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DAY 1: ARRIVE HANOI
Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and remainder of the day is free to get over jetlag. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner at the private home of a musician couple – the husband is a flutist in the National Orchestra while the wife is a piano teacher. Enjoy the meal hosted in the cozy dining room to understand the important role meals at home play in Vietnam. Chat and share with them life experiences through their lovely family photo album. After the meal, enjoy a melodious performance of flute and piano entertained by the hosts themselves.

DAY 2: HANOI
Hanoi’s surrounding countryside is filled with captivating natural beauty and images of tranquil village life. Take this chance to explore the forgotten village of Cuu, once the North’s premier tailoring village during the French colonial period. Many traces of its illustrious past are still visible today through the ancient architecture. Stroll around the village to appreciate the old charm. Stop at a local house to engage in a casual talk with the host over a cup of tea before driving back to Hanoi. In the afternoon, visit the must-see Temple of Literature, the first University for the sons of mandarins, for an overview about Hanoian culture and ancient Vietnamese architecture. Cap off the day with a cyclo ride through the Old Quarters to enjoy local daily life.
DAY 3: HANOI
Embark on a 3.5 hour drive to Halong Bay with a quick rest stop at Hong Ngoc Center – the best place to stop and stretch your legs en route. On arrival in Halong Bay, board your deluxe junk, settle into your cabin and prepare your appetite for an enjoyable lunch on deck. Mid-afternoon you will visit the mysterious atmosphere of Tien Ong cave, adorned with stalactites and stalagmites, then continue to the Cua Van fishing village, the largest community on the bay. This will allow a closer look into the lives of local fishermen before you transfer to a bamboo boat and are rowed slowly through the village with a museum and a school among floating houses. Back to the boat, a cooking class is offered with the chef if you are interested while your boat leisurely cruise be amazed or enjoy sunset cocktails and canapés on up top deck before served wonderful dinner on board tonight.

Overnight on junk (joined boat – private cabin, 2 persons per cabin) (Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 4: HANOI – HALONG BAY – DANANG - HOI AN (FLIGHT)
Wake up early and partake in a Tai Chi class which is held on the upper deck. Visit Soi Sim Island, here you can relax in azure water of Halonng Bay or enjoy over 200 steps to the up top for panoramic view of the whole bay. Back to the boat for boarding towards the shore while brunch is served. Prepare your luggage and hand your key to the reception for check out. Arrive at the jetty late morning and transfer back to Hanoi with light snack provided en route. Opt to visit a traditional pottery workshop en route. Transfer to Noi Bai Airport for the flight to Danang. Upon arrival in Danang, meet with your guide and transfer to Hoi An and check-in your resort.
DAY 5: HOI AN
Between the 17th and 19th centuries, Hoi An was a prosperous trading port. Today, this World Heritage-listed ancient town boasts well-preserved buildings, pedestrianized streets and unique cuisine, allowing visitors a glimpse of its illustrious past. The narrow lanes are ideal for a guided walking tour. There is plenty to visit including the old merchant’s houses with influences from Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese architecture; the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge; the Assembly Hall of the Chaozhou Chinese Congregation with outstanding wood carvings; and the colourful market with stalls brimming with local specialties including silk, which can be turned into fashionable garments within a day or two. Lantern, the simple yet colorful item is now an essential part of Hoi An culture. The lantern is inspired and hand-made by local artisans and is meant to bring good fortune. It is really made a comeback by an experienced artisan – Mr. Huynh Van Ba who is now in his 80’s. Engage in a casual talk to him for a brief introduction to the history, shape, and color of the lanterns as well as the stages of production. Try creating your own lantern and take it home as a souvenir.

Remainder of the afternoon is free at leisure to explore the ancient town or enjoy the modern facilities of your resort.
DAY 6: HOI AN
This morning, save your stomach for a private street food tour with other guests from different hotels. Meet with your culinary expert, Neville Dean, and visit a local market in Hoi An to enjoy the tantalizing sights, smells and flavors of local produce. Then walk through zigzagging alleys to savor real street food as the local people do. Along the way, engage in conversation with Neville to understand his passion for food and experience the local culture through the eyes of an expatriate. Gather at a local restaurant to examine and taste traditional central dishes and learn more about this fascinating region. Afternoon is free at leisure to explore the town on your own.
DAY 7: HOI AN – DANANG – SAIGON (FLIGHT)
Morning is free at leisure until transfer to the airport for onward flight. A quick orientation tour along the way to visit city landmarks including: Opera House, Notre Dame Cathedral and Old Post Office.

