This well paced tour encompasses all the must see sights of Vietnam – Historic Hanoi, light adventure to the colorful land of hill tribes - Sapa, a cruise around spectacular Halong Bay, the ancient capital Hue, multicultural Hoi An, the mystical Mekong Delta and the bustling metropolis of Saigon.
Day 1: Hanoi Arrival
Our representative/tour guide will meet and greet you at the airport. Drive to your hotel. Overnight in Hanoi .
Day 2: Hanoi City Tour - Sapa (B)
Enjoy 5 hour sightseeing tours to visit the city's landmarks such as Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, The Temple of Literature (First University built in the 11 Century) and Hanoi Hilton Museum. Free walking around Hanoi old quarter for shopping and short visit Dong Xuan market. Enjoy 1 hour cyclo tours around the Hanoi City's old quarters and the traditional water puppetry show. At 21: 00, we go to Hanoi train station to board overnight train to Sapa. Overnight on the train.
Day 3: Sapa (B/L)
The train arrives in Lao Cai at 05: 00 am. Drive uphill to Sapa. At an elevation of 1, 500 meters, Sapa is the former hill retreat for French administrators when the heat in plain became unbearable. The remoteness and simple lifestyle of ethnic minorities are a highlight of Sapa although conditions are very basic. After checking into hotel we can soak up the fresh climate as much as we want by spending time to wander around. The ethnic people are frequently seen in this hill town and small vendors along the street sell local textiles and handicraft. In the afternoon, we trek to Cat Cat village (2 km from Sapa town) where you will visit the village of Black H’mong hill tribes. Enjoy the beautiful landscapes of Sapa Valley. Back to hotel.
Day 4: Sapa - Hanoi (B, L)
This morning, trekking to visit Lao Chai and Ta Van villages inhabited by Black H’mong and Dzay ethnic minorities. Enjoy amazing and breath-taking landscapes of terraced paddies, green valleys and meet with friendly local people. Back to the hotel and free at leisure. In the afternoon, we transfer you back to Lao Cai station to take night train back to Hanoi. Overnight on the train.
Day 5: Hanoi - Halong Bay (B,L,D)
Pick up at the station at 05: 00 and Vietnam ANZ Travel's car will transfer you to Halong Bay. We depart for Halong Bay, we go through the scenic countryside. The wondrous Halong Bay is truly one of Vietnam’s most impressive scenic sights. Heading out of the town we embark on a boat for an exploration of the legendary Halong Bay. This exciting five hour cruise will provide us a fantastic view of the picturesque scenery blending with the sky and some 3, 000 limestone islands rising amazingly from the clear and emerald water. The limestone karsts 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. Stay overnight on the Junk Cruise.
Day 6: Halong Bay - Hanoi (B, L)
Waking up and having breakfast served onboard. Continue cruising around the bay. Take sampan to visit Luon Cave and come back to the boat. Having brunch before disembarking and van will pick you up at the pier and transfer back to Hanoi. Visit Dong Trieu ceramic and pottery village on the way. Arrive in Hanoi at 04: 00 pm. Free at leisure. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 7: Hanoi - Hue (B, L)
Transferring to the airport to catch morning flight to Hue. Check-in hotel upon arrival and take refresh for a while. This quiet city is widely known for the magnificent architecture of its citadels, palaces, royal tombs, pagodas and temples built under the Nguyen Dynasty. We visit the major sites including the Imperial Citadel with Forbidden Royal City like in Beijing. Free shopping in Dong Ba market. Overnight in Hue.
Day 8: Hue Sightseeing (B,L)
In the morning, we will take boat trip along the scenic Perfume River for sightseeing and next stop will be the famous Thien Mu pagoda and Ming Mang Emperor's mausoleum. Overnight at hotel in Hue.
Day 9: Hue - Da Nang - Hoi An (B, L)
This morning we drive to Hoi An, we will cross Hai Van Pass where you will have magnificent view of the China Sea. Stop at Lang Co to have break. Visit the fascinating Cham Museum, famous China Beach and the Marble Mountains en route to charming Hoi An. Known as Faifo to early Western traders, it was one of South East Asia's major international ports and today it still retains that special old-world feel. Enjoy a walking tour through the Old Quarter and try some of the local specialties. Hoi An is also famous for its large number of tailor shops, so if you want to have a new wardrobe made up, this is the time to do it. Overnight in Hoi An
Day 10: Hoi An (B, L)
Morning tour to visit local market and boat trip on Thu Bon River to visit handicraft villages. Back to hotel and you will be free at leisure on the beach or wandering around the town for the rest of day. Overnight in Hoi An.
Day 11: Hoi An - Saigon (B, L)
Free at leisure until transferring to Danang airport to take flight to Ho Chi Minh City - Vietnam's largest city has an exciting buzz as millions of people rush around on their daily business. Our tour guide will pick you up at the airport and transfer to hotel to refresh for a while and today you will visit all interesting sites and landmarks in Saigon City. First stop is Notre Dame Catholic Cathedral and short visit to French built Post Office nearby, and then we will proceed to see the Reunification Palace, formerly the Presidential Palace governed by the US-pro government of Republic of Vietnam. Touring the building and then we will visit the War Remnants Museum, which primarily contains exhibits relating to the American phase of the Vietnam War. Overnight at hotel in Saigon City
Day 12: Saigon - Mekong Delta - Cantho (B, L)
Leave Saigon for My Tho. My Tho is located on the northern banks of the Mekong river and is the closest town in the Delta area to Ho Chi Minh City, about 2 hours drive away. In the center of the town close to the river there is a large market that sells just about anything that can be eaten or is used in day to day business. Around the My Tho area you will find a maze of small canals that can be explored on one of the many organized boat tours. Enjoy a boat ride on the Mekong River and visit an orchard on an island, with lunch en route. Continue with a visit to a snake farm and then continue driving to Can Tho. Check-in hotel and stay overnight in Can Tho.
Day 13: Cantho - Saigon (B, L)
Early morning board for a 3-hour cruise to Cai Rang and Phong Dien, 2 big floating markets with stops at a Bun Tau noodle factory and a short trek before arriving at a rice-husking mill. You can even try passing one of the many fragile monkey bridges along the canals photo shot. At the floating markets, you will discover a typical way of displaying and advertising farm products of local people gathering on the Mekong river to trade their goods. Drive back to Saigon with a lunch stop at My Tho.
Day 14: Saigon - Departure (B)
Free at leisure until transferring to Tan Son Nhat airport to take departure flight onward. HOME SWEET HOME. End of service.
