TRACKS OF VIET NAM

(15 days / 14 nights)

Hanoi - Sapa - Bac Ha - Halong - Cat Ba - Danang - Hoi An - Hue - Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Delta - Tay Ninh - Cu Chi - Ho Chi Minh City

Day 1:  Arrival - Hanoi

On arrival at Noi Bai Airport, you are met and transferred to hotel. Hanoi, Vietnam's capital, is a stylish and gracious city that retains a unique old-world charm and has some of Asia’s most striking colonial architecture. The many lakes and parks make for a relaxing atmosphere. If time permits  we embark on a cyclo ride  through the bustling streets of the Old Quarter - streets named after the specific goods once offered for sale at these places.

Overnight in hotel, Hanoi.

Day 2:  Hanoi – Sapa (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. An early morning start to drive to Sapa.  The roads are bumpy at times, but various scenic landscapes take the tedium out of the drive. The mountainous area has earned for this region the name “the Tonkinese Alps”. Views are marvellous and make for an interesting journey.  At an elevation of 1,500 meters, Sapa was once another of those hill resorts of the French administrators when the summer heat became unbearable in the lowlands. The remoteness and the simple lifestyle of ethnic minority peoples are a highlight of Sapa although conditions are basic.  After checking into your hotel in Sapa you can enjoy the fresh climate by wandering around the place. The ethnic people are frequently seen in this hill town and small vendors along the street sell local textiles and handicrafts.

Overnight in hotel, Sapa.

Day 3:  Sapa (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. The range of Phan Si Pan boasts of being Vietnam’s highest mountain chain. It has an alpine feel for many visitors who have been to the Swiss alps.  Today we have enough time to visit the bustling Sapa Market where the Red Dao, Black Hmong, Tay and Xa Pho ethnic minorities converge from the nearby mountains and valleys to sell their goods and buy provisions and agricultural implements.  We then get well off the beaten track as we embark on a walk to explore this beautiful mountain region.  Along the way we pass through several rustic villages and see many mountaineers doing their daily work such as logging, herding buffalo and tilling the field. The blend of verdant mountain backdrop and colourful population makes for a remarkable experience.

Overnight in hotel, Sapa.

Day 4 :  Sapa - Bac Ha (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. Upon leaving Sapa we set off on our scenic drive through the border town of Lao Cai to the Sunday Market at Bac Ha. This market attracts many ethnic groups including the Hmong, Dao, Phu La, La Chi and Tay. They still retain their age-old cultural traditions and are recognisably distinct from each other by their dress.  You will not see another such sight elsewhere. After the market we walk around the area, visiting the Hmong king’s former residence and Ban Pho where the villagers make the potent local maize wine.

Overnight in hotel, Bac Ha.

Day 5:  Bac Ha – Hanoi (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. The return journey begins as we depart Bac Ha town and pass through the green and rugged mountains to  Hanoi. These back roads are a great way to explore the countryside. We see very few other travellers, mostly rural dwellers who are just as interested in knowing about you as you might be about them.  The drive is very long, but we can can make many stops at our pleasure to stretch our legs and take some wonderful  photographs.

Overnight in hotel, Hanoi.

Day 6:  Hanoi – Halong (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. Today we enjoy a half-day city tour starting with the Ho Chi Minh Complex, containing the mausoleum of the nation’s founder, Ho Chi Minh; the Presidential Palace; and Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts.  Close to this site is the One Pillar Pagoda whose origin dates back to the founding of Hanoi.  We follow this with a trip to the Temple of Literature which is Vietnam’s first university since 1076, and the History Museum which displays an excellent collection of artefacts illustrating Vietnamese history down the ages. The peaceful lake of Hoan Kiem and the bustling Dong Xuan Market are also visited before we depart for Halong Bay, stopping en route at the Dong Trieu Pottery village.

Overnight in hotel, Halong.

Day 7:  Halong - Cat Ba (B,L)

Breakfast at the hotel. Heading out of town we embark on a boat for a long cruise to explore the many interesting geographical formations scattered all over Halong Bay.  Views of sailing junks navigating among the 3,000 limestone islands and outcrops jutting out of the clear and emerald water of the bay are nothing short of spectacular. These limestone karst formations are littered with beaches, grottoes and beautiful caves. Along the way we will anchor for a leisurely swim in a secluded cove and enjoyable a visit to one of the many hidden grottoes beneath towering cliffs. After a seafood lunch on board we weave our way towards Cat Ba Island and have another swim there.

Overnight in hotel, Cat Ba.

Day 8:  Cat Ba – Hanoi (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. A good way to have your first glimpse of Cat Ba is to walk along the seaside.  Today you have a free half-day to explore Cat Ba Island on your own.  There are various options to choose from, some of which are rowing a tiny boat, kayaking or visiting the national park. These optional activities are not included; however our guide is at hand to give you useful information for what you wish to do.  We regroup at our hotel in the early afternoon  and travel by ferry to Haiphong, the biggest port town of northern Vietnam. On arrival in this town we board our waiting vehicle for a two-hour drive back to Hanoi, arriving in time to see a performance of Hanoi's famous water puppets.