Later this afternoon, drive to the impressive studio of a celebrated artist in Saigon’s suburban District 2. Being inspired by the lights, shadows and colors of Vietnam, artist Helene Kling has lived in Vietnam since 1996. Wander around her studio to contemplate her stunning artworks and antiques. Watch her painting and grasp her inspiration on each piece of art. Enjoy an aperitif with her to share her passion of art. Helen also supports Operation Smile charity by painting to raise funds for children needing cleft surgery. It is the art of healing!
DAY 8: MEKONG DELTA (LEISURED BIKING OF 7KM)
Depart early in the morning from Saigon and head two hours to the southwest. Along the way notice lush rice paddies and fruit farms emerging alongside the highway, upon arrival in Cai Lay, board a charming wooden boat to enjoy countryside scenery and river life. Then stretch your legs a bit and hop on a bicycle for a short ride of about 7km (over easy, level terrain) along narrow village lanes, past fruit orchards and local cottage industries. Locals will often greet you with a hello or “xin chao” as you pedal by. Arrive at the home of a tropical fruit farmer and have a walk around his orchard. Enjoy the opportunity to taste fresh fruits. Then relax while enjoying the view from a small sampan boat as you are paddled slowly along tropical canals. Disembark and walk through this Mekong village to a local home and enjoy a home-hosted lunch of Mekong Delta specialties. After lunch, a short walk takes you back to the car and your return trip to Saigon.
DAY 9: SAIGON – CON DAO (FLIGHT)
Morning, be transferred to the airport for flight to Con Dao. Con Dao island is the least developing beach destination in Vietnam so it is ideal venue for those who are looking for something off the beaten track. Upon arrival, check in and explore the wild nature and turquoise sea around your resort.
DAY 10 -11: CON DAO
Full day is free for beach relaxation.
DAY 12: CON DAO – SAIGON (FLIGHT) CONNECT DEPARTURE FLIGHT
Free at leisure until transfer to the airport for onward flights home.

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www.holidaysinindochina.com
www.littlevietnamtours.com.vn

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Vietnamese food owes its unique identity to its history, culture, geography and the creativity of its chefs. Like the arts and language, the cuisine has developed in different ways dependent upon the region. No matter where you are in the country, the sights, sounds and aromas of fresh food markets and produce contributes to the excitement and color of the Vietnamese cooking and dining experience.

DAY 1: ARRIVE IN HANOI
Upon arrival in Hanoi, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel. In the late afternoon you will be taken on an hour long cyclo ride through the French quarter and the Administrative quarter to get a glimpse of the city. Welcome dinner is at Pots' n Pans restaurant at the Chef's corner with the lively open kitchen on display. You are given the chance to interact with the special guest – the Master Chef Mr. Donald Berger - who has over 30 years of working around the globe in the finest restaurants, private clubs and hotels and now settled in Vietnam with his own venture.

DAY 2: HANOI
This morning, meet with a local Hanoian chef for a market tour. He can show you how to select fresh ingredients. Enjoy the sights, sounds and aromas of the market. Visit the chef’s private home for a hands-on cooking class of Hanoi & Northern Highland cuisine. Enjoy your own creations at lunch while listening to the chef’s personal culinary adventure. Return to town for a customized city tour including a visit to the Temple of Literature, a cultural symbol and the first University for the sons of mandarins. Walk around the old quarter to enjoy local life and street food stalls. In the evening, visit the house of a musician couple – the husband is a flautist in the National Orchestra while the wife is a piano teacher – for a home-cooked dinner. Enjoy the meal hosted in the cosy dining room to understand the important role food at home plays in Vietnam. Chat and share with them your life experiences. After the meal, enjoy a musical performance by your hosts. Come back to your hotel for the night.

DAY 3: HANOI - HALONG BAY
Au Co ship offers not only luxury cruise experience but also sensational concept of 5-element cuisine including wood, fire, earth, metal and water. The menus onboard are built around fresh seafood and the creative use of aromatics and spices.

This morning, embark on a 3.5 hour drive to Halong Bay with a quick rest stop at Hong Ngoc Center – the best place to stop and stretch your legs en route. On arrival at Tuan Chau pier, board the deluxe Au Co ship. Each of her 32 spaciously-designed private cabins boasts luxurious bathrooms and panoramic balconies. Settle into your cabin and prepare your appetite for an enjoyable lunch on deck. The first day of your cruise is an introduction to the amazing scenery of Halong Bay and its southern sister; Lan Ha Bay. Cruising through Halong Bay will literally take your breath away, as we pass famous spots like Thien Cung and Me Cung caves, plus Soi Sim and Titov islands. Also located in the Gulf of Tonkin, to the south of Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay, Ba Trai Dao and the Ho Ba Ham islets offer tranquility and nature at its best, and a guided kayaking tour or refreshing swim in the Bay’s emerald waters are two of the best ways to enjoy them. Tonight, interact with the crew members to discover their daily lives or depending on the weather, try squid fishing at the reception.

