Itinerary:
Day 1: Hanoi - Arrival
Day 2: Hanoi - city tour – Lao Cai
Day 3: Lao Cai - Sapa
Day 4: Sapa – Bacha market – Lao Cai
Day 5: Hanoi – Halong Bay
Day 6: Halong Bay - Hanoi
Day 7: Hanoi - Hue
Day 8: Hue city tour
Day 9: Hue - Hoian
Day 10: Hoian – Cooking Class
Day 11: Hoian - Danang - Saigon – Cu Chi tunnels
Day 12: Saigon – Caibe – Can Tho
Day 13: Can Tho – Saigon – Siem Reap
Day 14: Siem Reap – Angkor Thom – Angkor Wat
Day 15: Siem Reap – Tonle Sap lake - Departure
Day 1: Hanoi - Arrival (-/-/-)
Meet upon arrival at Hanoi International Airport, then transfer to the hotel for check-in. Time at leisure. Accommodation in Hanoi. Check - in time at 2:00pm.
Day 2: Hanoi city tour – Lao Cai (B/L/-)
We discover Hanoi - the charming capital of Vietnam today:
Hochiminh's mausoleum (closed on Monday & Friday, October & November) and his residence, Presidential Palace, Tran Quoc pagoda, One pillar pagoda, French colonial quarter, Temple of Literature, Hanoi Opera, Museum of Army.
Then explore Hoan Kiem lake and a short walk in the Hanoi Old quarter to observe the daily life of local people.
Attend a performance of water puppet show.
Transfer to Hanoi Railways Station to catch the night train to Lao Cai. Overnight on train.
Day 3: Laocai – Sapa villages (B/L/-)
Early arrival at Laocai Railways Station.
Enjoy 01hour drive to Sapa hill.
AM: Visit Sapa market, short trek to Laochai & Tavan villages where we meet H’mong, Dzao, Dzay people.
PM: Explore Taphin village with Black H’mong people. Overnight in Sapa.
Day 4: Sapa – Bacha market – Lao Cai - Hanoi (B/L/-)
Depart to Bacha market, the biggest colorful market in Laocai province, held every Sunday morning. You can see the ethnic minorities go to the market on the back-horse or on foot. The market is bustling from 9.00am to 12:30pm. Lunch at local restaurant.
Then visit Hmong’s King palace in ancient house built with French architecture.
Drive back to Laocai to take the train night to Hanoi. Overnight on train.
Day 5: Hanoi – Halong Bay (B/L/D)
Early arrive in Hanoi, transfer to hotel for breakfast.
8:00am depart for Halong bay, 180km east of Hanoi, listed as World Heritage Area by UNESCO in 1994.
12:00 we board a traditional junk to discover the 8th World Wonder where the movie "Indochine" was realized with Catherine Deneuve, French star in the 1990's. Lunch on boat with fresh seafood. It is time to relax on the deck through the most beautiful landscapes with more than 2,000 islands and islets limestone, rising from the emerald water. Visit a natural cave, the most picturesque grotto in the bay. Swimming (if the weather permits) and relaxing on the deck. Dinner & Overnight on board.
Day 6: Halong Bay – Hanoi (B/L/-)
Continue our excursion in the bay.
11:50 Disembark at Tuan Chau pier, then have lunch at local restaurant.
12:00 Drive back to Hanoi. Visit a workshop of potteries en route and a typical village in Red River delta.
Upon arrival at hotel, check-in. FREE TIME. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 7: Hanoi - Hue (B/L/-)
Fly to Hue VN1543 @ 11:50-13:00
We explore Hue, the former Royal city of the 13 ruling Nguyen dynasties: visit the Imperial Citadel and Forbidden city. Enjoy a boat trip on the Perfume River to discover Thien Mu pagoda, the wonderful architectural structures for religious worship in Hue. Lunch at local restaurant. Accommodation in Hue.
Day 8: Hue City Tour (B/L/-)
Morning: Visit Tu Duc king' mausoleum and a local market Dong Ba.
Afternoon: Explore the village producing the conical hats. We walk around Kim Long village where you can visit the original ancient house of the former mandarin, mingle with local people and experience their daily activities in the village. Back to the hotel. Overnight in Hue.
Day 9: Hue - Hoian (B/L/-)
Then we leave Hue for Danang. The scenic 3hours and half drive via Hai Van pass offers spectacular views of mountains, the sea, idyllic beaches and villages. Visit Cham museum on the way. We continue further south to the charming historic city of Hoian. Upon arrival, check-in at hotel. Accommodation in Hoian
Day 10: Hoian – Cooking Class (B/L/-)
Today we enjoy a cooking class from the buying local ingredients at Hoian market to tasting Vietnamese cuisine prepared by yourself.
After having lunch, discover Hoian ancient town, known to early Western merchants, the city was one of the major trading centers of Southeast Asia in the 16th century. Hoian has a distinctive Chinese atmosphere with low, tiled-roof houses and narrow streets. Many of the houses were constructed of rare timbers and decorated with lacquer panels engraved with Chinese characters and pillars carved with ornamental designs. Visit historic merchants and community houses, places of worship and Japanese covered bridge, Hoian central market. Accommodation in Hoi An.
Day 11: Danang - Saigon - Cu chi tunnels - Saigon (B/L/-)
Transfer to Danang domestic airport for flight to Saigon/Hochiminh city.
Drive to Cu Chi tunnels. At its height, the tunnel system stretched from Saigon to Cambodian border and was three levels deep. There are more than 200km of underground tunnels, consisting of a main axis system with many branches connecting to underground hideouts, shelters and other tunnels. The remaining tunnels have become a major tourist attraction giving the visitor a unique experience and a feel of what underground life in the war must have been like.
