Sapa Essential Tour 4 Days

Night 1: Hanoi - Laocai
At 08:30 pm our tour guide will pick you up at hotel lobby to the Hanoi railway station for night train to Sapa.
Overnight on Victoria Express train.

Day 1: Lao cai - Can Cau Market
Train arrives at Laocai Railway Station at 06.00 am, have breakfast at local restaurant before we set off on our scenic drive through the border town of Lao Cai to the colourful Saturday Market at Simacai, Bac Ha. Cancau market is one of Vietnam’s most fascinating open –air market, and isolated market which takes place only on Saturday every week. This is a lovely local market which still retains the local quaint and authentic being of the main tourist route. The areas is close to China border and in a hidden place, less visitors come here. - Horses, dogs, cat, pigs and textiles.... all on sales! Turn back to Sapa town in the afternoon.
Check in and stay at Victoria Sapa hotel
       
Day 2: Sapa - Cat cat village
Train arrives at Laocai Railway Station at 06.00 am, transferred to Sapa by bus. Have breakfast at hotel or in the local restaurant (optional). Relax. Your guide will meet you at hotel for stroll around to visit Sunday Market. Then short trek to Catcat village, the village of H'mong tribe in the valley, which remains very generally uncorrupted outside forces. Excellent views of the valley, the magnificent limestone and paddy fields of H'mong village. Enjoy some visits to local families and reach their customs. After the village down into the valley, the Cat Cat waterfall will be visible. A "White curtain" cascade appears, surrounded by flowery valley and deep-green pines. The rocks near the river and waterfall provide a marvelous place for picturesque photos and sunbathing during good weather…
Have dinner at restaurant. Then discover Sapa in night, see ethnic people activities and life in Sapa.
Overnight on Victoria Sapa hotel.
(D)

Day 3: Sapa - Laochai - Ta van village
Breakfast before private jeep transferred to Lao Chai village, a village of Black H’mong. Short trek down to river to visit hill tribe house to see their living style and the local woman made their handicraft clothes. Further on along the road, the Tavan village where Dzay people staying can be seen. Visit the village and reach their customs.Stay over night at hotel in Bac Ha
Overnight on Victoria Sapa hotel.
(L)
       
 Day 4: Sapa - Cocly market - boat trip on river - Laocai railway station
Leave from Sapa early at 7:00 AM for CocLy market, which is situated far from Sapa. Enjoy the peaceful life of 6 different minority peoples (Flower H'mong, Black Dzao, Tay, Dzay, HaNhi and Nung). The market is the chance for the minorities to meet and share joy and sorrows after the crops, to exchange one another's experience. Say goodbye to the market and get down onto a boat along Chay river. You are bound to feel great and find yourselves smaller among high rock mountains and to be surprised at white and breathtakingly waterfalls. Get off the boat to visit a village of the Tay Minority (TrungDo village) by the river.Then turn back to Laocai Station for the night train to Hanoi.
Stay over night on Victoria Express train.

Day 5: Hanoi
Train arrival around 06 am; tour finish at railway station. Turn back to your hotel on your own
Finished the tour.


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North East Experience Tour 12 Days

Day 1: Hanoi arrives
Pick up at Hanoi airport. Transfer to hotel in Hanoi. Check in & free to explore Hanoi Old quarter.
(Lunch & dinner)

Day 2: Hanoi - Thai Nguyen- Ba be Lake
Drive from Hanoi to Ba-be lake, stopping on the way to Museum of ethnology in Thai Nguyen. Then continue to Babe National Park. Dinner and home stay at hill tribe house.
(Breakfast, lunch & dinner)
       
Day 3: Babe Lake - Caobang
Haft day boat trip in Ba-be lake. Continue to Caobang.
Over night in hotel Caobang.
(Breakfast, lunch & dinner)

 Day 4: Cao bang - Ban Gioc waterfall
Visit Ban Gioc waterfall. Continue to Nguyen Binh, then Bao Lac. Visit the tribal a long the way.
Over night in guest house in Bao Lac.
(Breakfast, lunch & dinner)

Day 5: Bao Lac - Hill tribal village
Have a wark to village near by Bao Lac town to visit LoLo minority village.
Over night in guest house in Bao Lac.
(Breakfast, lunch & dinner)
Day 6: Bao Lac market - Bao Lam market- Hagiang
Morning market in Bao Lac and Bao Lam then all day drive to Hagiang. Short break to visit the Red Dzao village on midle road.
Stay over night at hotel in Hagiang
(Breakfast, lunch & dinner)
       
Day 7: Hagiang Museum - Quan Ba, hill tribe village
Full day visit Hagiang Museum then drive to Quanba where you will visit Nung people & Bo- y people.
Stay over night at hotel in Hagiang
(Breakfast, lunch & dinner)

Day 8: Hagiang - Bacquang, Red Dzao & Pathen Village)
Continue onto Bacquang, visit Red Dzao & Pathen commune in Tanchinh village.
Stay over night at Bacquang
(Breakfast, lunch & dinner)

 Day 9: Dzao with white trouzer - back to Hanoi)
Drive back to Hanoi. Visit Dzao with white trouzed in route.
(Breakfast, lunch & dinner)

Day 10: Hanoi - Halong. Kayaking on Halong Bay
Depart for Halong Bay at 8 am. Stop on route to admire the landscape picture, you might take picture of buffalo boy. Embark on Huong Hai Junk, check in registration. Boat screw will greetings you special seafood lunch with welcome drink. Cruise into mystic Halong Bay to see the amazing karsts with different formations islets, floating fishing village, with its unique way of life. Kayaking to Luon cave, enjoy swimming, sun bathing at Ti Top beach or climb the peak of the mountain for a breath-taking panorama view of Halong bay.
Have dinner and accommodation on junk.
(Lunch & Dinner)
       
Day 11: Halong Bay - Hanoi
Early risers can enjoy a morning view of bay’s landscape with a cup of tea or coffee with breakfast. More paddling on bay or sitting on the upper deck, you can relax while taking in the breath-taking beauty of the rocky islands rising from the crystal-clear water of the bay. Have lunch on boat before turn back to habor for private vehicle back to Hanoi
Stay over night at hotel in Hanoi
(Breakfast & lunch)

Day 12: Hanoi - Exit
Free until time transfer to airport for flight back home
(Breakfast)
* Note: Accommodation at standard hotel, guest house and homestay is very basic but clean and rich experience

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Sa Pa Hill Tribe Villages Trek

First night Hanoi - Lao Cai by night Train
We will be met at the lobby of the hotel and transferred to the Hanoi Railway station. The train will depart Hanoi at around 22:00. We spend tonight on a 4 soft sleeper berth cabin.

Day 1 Sa Pa - Cat Cat - Sa Pa (B, L)
Up on arrival in Lao Cai Railway station early in the morning we will be met by a local guide who will escort us to Sa Pa town. After checking in hotel, we enjoy our breakfast at the hotel restaurant and take a quick shower before going out for our visit the town. Firstly in the morning we climb up the Ham Rong mountain for the overview of Sapa town and villages where will visit after that. After lunch we will have time to walk through the local market to Cat Cat village, home of H’mong, ethnic minority people. Once we walk to the village nestled in the valley below Sa Pa we will meet the local minority people on the way and we will have chance to visit the home to share culture with families who live here. In the late afternoon we walk back to the town to join the local market. Overnight in Sa Pa.
Trekking distance 5 km
Approx: 1 hour driving/ grade 3 of 5/ 2,5 hours walking

Day 2 Sa Pa - Ta Van - Seomity (B, L, D)
You will go south by car toward Muong Hoa valley. Your trek will begin from Tavan village of Giay minority. The first day trek will be mostly uphill. Whenever you stop for a rest, you will be able to enjoy valley view. Before noon, you stop again at a nice spot for lunch.

The trek will be softer in the afternoon. But the scenery becomes even more beautiful. You pass by Seomity village of Black Hmong minority before you arrive at the campsite, which locates nearby a river outside the village. While porters put up tents and cook dinner, you can take a walk to stretch the legs.
Approx: 0,5 hour driving/ grade 3 of 5/ 4,5 hours walking/ 1 hour lunch

Day 3 Seomity - Den Thang - Ta Trung Ho (B, L, D)
The trek today takes you through beautiful rice paddies and over old suspension bridges. You will trek on small trail sneaking through rainforest. You arrive in Den Thang village of Black Hmong by noon. Here you stop for lunch either nearby a river or in a local school according to the weather. After lunch, the trek will becomes tough on tinny footpath going up and down, which requires a lot of concentration. You will reach to Ta Trung Ho village of Red Dao minority where you spend the night in local house. Both the valley and the village have just received foreign visitors. The night will be even more interesting when you are in the wonderful hospitable atmosphere of the Red Dao
Approx: Grade 3 of 5/ 7 hours walking/ 1-hour lunch

Day 4 Ta Trung Ho - Nam Toong - Thanh Phu (B, L, D)
You are now at the fringe of the rain forest by the Hoang Lien Son mountain range. Fansipan, the highest peak in Indochina with its 3143 m, is located in this mountain range. You will start the trek today by ascending to Nam Toong village of Red Dao minority. Here your lunch will be prepared in a local school. After lunchtime, you descend to the valley where locates My Son village of Xa Pho minority, one of the smallest groups ethnic in Northern Vietnam. From there you take a short walk to Thanh Phu village of Tay minority. Here you spend the night in traditional house of the Tay. You can take a walk to explore local daily life while your dinner will be served with Vietnamese dishes.
Approx: Grade 3 of 5/ 6 hours walking/ 1-hour lunch

Day 5 Thanh Phu - Nam Cum - Sin Chai (B, L, D)
Today’s trek will be relatively short and soft. Once leaving Thanh Phu, you follow the trekking route built in the bottom of the valley, which offers the best view to the surrounding mountains. You stop at a nice spot for lunch.

