THE TRAIL OF VIETNAM - 23 DAYS
This trip explores the best sights of Vietnam: First of all, you will go to the Northern part of the country and experience the mingling with garishly-attired people from the Thai, H'mong, Yao, Day tribes at bustling markets and remote villages, then continue towards south and you will see the stunning landscape, fascinating culture, friendly people - plus some exhilarating cities. The main attractions feature the image of both the new and the old city of Hanoi, the fantasy world of Halong Bay, the romance and peacefulness of Hue and Hoi An, the sea paradise of Nha Trang, and the hustle and bustle of Saigon in contrast to the green and revering land of the Mekong Delta.
Day 1: Welcome to Hanoi (D)
Warmly welcome on arrival at Hanoi's Noi Bai International airport by our guide and transferred to your hotel. At leisure. In the evening, enjoy a tour of Hanoi's Old Quarters by Cyclo, famous for its "36 streets" named after the respective crafts or merchandise sold there. Enjoy a performance of the famous Water Puppets tonight. After the show, enjoy a welcome dinner at a Vietnamese restaurant.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 02: Hanoi City tour - Sapa (B, L, D)
Today, tour the city of Hanoi with visits to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, his House on Stilt where he lived and ruled the country, One Pillar pagoda, Temple of Literature - the first university in Vietnam. Enjoy a lunch at a Vietnamese restaurant.
Afternoon a visit of the beautiful Museum of Ethnology. Enhance your understanding of Vietnam's diverse culture through its unique presentation of objects and dress from the ethnic communities.
Transfer to the railway station for your train departing 10pm to Lao Cai on the Chinese border.
Overnight on train (4persons per cabin of 4berths).
***NOTE: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed Mondays & Fridays and in October throught November.***
Day 3: Lao Cai - Sapa - Cat Cat & Ta Phin Village (B)
Arrive at Lao Cai Train station at about 6.30, welcome by our local guide and take a ride to Sapa. Have breakfast and relax before exploring Sapa Town. In the afternoon, take a 2km trek to Cat Cat Village, home of H'mong Ethnics. Meet & talk with locals to learn more about their daily life.
Then continue the ride to Ta phin village (12km from Sapa) home to the Red Dzao minority. Visit Ta Phin Cave, Ta Phin handicraft shops and explore the daily life of Red Dzao. Here you have good choice to buy woven and textile brocades, which are hand made by ethnic people. Visit a small hamlet of Black H'mong people here too.
Overnight in Sapa
Day 4: Sapa - Lao Chai - Ta Van Village (B, L)
Breakfast at hotel and check out at around 9:00-10:00am. You'll use a private car to visit Lao Chai village of Black H'mong people. Then trek a little to visit Ta Van village of Dzay ethnic people. Drive back to Sa Pa for lunch at your own arrangement.
Day 5: Sapa - Lao Cai - Ha Noi (B, L, D)
After breakfast, we check out hotel and will visit one of the colorful tribal markets near Sapa. The schedule is as follow:
Tuesday: Coc Ly Market
Wednesday: Cao Son Market
Saturday: Can Cau Market
Sunday: Muong Hum or Bac Ha Market
Dinner at Lao Cai. Have a train trip back to Hanoi.
Overnight on an AC 4 berth soft sleeper train.
Day 6: Hanoi - Halong (B, L, D)
We arrive early in Hanoi and have enough time to visit the remarkable Flower Market at Quang Ba District before breakfast.. Leaving Hanoi by road for Halong Bay,, we transfer around 3.5 hours to Halong City. Arriving by noon at the quayside, we board on Junk to begin a cruise through the spectacular Halong Bay, stopping along the way to explore the limstone caves or just lazing about on the deck of our boat. Listed as a Unesco World Heritage site, Halong bay is one of Vietnam’s most spectacular natural wonder. The tiny limestone islands are dotted with many beaches and grottoes created by the wind and the waves that provinde an excellent backdrop for swimming. Lunch and dinner served on board.
Day 7: Ha Long Bay - Hanoi (B)
Enjoy breakfast and continue your exploration of Halong Bay. At 11:00 am, disembark the junk and transfer back to Hanoi by road, with a syop in Phu Lang to visit the Pottery Village.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 8: Hanoi - Train to Dong Hoi (B)
Full day in Hanoi to explore or shop at your leisure. Check out of hotel by 12:00noon. This evening we transfer ono the overnight train to Dong Hoi Province. Your accommodation is in a 4berth air-conditioned soft-sleeper (4persons sharing per cabin)
Overnight on train.
