TOUR ITINERARY
Day 1: Saigon Arrival (G)
Day 2: Saigon - Tay Ninh - Cu Chi Tunnels - Saigon (B/L) (G)
After breakfast, enjoy a morning drive through typical southern Vietnamese countryside to Tay Ninh Province in the west of Vietnam. At Tay Ninh visit the incredible Cao Dai Great Temple, with architecture that could have come straight from a Walt Disney fantasy and where all the major faiths of the world blend together in a unique religious cocktail. In the afternoon, visit the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, watch a short introductory video showing how they were constructed, then spend the next hour exploring the maze of tunnels. Also on display are various mantraps, the remains of an American tank and numerous bomb craters made by 500 pound bombs dropped by B52 bombers. For those interested there's even the opportunity to fire off rounds from an AK47 or MK16 at the nearby rifle range. Back in HCMC in the afternoon. Free at leisure and overnight in a hotel in Ho Chi Minh.
Day 3: Saigon - Mekong delta (Can Tho) (B/L) (G)
Mekong Tours6am: Pick up at your hotel in HCMC. Depart for Cai Be by private ca, stop to take photos in Tan An town overlooking the picturesque flat rice fields. On arrival in Cai Be, set off by motor boat to visit the Cai Be floating market and watch the locals trading fruit and many other commodities on board their vessels. Then wander into the small villages to visit the orchard and fruit plantation. Keep cruising to Vinh Long through a series of small canals to experience the charms of the Upper Mekong Delta. Visit a small family business to see how coconut candy and crispy rice popcorn are made. Arrive in Binh Hoa Phuoc village, the green pearl of Vinh Long town, where you can immerse yourself in nature. Enjoy a lunch of fresh river food served in the heart of the garden accompanied by traditional southern Vietnamese folk music. Take a delightful walk through the bonsai garden. Meet the car/van in Vinh Long and continue to Can Tho, the heart of Mekong delta in Vietnam. Check in and free at leisure. Overnight in a hotel in Can Tho.
Day 4: Mekong delta (Can Tho) - Saigon - Flight to Danang - Hoi An (B/L) (G)
After breakfast, take the morning boat trip to visit the Phong Dien floating market which is at its busiest at this time of day. Keep cruising through the small channels system and visit a rice noodle making village. Experience the "Monkey Bridge" in the Delta. Visit a second floating market (Cai Rang) then drive back to Saigon airport for the short flight with Vietnam airlines to Danang where your private Vietnam tour guide and driver are waiting for your Vietnam travel to Hoi An. Pick up and transfer to your hotel, free at leisure and overnight in a hotel in Hoi An.
Day 5: Hoi An - My Son - Hoi An (B/L) (G)
Day 6: Hoi An Free Day (B)
Hoi An, highlight of any tour to Vietnam, today is free at leisure on the beach or having clothes made by one of the expert, inexpensive tailors Hoi An is famous for. If you like to cook, you can spend a fabulous day exploring the local produce market with an expert chef who will teach you the secrets of Vietnamese cuisine. Overnight in a hotel in Hoi An.
Day 7: Hoi An - Hue (B/L) (G)
Day 8: Hue - Flight to Hanoi (B/L) (G)
After breakfast, we visit the Mausoleum of former emperor Minh Mang, Tu Duc or Khai Dinh in a tranquil setting of gardens and lakes. Transfer to the airport for the short flight with Vietnam airlines to Hanoi. Upon your arrival, Local tour guide and driver will meet you at the airport, welcome your Vietnam holiday with smiles. Transfer to the hotel in Hanoi for check in. Free at leisure and overnight in a hotel in Hanoi.
Day 9: Hanoi City Tour (B/L) (G)
In the late afternoon, options to visit the Museum of Ethnology which has an extensive display dedicated to Vietnam’s 54 Ethnic minority peoples (or Hanoi Hilton prison, Amy Museum, History Museum, Fine Art Museum). Finish we will transfer to the town for taking a cyclo (pedicab) trip around Hoan Kiem Lake and Hanoi's fascinating Old Quarter for some great fun, see streets' side traditional food, coffee, shops... Try one “hanoi bia – draught beer" This is your chance to be part of typical Hanoian style and its traditional Vietnamese culture. Last but not least our relaxing but informative day by attending a Water Puppet Show, a favorite experience for all visitors to Vietnam and spotlight of any Vietnam tour. Back to your hotel, free at leisure and overnight in a hotel in Hanoi.