After lunchtime, you continue the walk toward Sin Chai village of Red Dao minority where the night will be spent in bamboo huts. The wonderful hospitable atmosphere of the Red Dao will attract you.
Approx: Grade 2 of 5/ 3 hours walking/ 1-hour lunch

Day 6 Sin Chai - Thanh Phu - Ban Ho - Sa Pa (B, L)
Once having left Sin Chai you will start heading towards Ban Ho. You will trek along the riverbank where you can enjoy a refreshing swim nearby a waterfall. At Ban Ho, your lunch will be prepared and served in a friendly local Tay family's house.

On the last hours you can enjoy the valley view one final time while trekking upward Supan. Here your car will take you on journey back to Sa Pa for drive back to Lao Cai where we take the night train to Hanoi. On the way you still have many opportunities to enjoy magnificent views of valleys and mountain.
Approx: Grade 2 of 5/ 1-hour driving/ 5 hours walking/ 1-hour lunch

Day 7 Hanoi
Up on arrival in Hanoi very early morning, we transfer back to our hotel.
End of services.

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Sa Pa - Hoang Lien National Park Trek 9 Days

Day 1 Hanoi - Lao Cai by night Train
We will be met at the lobby of the hotel and transferred to the Hanoi Railway station. The train will depart Hanoi at around 22:00. We spend tonight on a 4 soft sleeper berth cabin.

Day 2 Lao Cai - Sa Pa (B)
Up on arrival in Lao Cai Railway station early in the morning we will be met by a local guide who will escort us to Sapa town. After checking in hotel, we enjoy our breakfast at the hotel restaurant and take a quick shower before going out for our visit the town. Firstly in the morning we climb up the Ham Rong Mountain for the overview of Sa Pa town. The rest of the day we are free at leisure, we join the local market, chatting with the difference hill tribe people here. Overnight in Sa Pa.
Trekking distance 5 km

Day 3 Sa Pa - Tram Ton - Cat Cat (B, L, D)
You travel by car toward the Silver Waterfall where you will be able to take a short walk to the waterfall. You will then drive further to Heaven Gate, the highest peak of roads in Vietnam. From there you can see Fansipan, the highest peak of Indochina mountains as well as enjoy stunning views.

We start descending nearby the waterfall. The trail takes you all the way through bamboo forest and before you arrive in Sin Chai village of Black H’Mong minority. Here you stop for lunch. After lunch, we head toward Cat Cat village of Black H’mong, passing through rice terraces and indigo field, where you could see how local women weave hemp and dye fabric of indigo. According to weather, you will spend the night either in local house or tents.
Approx: Grade 3 of 5/ 40 minutes driving/ 6 hours walking/ 1-hour lunch

Day 4 Cat Cat - Y Linh Ho - Ta Van (B, L, D)
After having breakfast, you trek on a dirt trail through rice paddy terraces. You also will enjoy spectacular scenery while walking along a narrow river. You eventually arrive in Y Linh Ho village of Black Hmong minority, where you can take a rest while you are served lunch nearby the river.

After lunch, you head Muong Hoa valley. You will pass through Lao Chai village of Black Hmong minority and then Tavan village of Giay minority by following a very popular trekking route. You will spend the night in local house of Giay minority. You will be able to take a walk to enjoy the valley view as well as swim in the river nearby.
Approx: Grade 2 of 5/ 5 hours walking/ 1-hour lunch.

Cat Cat VillageLao Chai VillageTa Van Village

Day 5 Ta Van - Seomity (B, L, D)
After having breakfast, you start today’s trek, which is mostly uphill until lunchtime. Whenever you stop for a rest, you will be able to enjoy valley view. Before noon, you stop again at a nice spot for lunch.

The trek will be softer in the afternoon. But the scenery becomes even more beautiful. You pass by Seomity village of Black H’mong minority before you arrive in a campsite, which locates nearby a river outside the village. While porters put up tents and cook dinner, you can take a walk to stretch the legs.
Approx: 0,5 hour driving/ grade 3 of 5/ 4 hours walking/ 1 hour lunch

Day 6 Seomity - Den Thang - Ta Trung Ho (B, L, D)
The trek today takes you through beautiful rice paddies and over old suspension bridges. You will trek on small trail sneaking through rainforest. You arrive in Den Thang village of Black Hmong by noon. Here you stop for lunch either nearby a river or in a local school according to the weather.

After lunch, the trek will becomes tough on tinny footpath going up and down, which requires a lot of concentration. You will reach to Ta Trung Ho village of Red Dao minority where you spend the night in local house. Both the valley and the village have just received foreign visitors. The night will be even more interesting when you are in the wonderful hospitable atmosphere of the Red Dao.
Approx: 0,5 hour driving, 4 hours walking, 1-hour lunch

Day 7 Ta Trung Ho - Nam Toong - My Son - Thanh Phu (B, L, D)
You are now at the fringe of the rain forest by the Hoang Lien Son mountain range. Fansipan, the highest peak in Indochina with its 3143 m, is located in this mountain range. You will start the trek today by ascending to Nam Toong village of Red Dao minority. Here your lunch will be prepared in a local school. After lunchtime, you descend to the valley where locates My Son village of Xa Pho minority, one of the smallest groups ethnic in Northern Vietnam. From there you take a short walk to Thanh Phu village of Tay minority. Here you spend the night in traditional house of the Tay. You can take a walk to explore local daily life while your dinner will be served with Vietnamese dishes.
Approx: Grade 3 of 5/ 7 hours walking/ 1-hour lunch

Day 8 Thanh Phu - Nam Cum - Sin Chai
Today’s trek will be relatively short and soft. Once leaving Thanh Phu, you follow the trekking route built in the bottom of the valley, which offers the best view to the surrounding mountains. You stop at a nice spot for lunch. After lunchtime, you continue the walk toward Sin Chai village of Red Dao minority where the night will be spent in bamboo huts. The wonderful hospitable atmosphere of the Red Dao will attract you.
Approx: Grade 2 of 5/ 3 hours walking/ 1-hour lunch
Hoang Lien Son mountain rangeSin Chai VillageBan Ho Village

Day 9 Sin Chai - Thanh Phu - Ban Ho (B, L, D)
Today’s trek takes you through several villages where you will be able to meet Tay, Hmong and Xa Pho ethnic minorities. You will have time to photograph the beautiful rice paddy terraces and the surrounding mountain. On the way you will visit a local school. Your lunch will be prepared and served in a traditional Tay house in Thanh Phu. In the afternoon, you head toward Ban Ho. You will trek along Muong Bo River where you can enjoy a refreshing swim nearby a waterfall before you arrive in Ban Ho. Here you spend the last night in a Tay house. You will have chance to taste rice wine with friendly Tay people during the meal.
Approx: Grade 2 of 5/ 5 hours walking/ 1-hour lunch

Day 10 Ban Ho - Su Pan - Sa Pa (B, L)
Today will be very relaxing; take an easy walk around the village, visit a local school, go swimming or just sit in the balcony to read book and enjoy the views. You will have lunch before heading uphill toward Su Pan. After lunch, you trek all the way uphill. On the way you can enjoy the valley views while taking a rest. You will pass by a tinny village of Red Dao minority where you may find a small souvenir for your trip. Once you get to Su Pan, Here your car will take you on journey back to Sapa for drive back to Lao Cai where we take the night train to Hanoi.
Approx: Grade 2 of 5/ 1-hour driving/ 5 hours walking/ 1-hour lunch

Day 11 Hanoi
Up on arrival in Hanoi very early morning, we transfer back to our hotel.
End of services.

Note: The trek is sometimes hard. The itinerary can be changed due to high water level in the river between Seomity and Ta Trung Ho. There will be no toilet facilities in the National Park area. Toilet tent will be provided.

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NORTHERN VIETNAM HIGHLIGHTS TOUR - 5 Days

Day 1 Arrival in Hanoi (D)

Upon your arrival, we will be greeted by our tour guide and transferred to the hotel. Tonight we have a chance to see the unique water puppet performance, after that we will have a welcome dinner at a restaurant serving fine Vietnamese cuisine. Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 2 Hanoi - Ha Long (B, L, D)
In the morning, we depart Hanoi around 8 o'clock for Ha Long Bay. It takes us approximately three hours away. En route, we have a short stop at the Humanity Center run for and by handicapped children. Upon arrival at Ha Long Bay (approx. noontime), then we will follow the program as follow: At 12.30, we are boarding on Classic Sail at harbor. We then will be welcome by the crew with welcome drink on board and presentation of the trip. We get the room key and at 13.15, our wonderful Seafood lunch will be severed when the Classic Sail keeps cruising among the Limestone Islands and islets (We will go with Eastern route). At 15.30, we will arrive in floating Cua Van village where we will visit the village with sampan experience or kayaking. We also have chance to visit museum and floating houses (drink at fish men’s home. At 16.30, we will be back to Classic Sail and departure to Ti Top beach. During the time, we will have some activities are available: cooking course / beauty care. At 17.15 we will arrive at Ti Top beach for swimming, sun bathing, beach games. At 18.30, we will have our aperitif on the beach “feet in the water”. At 19.30,Romantic candlelight dinner on board. Overnight on CLASSIC SAIL junk..

