12 Day/11 Night Journey Private Guided Journey - Hanoi - Sapa - Halong Bay - Hué - Hoi An - Saigon - Mekong Delta
From
Hanoi, Paris of the Orient to the mountain hill tribe villages in
Sapa.The magnificent limestone karsts of Halong Bay to the ancient
capital of Hué.The charming fishing town of Hoi An to the intoxicating
city of Saigon (Ho ChiMinh) and the iconic images of theMekong Delta.
Day 1 Hanoi On arrival in Hanoi transfer to the hotel of your choice. (D)
Day 2 Hanoi Enjoy
a personally guided city tour, which unravels Hanoi’s rich history and
where local life is revealed, including a traditional cyclo tour
through the narrow ancient streets of the exotic Old Quarter. This
evening board the overnight train to Lao Cai near the Chinese border.
(B,L)
Day 3 Sapa After
an early morning arrival head into the hills of Sapa. Navigate the
small paths into valleys and along rivers, passing through small ethnic
minority hill tribes such as the Black H’mong. They are proud of their
culture and still hold fast to their traditions and way of life,
including conversing in their own language and wearing traditional
indigo blue, embroidered clothing. This evening hike into Ta Van
village for an overnight stay with a local family or return to the
comfort of your hotel in Sapa. (B,L,D)
Day 4 Sapa - Hanoi Today
visit the Red Dao people. The Red Dao women wear colourful red
embroidery, coins on their clothing and red head scarves. Enjoy an
afternoon at leisure in Sapa to explore local markets before boarding
the overnight train back to Hanoi. (B)
Day 5 Hanoi - Halong Bay After
an early, traditional breakfast drive east to Halong Bay. More than a
thousand limestone karsts rise up from the emerald waters and the area
is one of fiveWorld Heritage-listed sites in Vietnam. Board a
traditional junk and spend the rest of the day exploring limestone
caves, relaxing on the deck, swimming or kayaking in secluded lagoons.
(B,L,D)
Day 6 Halong Bay - Hué Wake
to the tranquil beauty of a Vietnamese sunrise and enjoy an early
morning swim, followed by breakfast. This afternoon transfer to the
airport and fly south to the ancient town of Hué, cultural heart of
Vietnam. (B,L)
Day 7 Hué The
cultural capital of Vietnam is rich in history, tradition and religion
and despite the heavy toll inflicted by war over the last 150 years,
still possesses an enduring charm. Spend the day exploring the Citadel,
home to the Royal Palace and Forbidden City (now a UNESCO World
Heritage site) before a sunset cruise through the timeless images of
the Perfume River. (B,L)
Day 8 Hué - Hoi An Drive
to Hoi An via the coastal Hai Van Pass, visiting the Cham museum along
the way. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure to visit the renowned tailors or
just relax on the beach. (B)
Day 9 Hoi An Get
your walking shoes on for a guided wander through the winding lanes and
preserved buildings of thisWorld Heritage town, before experiencing a
culinary treat - a cooking class. Hoi An is renowned for its cuisine
and you will get to enjoy the fruits of your efforts! (B,L)
Day 10 Hoi An - Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) After
lunch fly south to Saigon. This bustling city is always in a hurry, yet
for those patient enough to wait, it offers a real glimpse of Vietnam
as was and is. (B)
Day 11 Mekong Delta Delve
into the emerald green heart of the Mekong Delta and discover the world
of those who live on the river with a cruise on a traditional sampan.
See the time honoured images of women in conical hats tending the rice
paddies, visit a floating market and dine at a superb Indochine
restaurant. (B,L)
Day 12 Depart Saigon Transfer to the airport for your onward flight or extend your stay. (B)
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