TOM-ICT5: Delights of Indochina Holiday

Hanoi - Tam Coc - Sapa - Halong - Hue - Hoi An - Saigon - Cu Chi Tunnels - Mekong Delta - Siem Reap - Luang Prabang: 21 days from Hanoi

TOUR ITINERARY
Day 1: Hanoi Arrival (G)
Hanoi, first stop of your Indochina holiday, a city where the exotic chic of old Asia blends with the dynamic face of new Asia. Where the medieval and modern co-exist. A city with a blend of Parisian grace and Asian pace, an architectural museum piece evolving in harmony with its history, rather than bulldozing through like many of the region’s capitals. Hanoi is where imagination becomes reality and a beautiful stop or start of any Vietnam Tour.
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. Free at leisure and overnight in a hotel in Hanoi.
Day 2: Hanoi City Tour (B/L) (G)

Hanoi city tour is the best way to learn about Vietnam. This morning, after breakfast, your private tour guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel. We then begin our visit to Uncle Ho mausoleum (Closed on Monday and Friday, October and November), get to know about his great life, throughout the complex such as Presidential Palace, and his residential place. Next stop is the nearby Temple of Literature. The site of Vietnam's first University, built in twelfth century, to teach Confucius’s theory to royals. Here we will also have a chance to see a traditional music performance. Lunch will be served at a nice local restaurant for a taste of authentic Vietnam and Hanoi specialty.
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 3: Hanoi - Hoa Lu - Tam Coc - Hanoi - Train to Sapa (B/L) (G)

After breakfast, our guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel and drive to visit Hoa Lu and Tam Coc (about 90 km away from Hanoi). Upon arrival, we will see: Tam CocHoa 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 4: Lao Cai - Sapa - Ban Khoang - Ta Phin village - Sapa (B/L) (G)

Early arrival at Lao Cai train station (35 km from Sapa) where your private Sapa tour guide and driver are waiting for welcoming your beautiful Sapa tour. A short transfer to Sapa, we arrive in Sapa, a lovely town in the terraced hills and mountains of this area, the monotony of the expansive green landscape is enlivened by the colours of its hill tribe population. It is here you will find hands stained with colour from fabric dyes and shades of blue, red and green intricately embroidered and stitched into jackets, waistcoats, pants, skirts, caps, purses and leggings.
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.
Day 5: Sapa Trekking Tour - Lao Chai & Ta Van village (B/L) (G)

Sapa tour is the gateway to another world of mysterious minority cultures and luscious landscapes. The spectacular scenery that surrounds Sapa includes cascading rice terraces that spill down the mountains like a patchwork quilt. The mountains are often shrouded in mist that rolls back and forth along the peaks, offering tantalising glimpses of what lies in wait on a clear day. The valleys and villages around Sapa are home to a host of hill-tribe people who wander in to town to buy, sell and trade.
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 6: Sapa - Bac Ha Market - Lao Cai - Train to Hanoi (B/L) (G)

This morning, we drive to visit Bac Ha Market and it is said that a tour to Sapa without Bac Ha market will be a big regret. Being a minority ethnic people market, every Sunday, Bac Ha hosts the biggest fair near the mountainous highlands and the Chinese border. It is the largest and most colourful market in the area and attracts throngs of villagers from the surrounding hill tribes. Some walk several hours for the weekly opportunity to trade and barter food, animals, clothes and household goods. 80km from Sapa, Bac Ha Market is not only the place for buying and selling, but also a place for cultural and sentiment exchanging. On the market days, right from the early morning, all paths and mountain roads are full of people and horses pouring to the market. People usually sit in groups around a soup pan ("thang co") eating and chatting.
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.
After 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 7: Hanoi - Halong Cruise (B/L/D) (G)

Early arrival back in Hanoi, pick up from the train station and this morning, we have already arranged a room in a mini hotel for you to have shower and breakfast before driving to Halong Bay (165km), highlight of any Travel to Vietnam.
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 8: Halong Bay - Hanoi - Flight to Hue (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 short flight to Hue with Vietnam airlines (Visit Phu Lang ceramic village and Con Son pagoda on the way to pass the time so you will not have to wait so long at the airport for the flight). Upon arrival, your private tour guide and driver in Hue will welcome your Vietnam holiday, drive to your hotel, free at leisure and overnight in a hotel in Hue.
Day 9: Hue City Tour (B/L) (G)

Located in the central of Vietnam, Hue was the capital city of the last Dynasty of Vietnam. Hue is the only place where many historic, cultural, architectural, artistic values are preserved. Tangible cultural heritage- the system of historic monuments and intangible cultural heritage- the Imperial court music have their own national and international values that were acknowledged as World Cultural Heritages. Hue is also the site where the northern and southern ecosystem meets each other, the area Hue Travel Plan, Hue Toursof river-hills, greenery and beautiful landscapes. People here are famous for their elegance, mildness and ethical behavior. Hue is also known as one of the religion centers of Vietnam with its many ancient pagodas and churches…. All fall in line together, making Hue one of the most beautiful Vietnam tour destinations. Our Hue City Tour:
Our private guide and driver pick you up at 8:00 AM and drive to visit Emperor Minh Mang; Emperor Khai Dinh or Emperor Tu Duc ’s Mausoleums & picturesque Vong Canh Hill. Stop on the way to see how conical hats and incense sticks are made. Lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, visit Imperial capital during Nguyen Dynasty, the seven – storey Thien Mu Pagoda on the riverbank. Return by boat on the gentle Perfume River. Overnight in a hotel in Hue.
Day 10: Hue - Hoi An (B/L) (G)
After breakfast, let continue this beautiful Vietnam tour, drive to Hoi An, a major Asian trading port in the 17th and 18th centuries whose architecture and relaxed lifestyle has changed little over the years and for sure, Hoi An is a wonderful destination and choice for all kinds of Vietnam Tours. This scenic drive passes through the fishing village of Lang Co before climbing over the Pass of Ocean Clouds. Along the way, stop in Danang to visit the Cham Museum which contains the finest collection of Cham sculptures in the world. Upon arrival in Hoi An, free to take walking tour of the Hoi An ancient town centre. Overnight in a hotel in Hoi An.
Day 11: Hoi An - Farming Tour (B/L) (G)
This unique Hoi An tour provides you a truly experience about Vietnamese daily life, help you to open the Vietnamese culture window and understand more about the Vietnamese rural culture. Today tour begins with a soft biking around the countryside of Hoian from your hotel with our guide ( 15' - 30' ). The biking takes you to Tra Que Vegetables Village, along the way you will stop and try a water buffalo riding in the middle of the rice paddy and take the photography.
Hoi An Farming Tour

