Viet Nam Discovery 16 days

Day 1: Hanoi arrival - jeep street food tour

1. Hanoi
   3h
   Arrival in Noi Bai airport, you will be picked up and transferred to the hotel in the city center. Free time to relax until Night Food Tour: 18:00 - 21:30 (joining tour)
2. Hanoi
   30m
   Our Hanoi Jeep team will pick up you from your hotel, then drive you to the historical place at the old church of Hanoi for meeting to join with another in the group, and meet our guide and you will learn the history of Joseph's Cathedral and nice place for take picture for you before we continue to enjoy the food
   then drive you to the historical place at the old church of Hanoi for meeting to join with another in the group, you will learn the history of Joseph's Cathedral and nice place for take picture for you before we continue to enjoy the food
3. Hanoi
   45m
   We continue to enjoy the most famous food in Hanoi at the hidden gem street with Bun Cha of traditional family who start up since 1925, especially Obama – United States President also came to eat here when he came to visit Vietnam in 2016.
4. Hanoi
   40m
   Next stop in the French quarter where you see beautiful architecture of colonial buildings at night, chance to get beautiful pictures of Hanoi at night. Our Hanoi Jeep team will stop in front of Hanoi Opera house to let you see the view of the French quarter, and learn some history by our tour guide.
5. Hanoi
   30m
   Then we get on the Jeep and go to the next place for food, before the food place we will ride pass through the beautiful ceramic road and we will stop at Long Bien Bridge for you to have a walk here to enjoy the overview of Hanoi city at night.
6. Hanoi
   30m
   The exciting rides in organized, chaotic traffic takes you to a local restaurant with authentic food and then to small alleys to try a different versions of Pho, Pho Chien Phong, Chien Trung, Pho Cuon, many different Vietnamese dishes which are world famous and the opportunity to try all typical of the food here.
7. Hanoi
   30m
   A few minutes, drive to next stop for Egg coffee shop we will have chance to enjoy the traditional special coffee of Vietnam.
   Come back hotel for overnight

Day 2: Hanoi city tour – night train to Lao Cai

1. Hanoi
   45m
   Hanoi, capital of Vietnam with thousands years of history, a city of lakes, shaded boulevards and public parks, has elegance unlike any other city in Asia. This city is attractive not only by the fine colonial mansions, but also by the old commercial quarter, where you can get a sense of the city’s true cultural depth. Since long time it has been the center of culture and economy of Vietnam.
   Today you’ll take a look at Hanoi’s fascinating historic sites:
   Hochiminh Mausoleum _ In the tradition of Lenin and Stalin before him and Mao after him, Hochiminh Mausoleum is the final resting place of Hochiminh in a glass sarcophagus set deep in the bowels of a monumental edifice that has become a site of Pilgrimage. (Note*: closed on Monday and Friday and for the period from 15thJune -15thAugust) for the annual maintaining but still can take picture Mausoleum and visit around that area
2. Hanoi
   2h
   You also visit:
   o His very interesting small personal house.
   o One Pillar pagoda, first built in 1049 by the Emperor Ly Thai Tong, who ruled from 1028 to 1054. Constructed of wood on a single stone pillar, it was designed to resemble a lotus blossom in the honor of Buddha.
   • Strolling through the area around Badinh Square, where there are many temples, pagoda, as well as colonial style buildings and villas, used for government offices & foreign embassies.
   • Continue to visit:
   • Temple of Literature, which is built in 1070 by Emperor Ly Thanh Tong, who dedicated it to Confucius in order to honor scholars and men of literary accomplishment.
   • Then we visit the Museum of Ethnology, where you will learn about a specific aspect of the local culture.
3. Hanoi
   3h
   After lunch time, you’ll continue to visit:
   • Ngocson pagoda on the isle in the middle of the Restored Sword Lake, the petit lake in the heart of Hanoi, where legends grow thicker than water lilies.
   • Late in the afternoon, continue with a walking tour around the old quarter of the city, which is well known with 36 old streets, its name represents each kind of consumer goods that was traded in it.
   • Our favorite is the central Hangdao, Hangbac and Hanggai Street with all the silk and jewel shops...etc; there is also plenty of time for shopping, for independent walking and street photography in the old quarter of the city. Strolling through the St. Joseph Cathedral, a neo-Gothic Cathedral finished in 1886, noted worthy for its square towers, elaborate altar and stained-glass windows either.
   • In the evening, we enjoy a water puppet show, a uniquely northern Vietnamese art form depicting scenes of rural life and famous local stories before take night train to Lao Cai.

