MYTHS & MOUNTAINS OF NORTH VIETNAM

 Tour Code:VIT 01 
Tour Route:Hanoi, Mai Chau, Ninh Binh (Hoa Lu & Trang An), Halong Bay.
 Price From : $ 
 Tour Type: Private Tour  
 Duration: 6 days/ 5 nights

This special trip will introduce you to some of the best of North Vietnam - its diverse ethnic groups, a variety of different crafts, the traditional medicines of the land, and some of the best scenery in the country. Arriving in Hanoi, you will tour the city and its shops as well as visit the Museum of Ethnology and the Hospital of Traditional Medicine. Then, you will head west to the area around MaiChau to tour the hill tribe areas and spend the night in local home become acquainted with the friendly Thai tribe people. Continue to  Ninh Binh, Tam Coc passing Cuc Phuong National Park, you will then head up to Halong bay for a night on a luxury cruise.
- Extendable with optional tours from Hanoi. 

 Day 1: Hanoi Arrival.
Welcome to Hanoi: Vietnam’s bustling colonial capital. Your driver and guide will meet you outside the baggage claim of Noi Bai Airport and take you to your hotel in the city center. In the afternoon enjoy a cyclo tour through the Old Quarter’s narrow streets lined with French colonial buildings – followed by a traditional Water Puppet Performance – a unique Vietnamese art form hailing from Southeast Asia’s wet-rice culture. Savor a welcome dinner at one of Hanoi’s finest restaurants.
Meals: Dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi.
 Day 2: Hanoi City Tour.
Today you have a full day to explore Vietnam’s charming capital. With its wide tree-lined boulevards, French colonial architecture, peaceful lakes and ancient oriental pagodas, Hanoi is an eclectic mix that offers something for everyone. Your city tour will take you to Hanoi’s key sites: the Ho Chi Minh Complex (Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum and stilt house), the Presidential Palace, the nearby One Pillar Pagoda; the Temple of Literature; West Lake including the sedate Tran Quoc Pagoda & Quan Thanh Temple; and one of the city's museums (a choice between the History Museum and the Ethnology Museum).
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi.
 Day 3: Hanoi – Mai Chau.
Wake early and enjoy breakfast at the hotel, before setting off on your drive to Mai Chau – a yawning valley, cradling picturesque rice paddies and boarded by looming karst rock formations. Enjoy picturesque views of the scenic landscape, sown with pagodas and rural villages. Stop along the way to visit the Muong tribe and then at Thung Khe Pass for a spectacular view of Mai Chau Valley. After lunch, spend the afternoon trekking off the typical tourist track, along the Song Ma River. Trek through terraced rice paddies and small villages, discovering the natural beauty of the valley and encountering the culture of the White Thai people, living in the region. Stop at a Thai village for the night, having dinner with a local family and enjoying a homestay in their long house.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Accommodation: Homestay in Mai Chau.
 Day 4: Mai Chau – Ninh Binh (Hoa Lu & Trang An).
Enjoy breakfast at homestay before journeying to Hoa Lu, Vietnam's first capital. Visit to temples and walk hundred steps up to top of a mountain for a panorama view of the old capital. After lunch, enjoy a leisure cruise to visit Trang An, a nature reserve similar to Tam Coc however less visited. Limestone hills surround a peaceful river which passes through a series of caves (one which takes 15-minutes to pass through in darkness). It is an “eco-tourism” area, the only interruptions here are the sound of birds and the gentle paddle of the oar upon the crystal clear river. Overnight at Emeralda Ninh Binh Resort & Spa which is set within a prime location on the edge of the Van Long Nature Reserve's jungles.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch,Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Ninh Binh.
 Day 5: Ninh Binh – Haiphong – Halong Bay – Overnight on cruise 
Halong Pelican Luxury Cruise’s itinerary will take you for a discovery of Halong Bay’s best of different formulas to take you each for a ride amidst the magic archipelago; and depending on the length of the cruise, you’ll enjoy a global overview of different wonders that this UNESCO World Heritage site has to offer.
After breakfast at hotel, your driver will take you on a 4-hour drive passing the countryside of the Red River Delta to Halong Bay.
12:00 – 12:30 Check in Pelican Luxury café (Tuan Chau Island).
12:30 – 13:00 Transfer to Pelican Luxury Cruise by tender.
13:00 – 13:30 Welcome on boat, enjoy welcome drink and follow Operation Manager briefing safety on boat as Pelican Luxury Cruise heads to “Cho Da” Stone Dog, Ga Choi "Fighting Cock", Hoa Cuong village.
13:30 – 15:00 Having lunch.
16:00 – 17:15 Visit Bat cave by:
- The 1st option: Kayaking (included).
- The 2nd option: Visit Bat cave by bamboo boat (included).
17:15 – 18:15 Back to the Pelican Luxury Cruise to find safety place for overnight. Free time on cruise.
Option: Massage service available. Please book with Cruise Manager directly (please see massage menu).
18:00 – 19:00 Cooking demonstrations on sundeck, Happy Hour (buy one drink, get one free).
19:30 – 21:30 Having dinner.
21:30 – 23:00 Entertainment activities:
- The 1st option: Join squid fishing, film entertainment ( included).
- The 2nd option: Massage service available. Please book with Cruise Manager directly (please see massage menu).
23:00 Overnight on Pelican Luxury Cruise.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: on cruise.
 Day 6: Halong Bay – Hanoi – Departure.
06:15 – 06:45 Tai Chi instruction on sundeck.
07:00 – 07:45 Having breakfast.
07:45 – 08:45 Exploring Surprise cave (about 60 minute on foot).
09:00 – 09:30 Check out, payment in reception area.
10:00 Having light lunch.
11:30 Back to Tuan Chau pier. Transfer by tender to Pelican Luxury cruises café.
Your driver will transfer you to Noi Bai International Airport for your departure flight. Good bye & Safe travels!
Meals: Brunch
Accommodation: N/A.

