Glories of Vietnam

Upon clearing Customs and Immigration, your guide will present you with a welcome packet including all necessary documentation and vouchers and all contact information of your guide and local offices. Transfer by air conditioned vehicle (35 kms).
NOTE: Early check-in is NOT included/Surcharge to apply for late arrival flight between 23:00hrs - 04:00hrs.

There’s no arguing - Hanoi has to be the coolest city in Vietnam. And no, we’re not just referring to the climate. This chaotic, colourful, motorbike-clogged, 1,000-year-old city is a delicious mix of East and West. Hanoi clings on tightly to its heritage which can be seen in the Old Quarter and the many historic buildings and monuments. There’s centuries-old pagodas, picturesque lakes and parks, as well as museums and prominent colonial buildings. (70 kms, full day)

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple and the Rising Sun bridge
Hoan Kiem Lake (Hoan Kiem means Lake of the Returned Sword), is a lake in the historical centre of the Hanoi capital. It is one of the major scenic spots in the city and serves as a focal point for its public life. Legend has it that King Le Loi handed a magic sword called Heaven’s Will which brought him victory in his revolt against the Chinese Ming dynasty back to the Golden Turtle God in the lake. The Tortoise Tower (Thap Rua) standing on a small island near the centre of the lake is linked to the legend.
The Ngoc Son Temple was erected in the 18th century. It honours the 13th century military leader Tran Hung Dao who distinguished himself in the fight against the Yuan - Mongol invaders, Van Xuong, a scholar and Nguyen Van Sieu, a Confucian master and famous writer in charge of repairs made to the temple in 1864. Jade Island is connected to the shore by the wooden red-painted Huc Bridge (The Huc, means Morning Sunlight Bridge).

Visit the Temple of Literature
The Temple of Literature has a peaceful series of walled courtyards and graceful gateways, and this monument is one of the best-preserved examples of traditional Vietnamese architecture. Founded in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius, this was also the site of Vietnam’s first university. In one courtyard, giant stone tortoises bear stelae on their backs, listing the accomplishments of graduating scholars.

Visit the Museum of Ethnology (2-3 hours)
The Museum of Ethnology brings to life the astonishing ethnic diversity in Vietnam, with art and artefacts from the 54 different ethnic groups that inhabit the country. Inside the museum are detailed descriptions of minority groups, with examples of their traditional clothing and way of life. Outside are faithful reconstructions of traditional longhouses, cemeteries and other distinctive ethnic buildings.

Transfer to/from restaurant. Welcome dinner.
NOTE: Museum is closed on Mondays and Public Holidays.

In the morning, pick up from the lobby of your hotel and drive to Sapa (320 km).
Arrival in Sapa. Have your lunch before driving up hill to the Black Hmong ethnic minority village of Matra, a small village. Continue hiking through rice paddy fields and be immersed in spectacular natural scenery. Proceed to the ruin monastery of Taphin where your car will take you to Sapa for overnight stay.

Excursion to remote tribal villages (Thanh Phu - My Son - Nam Sai - Nam Cang)
You will commence your full day hiking by transfer from your hotel to Ban Ho village, located at the bottom of Muong Bo valley. The village is inhabited by the Tay ethnic who are famous with tradition cuisine and living in the beautiful stilts house. You will spend time for visit around village as well as local house, meet friendly Tay people at their home.
You will then continue to hike uphill to Nam Toong, a village of Red Dao ethnic located in the mountainside. You will see the completely different culture and language among Red Dao and Tay although they live very closed to each other for hundreds of years.
Enjoying the spectacular view from the mountainside of Nam Toong while you continue hiking through the rice terrace. It is a great chance for you to take some photos with stunning view and learn how the local people are doing their cultivation. Your picnic lunch is served at a nice spot along the way. Crossing the beautiful suspension bridge, you will reach the My Son village, inhabited by Xa Pho ethnic, who belongs to one of smallest group living in the North Viet Nam. The Xa Pho ethnic is poorer than most of other tribes and have simple life but still maintain their authentic culture. You will visit a local house and walk around the village.
Your trip will end at My Son by car transfer back to your hotel.

You will commence your trip with driving for 6km from Sapa town to Hang Da village, inhabited by Black H’mong ethnic. You will top along the way to admire the marvelous views over Muong Hoa valley and Fansipan Mountain, which is 3,143m - the highest mountain of Mainland Southeast Asia.
Leave the vehicle for an easy walk through a nice path leading through hilly mountains. It is a time for you to enjoy the spectacular view with mountainous, green valleys and fresh air. The path continues gradually downhill through the stunning valley of Sa Seng, passing through several Hmong hamlets along the way. A typical Hmong village comprises wooden roofed houses surrounded by rock walls where pot-bellied pigs, chickens and water buffaloes run here and there, and children playing with makeshift toys. You might have the chance to see Hmong women making fibre from hemp, which they spin and weave to make traditional costumes. After visiting local house and experience more about culture of H’mong ethnic you will continue your walk to Sapa, another hamlet of the Hmong people settle at the bottom of the valley. Here the car is waiting for your short transfer back to town.
After tour, drive back to Hanoi (300 kms).

