Day
1: Hanoi Arrival
(D )
Arrive in Hanoi, the capital of unified Vietnam. The
city was founded in 1010 on the right bank of Red
River and was then known as “Thang Long”,
roughly translated as “Soaring Dragon”.
Hanoi is one of the most charming cities in South
East Asia with its authentic street scenes, large
shady avenues, numerous lakes, manicured gardens and
well-preserved architecture. Transfer from Noi Bai
airport to your hotel. Free evening. Dinner and accommodation
included.
Day
2: Hanoi city tour (B,L)
The day is dedicated to a more in depth discovery
on Hanoi beginning with a visit to Ho Chi Minh’s
mausoleum. This imposing monument, dedicated to the
father of modern Vietnam, was cnstructed from marble
and granite and takes the form of a stylized lotus
(closed on Mondays and Fridays). Located nearby is
Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts and the One Pillar
Pagoda, a symbol of Hanoi. Continue your tour with
a visit to the ancient Taoist Temple of Quan Thanh,
where lies the genie protector of the city (or Tran
Quoc pagoda lcated on the shores of West Lake). Next
visit the Temple of Literature, or Van Mieu, a structure
dedicated to Confucius. Constructed in 1070, the compound
soon became first Vietnam’s university. Enjoy
lunch at a local restaurant, where you will have the
opportunity to sample some regional delicacies.
In the
early afternoon visit the renowned Museum of Ethnography
(closed on Mondays), which houses an interesting collection
of artifacts relating to the mosaic of ethnic groups
that inhabit Vietnam. Alternatively, visit the Museum
of History (closed on Mondays) which displays an array
of exhibits ranging from prehistoric times to the
fight against French colonization. This afternon’s
touring wil also provide the opportunity to see Hanoi’s
famed old quarter from the seat of a cyclo. During
your tour around the district you will see some of
the areas original 36 streets which have always sold
the same wares. Silver street, Silk street and Flower
street are just a few. During your adventure through
this maze of streets you will see traditional “tube
houses” a style of architecture indigenous to
this part of Hanoi. Next, visit the Temple of Jade
at the centre of atmospheric Hoan Kiem lake, otherwise
known as the lake of “the restored sword”.
Finish,
the city tour with a stop at the food market in Hang
Be street. This afternoon is free for a stroll along
the boulevards of the old colonial quarter where you
can view some of the best French architecture in South
East Asia. In the evening, visit Hanoi’s water
puppets theatre to attend a performance of the traditional
show. Breakfast, lunch and accommodation
included.
Day
3: Halong - Hoalu - TrangAn (B,L)
Depart Hanoi for Ninh Binh province and enjoy the
drive through the luxurious vegetation of the Red
River Delta. Continue on to TrangAn and take a cruise
up the rivers through karst hills and rice fields
on the traditional boat, a photographer’s paradise.
Sometimes referred to as “Ha Long Bay inland”,
for some its beauty surpasses that of it’s coastal
rival. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.Continue
your tour with a journey through bustling villages,
rice paddies and some beautiful limestone rock formations.
Arrive at Hoa Lu, the capital of Vietnam for 41 years
under the Dinh and Le dynasties (between 968 and 980).
Discover beautiful shrines dedicated to the Emperor
Le Dinh, the first ruler to unify the country. Aside
from this important historical site, this region is
also worth a visit for its rolling hills and picturesque
rocky landcapes. Return to Hanoi. Overnight at hotel.
Day 4: Hanoi - Halong (B,L,D)
Depart Haoi for the world famous Ha
Long Bay, or bay of “the descending dragon”,
a journey of approximately 3,5 hours. Listed as a
World Heritage site by UNESCO, Ha Long Bay is a stunning
limestone archipelago stretching over some 1500 square
kilometers and comprising nearly 200 islets. Board
your junk for a memorable cruises through the “eight
wonder of the world” gliding gently past fishing
communities and hidden cave systems. Visit
the “Cave of Surprises” really a complex,
where you can marvel at strangely formed stalacties
and stalagmites. After anchoring at a nearby beach
you can go for a swim or climb to the top of Thien
Cung (Heaven’s) Island to get a panoramic view
of the bay and surrounding islands. Delicious local
seafoods is served on boat. with other options available.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner and accommodation included.