Day 3 Ha Long Bay - Tam Coc (B, L, D)
Rising to the tranquil beauty of Halong Bay, we have time for an early morning dip followed by light breakfast from 06.30 – 8.00 (coffee, tea, croissant/toasts) then we do the program as follow: At 8.15: we will departure to Sung Sot Cave – Visit of the cave where we will have chance to see one of the largest as well as the most beautiful cave in Halong Bay, the cave has thousands of stalactites and stalagmites with many size and shape. At 9.45, we will be back to Classic Sail for check-out. We will have our Brunch while cruising back among the rocks (Western route). At 12:00 we will arrival at Ha Long harbor. We say good bye with the World Natural Heritage and leaving for Ninh Binh town with Hoa Lu ancient Capital and Marvelous Tam Coc. Arrival in Ninh Binh, it is around 05:00PM. We check in hotel and relax in a quite town in the Southern of Hanoi.

Halong Bay - Quang Ninh Entrance to Tam Coc - Ninh Binh Hoan Kiem Lake - Hanoi City

Day 4 Tam Coc - Hoa Lu - Hanoi (B, L)
This morning we start our trip by cycling to visit Bich Dong Pagoda. After that we cycle back to Tam Coc and take the sampan along the Ngo Dong River to explore Hang Ca, Hang Hai and Hang Ba. We sail back to the Wharf and enjoy our lunch at a local restaurant before transferring to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital. Hoa Lu used to be the site of the 10th century capital of Vietnam before Hanoi took the leading role in the 11th century. Features of the area are the many beautiful, rural villages and the ancient capital of Hoa Lu with King Dinh and King Le temples dedicated to these two famous Vietnamese heroes. Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 5 Hanoi - City tour - Departure (B)
At 8.00 we start a half day city tour of Vietnam's capital city. Hanoi is a unique city with tree-lined boulevards, old colonial architecture, pretty lakes and ancient temples. The city tour will comprise well-known sights such as the Ho Chi Minh complex, the Temple of Literature and the Lake of the Restored Sword. A cyclo tour in the old quarter will complete your trip to Hanoi. After that you will be transferred to Noi Bai airport for the on ward flight.

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Indochina Explorer 19 days

Itinerary
DAY 1 – ARRIVE PHNOM PENH
Upon arrival in Phnom Penh you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Tonight meet your tour leader (or local guide) for welcome drinks and a tour briefing.
SUNWAY HOTEL – 2 nights

DAY 2 – PHNOM PENH
Explore the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and National Museum. Visit the Childsafe Centre and later learn about the Khmer Rouge at Toul Sleng and The Killing Fields.

DAY 3 – PHNOM PENH TO SIEM REAP
Fly to Siem Reap, gateway to Angkor and take a boat ride on Tonle Sap Lake.
SOMADEVI ANGKOR HOTEL – 2 nights

DAY 4 – SIEM REAP
Explore Angkor Wat by tuk-tuk then board a regular vehicle for the outer-lying temples of Banteay Srei, Ta Prohm and more.

DAY 5 –SIEM REAP TO SAIGON
Today you will fly from Siem Reap to Saigon and check into your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure for you to relax or begin exploration of Saigon’s bustling city streets.
DUXTON HOTEL – 3 nights

DAY 6 – SAIGON
See the sights of old and new Saigon in the central ‘French quarter’ and the Chinatown district, then visit Cu Chi Tunnels.

DAY 7 – MEKONG DELTA
Explore the Mekong Delta’s canals, orchards and towns by boat and interact with the friendly locals.

DAY 8 – SAIGON TO HUE
Fly to Hue, Vietnam’s former imperial capital. Wander the last empire’s Forbidden City - the Citadel and visit Thien Mu Pagoda. Visit the workers of Spiral Foundation.
SAIGON MORIN - 1 night

DAY 9 – HUE TO HOI AN
Visit the tomb of the former Nguyen Dynasty Emperor - Tu Duc before driving south to nearby Hoi An. Enjoy the architecture, local delicacies and friendly locals that make Hoi An a true Vietnam highlight on an afternoon walking and market tour with the students of ‘Streets’ organisation.
HOI AN HISTORIC HOTEL - 2 nights

DAY 10 – HOI AN
Today is at leisure to enjoy Hoi An with its many galleries, tailor shops and restaurants.

DAY 11 – HOI AN TO HALONG BAY
Free time before you fly to Hanoi. On arrival, transfer to Halong City.
ROYAL LOTUS HOTEL - 1 night

DAY 12 – HALONG BAY TO HANOI
Spend the morning cruising the spectacular Halong Bay, with its thousands of limestone islets that rise out of the sea, as you enjoy a sumptuous seafood lunch onboard. In the afternoon journey to Hanoi before an evening theatrical water puppet performance.
SILK PATH HOTEL - 2 nights

DAY 13 – HANOI
Discover the Old Quarter on a walking tour, then explore Hanoi with visits to historic Ba Dinh Square, the infamous Hoa Lo (Hanoi Hilton) prison and the peaceful Temple of Literature, then, the remainder of the day is at leisure.

DAY 14 – HANOI TO VIENTIANE
Fly to the sleepy Lao capital city, where you will be transferred to your hotel. Choose to either explore the waterfront area of the Mekong or relax by the hotel pool this afternoon.
MERCURE VIENTIANE - 2 nights

DAY 15 – VIENTIANE
Spend the day exploring the capital’s most famous landmarks and temples, then pay a visit to a fair-trade silk weaving organization. In the afternoon, visit the COPE Centreand cap off your day with a traditional Lao Baci welcome and blessing ceremony.

DAY 16 – VIENTIANE TO LUANG PRABANG
Fly to Luang Prabang this morning. Spend the afternoon walking around the city’s many beautiful wats. In the evening participate in a cooking class of traditional Lao cuisine where you have the chance to taste your own creation.
SALA PRABANG - 3 nights

DAY 17 – LUANG PRABANG
Visit the National Museum, then on to the Traditional Arts & Ethnology Centre, where you will gain insight into Laos’ ethnic groups. Travel up river by slow boat to visit Pak Ou (thousand Buddha) caves, enjoying a picnic lunch en route. Return mid-afternoon for some free time to relax.

DAY 18 – LUANG PRABANG
Rise early to witness of monks perform the morning alms tradition. Visit a local market then drive to the beautiful Kuang Si falls for swimming. finish off the day with a game of petanque and sunset drinks on the famous Mekong River.

DAY 19 – LUANG PRABANG
Today you will be transferred to the airport for your onward journey

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The Grand Vietnam 20 Days

Day 1: HANOI - ARRIVAL (-/-/-)
You are arrival at our thousand years Capital - Hanoi city. Our guide will welcome you at the airport Noi Bai Airport and then be transferred to your hotel in the center of city. It is time for you to relax after long journey. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner. Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 2: HANOI - HALONG B/-/-)
Today we leave Hanoi to Halong bay. Upon arrival, we will embark to a junk /boat for a cruise around Ha Long Bay. While the junk cruising caves, grottoes, floating villages on Ha Long bay, having seafood meals on boat. Stop for a while for an excursing to Surprise Caves, (Grotto of Surprises) and Swimming, Kayaking if weather permitted. In the evening, enjoy the night fishing (if weather permitted). Overnight on board.

Day 3: HALONG - HANOI - LAOCAI (B/-/-)
In the morning, cruising more in the Halong bay before return to the Halong pier. Having lunch in Halong before return back Hanoi. Having a dinner at a local restaurant before taking a night train to Sapa.

Day 4: LAOCAI - SAPA (B/-/-)
Arrive at Lao Cai train station at about 6.30. Take a transfer to Sapa. Check in at the hotel and freshen your up with breakfast in the good weather of Sapa. Visit Sapa town afterward and in the afternoon, take a 2km short trekking to Cat Cat Village, the home of H'mong minority.

Day 5: SAPA - LAOCAI (B/-/-)
Trekking more or take a short drive by land cruise to visit Lao Chai and Ta Van Villages, home of H'mong and Day ethic. Along the way are slope rice field, bamboo valley , rustic villages and villager daily work. Return to Sapa and take a transfer to Lao Cai station for night train to Hanoi.

Day 6: LAOCAI - HANOI (B/-/-)
Arrive in Hanoi in the morning. Leisure time in the morning. And start exploring Hanoi center, visit Ho Chi Minh mausoleum, Tran Quoc pagoda, Quan Thanh temple, Army Museum and Hanoi Flag Tower. Last of day is go to Thang Long theatre for enjoying the Water puppet show. Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 7: HANOI - CITY TOUR (B/-/-)
In the morning to visit Hanoi Hilton prison and Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam (Temple of Literature). In the afternoon, either visit to Vietnamese artist's house and his gallery or drive to Van Phuc village, famous traditional silk making village or just go shopping around Silk shops and Art shop in Hang Gai street. Tonight you take a night train to Dong Hoi.

Day 8: DONG HOI - PHONG NHA - KE BANG NATIONAL PARK (B/-/-)
After check - in, relaxing, then we will drive you to visit Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park. Getting on boat and cruise on the world's longest underground river to Phong Nha Cave. The deeper one penetrates, the more magical are the natural aspects of the caves. After on boat for 700m, a large dry passage is appear, then you can walk to discover the cave for 500m more. You will have a chance to explore the remain of Cham Altars and Inscriptions inside. Overnight in Dong Hoi Town.

Day 9: DONG HOI - DMZ - HUE (B/-/-)
Drive along Ho Chi Minh Trail back to Hue with a stopover at historic Hien Luong Bridge, Ben Hai River and the famous Vinh Moc Tunnel. Continue the drive to Hue. Overnight in Hue.

Day 10: HUE (B/-/-)
Today we start the tour with the visit to Imperial Citadel and King Minh Mang tomb, King Tu Duc Tomb, Thien Mu Pagoda. Then we will embark in a boat cruise along Perfume river to admire sunset and enjoy Vietnamese traditional folk song on boat. Overnight in Hue.