DAY 4: CAT BA ISLAND – BAI TU LONG BAY
Wake up early and partake in a Tai Chi class which is held on the upper deck or just enjoy the breathtaking views of the bay as the boat starts cruising quietly in Lan Ha bay. Breakfast on board and cruise towards Cat Ba island, famous for its national park, with more than half the island designated. This island, far and away the largest in the Gulf of Tonkin, is covered by a dense rainforest home to numerous indigenous species of flora and fauna. The secluded village of Viet Hai, situated in the middle of this pristine environment, is easily accessible thanks to a 7km cycling trip on paved paths and is where we are developing an organic farm which you can visit.

Return to the ship and cruise east to Vung Vieng village in Bai Tu Long bay which is the most remote area of your voyage. The exceptional scale and variety of the geological rock formations in this area are sure to make this a future destination for cruising in the Gulf of Tonkin. After lunch on board, enjoy a relaxing rowing boat or kayak tour through the floating village of Vung Vieng. Optional swimming in Vons Ha area, depending on the weather. Then departure to Cong Do area while enjoying sunset cocktail on board followed with a special dinner featured 5 elements of wood, fire, earth, metal and water

DAY 5: HALONG - HANOI
In the morning, climb up to visit Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave where stalactites hanging from the high ceiling take on numerous shapes and forms. Back to the boat for boarding towards the shore while brunch is served. Prepare your luggage and hand your key to the reception for check out. Arrive at Tuan Chau pier late morning and transfer back to Hanoi with light snack provided en route. Opt to visit a traditional pottery workshop en route.

DAY 6: HOI AN
This morning, learn the traditional herbs that add in special flavour into Vietnamese cusine. Experience an organic discovery tour with the local farmers in the rural outskirts of Hoi An ancient town. Start your morning with a leisurely 4km bike ride through the countryside, heading to Tra Que vegetable village which is named after a sweet scented herb they grow and use to flavour Hoi An specialties like Cao Lau noodles. Upon arrival, learn about the history and custom of this charming village before getting your hands dirty and venturing into the garden - you may like to borrow the farmers’ clothing provided by the villagers. Join the friendly farmers to learn the traditional gardening methods and how they cultivate vegetables. Bid farewell to your host family and transfer back to town. Use your adventure mind to select one of numerous restaurant choices in walking distance for your independent lunch.

After lunch, meet your guide for a walking tour. Between the 17th and 19th centuries, Hoi An was a prosperous trading port. Today, this World Heritage-listed ancient town boasts well-preserved buildings, pedestrianized streets and unique cuisine, allowing visitors a glimpse of its illustrious past. The narrow lanes are ideal for a guided walking tour. There is plenty to visit including the old merchant’s houses with influences Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese architecture; the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge; the Assembly Hall of the Chaozhou Chinese Congregation with outstanding wood carvings; and the colourful market with stalls brimming with local specialties including silk, which can be turned into fashionable garments within a day or two.

Dinner tonight is at Mango Mango restaurant looking out Thu Bon River. You might have a chance to talk to the owner – Duc – who has an interesting culinary journey around the world. Try his eclectic and innovative flavors of fusion cuisine.

DAY 7: HOI AN
This morning, save your stomach for a street food tour with other guests from different hotels. Meet with your culinary expert, Neville Dean, and visit a local market in Hoi An to enjoy the tantalizing sights, smells and flavors of local produce. Then walk through zigzagging alleys to savor real street food as the local people do. Along the way, engage in conversation with Neville to understand his passion for food and experience the local culture through the eyes of an expatriate. Gather at a local restaurant to examine and taste traditional central dishes and learn more about this fascinating region. Remainder of the afternoon is free at leisure.

DAY 8: HOI AN - HUE
After breakfast, enjoy a scenic 3.5 hour drive through Ocean Cloudy Pass to Hue. During the reign of the Nguyen dynasty, Vietnam’s finest chefs where hand-picked and transferred to Hue to create new dishes for the emperors. Hue’s cuisine is famous for its refinement and artistic quality. A Hue dish normally requires a dozen different ingredients and an elaborate presentation. In a Hue family meal, each dish has its own complementary sauce while people in other parts of the country normally use one specific sauce for all types of food. Hue is also the centre of Buddhism in Vietnam, enjoy a cup of tea and interact with monks at an ancient pagoda to get a glimpse of Vietnamese Buddhism, monks’ life experiences and their charitable activities for the community. Followed by a pure vegetarian lunch from natural ingredients, learn what monks usually have for a meal (your guide will join you for lunch to help translate). Afternoon, get an overview of the former Royal city. Start with a visit to the Imperial Citadel which was the former home of the royal court of Vietnam up until the mid 20th century. Then head out of the city centre and explore the elaborate Khai Dinh royal tomb where the architecture is influenced by both eastern art and western influences.

