B)
An early start for a
boat trip to Cai Rang and Phong Dien floating markets. We stop for a walk on a
quiet country road to take in the magnificent scenery and get close to the
locals as they go about their daily routine. We try a xe loi, the local
colonial-era cab pulled by motorbike, on a country road.
In
the afternoon, you will be free at leisure to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere at
the hotel.
Overnight at
Victoria Can Tho hotel.
Day
4 : Can Tho- Tay Ninh- Cu Chi- Saigon. (B-L)
We start this day very
early at 7h00 and drive 250km to Tay Ninh to the Great CaoDai temple (a mixture
of Buddhism, Confucius, Taoism, Hinduism and Christian). We see the noon mass
at the temple (appox.1 hour). Afternoon we visit Cu Chi, a fabulous tunnel. You
will have an opportunity to get the unique experience of guerillas living and
fighting underground during the war (a crawl through 50 – 100 meters out 200 km
of the tunnel system is unforgettable).
Local rice paper workshops, nice paddy fields are pleasant sights on the
way.
Overnight
at Continental hotel.
Day 5: Saigon-
Hoian. (B-D)
You will be picked up
at your hotel at 9h30 to transfer to Saigon airport to get a flight to Danang
(VN324- 11h20- 12h30). You local guide in Hoian will pick you up in Danang and
take you to Hoian. In the afternoon, you
are free to enjoy the swimming pool or take a walk in the old town of Hoian or
relax on the white sand beach of Cua Dai.
Overnight
at Vinh Hung resort. Day
6 Hoian. (B)
Free day in Hoian to
enjoy the beach or shopping in the old town.
In the evening, embark a
cruise on the wooden junk for a dinner while cruising on Thu Bon river passing
the town in the light of
colourful lanterns.
Overnight
at Vinh Hung resort.
Day 7: Hoian- Hue.
(B)
In the morning, you
will transfer to Hue, with a great chance to visit the Marble mountain and Cham
Scupture musuem and drive over the stunning Hai Van pass. Check into Asia
Hotel. In the afternoon, you will take a Dragon style boat trip on Perfume
river to visit the ancient Thien Mu (Heavenly Lady) pagoda. Hue is also very
famous for its historical relics including King’s tomb. Your boat will stop by
Tu Duc tomb, one of the nicest King’s tomb which is set in hamony of Earth,
Heaven, Green trees, Water and monuments. You will take a small walk to a
smaller tomb of Dong Khanh before your bus pick you up to go back to your
hotel.
Overnight
at Asia hotel.
Day
08: Hue- Hanoi. (B)
This morning take you
to the Forbidden Purple City, the former living place of the Royal family
during the Nguyen dynasty in from 19th century to mid 20th century. Althought most of palaces were
distroyed during the American War (Vietnamese War) especially in Tet offensive
(1968), this place still worth a visit with many palaces and temples. Your
guide will help you to understand more about this period in Vietnam history as
well as the daily life of the Royal family. Afternoon fly to Hanoi (VN 244-
14h40). Your friendly Hanoi guide will meet you at Hanoi airport and transfer
to Hanoi down town.
Overnight at
Majestic Salute Hotel.
Day
09 Hanoi City tour. (B-L)
After breakfast in
your hotel you will be met by your guide at 8:00am for an insightful city tour
to visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum, One Pillar Pagoda (ad 1049), and
The Temple of Literature (ad 1070). Following lunch, you will visit the
Ethnology museum which will give you an overview of 54 ethnic minorities in
Vietnam including the Thai people who you will meet in Mai Chau and Hmong,
Dzao, Dzay… people who you will meeting in Sapa. After that, you will take a
fascinating 2 hour tour of Ha Noi’s Old Quarter by Cyclo. The history of the
Old Quarter dates back some 2000 years with it’s 36 narrow streets each named
after the trade or merchandise made and sold there. With various influences in
the architecture and the many temples dedicated to the patron saint of each
guild, this is truly a shoppers and photographers delight.