Day 3: Lao Cai – Bac Ha market – Sapa

1. Sapa
   6h
   • Arrive in Lao Cai early in the morning and drive to Bac Ha by car to visit Bac Ha market. This is the biggest and most colorful market in the region. The local people from surrounding hill tribes flock to the Sunday weekly market to buy, sell, and exchange a variety of goods, including food, animals, clothes. Take your time to explore the stalls and enjoy the exciting atmosphere as well as the activities of this weekly market then back to Sapa and take a visit to the local Catholic Church. Overnight in Sapa.

Day 4: Sapa – Silver & Love Waterfall – Tram Ton Pass - Fansipan Peak

1. Sapa
   3h
   • In the morning the guide will take you to an altitude of 1,700 meters to visit Silver Waterfall, located upstream of Muong Hoa stream. After taking some memorable photos, we continue to drive to Tram Ton pass where you will trek approximately 1 km through the forest, trekking along the the Golden Stream to Love Waterfall.
   • 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
   • After lunch time, we will be transferred to cable car station to visit Fansipan Mountain where is considered to be the most beautiful landscape of Vietnam now. Reach the altitute of 2800 meters, you have a good time to see the view and take photos, visit pagoda the spiritual destinations and trek up to 600 steps you will reach the peak of Fansipan – the Roof of Indochina. After taking scenery then get cable car back to Sapa.
2. Sapa
   4h
   • 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
   • After lunch time, we will be transferred to cable car station to visit Fansipan Mountain where is considered to be the most beautiful landscape of Vietnam now. Reach the altitute of 2800 meters, you have a good time to see the view and take photos, visit pagoda the spiritual destinations and trek up to 600 steps you will reach the peak of Fansipan – the Roof of Indochina. After taking scenery then get cable car back to Sapa.

Day 5: Sapa - Lao Chai – Ta Van – Drive to Hanoi

1. Sapa
   9h
   Lao Chải Tả Van where the Black Hmong and Dzay people are living, situated approximately 09 kilometers from the center of Sapa town in Lao Cai province. We take a trek through the rice terraces and down to Muong Hoa Valley toward Lao Chai village. Here you can see H’mong minority dressed in their traditional costumes that are unique to the Northern region, discover their daily life and how they make traditional clothes, handicraft….. See the spectacular landscape of Hoang Lien Son Mountain then we walk to Ta Van village, home of the Dzay People. The car will pick you up to back to Sapa and transfer in Hanoi.
   Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 6: Hanoi – Hoa Lu – Trang An – Mua Cave – Hanoi

1. Ninh Binh
   10h
   Get picked up by our guide then depart for NinhBinh province
   Visit HoaLư ancient capital of Vietnam between 968 and 1010. You have a chance to learn about Vietnamese history in the feudal system under Dinh, Le, and Ly Dynasty
   Here, we go cycling around the village for sightseeing & discovering the life of the local people
   12h00: Have lunch at local restaurant
   In the afternoon , visit Trang An which was recognized by UNESCO as A World Heritage Site in 2014. TrangAn has a wonderful tunnel cave system that no place like it. With 2 hours-boat trip, you will be persuaded by the beauty here
   16h00: Get back to Limousine Bus then leave for Mua Cave (Dragon Peak). Walk up almost 500 steps, you can reach the top of Lying Dragon Mountain & have an amazing panoramic view of Tam Coc from here. Besides, you can breath fresh air at very beautiful lotus paddy field nearby, especially in the summer time
   17h30: Get on the bus to return to Hanoi
   19h30: Get dropped off at Hotels in Hanoi.

Day 7: Hanoi – Halong

1. Hạ Long Bay
   4h
   Today’s long drive takes you across a large part of northern Vietnam to the stunning coastal area of Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its majestic limestone formations and mythical legends.
   “Ha Long” means “Where the dragon descends into the sea” — a name wrapped in mystery and steeped in stories passed down through generations. The bay is dotted with over 3,000 limestone islands, covered with lush green vegetation.
   