Day 11: HUE - HOIAN (B/-/-)
Today we will heading to Hoi An through Hai Van pass, and Lang Co beach – one of the most beautiful beach of Vietnam. Visit Cham museum on the way, Cham museum is the open air collection of Cham sculpture. Many of the sandstone carvings are breathtaking. After check-in at hotel, visit the Ancient town. Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 12: HOIAN (B/-/-)
After breakfast, take a private car from Hoi An Town to My Son Holy Land. Back to Hoi An for lunch. Leisure time in the afternoon for beach activities or relax on the bank of Thu Bon river or shopping around. Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 13: HOIAN - DANANG - NHATRANG (B/-/-)
Transfer to Da Nang Airport to fly to Nha trang around noon. Relax on the beach of Nha Trang. Overnight in Nha Trang.

Day 14: NHATRANG (B/-L/-)
You will have one day boat trip. Firstly we will go to Mun Island, the best site for snorkeling where you will see lots of live colorful corals and fish. This site has been officially protected under the support of Danish Government. Relax, sunbath and swimming at Tam island. Then visit Tri Nguyen Aquarium on Mieu Island. At this place, you will see the life of the many sea species of Nha Trang ocean that being made in a smaller world of this aquarium. Return to Nha Trang about 16:00. Overnight in Nha Trang.

Day 15: NHATRANG - SAIGON (B/-/-)
Cham Po Nagar Towers, the site can not be missed when visiting Nha Trang. Cham Po Nagar Towers is one of the best architectures of Cham People. Leisure on the beach until the transfer time to Cam Ranh Airport for late flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Overnight at Ho Chi Minh city.

Day 16: SAIGON - CITY TOUR (B/-/-)
Full day city tour. Our tour start by visit Reunification Palace, then visit War Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral. After lunch, we continue to visit Binh Tay Market, Thien Hau Pagoda, on the way back bustling Chinatown is should not be missed as well. Overnight at Ho Chi Minh city.

Day 17: SAIGON - MEKONG DELTA (B/-/-)
This Mekong Delta trip provides you a look at varieties of the life and scenery on the Mekong River itself as well as on the bank of the river. Start the trip by a drive to Vinh Long, which on the way is green/yellow rice paddy fields stretching towards the horizon. On arrival, you will embark a boat for cruising the Mekong river with a passing floating Cai Be Market. Along the river is more exploring the local life, farmer and handicraft productions. The boat continues toward Can Tho, you will have a chance enjoy sunset on the way to Can Tho. Overnight at Can Tho city.

Day 18: MEKONG DELTA - SAIGON (B/-/-)
The watery world of the Mekong Delta is home to many bustling floating markets. This day you will a boat trip exploring the vibrant floating market of Cai Rang and Phong Dien, whose the trading way is unique; each boat usually sells one particular item. After an impressive boat trip, you are back to Ho Chi Minh via My Tho with stop over a Bonsai garden. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 19: SAIGON - TAY NINH - CUCHI TUNNELS (B/-/-)
Drive a long way on the country side of Vietnam to Tay Ninh, 100km from Ho Chi Minh city. On arrival to the head quarter of Cao Dai religious, you will have a chance to witness the daily ceremony at Cao Dai Holy See, and meet followers come to attend the ceremony wearing colored robes, a symbol of the curious combination of the Confucianism, Taoism, Christianity and Buddhism. Having lunch at a local restaurant then continue the trip to Cu Chi, visit the incredible underground tunnel network constructed by Vietnamese fighters during the long struggle for independence. Overnight at Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 20: SAIGON - DEPARTURE (B/-/-)
Free time for shopping or optional visit before transfer to Tan Son Nhat airport for departure.

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Experienced Vietnam 15 Days

Day 1 : ARRIVAL SAIGON (-/-/-)
On arrival at Tan San Nhat Airport, you will be met and transferred to hotel. Ho Chi Minh City, a bustling metropolis ,contradiction of its northern counterpart, is crowded with bikes and motorbikes, excited by numerous shopping area and sidewalk cafes. The afternoon we stroll around Sai gon down town. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city

Day 2 : SAIGON - TAY NINH - CUCHI TUNNESL (B/-/-)
Heading out of town we travel by road to Tay Ninh, the head quarter of Cao Dai region. On arrival we attend the fantastic mid-day temple service when the followers fill the hall wearing colored robes, a symbol of the curious combination of the Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism. On return trip we also make stop to explore Cu Chi Tunnels, an incredible underground tunnel network constructed by Vietnamese fighters during the long struggle for independence. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city.

Day 3 : SAIGON - VINH LONG (B/-/-)
A half day tour of dynamic Ho Chi Minh City, still called Sai gon by many locals takes in the Notre Dame Cathedral, Old Sai gon Post Office, a lacquer ware factory, the bustling market of Binh Tay Market in Chinatown and Giac Lam Pagoda. In the afternoon we travel by road to Mekong Delta, the largest rice bowl of Vietnam. Boat trip to visit lush orchard gardens where we are treated to a delicious tropical fruits. Overnight at family house built out over water.

Day 4: VINH LONG - SAIGON (B/-/-)
After breakfast we embar on a wonderful boat excursion to explore endless waterway. Visit the Caibe floating market before continuing our way to Mytho where we visit Vinh Trang pagoda. Lunch at local restaurant before we drive back to Ho Chi Minh city.Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city.

Day 5: - DALAT (B/-/-)
Today, we start our north bound journey with the first stop being Da Lat, one of Vietnam's most charming towns. At an elevation of 15,000 meters, Da Lat, called the" city of eternal spring" , have een established as a hill station at the beginning of the last century. The city is set around a lake and surrounded forests, waterfalls and rolling countryside. Overnight in Da Lat.
(Breakfast included)

Day 6: DALAT - NHATRANG (B/-/-)
Our sightseeing tour of Da Lat takes in the former residence of Emperor Bao Dai, Hang Nga House, XuanHuongLake, the Central Market, the LoveValley and Lam Ty Ni Pagoda. The afternoon, we travel by road to Nha Trang with stopover at the scenic pass of Ngoan Muc and the 13th century Po Klong Jarai Cham Towers. Overnight in Nha Trang.

Day 7: NHATRANG (B/-/-)
The picturesque coastal town of Nha Trang is an ideal place for anyone seeking an enjoyable escape. Taking a boat trip out we explore some nearby islands of the South China Sea and spend a half day on the turquoise water enjoying swimming, snorkeling, or simply lazing on a beach and feasting on seafood lunch. Overnight in NhaTrang.

Day 8 : NHATRANG - DANANG - HOIAN (B/-/-)
We board a flight to Da Nang. The tour of central Vietnam begins with sightseeing of Hoi An which was originally a Cham seaport but has been influenced down centuries by a myriad of traders from various cultures. The tranquil and charm of Hoi An with its low tiled houses of Chinese appearance, Japanese covered bridge, brightly painted temples and pagodas make it one of Vietnam’s most delightful places. Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 9 : MY SON (B/-/-)
We drivet to visit holly land My Son. This is a former capital of the ancient Cham civilization that ruled central Vietnam between the second and thirteenth centuries. Hinduism from India heavily influenced their religion. Located 60 km. from Danang, My Son is considered to be one of the best-preserved Cham structures in Vietnam. The complex is comprised of seventy Hindu-like towers and temples dating from the second century. This site is a must-see for those who are interested in architecture and ancient civilizations. It is one of four World Heritage listed sites in Vietnam. Balance of the day will be at your leisure to do your endless shopping in Hoian. Overnight in Hoian

Day 10 : HOIAN - HUE (B/-/-)
We embark on Northernbound journey to Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. The scenic route passes through Da Nang as we are climbing over the Pass of Ocean Clouds and dropping down to the picturesque fishing villages of Lang Co. A visit to beautiful Cham museum in Danang where display Cham’s finest sculpture and artifacts in the world. Afternoon we visit the Citdel, containing the ImperialCity and the Forbidden Purple city, the Emperor's private residence. Both were almost totally destroyed during the Tet offensive of 1968. We visit vibrant Dong Ba riverside market. Overnight in Hue

Day 11 : HUE - HANOI (B/-/-)
This morning we board our dragon board for a cruise along lovely Perfume river with a stop to visit Thien Mu pagoda, considered by many as the unofficial symbol of Hue. It is active Buddhist monastery with its origins dating back to 1601. One of its most poignant displays is a car belonging to a former monk, who in 1963, drove to Saigon and set himself alight to protest against the South Vietnamese regime and its crual treating of Buddhist. We continue our ride upstream to visit Minh Mang tomb, in a tranquil setting of gardens and lakes as well as t from where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945. This evening we take overnight soft sleeper train to Ha Noi. Overnight on the train.

Day 12 : HANOI (B/-/-)
Arrival Hanoi in Morning you will be transferred to our hotel for a freshen up and breakfast. Free in the morning to relax . Sightseeing tour of the town in the afternoon to Temple of Literature - Vietnam’s first university, the EthnologyMuseum. Tonight we enjoy water puppet show followed by Vietnamese diner. Overnight in Hanoi

Day 13 : HANOI - HALONG (B/L/D)
Drive to Halong Bay in about 3 hours. Arriving to Halong we embark on a cruise out to explore the picturesque scenery blending with the sky and some 3,000 limestone islands rising amazingly from the clear and emerald water. Along the way we will anchor for a leisurely swim in a secluded cove. We explore this stunning bay with prime beaches. Over night on board.

Day 14 : HALONG - HANOI (B/-/-)
More exploration of breathtaking secluded bay. We cruise further to Bai Tu Long bay where Indochina film is taken. We are treated to a seafood lunch before our drive back to Hanoi. Overnight in Ha Noi.

Day 15 : HANOI - DEPARTURE (B/-/-)
There is a free time to relax or further exploration of Ha Noi until the departure transfer to airport for your flight home.