After breakfast, around 08:00 am, your guide will meet you for a private transfer from Hanoi to Halong Bay (160 km).
Surrounded by hundreds of karst limestone mountains and rock formations rising dramatically into the emerald green water, Halong Bay is one of Vietnam’s must-see sites. Let’s spend a night on the cruise with the stunning view of this wonder. Arrive at the harbor at noon time and do the check in procedure on your boat. You will be greeted and served lunch while cruising towards the bay. This afternoon is full of activities such as cave visit, floating farm, relaxing at the beach or simply enjoy sunbathing on the sundeck (the program is varied depending on each boat cruise). Prepare your camera for the amazing photos of the bay, hundreds of boats or sunset. Dinner will be served on boat and enjoy the relaxing night while boat is anchoring at the quiet water area.
NOTE: No Exotik guide on board with guests. On-board English-speaking guide is arranged by the junk.

Start off your day with a Tai Chi lesson on the sundeck with complimentary tea and coffee being served. Rejuvenate your body and mind with the slow movement of Tai Chi and enjoy the dawn on the bay.
Spend the morning cruising through the limestone cliffs and emerald waters of Ha Long Bay before preparing to check out.
Disembark at Tuan Chau Marina, it’s time to say best wishes and end your cruise with us.
Meet your guide and be transferred back to Hanoi airport with lunch stop en route at a local restaurant.
On arrival in Hue, pick up and transfer to your hotel.
NOTE: The program can be changed due to the weather condition, tide condition and local authorization.

Sightseeing in Hue
Hue served as the capital of Vietnam for more than 140 years. It houses ancient temples, imperial buildings and French-style edifices. It was established in the 17th century.

Rumoured to be haunted, a flashpoint for anti-government protests, and the site of a famous self-immolation by a monk. Thien Mu Pagoda will lure us in with its beauty, elegant architecture and evocative past.
We’ll travel by boat along the Perfume River to visit the iconic pagoda, along with the Imperial Tomb of Minh Mang.

Today’s highlights: Boat to Thien Mu Pagoda, Imperial Citadel and Royal Tomb of Tu Duc emperor (6.5-7 hours)

Visit the Imperial Citadel (3.5 hours)
Located in the heart of Hue is the Imperial Citadel, a vast complex built in the early 19th century and modelled after the Forbidden City of Peking. The original walls stretched for 10 km and were surrounded by a wide moat. Today, most of the buildings have been destroyed due to bombing during the Vietnam-American War, but the monuments that remain provide a fascinating glimpse into the court life of the Nguyen Dynasty. Approach the city past the striking Flag Tower, where a giant Vietnamese flag waves proudly overhead, to the imposing Ngo Mon Gate, the main entrance to the Imperial Enclosure. Enter into an area of spacious courtyards and serene lotus ponds, and visit Dien Tho Residence (Dien Tho palace) where the Queen mother lived. Visit Thai Hoa Palace, the magnificently decorated reception hall, the Halls of the Mandarins, and the original Nine Dynastic Urns, among other sites, including a visit to the Hue Royal Antiquities Museum.

Next, venture into the countryside around Hue to the Imperial Tomb of Tu Duc. Tu Duc, the longest reigning Vietnamese emperor, designed and built this elegant tomb during his lifetime, using it as a retreat for meditation, reading and theatre performances. Take some time to soak in the tranquil atmosphere, wandering among the gracefully proportioned pavilions, courtyards and lotus ponds. Visit Garden House, special place reflect the ancient atmosphere of the imperial city, it is the manor of mandarin of the feudal court. The house has garden covered with full of fruit trees including mangosteens, sapodilla plums, apricots, lychee, baccaurea, figs and grapefruits.

Twisting winding curves, sudden bends, views that take your breath away - welcome to the Hai Van Pass. We get to drive along this incredible mountain pass on the way to Danang.
This city is home to beaches made famous by American soldiers during the Vietnam War, several quirky bridges, and the wonderful Cham Museum containing the best collection of Cham sculpture. We’ll also stop at the Marble Mountains, a group of limestone and marble hills filled with caves.
Today’s highlights: Hai Van Pass, Danang, Cham Museum, Marble Mountains (170 kms).

Sightseeing in Hoi An (4 hours)
The quirky mix of Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese and European influences makes Hoi An a photographer’s paradise. We’ll walk through the narrow winding streets of the old quarter past ochre-hued stone houses, lantern-filled shops and colourful fishing boats. One of the most iconic sights is the Japanese Covered Bridge. There are also ancient temples and merchant homes over 200 years old. We’ll explore many of the historical sites within the town. Today’s highlight: Hoi An ancient town.

Afternoon at leisure.

NOTE: Cyclo Fee is not included in the package. If it is required, please note the surcharge will be collected locally by guide at about USD15/pax

Transfer by vehicle from Hoi An to Danang airport (35 kms).
Flight from Danang to Nha Trang.
Upon arrival, met and transferred from the airport to Nha Trang (36 kms).
Transfer to/from restaurant.
Time at leisure.

Nha Trang is not just about white sandy beaches and unspoiled islands, although they are pretty impressive! It’s also a great place for history buffs, as it showcases breathtaking structures from the Champa Kingdom, Buddhist temples and gothic-style Catholic churches.

