Itinerary in brief

Day 1     Hanoi - Arrival
Day 2     Hanoi
Day 3     Hanoi - Lang Son - Cao Bang
Day 4     Cao Bang - Ban Gioc
Day 5     Cao Bang - Ba Be
Day 6     Ba Be - Hanoi
Day 7     Hanoi - Halong - CRUISE and NIGHT on board
Day 8     Halong - CRUISE - Hanoi - TRAIN - Hue
Day 9     Hue
Day 10   Hue - Hoian
Day 11   Hoian - My Son
Day 12   Hoian - Kom Tum
Day 13   Kom Tum - Buon Me Thuat
Day 14   Buon Me Thuat - Lak lake
Day 15   Lak Lake - Nha Trang
Day 16   Nha Trang
Day 17   Nha Trang - FLY - Saigon
Day 18   Saigon - Cai Be - Can Tho
Day 19   Can Tho - Cai rang market - Saigon
Day 20   Saigon - Departure

Itinerary in details

DAY 1: HANOI - ARRIVAL

Met and welcome by the Hanoi Voyages Guide upon arrival at the airport.
Then transfer by private car to your hotel.

Overnight in Hanoi

DAY 2: HANOI

This city tour gives a glimpse and an introduction to the history and highlights of the nation’s capital.
In the morning,

• Visit to Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum to see the embalmed body of the nation’s hero, affectingly known by the people as ‘Uncle Ho’, and view his former residence, built on stilts and preserved just as Ho left it.
• Visit one pilar pagoda
• Visit the Temple of Literature, a fine example of traditional Vietnamese architecture founded in 1070 by Emporer Ly Thanh Tong, and dedicated to Confucius to honor literary scholars. Vietnam’s first university was also established here in 1076.
• Continuing on, we will move to West Lake district to we shall discover the Tran Quoc Pagoda, one of the oldest in Vietnam, and Quan Thanh Temple situated on the Truc Bach Lake shore, established by the Ly dynasty.

In the afternoon

• We begin with a visit to the Ethnology Museum
• Then enjoy some free time to stroll through Dong Xuan market
• We take a ride of exploration through the busy streets of the ‘Old Quarter’ (over 1000yrs old), by traditional cyclo, a tricycle ridden from the rear, giving an uninterrupted view of this historical district.

Our day will finish with after a water-puppet show, a traditional and ancient art form, unique to Vietnam, where the puppets appear on water, manipulated from behind a screen.

Overnight in Hanoi

DAY 3: HANOI - LANG SON - CAO BANG

After being picked up from your hotel we drive to Lang Son City, in the mountainous region of North-East Vietnam. During your morning journey we will stop at Dong Mo village and then the Tam Thanh and Nhi Thanh grottoes, two of the most beautiful and historic in this region.

Lunch is provided en route and in the afternoon we continue our journey to Cao Bang, through That Khe and Dong Khe vestiges. Our journey is punctuated with visits to the Dong Dang market, as well as Nung and Tay minority villages.

Overnight in Cao Bang.

DAY 4: CAO BANG - BAN GIOC WATERFALL

After breakfast we drive to a local minority market and the beautiful 2000metre long grottoes of Nguom Ngao, and see the wonderful seven colored stalactites contained within, before arriving at the Ban Gioc Waterfalls on the border of Vietnam and China.

These imposing falls are the most beautiful in Vietnam and lunch will be served in a local restaurant near the falls.
In the afternoon we return to Cao Bang, stopping along the way to visit the 100 year old blacksmith village of Phuc Sen.

Overnight in Cao Bang

DAY 5: CAO BANG - BABE

After breakfast, we drive to Ba Be, containing the largest natural lake in the north of Vietnam and the vast Ba Be National Park.
On arrival lunch will be served, then take a small boat on the lake through the Nang River to the Dau Dang Waterfalls. Discover the National Park and visit the Tay villages of Polu and Pac Ngoi.

Overnight in home stay 

DAY 6: BABE - HANOI

After breakfast we drive through the beautiful environs of the Ba Be National Park and see some of the 1,281 species of flora and, hopefully, some of the 553 species of animals of the park, after which we continue by road back to Hanoi.

Lunch will be served en route and the journey will be punctuated with visits to minority villages.
Arrive in Hanoi in the late afternoon and check into your hotel.

Overnight in Hanoi

DAY 7: HANOI - HALONG - CRUISE AND NIGHT ON BOARD

Transfer from your hotel to Halong Bay by private car with your tour guide.