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VIETNAM INSIGHT-12 DAYS

Tour Code: VIT 04
Tour Route: Saigon, Mekong Delta, Hoian, Hue, HaLong Bay,HaNoi
Price From : $ 
Tour Type: Private Tour
Duration: 12 days / 11 nights

 Experience the best Vietnam has to offer on this 12 day tour that takes you from South to North. Start in Saigon then explore the lush landscapes of the Mekong River Delta. Relax under the whispering palms in Hoian and discover Hue’s ancient history. Conclude your tour with a visit to Vietnam’s eclectic capital and a boat cruise along the eerily beautiful Halong Bay...

Day 1:Saigon Arrival

Welcome to Vietnam’s modern metropolis: Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City). Arrive in the late morning and enjoy an orientation tour through Saigon’s bustling streets en route to the hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure to recover from jet lag and explore the city on your own.

Meals:N/A.

Accommodation:Hotel in Saigon.

Day 2:Saigon City Tour.

Enjoy a full day to tour Saigon’s diverse attractions. Start with a visit to Saigon’s China Town, then learn about traditional Vietnamese medicine at the FITO Museum and browse through the amazing array of goods at Ben Thanh Market. Stop for lunch then continue on the city tour with a visit to the War Remnants museum and former Presidential Palace. You conclude the day exploring the city’s French colonial architecture, stopping at the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Post Office.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon.

Day 3:Saigon – Mekong Delta – Cai Be – Vinh Long – Can Tho

 Today you leave Saigon and travel to the Mekong River Delta. Enjoy an early breakfast at the hotel before driving to the riverside town, Cai Be. Along the way, stop at a candy factory and orchard garden, where you have an opportunity to listen to traditional music. Enjoy a relaxing lunch at a riverside restaurant, then cross the river by motorized boat to visit some fluvial islands and explore the countryside by bicycle. Your driver will meet you at Vinh Long pier and take you to Can Tho City for the night.

Meals:Breakfast,Lunch

Accommodation:Hotel in Can Tho.

Day 4:Can Tho – Cai Rang Floating Market – Saigon.

Wake early and leave the hotel to visit the famous Cai Rang floating market by motor boat. Continue the boat ride to visit the Mekong Delta’s famous orchards and sample the fresh, exotic fruit. Then venture deeper into the country side, passing traditional houses made of wood and palm leaves as you observe the activities of the local people. Return to Can Tho for lunch then drive back to Saigon, arriving in the late afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast.

Accommodation:Hotel in Saigon.

Day 5:Saigon – Danang – Hoian.

After breakfast, you are transferred to the airport for your internal flight to Danang. Your guide and driver will meet you at the airport and take you on the short drive to the sleepy riverside town, Hoian. Take a half-day walking tour through the narrow winding streets of the ancient quarter, visiting Chua Ong Pagoda, the Chinese Assembly Hall, the 200-year old Tan Ky ancestral house and the famous Japanese Bridge. End the day with a relaxing sunset boat trip.