Today’s highlights: Po Nagar Cham Towers, Truong Son handicraft center, Nha Trang Cathedral (4 hours, half day).

On the top of Mount Cu Lau, with views overlooking the river, are the Po Nagar Cham Towers, built between the 7th and 12th centuries.

We’ll visit all the main sights and will also immerse yourself in the diverse culture of Vietnam at the Truong Son Culture and Craft Center. Chance to get a glimpse into traditional crafts like weaving nets, guitar making, embroidery and conical hat production and also gain insight into the musical instruments used by the ethnic minorities.

Afternoon at leisure.

Transfer from Nha Trang to Dalat. Rest of the day at leisure.

Sightseeing in Dalat
Nestled in the mountains, Dalat is a charming former colonial hill station with an abundance of colorful parks, lakes, gardens and waterfalls. Its ever temperate climate has earned it the name and City of Eternal Spring. Start the day by visiting Dalat Catholic Church or Dalat Chicken Church, followed by a visit to Bao Dai’s Summer Palace for an insight into the daily life of the last Vietnamese emperor and his family. Continue to visit to the old Cremaillere Railway Station, a cog railway that linked Dalat and Thap Cham in the first part of the 20th century, with an old Russian steam train on display. After lunch, drive outside the town of Dalat and take a cable car over fields and scenic countryside to Truc Lam Pagoda. After exploring the temple, stroll down the hillside to Tuyen Lam Lake (Paradise Lake). Continue to Datanla Falls, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the region. Stop for a short visit one of the organic farm which is very well-known in Dalat.

Transfer from Dalat to Saigon. Rest of the day at leisure.

We’re going underground, deep into the Cu Chi Tunnels! These hand-dug tunnels changed the course of the Vietnam War. The well-camouflaged entrance holes lead into a network of incredibly narrow tunnels that stretch for over 200 kilometres connecting command posts, hospitals and shelters. We’ll learn about the life of the Vietcong and venture into some of the tunnels. The deadly, bamboo-spiked booby traps are another must-see.

Ever-vibrant, ever-changing, this is the buzzing city of Saigon, where sleek skyscrapers loom over incense-infused temples and motorcycles rule the roads. There’s classic European-style landmarks such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Opera House, the ornate City Hall and the art-deco Post Office. Reminders of a recent past can be seen in the Reunification Palace, famously stormed by tanks in 1975. We’ll visit all the main sights of the city and make time to browse the stalls in the bustling Ben Thanh Market.

Today’s highlights: Cu Chi Tunnels (5-6 hours), Reunification Palace, Opera House, Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, Ben Thanh Market (4 hours)

We could end up feeling fruity as we cruise the Mekong River Islands! This area may be Vietnam’s ’rice bowl’ but it’s the fruit orchards we’re heading to. We’ll stop to try out fresh fruits, coconut candy and homemade honey tea while listening to traditional music. A sampan will take us down the narrower waterways giving us an appetising glimpse of daily life on the delta. We then continue by vehicle to Can Tho.
Today’s highlight: Boat and sampan

The merchants have a great way of showing off their wares at the Cai Rang Floating Market. They simply hang a sample off the top of a long pole! We’ll explore by boat so we can get close up photos of the colourful boats piled high with seasonal vegetables and tropical fruits. And we can mingle among the merchants as they trade from boat to boat.

We’ll check out the riverside town of Can Tho to see the bustling local market, the distinctive Ong Temple and a beautifully preserved French-style ancient house.

Today’s Highlights: Cai Rang floating market, Ong temple, market, Binh Thuy Ancient House (5-6 hours).

Transfer by vehicle from Can Tho to Saigon (165 kms).

Ever-vibrant, ever-changing, this is the buzzing city of Saigon, where sleek skyscrapers loom over incense-infused temples and motorcycles rule the roads. There’s classic European-style landmarks; ancient temples and traditional buildings; as well as stark reminders of a recent more turbulent past. (25 kms)

Visit War Remnants Museum
The War Remnants Museum exhibits collections of weapons, photographs and memorabilia from two Mainland Southeast Asian wars along with the original French ’Guillotine’ brought here in the early 20th century.

Visit Cholon (Chinatown) (1.5 hours)
Cholon is the largest Chinese neighbourhood to the west of the city in District 5. Cholon means ’Big Market’, a good indication of the important role the Chinese have traditionally played in Vietnam’s economy.

Visit Giac Lam Pagoda (1 hour)
Visit Giac Lam Pagoda, the oldest pagoda in Saigon, built at the end of the 17th century. The pagoda has not been renovated since 1900 so still retains most of the original architecture, layout and ornamentation. The pagoda incorporates aspects of Taoism and Confucianism and is home to ten monks.

Visit Binh Tay Market (1 hour)
The tour starts at Binh Tay market, where is Cholon’s main wholesale marketplace, and is a bustling centre for trade.

Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to the airport by air-conditioned vehichle to take your return flight home.

NOTE: Late check-out is NOT included / Surcharge to apply for late arrival flight between 23:00hrs - 04:00hrs.