Detail Itinerary
DAY 1: ARRIVAL - HANOI
we
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. The many lakes and
parks make for relaxing atmosphere. If time permits we embark on a cyclo
for a short excursion through the bustling old quarter streets named
after the specific goods once offered for sale at these places. O/N in
Ha Noi.(B)
DAY 2: HANOI
Today
we enjoy a full day city tour starting with the Ho Chi Minh Complex,
containing the mausoleum of the nation's founder Ho Chi Minh, the
Presidential Palace and the Ho Chi Minh's house on stilts. This complex
also comprises the One Pillar Pagoda, whose origins date back to the
foundation of city. We follow this with a trip to the Temple of
Literature well known as Vietnam's first university and the History
Museum, which displays an excellent collection of artifacts illustrating
the Vietnamese history. Our next stop is the impressive Ethnologic
Museum, dedicated to Vietnam's 54 hill tribe groups, some of which we
will see on our forthcoming days. We also visit the peaceful lake of
Hoan Kiem with its sacred temple and the vibrant Dong Xuan Market before
attending a performance of Hanoi's famous water puppets. O/N in Hanoi.
(B)
DAY 3: HANOI - SONLA
The
journey northwards begins as we depart Hanoi and pass through the
undulating terrains of tea plantations and the many timeless villages
linked to the road which is the main artery of trade between the
northwestern region and the capital city. This is our first glimpse of
rural Vietnam and sets the tone for the days ahead. Depending on road
and traffic conditions our drive will deliver us in Son La by mid or
late afternoon. After checking into hotel we take a walk around this
mountain town. There is a little traffic on roads and many Black Thai in
traditional costume scurry in all directions. O/N in Son La. (B)
DAY 4: SONLA - DIEN BIEN PHU
The
provincial museum and the nearby old prison are some of this hill
town's major sights. We have a chance to visit these before we leave for
our next destination. The winding roads cross over the Pha Din Pass
before reaching Dien Bien Phu, the site of the decisive battle in
Vietnam's struggle for independence in 1954. After checking into our
central located hotel we enjoy a walk around to see this fast growing
town. Our main stop is Dien Bien Phu's Museum which details the event
in place. We also pay a visit to the old battle field where the lush
vegetation grows behind many war relics including old French tanks and
artillery pieces. O/N in Dien Bien Phu .(B)
DAY 5: DIEN BIEN PHU - TAM DUONG
Heading
out of the town, we spend a full day travelling into Vietnam's most
mountainous region. The roads are difficult at times, but the
spectacular landscape with a mixture of terraced fields and hill
villages makes the hardship all worthwhile. On the way, we have some
opportunities to encounter the Red Hmong, Kho Mu, Mang, Dao people who
still retain their age old cultural traditions and are recognisably
distinct from each other by their dress. We arrive in Tam Duong by late
afternoon and have time strolling around to catch our first glimpse; a
small town surrounded by breathtaking mountains and tea plantations. O/N
in Tam Duong. (B)
DAY 6: TAM DUONG - SAPA
The
scenery of the north is unequalled although the conditions are very
simple. After breakfast we set off on a half day drive following the
mountain roads to Sa Pa, our final destination. At an elevation of 1,500
meters, Sapa was founded in the early years of the last century as a
hill resort for French administrators when the heat on the plain became
unbearable. We arrive in Sapa by mid afternoon and can soak up the fresh
climate as much as we want by spending our time wandering this famous
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. O/N in Sa Pa. (B)
DAY 7: SAPA
The
range of Phan Si Pan boasts Vietnam's highest mountain and lends an
alpine feel to the area surrounding this hill station. Today we have
enough time to visit the bustling Sa Pa 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 traverse 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. O/N in Sa Pa. (B)
DAY 8: SAPA - MUONG KHUONG - BAC HA ( Sunday)
After
breakfast we continue venturing into northern Vietnam, travelling
through the Chinese border town of Lao Cai to the colourful Sunday
Market at Muong Khuong. This market also attracts a wide variety of
ethnic minority groups including the Variegated Hmong, Dao, Phu La, La
Chi, Tay who still retain their age old cultural traditions and are
recognisably distinct from each other by their dress. The experience of
this congregation is unique. Upon leaving Muong Khuong, we drive to Bac
Ha. As option , we can embark a walk this afternoon, visiting the Hmong
King's former residence and Ban Pho where the villagers make the potent
local maize wine . O/N in Bac Ha. (B)
DAY 9: BAC HA - HANOI
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 can
make many stops along the way to stretch our legs and take some
wonderful photographs. O/N in Ha Noi. (B)
DAY 10: HANOI - HALONG
Upon
leaving the town we set off on a scenic overland trip to Ha Long Bay.
As pleasure we make stop in Hai Phong, the biggest port town of northern
Vietnam. There are plenty to see in this bustling town, some of which
are the Hang Kenh Communal House, the Du Hang Pagoda, the Hang Kenh
Carpet Factory and the vibrant Sat Market. A drive through tree lined
boulevards punctuated with many striking French colonial architecture,
will deliver us to some of these landmarks. We continue our journey
Halong Bay and spend the remainder of the day for a well - earned rest
on Bai Chay Beach. O/N in Ha Long. (B)
DAY 11: HALONG - HANOI
The
legendary Ha Long Bay is truly one of Vietnam's most impressive scenic
sights. Today we embark on a sailing boat for a seven hour cruise around
this wondrous bay, dotted with 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. O/N in Ha Noi.
(B)
DAY 12: HANOI - DEPARTURE
There
is a free time for you to relax or further explore Ha Noi. The trip
ends after your transfer to Noi Bai Airport for departure. (B).
Contact Lotussia Travel for more information and Book this tour.
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