Then enjoy an exceptional dinner with Salt Rice, one of the most opulent and symbolic dishes in the former Imperial capital of Hue, has made a comeback thanks to the Master Chef Mme Nhu Huy. There are up to nine kinds of salt such as from sesame, lemongrass, galingale; shrimp and the dishes are prepared by frying, steaming and braising. We can talk with Mme Nhu Huy, who was born and grew up in a Royal family, to understand her effort to search and preserve ancient recipes. And of course, chance to enjoy this delicacy at Mme Nhu Huy’s home. It is necessary to enjoy these dishes slowly to enhance the fragrance of rice and the salty, peppery, sweet, and sour taste of different types of salt rice.

DAY 9: HUE
Step out and explore the delicious world of Hue food tour with the celebrated gastronomy artisan, Ms. Nhu Huy. She is a professor, author of cookbooks, food television presenter in Vietnam and Europe and the recipient of several prestigious Talent awards in Vietnam. Start off with a visit to the local market to see the sights and sounds of daily life. Ms. Nhu Huy will share some advice of how to select the freshest produce and ingredients necessary for Hue food. Later, visit several villages which each specialize in a different popular dish. During the day, sample many wonderful foods including com hen (mussel rice), banh beo, banh nam banh loc (varieties of soft rice cakes) and banh uot (steamed rice pancake). These dishes are not merely considered local food, but an indispensable culinary trait of Hue. End the trip at the local restaurant Huyen Anh that serves Hue specialty of banh uot and grilled pork.

Remainder of the afternoon is to stretch your legs and relax. Dinner at the remarkable Ancient Hue restaurant. More than just a restaurant, Ancient Hue has 5 distinctive ancient houses offering a glimpse of the city’s splendid past. Walk through the local market with the chef to learn about local ingredients before returning to the open-air cultural complex. Here, you will sample the best Royal cuisine.

DAY 10: HUE TO SAIGON BY FLIGHT
Free at leisure before transferring to the airport in Hue for the noon flight to Saigon. Upon arrival, transfer downtown and experience a first glimpse of Saigon’s hectic traffic. Saigon is the country’s commercial centre and, with over nine million inhabitants and five million motorbikes, a city that never sleeps. Despite the well-documented hustle and bustle, Saigon retains its connections with the past. A walking tour to admire Saigon’s historic landmarks is a must. Transfer to Dong Khoi Street or Rue Catinat as it was known in the time of the French occupation, to discover some of the beautiful French colonial buildings built in the late 19th and early 20th century. Appreciate the splendidly restored exteriors of the Opera House and the former Hotel de Ville which are still two of the finest buildings in Saigon. Wander up to the Notre Dame Cathedral, a red brick edifice with twin spires based on the original construction from Paris. (It is only possible to visit inside from 8.00am – 10.00am and 3.00pm – 4.00pm). Then head across the square to the Central Post Office, designed by the French architect, Gustav Eiffel, before he had risen to fame for the Eiffel Tower. Finally, the former Presidential Palace, the headquarters of the Saigon Government during the American war, is a short drive away and reveals the history of Saigon during its turbulent recent past.

With all its hustle & bustle, Saigon is a city on the move! Discover what this thriving and exciting metropolis can offer in terms of street food, all from the back of a vintage Vespa scooter. After a briefing at your hotel lobby about the logistic, be introduced to your driver and start the journey. Stops include dinner and drinks at Saigon's best authentic street food, and a Vietnamese-style coffee shop. Drive to District 4 to taste various snail dishes which are very popular in Saigon. Then it’s back to District 3 to sample a southern Vietnamese specialty – Banh Xeo (rice pancake with pork and prawns). Finally, head to a local Vietnamese style coffee shop and enjoy a local coffee

DAY 11: BINH DUONG
Located 30km to the north of Saigon and more than 1 hour drive; Binh Duong nowadays is home to significant manufacturing industries. With more than 300 years of history, Binh Duong is also the cradle of typical traditional handicrafts such as lacquerware and pottery. It is also where the celebrated culinary artisan – Nguyen Dzoan Cam Van chose to spend the rest of her life in the peaceful countryside. Drive over Ong Co Bridge to get to the private residence of this talented chef, who has made great contributions to glorifying Vietnamese culinary culture. So far Cam Van has published nearly 40 culinary books, and been invited to introduce Vietnamese cuisine to many countries around the world. Upon arrival, walk around her gardens by the river bank. Today you will learn more about typical Southern dishes. Learning to cook is great fun but enjoying the food that you cook is even better. Optional chance to stay back and interaction with Cam Van in her garden. Return to Saigon in the late afternoon.