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Saigon - Siem Reap 8 Days with Toum Tiou Cruise

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) - My Tho  (D)
15:45 Toum Tiou is open for embarking. Clearance of departure formalities.
16:30 Departure for My Tho, security briefing.
19:00 Welcome drink and info meeting about cruise, crew introduction. Welcome dinner. Overnight onboard
 

Day 2: My Tho - Cai Be - Vinh Long  (B, L, D)
07:00 Departure of the Toum Tiou early in the morning. Breakfast during navigation on the marvelous canal of Cho Gao. Arrive at My Tho – Toum Tiou drops anchor on river in the proximity of Thoi Son Island. On the banks of a northern arm of the Mekong, My Tho, which translates as "fragrant herb", where tourists come to discover the beauty of the delta. It's a quiet, prosperous city of about 100,000 inhabitants, famous for its many fruit orchards, gardens and the huge rice fields that surround it. The climate is warm and pleasant year round. The surrounding countryside is home to one of the most luxuriant gardens of Vietnam, with its coconut palms, banana and mango trees. Local boats are coming alongside Toum Tiou to pick up passengers and transfer to the mainland. Departure for Vinh Trang Pagoda by car - Short panoramic tour of My Tho town on the way, stop for a visit of My Tho market. Return at the pier - Passengers cruise on the river to Thoi Son Island by local boat to visit the island, explore local people’s daily life and enjoy locally seasonal fruits
10:00 Passengers re-embark Toum Tiou and leaves My Tho for Cai Be. Lunch and leisure on board.
13:30 Toum Tiou drops anchor at Cai Be. Local boats are coming alongside Toum Tiou, picking up the passengers and cruise
around Cai Be Floating Market. Continuing for Vinh Long - a brick and pottery factory, the Binh Hoa Phuoc Islet Nursery of Fruit Trees as well a typical house and a show room of traditional farming tools. Vinh Long, which translates as "Majestic Dragon", is right in the middle of the delta, between two arms of the Mekong. The soil of Vinh Long is enriched by silt deposits, making it ideal for growing mandarins and other citrus fruits. Life is organized around the water. Houses on stilts, hawkers in boats, hundreds of small craft crisscross in all directions. The hospitality of the locals makes it a tourist destination par excellence.
16:30 Return on the Toum Tiou, departure for Sa Dec. Arrive at Sa Dec, Toum Tiou drops anchor on the river. Dinner and overnight on board.
 

Day 3: Vinh Long - Sa Dec - Chau Doc    (B, L, D)
06:00 Breakfast. Arrive at Sa Dec - Short panoramic tour of Sa Dec and transfer to Trung Vuong primary school. Continuing to Kien An Cung Pagoda. Stroll around Sa Dec Market along Sa Dec River bank. This small city of 30,000 inhabitants is fascinating in its unspoiled authenticity and undisturbed by tourists. It provides a glimpse of the delta where a few colonial houses still remain, including the "Chinese man's house" (from Duras' novel "The Lover", also made into a movie).
09:00 Passengers re-embark; Toum Tiou leaves Sa Dec for Chau Doc, lunch and leisure on board.
17:00 Arrival after lunch at Victoria Hotel Chau Doc jetty. Departure for fish raising rafts and Cham minority village by local boat. Return to the Victoria. If the timing is allowing it, watch of the sunset on the Sam Mountain which peaks at 237 meters. Its well-known Buddhist sanctuaries offer an unobstructed view over the mosaic of glistening rice paddies below. To the left is Cambodia, the flow of the Mekong on the horizon breaks into an infinity of silver ribbons. Visit on the way of the Lady Chua Xu temple and Tay An Pagoda.
19:30 Return to the boat, Dinner at the Victoria Hotel’s restaurant. Overnight onboard at the jetty of the hotel; passengers are free to enjoy the hotel facilities (swimming pool, billiards, bar, Internet) or stroll in Chau Doc.
 

Day 4: Chau Doc - Koh Dek Chau - Phnom Penh    (B, L, D)

Toum Tiou leaves early in the morning for Vinh Xuong (Vietnamese border). Breakfast during navigation.
08:00 Arrival at Vinh Xuong check-point – Formalities clearance for Toum Tiou to cross the border.
10:30 Toum Tiou leaves Vinh Xuong check point for Koh Dek Chau Island. Lunch during the navigation.
14:30 Arrival at Koh Dek Chau island. A short break along the way, it allows to get a fascinating, close-up look at daily life in Cambodia. On the fringes of civilization, the 600 people who live on Koh Dek Chau will receive your visit with some surprise. School children will escort you along your way. You will go through the village that occupies the full length of the island, walking along a trail shaded by date palms. Toum Tiou leaves for Phnom Penh.
20:00 Arrival at Phnom Penh. Dinner and overnight on board.
 

Day 5: Phnom Penh    (B, L, D)
08:00 Breakfast, departure for the “KILLING FIELDS” - Tuol Sleng Museum, old center of detention, of torture and execution between 1975 and 1979. The visit of this place is essential to understand what could be the fatal madness perpetrated by the Khmer Rouges.
12.00 Return to Phnom Penh, lunch in a local restaurant.
15:00 Balance of the day free exploration on own. Suggestions can be made up on the interest of passengers. FCC, Russian market, other boutiques (antiques), etc.
19:00 Return to the boat. Local group performs on board traditional “APSARA” show for 45 minutes. Overnight on board.

Day 6: Phnom Penh - Kampong Tralach   (B, L, D)
07:00 Breakfast, half day city sightseeing tour including the Royal Palace and the National Museum.
12:00 The Toum Tiou leaves Phnom Penh for Kompong Tralach. Lunch during navigation.
16:00 Arrival at Kampong Tralach to visit its wonderful Vihara belonging to Wat Kampong Tralach Leu pagoda. To get to it, we cross Kampong Tralach Krom village along a small road perpendicular to the river, crossing some gorgeous stretches of emerald rice paddy as we leave the river behind. The Vihara dates back to early last century. It was probably built on an older site, as indicated by the laterite foundations, and is home to some outstanding mural paintings. These, however, are starting to suffer from weathering. They remain one of the last survivors of cultural destruction that continues unabated due to widespread indifference. Standing by itself in the middle of rice fields, it is a modest pagoda that receives very few visitors. Its isolation may well be its undoing, as was the case for Wat Tani Pagoda in the province of Kampot.
18:00 Passengers re-embark. The Toum Tiou drops anchor few miles away. Dinner and overnight on board.
Day 7: Kampong Chhnang - Chnok Tru    (B, L, D)

07:00 Departure of the Toum Tiou early in the morning. Sail to Kampong Chhnang. Breakfast during navigation. Arrive to Kampong Chhnang. Located some 56 miles from Phnom Penh, the town of Kampong Chhnang is one of the largest fishing ports on the Tonle Sap. Fish farming is also widely practiced in the area. The area is famous for its pottery ware, unchanged in style for centuries, which is produced in sufficient quantities to supply the entire country. And not to be overlooked are the products of the Thnot tree (sugar palm – a real national symbol) that abounds in the area: a mellow tasting, caramel-colored sugar sold in large cakes and palm wine.
10:30 Passengers re-embark the Toum Tiou. Lunch on board on the way to Chnok Tru. Arrive at Chnok Tru. Local boats are coming along the Toum Tiou and picking passengers for the visit of the biggest floating village on the Tonle Sap River. Passengers re-embark. The Toum Tiou stays overnight in the proximity of Chnok Tru.
19:30 Farewell cocktail (1 glass of local liquor or juice) with Master of Ship & Cruise Manager Captain’s farewell dinner (Enriched menu + 1 glass of wine). Overnight on board
 

Day 8: Chnok Tru - Siem Reap  (B, L)
07:00 Breakfast, chartered speedboat is coming along the boat and picks up passengers for crossing the Lake.
12:00 Arrival at Phnom Krom pier (~5 miles from Siem Reap)

Phnom Penh - Siem Reap with Toum Tiou Cruise

Day 1: Siem Reap - Kampong Chhnang  (L, D)

07:00 Meeting in front of FCC hotel in Siem Reap. Transfer by local tour agent for Phnom Krom boat-pier. Transfer form the pier by local boat to the Toum Tiou.
08:00 Check-in at the boat docked near Phnom Krom in Siem Reap. Passengers embark, security briefing. Departure for a relaxing half day by crossing the Tonlé Sap Lake. Lunch onboard.
15:30 Arrival at Kampong Luong. Local boats are coming along the Toum Tiou and picking passengers for the visit. Almost totally overlooked by tourists because of its remoteness and difficult access, the village is completely self-sufficient. A floating school, factories to make ice for fish preservation, church, pagoda, service stations, pigsty, stores, boat or television repair shops, video club, karaoke bar, police station... everything is on the water. All trades are represented and everybody from children to grandparents goes by boat through the network of canals that cross this little town.
18:00 Passengers re-embark. The Toum Tiou stays overnight under the protection of the flooded forest. Welcome drink and info meeting about cruise, crew introduction. Welcome dinner. Overnight onboard.