Overnight
Hotel (B)
Day 10: Ha Noi –
Mai Chau Village (B-L-D)
After
breakfast in your hotel, we will depart at 7:30am and drive into the
mountainous area past Hoa Binh to Mai Chau Village, approximately 4 hours from
Hanoi. Stop along the mountain passes to take photos of the stunning vistas.
You’ll have a savoury lunch in a local stilt house. Drive to the Ma river (30
min, 15 km) for a short boat ride of 30 min. Get off the boat and walk through
local ethnic villages for 2 hrs. You can also choose to stay and explore Mai
Chau village. Return to Mai Chau where you’ll have dinner and home stay in the
stilt house with the friendly Thai ethnic people. Overnight Homestay (BLD)
Day 11 Mai Chau – Ha Noi (B-L) Have breakfast in the home stay then head
out for 3 hrs walking through the verdant rice paddies and local villages to
see the daily life here. There are two local villages close together so you can
choose an easy stroll around to watch the locals make stunning fabrics on their
looms. Make your way back to the home stay for lunch. Return to Ha Noi where
you are free at your leisure to explore one of the many local restaurants. You’ll have free time to have dinner
before taking the train to Lao Cai. Overnight train to Hanoi on Tulico train-
Private vip cabin for 4 people
12: Sapa
trekking tour. (B-L-D)
You will arrive in Lao Cai at about 6h00
and transfer to Sapa. The bus ride up hill to Sapa takes a little over an hour
giving you a glimpse of the stunning vistas and impressive rice terraces. Leave
your luggage in the hotel and your guide will take you to a local restaurant
for breakfast. Start a short ride (30 minutes) to the Golden Stream valley,
stop at Lao Chai village (Black H’mong hill tribe). The trekking tour is very
interesting as you’ll challenge yourselves by balancing on the rice terraces
passing villages of H’mong people and Dzay people in Ta Van village. You will
visit a few shools on the way and one of them, in Lao Chai village was built
with the big help from Handspan Travel and Southest Asian School Foundation.
After a picnic lunch, you will walk down to and along the stream to get back to
the main road where your driver is waiting and take you back to the comfort of
Victoria Sapa hotel. Overnight at Victoria Sapa hotel.
Day 13 : Sapa
trekking tour. (B-D)
After breakfast, your
guide will meet you (at around 9h00) and take you to Sapa market where it is
quite busy today as local hilltribes from villages come to sell and buy. Start
a trekking down hill to Cat Cat Waterfall and the nearby Black H’mong village.
The 3 hour trekking is not very difficult as you mostly going down hill on
steps. After that, our driver will take you back to town and you’ll have free
time to explore the town by yourselves. In the afternoon, you will take a short
ride to Ta Phin village of the Red Dzao. The insightful trek of 8km around this
verdant valley offer you a chance to visit a few Hmong and Red Dzao hill
tribes. Bus ride back to Sapa. Early dinner before drive to Lao Cai.
Overnight
train to Hanoi on Victoria Orient Express..
8h30:
Day 14 Hanoi - Halong Bay Drive to Halong City (3.5 hrs) thru the Red River Delta with its verdant
farmland dotted with local villages. Arrive at 12:00pm. Transfer to the Dragon's Pearl Junk,
enjoy a lunch with fresh seafood as you embark on a 4 hr cruise into the bay to
see the incredible Karst formations such as Lion, Tea Pot, and Toad... Cruise
further past the Tam Cung cave's gate, Dau Nguoi (Human Head) islet, and then
visit the Sung Sot (Amazing) cave. There will be lots of time for swimming and
sun bathing. Cruise to a quiet firth and enjoy a great sunset dinner, relax
under the starlit sky before retiring to the comfort of your cabin.
Day 15:
Kayaking in Halong Bay (B-L-D)
After
breakfast, transfer to the kayaking area where you'll be given a basic paddling
lesson by our expert who'll show you how to paddle safely at your comfort.