DAY 12: CYCLING IN THE MEKONG DELTA
At 8.00am, depart for a 1.5 hour drive from Saigon to Ben Tre, situated in the Delta of the Mekong River. Pass Rach Mieu Bridge before reaching Phu Hung hamlet. Get on a tri-motor cycle (Xe loi) ride to enjoy the lush surroundings of rice paddies and fruit farms alongside the narrow village roads. Arrive at the waterfront; board the charming Mango Cruise for a glimpse at the Delta scenery while enjoying coconut juice. Make a first stop at a small brick workshop where the locals still use centuries-old traditional methods to make the bricks by hand.

Then you will head back to your boat to cross the An Hoa River, where you will start a very leisured biking trip (5-7km) around Phong Nam village on flat terrain. On the way, stop at the local house where they live on coconuts processing. Continue cycling through gardens and stop at the rice noodles factory “hu tieu”, one of most popular breakfast dishes in the region. Take a short walk to visit at Mrs. Huong’s home where they make a living from fishing, shrimping and farming. Enjoy the tropical fruits and honey tea in her garden before taking the rowing sampan; be paddled by a personalized rower trip to discover the maze of small canals.

The boat brings you to Mango home restaurant for a lunch with Mekong Delta specialties. Then ride 500m or walk over to Mr Sau Tuong’s house. He is a former soldier who survived after 4 years fighting the Khmer Rouge in Phnom Penh. Now he and his wife live on making rice paper. Have a chat with him and enjoy the crispy rice paper made by his wife, and see how it is made.

Choose to cycle 500m or walk 10 minute to another house of Mr Hung, who is a famous sticky rice maker in the village. You can also feed his stock of catfish and walk through his fruit garden. After the visit, the boat will be waiting for you at the pier nearby to bring you back to Ben Tre city where your car will take you back to Saigon.

Farewell dinner will be held at Ngon resetaurant which is set up like a local food market selling specialties from each region in Vietnam. Here you can experience each typical dish of each region while enjoying the busting atmosphere exactly like at a market.

DAY 13: DEPART SAIGON
Free time until you transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

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www.triptovietnam.asia
www.holidaysinindochina.com

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This fourteen-day programme includes Hanoi, Mai Chau Valley, Cat Ba Island, Ho Chi Minh City, Nam Cat Tien National Park and Mekong Delta. It's not a simple adventure tour with physical activities but you will have chance to experience nature, wildlife, daily life of local people and local culture.

As you’ll be travelling tailor-made, you can transform this sample tour into your dream holiday. Just ask us to make any changes, and you’ll have a revised itinerary with 24 hours – no limit to the number of changes, and no charge for making the amendments!

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival (D)
Arriving at Noi Bai airport in Hanoi, you will be met and driven to your hotel for check in. You will have time to relax before we present you with Vietnam daily life in the past and now with one or two hour cylo tour around the Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son temple and Old Quarter of Hanoi. You will then enjoy a Water Puppet Show and a welcome dinner at a restaurant with Vietnamese cuisines. You will spend the night in Hanoi.

Day 2: Hanoi (B/L)
You will have the whole day to explore Vietnam’s capital city. Your guide will take you to the Temple of Literature, the first university in Vietnam dating back to the 11th century, and a popular attraction, as is Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, his simple stilt house where he lived and worked, and the museum dedicated to his memory. After lunch, you’ll call in at the serene Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest in Hanoi and the excellent Ethnology Museum for an overview of Vietnam’s 54 distinct ethnic groups. Your overnight will be in Hanoi.
Day 3: Hanoi – Mai Chau Homestay (B/L/D)
In the morning, you will depart from your hotel by private vehicle to Mai Chau village. Your lunch will be served in a local house. After lunch, you’ll drive to the Ma River for a 30 minute boat ride, get off the boat and walk through Chieng Village of the Thai ethnic minority people. Back to Mai Chau for dinner and overnight in the stilt house with the friendly Thai ethnic minority peole.