Day 2: Kampong Tralach - Phnom Penh  (B, L, D) 

07:00 Departure of the Toum Tiou early in the morning. Sail to Kampong Chnang by passing near Chnok Tru, the first big village after the River meets the Great Lake of Tonlé Sap. Breakfast during navigation.
09:00 Arrival to Kampong Chnang. Located some 56 miles from Phnom Penh, the town of Kampong Chnang is one of the largest fishing ports on the Tonlé Sap. Fish farming is also widely practiced in the area. The area is famous for its pottery ware, unchanged in style for centuries, which is produced in sufficient quantities to supply the entire country. And not to be overlooked are the products of the Thnot tree (sugar palm – a real national symbol) that abounds in the area: a mellow tasting, caramel-colored sugar sold in large cakes and palm wine.
11:30 Passengers re-embark the Toum Tiou. Lunch on board on the way to Kampong Tralach. Arrive at Kampong Tralach to visit its wonderful Vihara belonging to Wat Kampong Tralach Leu pagoda. To get to it, we cross Kampong Tralach Krom village along a small road perpendicular to the river, crossing some gorgeous stretches of emerald rice paddy as we leave the river behind. The Vihara dates back to early last century. It was probably built on an older site, as indicated by the latérite foundations, and is home to some outstanding mural paintings. These, however, are starting to suffer from weathering. They remain one of the last survivors of cultural destruction that continues unabated due to widespread indifference. Standing by itself in the middle of rice fields, it is a modest pagoda that receives very few visitors. Its isolation may well be its undoing, as was the case last May for Wat Tani Pagoda in the province of Kampot.
17:30 Passengers re-embark. The Toum Tiou drops anchor few miles away. Farewell cocktail (1 glass of local liquor or juice) with Master of Ship & Cruise Manager. Captain’s farewell dinner (Enriched menu + 1 glass of wine). Overnight on board

Day 3: Phnom Penh   (B, L)
07:00 Departure of the Toum Tiou early in the morning. Sail to Kôh Chen (Chinese Island)
08:30 Arrival to Kôh Chen, small village of whose inhabitants specialize in silver and copper smiting. They make ornamental items, including delicately engraved tropical fruits, used in traditional ceremonies at the pagoda or for marriages. The distant hills of Cambodia's old capital, Oudong, and its royal stupas can be seen a few kilometers away from the ferry. At the top of the hill, the ruins of Anthareu temple.
11:30 Passengers re-embark the Toum Tiou. Lunch on board on the way to Phnom Penh. Arrive in Phnom Penh. Tour ends.

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Discover Mekong River with Bassac Cruise

Route 1: Can Tho - Cai Be
Depart: Mondays, Wednesdays, Saturdays

Day 1: Can Tho (L, D)
Boarding at Can Tho at Ninh Kieu Pier. Welcome drink, introduction to the ship and crew, check into the cabins. Depart downstream the Hau River. Lunch on board while cruising along the river.
Tour near Tra On floating market.
Branching into Nicolai canal, towards the Mang Thit and Co Chien Rivers. Rest on the upper deck or enjoy the open bar in scenery of rice fields, sugar cane, woods on the near banks.
Visit a village on the bank of river Mang Thit, an opportunity to appreciate the way of life and hospitality of the local inhabitants. Visit orchards or rice fields nearby.
Boarding back, complimentary drink as a welcome back on board. Have a seat at the open bar or rest on the deck to enjoy the sunset. The crew will serve dinner while the Bassac is cruising along Mang Thit River towards her anchorage point for the night.
The Bassac sets anchor for the night on river Mang Thit. Overnight on board.
Day 2: Cai Be    

(B)

06:30 Depart towards Cai Be. You will have breakfast while enjoying the scenery on the banks.
The Bassac crosses Co Chien river then branches into Cho Lach canal for 30 minutes through the traffic of sand and rice barges, in a scenery of fruit drying facilities and wooden ship building yards.
Arrival in Cai Be, check-out and boarding a local boat for a tour of Cai Be floating market and handicraft.
End of the services on shore at Cai Be late morning.

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Vietnam Major Battle Fields 14 Days

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival
Arrive at Noi Bai international airport. Visa arrangements. Welcomed by your local tour guide and driver. Transfer to your hotel in the city center. Take an orientation on the tour. Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 2:Hanoi City Tour (B/L)
Depart at 8:00 am,after checking out,from your hotel by van. We will begin our day by visiting Uncle Ho,learning about his great life at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum,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 the royals the Confucius theory. Here we will also have a chance to see a traditional music performance. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant for a taste of authentic Hanoi Pho. In the afternoon,choose one from the numerous museums or temples around Hanoi (Museum of Ethnology,Woman's Museum,History Museum or Quan Thanh Temple).

A late afternoon walk around Hoan Kiem Lake and Hanoi's fascinating Old Quarter for some great fun,shopping,and street side traditional food. This is your chance to be part of typical Hanoian style and its traditional Vietnamese culture. We finish our relaxing but informative day by attending a Water Puppet Show,a favorite experience for all visitors to Vietnam. We can help you get back to your hotel if you wish,but often our guests would just rather spend the early evening enjoying a drink with a view of the city. Dinner on your own. Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 3:Hanoi - Hue (B/L/D)
Fly to the most beautiful city in Vietnam. Visit the citadel of the city and recall the battle of Hue during the Tet Offensive,when the NVA held the city for the three weeks.

Day 4:Hue - Dong Ha (B/L/D)
Drive up highway 1;passing Camp Evan and Fire Support Base Nancy;continue to the battle site of Quang Tri. Next pass the site of Ai Tu Combat Base and airfield of the 3rd Division Headquarters of the former South army. Next reach Dong Ha enter the quadrilateral area bordered by Con Tien,Gio Linh,Dong Ha,and Cam Lo which was nicknamed Leatherneck Square during Operation Buffalo. Continue up Highway 1 across the Hien Luong Bridge over the Ben Hai River which once demarcated North and South Vietnam. Visit the tunnels in Vinh Moc and the Con Thien Fire Support Base before overnight at Dong Ha.

Day 5:Dong Ha - Khe Sanh (B/L/D)
Ride paralleled to the DMZ (Demilitarize Zone) along Route 9 to Khe Sanh. En route pass a series of Fire Support Bases the Rockpile,Da Krong Bridge,as well as the Huong Hoa District headquarters.

Day 6:Khe Sanh - A Luoi - Dong Ha (B/L/D)
Tour Khe Sanh Base,a coffee plantation,an old French fort and the Montagnard Village. Continue on Route 9 to Lang Vei special Forces Camp. Visit the Lao Bao Border town where illicit border trade remains very active. With advanced notice,a border crossing to Laos is possible to follow Operation Lam Son 719,where South Vietnamese soldiers surged in to attack the Liberation Front soldiers strongholds in the neighboring country. Travel to A Luoi and visit the special Forces camp there. Visit Landing Zone Cunningham,Landing Zone Erskine and Landing Zone Razor. Upon special advanced request continue south to A Sau Valley and infamous Hamburger Hill. Return to Dong Ha this evening.

Day 7: Dong Ha - Hue (B/L/D)
Optional excursion to the ancient tombs of Khai Dinh and Tu Duc and a cruise on the Perfume River. Otherwise,enjoy a free day in pleasant in Hue.

Day 8:  Hue - Danang (B/L/D)
Leave Hue for Da Nang,the fourth largest city of Vietnam. Tour the city,recalling the chaos of march 1975,when the Saigon government abandoned Da Nang and countless refugees fled the city. Also visit the beach where the US Mariners first came ashore,beginning major American involvement in Indochina.


Day 9:Danang - Qui Nhon Via Chu Lai (B/L/D)
Morning visit to Hoi An. During the 17th century traders stopped at this port when travelling en router to Malacca in Malaysia. Continue on the coastal plain to Chu Lai airbase and see the work of the Skyhawks. Stop at the Son My District,sense of infamous My Lai incident. Travel along the rugged Animate mountains down to Route 1. Sarcastically referred to as "The street without joy" by French soldiers. Evening arrive in Qui Nhon,a major port and supply depot that kept Route 1 open during the war.

Day 10: Qui Nhon - Nha Trang (B/L/D)
Leave Qui Nhon for Nha Trang,once the headquarters of the US Fifth Special Forces Group in the second Corps.

Day 11: Nha Trang - Dalat (B/L/D)
Enjoy the turquoise water and fine sandy beach. Take a boat to nearby Bamboo Island for snorkeling,to the Mieu Island for a visit to a fish breeding farm and to the Ponagar Cham Tower,a fine example of 2nd century Cham architecture. Then,leave Nha Trang for the central highland city of Da Lat.

Day 12:Dalat - Ho Chi Minh City (B/L)
Visit the Valley of Love,the central market,the Lake of Sighs. Travel through the central highlands to Bao Loc,visit silk farms and mulberry plantations. Evening arrive at HCMC,which retains much flavor from the war era.

Day 13:  Ho Chi Minh City - Iron Triangle - Cu Chi (B/L/D)
This morning travel on the National route 13 past the town of Phu Cuong. Visit the Phu Loi Base used to relocate villagers. Through the Cau Dinh jungle,pass a staging area of the 503rd Airborne Brigade. At Ben Cat,see the site of the bases of the 173rd Airborne and the 11th Armored Cavalry Arrive in Ben Suc,the Northern tip of the Iron Triangle,and continue to Dau Tieng Reservoir and the esoteric Cao Dai Temple at Tay Ninh. Visit the restored tunnels at Cu Chi before returning to Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 14:  Departure (B)
We will pick you up at your hotel and transfer to airport for your flight to home,your luggage full of a lifetime's worth of memories. We wish you a pleasant journey.

Want an independent tour and private tour, please email us at: info@footsteptravel.com to get more information and assistance

Central Vietnam Culture & Tradition 6 Days

DAY 1:ARRIVAL DANANG - HOIAN (D)
Meet and greet upon arrival at Danang International airport and transfer to the ancient town of Hoi An,listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Dinner at the hotel. Overnight at The Nam Hai Resort in Beach Villa bangalow.