Back to Saigon for lunch at local restaurant.
PM: Discover Hochiminh city (formerly Saigon), the biggest economic center in the country: visit Opera house, Notre Dame cathedral, Post Office, China town, War Remnants Museum, a lacquer workshop. Overnight in Saigon /Hochiminh city.
Day 12: Saigon – Caibe – Vinh Long - Can Tho (B/L/-)
Drive to Caibe to explore the Mekong delta. Caibe is famous for its extensive orchards and immense rice fields. Enjoy a boat trip on the Mekong river to floating markets, tropical orchards and home industries. Lunch at local restaurant.
Disembark in Vinh Long where our driver waits for you.
Proceed to Can Tho. Accommodation in Cantho.
Day 13: Can Tho – Saigon – Siem Reap (B/L/-)
Experience an excursion to visit Cai Rang floating market and walk throughout the green orchard to taste some tropical fruits. Afterwards, we discover Binh Thuy ancient house in Cantho city.
Lunch at local restaurant on the way.
Drive back to Saigon Airport for flight to Siem Reap.
Our guide and coach will pick up you at Siem Reap International Airport, transfer to the hotel for check-in.
Dinner show with Apsara dance at local restaurant. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 14: Siem Reap – Angkor Thom – Angkor Wat (B/L/-)
Breakfast at hotel,
Morning, visit the South Gate of Angkor Thom, Bayon, Baphoun, Terrace of Elephant, Terrace of Leper King and Pimean Akas.
Afternoon, explore the famous temple of Angkor Wat, Cambodia then continue to visit the Bakheng Hill temple with sunset included from the top of this hill, back to hotel. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 15: Siem Reap – Tonle Sap lake – Departure (B/L/-)
Morning: Enjoy 01 hour Cruise on Tonle Sap Lake to visit floating village and fisherman life, then back to visit Chantier Ecole-Artisan D’Angkor. Lunch at local restaurant.
Time at leisure for shopping at Old Market before transfer to Siem Reap Airport for departure flight. Tour ends.
Check-out before 12:00
INCLUDING:
-
Double/Twin room at selected hotels and on junk (NON - PRIVATE BOAT) in Halong Bay,
-
Entrance fees and permits,
-
Return train tickets Hanoi-Laocai-Hanoi on LOCAL TRAIN (Sleeper berth–cabin–04 passengers)
-
Boat trips in Halong bay, the Perfume River, Mekong delta, Tonle Sap Lake
-
Private air-conditioning transfer
-
ENGLISH speaking guides,
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02 bottles mineral water + 02 towels/ pax/ day whilst touring
-
Meals (B: Breakfast, L: Lunch; D: Dinner) as mentioned in program
EXCLUDING:
-
Vietnam Visa fees,
-
International airfares & airport’s taxes to/from Vietnam,
-
Domestic airfares & airport taxes Economy Class on Vietnam Airlines Hanoi - Hue/Danang - Saigon
-
Tips, drinks,
-
Travel insurances
-
Other personal expenses...
1, PRICES: All rates are NET in United States Dollars (US$) per person of group:
2 pax |
3-5 p |
6-9 p |
10-14 p |
15 - 19p |
20 - 24p |
25 - 29p |
30 –34p |
35-40p |
Single Surcharge |
1,923 |
1,717 |
1,428 |
1,238 |
1,188 |
1,132 |
1,088 |
1,066 |
1,050 |
385 |
Valid: 10 MARCH 2015 - 31 OCTOBER 2015
HOTELS:
-
ANISE Hotel DELUXE (***) or similar in Hanoi
-
BAI THO Junk DELUXE (***) in Halong
-
BAMBOO Hotel SUPERIOR (***) in Sapa
-
ROMANCE Hotel SUPERIOR (***) or similar in Hue
-
THUY DUONG Hotel SUPERIOR (***) or similar in Hoian
-
SONNET Hotel DELUXE (***) or similar in Hochiminh city.
-
KIM THO Hotel SUPERIOR (***) in Can Tho
-
ANGKOR HOLIDAY Hotel SUPERIOR (***) in Siem Reap
2, PRICES: All rates are NET in United States Dollars (US$) per person of group:
2 pax |
3-5 p |
6-9 p |
10-14 p |
15 - 19p |
20 -24p |
25 – 29p |
30-34p |
35-40p |
Single surcharge |
2,072 |
1,867 |
1,578 |
1,389 |
1,339 |
1,283 |
1,239 |
1,216 |
1,199 |
525 |
Valid: 10 MARCH 2015 - 31 OCTOBER 2015
HOTELS:
-
CHALCEDONY Hotel DELUXE (****) or similar in Hanoi
-
BAI THO Junk DELUXE (***) in Halong Bay
-
CHAU LONG Hotel SUPERIOR (****) in Sapa
-
ELDORA Hotel SUPERIOR (****) or similar in Hue
-
HOIAN TRAILS Resort SUPERIOR (****) or similar in Hoian
-
GRAND Hotel DELUXE (****) or similar in Hochiminh city.
-
HOLIDAY ONE Hotel DELUXE (****) in Can Tho
-
TARA ANGKOR Hotel SUPERIOR (***) in Siem Reap
AIRAFRES: (subject to change without prior notice by the carrier)
-
Domestic airfares & airport taxes Hanoi - Hue/Danang – Saigon: US$230/person Economy Class on Vietnam Airlines
-
Airfare Saigon – Siem Reap: US$199/person Economy Class on Vietnam Airlines
SUPPLEMENT FEE:
-
Vietnam visa on arrival: US$ / person (visa exemption for some countries)
-
Cambodia visa on arrival: US$30/person
-
ITALIAN SPEAKING GUIDES: US$790 / Group