Day 4: Mai Chau – Hanoi (B/L)
After breakfast at the homestay, you will head out for two hours of easy cycling through the verdant rice paddies and local villages to experience their daily life. Make your way back to the homestay for lunch before driving back to Hanoi. Your overnight will be in Hanoi.

Day 5: Hanoi – Hai Phong – Cat Ba Rock Climbing (B/L)
After breakfast, you will drive to Hai Phong City where you will take a hydrofoil to Cat Ba Island where you will meet your certified climbing guide and ride a motorbike along the Cat Ba Island coast-line to the climbing area in “Butterfly Valley”. After orientation, do at least 2 top-rope climbs with the help of your guide. Your lunch will be at a local house in the Valley before returning to the town for overnight.

Day 6: Cat Ba Rock Climbing (B/L/D)
After breakfast at the hotel, you will cruise out the the rock climbing area in Lan Ha Bay. Do 2 top-rope climbs or more. Cruise over to unihabited beach to enjoy another climbing adventure. Lunch will be served on boat. In the late afternoon, you will return to the town for dinner and overnight.

Day 7: Cat Ba - Hanoi (B/L)
Morning will be free to relax on the beach. In the afternoon, you will take the hydrofoil back to Hai Phong. Our car will wait you there to drive you back to Hanoi. Your overnight will be in Hanoi.

Day 8: Hanoi – Ho Chi Minh City (B/L)
In the morning, you will fly to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, you’ll be picked up and depart for a city tour. You will visit the History Museum, the Museum of War Remnants, the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Centre Post Office and the huge Ben Thanh market, one of the liveliest areas of Ho Chi Minh City. After lunch, you will visit China town, Binh Tay market and Thien Hau Pagoda. You will spend the night in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 9: Ho Chi Minh City – Tay Ninh – Cu Chi (B/L)
A morning drive will take you to Tay Ninh to visit the temple of Cao Dai and attend the fantastic mid-day ceremony. After lunch, you will visit the famous Cu Chi tunnels, a byzantine maze of underground passages, chambers, rooms and booby traps used by both the Vietminh and the Viet Cong to suddenly materialise as if from nowhere, launch a lightning ambush, and vanish equally rapidly. Your overnight will be in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City – Nam Cat Tien National Park (B/L/D)
After breakfast at your hotel, you will leave to Nam Cat Tien National Park. Arriving at Dong Nai river, take a boat across the river and have lunch at the canteen in the park centre. After one hour of relaxing, you’ll drive 9 km in a Jeep and then hike for three kilometres through the rainforest to Crocodile Lake - you may see some of the typical wild fauna en-route. You will be able to watch the wildlife around the lake in the evening when the wild animals come to the lake to drink. From your hide, you’re likely to see monkeys, deer and other small mammals, and with a good pair of binoculars, there’s a good chance of spotting less familiar fauna, such as the Siamese crocodiles after which the lake is named. When darkness falls, you will row quietly on the lake with a large flashlight to see some of the nocturnal visitors to the lake and listen to the sounds of the forest. You will stay in the park guesthouse in the Crocodile Lake area.
Day 11: Nam Cat Tien National Park (B/L/D)
If you can manage a pre-dawn visit to the lake, you will have another opportunity to spy on the park’s wildlife. If you’d prefer just ‘normal’ early, your row on the lake will be mainly to watch the park’s feathered inhabitants. You’ll then hike back to the main road and drive seven kilometres westwards for another one-kilometre hike along the forest trail to the giant Ficus Tree which covers over two hectares. Fortified by a canteen lunch, a cruise down Dong Nai River on a motor boat takes you to Ta Lai village to visit the farms and houses of S’Tieng and Chau Ma ethnic minorities. In the evening, take a jeep along the main road with a large flashlight to see some kinds of mammals. You will stay overnight in the guesthouse.

Day 12: Nam Cat Tien National Park – Ho Chi Minh City (B/L)
In the early morning, you will cycle to the nearby Ben Ngu area. After wandering around the massive trees, dripping vines, and visiting the rapids (water level permitting) it will be time for lunch in the canteen and your return to Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 13: Ho Chi Minh City – Vinh Long – Ho Chi Minh City (B/L)
After escaping from Ho Chi Minh City’s urban sprawl, you will travel to Vinh Long. There, you’ll cruise on the Mekong River, visit Cai Be floating market, fruit orchards, a traditional family-run brick kiln, and drop in to look at some traditional cottage industries - a workshop making the huge coffins unique to the Mekong is particularly interesting. In the afternoon, you’ll return to Ho Chi Minh City where you will spend the night.