NB. Accommodation is on junk in private cabin (with
air conditioning and shower).
Day
5 : Hanoi - Hue (B,L ) Flight
Am :After breakfast, continue your jurney cruise through
the breathtaking scenery of Bai Tu Long Bay. After
disembarking, return to Hanoi by road in time for
lunch. Enjoy a free afternoon exploring the city on
foot or simply relax with a drink at the edge of Hoan
Kiem lake. In the late afternoon transfer to Noi Bai
airport for your flight to Hue. On arrival in Hue,
transfer to your hotel and check in. Breakfast, lunch
and accommodation included.. Overnight in Hue
Day
6: Hue city tour (B,L)
The day is spent discovering Hue, capital of Vietnam
from 1802 to 1945 during the reign of the Nguyen dynasty
emperors. Declared a world heritage site by UNESCO
in 1993, the Citadel is nly one of many well-preserved
historical sites in the city and its environs. Cruise
in a sampan on the Huong River (Perfume River) to
Thien Mu pagoda, or pagoda of the Heavenly Lady, a
Buddhist shrine dating from the mid-seventeenth century.
Located on the banks of the Huong River, it is easily
recognizable by its octaganal tower. Cntinue your
tour with a visit to the Citadel, seat of the Nguyen
Dynasty Emperors. Construction began in 1804 under
the orders of the first Emperor Gia Long after the
site had been selected using principles of geomancy
(Feng Shui). The citadel was inspired by Vauban fortifications
and is composed of three sections; the capital city
(Kinh Thanh), the Emperial city (Hoang Thanh) and
the Forbidden City (Cam Thanh). It was largely destroyed
in 1968 during the fighting that engulfed Hue following
the Tet Offensive. Tday, efforts are being made to
restore and preserve this invaluable piece of heritage.
Next, take a walk through Dong Ba market that offers
an array of goods and produce, ranging from fresh
vegetables to conical hats. Lunch at a local restaurant
provides an opportunity to sample some of Hue’s
famously refined cuisine. In the afternoon visit the
intricately decorated tomb of Khai Dinh, which contains
a beautiful altar and a bust of the king. Next, visit
Minh Mang’s mausoleum located on the left bank
of the Huong River, which represents the perfect harmony
between nature and architcture. Return to Hue. Breakfast,
lunch and accommodation included.
Day
7: Hue -Da Nang -Hoian(B,L)
Depart Hue for Hoi An along Highway 1 which links
Hanoi to Sai Gon. This drive is reputedly the most
beautiful in all Vietnam, taking you past coastal
fishing settlements, most notably Lang Co with its
stunning lagoon backdrop. The drive also takes you
over Hai Van Pass, or “pass of the ocean clouds”.
En route you can stop in Da Nang for a visit to the
informative Cham Museum, which houses one of the largest
collections of Cham artefacts in the world (optional).
Also stopping in a village of stone carvers at the
foot of the Marble Mountain – giving you a chance
t climb to the top and view the secret Vietnamese
Wartime hospital in a cave. Continue on to the delightful
town of Hoi An which stands on the banks of the Thu
Bon river, some thirty kilometers southeast of Danang.
Around the fifteenth century, this old port town in
the kingdom of Champa was known as Faifo. Check-in
to the hotel on arrival. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
The afternoon is spent strolling through
the narrow streets of this atmospheric old town. This
former port, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is full
of architectural gems that show a range of influences.
