VIETNAM EXPERIENCE - 16 DAYS

 

 This journey provides you with an opportunity to witness the diversity of Viet Nam’s people, culture, landscapes, history and delicious cuisine. There’s also time to relax at one of Viet Nam’s most beautiful beach, Nha Trang. We will explore the old world charm of Ha Noi, meet some of Viet Nam’s most colourful hill tribes in Sa Pa, cruise stunning Ha Long Bay in the north, tour the Imperial City of Hue, wander through the narrow streets of Hoi An, see bustling Ho Chi Minh City and visit the incredible underground tunnel system in Cu Chi and travel through the fertile Mekong Delta.

ITINERARY  Ref DE/02

DAY 1 ARRIVE HA NOI On arrival at Noi Bai Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. After a welcome drink and tour briefing enjoy a performance of Viet Nam’s unique traditional Water Puppetry.

DAY 2 HA NOI Today tour President Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and The Presidential Palace, One Pillar Pagoda and the Temple of Literature (Viet Nam’s first University). The afternoon is free to visit the Old Quarter with its 36 guild streets, stroll Ha Noi’s boulevards or relax by a lake.

DAY 3 COOKING CLASS - LAO CAI Drive to Sofitel Metropole Hotel for an interesting cooking class and lunch to follow at the Spice Garden Restaurant. Afternoon is free for you to discover more of the city before transferring to the railway station for the overnight train to Lao Cai.

DAY 4 LAO CAI - SA PA Arrive in Lao Cai at about 6:30am, transfer up to French former hill station of Sa Pa. Check in, have breakfast and discover this bustling market town at your own pace. In the afternoon walk to Cat Cat village and enjoy the hospitality of its friendly locals.

DAY 5 SA PA - HA NOI An easy walk through the pristine mountain scenery of Lao Chai and Ta Van Valley offers great photo opportunities of Mount Fansipan as well as the daily activities of the hill tribe people. Then drive down for your overnight train journey to Ha Noi.

DAY 6 HA NOI - HA LONG BAY Arriving in Ha Noi in early morning and transfer to a restaurant for breakfast before driving on to Ha Long. Board your junk and enjoy a welcome drink followed by a delicious seafood lunch while cruising through the bay. You also explore one of the beautiful grottoes, swimming and there is the chance to try some night fishing.

DAY 7 HA LONG - HA NOI – HUE Enjoy more swimming and brunch while cruising to the harbour for the return journey to Ha Noi. Stop at Dong Trieu ceramic village and see artisans using centuries old skills to create superb vases and other ceramic items. Take a flight to Hue and after arrival, free to explore at your leisure.

DAY 8 HUE - DA NANG - HOI AN A boat cruise on the Perfume River take you to the most revered Pagoda of Thien Mu and the tomb of King Ming Mang, followed by a tour of the Imperial Citadel. Later travel to Da Nang and visit the Cham Sculpture Museum before driving on to merchant town of Hoi An.

DAY 9 HOI AN Walking through the historic Hoi An allows you to admire the centuries old buildings, you will visit the town’s market and the impressive Japanese covered bridge. Afternoon is free to explore this charming town or head to beautiful Cua Dai Beach.

DAY 10 HOI AN - NHA TRANG A last chance to wander through this once a flourishing port during Nguyen dynasty until transferring to the airport in Da Nang for your flight to Nha Trang. Meet your guide and transfer to your hotel. This evening is free.

DAY 11 NHA TRANG Visit the 9th Century Po Nagar Tower and tour the Oceanographic Institute’s impressive collection of aquatic flora and fauna. Then cruise the island dotted turquoise waters of Nha Trang Bay and enjoy a sumptuous seafood lunch at Mieu Island before heading back to the mainland.

DAY 12 NHA TRANG - HO CHI MINH CITY Leaving Nha Trang and fly to Ho Chi Minh City, the Viet Nam’s commercial heart and largest city. The remainder to the day is free to walk and explore exciting Ho Chi Minh City. Maybe try out your bargaining skills at Ben Thanh Market, one of the cities busiest markets.

DAY 13 HO CHI MINH CITY - CU CHI TUNNELS Today explore the city’s historic landmarks including Notre Dame Cathedral, the former US Embassy and experience the excitement of Cho Lon, Ho Chi Minh City’s Chinatown. In the afternoon head out to explore the phenomenal underground tunnel network at Cu Chi.

DAY 14 VINH LONG - CAN THO Head south to Vinh Long and board a motor boat and travel up the Mekong River to discover Cai Be Floating Market. A visit to the industries and orchards of Vinh Long is followed by a lunch of local specialties, before journeying on to Can Tho.

DAY 15 CAN THO - HO CHI MINH CITY A morning boat ride take you to the remarkable floating market at Cai Rang, then continue up the leafy waterways to a fruit orchard where you can sample delicious tropical fruits and learn about the Delta‘s way of life from your friendly local hosts before returning to Ho Chi Minh City.

DAY 16 DEPART HO CHI MINH CITY A good opportunity to do some last minute shopping before transferring the airport for departure flight.