Day 14: Ho Chi Minh City Departure (B)
After breakfast, you will be free until your driver arrives to take you to Tan Son Nhat airport for your departure flight.
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For this tour, you’ll have a good chance to explore the beauty of the off –beaten northwest of our country, both nature and culture. This is home to numerous of ethnic minority people, an idea place for trekking and homestay. The tour includes Nghia Lo, Than Uyen, Sapa and a short relaxing cruise in Ha Long Bay, the most spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Areas and the world’s largest marine limestone ‘karst’ landscape. Ha Long Bay is in the Northeast, of course, but no where else in the north offers such good beach relaxing!

The tour is designed with 11 days only. But if you can extend your time and want to explore further this beaufitul area, please let us know. We will satisfy you with a customised tour within 24 hours.

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival
Enter Vietnam at Noi Bai airport, you’ll be met and driven to your hotel. You’ll have time to relax after your journey before a performance of traditional Water Puppetry and a “Welcome” dinner at a restaurant with Vietnamese dishes. Your overnight will be in Hanoi.

Day 2: Hanoi Orientation (B/L)
You’ll have the whole day to explore Vietnam’s capital city. Your guide will take you to the Temple of Literature, the first university in Vietnam dating back to the 11th century, and a popular attraction, as is Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, his simple stilt house where he lived and worked, and the museum dedicated to his memory. After lunch, you’ll call in at the serene Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest in Hanoi and the excellent Ethnology Museum for an overview of Vietnam’s 54 distinct ethnic groups. Your afternoon will finish with a cyclo ride around the shopping area of Hanoi including Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son temple and bustling Old Quarter. You’ll spend the night in Hanoi.
Day 3: Hanoi – Nghia Lo (B)
After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll depart through the Red River Delta into the mountains of Yen Bai province and on to Nghia Lo. This is home to numerous ethnic minorities including Thai, Nung, H’mong, La Ha and Ma people. Your overnight will be at at guesthouse.

Day 4: Nghia Lo – Than Uyen (B)
After breakfast, you’ll eplore local market in Nghia Lo, a good chance to shop for local handicrafts. Today's drive is along an exciting stretch of road which climbs over the mountain pass to Mu Cang Chai past H'mong, La Ha and Dzao hill tribe communities. At the bottom of the valley is the town of Than Uyen. You’ll spend the night at a guest house.

Day 5: Than Uyen – Sapa - Homestay (B/L/D)
The road follows the Hoang Lien Son Mountain Range and winds through tea plantations and rice terraces as it hugs the Nam Ma River. This stunning valley is dotted with Tay , Dzao and H'mong hill tribe villages. Over the 1900 meter Tram Ton Pass to Sa Pa located in the breathtaking Hoang Lien Son Mountains . After lunch, a 3-hour trek to Ta Van village for a home stay and savoury food with your Dzay hosts.

Day 6: Homestay in Sapa (B/L/D)
Trek along irce terraces, through a lush bamboo forest and past local villages. Stop to enjoy a picnic lunch. After lunch, trek to Ban Ho for an insightful night with your Tay hosts, where you'll sleep in the cozy loft complete with comfy mattress and a mosquito net.

Day 7: Sapa – Overnight train back to Hanoi (B/L)
Short trek to the dirt road for the jeep ride back to Sa Pa. Explore the town or go shopping in the market for local produce. In the late afternoon, you’ll drive to the Lao Cai railway station for an overnight train back to Hanoi.

Day 8: Hanoi – Ha Long Bay (B/L/D)
Arriving in Hanoi at 5am in the morning, you’ll be picked up to your hotel for breakfast and re-freshment.
You’ll then leave Hanoi to Ha Long Bay, one of the most spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Areas and the world’s largest marine limestone “karst” landscap. You arrive at Ha Long City at around noon and then be transferred by tender to 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’ll be able to swim, fish, climb a hill for an overview of the Bay’s remarkable seascape. Your overnight will be aboard.
Day 9: Ha Long Bay Kayaking (B/L/D)
After breakfast, you’ll be transferred by a tender to the kayaking area. This is the most untouched place of the bay. There, you can enjoy swimming on virgin beaches, paddling to visit the sea level caves or floating villages. Lunch will be served on a small boat. In late afternoon, you’ll return to the mother boat for dinner and overnight.

Day 10: Ha Long – Hanoi (Brunch)
Your morning start with Meditation and Yoga Section on the sundeck and enjoying the sunrise. Your boat will then depart to Surprising Cave (Sung Sot) followed by an international breakfast set menu or buffet just before docking around noon and leaving for Hanoi. Your overnight will be in Hanoi.