Meals:Breakfast

Accommodation:Hotel in Hoian.

Day 6:Hoian.

Today you embark on a family run “fisherman eco-tour”. Explore Hoian’s surrounding farmland and countryside then try your hand at local fishing techniques as you learn to navigate a basket boat through narrow waterways. Return to Hoian in the afternoon for a private cooking class.

Meals:Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Hoian.

Day 7:Hoian – Danang – Hue.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel then check-out and drive over the 500m-high Hai Van pass to Hue. Enjoy a stop at the scenic Lang Co Beach for a drink before continuing on to Hue - a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Vietnam’s former capital. Spend the afternoon on a leisurely walking tour through the ancient city. Visit the Royal Citadel, the Imperial Museum, as well as the Mausoleum of King tu Duc (a replica of the king’s palace built for the next reincarnation of the king).

Meals: Breakfast.

Accommodation:Hotel in Hue

Day 8:Hue – Fly to Hanoi.

Spend the morning on a private boat cruise down the romantic Perfume River to visit the Lady Pagoda (Thien Mu Pagoda), Dong Ba Market and the ornate Minh Mang's tomb. Drive to the airport in the afternoon to catch your short flight to Vietnam’s capital city, Hanoi. Upon arrival, get transferred to your hotel in the city centre. Free at your leisure.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:Hotel in Hanoi.

Day 9:Hanoi City Tour.

 

Today you have a full day to explore Vietnam’s charming capital. With its wide tree-lined boulevards, French colonial architecture, peaceful lakes and ancient oriental pagodas, Hanoi is an eclectic mix that offers something for everyone. Your city tour will take you to Hanoi’s key sites: the Ho Chi Minh Complex (Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum and stilt house), the Presidential Palace, the nearby One Pillar Pagoda; the Temple of Literature; West Lake including the sedate Tran Quoc Pagoda & Quan Thanh Temple; and one of the city's museums (a choice between the History Museum and the Ethnology Museum). Later in the afternoon, enjoy a traditional Water Puppet Performance – a unique Vietnamese art form hailing from Southeast Asia ’s wet-rice culture.

Meals: Breakfast.

Accommodation:Hotel in Hanoi.

Day 10:Hanoi – Halong Bay – Overnight on cruise.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, before setting out on a 3 to 4 hour drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Site: Halong Bay.
* The following Halong Bay itinerary is a sample for our standard service on a 3 star junk/ cruise. Different programs are available through our luxury cruise itineraries on the Violet, Jasmine, Ginger, Paradise or Au Co. Please contact us for                                                                                                  more details.*
Spend 24 hours on a traditional Junk Cruise in the amazing bay: a natural wonderland composed of jutting limestone islands and sparkling turquoise waters. Arrive at the dock around noon and board your junk. Savor a gourmet lunch of fresh seafood onboard as you sail out into the mystical bay. In the afternoon, cruise around some of Halong’s many islands, including Dinh Huong and Ga Choi. Along the way visit one of the bay’s 3 largest caves (Thien Cung, Dau Go or Sung Sot). Stop at an island cove with a sheltered white-sand beach and take a dip in the warm waters of the Gulf of Tonkin (weather permitting). Pass the night on your junk, lulled to sleep by the gentle rocking of calm waters.

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Accommodation:on cruise.

Day 11:Halong Bay – Hanoi.

Awake early and participate in Tai Chi on the top deck or simply relax and enjoy the sunrise over the bay’s towering islands. Enjoy a morning cup of coffee or tea, before setting out to explore the nearby islands by rowboat. Return to the junk for brunch then take advantage of the sundeck and admire the amazing rock formations of Bai Tu Long Bay as you navigate back to Halong City, where your driver will meet you at the dock and take you back to your hotel in Hanoi.

Meals:Brunch.

Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi.

Day 12:Hanoi Departure.

Today is free at your leisure for last minute shopping or sight-seeing before driving to the airport to catch your departure flight home.
Good bye & Safe travels!

Accommodation: N/A.

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ESSENTIAL VIETNAM-9 DAYS

Tour Code: VIT 03

Tour Route: Saigon, Mekong Delta, Hoian, Hue, HaLong Bay,Ha Noi.

 Price From : $ 

Tour Type: Private Tour 
Duration: 9 days/ 8 nights

 Travel from South to North on a 9-day tour, exploring Vietnam’s geography and culture. Start in Vietnam’s modern metropolis, Saigon then travel north to the sleepy riverside town of Hoian. Discover the ancient capital of Hue, before immersing yourself in Hanoi’s colonial charm and conclude your tour with an overnight boat cruise among the towering limestone islands of Halong Bay.

