Hanoi

Tour

Best Of Vietnam

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival (D)

Arrive Hanoi. Transfer to your hotel for a tour briefing and welcome drinks. The rest of the day is for a rest after a long flight and orientation. Welcome dinner. Accommodation

Day 02 : Hanoi (B, L, D)

This morning we visit the Ho Chi Minh Quarter, including the mausoleum, museum, and the house dedicated to the “father” of modern Vietnam. We also see One Pillar Pagoda and the 11th century Temple of Literature. Our next stop is the infamous “Hanoi Hilton” - the former prison where US pilots shot down were imprisoned. In the evening we see a unique display of water puppetry.

Day 3: Hanoi - Lao Cai (B, L, D)

Enjoy an early morning cyclo ride around the streets of the Old Quarter and then continue on foot to explore this ancient area. The rest of today is free to explore Hanoi. Numerous art galleries, museums, parks and nearby Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter are all options. In the evening we board the Victoria Express train for the overnight trip to Sapa. Some carriages have been restored in an elegant, French colonial style. Accommodation

Day 04 : Lao Cai - Sapa (B, L)

We arrive early in Lao Cai and transfer 35km by road to Sapa. Set amongst Vietnam’s highest and most beautiful mountains, Sapa and surrounds are home to many ethnic minorities. In the morning we visit the local market then the Hmong villages of Cat Cat and Sin Chai. The afternoon is free to relax at the comfortable Victoria Hotel or further explore the town and its surrounds. Accommodation

Day 5: Sapa trekking (B, L, D)

This morning we visit a Red Dzao village. Women of the Red Dzao tribes shave their heads and eyebrows, and wear bright red turbans. They are and known for their embroidery skills. The afternoon is free to explore the town, market and admire the mountain views, or relax and indulge in the hotel specialty - raclette (cheese fondue) and hot red wine.

Day 6: Sapa Hanoi (B, L)

This morning we return by train through beautiful mountain scenery then the luminous green rice fields of the Red River Delta. Again, we travel on the comfortable Victoria Express, arriving in Hanoi in the evening. Accommodation

Day 7: Hanoi - Ha Long bay - Hanoi (B, L, D)

This morning we travel east to the World Heritage site and spectacular scenery of Halong Bay. We spend the day cruising among some of the 3,000 limestone islands that rise out of the sea, many with caves, grottoes and tiny beaches. We enjoy a superb seafood lunch, perhaps take a swim and absorb the scenery before returning to Hanoi.

Day 08 : Hanoi - Hue (B, L, D)

This morning we transfer to the airport for the short flight to Hue on Vietnam’s central coast. Hue, divided by the beautiful Perfume River, is Vietnam’s centre of Buddhism, art and literature, and was the last imperial capital of Vietnam. We visit the Citadel, former home to the emperors, devastated during the war, in 1968. We continue to Thien Mu pagoda, Hue’s oldest and most beautiful pagoda, before taking a journey by dragon boat along the Perfume River. Finally, we drive to the tomb of Emperor Tu Duc and admire the delightful architecture of ponds, bridges and pavilions. In the evening we sample Hue’s famous cuisine. Accommodation

Day 09 : Hue - Hoi An (B,L, D)

This morning we drive through beautiful rural and coastal scenery, then over spectacular Hai Van Pass to the Cham museum in Danang. We see the unique, Hindu style sculpture then continue south to Marble Mountains where we explore numerous caves and Buddhist shrines. Following a stop at nearby China Beach, we continue south to enchanting Hoi An, arriving mid afternoon. There’s time for a swim at the beach or a foray into the old town. Accommodation

Day 10: Hoi An (B, L)

This morning we board a riverboat for a gentle cruise along the Thu Bon River to Hoi An itself to take a walking tour of this historic town. We follow narrow lanes with centuries old buildings influenced by Chinese, Japanese & European architecture. We visit the town’s market and riverfront area, a Chinese Communal House and see the 17th century Japanese Bridge. We also visit a local house with exquisite architecture. The afternoon is free for exploring Hoi An, or relaxing on the beach or by the hotel pool. An optional trip to the Cham ruins at My Son is also possible.

Day 11: Hoi An - Da Nang - Ho Chi Minh (B, L)

This morning we transfer to the airport for the flight south to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam’s biggest and most exciting city. In the afternoon we take a walking tour of Saigon, visiting many famous and historic landmarks. We walk up famous Dong Khoi Street (formerly Rue Catinat) past the theatre, Rex Hotel, the Town Hall, and the Notre Dame Cathedral. We also visit the Presidential Palace and War Crimes Museum and then drive to the bustling Cholon district (Chinatown). Here we visit Binh Tay, the huge wholesale market and the ornate Thien Hau temple before returning to our hotel. Accommodation

Day 12: Ho Chi Minh - Cooking Class (B, L)

This morning we visit the Vietnam Cooking Centre for a cooking class that is easy, fun, yet comprehensive. Set in a tropical garden, our local chef will show how to make several dishes. It’s very “hands on” and for lunch we eat our creations. A manual with recipes and techniques is also provided to take home. The afternoon is at leisure.

Day 13: Ho Chi Minh - Cu Chi tunnels (B, L)

This morning we visit the famous Vietcong tunnels at Cu Chi by boat along the Saigon River. This incredible system, covering nearly 250km, was shelter to over 16,000 communist guerillas during the war. We see some of the weapons used and have the opportunity to go inside the tunnels. We return to Saigon in the late afternoon again by boat along the Saigon River.

Day 14: Mekong Delta (B, L, D)

This morning we travel to the “ricebowl” of Vietnam - the incredibly lush Mekong Delta. Two hours south of Saigon, we arrive at My Tho, and travel by longboat through a floating market. Experience the vibrant market life in this incredibly industrious part of Vietnam. For lunch we might sample local specialties, including “Elephant Ear Fish”. Late afternoon we return to Saigon for our final evening in Vietnam.

Day 15: Sai Gon Departure

Free untill transfer to TAN SON NHAT airport for flying to your next destionation.

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Related Places

Hanoi	Lao Cai	Sapa
Ha Long Bay	Hue	Hoi An
Da Nang	Ho Chi Minh City	Cu Chi Tunnel
Tien Giang