Day 10: Hanoi - Hoa Lu - Tam Coc - Hanoi - Train to Sapa (B/L) (G)
Tam Coc Tour Hoa Lu, the first capital of Vietnam, is also an interesting historical site. Most of which has been destroyed. The remains are the temples dedicated to King Dinh and King Le, the two heroes who lived in 10th century and chose Hoa Lu to build the citadel of the capital city. In 1998, archaeologists unearthed a new section of the old citadel, which have been preserved together with some artifacts and shown in a display room built around them. After that, we drive through the picturesque villages, rice fields to Tam Coc for lunch in ca nice local restaurant before the boat trip to explore Tam Coc that known as Halong Bay on land boasting a breathtaking scenery. While Halong Bay features huge rock formations jutting out o the sea, Tam Coc has them jutting out of its rice paddies. Tam Coc means three caves; that is Hang Ca (the first), Hang Giua (the second) and Hang Cuoi (the smallest). The boat trip to all three caves takes about two hours. If you are lucky, sometimes you can see mischievous monkeys or mountain goats. This is a very peaceful and scenic trip. If you wish to see something more, we will visit Thai Vy temple or Bich Dong pagoda before driving back to Hanoi. Dinner at one of the best Vietnamese restaurants in Hanoi before taking the night train to Lao Cai.
Day 11: Lao Cai - Sapa - Ban Khoang - Ta Phin village - Sapa (B/L) (G)
After breakfast you'll be driven to Khoang village where you'll begin trekking to Taphin, home to the striking Black H’mong people. The Black H'mong wear mainly black clothing, as their name suggests. The dye that they use tends to run and, as a result, their hands are also stained a little black. Along the way you'll trek through numerous Hmong and Red Dao villages, through some of the most stunning scenery Vietnam has to offer. Overnight in a hotel in Sapa. Overnight in a hotel in Sapa.
Day 12: Sapa Trekking Tour - Lao Chai & Ta Van village (B/L) (G)
After breakfast, our private Sapa tour guide and driver will pick you up at the hotel and drive to Muong Hoa valley. The trekking point is at Lao Chai village of the Black H'Mong minority where we trek down the beautiful valley and walk through one of the world's most beautiful terraced rice fields. It is also possible to visit one of the local families to learn about their daily life, culture, customs and habits... Say goodbye to Lao Chai village we continue to Ta Van village of the Day minority, you will see the totally different way of living and a lot more photos to be taken of the amazing scenery and extremely friendly people. Arrival in Ta Van, meet your car and drive back to Sapa. Free at leisure and overnight in a hotel in Sapa.
Day 13: Sapa - Bac Ha Market - Lao Cai - Train to Hanoi (B/L) (G)
Many different ethnic groups such as Flower H'mong, Phu La, Black Dao, Tay and Nung minorities gather to buy and sell local products that cannot be found elsewhere. The market was very crowded, local products for sale or barter are carried on horseback. Besides the usual items like pigs, cows, chickens, and ducks, Bac Ha Market sold dogs. As dogs were available as cuts of meat, they were also available live, right next to the live pigs, chickens, and other livestock. There was a brisk trade at the market for everything from hand-embroidered skirts to all manner of 4-legged animals. The “fresh” meat section is not for the faint of heart and might steer more than a few visitors in the direction of strict vegetarianism.
Bac Ha MarketAfter lunch, we visit the palace of the H'Mong King before driving to Trung Do village of the Tay minority to learn about their daily life then the beautiful boat trip downstream of the Chai River to Bao Nhai where your car is waiting to drive you to Lao Cai border gate for a short break to walk to Thuong Temple or take some memorial photos. Continue to the train station for the overnight train to Hanoi. End of your unforgettable Sapa tour. Note: Bac Ha market is only on Sunday, if it is not Sunday today, we will arrange alternative to another ethnic market which is similar to Bac Ha Market.
Schedules:
Can Cau Market - Saturdays
Cao Son Market - Wednesdays
Lung Khau Nhin Market - Thursdays
Coc Ly Market - Tuesdays
Day 14: Hanoi - Halong Cruise (B/L/D) (G)
Halong Cruise Located in the Gulf of Tonkin, Halong Bay is recognized by UNESCO as the Natural World Heritage that contains some 1,600 islands and islets, forming a spectacular seascape of limestone pillars. Because of their precipitous nature, most of the islands are uninhabited and unaffected by a human presence. The bay’s outstanding scenic beauty is complemented by its great biological interest. It is a incredible place to explore and discover its many islands, coves and hidden grottoes. Halong bay is the must – do Vietnam tour for any visitors to Vietnam.
After breakfast, our guide and driver pick you up from the hotel and have 3,5 hour scenic drive to Halong.
Upon arrival, welcome on board and set sail through Bai Tu Long bay while seafood lunch is served. Rest your eyes on the azure waters of this magical bay, where thousands of sculpted limestone islands rise from the waves like dragons’ teeth, passing picturesque area around Mat Quy islet, Am islet. Mid-afternoon, get to Cua Van fishing village and enjoy a pleasant bamboo boat row to through the village with a museum and a school among floating homes. Visit Tien Ong cave then back on board to enjoy sunset cocktails and canapé.