After that, you and your guide will explore the mystical bay. There will be a
lot of swimming, visiting beaches or a lagoon cave (depending on tidal
conditions). Return to the Dragon's Pearl
to enjoy a savoury sunset dinner and relax under the starlit sky
Early
risers will enjoy a refreshing swim in a quiet firth. Brunch buffet will be
served from 9:00am11:00am. You'll continue cruising through the bay, along the
way seeing more of the fascinating formations like Trong (Drum) cave, Yen Ngua
(Saddle) islet, Ham Rong (Dragon's mouth) islet, Am (Tea Pot) islet, Mat Qui
(Monster's face) islet, former "Indochina" movie's studio. Check out
procedure (9.30am-10.30am). Arrive at the habour by 12pm, transfer to the pier
and board the private coach back to Hanoi.
Farewell dinner at Wild Rice
restaurant. Overnight at Majestic Salute hotel.
Day 16 Halong to Hanoi
Early
risers will enjoy a refreshing swim in a quiet firth. Brunch buffet will be
served from 9:00am11:00am. You'll continue cruising through the bay, along the
way seeing more of the fascinating formations like Trong (Drum) cave, Yen Ngua
(Saddle) islet, Ham Rong (Dragon's mouth) islet, Am (Tea Pot) islet, Mat Qui
(Monster's face) islet, former "Indochina" movie's studio. Check out
procedure (9.30am-10.30am). Arrive at the habour by 12pm, transfer to the pier
and board the private coach back to Hanoi.
Farewell dinner at Wild Rice
restaurant. Overnight at Majestic Salute hotel. Day 16: Free in Hanoi.
Day 17 Transfer to the airport for your flight
COST from US$2750 per person price may fluctuate due
to the US$ between now and departure
Please be advised that this total price does not include Visa
stamp fee to Vietnam (around US$ 25 per person), all international flights from
and to your country and all other services not mentioned above. The prices for
flights might be changed upon booking time without prior notice.
Inclusive:
Local English speaking guide
-Transportation
-Meals as mentioned
-Entrance fees
-Water Puppet ticket.
-Victoria
Express train & return (Superior cabin)
-Boat trip in Halong, Hue, Hoian as
mentioned
-Flight
Saigon- Danang/ Hue- Hanoi (economy –M class)
-Accommodation
as dedicated with daily breakfast:
Excluding:
International
flights
-Personal expense
-Drinks
-Departure tax Hanoi US$25
-Others not mentioned above
tips allow approx $120 per person
D8: Hoian- Hue. (B) In the morning, you will transfer to Hue, with a great chance to visit the Marble mountain and Cham Scupture musuem and drive over the stunning Hai Van pass. Check into Asia Hotel.In the afternoon, you will take a Dragon style boat trip on Perfume river to visit the ancient Thien Mu (Heavenly Lady) pagoda. Hue is also very famous for its historical relics including King’s tomb. Your boat will stop by Tu Duc tomb, one of the nicest King’s tomb which is set in hamony of Earth, Heaven, Green trees, Water and monuments. You will take a small walk to a smaller tomb of Dong Khanh before your bus pick you up to go back to your hotel.Overnight at Asia hotel.
D9: Hue- Hanoi. (B)
This morning take you to the Forbidden Purple City, the former living place of the Royal family during the Nguyen dynasty in from 19th century to mid 20th century. Althought most of palaces were distroyed during the American War (Vietnamese War) especially in Tet offensive (1968), this place still worth a visit with many palaces and temples. Your guide will help you to understand more about this period in Vietnam history as well as the daily life of the Royal family.Afternoon fly to Hanoi (VN 244- 14h40- 15h50). Your friendly Hanoi guide will meet you at Hanoi airport and transfer to Hanoi down town. Overnight at Majestic Salute Hotel.
D10: Hanoi City tour. (B-L) After breakfast in your hotel you will be met by your guide at 8:00am for an insightful city tour to visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum, One Pillar Pagoda (ad 1049), and The Temple of Literature (ad 1070). Following lunch, you will visit the Ethnology museum which will give you an overview of 54 ethnic minorities in Vietnam including the Thai people who you will meet in Mai Chau and Hmong, Dzao, Dzay… people who you will meeting in Sapa. After that, you will take a fascinating 2 hour tour of Ha Noi’s Old Quarter by Cyclo. The history of the Old Quarter dates back some 2000 years with it’s 36 narrow streets each named after the trade or merchandise made and sold there. With various influences in the architecture and the many temples dedicated to the patron saint of each guild, this is truly a shoppers and photographers delight. You’ll have free time to have dinner before taking the train to Lao Cai. Overnight train to Hanoi on Victoria Express- Superior cabin for 4 people.
