Day 1: Arrive Hanoi - Welcome To Vietnam (N/A)
Upon arrival in our thousand years Capital – Hanoi City, our guide will welcome you at Noi Bai airport and then transfer you to your hotel in the city center. Relax some time to recover somewhat from jet-leg and for the refreshment.
If time permits, take an orientation tour of Hanoi. You will know our legend/history about Hoan Kiem Lake (the lake of the Restored Sword), our architectural and our way of with small streets and its name (Old quarter).
Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.
Day 2: Hanoi City Tour - Night Train To Sapa (B)
Today, we will take the sightseeing of the most city's outstanding historical and cultural sites. The visit includes:
- The complex of Ho Chi Minh historical sites, also called the political center of Vietnam.
- One-pillar Pagoda and The Temple of Literature for the brief understanding about the two most popular religions in Vietnam (Buddhism and Confucianism).
- Visit one of the museums in Hanoi (Museum of History, Museum of Ethnology, Museum of Fine Art).
- Enjoy our welcome show of northern rural of Vietnam – Water Puppet show.
You will have time for dinner then transfer to Railway station for night train to Sapa. Overnight on the train in 4 soft berths cabin with A/C.
Note: If you want to have a private 2 person cabin on the train, the extra charge is 60 US$/Person for the round trip.
Day 3: Sapa Villages (B/L)
Arrive at Lao Cai Train station at about 6.00am, transfer to Sapa town. Have breakfast at local restaurant.
Today is for discovering the nature as well as different culture of hill tribal people. From hotel we start our trekking up and down hills with nice rice terraces, spectacular scenery the Fansipan Mount, and through scenic Muong Hoa valley. We walk up and down the rice terraces, hills, bamboo forests and streams to Lao Chai and Ta VanVillages which is decorated by terraced-fields and the house of H'mong, Red Zao and Zay people. You will have great opportunity for taking photos of breathtaking landscapes, meeting friendly hill-tribe people at home and work, and getting to understand their tradition, habits...Enjoy picnic lunch. We will return to our hotel in Sapa by car in afternoon. Overnight at hotel in Sapa.
Note: A full or half day trekking or moving by car and short walk is on your request.
Day 4: Sapa Villages - Night Train Back To Hanoi (B)
Today you will visit Sapa town and take a 2km short trekking to Cat Cat Village, the home of H’mong minority. Back to Sapa before noon.
In the afternoon visit Ta Fin village with Tafin handicraft shops and explore the daily life of Red Dzao and continue the drive to transfer to Lao Cai station. Get on night train back to Hanoi.
Day 5: Hanoi - Halong Bay Cruise (B/L/D)
The train arrives back to Hanoi around 5:30am, meet our guide at the train station for the transfer to a day use hotel for few hours relaxing and having breakfast.
After breakfast, you will leave for Halong Bay, one of the most spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Areas and the world’s largest marine limestone ‘karst’ landscape. There you will board your boat, a wooden junk built from the model of the old Vietnamese court vessels with sails, a wide transom and rectangular superstructure, that will take you first to the busy World Heritage area and then to some of the less well-known grottoes and caves. Weather permitting, you will be able to swim, fish, climb a hill for an overview of the Bay’s remarkable seascape, or venture into some of the sea level caves in a small sampan. All your meals will be provided on board, usually based on fresh seafood. Your overnight will be aboard.
Day 6: Halong Bay - Hanoi - Night Train To Dong Hoi (B/L)
Participate in Tai Chi on the top deck or simply watch the sunrise over the magnificent bay. Enjoy your morning cup of coffee or juice before setting out to the near- by cave by row boat, etc. Return back to the boat, where breakfast is served, while sailing around the Bay.
Your cruise will end at noon and you will be met by your driver for the transfer back to Hanoi.
Evening we transfer you to Railway station for night train to Dong Hoi. Overnight on the train in 4 soft berths cabin with A/C.
Day 7: Dong Hoi – Phong Nha Cave – Ke Bang National Park (B/L)
Arrive in Dong Hoi in the morning, transfer to the local restaurant for breakfast, then we will drive you to visit Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park. Getting on boat and cruise on the world's longest underground river to Phong Nha Cave. The deeper one penetrates, the more magical are the natural aspects of the caves. After on boat for 700m, a large dry passage is appear, then you can walk to discover the cave for 500m more. You will have a chance to explore the remain of Cham Altars and Inscriptions inside. Overnight in Dong Hoi Town.
Day 8: Dong Hoi - DMZ - Hue (B/L)
Leave Dong Hoi early for Hue. Drive along back to Hue with a stopover at historic Hien Luong Bridge, Ben Hai River and the famous Vinh Moc Tunnels. Arrive Hue at noon time and have lunch at local restaurant before check in. Free time in the afternoon. Overnight in Hue.
