Day 1 : Arrival in Hanoi - Welcome dinner (D)
one pillar pagoda in Hanoi
Up on arrival at the airport in Hanoi, we will be met and transferred to hotel for check in. If the time permits, we enjoy our welcome dinner at the fine restaurant in Hanoi, transfer you back hotel.
Stay overnight at hotel in Hanoi
Include:
– Private transportation by car with air conditioner & experienced driver
– English speaking tour guide
– Meal : Welcome dinner
– Accommodation in Hanoi : SUNWAY HOTEL- 4 star
Day 2 : Hanoi Full Day City Tour – Catch night train to Sapa (B)
Temple of Literature in Hanoi
Today we start our one day city tour from the lobby of the hotel. We will drive to Ho Chi Minh Complex, where we will spend a couple of hour to visit: Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum, his former stilt-house residence, the Presidential Palace, the Ho Chi Minh museum and one pillar pagoda. Keep going to see the Temple of Literature: Originally built as a temple to Confucius, this is the site of Vietnam’s first university dating back to 1070. The temple highlights the importance that Vietnamese society placed then and now on education.
Lunch will be at a fine local restaurant in Hanoi.
In the afternoon, we will visit one of the most interesting museums in Vietnam; Museum of Ethnology, which is widely acknowledged as the best in the country and has an extensive display dedicated to Vietnam’s 54 Ethnic minority peoples. Following by that we will wander around the city by car to see the real life of Hanoian as well as the difference parts the city.
After that we will take one-hour cyclo around the Old Quarter, known as the 36 streets, this bustling area of narrow streets is home to literally thousands of small businesses and shopkeepers. Originally, each of the 36 streets names’ was related to the products being sold there.
We will have chance enjoy the unique Water Puppet show. Hear the Vietnamese traditional instruments and singing from the live musicians who play throughout the show. The trip will be finished after the show at the hotel.
We enjoy our dinner before escorting you to Hanoi Railway Station to catch our night train to Lao Cai/ Sapa.
Stay overnight on train
Include:
– Private transportation by car with air conditioner & experienced driver
– English speaking tour guide
– All entrance fees
– Meal : Breakfast
– Accommodation on train : Hanoi – Sapa
Day 3 : Sapa – Cat Cat – Sin Chai Village (B)
Cat Cat Village - Sapa
The train arrives at the Lao Cai train station at approximately 06:00. There will be a vehicle waiting to transfer us to Sapa. Driving to Sapa is only 38 km but it takes around one hour to make our way up the mountains. Once at Sapa, we will check into the hotel. After freshening up and having breakfast we are ready to explore Sapa
town. We embark on a lovely walking tour to the hill tribe village of Cat Cat, home of the H’Mong hill tribe minority people. As we walk to the villages nestled in the valley below Sapa we will meet some of the local minority people on their way to and from Sapa. Here we have the opportunity to share cultural experiences with families that live in the area. O/N in Hotel in Sapa.
Trekking distance: 5km
Include:
– Private transportation by car with air conditioner & experienced driver
– English speaking tour guide
– All entrance fees
– Meal : Breakfast
– Hotel in Sapa : CHAU LONG HOTEL- 4star
Day 4 : Sin Chai – Y Linh Ho – Lao Chai – Ta Van Village – Catch night train back Hanoi (B, L, D)
Ta Van Village - Sapa
Breakfast in the hotel we then, embark on a lovely trek that will take us along buffalo paths and trails and through several hills tribe villages Lao Chai & Ta Van, home to Black H’mong, and Dzay people. This is an absolutely spectacular walk through stunning scenery inhabited by some of the friendliest people you can meet. Once on the valley floor you can really appreciate the wonderful scenery that surrounds you. The walls of the valley are covered with multi-layered rice terraced fields and scattered villages. Transfer you back Lao Cai Railway Station for our dinner before catching our night train back Hanoi
Stay overnight on train
Trekking distance 10 km
Include:
– Private transportation by car with air conditioner & experienced driver
– English speaking tour guide
– Meal : Breakfast, lunch, dinner
– Entrance fees
– Accommodation on train : Sapa – Hanoi
Day 5 : Hanoi arrival – Halong Bay – Cruise & Overnight on Cruise (B, L, D)
Halong Bay
Our guide will meet you at your hotel. Mini bus or private car pick up.
