Hotline: +84 971 443 717
Français
Tailor Made Holidays with our travel experts
We'll do our best to call you within 48h
DAY 01: ARRIVAL HANOI
Upon arrival transfer to the Mercure Hanoi. This afternoon you will travel by traditional ‘cyclo’ through the intricate alleyways of Hanoi’s famous Old Quarter. This evening a local historian will give an introduction talk on Vietnam’s compelling past before you enjoy a welcome dinner.
DAY 02: HANOI TO SAPA
Explore the city, taking in sights that include one of Vietnam's most revered monuments, the Marble Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh (closed Monday and Friday, and during Oct and Nov), and the simple stilt house where he lived and worked. Afternoon at leisure before evening transfer to Hanoi’s railway station for overnight train journey to the highlands north of Hanoi and the remote hill station of Sapa. Your accommodation is a shared four berth Victoria compartment, with sleeper beds and crisp linen sheets.
DAY 03: SAPA
Wake early and marvel at the remarkable scenery as you roll into Lao Cai which borders China to the north. On arrival transfer to the Victoria Sapa hotel for breakfast before exploring this scenic and cultural area. Visit Sapa’s market to see traders selling their wares, journey to the top of Ham Rong Mountain and marvel at the scenic panorama from this hilltop location. Visit a local village to gain an insight into the life and culture of these unique hill tribes. Return to your hotel in the afternoon for one night.
DAY 04: SAPA TO HANOI
Enjoy a day of trekking through local villages, departing after breakfast to Lao Chai village, home to the Black H’mong Tribe and then on to Ta Van, the only village of the Giay minority. After lunch continue your walk through bamboo forests to Giang Ta Chai, visiting a Red Dao minority village. Return to your Sapa hotel to freshen up and transfer to Lao Cai for your overnight train journey back to Hanoi.
DAY 05: HANOI TO HALONG BAY
Arrive in Hanoi early and depart directly to the city of Haiphong. Enjoy breakfast before continuing to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Halong Bay where you will board a traditional Chinese Junk. Once onboard check into your cabin, before dipping in to a sumptuous seafood lunch whilst cruising past the limestone peaks and islands that form this picturesque bay. Opportunity for swimming and cave exploration. Relax on deck this afternoon and overnight onboard.
DAY 06: HALONG BAY TO HANOI
Wake early as the mist rises over the bay, an ideal time to take photos. After cruising to Luon Cave you will return to shore and transfer back to the Mercure, Hanoi. Afternoon is at leisure and later in the evening you will rejoin your group to watch a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show.
DAY 07: HANOI TO VINH
Depart Hanoi this morning and journey south for two hours to Ninh Binh. On arrival take a Sampan ride to Tam Coc, an incredible site of giant limestone karst formations jutting out of the rice paddies that surround the Ngo Dong. Visit the 17th Century Bich Dong Pagoda and Temples of Dinh and Le dynasties and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing your journey south to Vinh for your overnight stay at Saigon Kim Lien hotel.
DAY 08: VINH TO DONG HOI
This morning travel to Ho Chi Minh’s home town, the village of Kim Lien. See the typical bamboo houses depicting life at the time of Ho Chi Minh’s birth. Continue your journey south to Dong Hoi, en route visiting the UNESCO listed Phong Nha Cave. Arrive in Dong Hoi late afternoon and check in to the Sun Spa Dong. Evening at leisure to explore the local area.
DAY 09: DONG HOI TO HUE
After an early morning visit to the Nhat Le fish market, depart Dong Hoi and drive south following the Ben Hai River and the Ho Chi Minh Trail towards Hue. Pass through and visit key sites of the De-Militarised Zone, a buffer between both North and South Vietnam and the scene of heavy bombing during the war. Arrive in Hue late afternoon and transfer to the Gerber Hotel for two nights.
DAY 10: HUE
Enjoy breakfast before taking a leisurely cruise down the Perfume River which meanders alongside fragrant forests, tropical flowers and mountains. Visit the Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue’s oldest and most revered religious temple, see the Royal Tomb of Khai Dinh and explore the Imperial Citadel. In the evening an optional Royal Dinner recreates the magnificence and splendour of a long lost era.
DAY 11: HUE TO HOI AN
After breakfast depart Hue for your journey south crossing the Hai Van Pass. See a little of Danang with a short stop at the Cham Museum before continuing your journey to Hoi An for two nights at the riverside Life Resort. This afternoon take a walking tour of the historic town of Hoi An. Visit the colourful local market, Tan Ky old house, the Fukien Assembly Hall and the 400 year old Japanese Bridge. Observe the raising of silkworms and the intricate process of silk production as locals display the skills that contribute to the town's thriving textile industry.
DAY 12: HOI AN
A day at leisure for you to wander the many tailor shops or, for early risers, join the optional morning cookery class at Red Bridge Cooking School. Begin with a visit to the colourful market to purchase your ingredients followed by a short cruise to the cooking school where a two hour lesson follows. Choose also an optional afternoon tour to the UNESCO listed Cham ruins of My Son.
DAY 13: HOI AN TO HO CHI MINH CITY
Transfer to Danang this morning for your early flight with Vietnam Airlines to Vietnam's southern capital – Ho Chi Minh City and two nights at the Duxton Saigon. One of the highlights of your trip, this bustling city is a stark contrast to your journey so far. On arrival take a short orientation tour of the city that includes the former Presidential Palace and History Museum.
DAY 14: HO CHI MINH CITY TO MEKONG DELTA (DAY TRIP)
There is a choice of two optional tours today. Drive two hours to Ben Tre, nestled deep within the ricebowl of Vietnam – the Mekong Delta. This peaceful retreat offer lush vegetation, snaking canals and enchanting scenery. Ben Tre is famous for keo dua (coconut candy) and you can see techniques of how this is made, alongside rice paper and grass mats. Alternatively, visit the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, a unique network of tunnels that provided a home to both fighters and families during the Vietnam War. Return to Ho Chi Minh City after lunch and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
DAY 15: HO CHI MINH CITY TO PHAN THIET
Road transfer to Phan Thiet for three or more nights at the Victoria Beach Resort in a Gardenview room.
PHAN THIET BEACH
Just a three hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City, the white sands of Phan Thiet make an ideal end of tour rest.
DAY 16: PHAN THIET – SAIGON – DEPARTURE
Following breakfast at hotel, free time at leisure to enjoy the beach of Phan Thiet.
DAY 17: PHAN THIET – SAIGON – DEPARTURE
Afternoon road transfer to Ho Chi Minh City for your overnight journey via Kuala Lumpur to Heathrow with Malaysia Airlines.
TAILOR MADE
• Don’t forget you can tailor make your own private luxury jouney with Ethnic Voyage Vietnam. Just give us a call on +84 -983880763, email us at [email protected] for a quotation
PRIVATE TOURING
• You can also upgrade to a private deluxe tour with our local guide only and with the same itinerary departing on the day of your choice, prices available on request.
TRAVEL TIPS
• This tour includes considerable travelling overland with full days, some early starts and incorporating traditional modes of transport. However, it is hugely rewarding. Light, durable clothing and comfortable footwear is recommended.