Day 1: Hanoi - Arrival
Upon arrival at Noi Bai Airport, our guide and driver will pick you up and transfer to hotel for check in. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 2: Hanoi City tour - Lao Cai (B, L) - by night train
You are met at 08:30 am in the hotel lobby. There is a morning and afternoon schedule, as well as an organised lunch.
Morning:
• Ho Chi Minh Complex including his former stilt–house residence, the Presidential Palace and the Ho Chi Minh Museum
• The Temple of Literature – Vietnam’s first university dating back to 1070
• A local Vietnamese lunch
Afternoon:
• Hanoi Hilton museum (Hoa Lo prison)
• Ngoc Son Temple and Hoan Kiem Lake – the Ngoc Son Temple is set on a tiny island on Hoan Kiem Lake, its history dating back to the 13th century
• A one–hour cyclo tour through the narrow, chaotic streets of the Old Quarter – a must for any visitor to Hanoi!
• A traditional performance of the famous Vietnamese water puppets
20:45 Transfer to Station with our guide to catch the night train to Lao Cai (soft sleeper with airconditioning) at 21:50pm, arrive 5:30 or 6:00am. Overnight on train
Day 3: Lao Cai - Sapa - Ta Van - Lao Chai (B, L, D)
Arrive Lao Cai, pick up at Lao Cai Station then we go to Sapa. Breakfast at local restaurant and then start trekking. The first part is on the road but we soon turn to the right and walk on a small path down the valley to the Muong Hoa River and from here to the Black H’mong village Lao Chai. Black H’mong is one of the biggest minority groups in the Sapa area. They are proud of their culture and keep their traditions and way of living. They have their own language and wear traditional indigio blue clothing. After this you continue to Ta Van village (1.200 m) to visit Zay people. Zay is a fairly small minority group of about 38.000 people who live mainly in the mountains in Northwest Vietnam. The development has meant that some of their old customs have been lost but many women still wear traditional shirts with a purple, blue or green color. The Zay houses are build of wood and bamboo with a clay floor. Overnight in Sapa.
Day 4: Trekking to Ban Ho Village (Homestay) (B, L, D)
We continue our trek, passing through many different hilltribe villages along the way. On our journey we meet many of the local people. Black Hmong, Tay, Red Dao and Sa Pho are some of the many minority groups who have settled in this remote region. Our second night of trekking is most likely spent in the village of Ban Ho.
Day 5: Trekking to Fansipan - Lao Cai - Hanoi (B, L) - by night train
After breakfast, we drive to Silver Waterfall. The Silver Waterfall is located about a half hour from Sapa town which offers stunning views over surrounding mountains and lush forests belonging to Hoang Lien National Park. You are advised to stop by a farm for a cup of tea and talk with people to understand their local life. Then we continue our drive uphill to the Heavens Gate, the highest stretch of road in Vietnam as well as the provincial border of Lao Cai and Lai Chau provinces. Enjoy fantastic view over the valley!
Optional: Then take a cable car to Fansipan mountain. Currently the highest point of Fansipan is at 3,143m high. As you know the cable car in Sapa is the world’s longest and highest cable car, running up from sleepy Sapa Town in Lao Cai Province to the peak of Fansipan Mountain, known as Indochina’s rooftop. Enjoy the view from the highest point of this incredible mountain. The lush green and subtropical vegetation makes this mountain really very beautiful. Take some pictures for unforgettable experience from the top. After taking scenery then get cable car back to Sapa. The ticket is 32 USD/01 person.
Then transfer to the station in Lao Cai for the night train back to Hanoi at 20:15pm, arrive around 05:00am. Overnight on train.
Day 6: Hanoi - Halong Bay (B, L, D)
Train arrives Hanoi at 05:00, we go to Hoan Kiem lake to see hundreds of local people doing Taichi on its side. Walk around the old streets before coming back to the hotel for buffet breakfast there.
07.30 – 07.45 Pick up from your hotel in Hanoi by shuttle bus of cruise company. Drive to Halong Bay. Enjoy the peaceful scenery as we travel through the countryside, farmlands and Red River delta.
11.30 Upon arrival at Vinashin Tourist Harbor, You are welcomed at our waiting room before enjoying the cruise.
12.15-12.30 Embark on Huong Hai Sealife. Enjoy welcome drink as Cruise Manager gives you a brief overview of the itinerary and important safety guideline. Check in your cabin.
13.00 Start cruisingamong famous Islets (Indochina studio, Am Islet…) ofBai Tu Long Bay, the wildest beauty with the panoramic natural views.
Admire the grace of the bay while enjoying the delicious lunch in the restaurant at the first deck.
14.30 Explore the well-hidden Co Cave (known as Thien Canh Son Cave). Relax on white sandy beach or walk along the beach at Hon Co Island (no swimming).
15.45 Return to Huong Hai Sealife and enjoy Happy hour. You will have 30% discount off from the special drinks list; including of cocktail, mocktail and mixed drinks (from 16.30 pm to 19.00 pm.).
