DAY
1: ARRIVAL - HANOI
Pick up at the airport, meeting the tour guide of
AdventureTours.vn and transfer to 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. Overnight
in Ha Noi.
DAY
2: HANOI CITY TOUR (
B, L )
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
well known as Vietnam’s first university and
the History Museum, which displays an excellent collection
of artifacts illustrating the Vietnamese history.
Our next stop is the impressive Ethnologic Museum,
dedicated to Vietnam’s 54 hill tribe groups,
some of which we will see on our forthcoming days.
We also visit the peaceful lake of Hoan Kiem with
its sacred temple and the vibrant Dong Xuan Market
before attending a performance of Hanoi's famous water
puppets. Overnight in Hanoi.
DAY
3: HANOI - SONLA ( B, L )
The journey northwards begins as we depart Hanoi and
pass through the undulating terrains of tea plantations
and the many timeless villages linked to the road
which is the main artery of trade between the northwestern
region and the capital city. This is our first glimpse
of rural Vietnam and sets the tone for the days ahead.
Depending on road and traffic conditions our drive
will deliver us in Son La by mid or late afternoon.
After checking into hotel we take a walk around this
mountain town. There is a little traffic on roads
and many Black Thai in traditional costume scurry
in all directions. Overnight in Son La.
DAY
4: SONLA - DIEN BIEN PHU ( B, L )
The provincial museum and the nearby old prison are
some of this hill town's major sights. We have a chance
to visit these before we leave for our next destination.
The winding roads cross over the Pha Din Pass before
reaching Dien Bien Phu, the site of the decisive battle
in Vietnam’s struggle for independence in 1954.
After checking into our central located hotel we enjoy
a walk around to see this fast growing town. Our main
stop is Dien Bien Phu’s Museum which details
the event in place. We also pay a visit to the old
battle field where the lush vegetation grows behind
many war relics including old French tanks and artillery
pieces. Overnight in Dien Bien Phu .
DAY
5: DIEN BIEN PHU - TAM DUONG ( B,
L )
Heading out of the town, we spend a full day travelling
into Vietnam’s most mountainous region. The
roads are difficult at times, but the spectacular
landscape with a mixture of terraced fields and hill
villages makes the hardship all worthwhile. On the
way, we have some opportunities to encounter the Red
Hmong, Kho Mu, Mang, Dao people who still retain their
age old cultural traditions and are recognisably distinct
from each other by their dress. We arrive in Tam Duong
by late afternoon and have time strolling around to
catch our first glimpse; a small town surrounded by
breathtaking mountains and tea plantations. Overnight
in Tam Duong.
DAY
6: TAM DUONG - SAPA ( B, L )
The scenery of the north is unequalled although the
conditions are very simple. After breakfast we set
off on a half day drive following the mountain roads
to Sa Pa, our final destination. At an elevation of
1,500 meters, Sapa was founded in the early years
of the last century as a hill resort for French administrators
when the heat on the plain became unbearable. We arrive
in Sapa by mid afternoon and can soak up the fresh
climate as much as we want by spending our time wandering
this famous hill town. The ethnic people are frequently
seen on the main street of Sapa and small vendors
along the street sell local textiles and handicraft.
Overnight in Sa Pa.
DAY
7: SAPA ( B, L )
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. Overnight in Sa Pa. (B)
DAY
8: SAPA - CANCAU - BAC HA ( B, L
) ( Saturday )
After breakfast we continue venturing into northern
Vietnam, travelling through the Chinese border town
of Lao Cai to the colourful Saturday Market at CanCau.
This market also attracts a wide variety of ethnic
minority groups including the Variegated Hmong, Dao,
Phu La, La Chi, Tay who still retain their age old
cultural traditions and are recognisably distinct
from each other by their dress. Return backto Bac
Ha. As option , we can embark a walk this afternoon,
visiting the Hmong King’s former residence and
Ban Pho where the villagers make the potent local
maize wine . Overnight in Bac Ha.
DAY
9: BAC HA - HANOI ( B, L )
( Sunday ) Night train
to Hanoi.
Am : Free visit market ( BacHa market open on sunday
morning only). This is the most colourful market in
North Vietnam. At the market, you have chance to enjoy
BacHa people's simple but unique kinds of food with
special wines made from rice, cassavas, corn and different
sorts of fruits such as plumps, apples, peaches...
talking to the minorities through the guide's interpretation.
Leave the market for the H'mong King's house (King
Hoang A Tuong) built by the French colonists and the
Chinese in 1920. Return the town for lunch. In the
afternoon, spend time visiting another village (BanPho
village). 3pm
take the bus going back to railway station for a night
train Ratraco to Hanoi depart at 6pm. Overnight on
the train.
DAY 10: HANOI - HALONG (
B, L, D )
5h30 Arrive at the train station. Have breakfast at
the restaurant then transfer to Ha Long Bay. Tour
guide take you to the departure point for Halong bay
by shuttle bus at 8h00Am : Check in Dragon pearl,
enjoy welcome
drinks. Lunch with fresh seafood will be served right
after. Check in the room after having lunch. At 13:00pm,
boat start cruising. Cruising around to see the amazing
karsts with different formations: Fighting Cock islet,
Gom isletn Ga islet, Human Head islet, Luon cave...
and then visit Amazing cave (Sung sot cave). Continue
to Bo Nau cave, Ti Top island, and then there
will be lots of time for swimming and sun bathing
(weather permitting). Enjoy a great sunset dinner
& relaxe. Over night on Dragon’s Pearl Junk.
DAY
11: HALONG - HANOI ( B, L )
Early risers can
enjoy an energizing swim in the cool, calm, quiet
of the overnight anchorage. A Buffet brunch is served
from 07:30 to 09:30. The cruise continues passing
more interesting formations such as Titot and Soi
Sim Beaches, Ngon Tay (Finger) islet, Thien Nga (Swan)
islet and Ga Choi (Fighting Cocks) islet on the return
to Halong City. Then disembark at Halong Tourist Whar.
We
then travel by roads back to Ha Noi with stopover
at Dong Trieu pottery village. Overnight in Ha Noi.
DAY
12: HANOI - DEPARTURE ( B )
There is a free time for you to relax or further explore
Ha Noi. The trip ends after your transfer to Noi Bai
Airport for departure.
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