- Extendable with optional tours from Saigon and from Hanoi

Day 1:Saigon Arrival.

Welcome to Hanoi: Vietnam’s bustling colonial capital. Your guide and driver will meet you outside the baggage claim of Noi Bai Airport and take you to your hotel in the city center. In the afternoon, take a walk around the center, visiting some of Hanoi’s main attractions: the Opera House, Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple. In the evening enjoy a traditional Water Puppet Performance – a unique Vietnamese Art form hailing from Southeast Asia’s wet-rice culture – followed by a welcome dinner at one of Hanoi’s finest restaurants.

Meals: N/A

Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon.

Day 2:Saigon City Tour.

Enjoy a half day to explore Vietnam’s charming capital, before driving through the countryside of the Red River Delta to the magical Halong Bay. With its wide tree-lined boulevards, French colonial architecture, peaceful lakes and ancient oriental pagodas, Hanoi is an eclectic mix that offers something for everyone. Your city tour will take you to Hanoi’s key sites: the Ho Chi Minh Complex (Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum and stilt house), the nearby One Pillar Pagoda; the Temple of Literature, the Fine Arts Museum. In the afternoon, leave the bustle of the big city and drive to Halong Bay (3 to 4 hours drive).

Meals: Breakfast.

Accommodation: Hotel in Halong.

 Day 3:Saigon – Mekong Delta – Saigon.

 Today you enjoy a day cruise on Halong Bay: a UNESCO World Heritage Site and natural wonderland composed of jutting limestone islands and sparkling turquoise waters, located in the Gulf of Tonkin. After breakfast at the hotel, you are transferred to the Halong harbor to board your private junk cruise for a 4-hour journey. Cruise along the calm waters, between looming, limestone outcrops to visit Dau Go Cave “Grotto of the Wooden Stakes”, where, in 1288, one of Vietnam’s most famous generals, Tran Hung Dao, stored hundreds of stakes before battling the invading Mongolian army. A short walk away, visit the newly discovered Thien Cung Cave ("Grotto of the Heavenly Palace"), famous for its stalagmites and stalactites. Savor a fresh seafood lunch, served on board before sailing back to Halong City, where your car will be waiting to take you to Hanoi for your flight to Danang. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in Hoian.

Meals: Breakfast.lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon.

Day 4: Saigon – Danang – Hoian.

After breakfast, you are transferred to the airport for your internal flight to Danang. Your guide and driver will meet you at the airport and take you on the short drive to the sleepy riverside town, Hoian. Take a half-day walking tour through the narrow winding streets of the ancient quarter, visiting Chua Ong Pagoda, the Chinese Assembly Hall, the 200-year old Tam Ky ancestral house and the famous Japanese Bridge. End the day with a relaxing sunset boat trip.

Meals: Breakfast.lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Hoian

Day 5: Hoian – Danang – Hue.

Depart Hoian for the scenic mountainous drive to Hue. Stop at the dramatic Hai Van Pass, the high dividing line between the climate zones of North and South Vietnam, to admire the spectacular views and at the fishing village of Lang Co for a drink. Spend the afternoon on a leisurely walking tour through Vietnam’s ancient capital city, visiting the Royal Citadel, Thien Mu Pagoda and the Mausoleum of King Tu Duc (a replica of the king’s palace built for the next reincarnation of the king), before exploring the Imperial Museum and Dong Ba Market.

Meals: Breakfast. 

Accommodation: Hotel in Hue. 

Day 6: Hue – Danang – Fly to Hanoi.

Have breakfast at the hotel then drive to Phu Bai Airport of Hue to catch your flight to Vietnam’s modern metropolis: Saigon. Arrive in the late morning and enjoy an orientation tour through Ho Chi Minh City’s bustling streets en route to the hotel. Have lunch at a downtown restaurant of your choosing then set out on a guided city tour. Visit the War Remnants Museum, learn about Vietnam’s recent history at Reunification Palace, visit the nearby neo-Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral and the City's Centre Post Office before passing by the ornate Opera Theatre and the City Hall. Finally, end up at the Ben Thanh Market, where vendors display a vast array of goods and handicrafts, appealing to every taste.

Meals: Breakfast.

Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Day 7:Hanoi City Tour.
Today you travel to the Mekong River Delta on a day trip to explore the rich culture and lush fluvial landscape. After breakfast, your guide & driver will meet you at your hotel and take you to Cai Be. Start your tour with a visit to Cai Be’s colorful floating market, cruising among the local barges stuffed-full of fruits and vegetables. Visit some local workshops then enjoy a delicious lunch served at an ancient house (over 170 years old!) in the cool shade of An Binh Island’s orchards. In the afternoon, take a traditional rowboat and venture deeper into the countryside, floating through narrow canals to enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Stop at a nursery garden to discover how farmers along the delta produce their world famous fruits and vegetables. The cruise ends around 3:30 PM in Vinh Long. Your driver will meet you at the dock and take you back to Saigon.

Meals: Breakfast.

Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Day 8: Hanoi – Halong Bay – Overnight on cruise.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, before setting out on a 3 to 4 hour drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Site: Halong Bay.
* The following Halong Bay itinerary is a sample for our standard service on a 3 star junk/ cruise. Different programs are available through our luxury cruise itineraries on the Violet, Jasmine, Ginger, Paradise or Au Co. Please contact us for more details.*
Spend 24 hours on a traditional Junk Cruise in the amazing bay: a natural wonderland composed of jutting limestone islands and sparkling turquoise waters. Arrive at the dock around noon and board your junk. Savor a gourmet lunch of fresh seafood onboard as sailing out into the mystical bay. In the afternoon, cruise around some of Halong’s many islands, including Dinh Huong and Ga Choi. Along the way visit one of the bay’s 3 largest caves (Thien Cung, Dau Go or Sung Sot). Stop at an island cove with a sheltered white-sand beach and take a dip in the warm waters of the Gulf of Tonkin (weather permitting). Pass the night on your junk, lulled to sleep by the gentle rocking of calm waters.

Meals: Breakfast.lunch.dinner

Accommodation: on train

Day 9: Halong Bay – Hanoi – Departure

Today is free at your leisure for last minute shopping or sight-seeing before driving to the airport to catch your departure flight home.

Meals: Brunch.

Accommodation: N/A.

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BEST OF THE NORTH-6 DAYS

Tour Code: VIT 02 
Tour Route: Hanoi, Sapa, Halong Bay.
Price From: USD 
Tour Type: Private Tour 
Duration: 6 days / 5 nights. 

Discover North Vietnam’s cultural diversity and breathtaking scenery. From Hanoi’s colonial charm to Sapa’s the mist-entwined mountains and finally the turquoise, island dotted, Halong Bay. This tour includes all of North Vietnam’s key sites.

- Starting out in the capital city, you will visit many wonderful sites. Visit Sapa and trek along the spectacular landscapes & colorful hill tribe people. Cruise the spectacular Halong Bay on a romantic old style Vietnamese Junk boat.

- Extendable with optional tours from Hanoi.
 Day 1: Hanoi Arrival.

Welcome to Hanoi, Vietnam’s bustling colonial capital. Your driver and guide will meet you outside the baggage claim of Noi Bai Airport and take you to your hotel in the city center. In the afternoon, enjoy an orientation walk, visiting some of Hanoi’s main attractions: the Opera House, Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple. In the evening, savor a welcome dinner of authentic Vietnamese food at one of Hanoi’s finest restaurants.

Meals: Dinner.

Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi.

Day 2: Hanoi City Tour – Night train to Laocai.

Today you have a full day to explore Vietnam’s charming capital. With its wide tree-lined boulevards, French colonial architecture, peaceful lakes and ancient oriental pagodas; Hanoi is an eclectic mix that offers something for everyone. Your city tour will take you to Hanoi’s key sites: the Ho Chi Minh Complex (Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum and stilt house), the nearby One Pillar Pagoda; the Presidential Palace; the Temple of Literature; the Quan Thanh Temple, the sedate Tran Quoc Pagoda & West Lake; and one of the city's museums (a choice between the History Museum and the Ethnology Museum). In the evening enjoy a traditional Water Puppet Performance – a unique Vietnamese Art form hailing from Southeast Asia’s wet-rice culture – before heading to the train station to catch your night train to Laocai.

Meals: Breakfast.