Day 9: Dong Hoi - Phong Nha National Park (B, L)Arrive in Dong Hoi in the morning, transfer to the hotel for breakfast, 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 10: Dong Hoi - DMZ - Hue (B, L)Leave Dong Hoi early for Hue. Drive along back to Hue with a stopover at historic Hien Luong Bridge, Ben Hai River and the famous Vinh Moc Tunnel. Arrive Hue at noon time and have lunch at local restaurant before check in. Free time in the afternoon. Overnight in Hue.
Day 11: Hue (B, D)After breakfast, we take a boat trip on the Huong River (Perfume River) to visit Thien Mu Pagoda with its seven-storey tower, Hue's most preserved religious monument, we continue for visits to the Imperial Citadel, local Dong a market.
Afternoon, drive to visit the elaborate Tu Duc royal Tomb which was designed to blend with the natural settings of the landscape and Khai Dinh Royal Tomb with architecture that has elements of eastern art mixed with western designs. Evening, enjoy dinner at ancient Hue restaurant with royal cuisine.
Overnight in Hue.
Day 12: Hue by road to Hoian (B)
Journey south along Highway 1, through the tunnel. This new tunnel goes through the heart of the Truong Son Mountain Range that juts into the South China Sea to Lang Co, a pretty island-like stretch of palm-shaded sand with a crystal-clear lagoon on one side and many kims of beachfront, facing the South China Sea. Visit the Cham Museum in Danang founded in 1915 by the Ecole Fraicaise d’Extreme Orient & the open-air collection of Cham sculpture, which is the finest in the world.
A brief stop at China Beach made famous in the American TV series "China Beach". It stretches for many kilometres north and south of the Marble Mountains. During the American War, sodiers were airlifted here for rest and relaxation.
For stone hillocks, once islands, made of marble make up Marble Mountain. Each is said to represent one of the five elements of the universe. The largest and most famous, Thuy Son, has a number of natural caves in which Buddhist sanctuaries have been built over the centuries. When the Champas ruled this area, these same caves were used as Hindu shrines. Continue to the ancient town of Hoi An.
Overnight in Hoian
Day 13: Hoian (B)Take a short walking tour to learn a little about the architecture and history of this ancient town. Hoi An is a picturesque riverside town south of Danang. Known as Faifo to early Western traders, it was one of South East Asia's major international ports during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries.
Rest of day is free to explore Hoian. A wonderful town for getting clothes tailor made or for buying souvernirs. Hoian also boasts an excellent beach just 5km away. If you have not chosen accommodation at beach then it is easily accessible by cycle, taxi or as a motor bike pillion.
Overnight in Hoian.
Day 14: Danang - Nha Trang (B, D)
This morning transfer to Danang for a short flight to Nhatrang. On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel. Afternoon, our guide come to meet you at your hotel to Thap Ba Hot Spring center via beach side road. Relax and gain your health in Mud bathing and Mineral Spring swimming. Ẹnoying meal and beer at local restaurant.
Overnight in Nha Trang.
Day 15 : Nha Trang (B, L)
We embark on a boat for a cruise on Nha Trang Bay , which is one of the most beautiful bays of the world. Our first stop is at the Tri Nguyen Aquarium. We then head out to Hon Mun Island where we have the chance for some swimming, snorkelling and kayaking. Our next destination is Hon Tam Island where we can relax on the sandy beach. Lunch, visit some fishing villages before boarding on our boat back to harbor and transfer to our hotel.
Overnight in Nha Trang.
Day 16: Nha Trang - Saigon (B)
After a leisurely breakfast, join your guide for a visit to the Big Buddha and Nha Trang's Cham Tower - one of the best examples of these ancient strcutures left in Vietnam. Check out of hotel by 12:00noon. Late afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight to Saigon ( Ho Chi Minh City). On arrival, transfer to your hotel.
Overnight in Saigon.
Day 17: Saigon - Cu Chi Tunnel (B, L)Today's tour showcases Saigon's biggest attractions. In the morning the Cu Chi tunnels, Cu Chi was an important base during the American War, because of its strategic location. The Vietcong built a 200km long network of tunnels connecting command posts, hospitals, shelter and weapon factories. Dug out of hard laterite by hand tools without the use of cement, this amazing network was never discovered by the enemy. A video of the tunnels is also shown.
In the afternoon, enjoy a city tour of Saigon - the largest of Vietnamese cities, with the hustle and bustle of Vietnamese life visible everywhere. There are street markets sidewalk cafes and sleek new bars. The city churns and bubbles, yet within this teeming metropolis are 300 years of timeless traditions and the beauty of an ancient culture. To the west of the city is District 5, the huge Chinese neighbourhood called Cholon, which means "Big Market" but known as China Town. The wholesale market of Saigon, and the surrounding streets make up one of city’s liveliest areas. Everything commonly eaten, worn or used by the average resident of Saigon is available here. The ornate Post Office, Opera House and Notre Dame Cathedral, built between 1877 and 1883, is set in the heart of Saigon's Government Quarter. It has a neo - Romanesque form and two high square towers, tipped with iron spires. In front of the cathedral is a stute of the Virgin Mary.
