MYSTERIES OF VIETNAM

Day 1 : Arrival in Hanoi (- / 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 – Ha Long (170 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 4 : Ha Long – Hanoï. Night train to Lao Cai (170 km/ 3h30 journey) (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. Then transfer to Hanoi train station for the night train to Lao Cai - Sapa / KING EXPRESS train (or LIVITRANS EXPRESS, or CHAPA EXPRESS) -

Cabin with 4 berths for categories STANDARD & SUPERIOR; Cabin with 2 berths for DELUXE category/ Departure 20:40.

Night on board.

Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 5 : Lao Cai – Ma Tra – Ta Phin - Sapa (40 km/ 1h00 journey) (B / L / D)

Located 367 km away from Hanoi, Sapa is considered as a very attractive destination by visitors, as the heart of the North-East region of Vietnam thanks to its pleasant climate and beautiful landscape. It is also a place where ethnic minorities live together with their own traditions. These specialties are the face of a the "city in the clouds" that travelers would like to reach.

Arrival at Lao Cai train station, you will be welcomed by the driver and the guide. Breakfast and shower in a mini hotel near the station. Then you will take the road to Sapa. You will visit the village of Ma Tra which is 7 km away from Sapa. Village life remained authentic, which will be a great opportunity to discover the traditions and customs of the inhabitants. You will definitely have the opportunity to meet the minorities.

Leaving the village, you will continue the excursion to the village of Ta Phin, boasts of beautiful rice field terraces. Visit of the cave of Ta Phin. Then you will go to Sapa. Arrival in Sapa, you will continue the visit along the small streets, visit the old church and the market. You will visit a local "shopping center". It is here that ethnic minorities do business. Immersing yourself in their daily lives remains simple. Then you will have free time for personal discovery.

Overnight at the hotel.

Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 6 : Sapa – Y Linh Ho - Lao Chai - Ta Van (-B/ L / D)

After breakfast, you will start the day with a hike to the ethnic villages of Red Zao, flower H'mong, and Tay. You will go through beautiful rice field terraces. If you come to Sapa in August or September, you will have the chance to discover the most beautiful landscapes of the region. All space is covered with yellow rice ready to be picked.

From the top, you'll see the landscape of valleys, the springs flow along the hills, roofs balms are hiding in the shade and children laughing in the yard. In the village of Ta Van, you will have the chance to meet the locals in a traditional Hmong house. Preparation of food and alcohol tasting and cooked meals for yourself.

Lunch, dinner and overnight at the homestay (housing conditions are basic comfort).

Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 7 : Ta Van – Giang Ta Chai – Su Pan – Ban Ho (B / L / D)

After breakfast, you will start hiking to the village of Giang Ta Chai. You will walk to the edge of the rice field terraces, along the bamboo forests, climbing to Cau May (the deck of clouds) and Thac Bac (silver drop). Stop to observe the beauty of these sites.

Lunch with the locals. Crossing the sources, you will continue to the village of Su Pan, the village of Black Hmong and Red Dzao. The stilt houses built on the hill, stone walls, green peach, and rice fields... all contribute to the daily life of the villagers. Arriving at the village of Ban Ho, you’ll be able to see the valleys, hear the birds singing and watch the inhabitants of the forest.

Another meal will be served at the home of the Tay. You will have the opportunity to taste the specialties of each ethnicity.

Overnight at the homestay.

Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 8 : Ban Ho – Sapa – Lao Cai – Hanoï. Flight to Hue (317km/ 5h journey) (B / L / D)

Breakfast. You will visit the waterfall discovered by french people. After that, the bus will be waiting for you and then return to Sapa. You will have some free time for sightseeing, visit the morning market and buy small souvenirs. Leaving Sapa, take the road towards the town of Lao Cai. City stop for lunch.

Then you will visit the Thuong temple (the temple up the mountain) by practicing the cult of Vietnam's national heroes. This is the place where we practice the Tran Hung Dao cult hero, a Vietnamese real historical figure who led the people against the Mongolians in the 13th century. Garden tour of the 12 animals made of stone. Before going back to Hanoi, explore the local spirit by visiting the Holy Mother Temple located next to the national gate of Vietnam and China.

