Day 1: ARRIVE IN HANOI

Arrive in Hanoi, transfer to the hotel. Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital, a stylish and gracious city that retains an unique old world charm and some of Asia’s most striking colonial architecture, many peaceful lakes, parks and oriental temples making for a relaxing atmosphere.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 2: HANOI – LAO CAI (B)

Today we enjoy a full day city tour of this charming capital city including the mausoleum of the nation’s founder Ho Chi Minh (close on Monday & Friday), the Presidential Palace, the Ho Chi Minh‘s house on stilts, the One Pillar Pagoda, the Temple of Literature, the impressive Ethnologic Museum, the beautiful West Lake, the Tran Vu Pagoda, the peaceful lake of the Restored Sword.

In the evening, transfer to the Hanoi Railway Station for the overnight train to Lao Cai.

Overnight on train.

Day 3: LAO CAI – ETHNIC MARKETS – SA PA (B)

Arrive in Lao Cai in the early morning. After breakfast, you will travel by car to one of the famous markets here where you can meet many ethnic minorities such as Flower Hmong, Black Dao, Phu La, Tay, Nung …These markets gather only one time per week and they offer its variety of local products, which could not be found in others areas. After the visit to market, we will drive to Sapa for hotel’s check in.

Overnight in Sa Pa.

Day 4: SA PA – LAO CAI – HANOI (B)

Today we visit scenic villages Ta Van of Zay hill tribe people and Lao Chai of Black H’mong people, where we will enjoy a walk and discover the traditional lifestyle of welcoming people who are proud of their culture and keep their traditions and way of living. They have their own language. Zay women still wear traditional shirts with a purple, blue or green color. The Zay houses are build of wood and bamboo with a clay floor. Black H’mong women wear traditional indigo blue clothing.

Late afternoon, transfer to the Lao Cai Station for an overnight train to Hanoi.

Overnight on board the train.

Day 5: HANOI – HA LONG (B,L, D)

Pick-up at Hanoi Railway Station. After having breakfast, overland to Ha Long Bay (165 km), the most wonderful scenic sight of Vietnam, the World Natural Heritage. Board a traditional-style wooden junk to travel around this magnificent landscape visiting its amazing grottoes and caves. Opportunity to dive off the boat and have a pleasant swimming in the deep blue water of East Sea. Enjoy excellent fresh seafood.

Overnight on board.

Day 6: HA LONG – HANOI –  DA NANG – HOI AN (B, L)

Morning continue our cruise exploring the natural beauty of the World Heritage. Afternoon return to Hanoi. Transfer to the airport for the flight to Danang, then transfer to Hoi An.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 7: HOI AN – HUE (B)

Morning visit this ancient town: the 200 year-old Tan Ky house, Phuc Kien Pagoda, the Assembly Hall, the former merchants’ houses, the 400 year-old Japanese Covered Bridge and the colorful riverside market.

Afternoon drive to Hue, the last imperial capital of Vietnam. Stop in Danang to visit the Cham Museum which contains the finest collection of Cham sculpture in the world. Arrival to Hue, check in hotel and free.

Overnight in Hue.

Day 8: HUE (B)

Enjoy a morning cruise on the romantic Perfume River to visit Hue’s oldest and most revered site Thien Mu Pagoda, then the Mausoleum of Emperor Minh Mang.

In the afternoon, visit the Imperial Citadel, the Purple Forbidden City, the Mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc and the bustling Dong Ba market.

Overnight in Hue.

Day 9: HUE – HO CHI MINH CITY (B)

Morning flight to Ho Chi Minh city, the most exciting city of Vietnam, a Mecca of commerce, also a city with a chequered history and a rich culture, its pagodas, museums, public buildings, parks and boulevards make it one of the most delightful places to visit in Vietnam. Visit the Reunification Palace, the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Old Saigon Post Office and the War Museum, Ben Thanh Market.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city.

Day 10: HO CHI MINH – CU CHI TUNNELS (B)

Excursion to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels (60 km), visit the incredible underground tunnel network of over 200 kilometers hand-constructed by Vietnam Communist guerrillas, virtually underneath the U.S. bases, to stage surprise attacks.

Afternoon back to Ho Chi Minh city, visit Saigon’s Chinatown, Thien Hau Pagoda and Binh Tay Market.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city.

Day 11: MEKONG DELTA (B)

Drive to Mekong Delta. On arrival take a boat trip on Mekong river, a great way to observe the local lifestyle close-up and catch a view dotted by many islands. Reach the Unicorn island, stroll around an orchard, enjoy a wonderful show of Mekong Delta’s traditional music and songs, taste many seasonal fruits, tea mixed with bee’s honey.

On the way return to Ho Chi Minh city, visit the beautiful Vinh Trang pagoda, the most famous pagoda in the south of Vietnam whose architecture is a mixture of Vietnamese, Kh’mer and Chinese.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city.

Day 12: DEPART HO CHI MINH CITY (B)

Free at leisure until transfer to Tan Son Nhat airport for departure flight.