DAY 2:HOIAN (B,D)
Morning at leisure to enjoy the sound of the surf and unwind at this peaceful beachside resort.
Afternoon tour into town to explore this unique ancient trading port. A mixture of walking tour and cyclo ride,your tour includes the Japanese covered bridge,a Chinese assembly hall,pagoda and one of the traditional Chinese houses.
Dinner is a cooking class where you enjoy the fruits of your labour after learning to make some of the local specialities – surprise your friends with expertise on your return home!
Overnight at The Nam Hai Resort in Beach Villa bangalow.

DAY 3:HOIAN(B,L)
Today either a morning or afternoon cycling tour along the backroads amongst the rice paddy fields. You have the option to try your hands at the ancient art of lantern making or visit a small traditional fishing village.
Lunch on the banks of the Thu Bon River and dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight at The Nam Hai Resort in Beach Villa bangalow.

DAY 4: HOI AN – HUE (B,L)
Today we embark on scenic drive through the rugged central part of Vietnamto the former Imperial capital of Hue. This town is known for its magnificent Citadel,Royal Tombs and temples built on the banks of the Perfume River.
Lunch in local restaurant to enjoy the different tastes of this area before exploring the local market famous for conical hats –and a visit to one of the bonsai gardens and a talk to its owner from one of the ancient families of Hue.
Overnight at La residence de Hue Hotel in a Junior Suite.

DAY 5:HUE (B,L)
The day begins with a boat ride on the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda and continues to lunch and visits to the empirical sites of this unique city and surrounding country side. Overnight at La residence de Hue Hotel in a Junior Suite.

DAY 6: HUE - DEPART

Transfer to airport for your onward flight
(airfare not included in package price).

Want an independent tour and private tour, please email us at: info@footsteptravel.com to get more information and assistance

The secrets of Central Highland 8 Days

Day 01:SAIGON - BUON MA THUOT (-/L/D)
Pick-up you from Saigon and transfer to Buon Ma Thuot with stopovers to visit a part of Ho Chi Minh Trail at Daksong junction and the Draysap Waterfall. O/N Buon Ma Thuot.

Day 02:BUON MA THUOT - KONTUM (B/L/-)
Travelling north to Kontum,stop at the sacred Cemetery of "Ede" Tribe and the volcanic lake in Pleiku. O/N in Kontum.

Day 03:DANCE WITH "BAHNAR" TRIBE (B/L/-)
See the old battefields around DakTo. Visit Sedang villages,Dakrijol and Dakripeng,and cross suspension bridges during this 4km trek. In the afternoon,hike to Konchori and Konkotu village with time to swim in Dakbla River. In the evening,enjoy the traditional gong musis of "Bahnar" Tribe before staying in a "Rong" House at Konkototu village. O/N village.

Day 04:KONTUM - QUANG NGAI (B/L/-)
Trek back to Kontum via K'pong and K'nam villages,visiting a Banar tribe wooden church. Depart for Quang Ngai. Back country road through the tropical forest with villages of Sedang and Hre tribes. O/N in Quang Ngai.

Day 05:QUANG NGAI - HOI AN (B/L/-)
Transfer from Quang Ngai to Hoian ancient town with a stopover to visit My Son Ruins of the Cham people. From here the program is a bit more relaxed. O/N in Hoi An.

Day 06:HOI AN (B/L/-)
A day of sightseeing and shopping in Hoi An with an afternoon bicycle ride to Cua Dai Beach for some swimming. O/N in Hoi An.

Day 07:HOI AN - HUE (B/L/-)
Overland to Hue with visit the Cham Museum in Danang. Stop over Hai Van pass for sightseeing. Afternoon sightsee the Royal Citadel in Hue. O/N in Hue.

Day 08:AROUND HUE (B/L/-)
Take a morning boat trip along the Perfume river to visit the tombs of Kings Minh Mang and Tu Duc and Thien Mu pagoda. End of service.

Want an independent tour and private tour, please email us at: info@footsteptravel.com to get more information and assistance

Highlights of the North 11 Days

Day 01: Arrival - Ha Noi
On arrival at Noi Bai Airport, you are met and transferred to hotel. Ha Noi, Vietnam's capital, is a stylish and gracious city that retains an unique old world charm and some Asia's most striking colonial architecture. (If time permits) we enjoy a short cyclo ride around the old quarter streets, giving you a chance to explore the different local ways of life. Oernight in Hanoi.

Day 02: Hanoi (Breakfast)
Today we enjoy a full day city tour starting with the Ho Chi Minh Complex. This famous site contains the mausoleum of the nations founder Ho Chi Minh, the Presidential Palace and the Ho Chi Minhs house on stilts. Close to this complex is the One Pillar Pagoda, whose origins date back to the foundation of city. We follow this with a trip to the Temple of Literature, which is well known as the first university of Vietnam and the impressive Ethnologic Museum, dedicated to Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups. The beautiful West Lake and the History Museum with an excellent collection of artifacts illustrating the Vietnamese history, are not to be missed. We visit these sights before continuing to the peaceful lake of Hoan Kiem. In front of this lake is the famous water puppet theatre where we will see a fantastic performance. Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 03: Hanoi - Sapa (Breakfast)
An early morning start to drive along the Red River to Sapa. The roads are bumpy at times, but various scenic landscape changing from the delta area to the Tonkinese Alps make for an interesting journey.

At an elevation of 1,500 meters, Sapa was once a hill resort of French administrators when the summer heat became unbearable. The remoteness and the simple lifestyle of ethnic minority people are a highlight of Sapa although conditions are basic. After checking into hotel in Sapa we can soak up the fresh climate as much as we want by spending time to wander around this hill town. The ethnic people are frequently seen on the main street of Sapa and small vendors along the street sell local textiles and handicraft. Overnight in Sapa.

Day 04: Sapa (Breakfast)
The range of Phan Si Pan boasts Vietnams highest mountain and lends an alpine feel to the area surrounding this hill station. Today we have enough time to visit the bustling Sapa Market where the Red Dao, Black Hmong, Tay and Xa Pho ethnic minorities converge from the nearby mountainsides and valleys to trade their goods and buy provisions. We then get well off the beaten track as we embark on a walk to explore this beautiful mountain region. Along the way we visit several rustic villages and see many mountaineers doing their daily works such as logging, herding buffalo and tilling the field. The blend of verdant mountain backdrop and colourful population makes for an unimaginable view. Overnight in Sapa.

Day 05: Sapa - Bacha (Breakfast)
Upon leaving Sapa we set off on our scenic drive through the border town of Lao Cai to the colourful Sunday Market at Bacha. This market also attracts a wide variety of ethnic minority groups including the Variegated Hmong, Dao, Phu La, La Chi and Tay. They still retain their old cultural traditions and are recognisably distinct from each other by their dress. The experience of this congregation is colorful and unique. After the market we enjoy a walk around the area, visiting the Hmong Kings former residence and Ban Pho where the villagers make the potent local maize alcohol. Overnight in Bac Ha.

Day 06: Bacha - Hanoi (Breakfast)
The return journey begins as we depart Bac Ha Town and pass through the verdant and rugged mountain scenery to Hanoi. These back roads are a great way to explore the real Vietnam. We see very few other travellers, mostly rural dwellers who are just as interested in finding out about our lives as we are of theirs. The drive is very long, but we can make many stops along the way to stretch our legs and take some wonderful photographs. Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 07: Hanoi - Perfume Pagoda - Ninh Binh (Breakfast)
An interesting drive through the rich farming land of the Red River Delta to the Perfume Pagoda, which is not just one pagoda but many shrines and sanctuaries built into mountainsides. This famous complex of pagodas is also one of Vietnam great pilgrimage sites. On arrival we enjoy a leisurely boat excursion on the Yen River past the spectacular landscape of flooded rice fields and undulating mountains. After two hour river trip we embark on a rugged walk uphill to explore some of the many pagodas and the sacred grotto of Huong Tich. We then drive to Ninh Binh, our final destination. Overnight in Ninh Binh.

Day 08: Ninh Binh - Haiphong (Breakfast)
The capital of Vietnam during the Dinh and early Le Dynasties is Hoa Lu, which however has left its legacy in the form of two small temples, each one nearly a thousand years old. After a short drive we visit these two remaining structures, dedicated to the Dinh and Le Rulers, then climb 200 steps to the top of Ma Yen mountain for a fantastic view over the surrounding areas. The next stop of our trip is Tam Coc which is surnamed Inland Halong Bay. We take a boat trip on a river through the quiet and peaceful landscape of rice fields surrounded by limestone formations to the grottoes of Tam Coc. Upon leaving this site we commence our scenic drive to Hai Phong, the biggest port town of northern Vietnam. Overnight in Haiphong.

Day 09: Haiphong - Halong (Breakfast/Lunch)
Heading out of town we travel by roads to Halong Bay, truly one of Vietnams most impressive scenic sights. On arrival we embark on a boat for a memorable trip around the Bay which will give us a chance to explore the picturesque scenery blending with the sky and some 3,000 limestone islands, rising amazingly from the clear and emerald water. The limestone karst formations are littered with beaches, grottoes and beautiful caves. Along the way we will anchor for a leisurely swim in a secluded cove and an enjoyable visit to one of the many hidden grottoes beneath towering cliffs. After a seafood lunch on board we continue our exciting cruise and have time for another swim. Overnight in Halong.
Day 10: Halong - Battrang - Hanoi (Breakfast)
The very good roads make our journey back to Hanoi much more pleasurable. Today we have plenty of time to observe the rural landscape and visit the riverside village of Bat Trang, where distinctive ceramics are made and used throughout the delta region for over 500 years. The vitality of this village is still blown up by the hundreds of pottery kilns on fire day and night. We stroll around various cottage industries and watch craftsmen forming, painting and glazing their products in traditional ways. The reminder of the day will be free to explore Hanoi's older quarters or simply to relax. Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 11: Hanoi - Departure (Breakfast)
There is a free time for you to relax or further explore Hanoi. The trip ends after your transfer to Noibai Airport for your ongoing flight. End of the tour.
 