Enjoy the peaceful scenery as we travel through the countryside, farmlands and Red River delta. You will have a chance to take photos.
Comfort break.
The distance from Hanoi to Halong bay is approximately 3 ½ hours.
12 noon approximate: Arrive Halong Bay. Welcome aboard The Paloma. Meet the captain and crew and join us for a welcome cocktail as we tell you about life onboard.
Check into your cabin. Time to refresh and unwind.
Set sail as lunch is prepared by our chef.
Join us for a relaxing lunch in the restaurant or on the outdoor dining area. Enjoy the stunning views of the Bay, its dramatic limestone islands as we sail through the calm waters.
Afternoon : While we make our way to Bai Tu Long Bay, relax on the sundeck and watch the world go by or take an afternoon nap in your cabin. Early afternoon arrive at Vong Vieng floating fishing village
Drop anchor.
Our guide will give you some information and interesting facts about this fascinating village and its local community.
Disembark and travel on the sampans rowed by the local people. They will be your guides through their fishing village where you can meet the locals, visit the school and pearl farms. See at first-hand what life is like living on the water. We are proud of our working partnership with, and support of, this community.
Back on board The Paloma we head towards Halong Bay.
We drop anchor in the calm waters surrounded by islets
Opportunity to go swimming in the clear warm waters or go kayaking. Kayaking is suitable for all levels and ages. Our expert will run through the safety procedures and after a basic paddling lesson our experienced guide will lead you to explore the Bay, its lagoons and beaches.
For those who prefer a relaxing afternoon, make the most of sunbathing on deck or pamper yourself with a massage and sauna in our luxurious spa.
Early evening : Back on board, enjoy the sunset with evening cocktails and fresh fruit.
Take an opportunity to refresh and then join friends for a pre-dinner drink in the bar.
Dinner is served in the restaurant or outdoor dining area, which is a gastronomic delight.After dinner, unwind in the bar where there is a selection of books, magazines and board games or relax in the spa; watch a movie on our plasma TV; join some of our team to go cuttle fishing at night or take a late night swim under the stars.
Accommodation and overnight on junk.
Include:
– Private transportation by car with air conditioner & experienced driver
– English speaking tour guide
– All entrance fees
– Meal : Breakfast, lunch, dinner
– Private boat to cruise in Halong
– Cruise in Halong
Day 6 : Halong Bay – Hanoi – Fly to Hue (B)
Trinh Nu (Virgin) cave in Halong Bay
For the early risers join us for a Tai Chi session on the sun deck. Tai chi helps focus the mind and condition the body and there is no better environment to practice this than amongst the limestone peaks and islands.
Take an opportunity to view the sunrise over the Bay or have an early morning swim.
Breakfast, coffee and tea and served.
After breakfast we sail through the waters and pass by a number of caves including Trong (Drum) cave, Trinh Nu (Virgin) cave, Coc Ngoi (Toad) cave and we drop anchor at Surprise (Sung Sot) Cave.
Disembark and visit Surprise Cave located on Bo Hon Island. It is one of the widest grottoes in Ha Long Bay with thousands of stalactites and stalagmites.
10:00
We board The Paloma again. Take time to refresh and relax before checking out. Bags can be left in the luggage store.
An early lunch is served.
12 noon” Return to the shore and disembark from The Paloma as our crew say farewell.
Transfer you to Hanoi airport to catch our short flight to Hue, upon arrival in Hue, you are met and transferred to hotel for check in.