Return to Hanoi by the highway. Between Hanoi and Lao Cai, the trip lasts about 4 hours and 30 minutes. On the road, you’ll be able to admire the landscapes that change gradually as one move from the plains to the mountains. While an overnight train cannot offer you this experience.

Back to Hanoi, direct transfer to Noi Bai airport for the flight Hanoi-Hue in the evening. Arrival in Hue, the guide and the driver will welcome you and transfer you to the city center.

Dinner in town and overnight at the hotel.

Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 9 : Hue (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.

Start your bike ride through the streets of the former capital and feel the rhythm of local life. Shops, homes and people are quiet and peaceful. When you reach the front door of the Royal Citadel, you will discover the world’s heritage of UNESCO in Vietnam. The citadel is considered as a real art museum, historical testimony, and as a place of the last kings of Vietnam. Under the roofs of the palace, watch the images, sculptures symbolizing the typical oriental Vietnamese art.

Drive to the mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc & Khai Dinh, another royal monument. Before ending the day, you will learn how to make incense sticks and poetic hats in both professional villages. Stop to visit the pagoda "énuques- Tu Hieu" Back to Hue.

Overnight at the hotel.

Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 10 : Hue - Da Nang - Hoi An (130 km/ 2h30 journey) (B / L / D)

08:00 Depart from your hotel, Embarking on boat for cruise along the poetic Perfume River you can see a pavilion that the king and royal family used to have bath. You also experience the daily life of local people as well as contemplate the beauty of landscapes and fill your heart and mind with fresh air. Main destination of our journey is the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda (Heavenly Lady Pagoda) which was built in 1601-the symbol of Hue city.

10:00 Continue your trip biking around the village which is located in the city center and the Nguyen Emperors’ tombs. Thuy Bieu is a wonderland of pomelo that possesses a very special taste and fragrance. Keep cycling toward Thuy Bieu Village along verdant paths; you can see local people’s daily life. Thuy Bieu Village has been well-known with its immense grapefruit gardens, which its grapefruit is different from other species throughout Viet Nam. It’s smaller but sweeter and known under the name of Thanh Tra people which was only provided for the Royal Family.

Have a nice biking and walking around quiet Thuy Bieu Village, feeling the comfortable relax in a friendly air of local. While biking , taking short stop in schools, communal houses, ancient temples and especially the garden house - Its housing architecture is typical of Hue and the Nguyen dynasty with small cottages hidden in large luxuriant gardens, long gates and fences carved out of ornamental trees. Thuy Bieu is a hidden gem of untouched nature and culture Keep biking through 2 most pristine hamlets Nguyet Bieu and Luong Quan where you can contemplate lush greens, laid back lifestyle. We continue biking through an orphanage. to fulfill their dream to go to school.

12:00 Come back to a local house in Thuy Bieu for cooking class, you will prepare lunch by yourself with our chief’s instruction. Have lunch with Hue traditional dishes you have just cooked.

13:30 Relax by steeping your foot in medicinal herb water – a traditional therapeutic practice. Retour to your hotel at 14h.

You will continue your tour to Hoi An - one of the main ports of Vietnam in the 17th and 18th centuries. 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 11 : Hoi An. Free time (B / - / -)

Breakfast at your hotel. Free day in Hoi An for your personal discoveries. Possibility of going to the beach (4km away from the center) or walking in the surrounding countryside.

Overnight at the hotel.

Included meals: breakfast

Day 12 : Hoi An – Kontum (254km/5h journey) (B / L / D)

Tay Nguyen (the highlands) is part of Central Vietnam, which contains the 5 provinces : Kon Tum, Gia Lai, Dak Lak, Dak Nong and Lam Dong. It is a territory that still retains the specific traditions and cultures. It is also the place of coexistence of people of Gia Rai, Ede, M-nong, and K-ho, members of the 54 Vietnamese ethnic minorities. With a wealth of spirits, Tay Nguyen attracts many travelers. The visit of this area will be a great opportunity to discover a dynamic picture of the daily life of the Centre minorities.