Treasure the wonderful beauty of Bai Tu Long Bay at sunset, admire the striking islands and islets, savor the fresh and peaceful atmosphere which could hardly be found in landwhile cruising to Cong Do sleeping area.
16.30 Enjoy kayaking at Cong Do or relaxing on the cruise.
18.00 Onboard the vessel, surrounded by a stunning, setting in motion, attend our chef’s cooking demonstration and try your skills in the art of traditional Vietnamese cooking (spring roll)on the sundeck.
19.15 Dinner is served in the restaurant at the first desk. You can enjoy the charm of Bai Tu Long Bay at night.
21.00 Evening activities: relax at leisure; enjoy our Movie Night, Board Games or our Massage & Spa services(massage and spa fee is not included in the price), squid fishing. Overnight on Bai Tu Long Bay
Day 7: Halong Bay - Hanoi (B, L)
06.30-7.45 Before enjoying the breakfast with cookies and tea, café at the restaurant of the cruise, tourists can try the taichi session on the sundeck at the break of dawn on Bai Tu Long Bay
7.45-8.45 Explore the area of Hon Co Island and Co Cave (Grass Cave, also known as Thien Canh Son). You can revel in the breathtaking view of Bai Tu Long bay from above, as well as the glorious long white sand of Hon Co Island.
Tourists can relax on the white sand beach of Co Island, enjoy swimming on the area of Co Island. With the long white sand beaches and the crystal-like green water, definitely, tourists would have the fantastic moments after exploring the cave.
8.45 Tourists come back to the cruise by tender.
9.15 Tourists arrange the luggage and check out.
9.30-10.30 Tourists can enjoy the light lunch (brunch) in Sealife Cruise while the cruise departs from Hon Co Island back to Vinashin dock.
11.15 Arrive back at Vinashin dock, Halong city for disembarkation where your driver waits to take you back to your Hanoi
16.30 Arrive in Hanoi. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 8: Hanoi - Hue (B, L) - by flight
An early morning transfer to the airport for a short flight to Hue. Our guide and driver will pick you up and start city tour to visit:
The beautiful riverside pagoda of Thien Mu which now becomes the symbol of Hue, and the elaborate royal tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh are not to be missed. We include these 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. After an impressive boat trip we return to the town. Sightseeing tour takes us in 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 and enjoy a walk to the bustling Dong Ba Market that sells a wide variety of local goods and handicrafts. Along the way we pass by many fantastic eating spots, ideal places for visitors to sample some local delicacies. Back to hotel and relax. Overnight in Hue.
Day 9: Hue - Hoi An (B, L)
Breakfast at hotel. Drive to Da Nang via beautifully Hai Van Pass, stop on they way for breath taking at Lang Co Beach, then continue to Da Nang, visit the Museum of Cham Sculpture. Continue to visit Marble Moutains, the mountains stand for 5 element on earth like: Metal, Plant, Water, Fire, Earth. You can climb up the mountain to visit a pagoda in Huyen Khong Cave. Down the the mountain is the stone carving village, you can watch the art work on site with marble stone. Then transfer to Hoi An, the famous World Cuture Heritage town. Check in on arrival. Overnight in Hoi An.
Day 10: Hoi An (B, L)
In the morning, our guide and car will come to pick you up at your hotel then transfer to Hoi An ancient town. Start our morning by strolling around the Hoi An ancient town to visit: Chua Cau or Japanese Covered Bridge-considered the symbol of Hoi An the finest example of Japanese architecture. Step back in time to discover the Chinese street with stunning Phuc Kien Hall and Phung Hung old house typical of Hoian original architecture. We then visit Hoi An vibrant market and ancient port to explore the rythm of local daily life and savor the true color, flavor and taste of the oriental. Finally, we visit Phuc Thanh Pagoda – the oldest pagoda in Hoi An built in 1454 with Chinese bonze. Have lunch in the local restaurant with specialties of Hoian: the Cao Lau noodle and White Rose dumpling. In the afternoon, take a boat trip on Thu Bon River - the poetic river that shaped the verdant nature and rich cultural heritage of Hoian. Stop en route to visit two handicraft villages nestled on the river banks: Thanh Ha pottery village and Kim Bong carpentry village well known for their nice handicraft products. Transfer back to the hotel afterward. Relax and Overnight in Hoi An.
Day 11: Hoi An (B)
Free at leisure at the hotel and then discover Hoi An city by yourself or relax on beach. Overnight in Hoi An.
Day 12: Hoi An (B)
Free at leisure at the hotel and then discover Hoi An city by yourself or relax on beach. Overnight in Hoi An.
Day 13: Hoi An - Da Nang - Buon Ma Thuot (B, L, D) - by flight
Pick up at airport in Buon Ma Thuot and drive about 80 kms to the rural village of Nam Ka before walking the final 3 kms to our home for the night. Our homestay is in Rai village, which is an Ede minority village. Our accommodation, a traditional long house-on-stilt of Ede group, is very simple but clean and comfortable.