Dinner is served on board
Note: This is just general itinerary, it can be changed because each Halong cruise has their own cruise itinerary.
Day 15: Halong Bay Cruise - Hanoi- Flight to Luang Prabang (B) (G)
Start the day early to enjoy a Tai Chi class on top deck with an opportunity to admit the magnificent scenery of sunrise over the sea. After that, guests can choose to go to Soisim beach for swimming or join our chef for cooking demonstration to learn more about Vietnamese cuisine art. On the way back, take deep cruise into Bai Tu Long bay, passing Peal Farm, Phao Dai islet, Tam Cung cave, Hon Xep islet , Dau Moi temple, opportunity to cruise through famous L’Indochine movie site (subject to tide condition). Around noon, back to the Tourist Wharf and private bus back to Hanoi airport for the departure flight. We hope that you have enjoyed your Vietnam travel with us and look forward to organizing your next Vietnam tour. Upon your arrival, welcomed by Local tour guide and driver. Transfer to your hotel, check in and free at leisure. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 16: Luang Prabang Tour (B/L) (G)
Luang PrabangToday we embark on a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, firstly stopping at Xiengmene, where we visit Wat Long Khun, and the limestone cave Tham Sakkarin, and a tour around Ban Xiengmene village. Following a picnic lunch, we then continue by boat up the Mekong which also gives us a breathtaking view of the tranquil countryside as well time to explore the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims. Along the way, we stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where they make the local rice wine. On return, we take a short drive to Ban Phanom, a small village known for its hand weaving. Overnight in a hotel in Luang Prabang.
Day 17: Luang Prabang Free Day (B) (G)
You can spend the tenth day of your Indochina holiday as you please. You could explore the city a bit more and perhaps visit the Wat Xieng Thong temple. You’ll notice the striking roofs of the temples in Luang Prabang with long points reaching all the way down to the ground. You can also visit the largest and most sacred gold statue in Laos, the Phra Bang.
If you’re an early bird and don’t mind getting up at the crack of dawn you’ll be able to observe one of the daily rituals; the procession of the monks at dawn. Devout Laotians kneel with their heads bowed to offer rice and fruit to the passing monks.
The best place to buy your souvenirs is at the evening market which takes place daily in the centre of Luang Prabang. Many different mountain tribes come here to sell their hand-made goods such as brightly coloured scarves, wood carvings, paintings and jewellery. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 18: Luang Prabang - Flight to Siem Reap (B/L) (G)
Cambodia Travel This early morning, our guide and driver see you off at the airport for your flight to Siem Reap. Pick up and transfer to your hotel. Check in if the room is available. In the afternoon, visit grand circuit: Preah Khan built in 1191 according to the tradition on a spot where the king fought a crucial battle against the Cham, Neak Paon was supposed to be a symbol of the Universe, Mebon oriental: used to be in the middle of the waters of the large Oriental Baray that is presently filled with rice-fields and Pre Rup- this temple was built in the 10th century by Rajendravarman. Its proportions are perfect, a truly beautiful piece of work and admire sunset tours, dinner at local restaurant and overnight in a hotel in Siem Reap.
Day 19: Angkor Tour (B/L) (G)
Day 20: Siem Reap Free Day (B) (G)
Today you can spend another day exploring Angkor on your own. Angkor is the name of the ancient capital of the Khmer empire which was founded in the 8th century AD. Siem Reap literally means ‘conquest by Siam’ and the temples were once surrounded by a thriving city filled with wooden houses. Sadly they’re long gone but the temples themselves are magnificent enough. For centuries the city was overgrown by jungle until the ruins were discovered by French explorers in 1900. Several temples have been restored but others are still overgrown. At the Ta Prohm temple for example you can see how the jungle still has a hold on the buildings. Giant trees tower over them and the roots have wrapped themselves around the temple walls. It’s a strange but impressive sight. Overnight in a hotel in Siem Reap.
Day 21: Siem Reap Departure (B) (G)
The last day of your Indochina travel is free at leisure. Depend on your departure flight, our guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel and transfer to the airport where we say goodbye. We hope that you have enjoyed your time with us. We wish you all the best and look forward to your next Indochina tours. END OF SERVICE
INCLUSION:
- Transportation
- English Speaking guide
- Entrance Fee and Permit
- Accommodation
- Meal as per program: B- Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner
- Flight ticket as per program
EXCLUSION:
- Personal expense
- Visa for each country
- Other services not clearly mentioned in program
INDOCHINA CULTURE TRAVEL
Add: 08 Hoang Dieu Street, Sapa Town, Lao Cai Province, Vietnam
Mobile: +84 943 569 990, Tel: +84 203 872 996, Fax: +84 203 872 988
YM: tungtomtravel Skype: tungtomtravel
Email: tung@trailsofmountain.com Website: www.tomtravel.asia
SPECIALIZE YOUR HOLIDAY TO INDOCHINA!