Accommodation: on train

Day 3: Laocai – Sapa.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, before setting out on a full day’s trek to explore Sapa’s cultural diversity and haunting natural beauty. Take a guided hike through yawning valleys decorated with terraced rice fields and pass through remote hill tribe villages. You have three trekking options to choose from: Soft trek (~ 3 km), medium trek (~ 6km) and long trek (~ 12km). Trekking is an excellent way to explore the daily life and familiarize yourself with the cultures of the H’mong, Dzao and Dzay people who populate the region. Have lunch at a hill tribe village then drive back to Laocai to catch your return night train to Hanoi.

Meals: Breakfast.

Accommodation: Hotel in Sapa.
Day 4: Sapa – Visit Hill Tribe Villages.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, before setting out on a full day’s trek to explore Sapa’s cultural diversity and haunting natural beauty. Take a guided hike through yawning valleys decorated with terraced rice fields and pass through remote hill tribe villages. You have three trekking options to choose from: Soft trek (~ 3 km), medium trek (~ 6km) and long trek (~ 12km). Trekking is an excellent way to explore the daily life and familiarize yourself with the cultures of the H’mong, Dzao and Dzay people who populate the region. Have lunch at a hill tribe village then drive back to Laocai to catch your return night train to Hanoi.

Meals: Breakfast.lunch

Accommodation:  on train

Day 5: Hanoi – Halong Bay–Overnight on cruise.

Arrive in Hanoi in the early morning. Your guide and driver will meet you at the railways station and take you to a local restaurant for breakfast, before setting out on a 3 to 4 hour drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Site: Halong Bay. Spend 24 hours on a traditional Junk Cruise in the amazing bay: a natural wonderland composed of jutting limestone islands and sparkling turquoise waters. Arrive at the dock around noon and board your junk. Savor a gourmet lunch of fresh seafood onboard as we sail out into the mystical bay. In the afternoon, cruise around some of Halong’s many islands, including Dinh Huong and Ga Choi. Along the way visit one of the bay’s 3 largest caves (Thien Cung, Dau Go or Sung Sot). Stop at an island cove with a sheltered white-sand beach and take a dip in the warm waters of the Tonkin Gulf (weather permitting). Pass the night on your junk, lulled to sleep by the gentle rocking of calm waters.

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: on train

Day 6: Halong Bay – Hanoi – Departure

Awake early and participate in Tai Chi on the top deck or simply relax and enjoy the sunrise over the bay’s towering islands. Enjoy a morning cup of coffee or tea, before setting out to explore nearby islands by rowboat. Return to the junk for breakfast then take advantage of the sundeck and admire the amazing rock formations of Bai Tu Long Bay as we navigate back to Halong City. Have brunch on board the boat before returning to Halong pier. Your driver will meet you at the dock and take you to Noi Bai Airport of Hanoi to catch your departure flight home.

Bon Voyage!

Meals: Brunch

Accommodation: N/A.

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VIETNAM DISCOVERY-14 DAYS

  Tour Code: VIT 06
 Tour Route: Hanoi, Sapa, Halong Bay, Hue, Hoian, Saigon, Tay Ninh, Mekong River Delta, Can Tho.
 Price From: USD 
 Tour Type: Private Tour 
 Duration: 14 days/ 13 nights

 Explore Vietnam on an in-depth journey that takes you from North to South. Start with the colonial charm of Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi, then travel to the natural wonderland of Halong Bay and trek through Sapa’s terraced rice paddies and hill tribe villages. Visit the ancient capital Hue and bask on the beaches of Hoian. Explore the lush landscape of the Mekong Delta and the bright lights and urban bustle of Saigon. This tour takes you deep into our beautiful country, immersing you in our rich culture and elegant landscapes.

The whole tour is accompanied by experienced, local, English speaking guides.

- The Vietnam Discovery tour is your best choice if you want to experience the totality of Vietnam: the land, the people, the culture, and the history, as a Vietnamese person would. In this Vietnam holiday, as you travel through the country you will experience all forms of transport: car, train, airplane, boat, walking and hiking. During 2 weeks traveling with Travel Vietnam, you will trace the path of the founding of Vietnam.
- Extendable with optional tours from Hanoi and from Saigon. 

Day 1:Hanoi Arrival

Welcome to Hanoi, Vietnam’s bustling colonial capital. Your driver and guide will meet you outside the baggage claim of Noi Bai Airport and take you to your hotel in the city center. In the afternoon, enjoy an orientation walk, visiting some of Hanoi’s main attractions: the Opera House, Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple. In the evening, savor a welcome dinner of authentic Vietnamese food at one of Hanoi’s finest restaurants.

Meals: Dinner.

Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Day 2: Hanoi City Tour – Night train to Laocai

Today you have a full day to explore Vietnam’s charming capital. With its wide tree-lined boulevards, French colonial architecture, peaceful lakes and ancient oriental pagodas; Hanoi is an eclectic mix that offers something for everyone. Your city tour will take you to Hanoi’s key sites: the Ho Chi Minh Complex (Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum and stilt house), the nearby One Pillar Pagoda; the Presidential Palace; the Temple of Literature; the Quan Thanh Temple, the sedate Tran Quoc Pagoda & West Lake; and one of the city's museums (a choice between the History Museum and the Ethnology Museum). In the evening enjoy a traditional Water Puppet Performance – a unique Vietnamese Art form hailing from Southeast Asia’s wet-rice culture – before heading to the train station to catch your night train to Laocai.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: on train

 Day 3: Laocai – Sapa

 

The train arrives at the Laocai railways station in the early morning. Your guide and driver will meet you there and take you on the 40km drive to Sapa – Northwest Vietnam’s premier travel destination. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel then catch a few hours of rest before beginning your adventure in this beautiful mountain landscape and home to many minority hill tribe peoples. In the late morning, your guide will take you on a two hour trek through the terraced rice fields to visit the villages Cat Cat and Sin Chai, where you will learn about local traditions and daily life. Rest of the day, you are free at leisure or explore the town on your own.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Accommodations: Hotel in Sapa.

 Day 4: Sapa – Visit Hill Tribe Villages

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, before setting out on a full day’s trek to explore Sapa’s cultural diversity and haunting natural beauty. Take a guided hike through yawning valleys decorated with terraced rice fields and pass through remote hill tribe villages. You have three trekking options to choose from: Soft trek (~ 3 km), medium trek (~ 6km) and long trek (~ 12km). Trekking is an excellent way to explore the daily life and familiarize yourself with the cultures of the H’mong, Dzao and Dzay people who populate the region. Have lunch at a hill tribe village then drive back to Laocai to catch your return night train to Hanoi..

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Accommodation: on train
 Day 5: Hanoi – Halong Bay– Overnight on cruise.

Arrive in Hanoi in the early morning. Your guide and driver will meet you at the railways station and take you to a local restaurant for breakfast, before setting out on a 3 to 4 hour drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Site: Halong Bay. Indochina Sails boarding time is at 12:15 pm. Upon boarding guests are greeted with a welcome drink and gather in the dining room for a comprehensive safety and boat orientation briefing followed by itinerary details. After the briefing and check in we have a bit of free time till lunch is served at 1:00pm. Lunch is a multi-course Vietnamese and Western set menu. Any and all dietary needs will be catered to. During lunch we cruise through the Bai Tu Long Bay, cruising through the most beautiful and quiet area in Bai Tu Long Bay and Halong Bay to visit Cua Van Fishing Village. Cua Van Floating Fishing Village (the largest fishing village on the Bay). At the village, which has a population of about 600 residents living in about 150 floating houses, guests can choose between kayaking through the village or visiting on small bamboo boats (sampans) rowed by the villagers. Back on board after visiting the village there will be free time of about one and a half hours before the Cooking Class on board will be held by our Chef and all the passengers could attend to this. During that time the chef will conduct a Cooking Class showing the guests how make some Vietnamese food which is traditional food in Vietnam and guests will taste the food after the class. In addition we will have the first of our double happy hours from 6:00 till 7:00 during which time one free drink will be received for each one ordered. The dinner is served at 7:30pm. Dinner is a sumptuous buffet featuring an array of salads, seafood, meat dishes, seasonal fresh fruits and deserts. After dinner guests can relax in the dining room and lounge or on the upper deck and enjoy the second happy hour from 9:00 till 10:00. Board games and playing cards are available and massage services as well (massage service is available throughout the cruise). Also, everyone can try their luck at squid fishing from the boat with help from the crew.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Accommodation: on cruise 
 Day 6: Halong Bay – Hanoi – Fly to Hue.

The next morning coffee, tea and breakfast pastries are on offer from 6:45. Tai Chi lessons are led by our tai chi master at 7:00 before we leave the boat at 7:45 for a walking tour of Titov Beach Island. About one hour is spent on the island allowing time for a climb up the steps to the peak for a breathtaking 360 degree view of the Bay (there is also an expansive viewing deck half way up). After the climb there is time left to relax on the beach and have a swim. Back on board it’s time for final packing and freshening up before enjoying a full breakfast buffet, including traditional Vietnamese Noodles (Pho). After breakfast guests may relax in the dining room and lounge or on the deck enjoying the last Bay views before disembarkation at 11:00am. Your driver will meet you at the dock and take you to Noi Bai Airport of Hanoi for your in-country flight to Hue. Upon arrival, your guide and driver will meet you and take you to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast.Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Hue. 