Stay overnight at hotel in Hue
Include:
– Private transportation by car with air conditioner & experienced driver
– Domestic air ticket : Hanoi – Hue (Vietnam Airline)
– English speaking tour guide
– All entrance fees
– Meal : Breakfast
– Accommodation in Hue : SAIGON MORIN HOTEL – 4 star
Day 7 : Hue City Tour & Boat Trip (B)
Thien Mu Pagoda - Hue
Hue is known as an ancient Capital city of many original historical vestiges. There are more than 100 architectural works to be extremely reflected the life of Emperors and Mandarins under Nguyen’s reign. Situated in the middle of hills on the Southern Bank of Perfume River are very beautiful tombs of Nguyen Kings.
Our tour starts at 08:00 in the morning at the lobby of the hotel. We will be met and transferred to the Wharf where we will cruise along the Perfume River to visit:
Thien Mu Pagoda (The Heavenly Lady pagoda), from here we will have a good view of Perfume River and surroundings.
Tu Duc King’s tomb, which is one of the most beautiful works of Royal Architecture of the Nguyen Dynasty. The tomb lies in a boundless pine forest.
Include:
– Private transportation by car with air conditioner & experienced driver
– English speaking tour guide
– All entrance fees
– Meal : Breakfast
– Private boat to cruise in the river
Day 8 : Hue – Hoi An Cooking Class (B, D)
Hoi An Cooking Class
We leave Hue for Hoi An. Upon arrival in Hoi An, we check in hotel before enjoying our city tour in Hoi An Old Quarter.
City tour in Hoian, an ancient Japanese port of trade. Much of Hoi An’s rare wooden architecture remains in this small, pleasant town. There are plenty to see in this delightful and tranquil town, some of which are the famous Japannese Covered Bridges, the Pottery Museum, the 200 years old Tam Ky House, the Chua Ong Pagoda, the vibrant market. We wisit these on our morning walking tour past many low tiled houses scattered along the small streets and assembly halls, which reflect the twon’s multi-cultural past
Include:
– Private transportation by car with air conditioner & experienced driver
– Cooking class on Red Bridge
– English speaking tour guide
– All entrance fees
– Meal : Breakfast, dinner
– Accommodation in Hoi An : HOI AN BEACH RESORT – 4 star
Day 9 : Hoi An – Danang – Fly to Ho Chi Minh City/ Saigon - Tour (B)
Notre Dame Cathedral - Saigon
We leave Hoi An for Hoi Chi Minh City/ Saigon via a short flight from Danang. Upon arrival in Saigon, upon arrival at the airport in Saigon, you are met and transferred to hotel for check in.
PM : We enjoy half day city tour in Saigon.
At 8:00am, our tour guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel and we will star our half day Saigon City tour and Cu Chi Tunnel. The sightseeing tour acquaints us with the city’s some major sights. We pass the now-demolished wartime American Embassy before we visit the Reunification Palace 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 Saigon Post Office. After seeing the Jade Emperor Pagoda and the War Remnant Museum, we continue our trip on to the bustling Ben Thanh Market where anything and everything is for sale.
