LEGENDS OF INDOCHINA

Day 1 : Arrival in Hanoï (- / L / D)

Hanoi also known as "Thang Long", its historical name meaning "flying dragon", was the main feudal capital of the country for hundreds of years - from the Ly Dynasty (11th century) to the dynasty of Le postérieur (late 17th century), so far the city of Hanoi still preserves the historical, traditional and typical monuments of Vietnamese culture and values of the immortal spirits of Hanoians.

Arrival at Hanoi airport, the guide and the driver will welcome you and proceed to the transfer to the city center. You will explore the city and the old quarters in a rickshaw. Then you will go to Hoan Kiem Lake (Lake of the Restored Sword) and you will listen to his legend. Foreigners cannot miss when they arrive in Hanoi because this lake is considered to be the heart of the city. Small visit of the Jade Temple and the Brush tower.

Option: If you don’t want to visit the city right after because of the long flight, we will suggest you a massage. You will have one hour to relax, extra cost of 15$ per person will be ask.

Included meals: lunch and dinner.

Day 2 : Hanoï. Visit of the city (B / L / D)

You will go to the Literature Temple. This is an important monument since it is considered as the first university of Vietnam. By visiting the temple, you can watch the old objects that reflect the past kingdoms of Thang Long. You will visit the Ethnographic museum in which is retraced the ethnic minorities life in Vietnam. The objects, houses, clothes, documents are gathered among the museum.

You will have the opportunity to enter in the long house of Ede, Jarai the Rong house or the earthen house of Ha Nhi. You will arrive at the Tran Quoc Pagoda (the pagoda of the defense of the Fatherland), which was built in the 6th century under the Ly Antérieur Dynasty. It was the Buddhist center of the Thang Long Citadel during the dynasties of Ly, Tran (for about 250 years). Currently, it still preserves many ancient artifacts : the Buddhist canonical books, statutes, bells and drums...

You will hear the story of the founding and development of Buddhism in Vietnam, a religion with a national character. In addition, you will have the opportunity to explore the charm of the West Lake Pagoda which is located on the side of the lake.

You will feel the rhythm of the daily Hanoian life entering the old quarters. Although the city is becoming more and more dynamic, active and modern, we can still feel past vibrations in the neighborhood of the 36 streets: the Kim Ngan Dinh (communal house jewelry), the old house at 87 Ma May, Hoan Kiem Lake,…

By late afternoon, you will attend a water puppet show. This is a traditional Vietnamese art that combines folk music and actions of wooden puppets.

Overnight at the hotel.

Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 3 : Hanoï-Ninh Binh-Tam Coc (130 km / 2h journey) (B / L / D)

At 95 km away from Hanoi in Ninh Binh province, there is a large number of rich historical heritages of Vietnam, as it was the ancient capital of the country according to the 11th century. Ninh Binh attracts visitors with its historic highness, and culturally rich destination. At Ninh Binh, visit the most authentic sights of this beautiful province Kenh Ga (natural hot springs), Thung Nang (Sun Valley) with a portion of the inland Halong Bay, Tam Coc (three caves also named the HaLong Bay inland), Thai Vi temple, Pagoda Bich Dong.

After breakfast you will go to Ninh Binh. Arrive in Hoa Lu, visit the ancient capital of Vietnam under the Ly Dynasty and Le antérieur. Discovery of two temples dedicated to the Dinh and Le Kings. Then you will go on an excursion in a rowing boat on the River Tam Coc (three caves). The cruise will last approximately 2 hours. Tam Coc is a small village whose inhabitants organize walks on the Ngo Dong River. You will see the rocks having the same appearance as Phoenix in mandarin hat, turtle. It will be beautiful. Sometimes the river will merge with rice fields and give you the impression of riding a real sea. Such a nice cruise ! By late afternoon bike ride to visit Bich Dong Pagoda and the Temple of Thai Vy.

Overnight at the hotel.

Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 4 : Tam Coc –Bai Tu Long Bay (175 km/ 3h30 journey) (B / L / D)

Two days one night cruise to untouched Bai Tu Long Bay is ideal for you to discover natural beauty and local life, you will get to visit cave, go kayaking and visit a floating village. This trip takes you deep into natural wonder and experience a memorable night in the majestic bay. The route is off the beaten track and our staffs are keen on taking care of customer’s request, it is quite potential to be your highlight trip in Vietnam.

You will cross all the northern basin of the Red River to reach Halong Bay.

12h15 Embark. Enjoy welcome drink as Cruise Manager gives you a brief overview of the itinerary and important safety guideline. Check in your cabin.

13h00 Start cruising among famous Islets (Indochina studio, Am Islet…) of Bai Tu Long Bay, the wildest beauty with the panoramic natural views. Admire the grace of the bay while enjoying the delicious lunch in the restaurant at the first deck.

14h30 Explore the well-hidden Co Cave (known as Thien Canh Son Cave). Relax on white sandy beach or walk along the beach at Hon Co Island (no swimming).

15h45 Return and enjoy the wonderful beauty of Bai Tu Long Bay at sunset; admire the striking islands and islets, savoring the fresh and peaceful atmosphere which could hardly be found in land while cruising to Cong Do sleeping area.

16h30 Enjoy kayaking at Cong Do or relaxing on the cruise.

18h00 Onboard the vessel, surrounded by a stunning, setting in motion, attend our chef’s cooking demonstration and try your skills in the art of traditional Vietnamese cooking (spring roll) on the sundeck.

19h15 Dinner is served in the restaurant at the first desk. You can enjoy the charm of Bai Tu Long Bay at night.

21h00 Evening activities: relax at leisure; enjoy our Movie Night, Board Games or our Massage & Spa services (massage and spa fee is not included in the price), squid fishing.

Overnight on Bai Tu Long Bay

Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 5 : Bai Tu Long Bay – Halong Bay– Hanoï. Flight to Hue. (175 km/ 3h30 journey 700 km/ 1h10 flight) (B / L / D)

06h30 Welcome a new day with an amazing dawn on Bai Tu Long Bay. Refresh your body and soul with a Tai-chi session on the sundeck.

07h00 Catch the morning view of seascapes while enjoying the breakfast with cookies an tea, coffee at the restaurant.

07h30 Visit Vung Vieng village - the famous fishing farm by bamboo boat and discover life of local people living on the surface of Halong Bay

08h30 Return to boat.

09h15 Pack up the luggage and check out of the cabin.

09h30 Enjoy the brunch in the restaurant while cruising back to Vinashin tourist harbor.

11h00 Disembark. Back to Hanoi and then transfer directly to Noi Bai airport for the flight to Hue. On arrival you will be greeted by English speaking guide and driver, and overnight at the hotel.

Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 6 : Hue. Visit of the city (B / L / D)

Hue is the ancient capital of Vietnam under the Nguyen Dynasty. Hue has a simple beauty, taciturn and quiet with the sun covering the red roofs of the royal palaces. Perfume River increased the romance of the city every sunset.

After breakfast, you will board at the Toa Kham wharf for a cruise on the Perfume River. You will disembark to visit the Thien Mu pagoda - the symbol of Hue city. The pagoda is situated on the hill. You will walk step by step on the stairs listening to the legend of the heavenly Lady. The river is like a mirror embracing the pagoda.

Following the visit of Hue with the historical sites: the Imperial City, the mausoleum of Tu Duc, Minh Mang & Khai Dinh. Back to Hue city. Overnight at the hotel.
Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 7 : Hue - Da Nang - Hoi An (130 km/ 2h30 journey) (B / L / D)

You will ascend the hill of Hai Van (Hill clouds). From above, you will be able to watch the beautiful coastal landscapes of the Centre. Stop at Da Nang - colonial Touran to visit the Cham Museum, which houses a large collection of sculptures typical of Champa Kingdoms.