Overnight in Saigon.
Day 18: : Saigon - Cai be (Mekong Delta) - Can Tho (B, L, D)Today, travel southwest to the Mekong Delta for a home-stay. Sit back and relax on a 3-hours journey enjoying the wide variety of life and scenery. As we leave the devoloping Saigon City behind we entter into the peaceful Delta. On arrival, board a private boat to explore the river life. Catch the hustle and bustle of the Cai Be floating market, where hundreds of boats filled with fruits, vegetables, and other products anchor along the river bankc. We will proceed on to visit some of the local home industries ie: the making of Coconut Sweets wrapped in Rice Paper. We continue on the cruise to your lunch venue. We disembark the boat and take a 10 munite stroll along a village path to an ancient house where we have lunch and interact with the family members. Enjoy a lunch of Mekong Delta specialties. Then stroll around the orchard with your guide. We visit a bamboo basket weaving family and brick making factory, before we return to your Homestay where you will be spending the night
Overnight in Can Tho.
Day 19: Mekong Delta to Saigon (B)
After breakfast continue exploring the Mekong before a return to Saigon with a stop en route to see the colourful Cao Dai temple.
Overnight in Saigon.
Day 20: Saigon - Phu Quoc (B)
After breakfast, free at leisure till transfer to the airport, take flight to Phu Quoc island. Upon arrival, meet with guide and transfer to hotel for check-in. Check-in time is 1400pm, early check-in is subject to availability. The rest of day is free at leisure.
Overnight in Phu Quoc.
Day 21: Enjoy Phu Quoc With Ocean Squid - Fishing (B)
Relax and enjoy your Phuquoc sandy beach: swim, sunbathe and take in the delights of this beautiful holiday resort. Optional sightseeing or visit to offshore islands, scuba diving and other water sports. or just relax and enjoy the resort facility.
16:00 Take a pleasure boat or canoe to Cua Lap area; anchor the boat for fishing and squid fishing. 20h00: Enjoy rice soup with squids while the boat returning to the resort.
Overnight on Phu Quoc Island
Day 22: Phu Quoc (B)
Enjoy breakfast and full day is free at leisure for enjoy the beautiful beach or hotel's facilities.
Overnight in Phu Quoc.
Day 23: Phu Quoc - Saigon - Departure (B)After breakfast, time is free till transfer to the airport, take flight back to Saigon, theen connecting flight for homeward.
TOUR PRICE:
Valid now to 31 Oct 2010 |
Size of Group | Quotation based on per person in US ($) in the group of | Single Supplement |
1 pax | 2 pax | 3 - 4 pax | 5 - 6 pax | 7 - 9 pax | 10 - 14 pax |
Standard | 3254 | 1914 | 1625 | 1479 | 1347 | 1244 | 433 |
Superior | 3914 | 2251 | 1967 | 1833 | 1693 | 1592 | 773 |
Deluxe | 5186 | 2903 | 2614 | 1832 | 1699 | 1597 | 813 |
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Viet Sail Travel is truly a great companion for your vacation to the amazing country of Vietnam. Our agency offers you a diverse range of traveling services at the best price. Moreover, you will always find the balance between traveling and relaxing in each trip, which makes our services enjoyable. Most importantly, our staffs are always dedicated to pursue the consistent goal of customer satisfaction. Travel with us and you will see it’s not a travel, it’s our culture.
INCLUDES:
- 21 nights accomodation shared in twin bed/ double bed with daily breakfast & 01 night on board with private cabin ( Joining Board)
- A/C transportation
- English or French speaking guide.
- Meals (L, D) as indicated in the itinerary
- Entrance fees.
- Round trip train tickets Ha Noi - Lao Cai - Ha Noi: Soft sleeper in joined cabin 4 berths with A/C
- Train ticket Ha Noi – Dong Hoi: Soft sleeper in joined cabin 4 berths with A/C
- Private nice boat in Halong Bay & Mekong Delta.
- Joining boat in Nha Trang
- Private cruise in Phu Quoc.
- Domestic flight with all taxes (Da Nang - Nha Trang; Nha Trang - Ho Chi Minh City & Ho Chi Minh City - Phu Quoc - Ho Chi Minh City) on Vietnam Airline.
- Services charges and government taxes
EXCLUDES:
- International flight
- Insurance
- Meals and beverage