Stay overnight at hotel in Saigon
Include:
– Private transportation by car with air conditioner & experienced driver
– English speaking tour guide
– All entrance fees
– Meal : Breakfast
– Domestic air ticket : Danang – Saigon(Vietnam Airline)
– Hotel in Saigon : REX HOTEL – 5 star
Day 10 : Saigon – Mekong Delta – My Tho – Ben Tre - Saigon (B)
My Tho - Tien Giang
Pick you up at hotel in Saigon at 8am. A smooth one and half hour car ride passing the green rice fields, leads you to the beautiful rural MYTHO city. The morning trip continues on the motorized boat on the Tien river to the Qui (Tortoise islet). On the way, you will view the fishing port, stilt houses, boat-building workshops, the other Dragon, Phoenix and Unicorn Islet. The cruise will lead you through Bao Dinh canal to enter Ben Tre province, “the country of coconut”, to see a typical agricultural model call “Garden – Pond – Cage” then enjoy coconut candy mill and the relaxing honey tea. Then the amazing rowing boat trip on the small canal – fully covered by the shadow of the water coconut’s tree and cool breezes is something you can not miss. Lunch will be served right in the heart of the orchard garden.After lunch, we will walk along the village, visit fruit garden, enjoy the tropical fruit while you are listening to the sound of “Southern Vietnamese folk music” performed by the islanders. Here we also can join the daily activities of the local people and enjoy the atmosphere of this beautiful natural countryside. Your expectations will be fulfilled by final boat trip back to My Tho on the Tan Thach natural canal. Car back to Saigon
Include:
– Private transportation by car with air conditioner & experienced driver
– English speaking tour guide
– All entrance fees
– Meal : Breakfast
– Private boat to cruise in the river
– Hotel in Saigon : REX HOTEL – 5 star
Day 11 : Saigon – Fly to Phnom Penh - Tour (B)
Silver Pagoda - Phnom Penh
After breakfast we catch our short flight to Phnom Penh, the city was once considered the loveliest city of Indochina. Despite its recent turbulent history, it still maintains considerable charm. Visit The Royal Palace, a home to the royal family and are therefore very close to the public. At the northern area of the palace grounds is Silver Pagoda, the most sacred shrine in the country. And then we continue to visit the National Museum. Relax and overnight in Phnom Penh.
Include:
– Private transportation by car with air conditioner & experienced driver
– English speaking tour guide
– All entrance fees
– International air ticket : Saigon – Siem Reap (Vietnam Airline)
– Meal : Breakfast
– Accommodation in Phnom Penh : JULIANA HOTEL – 4 star
Day 12 : Phnom Penh – Siem Reap – Angkor Tour (B)
Ta Prohm Temple - Siem Reap
Transfer to Phnom Penh airport for departure to Siem Reap. Upon arrival welcomed by our guide & transfer to the hotel. The same morning, visit Small Circuit including Prasat Kravan (Cardamon sanctuary) the structure is unusual in that it was not constructed by royalty, Banteay Kdei, Srah Srang (Royal Bath), Ta Prohm (Jungle Temple) is undoubtedly the most atmospheric ruin at Angkor should be high on the lit list of every visitor, Takeo is a stark and undecorated temple that undoubtedly would have been one of the finest of all Angkor’s structures, Thomamanon and Chau Say Tevoda.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
Include:
– Private transportation by car with air conditioner & experienced driver
– English speaking tour guide
– All entrance fees
– Air ticket : Phnom Penh – Siem Reap
– Meal : Breakfast
– Accommodation in Siem Reap: REE HOTEL – 4 star
Day 13 : Angkor Temple Complex – Angkor Wat Tour (B)
Elephants Temple - Siem Reap
Today we start our tour to South Gate of Angkor Thom, then go to Angkor Thom (the temple) which was built by Angkor’s greatest king, Jayavarman VII. The major attraction of Angkor Thom is the Bayon, whose exact function and symbolism is still unknown until now, then go to Baphoun which is one of the most spectacular of Angkor’s temples in its heyday; Terrace of the Elephants was used as a giant reviewing stand for public ceremonies and served as a base for the king’s grand audience hall; Terrace of the Leper King is another of Angkor’s mysteries. In the afternoon visit the World Seventh Wonder which is well known as Angkor Wat, which is one of the most important archaeological sites in South-East Asia. Angkor Wat stretch over some 400 sq. km, including forested area, Angkor Archaeological Park contains the magnificent remains of the different capitals of the Khmer Empire.
In the evening view sunset at Phnom Bakheng Hill if time permits.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
Include:
– Private transportation by car with air conditioner & experienced driver
– English speaking tour guide
– All entrance fees
– Meal : Breakfast
– Accommodation in Siem Reap: REE HOTEL – 4 star
Day 14 : Siem Reap Departure (B)
Angkor Thom - Siem Reap
Free time until our driver picks up and transfers you to the airport to catch your flight back home.
Include:
– Private transportation by car with air conditioner & experienced driver
– Meal : Breakfast