Arrival in Hoi An - a city with the old quarters regarded as one of the 8 heritages of Vietnam by UNESCO. Passengers, travelers, merchants... there are lots of people but older homes are still hiding in a quiet space. Yellow walls and small shops represent the traditional face of Hoi An. You will continue to discover the beauty of the city. The guide will take you to the pagoda Phuc Thanh - the oldest one in Hoi An which was built in 1454 by a Chinese monk, in addition with the Japanese bridge, the town hall Phuoc Kien, and the traditional house of Tan Ky. You’ll be able to taste the specialties of Hoi An.

Overnight at the hotel.

Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 8 : Hoi An – Tra Nhieu – Tra Que – Hoi An (B / L / D)

We invite you to come discover Hoi An and its surrounding countryside differently. Together, we will guide you away from the usual tours. We will help you discover little known locations that have maintained their charm and authenticity. Each of our tours is limited in size to ensure maximum comfort, service and quality. And, rather than offering a run-of-the-mill tour. We organize custom-tailored excursions, according to your personal interests. And, we personally accompany you on a cycling “adventure”, taking the time to answer your questions, so that you will discover and share our love for this marvelous country.

The guide takes you from your hotel and riding to where you board the shuttle to cross the river Thu Bon for about 15 minutes, to the Kim Bong carpenters village.

You will visit the shipbuilding workshop, wood carving, mosaic and other workshops. The locals will teach you how to make the traditional wooden boats that move the rivers, try the famous basket boats at Mr. Kha’s workshop has 85 years, which manufactures cart boats, woven by bamboo and palm trees.

Continue your ride to the Tra Nhieu mat village; you will be listened to the presentation of the war history and their activities. The fishermen leave their nets, boats and prepare their tools for a long ride 2-3 weeks at sea. Taking the path along the river, you will see coconut water, fishing nets, and wild birds, then visit the craft mats making.

Go back at the dock, you board the boat with residents and cycling to the Tra Que vegetable village - About 150 farmers and 400 owners live on site, cultivate about 20 types of vegetables and herbs including mint, salad, basil, cilantro, broccoli among the other more than 40 hectares of land, 8 tons of Tra Que vegetables are sold each year. The farmers do not use pesticides or OGM but natural fertilizers in particular, a kind of seaweed that is in the river, harvested by gardeners by boat every morning.

To Tra Que village, you will be warmly greeted by Mr. Minh family , 3 generations one , a welcome drink "basil juice", stroll through the village and meet local people who work in the garden. The local farmer will teach you all about cultivation methods and how to protect developing vegetable from the insects as well as join the farmers in preparing gardening activities such as raking the ground, sowing, watering greens, transplanting and tending greens. Then relax and soak your feet with a mix of local herbal remedy and Chinese traditional medicine in order to reduce your aches and pains, rheumatism.

Prepare lunch with a local family. You will learn how to make “ Tam Huu” spring roll, “Xeo” pancake. Your lunch will consist of many local delicacies including “Tam Huu” spring roll, “Banh Xeo” or local pancake of people in Centre of Viet Nam. After lunch, take a bit rest before returning to your hotel.

Overnight at the hotel.

Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 9 : Hoi An - Da Nang. Flight to Saigon (972 km/ 1h10 flight) (B / L / D)

Free time until the transfer to the airport for your flight Danang - Saigon.

Speaking of Saigon, we immediately think of a big city, bustling with shopping malls, tall buildings, which never sleeps. But in depth, the city reveals its "precious pearls" - historical, cultural testimonies expressing the life and spirit of the local people.

You will visit the city. Cho Lon is very well known by visitors. It was founded in the 17th century by Chinese migrants, it has attracted many traders from other countries. Until now, Cho Lon and its surroundings are the cohabitation of space and trade of Chinese, Indian and Vietnamese. By visiting the region of Cho Lon (market), you'll discover another face of the city of Saigon, a multicultural place.

Visit the Hindu Temple Mariaman : the temple is located in the middle of Saigon, we recognize it through its native architecture and mystical. It is appreciated as a famous heritage among three current Hindu monuments in Saigon. This is the place where we practised the Mariaman cult - Indian woman genius. By visiting this temple, visitors can watch the statutes, sculptures, antiques, listen to the story of the foundation, and discover the spirits of the temple.