Day 11: Hanoi departure (B)
You’ll be free for the remainder of the day until being transferred to Noi Bai airport for your departure flight.
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Category:

This twelve-day tour will bring to you to the highest point of Vietnam of Fansipan. You will have chance to challenge yourself with a three-day trekking to the summit 3143m above sea-level. The tour includes Hanoi, Sapa – Fansipan and Nha Trang. Nha Trang is one of the places owns the most beaufitul beaches in Vietnam.

As you wil travel tailore-made, so please do not hesitate to let us know the destinations or the activities you like or dislike. We will revise the tour programme until you completely satisfy!

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival (D)
Arriving at Noi Bai airport in Hanoi, you will be met and driven to your hotel for check in. You will have time to relax before we present you with Vietnam daily life in the past and now with one or two hour cylo tour around the Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son temple and Old Quarter of Hanoi. You will then enjoy a Water Puppet Show and a welcome dinner at a restaurant with Vietnamese cuisines. You will spend the night in Hanoi.

Day 2: Hanoi – Overnight train to Lao Cai (B/L)
You will have the whole day to explore Vietnam’s capital city. Your guide will take you to the Temple of Literature, the first university in Vietnam dating back to the 11th century, and a popular attraction, as is Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, his simple stilt house where he lived and worked, and the museum dedicated to his memory. After lunch, you’ll call in at the serene Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest in Hanoi and the excellent Ethnology Museum for an overview of Vietnam’s 54 distinct ethnic groups. In the evening, your driver will come to pick up you up to the railway station for your overnight train to Lao Cai. You will spend the night on the train.
Day 3: Lao Cai - Sapa - Fansipan (B/L/D)
Arriving at Lao Cai railway station early in the morning, you will be picked up by your guide to Sapa for breakfast and then be tranferred to Tram Ton Heaven’s Gate. You’ll start the first day climbing through a decense forest in Hoang Lien Son National Park. Pitch camp at an altitude of 2200m. The dinner wil be prepared by the cook around a camp fire while the nocturnal sounds of the forest provide an exotic soundtrack in the background. Your overnight will be at the basecamp.

Day 4: Fansipan (B/L/D)
After breakfast, you will start the final ascent arriving at the summit 3143m above sea-level. From this, the highest point in Vietnam, there is stunning views to China in the north, and to Laos in the west. There is time for a well-earned rest before descending back down to Base Camp for the night. You will spend the night at the base camp.

Day 5: Fansipan - Sapa (B/L)
Enjoy morning coffee and the sounds of nature as the porters break down the camp and leave in advance back to Sapa. Trekking down across well-known terrain always goes more quickly and arrival time back in Sapa should be in the late afternoon via Sin Chai village. You will spend overnight in Sapa.

Day 6: Sapa – Overnight train back to Hanoi (B/L)
You will be free today in Sapa to explore the town by yourself until the late afternoon. Our driver will take you back the Lao Cai railway station for an overnight train back to Hanoi. Your overnight will be on the train.

Day 7: Hanoi – Nha Trang (B/L)
Arriving in Hanoi at 5am, you’ll be met and transferred your hotel for breakfast and re-freshment. You’ll then drive to the airport for a morning flight to Nha Trang. You will be free in the remainder of the day to relax on the beach. Your overnight will be in Nha Trang.

Day 8: Nha Trang Cycling (B/L)
In the morning, you will pick up a bike to cycle across the countryside around Nha Trang City stopping off at several villages, a working brick kiln and a good example of typical 19th century Vietnamese architecture en-route. You’ll meet local people, find out about their rural lifestyle and see how they earn a living. Your journey will take you across the rice fields where the farmers work with the water buffalos, and visit hamlets producing: rice paper, conical hats, woven rice-stalk mats, charcoal stoves. You lunch will be at a riverside restaurant. You’ll spend overnight in Nha Trang.

Day 9: Nha Trang – Whale Island (B/L/D)
After breakfast at your hotel, you will be picked up by the Whale island Resort minibus to drive to Ninh Hoa where you will board a speed boat to spend 02 days in the Whale Island.
Day 10 – day 11: Whale Island (B/L/D)
Whale Island, at the extreme north of the bay, offers very safe beach diving to 15m. More advanced diving includes wall diving to 40m, coral gardens at 15m, and racing drift dives. Whales and sharks are occasional visitors. For diving, we suggest you to book directly with the PADI 5-star Rainbow Diving Centre. They’re a high quality diving centre in Vietnam.

Day 12: Whale Island – Ho Chi Minh City Departure (B)
You will return to Nha Trang in the morning to catch a flight to Ho Chi Minh City in a good time to connect to your departure flight.
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www.triptovietnam.asia
www.holidaysinindochina.com
www.littlevietnamtours.com.vn