Day 14: Buon Ma Thuot - Rai Village (B, L, D)
We are picked up at Buon Ma Thuot in the afternoon. Driving about 80 kms to the rural village of Nam Ka before walking the final 3 kms to our home for the night. Our homestay is in Rai village, which is an Ede minority village. Our accommodation, a traditional long house-on-stilt of Ede group, is very simple but clean and comfortable.
Day 15: Nam Ka Forest - Buon Triet Lake - Jatu (B, L, D)
Today, we have a full day for trekking through evergreen forest to the lovely Buon Triet lake. The trek is 18 kms but is graded easy and the temperature remains quite comfortable. We are picked up by pedal boatsand enjoy a ride across this beautiful lake before enjoying an afternoon swim. This evening is spent in Jatu villagewhere our hosts belong to the M’nong minority.
Day 16: Jun Village - Lak Lake - M’lieng Village (B, L, D)
We will take private transport to Jun village. Enjoying a ride across Lak lake by elephant to M’Lieng village. Walking around the village to discover the daily life of ethnic minority in the Central Highlands. Back to Jun village by boat. This evening is spent at a hotel in Buon Ma Thuot where you can take the delights of a hot shower. By night, you take a walk on the streets and enjoy some of the best quality coffee in Vietnam.
Day 17: Buon Ma Thuot - Kon Tum (B, L, D)
There are some interesting things to do this morning. Visit Ethnology Museum where we can see many things come from the daily life of ethnic minorities in Vietnam such as: clothes, cultivated tools, musical instruments... We continue on to Khai Doan Pagoda, the last one of Nguyen Dynasty in the Central Highlands. The architecture of this pagoda is mixed between long house-on-stilts of Ede group and traditional house in Hue. Visit Buon Ma Thuot’s bustling regional market. You can buy some souvenirs before driving to Kon Tum in the afternoon. Overnight at hotel in Kon Tum.
Day 18: Kon Tum - Kon Ko Tu Village (B, L, D)
Visit the Big Seminary, the Wooden Church and drive to Kon Ko Lor II village. Start hiking through Kon Ko Ri village, across rice and sugar-cane fields. You will meet Bana ethnic people and discover the architecture of Rong house which looks like an axe blade pointing in to the sky. Later in the afternoon, enjoy a ride on the river by rubber boat to Kon Ko Tu village. This evening is spent in Rong house that belongs to the Bana minority.
Day 19: Dakto - Plei Phun - Plei Ku (B, L)
The private transport will take us to Dak To. Walk across a suspension bridge to visit some villages of Se Dang minority. Back to Kon Tum and transport to Plei Ku. Visit Phun village, a traditional village of Jarai ethnic group with a typical cemetery in the Central Highlands. The tombs are decorated by wooden statues. Going on to T’nung Lake before checking in hotel in Plei Ku.
Day 20: Plei Ku - Qui Nhon (B, L)
Today we drive to Qui Nhon via Highway No.19 with stopover at An Khe to visit the former bases: 1st Bn 7th CAV Base Camp, 3rd Bde "Garry Owen" Base Camp, Looking West from 3rd Bde, The Barrier Line, 1/9 CAV Area and Manyang passes, having lunch on the way. Proceed to Qui Nhon. Overnight at beach resort in Quy Nhon.
Day 21: Qui Nhon - Nha Trang (B, L)
Morning departure for the beach city of Nha Trang by Highway 1, stopping at any point that interests you along the way. Arrive at Nha Trang, check into hotel. Free evening for strolling around the city. Overnight in Nha Trang city.
Day 22: Nha Trang Island Tour (B, L)
09:00 Pick up at hotel to Cau Da port
09:15 Transfer to Fishing village by speed boat
09:20 Visit Fishing village which is the floating fisherman’s village, try taking bamboo boat (20 minutes)
09:45 See many fishes in South China sea at Tri Nguyen Aquarium (45 minutes)
10:30 Move to Mun Island where has crystal water (15 minutes)
10:45 Enjoy swimming and snorkeling at Mun island (90 minutes)
12:15 Move to Con Se Tre on Tre Island for lunch (15 minutes)
12:30 Enjoy the spectacular landscape at Con Se Tre, having lunch and relaxing
(lunch:60 minutes, relaxing: 75 minutes)
14:45 Back to harbor (10 minutes)
14:55 Back to hotel (15 minutes)
Free time on beach and relax. Overnight in Nha Trang.
Day 23: Nha Trang - Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) (B, L) - by flight
Free at leisure until transferring to airport to take flight to Ho Chi Minh City, still called Saigon by many locals, is a center of commerce, finance, culture and tourism in Vietnam. This bustling metropolis ,contradiction of its northern counterpart, is crowded with bikes and motorbikes, excited by numerous shopping area and sidewalk cafe.
Free at leisure at the hotel and then discover Ho Chi Minh city by yourself. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.
Day 24: Ho Chi Minh City - Departure (B)
Breakfast at the hotel. Then transfer to the airport for the your international flight. End of services.