Halong Bay, with its 1969 islands, is set in beautiful turquoise waters and was recognized for its natural beauty by UNESCO in 1994, and classified as a World Heritage Site.
Ha Long means “descending dragon” and according to legend, a dragon was lowered into the bay to harness the ocean currents. His violent tail movements disturbed and spread the mountain, and when he plunged into the sea the water level rose up, leaving only the highest peaks above the water.

Cruising in this spectacular seascape is mystical and magnificent!

Day 1:
On boarding receive a welcome drink
Installation in private cabins
Presentation of the crew by the captain
Start your cruise while enjoying lunch.

Lunch in the elegant dining room or on the outside deck, a delicious seafood menu, of food prepared with skill and dedication, exquisitely decorated, and served excellently by qualified personnel.

Admire the beautiful landscape that will impress everywhere you look. These islands with their striking shapes, allow your imagination to take over and “see” many different images amongst their formations, whilst cruising water the color of jade, which is so enchanting it never tires.
Fall in love with the magic of this place... .. and you have the privilege of being on a junk which sails away from the “beaten tracks” of mass tourism. No noise, and your eyes will focus on the beauty of the site.

Deck chairs are available to admire the spectacle that unfolds before your eyes.
Coffee or tea is complimentary

• Visit the mysterious cave Canh Thien.

Dinner is served outdoors, (weather permitting), or in the indoor dining room.
Tasty seafood, from an excellent menu, cooked to perfection and wonderfully decorated and served by qualified personnel.

Overnight on board

DAY 8: HALONG - CRUISE - HANOI - TRAIN - HUE

Under the morning sun, surrounded by enchanting and astonishing beauty, your breakfast will be served.

In row boat, you will journey through the heart of a fishing village, to discover the floating houses and the lifestyle of its population, who live constantly on the water.
You will meet the village chief who will help you imagine the daily lives of the inhabitants of Halong Bay. You will also visit a floating school.

• Lunch on board the junk will close this beautiful cruise.

The whole crew will greet you and thank you for your patronage.
By early afternoon you will return to the port.
After disembarking from the junk, our driver will welcome you back to dry land, and the return journey to Hanoi.

In the evening we transfer to the Railway Station for a night journey to Hue, in an air-conditioned cabin with soft sleeper.

Overnight on board

DAY 9: HUE

Best known as the old capital, Hue has been recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for its ancient relics, historical monuments and fine examples of local culture. Many of these are surprisingly well preserved and intact and journeys to this historical city hold promise of great times and lasting memories.

As the nation’s capital from 1802 to 1945 there are many sites that reflect Hue’s rich history, and many others that allow relaxation while absorbing the area’s natural beauty.

Spend a full day discovering Hue, Vietnam’s former capital built by the Nguyen Dynasty,

• Commence your day with a visit to the Imperial Citadel where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945
• Take a boat ride on the gentle Perfume River.
• Visit a conical hat and an incense stick-making village, the Dong Ba Market
• Continue to Thien Mu Pagoda on the bank of the River.
• Visit Khai Dinh's Tomb where traditional Vietnamese design is infused with a European touch, making it unique from the other tombs in Hue.
• Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant and taste Hue’s unique, spicy cuisine.
• After lunch enjoy a cyclo ride through this historical city, through shady laneways and pass many historical sites, so important in the country’s history.

Overnight in Hue

DAY 10: HUE - HOIAN

Depart Hue for the drive to Hoi An, a major Asian trading port in the 17th and 18th centuries whose architecture and relaxed lifestyle has changed little over the years. This scenic drive passes through the fishing village of Lang Co before climbing over the Pass of Ocean Clouds. Along the way, stop in Danang to visit the Cham Museum, which contains the finest collection of Cham sculptures in the world.

We will walk through Hoi An’s ancient town centre for a journey back to the time, to when this town was a major trading port in Asia. We visit the 400year old Japanese Bridge, century old shophouses, a Chinese communal hall and the colorful markets in this ancient and well- preserved town.

Overnight in Hoian

DAY 11: HOIAN - MY SON

Today will be spent discovering Vietnam's rich cultural and historical heritage.

Our morning begins with a visit to My Son, the capital and religious centre of the Champa Kingdom, and Tra Kieu (the Lion Citadel) to view the Cham ruins and artifacts.

We then return to Hoi An for lunch at a local Vietnamese restaurant.