Visit the Japanese covered bridge, the temple of the
water genie, the Fujian temple and the fish, meat
nad vegetable market. Around the seventeenth century
Hoi An was one of the busiest ports in South East
Asia, with Chinese, Portuguese, Japanese, Dutch, French
and English merchants visiting the town in search
of spices, lacquer ware, and ceramics. Enriched by
the proceeds of this trade many merchants constructed
beautiful homes. One can admire these charming houses
along Tran Phu Street, one of the oldest in Hoi An.
Architecture in the old town tends to show an integration
of Sino-Japanese influences in a local style. Most
buildings share the same overall plan; built on two
levels, they are constructed like a tube between two
streets that run parallel. In the late afternoon take
a boat ride on the Thu Bon River for the chance to
view some beautiful rural scenery, finishing at around
sunset. Breakfast, lunch and
accommodation included.
Day
8: Hoian -Danang -Saigon (B,L)Flight
Transfer to the airport for your flight from Danang
to Saigon. On arrival in Saigon, transfer and check
in to your hotel. Begin your exploration of this frenetic
city with lunch at a local restaurant. Not only is
Saigon the most important economic centre in Vietnam,
it also has some very imposing colonial architecture
which belies in fascinating past. Almost a hundred
years of French rule bestowed upon the Central Post
Office, a Pearl of colonial architecture designed
by Gustave Eiffel. Visit
Notre Dame – Sai Gon’s beautiful cathedral.
Continue your city tour with a visit to District 5,
formerly known as Cholon or China Town. Cholon, or
‘big market', with its congested streets is
where most of the city's ethnic Chinese population
lives. The district lives up to its name in the form
of Binh Tay wholesale market. Founded in 1778 the
market sells a stunning array of goods and produce,
ranging from fish to incense. Finish your city tour
with a stop at Thien Hau temple, otherwise known as
‘Temple of the Heavenly Lady', to marvel at
its intricate friezes and coils of incense. Breakfast,
lunch and accommodation included.
Day
9: Saigon - Mytho - Mekong delta (B,L)
Depart Saigon by road for Mekong Delta and its gateway
city of My Tho, located 72 km south west of the city.
Board a riverboat for an excursion across the Mekong
through islands covered with lush flora and small
rural communities. Cruise to Thoi Son Island where
you will have the opportunity to visit a local house
and taste some of the fruits that are grown locally
in the orchards. Parkway in orchards, tasting tropical
fruits. Lunch is at a local restaurant where you will
have the chance to sample a local specialty: ‘elephant
ear' fish. Conclude your tour of the Mekong with a
stop at Vinh Trang pagoda, the largest and most remarkable
pagoda in the delta. Return to Saigon. The late afternoon
is free for you to do some last minute shopping on
Dong Khoi Street. Breakfast, lunch and accommodation
included.
Day
10: Saigon - Siemreap (B, L) Flight
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Siem Riep.
On arrival in Siem Riep, you will be met and transferred
to your hotel. Siem Reap is famous as the gateway
to the remains of the former Khmer kingdom of Angkor.....
You will begin your tour of the area with a visit
to the world famous Angkor Wat, one of the largest
religious constructions in the history of the world.....
Enjoy a break with lunch at a nearby restaurant.
The afternoon visit the Bayon Temple, located in the
heart of the capital, Angkor Thom, Bayon Temple was
built in the late twelfth century. You will discover
its central tower surrounded fifty laps each secondary
at their summit on 4 smiling faces of Bhodisattava
This imposing edifice is built on 3 levels, symbolizes
the Khmer empire in miniature. Continuation with Baphoun,
Temple Royal regarded as the centre of the 3rd. Terrace
of the Elephants: This terrace measuring nearly 350
meters long and 3 meters high derives its name from
the various sculptures and statues adorning the monument
Move on to the Terrace of the Leper
King, a 7 metre high platform located to the north
of the terrace of elephants hosting a statue which
seems asexual, probably Shiva. Enjoy sunset from the
summit of Phnom-Bakheng, a perfect vantage point which
offers excellent views of Angkor Wat and the surrounding
area. Breakfast, lunch, accommodation included.