   • 11:30: Arrive at Ha Long City Viewpoint
   • Visit Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave – walk through dramatic stalactites and stalagmites in one of the bay’s largest and most impressive cave systems
   • Stop by a local seafood restaurant for a relaxing lunch with a view of the bay
   • Optional photo stops at Bai Chay Beach or Hon Gai Market, depending on timing and weather
   • Transfer back to Hanoi for your evening flight to Da Nang
2. Hạ Long Bay
   4m
   • Luon cave - kayaking or bamboo boat
   • Luon cave excursion on bamboo rowing boat by locals or kayaking. This is one of the must-do activities in the bay.
   • Titop island – Climbing, Beach & Swimming
   • Your next stop is Titop island with its famous crescent moon-shaped beach and tranquil beautiful blue waters. Viewing Halong Bay from the peak of Titop island is another not-to-be missed activity.
   • Enjoy the best moments of the day at sundeck as the sun hits the water between the dramatic limestone peaks and emerald-green coves, enjoying drinks and a cooking demonstration.
   • Savour a delicious dinner
   • Night time squid fishing
   • Overnight on board

Day 8: Halong – Sung Sot Cave- Hanoi flight to Danang

1. Hạ Long Bay
   10h
   • 06:15 Enjoy sunrise on the bay. Morning Tai Chi session on topdeck
   • 06:30 Light breakfast will be served in the restaurant (pastries, tea, coffee)
   • Sung Sot cave excursion
   • Explore Sung Sot Cave – the biggest and most stunning cave in Halong Bay
   • 09:15 Check out of your cabin after a final early brunch
   • 09:30 Buffet brunch
   • 10:45-11:00 Back to the port. Farewell and disembark
   • 11:15-11:30 Get on the bus back to Hanoi. On the way we will stop to visit Vietnam's first Buddhist centre, the But Thap Pagoda in Bac Ninh province, which was built in the 13th century and reconstructed in the 17th century on the southern bank of Duong River. It is renowned for its valuable statues, the most remarkable of which is a thousand-handed and thousand-eyed Buddha considered a masterpiece of Vietnamese sculpturing.
   • Transfer to the airport for flight to Danang.
   • Danang arrival, pick up and transfer to the hotel in Hoian.

Day 9: Hoian (Cam Thanh Coconut Village + City Tour)

1. Hoi An
   8h
   • In the morning, the guide will pick you up at the hotel in Hoian Old Town and you will start your trip to Cam Thanh Coconut village – The capital of coconuts.
   • Take a boat trip along Cua Dai River, drop in on a local fisherman on the river, Here, you will experience basket boat ride around the coconut forest, learn about the daily life of Vietnamese fisherman, their families and their community.
   • Have lunch at the local restaurant.
   • Ride a bicycle along Hoai Pho River back to Hoi An ancient town.
   • In the afternoon explore Hoi An ancient town by visiting the Japanese Pagoda Bridge, Chinese streets, old Phung Hung houses, Hoi An’s market. On the 1st and 15th of every lunar month, Hoi An’s ancient town is lit up by hundreds of colorful lanterns, giving it an extra portion of sparkle.
   • Back to the hotel.
   Overnight in Hoian

Day 10: Hoian – My Son Holy Land

1. My Son Sanctuary Tours with Locals
   5h · Admission ticket included
   My Son Sanctuary is located in the heart of a tropical jungle, approximately an hour from Hoi An Ancient Town. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is a historical site that includes a collection of Cham cultural temples. The structure was created between the fourth and fourteenth centuries and serves as a collection of spiritual temples for Cham people who practice Shavai Hinduism.
   Get pick up at the hotel and transfer to My Son, you will have the opportunity to discover the culture and architecture of Champa Ancient Kingdom and enjoy the Champa’s traditional performances.
   Back to Hoian in the afternoon, the rest of the day is your free time at leisure to do some shopping.
   Overnight in Hoian

Day 11: Hoian – Hue

1. Hue
   8h
   Depart from Hoi An and travel to Hue. The journey takes approximately 3 hours by car.
   In the afternoon you will visit the Imperial City (The Citadel), a UNESCO World Heritage site, served as the political and cultural center of the Nguyen Dynasty. Enclosed by massive walls and a moat, the complex includes the Purple Forbidden City, temples, pavilions, and the Halls of the Mandarins. Must-visit attractions within the Imperial City include the Ngo Mon Gate, Thai Hoa Palace, and the Forbidden Purple City.
   Tu Duc Tomb, the resting place of Emperor Tự Đức. The tomb is known for its beautiful architecture and serene surroundings.
   • Back to the hotel.
   • Overnight in Hue

Day 12: Hue – Thuy Bieu Eco Village

1. Hue
   8h
   We will depart by boat to Thuy Bieu Eco Village, an ancient village located on the southern bank of the Perfume River, on the way stop to visit Thien Mu Pagoda also known as "Heavenly Lady Pagoda" the symbol of Hue then continue the cruise toward the village. Have local lunch.
   You will cycle through the peaceful village, visiting several communal houses, ancient temples and the highlight: the garden-house, a typical and unique feature of Hue.
   Late in the afternoon, take a rest and relax your feet with 30 minutes of herbal foot bath after a day of sightseeing.
   Back to the hotel for the night.