In the afternoon
We will take river transport to visit traditional handicraft villages of the area, namely Thanh Ha and Kim Bong to witness skilled wood carving and pottery artisans plying their trade. Beautiful landscapes are seen of the Hoi An countryside during your time on the boat

Our journey ends at Cua Dai beach enabling you to enjoy a swim or a leisurely stroll on the fine sands of this palm lined beach.

Overnight in Hoian

DAY 12: HOIAN - KOMTOM

Pick up is from your hotel at 8am and we depart by private vehicle to Kon Tum, in the Central Highlands, via National Highway 24. During your journey we will visit the 11th century Chien Dan Cham towers and a minority peoples village of the H’Re Tribe.

Before reaching Kon Tum we will stop at the ethnic minority village of Sedra, in Kondu and meet the inhabitants there.(40km from Kon Tum)

Overnight in Kon Tum.

DAY 13: KOMTUM - BUON ME THUAT

After breakfast, depart to Buon Ma Thuot through the Ta Grong Pass and numerous tea and coffee plantations. You will see the striking contrast between the green of the coffee plantations and the red laterite stone of the district. We stop en route to visit the Jarai village of Yachim near Yaly Lake and discover their amazing funereal art. Each tomb is surrounded by several wooden statues representing each step of the deceased person's life.

Overnight in Buon Me Thuot.

DAY 14: BUON ME THUAT - LAK LAKE

After breakfast, depart along the scenic Highway 27 to Lak Lake and stop at Jun Village. Enjoy an elephant ride and cross Lak Lake to Mlieng village, home to the M’nong and Ede Minorities. Spend some time walking through the village and see their traditional long houses and then return to the other side of the bank by a dugout canoe.

Overnight in Lak Lake

DAY 15: LAK LAKE - NHA TRANG

Transfer to Nha Trang by private car. Check in hotel. Rest of day free at your leisure.

Overnight in Nha Trang

DAY 16: NHA TRANG

Enjoy a free day to discover Nha Trang et relax on beautiful beach.

Overnight in Nha Trang 

DAY 17: NHA TRANG - FLY - SAIGON

Transfer to the airport for a short flight to Saigon. Met and welcome by the tour guide upon arrival at the airport.

Our full day tour of Ho Chi Minh City begins in the morning with a

• Trip to Cholon district to admire the active Thien Hau Temple, built in the early 19th century by its Cantonese congregation.
• Then onto Binh Tay Market to witness the biggest market in Cholon in full swing, and check out the many goods, including fresh produce, on offer in this busy place.

Afternoon

• Visit the War Reminants Museum, housing a history of the local perspective of the Vietnam War.
• Visit the old Presidential Palace, where victory was declared after years of fighting, and preserved as it was found, including vehicles in the garages.
• Visit the Notre Dame Cathedral and Old Saigon Post Office, both magnificent displays of architecture of bygone days.
• After this historical visit, enjoy some wonderful ice cream at Fanny’s, a quaint little parlour with a French atmosphere, before exploring the trendy boutiques on Ton That Thiep Street.

Overnight in Saigon

DAY 18: SAIGON - CAI BE - CAN THO

Leaving the bustling city behind us as we head for the rich, fertile lands of the mighty Mekong River and its extraordinarily busy inhabitants. The area is criss-crossed by a series of narrow, winding waterways, has many cottage industries, orchards, productive rice fields and historical ancient buildings.

On arrival we transfer from our road vehicle to a local sampan and begin our journey through the maze of narrow waterways and canals, making our way to Vinh Long to visit a rice popcorn factory and an ancient colonial house, before lunching at this location.

After lunch we continue our voyage of discovery, and then on to Vinh Long where we travel by road to Can Tho, the largest town and trade centre in the Mekong Delta, to spend the night in a local hotel.

Overnight in Can Tho

DAY 19: CAN THO - CAI RANG MARKET - SAIGON

We board a local sampan and travel on the water for our visit to the colorful and vibrant Cai Rang floating market and Ba Cong fruit orchard and taste their fine wares.

Moving on we will go to the 100yr old Binh Thuy Ancient House to admire the workmanship and architecture of yesteryear. During our movements we will observe the thick, lush vegetation along the riverbanks and life of the local people, going about their daily chores.

Then on to Can Tho’s bright and colorful market place, where our Mekong delta tour draws to a close. We rendezvous with our road vehicle and begin our return to Ho Chi Minh City, with a visit to either the Vinh Trang Pagoda or Coa Dai Temple on our way.

Our arrival back in Saigon will be late in the afternoon.

Overnight in Saigon

DAY 20: SAIGON - DEPARTURE

Free time until transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

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