Overnight in hotel, Hanoi.

Day 9:  Hanoi – Danang - Hoi An (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. An early morning transfer to the airport for our one-hour flight to Danang. On arrival we are met and driven the short distance to Hoi An which was originally a Cham seaport but has been influenced down the centuries by a myriad of traders from various cultures. There are  plenty to see in this tranquil and delightful town, some of which are  the famous Japanese covered bridges, the Pottery Museum, the 200-year old Tamky House, the Chua Ong Pagoda and the vibrant market.  We visit  these places on foot pass many low-tiled houses scattered along the small streets that are full of guild halls which reflect the town's multi-cultural past.

Overnight in hotel, Hoi An.

Day 10:  Hoi An – Hue (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. Our next destination is Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. After breakfast we depart for Hue, stopping en route  to visit the sensational Marble Mountains, the China Beach and the world-famous Cham Museum in Danang. This museum houses Vietnam's magnificent and largest collection of Cham treasures. The winding roads begin as we make our way up the spectacular Hai Van Pass.  At the top of the pass we stop to admire a fantastic view north to Lang Co and south to Danang. Arriving in Hue we tour the Imperial Citadel and the Purple Forbidden City. This royal residence was all but destroyed during the 1968 Tet Offensive; however it is still fascinating to walk among the ruins.

Overnight in hotel, Hue.

Day 11:  Hue (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. The beautiful riverside pagoda of Thien Mu which is the symbol of Hue, and the elaborate royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc are to be included in our sightseeing of imperial Hue as we engage in a half-day cruise on the Perfume River. We see also the scenic countryside as well as see the splendid  mausoleum of Emperor Minh Mang in a tranquil setting of gardens and lakes. After a pleasant boat trip  we take a walk to the bustling Dong Ba Market that sells a wide variety of local goods and handicrafts.  Along the way we pass many fantastic eating spots that visitors simply must try the food.

Overnight in hotel, Hue.

Day 12:  Hue - Ho Chi Minh City (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport for our flight to HCMC. Today we continue our trip to Ho Chi Minh City, the unofficial southern capital. This metropolis is in great contrast with its northern counterpart, Hanoi. It is crowded with bikes and motorbikes, numerous shopping areas and sidewalk cafés. A half-day sightseeing tour takes us to the Reunification Palace which was the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until end of April 1975, and some French colonial structures including the Notre Dame Cathedral and the old Sai Gon Post Office. After seeing the Jade Emperor Pagoda and the War Remnant, we end our city tour at the bustling Ben Thanh Market where anything and everything is for sale.

Overnight in hotel, Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 13 :  Ho Chi Minh City – Tay Ninh - Cu Chi – (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. The headquarters of the Cao Dai sect is located in Tay Ninh. This religion was founded in 1923 and now numbers  over 2 million members. After breakfast we travel by road to Tay Ninh to see the ornate Cao Dai temple and  attend the fantastic mid-day service when the followers fill the hall wearing coloured robes, a symbol of the curious combination of Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism all which the members espouse.  Afterwards we proceed to the famous  Cu Chi Tunnels, which were an incredible underground network constructed by Vietnamese fighters during the long struggle for independence. The tunnels contained hospitals, accommodation and schools, and were used as a military base by the Vietcong in the American War. Overnight in hotel, Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 14 :  Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta (B,L)

Breakfast at the hotel. Heading out of the town, we travel by road to the Mekong Delta, Vietnam's largest rice bowl. On arrival in My Tho we embark on a boat navigating the intricate small canals in the delta region, which is a great way to observe the local lifestyle close-up and catch a view of the many islands sprinkled all over the bay area. The exciting excursion will pass lush, green vegetation before arriving at the famous Unicorn Island.  Here we have the opportunity to stroll in an orchard and taste the many seasonal fruits while enjoying some traditional music. The next stop of our trip is Ben Tre Province to visit some fascinating local industries. After lunch we return to Ho Chi Minh City, stopping along the way to see the beautiful Ving Trang Pagoda and Cholon,  Saigon’s Chinatown, which is crammed with sacred temples and mysterious, narrow lanes.

Overnight in hotel, Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 15:  Ho Chi Minh City - Departure (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. There is free time to relax or further explore Ho Chi Minh by yourself. The tour ends after your transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport for your departure flight.

  End of Programme.

INCLUDED :

+ Transportation in private air-conditioned vehicle with driver

+ Accommodation: twin sharing room at the mentioned hotels

+ Flight Hanoi – Danang, Hue – Ho Chi Minh

+ Boat trips in Halong , Hue, Mekong Delta

+ Meals as indicated

+ English or French speaking guide

+ Entrance fee to indicated sights

+ Water puppet show

+ Cyclo trip

NOT INCLUDED : Other meals, tip, drinks, airport tax, single room, personal expenses, insurance, international flights, visa fee.

HOTEL LIST FOR VIETNAM PACKAGES

HAIPHONG
TOUR CLASS	CATEGORY	HOTEL
Standard	Standard ( 2 stars)
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