Want an independent tour and private tour, please email us at: Salesdetectvietnam@gmail.Com to get more information and assistance

Hoang Lien Son Mountainous Explorer 8 Days

Day 1: Hanoi - Mai Chau 150km. (Lunch/Dinner)
Drive to Mai Chau, sight seeing en-route. Lunch in Mai Chau, walk around the Mai Chau valley to visit the villages of Thai people with house on stilt, embroidery art and home stay with hill tribe people, enjoy their common life and activities. Stay overnight in stilt House Mai Chau (Home stay)

Day 2: Moc Chau - SonLa - Tuan Giao - Dien Bien Phu -  (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner).
Drive to Son La, a stop in Moc Chau with hundreds of giant grass farm for cows...visit the ancient prison in the French war period. Stop for lunch in Tuan Giao. Continue on to Dien Bien, enjoy the wonderful scenery in Pha Din pass. Start overnight at Muong Thanh hotel in Dien Bien.

Day 3: Dien Bien Phu - Lai Chau (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner).
Visit the old battle field in the French colonial period, war museum, Muong Thanh airbase. Drive to Lai Chau with stop en route to visit the hill tribe village
Overnight at Lan Anh hotel

Day 4: Lai Chau - SaPa (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner).
Drive to Sapa. Check in and lunch. Short walking around Sapa, Dragon Mountain, Sapa valley,

Overnight at Chau Long hotel in Sapa (old wing) or similar

Day 5   Sa Pa (B/L/D)
After breakfast. We embark on a lovely walking tour to the hill tribe villages of Cat Cat, home to the Hmong minority people. As we walk to the villages nestled in the valley below Sapa, we will meet some of the local minority people on their way to and from Sapa. Here we have the opportunity to share cultural experiences with the families that live in the area. Back to Sapa town for lunch.

After lunch, transfer to Ta Van village (1.200 m) to visit the Zay people. The Zay are a fairly small minority group of about 38.000 people who live mainly in the mountains in Northwest Vietnam. Development has meant that some of their old customs have been lost but many women still wear traditional shirts with a purple, blue or green color. Visit the Zay houses are built of wood and bamboo with a clay floor. Back to Sapa. Dinner at restaurant. Overnight at hotel.

Day 6:  Sapa – Can Cau Market – Sapa (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner).
Drive to visit Can Cau Saturday colourful market, set in the mountains near the Chinese border.
The Flower Hmong minority is the most common here, and their colourful dresses makes is a beautiful sight. The products at the market are interesting, and many different groups of ethic minority people represent make the market an unforgettable experience.Lunch at restaurant n Bac Ha
After a rest, trekking about 5 km of mountain path to Ban Pho Village - home of  Flower HMong people, get in touch and witness their traditional life style,  habit and customs.Drive back to Sapa

Day 7   Sapa – Ta Phin – Lao Cai – Night Train to Hanoi
AM: free for shopping the specialty from Sapa
Drive to the direction of Ta Phin village (abt 40 minutes)- home to the Red Dao people. Here you have the opportunity to share cultural experiences with the families of Black Hmong and Red Dao that live in the area. This will be about a 2 hour hiking experience.

The trip also offers you the opportunity to visit the local houses as well as visit the local caves. Continue drive to Lao Cai station for night train to Hanoi by 4 berth compartment train. Overnight trip.

Day 8:   Hanoi
Arrive Hanoi at 0530 in the morning.

Want an independent tour and private tour, please email us at: FootStepVietnam@Gmail.Com to get more information and assistance.

Highlights of the North 11 Days

Day 01: Arrival - Ha Noi
On arrival at Noi Bai Airport, you are met and transferred to hotel. Ha Noi, Vietnam's capital, is a stylish and gracious city that retains an unique old world charm and some Asia's most striking colonial architecture. (If time permits) we enjoy a short cyclo ride around the old quarter streets, giving you a chance to explore the different local ways of life. Oernight in Hanoi.

Day 02: Hanoi (Breakfast)
Today we enjoy a full day city tour starting with the Ho Chi Minh Complex. This famous site contains the mausoleum of the nations founder Ho Chi Minh, the Presidential Palace and the Ho Chi Minhs house on stilts. Close to this complex is the One Pillar Pagoda, whose origins date back to the foundation of city. We follow this with a trip to the Temple of Literature, which is well known as the first university of Vietnam and the impressive Ethnologic Museum, dedicated to Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups. The beautiful West Lake and the History Museum with an excellent collection of artifacts illustrating the Vietnamese history, are not to be missed. We visit these sights before continuing to the peaceful lake of Hoan Kiem. In front of this lake is the famous water puppet theatre where we will see a fantastic performance. Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 03: Hanoi - Sapa (Breakfast)
An early morning start to drive along the Red River to Sapa. The roads are bumpy at times, but various scenic landscape changing from the delta area to the Tonkinese Alps make for an interesting journey.

At an elevation of 1,500 meters, Sapa was once a hill resort of French administrators when the summer heat became unbearable. The remoteness and the simple lifestyle of ethnic minority people are a highlight of Sapa although conditions are basic. After checking into hotel in Sapa we can soak up the fresh climate as much as we want by spending time to wander around this hill town. The ethnic people are frequently seen on the main street of Sapa and small vendors along the street sell local textiles and handicraft. Overnight in Sapa.

Day 04: Sapa (Breakfast)
The range of Phan Si Pan boasts Vietnams highest mountain and lends an alpine feel to the area surrounding this hill station. Today we have enough time to visit the bustling Sapa Market where the Red Dao, Black Hmong, Tay and Xa Pho ethnic minorities converge from the nearby mountainsides and valleys to trade their goods and buy provisions. We then get well off the beaten track as we embark on a walk to explore this beautiful mountain region. Along the way we visit several rustic villages and see many mountaineers doing their daily works such as logging, herding buffalo and tilling the field. The blend of verdant mountain backdrop and colourful population makes for an unimaginable view. Overnight in Sapa.

Day 05: Sapa - Bacha (Breakfast)
Upon leaving Sapa we set off on our scenic drive through the border town of Lao Cai to the colourful Sunday Market at Bacha. This market also attracts a wide variety of ethnic minority groups including the Variegated Hmong, Dao, Phu La, La Chi and Tay. They still retain their old cultural traditions and are recognisably distinct from each other by their dress. The experience of this congregation is colorful and unique. After the market we enjoy a walk around the area, visiting the Hmong Kings former residence and Ban Pho where the villagers make the potent local maize alcohol. Overnight in Bac Ha.

Day 06: Bacha - Hanoi (Breakfast)
The return journey begins as we depart Bac Ha Town and pass through the verdant and rugged mountain scenery to Hanoi. These back roads are a great way to explore the real Vietnam. We see very few other travellers, mostly rural dwellers who are just as interested in finding out about our lives as we are of theirs. The drive is very long, but we can make many stops along the way to stretch our legs and take some wonderful photographs. Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 07: Hanoi - Perfume Pagoda - Ninh Binh (Breakfast)
An interesting drive through the rich farming land of the Red River Delta to the Perfume Pagoda, which is not just one pagoda but many shrines and sanctuaries built into mountainsides. This famous complex of pagodas is also one of Vietnam great pilgrimage sites. On arrival we enjoy a leisurely boat excursion on the Yen River past the spectacular landscape of flooded rice fields and undulating mountains. After two hour river trip we embark on a rugged walk uphill to explore some of the many pagodas and the sacred grotto of Huong Tich. We then drive to Ninh Binh, our final destination. Overnight in Ninh Binh.

Day 08: Ninh Binh - Haiphong (Breakfast)
The capital of Vietnam during the Dinh and early Le Dynasties is Hoa Lu, which however has left its legacy in the form of two small temples, each one nearly a thousand years old. After a short drive we visit these two remaining structures, dedicated to the Dinh and Le Rulers, then climb 200 steps to the top of Ma Yen mountain for a fantastic view over the surrounding areas. The next stop of our trip is Tam Coc which is surnamed Inland Halong Bay. We take a boat trip on a river through the quiet and peaceful landscape of rice fields surrounded by limestone formations to the grottoes of Tam Coc. Upon leaving this site we commence our scenic drive to Hai Phong, the biggest port town of northern Vietnam. Overnight in Haiphong.

Day 09: Haiphong - Halong (Breakfast/Lunch)
Heading out of town we travel by roads to Halong Bay, truly one of Vietnams most impressive scenic sights. On arrival we embark on a boat for a memorable trip around the Bay which will give us a chance to explore the picturesque scenery blending with the sky and some 3,000 limestone islands, rising amazingly from the clear and emerald water. The limestone karst formations are littered with beaches, grottoes and beautiful caves. Along the way we will anchor for a leisurely swim in a secluded cove and an enjoyable visit to one of the many hidden grottoes beneath towering cliffs. After a seafood lunch on board we continue our exciting cruise and have time for another swim. Overnight in Halong.
Day 10: Halong - Battrang - Hanoi (Breakfast)
The very good roads make our journey back to Hanoi much more pleasurable. Today we have plenty of time to observe the rural landscape and visit the riverside village of Bat Trang, where distinctive ceramics are made and used throughout the delta region for over 500 years. The vitality of this village is still blown up by the hundreds of pottery kilns on fire day and night. We stroll around various cottage industries and watch craftsmen forming, painting and glazing their products in traditional ways. The reminder of the day will be free to explore Hanoi's older quarters or simply to relax. Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 11: Hanoi - Departure (Breakfast)
There is a free time for you to relax or further explore Hanoi. The trip ends after your transfer to Noibai Airport for your ongoing flight. End of the tour.