Arriving at Tra Que Vegetable Village, you will be welcomed by a farmer family, take the typical farmer's clothe and dress up as a farmer. Then get to the farming land nearby with farming tools to practise all the different steps that a vegetable farmer usually does. Done the farming tour and continue on our biking tour along the narrow path to Cam Thanh village, stop at Bay Mau Water Palm forest, you will take a short walk around the small fishing hamlet along the river then board a Coracle - a typical rounded bamboo boat for fishing from local fishermen and enjoy a pleasant cruise along the small canal. Back to your hotel and free at leisure. Overnight in a hotel in Hoi An.
(On your request: We can arrange visit to My Son or Cooking class in stead of Hoi An farming tour, but please advise before booking this tour)
Day 12: Hoi An Free Day (B) (G)
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 13: Hoi An - Danang - Flight to Saigon (B) (G)
After breakfast, we drive you to Da Nang airport for the short flight with Vietnam airlines to Saigon, 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 Vietnam Tours and cities to visit in Vietnam. Upon arrival, your private Vietnam tour guide and driver in Saigon will welcome and transfer you to your hotel, check in and free at leisure. In the afternoon, visit the War Remnants or History Museum and the former Presidential Palace. From there, the Notre Dame Cathedral, Old Saigon Post Office, Dong Khoi Street (formerly Rue Catinat), Continental Hotel, Opera House and City Hall are all within walking distance and absolutely nice choices for a free stroll. Overnight in a hotel in Saigon.
Day 14: 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, a must see destination for any Vietnam tour, 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 Saigon
Day 15: Saigon - Mekong (Can Tho) (B/L) (G)

Today, we start our Vietnam travel with the interesting visit to Cai be floating market.
6am: 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 16: Mekong (Can Tho) - Saigon - Flight to Siem Reap (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 we drive back to Saigon airport for the flight to Siem Reap. Pick up and transfer to your hotel. Check in and free at leisure. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 17: Angkor Visit (B/L) (G)

The 17th day of your Indochina holiday, After breakfast, we visit the city of Angkor Thom, South gate of Angkor Thom This Royal city was first built under the reign of Udayadityavarman II in the 11th century, the famous, Bayon temple –this temple mountain built by Jayavarman VII is situated in the centre of the city of Angkor Thom. It is a three-tiered pyramid with its entrance facing east. The central shrine is surrounded by 54towes all crowned by gigantic faces, representing Lokiteshvara but with the features of Jayavarman VII, Baphoun –this temple built by Udayadityarvarman II was the most poorly constructed of all the temples in Angkor, Phimeanakas – this temple constructed late 10th- early 11th century by Jayavarman V., Terrace of Leper King and Elephants the first owes its name to the outstanding depiction of elephants, while the second gets its name from the magnificent sculpture of King Yasovarman, popularly known as the Leper King, lunch local restaurant, afternoon continue to visit the famous of 7 wonders of the World “ Angkor Wat” early –mid 12th by King Soryavarman II. The temple is one of the largest monuments to religion ever built and is truly one the wonders of the world. Believed to have been constructed as a temple and mausoleum for King Suryavarman II at the peak of the Khmer empire in the first half of the 12thd century, Angkor Wat is probably the best-preserved of the Angkorean temples. Enjoy dinner at local restaurant with apsara show. Overnight in a hotel in Siem Reap.
Day 18: 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 19: Siem Reap - Flight to Luang Prabang (B/L) (G)
The 19th day of your Indochina travel, Breakfast at hotel, excursion to the Tonle Sap great lake to visit floating village mangrove forest, fresh fish exhibition and the activities of people’s daily lives. Come back to visit “Les Artisans D’Angkor – Chantiers Ecole “the Finest Authentic Khmer Arts and Crafts. And Siem Reap market, lunch at local restaurant, lunch at local restaurant, then transfer to international airport for your departure flight to Luang Prabang. Upon your arrival, welcomed by Indochinatravelplan's private tour guide and driver. Transfer to your hotel, check in and free at leisure. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 20: Luang Prabang Tour (B/L) (G)

Luang Prabang, considered by many travellers to be one of the nicest places in Laos thanks to its location on the legendary Mekong river, the Laotian hospitality and the friendly atmosphere in the little streets of the city. Luang Prabang has been declared a World Heritage Site, which won’t come as a surprise when you see all the spectacular temples and museums.
Today 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 21: Luang Prabang Free Day (B) (G)
You can spend the 20th day of your Indochina holiday package as you please. You could explore the city a bit more and perhaps visit the Wat Xieng Thong temple. Thanks You 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. Overnight in a hotel in Luang Prabang.
Day 22: Luang Prabang Departure (B) (G)
Last day of your Indochina holiday is free at leisure until our guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel and transfer to the airport for the departure flight. 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!