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Detail Itinerary
DAY 1: ARRIVAL - HANOI
On
arrival at Noi Bai Airport, you 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 Hanoi.
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, which is well known as the first university of Vietnam and
the impressive Ethnologic Museum, dedicated to Vietnam's 54 ethnic
groups. The beautiful West Lake and the History Museum with an excellent
collection of artifacts illustrating the Vietnamese history, are not to
be missed. We visit these sights before continuing to the peaceful lake
of Hoan Kiem. In front of this lake is the famous water puppet theatre
where we will see a fantastic performance. O/N in Ha Noi. (B)
DAY 3 : HANOI - SAPA
An
early morning start to drive towards Sa Pa. The roads are bumpy at
times, but various scenic landscape changing from the delta area to the
Tonkinese Alps make for an interesting journey. At an elevation of 1,500
meters, Sa Pa was once a hill resort of French administrators when the
summer heat became unbearable. The remoteness and the simple lifestyle
of ethnic minority people are a highlight of Sa Pa although conditions
are basic. After checking into hotel in Sapa 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. O/N in Ha Noi. (B)
DAY 4: 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 5: SAPA - BAC HA - HANOI
Upon
leaving Sapa we set off on our scenic drive through the border town of
Lao Cai to the colourful Sunday Market at Bac Ha. This market also
attracts a wide variety of ethnic minority groups including the
Variegated Hmong, Dao, Phu La, La Chi and Tay. They still retain their
old age cultural traditions and are recognisably distinct from each
other by their dress. The experience of this congregation is colorful
and unique. After the market we enjoy a walk around the area, visiting
the Hmong King's former residence and Ban Pho where the villagers make
the potent local maize alcohol. In the mid afternoon you are transferred
to Lao Cai train station for return trip to Hanoi. O/N on board. (B)
DAY 6: HANOI - HALONG
The
train journey will deliver us to Hanoi train station by early morning.
Here we meet up with our car for a drive through the scenic countryside
to Halong bay. On arrival, we embark on Huong Hai Junk at 12h15 for an
exploration of the bay which is truly one of Vietnam's most scenic
impressive sights. At 13h00 we enjoy a huge lunch served on board and
cruise out passing by the picturesque scenery. 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 beneath towering
cliffs. A perfect way to round off the day is a taste of local wine and
an observation of the sunset. We have dinner at 19h30 before enjoying
some night activities. O/N in Halong Bay. (B,L)
DAY 7: HALONG - NINH BINH
The
following destination of our trip will be Ninh Binh. Upon leaving the
town we set off on our drive through the scenic countryside. A part of
the pleasure of travelling in this region is the simple joy of seeing
the rice fields and the smiling faces of the people. We make stop en
route for a visit to Keo Pagoda, one of the most exceptional religious
architecture in Vietnam. We then continue to Ninh Binh and have time to
visit the ancient capital of Hoa Lu with two remaining temples of the
Dinh and Le dynasties. They were founded in the late 10th century.
Despite the turbulent history , these temples still preserve their
original structure. O/N in Ninh Binh. (B)
DAY 8: NINH BINH - TAM COC - VINH
Heading
out of town we set off on a short drive to Tam Coc which is surnamed ''
Inland Halong Bay''. Here we have the chance to take a rowing boat trip
on a river through the quiet and peaceful landscape of rice fields
surrounded by limestone formations to the grottoes of Tam Coc. The next
stop of our trip will be Bich Dong which is famous for the three
Buddhist shrines hidden beneath towering cliffs. After seeing this
landmark we travel along the highway No1 past the many peaceful villages
to Vinh, our today's final destination. O/N in Vinh. (B)
DAY 9 : VINH - DONG LOC - PHONG NHA - DONG HA
The
overland journey continues with the next stop being Dong Loc crossroads
which is now becomes a historical war site. Here we begin driving along
the Ho Chi Minh Trails to the world heritage site of Phong Nha. This
complex composes of 14 grottoes littered in the limestone mountains in
Ke Bang. The main tunnel with a total length of 7,729 m boasts the
longest underground river in Vietnam, and is decorated with multiform
stalactites and stalagmites . We enjoy a boat trip exploring this
wondrous site before continuing to Dong Ha Town, our base for seeing the
Khe Sanh war site. O/N in Dong Ha. (B)
DAY 10: DONG HA - DMZ - HUE
An
impressive way to start our day is a drive along the road No 9 past the
peaceful area, which was once home to a series of fire support bases
during the American war. We arrive at the former American marine base of
Khe Sanh and have time to stroll around to visit some of the many
battle sites and military camps. There were all but partly cleared by
villagers. We make our way towards Tacon Airport as well as Lang Vei
Special Forces Camp, in south of Lang Vei Village. Upon leaving these
sites, we make our way via A Luoi to Hue, Vietnam's feudal capital from
1802 to 1945. O/N in Hue. (B)
DAY 11: HUE
The
beautiful riverside pagoda of Thien Mu which now becomes the symbol of
Hue, is not to be missed. We include this in a guided cruise on the
Perfume River which also gives us a taste of the scenic countryside as
well as an enjoyable visit to the mausoleum of Emperor Minh Mang, in a
tranquil setting of gardens and lakes. Upon leaving this landmark we
continue seeing the elaborate royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc. We then
return to the town and have time exploring the massive citadel,
containing the Imperial City and the Purple Forbidden City. This royal
residence was all but destroyed during the 1968 Tet Offensive, however
it is still fascinating to walk among the ruins. O/N in Hue. (B)
DAY 12: HUE - HOIAN
Heading
out of the town, we drive south to Hoi An which was originally a Cham
seaport but has been influenced down the centuries by a myriad of
traders from various cultures. Along the way we can break the journey in
Lang Co Beach for a leisurely swim and an enjoyable visit to a nearby
fishing village. The winding road begins as we make our way up the
spectacular Hai Van pass. A view from the top of the pass is one of
Vietnam's most impressive panoramic scenes. The next stop of our trip is
Da Nang which is famous for the Cham Museum. After seeing this sight we
continue to the China Beach and the Marble Mountain, whose peaks
represent the five elements of the universe. On arrival in Hoian we have
time to visit the famous Japanese Covered Bridges, the Pottery Museum,
the 200 years old Tam Ky House, the Chua Ong Pagoda, the vibrant market.