Day 7: Hue City Tour.

Spend an entire day touring the Vietnam’s former ancient capital. Start the day with a visit to the Imperial Citadel, home to the Imperial City and Forbidden Purple City – once the Emperor's private residence. The Imperial City was created in the 19th century and modeled on the Forbidden City in Beijing. The Imperial Enclosure houses many palaces and temples within its walls. In the afternoon, continue on your tour stopping at the Imperial Museum, Tu Hieu Pagoda and vibrant Dong Ba riverside market..

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

Accommodation: Hotel in Hue. 

Day 8: Hue – Danang – Hoian.

Spend the morning on a private boat cruise down the romantic Perfume River to visit the Lady Pagoda (Thien Mu Pagoda) and the ornate Minh Mang's tomb. Enjoy lunch at a riverside restaurant before starting on your drive to Hoian. Pass over the 500m-high Hai Van pass and stop en route in Danang for a visit to the Cham Museum and handicraft villages at the foot of Marble Mountain. Arrive in the sleepy riverside town, Hoian, in the late afternoon, check in at the hotel and then enjoy the rest of the evening free at your leisure..

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

Accommodation: Hotel in HoiAn 

Day 9: Hoian – My Son.

Today you travel 40km outside of Hoian to the UNESCO World Heritage Site: My Son. Surrounded by the Cat’s Tooth Mountains, My Son is home to the ancient Cham ruins and is often referred to as Vietnam’s Angkor Wat. Return to Hoian in time for lunch then enjoy a free afternoon, for shopping, exploring or beachside relaxation.

Meals: Breakfast 

Accommodation: Hotel in HoiAn

Day 10: Hoian – Danang – Fly to Saigon.

Have breakfast at the hotel then drive to the airport to catch your flight to Vietnam’s modern metropolis: Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City). Arrive in the late morning and enjoy an orientation tour through Ho Chi Minh City’s bustling streets en route to the hotel. Have lunch at a downtown restaurant of your choosing then set out on a guided city tour. In the afternoon you will visit such sites as the Reunification Palace, the War Remnants Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, the CityPost Office and Ben Thanh Market. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon. 

Day 11: Saigon – Cu Chi Tunnels – Tay Ninh.

After breakfast at hotel, you travel outside of Saigon to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels. The Cu Chi Tunnels are an underground labyrinth of passageways, used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War (or “American War” as it’s referred to here) as protection against American air raids. Those inclined are invited to crawl through selections of the tunnels to better understand what life was like for the Vietnamese soldiers during wartime. Next you will visit the beautiful Cao Dai Temple in Tay Ninh and partake in the noontime prayer service. This large and colorful compound is home to the hybrid religion founded in the 1920s: Caodaism, which combines elements of Buddhism, Confucianism, Hinduism, Christianity and Islam in order to promote peace. Have lunch in Tay Ninh and return to Saigon in the late afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon. 

Day 12: Saigon – Mekong Delta – Cai Be – Vinh Long – Can Tho.

Today you leave Saigon and travel to the Mekong River Delta. Enjoy an early breakfast at the hotel before driving to the riverside town, Cai Be. Along the way, stop at a candy factory and orchard garden, where you have an opportunity to listen to traditional music. Enjoy a relaxing lunch at a riverside restaurant, then cross the river by motorized boat to visit some fluvial islands and explore the countryside by bicycle. Your driver will meet you at Vinh Long pier and take you to Can Tho City for the night..

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Accommodation: Hotel in Can Tho. 

Day 13: Can Tho – Floating market – Saigon.

Wake early and leave the hotel to visit the famous Cai Rang floating market by motorized boat. Continue the boat ride to visit the Mekong Delta’s famous fruit orchards and sample the fresh, exotic fruit. Then venture deeper into the country-side, passing traditional houses made of wood and palm leaves as you observe the activities of the local people. Return to Can Tho for lunch then drive back to Saigon, arriving in the late afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon. 

Day 14:Saigon Departure.

Have breakfast at hotel then enjoy a free morning before driving to the airport to catch your departure flight home.

Bon Voyage!

Meals: Breakfast.

Accommodation: N/A.

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