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Day 01: Arrive
Hanoi (B,D)
Arrive at Hanoi Noi Bai Airport, private transfer to the Sofitel
Plaza Hotel. Afternoon at leisure followed by dinner at the
Emperor Restaurant set in a beautifully restored French Colonial
Villa. The chefs serve up Southern Vietnamese specialties. A
traditional folk lore show is included with dinner. Overnight in
Hanoi.
Day 02: Hanoi - Lao Cai for Sapa by night train(B,L,D)
Free time in the morning; lunch at the Le Tonkin Restaurant,
which specialises in preparing authentic Northern Vietnamese
Cuisine. In the evening, transfer to the Victoria Express Train
for an overnight journey to Lao Cai. Dinner and overnight on
train.
Day 03: Arrive Lao Cai Sapa (B)
Arrive and drive to the Victoria Hotel Sapa for two nights.
Afternoon at leisure to explore the numerous hotel facilities.
Overnight in Sapa.
Day 04: Sapa (B)
Following breakfast at we explore the Sapa daily market and then
set out on our 3-4 hour trek that will take us along buffalo
paths and trails and through several hilltribe villages of Lao
Chai and Tavan, home to H'mong, and Dzay people. This is an
absolutely spectacular walk through stunning scenery inhabited
by some of the friendliest people you can meet. Stop for a
picnic lunch on the way at a family in Ta Van village. Overnight
in Sapa
Day 05: Sapa - Lao Cai for Hanoi by night train
(B)
This morning is free at leisure. This afternoon, we transfer
back to Lao Cai for the Victoria Express train journey back to
Hanoi. The train departs at 9:15 pm. Overnight on train.
Day 06: Hanoi (B,L)
Early arrive Hanoi. Pick up and transfer to hotel. At leisure.
Take part in cooking class in the afternoon. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 07: Halong Bay Excursion (B/L/-)
We depart early today for the wonders of Halong Bay, a UNESCO
World Heritage site regaled with breathtaking limestone
formations. We'll board our own private boat for a five-hour
cruise around the secluded and majestic bay, which covers more
than 1,500 square kilometers in the Gulf of Tonkin. As legend
holds, the bay was created when a huge dragon fell to earth, and
indeed, Halong means, Where the dragon descends into the sea.
This is an ideal spot for unwinding from the pace of city life.
The islands of the bay are filled with deserted beaches,
enchanting grottos and enticing caves, one of which is thought
to have been used to store the wooden stakes wielded against
13th century Mongol invaders. We'll have a chance to swim in the
bay's tranquil emerald waters, and to visit one of the splendid
caves. Onboard, we'll enjoy a fresh seafood lunch. After lunch,
take another swim or lounge on the deck, soaking up the ambience
of this exquisite place. We'll return to Hanoi in the early
evening. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 08: Hanoi Hoi An(B/D/-)
Transfer to airport for flight to Hoi An and 3 nights at the
Golden Sands Resort Rest of the day at leisure, before dinner
at the famous White Lantern Restaurant for a five-course meal
featuring Hoi An's unique cuisine. Hoi An was a major Asian
trading centre in the 17th and 18th Century and many of the
original buildings remain. Enjoy a guided walking tour of the
ancient town centre, including the 400-year-old Japanese covered
bridge and the colorful local market area of this unique
UNESCO-designated World Heritage city. Overnight in Hoi An.
Day 09: Hoi An (B,D)
Morning cycle tour through the paddy fields down to the nearby
beaches. Free time in the afternoon.
Evening dinner at Tam Tam Restaurant situated in an old
colonial villa and run by a French expatriate. It provides a
great combination of food, wine and people watching. Overnight
in Hoi An.
Day 10: Hoi An (B)
Free time for the entire day. Overnight in Hoi An.
Day 11: Hoi An Nha Trang (B)
Transfer to Hoi An Airport for flight to Nha Trang and 3 nights
at the Evason Hideaway Resort. Afternoon and evening at leisure.
Overnight in Nha Trang.
Day 12: Nha Trang (B,L)
Full-day boat trip to include BBQ lunch and snorkeling in Nha
Trang Bay. Overnight in Nha Trang.
Day 13: Nha Trang (B)
Morning at leisure followed by afternoon private tour of Nha
Trang including visit to the 9th Century Cham Towers and 14mt
high Buddha statue. Overnight in Nha Trang.
Day 14: Nha trang - HCMC (B,D)
Transfer and flight to HCMC for two nights at the Park Hyatt
Hotel. Afternoon - Afternoon private city touring by cyclo.
Dinner at Vietnam House Restaurant Saigon.
The cuisine of the south uses many herbs and spices and has been
influenced by Cambodia, Thailand and India, among others.
Curries using coconut milk are an example of this influence. The
south also has a wide selection of tropical fruits and
vegetables that are not readily available in the cooler north.
Overnight in HCMC.
Day 15: Ho Chi Minh City (B)
Full-day private excursion to Tay Ninh and Cu Chi or Mekong
Delta. Overnight in HCMC.
Day 16: Departure(B)
Transfer to Tan Son Nhat airport for departure.
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