Day
11: Siemreap (B,L)
Begin your day with a visit to beautiful temple of
Banteay Srey, or citadel of the ladies. Built in the
early tenth century, this site features intricately
carved bas reliefs carved in sandstone..... Sras Srang:
Grand Basin 800 m x 400 m which was once used in swimming
pools, Bantea Kdey: Next visit the former Buddhist
monastery of Ta Phrom, an atmospheric maze of ruined
buildings and giant tree roots. One of the most significant
monuments in the Angkor park, it is not to be missed.
Lunch nearby.
Following visits with the great temple of Angkor Wat,
one of the most famous temples and more harmonious
whose architecture perfectly illustrates the power
of the Khmer empire at that time (12th century). You
can admire a fabulous result of corridors, cloisters
and magnificent bas-reliefs. Breakfast, lunch and
accommodation included.
Day
12: Siemreap (B,L)
Visit
Banteay Srey. Located 45 km from the Angkor temple
built of stone rose Xth century is undoubtedly the
most remarkable temple in Siem Reap at architectural.
You can admire the finesse of sculptures and bas reliefs.
The landscape leading to the temple is beautiful.
You pass through villages and landscapes of rice fields
before arriving at the site. Lunch.
In the
afternoon, boat ride on the tone Sap located 10 km
south of Siem Reap. The Ton Le Sap experiencing an
annual cycle of floods and décrues and contributes
significantly to rice production. The boats from Phnom
Penh and Siem Reap meet at Chong Khneas point in the
middle of the lake. This walk on the lake you will
discover the lives of Cambodian who have preserved
traditions of the past. Because water levels too low
between February and May this trip will be replaced
by visiting the Ruluos temple located 15km south and
was one of the 1st capitals of the Khmer kings.
Dinner
in town with a show of Khmer dances at the hotel Angkor
Village. Breakfast, lunch and
accommodation included.
Day
13: Siemreap - Luangprabang (B,L) Flight
Free time for market shopping. Transfer to the airport
for the flight to Luang Prabang. Welcome by the local
guide and transfer to the hotel. The city of Luang
Prabang, the pearl of Asia, welcomes you to this journey
through time to discover the Laos. Take time to wander
and discover the charms of this city and its inhabitants.
You glimpse the summit of the mountain Phousi to discover
the sacredness of this place, you admire a beautiful
sunset over the city and the majestic Mekong River.
From there, you'll get lost in the colourful Bazarre
night where you can find surprising tissue collections
handmade by the tribes of the mountains which surround
Luang Prabang. Breakfast, lunch and accommodation
included.
Day
14: Luangprabang (B,L)
Wake up in good time to participate in the ritual
of Buddhist monks known as Alms-giving. Take the distance
with respect and share the fervor and prayers of the
monks. Then return to your hotel for breakfast, then
you visit the city of Luang Prabang, the jewel of
South Asia West, you'll discover that legacy classified
as World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The road to visit
the oldest temple in Luang Prabang with its roof down
at ground level, it represents the classical architecture
of Luang Prabang. This city with its beautiful natural
landscapes and its centres of cultural interests,
Wat Visoun (for example) or the charm of Wat Aham,
making it the most attractive cities in Laos. Breakfast,
lunch accommodation included.
Day
15: Luangprabang (B,L)
Embark on a boat to go up along the majestic Mekong,
which offers a magnificent view of the Lao campaigns
to reach the cave mystique of Pak Ou. This cave contains
thousands of Buddha statues of shapes and sizes varied,
covered with gold. In return, we will stop in the
village of Ban Xanghai where villagers distills a
traditional rice liquor. Lunch on the way back.
In the
afternoon, rolling up the cascade Khuangsi to visit
a centre for care bears, you will enjoy the waterfalls
and pools of water clear and refreshing.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner and accommodation included.
Day
16: Luangprabang Departure (B)
Free time for last minute shopping or a last stroll
through the tranquil streets. Transfer to the airport
for your departure
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