Day 13: Hue – Flight to Saigon

1. Ho Chi Minh City
   8h
   Morning transfer to Hue airport for the flight to Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon or "Pearl of the Far East". We will spend a day visiting the city
   Make an orientation tour on foot:
   Around the Paris Commune Square area, the center of the city, located the Cathedral Church, designed in France and built by Mr. Bourard – a French engineer; the post office in an old colonial style building with a part of its iron structure was designed by Gustave Eiffel’s student;
   Outside the Reunification Palace, former Independence Palace, where were stormed by the tanks on 30th Apr. 1975, signifying the fall of the South Regime (just outside).
   Then you’ll visit
   The History museum.
   Cholon - the Chinese quarter, with Binhtay market, strolling on the always-crowded streets.
   Have free time to explore, by your own, the downtown or for shopping at Dongkhoi Street (formal Catinat str.), Benthanh market and at the center of the city.
   Return to the hotel.
   Overnight in the hotel.

Day 14: Saigon – Cuchi – Saigon

1. Cu Chi Tunnels
   6h · Admission ticket included
   Cuchi is a well-known revolutionary historical site, 75km at the northwest of Hochiminh city. This is the unique architectural structure with the system of hundreds kilometre tunnel lying deeply in the earth, with different stages and branches, which connected together to create the tangled net of the tunnels. These tunnels have been dug by Cuchi guerrillas during the American war, right under the feet of the American, and became hidden home of the guerrillas. Here has been called the homeland of “The Tunnel War”, which contributes the important role in the final victory of Vietnam over America.
   You’ll departure to Cuchi.
   On the way, you’ll stopover for photography and visit some villages where people manufacture the crispy rice cake.
   You'll arrive to Cuchi after 1 ½ hour driving; visit the tunnel.
   Return to Hochiminh city at midday, transfer to the hotel.

Day 15: Saigon – My Tho

1. My Tho
   1h 30m
   08:00 start your trip to depart for My Tho, the town lies on the left side of the Mekong River. Upon arrival, visit Vinh Trang pagoda which sated back to the late 19th century.
   you embark a boat on Mekong river and go down down the river around the floating fish farm and fish market harbor. Visit one of fishing pens and have a looks fishing boats parking here after catching in the sea and bustle of fishing dock.
2. My Tho
   3h
   Crossing the large Mekong River to the other side in Ben tre. Have a look four beautiful islands known as Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix, and Tortoise islands. Continue on small canal winding through coconut jungle and palm trees, mangrove trees growing up wildly along the waterway. Change riding a hand-rowed sampan through canal and treat yourself in the beauty of the countryside,
   Step ashore and get in the local houses to see bee farms made by farmers and enjoy some fruits, honey tea and listen to local music show as well.
   Hop on moto cart on village paths and discover tranquil coconut country. Stop at coconut candy workshop, enjoy some sweets by the way.
   Have lunch at local riverside restaurant with local Vietnam food.
   Crossing back large Mekong River to pier in My Tho.
   Return to Ho Chi Minh City for overnight

Day 16: Saigon – Departure (B)

1. Ho Chi Minh City
   2h
   After breakfast, we transfer to the airport for your flight off. Your room is available until 12h00.

Pickup details

We will pick you up at the arrival hall. The driver will be waiting for you with a signboard with the lead travel name.
We also pick up you at the hotel.

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• Warm clothes, scarf, hat, cap because the weather in Sapa is pretty unpredictable. It is normally cold in September, October, November, December, January, February and March
• Due to altitude of Sapa, it is sometimes foggy in December, January, February and March.
• Trekking shoes, sun glasses, sun cream, insect repellent are also necessary. You should take cash with you in Vietnam Dong because banking system in Sapa sometimes doesn’t function well. US Dollar, Euro, Australia Dollar are accepted in Sapa.
• Homestay’s facilities are not as in hotel in Sapa.
• Old people, kids should not attend the long trek (9 kms)
• You should take medicine with you although there are some chemist’s shops in Sapa in case you get sick.