Then you will head to the mosque at number 66 Dong Du Street. The mosque is one of the Islamic centers, which was built as early as in Saigon in 1935. The mosque attracts many believers and tourists. Its architecture is simple, spacious and airy with arches, columns and long corridors that symbolize the typical Indian art. Outside the religious function, the mosque is still the place where public activities are organized and where children learn about the ideologies of the Koran. You will be able to go and watch believers pray every friday. A Muslim spectacle in the heart of Saigon.

Then you will visit: the former Catinat Street, the Cathedral, the Temple of the Jade Emperor, the Temple of the Protecting Goddess of the Sailors Thien Hau.

In the evening, we'll take you on the Indochina junk for a romantic dinner. You will spend a romantic moment in a charming and intimate space. You will make a 2-hour cruise on the Saigon River and admire the city on the other side. While tasting wine and specialties, you will look at the buildings full of lights as bright as crystals. You’ll feel a romantic and poetic Saigon.

Overnight at the hotel.

Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 10 : Saigon - Cai Be – Tra On (180 km/ 4h drive) (B / L / D)

The Boat take you into the greener areas of the Mekong Delta, overnight on the river and into the middle of the life about the river. They are entirely built of wood in the Mekong delta and according to the local marine traditions, and adapted for discovery cruises, open to outside and offering an immediate contact with the green surrounding of the ship.

After breakfast at your hotel, you will leave for the Mekong Delta, the vast and fertile full which constitutes the rice granary of Vietnam. You board at Cai Be at noon, enjoy welcome drink. Have introduction to the ship and crew, check in the cabins. You depart towards Cho Lach in Tien Giang. Enjoy lunch, en route. Rest on the deck. The Boat slips into the Chợ Lách canal, in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the river traffic, between markets and churches, a unique opportunity for a glimpse of the very varied life on the banks as well as on the water.

Spend a visit to a village on the banks of river Mang Thit, an opportunity to appreciate the way of life and hospitality of the local inhabitants. Visit of the orchard or rice fields nearby. Board back, complimentary drink as a welcome back on board. Rest on the deck enjoying the sunset. The crew will serve dinner while the Boat is cruising Mang Thit River. The Boat sets anchor just downstream from the little Tra On Floating Market for overnight.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 11 : Tra On - Can Tho - Sai Gon. Flight to Siem Reap  (180 km/ 4h journey) (B / L / D)

Breakfast is served from 6:30 AM, while the ship is cruising towards Tra On Floating Market. Then, continue to depart towards Can Tho. Arrival in Cai Rang Floating Market, check out and transfer onto a local boat to visit the floating market, the nearby arroyos and gardens and return to the Ninh Kieu pier.

Transfer to the airport for your flight Saigon-Siemriep. On arrival, you will be welcomed by your guide and your driver. Check-in at the hotel.

Overnight at the hotel.

Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 12 : Visit of Siem Reap (B / L / D)

Visit Angkor Thom, a vast architectural complex which is accessed by five monumental gates and includes in its center the Bayon. It is famous for its towers with 172 faces of Avalokitesvara. Walk on the grounds of the Royal Palace where the sanctuary of Phimeanakas is and discover the terrace of Elephants and the Leper King.

Afternoon devoted to Angkor Wat, a huge funerary temple built in the 12th century. The architecture, statuary and reliefs mark the peak of Khmer art. Ascent the Phnom Ba Kheng and watch the sunset throughout the site.

Overnight at the hotel.

Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 13 : Visit of Siem Reap (B / L / D)

In the morning, you will visit the pre-Angkorian temples (from the 9th century) of Roluos : Bakong, Prah Ko and Lolei. Followed by the visit of the most amazing temples of all of Angkor which are the Ta Prohm, Ta keo, lost in lush vegetation and small temples of Neak Pean, Preah Khan, Thommanon and large basins (the Baray).

Overnight at hotel.

Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 14 : Siem Reap –Tonlé Sap Lake. Return flight (B / L / - )

Continuing with the tour at the center of the silk where is raised silkworms and where they still weave silk with old method with stunning Khmers designs.

Transfer to the airport for your return flight.

Included meals: breakfast, lunch

End of the Tour