D11: Sapa trekking tour. (B-L-D) You will arrive in Lao Cai at about 6h00 and transfer to Sapa. The bus ride up hill to Sapa takes a little over an hour giving you a glimpse of the stunning vistas and impressive rice terraces. Leave your luggage in the hotel and your guide will take you to a local restaurant for breakfast. Start a short ride (30 minutes) to the Golden Stream valley, stop at Lao Chai village (Black H’mong hill tribe). The trekking tour is very interesting as you’ll challenge yourselves by balancing on the rice terraces passing villages of H’mong people and Dzay people in Ta Van village. You will visit a few shools on the way and one of them, in Lao Chai village was built with the big help from Handspan Travel and Southest Asian School Foundation. After a picnic lunch, you will walk down to and along the stream to get back to the main road where your driver is waiting and take you back to the comfort of Victoria Sapa hotel. Overnight at Victoria Sapa hotel.
D12: Sapa trekking tour. (B-D) After breakfast, your guide will meet you (at around 9h00) and take you to Sapa market where it is quite busy today as local hilltribes from villages come to sell and buy. Start a trekking down hill to Cat Cat Waterfall and the nearby Black H’mong village. The 3 hour trekking is not very difficult as you mostly going down hill on steps. After that, our driver will take you back to town and you’ll have free time to explore the town by yourselves.In the afternoon, you will take a short ride to Ta Phin village of the Red Dzao. The insightful trek of 8km around this verdant valley offer you a chance to visit a few Hmong and Red Dzao hill tribes. Bus ride back to Sapa. Early dinner before drive to Lao Cai.Overnight train to Hanoi on Victoria Express- Superior cabin for 4 people.
D13: Hanoi- Halong (B-L-D) 8h30: Drive to Halong City (3.5 hrs) thru the Red River Delta with its verdant farmland dotted with local villages. Arrive at 12:00pm. Transfer to the Dragon's Pearl Junk, enjoy a lunch with fresh seafood as you embark on a 4 hr cruise into the bay to see the incredible Karst formations such as Lion, Tea Pot, and Toad... Cruise further past the Tam Cung cave's gate, Dau Nguoi (Human Head) islet, and then visit the Sung Sot (Amazing) cave. There will be lots of time for swimming and sun bathing. Cruise to a quiet firth and enjoy a great sunset dinner, relax under the starlit sky before retiring to the comfort of your cabin.
D14: Kayaking in Halong Bay (B-L-D) After breakfast, transfer to the kayaking area where you'll be given a basic paddling lesson by our expert who'll show you how to paddle safely at your comfort. After that, you and your guide will explore the mystical bay. There will be a lot of swimming, visiting beaches or a lagoon cave (depending on tidal conditions). Return to the Dragon's Pearl to enjoy a savoury sunset dinner and relax under the starlit sky before retiring to the comfort of your cabin.
D15: Ha Long – Ha Noi (B-L-D) Early risers will enjoy a refreshing swim in a quiet firth. Brunch buffet will be served from 9:00am-11:00am. You'll continue cruising through the bay, along the way seeing more of the fascinating formations like Trong (Drum) cave, Yen Ngua (Saddle) islet, Ham Rong (Dragon's mouth) islet, Am (Tea Pot) islet, Mat Qui (Monster's face) islet, former "Indochina" movie's studio. Check out procedure (9.30am-10.30am). Arrive at the habour by 12pm, transfer to the pier and board the private coach back to Hanoi.Farewell dinner at Wild Rice restaurant.Overnight at Majestic Salute hotel.
D16: Free in Hanoi (B) Free in Hanoi until your flight out of Vietnam Trip ends.
Land Price per person: AUST $2250 TWIN US$2560 SINGLE SUPPLE
HIGHLIGHTS OF VIETNAM TOUR.