O/N at Hoian hotel. (B)
DAY 13: HOIAN - KOM TUM
An
An early morning start to drive along the road 14 B to Thanh My. On
arrival we turn left to the road 14 which is the main link of Ho Chi
Minh Trails and drive upwards to Kom Tum in Vietnam central highlands.
The journey is long but the spectacular landscape will make for an
interesting day. A part of the pleasure of travelling in this region is
the simple joy of seeing the rice fields and the smiling faces of the
people. We arrival in Kom Tum mid afternoon and have time to visit town
with the Komtum Seminary, the traditional culture center, the Wooden
Church and the Banar ethnic village. O/N in Kom Tum. (B)
DAY 14: KOM TUM - LAK LAKE
The
interesting journey continues along the central highlands and pass
Vietnam's biggest growing coffee area to Pleiku and Komtum. The deep
contrast of lush vegetation and red surface of basaltic soil is
incredible all along the way. On arrival in Buon Ma Thuat we turn left
to Lak Lake , home to the Mnong hill trible people. We enjoy a short
dugout ride on Lak Lake which is surrounded by the verdant and rugged
mountains. Afterwards we transfer to June village where we are guest of a
M'nong family in a traditional long house. The facilities here are very
basic, but the experience is definitive unique. This also offers us a
chance to explore the simple lifestyle of the M'nong hill tribe people.
O/N in Lak Lake. (B, D)
DAY 15: LAK LAKE - DRAYSAP WATER FALLS - HO CHI MINH
Today
we spend a full day drive along the Ho Chi Minh trails which now
becomes a highway liking the central highlands and Ho Chi Minh City, the
metropolis of Vietnam. Along the way we make stop to visit a famous
water fall, locally named D'raysap by the E de Hill tribe people. This
fall is amid the primitive forest ; however you need some physical
preparations to ascend the strenuous path. Upon leaving this site we
continue traveling south. The journey is long and but we can make stop
as you please to stretch your legs and take some wonderful pictures. O/N
in Ho Chi Minh. (B)
DAY 16: HO CHI MINH - CU CHI
The
sightseeing tour acquaints us with some major sights of the city. We
pass the now-demolished wartime American Embassy before we visit the
Reunification Palace which was the former residence of the President of
South Vietnam until end of April 1975, and some French colonial
structures including the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Old Sai Gon Post
Office. After seeing the Jade Emperor Pagoda and the War Remnant Museum,
we continue our trip on to the Cho Lon, Saigon's Chinatown, which is
crammed with fascinating temples and mysterious, narrow lanes. We then
drive this afternoon, to explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, an incredible
underground tunnel network of approximately 200 kilometres constructed
by Vietnamese fighters during the long struggle for independence. O/N in
Ho Chi Minh. (B)
DAY 17: MEKONG DELTA
Upon
leaving the town, we set off on a two hour drive to the Mekong Delta,
Vietnam's largest rice bowl. On arrival in My Tho we embark on a boat
navigating around the intricate small canals in the delta region, which
is a great way to observe the local lifestyle close-up and catch a view
dotted by many islands. The exciting excursion will pass the lush green
vegetation before arriving at the famous Unicorn Island. Here we have
opportunities to stroll around an orchard, taste many seasonal fruits
and enjoy wonderful traditional music. The next stop of our trip is Ben
Tre Province to visit some fascinating local industries. After feasting
on a huge lunch we return to Ho Chi Minh, stopping off along the way to
see the beautiful Ving Trang Pagoda and the Cho Lon, Saigon's Chinatown,
which is crammed with sacred temples and mysterious, narrow lanes. O/N
in Ho Chi Minh. (B,L)
DAY 18: HO CHI MINH DEPARTURE
There
is a free time to relax or further explore Ho Chi Minh City. The tour
ends after your transfer to Tan San Nhat Airport for departure. (B).
Contact Lotussia Travel for more information and Book this tour.