After breakfast, the guide and driver will welcome you from your hotel and you will begin the journey of discovery of the highlands. You will take the national road 14B, also called the Ho Chi Minh Trail through the hills, forests and villages of minority residents of the Centre as Jarai, Bahnar, Ede, or M'nong. Breakfast in a local restaurant. You will continue the journey by visiting historic war landmarks such as the crossroads of Indochina, Dakto or Phoenix Airport. Arrival in Kontum, visit of the wooden cathedral, the orphanage Vinh Son I, the Thua Sai seminary, the Konklor bridge.

Overnight at hotel.

Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 13 : Kontum – Pleiwer – Pleiku (90km/2h journey) (B / L / D)

After breakfast depart for a trek through the villages of Bahnar people. You will make a canoe trip on the wild river Dakbla. You will continue to Pleiku. Along the way, you will visit the village of Pleiwer (or Pleiphun) of Jarai, one of the largest ethnic minorities in the Central Highlands : collective tombs with statues, the water point... And then you will go to Lake Sea to contemplate an ancient volcano extinct for hundreds of millions of years.

Overnight at hotel.

Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Jour 14 : Pleiku – Buon Ma Thuot (190 km/ 4h30 journey) (B / L / D)

After breakfast, you will start the tour by Minh Thanh Pagoda, the largest and beautiful of the region. You will continue to the city of Buon Ma Thuot. On the road, you will make a short stop in a large and vast coffee plantations of rubber and pepper.

Arrival in Buon Ma Thuot, lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, you will head up to the Ban Don Village to visit the bamboo suspension bridge, the old Lao house, houses the grave of elephant hunters. Then visit of the fall of Draysap "fall Mist". Dray Nu is 30 km away from Buon Ma Thuot. Back to Buon Ma Thuot.

Overnight at your hotel.

Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 16 : Buon Ma Thuot – Da Lat. Visit of the city (B / L / D)

After breakfast, you will head up to the city of Da Lat, the city of flowers. Arrival in the city of Da Lat. Installation at the hotel. Visit Da Lat, a pretty little town characterized by its mild climate. Visit Dalat and discover its history, its culture and its unique architecture by visiting the Valley of Love, Lake Ho Xuan Huong, the XQ embroidery center, Domaine de Marie church, the market and the train station.

Dinner in a local restaurant and overnight at the hotel.

Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 17 : Da Lat – Saigon (300km/6h journey) (B / L / D)

After breakfast at the hotel, free time to stroll through the city before taking the road back to Saigon through rubber plantations, tea plantations and coffee plantations. Stop at Bao Loc to visit a tea plantation and coffee. Arrival in the afternoon in Ho Chi Minh City, to your hotel.

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 18 : Saigon – My Tho – Mo Cay (70 km/ 1h30 journey) (B / L / D)

In Vietnamese, the Mekong is called Song Cuu Long which means the river of the Nine Dragons, referring to its nine major tributaries that flow into the South China Sea. In this region known as the "rice bowl" of Vietnam, Mother Nature delivers its benefits besides. Rich and fertile land, clear water and fish, dreamy landscapes : nothing is missing.

Departure to the Mekong Delta, vast and fertile plain which is the rice bowl of Vietnam. On the way, stop to visit a Cao Dai temple. Arrival at the pier and crossing a major arm of the Mekong, arrival at Ben Tre where the river is divided into multiple channels, you will embark on a boat and go through the islands planted with tropical orchards, natural streams river of Ham Luong and get to Mo Cay.

Installation at the homestay and you’ll make a bike ride around the village to discover the art of craftsmanship. By late afternoon, you will help the inhabitants of the house to cook, it will be a very good opportunity to understand the art of traditional cuisine in the South of Vietnam.

Dinner and overnight at the homestay.

Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 19 : Mo Cay - My Tho – Sai Gon. Return flight (80 km/ 1h30 journey) (B / L / -)

07h30 : Departure for the bike ride into the village to discover the daily life of local .... Boat trip to visit the Thom Market 20km away of Mo Cay - the largest coconut selling market. Back to Saigon.

Transfer to the airport. Return flight.

Included meals: breakfast, lunch

End of the Tour