Day 9: Hue (B)
Today, we take the sightseeing in Hue to the Ancient Imperial Citadel, a complex of palaces and temples built by the Nguyen from early 19th Century for which Hue was recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage and the Hue Royal Antiquities Museum which is dedicated to Vietnam's imperial past and arts of that era
Then, you will embark on a drive to Hue’s countryside to reach the Emperor Tu Duc’s tomb, one of the most beautiful royal architectures of Nguyen dynasty
Explore more of Vietnam life with the effected of Royal life, garden house in Hue is one of them. "Garden house" is a typical and unique characteristic of Hue city. You will visit the traditional handicraft village: Thuy Xuan Hat - Incense making village, you will see how Hue Hat (non Hue) - a symbolized for the beauty of Hue lady.
Late afternoon, visit Thien Mu pagoda and enjoy the leisure boat trip on the scenic Perfume River. Overnight at hotel in Hue.
Day 10: Hue - Hoi An (B)
After breakfast in the hotel, you will have a nice drive over the scenic Hai Van pass along the coast to the ancient town of Hoian. You will have a short stop in spectacular Lang Co beach for a view. Arrive in Danang, stops to visit Cham Sculpture museum - one of the most fascinating museums in Vietnam. It’s home to several cultural artifacts in the Central and Central Highlands of Vietnam, preserving the spirit of the ancient Champa kingdom; Dragon Bridge - the symbol of Danang City; and Marble Mountain (Ngu Hanh Son), discover the stunning natural caves of the mountain and enjoy the beautiful view from the top of the Marble Mountain. Then continue our trip to Hoi An. Overnight in Hoi An.
Day 11: Hoi An - Cooking Class (B/L)
Breakfast at hotel and take part in a cooking class at Red Bridge Cooking School, including going to market with the chef for buying ingredients, cooking demonstration, cook yourself some Vietnamese dishes and enjoy lunch.
In the afternoon, free time for shopping or sea bathing. Overnight in Hoi An.
Day 12: Hoi An - Da Nang – Nha Trang (B)
Transfer to Da Nang Airport to fly to Nha trang. Relax on the beach of Nha Trang. Overnight in Nha Trang.
Day 13: Nha Trang Island Excursion (B/L)
You will have one day boat trip. Start from your hotel to Cau Da port. Tri Nguyen Aquarium on Mieu Island is the first place to visit, many sea species of Nha Trang/Khanh Hoa province make a small ocean world there. Mun Island is the best island for snorkeling where you can see lots of lives colorful corals and fish. You will also be able to see caves in which the sea swallows make their nest.Then relaxing, swimming & doing water sports or other activities at Mot Island, Tranh Beach Island or on a small island calling “Mini beach”. Taking a fresh lunch at the island. On the way back you will visit a fishing village before going to the shore. Return to Nha Trang about 16.00. Overnight in Nha Trang.
Day 14: Nha Trang – Ho Chi Minh City (B)
Today you will visit Cham Po Nagar Towers, Long Son Pagoda and Stone Church. Cham Po Nagar Towers is the site cannot be missed when visiting Nha Trang. Cham Po Nagar Towers is one of the best architectures of Cham People. Leisure on the beach until the transfer time to Cam Ranh Airport for late flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Overnight at Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 15: Ho Chi Minh City – Cu Chi Tunnels (B)
In the morning, we will go to Hoc Mon district to visit the incredible underground Cu Chi tunnel network constructed by Vietnamese fighters during the long struggle for independence. Back to the city after 4 hours excursion. In the afternoon, visit War Museum, Reunification Palace and Notre Dame Cathedral and Ben Thanh Market for shopping. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 16: Ho Chi Minh – Mekong Delta Tour – Can Tho (B/L)
After breakfast, we will depart the city and enjoy the scenic journey along the National Highway bordered by green rice fields to My Tho in the Mekong Delta. On arrived at My Tho, visit Vinh Trang pagoda, and take a leisurely boat ride along the river, view the stilt houses, fruit plantations and fishing villages along the river bank. Proceed to Tortoise islet, have lunch in the orchard garden. Then a boat ride to An Khanh – a less touristy attraction in Ben Tre, enjoy cruising on a hand-rowed sampan under the shadow of the water coconut trees along natural canals, then enjoy seasonal fruit & honey tea.
Visit a family business which epitomizes the idyllic rural lifestyle, taste the delicious coconut candy & observe the pastoral life as you roam through the fruit plantation and village. Towards the end of the day we arrive in Can Tho where we stay at the hotel.
Day 17: Mekong Delta - Ho Chi Minh (B)
Rising early to the sounds of the Delta coming to life for another day, we breakfast and start our trip with a boat cruise on sparking streams along the endless waterway of Mighty Mekong River to Cai Rang floating market. There will be hundreds of boats loaded with fruits, vegetables and fish jostling for trade. Sellers advertisers their wares by crying out across the waters. We visit the lush orchards and are treated to a delicious tropical fruits.
Late morning, drive back to Ho Chi Minh. Check in hotel and free to relax.
Evening, you can explore the exciting nightlife of Ho Chi Minh City on your own. Visit Ben Thanh night market and enjoy the street foods, or enjoy some drinks at pub or bar at the bustling Bui Vien street, or go shoppping at the mordern shopping centers.
Overnight at hotel in Ho Chi Minh.
Day 18: Ho Chi Minh City – Departure (B)
Breakfast in hotel. Free time for shopping or optional visit before transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport for departure. End of the 18 Day Vietnam Tour.
