Day
1: Arrival in Hanoi
Meeting
& greeting at the airport upon your arrival and transfer to hotel
for check-in and tour briefing. If time permits we will take an
orientation tour around central Hanoi.
Day
2: Hanoi City Tour - Night train to Lao Cai (B)
Today
we'll be on a full day tour to discover the most outstanding
attractions of Hanoi. First we pay a visit to the complex of memorials
to Ho Chi Minh to know his amazing life.
Continue
to the Single Pillar Pagoda and the Temple of Literature to gain understanding of the two driving forces in Vietnam culture.
Afternoon we visit the Museum of Ethnology which exhibits
a large collection of artifacts about the cultures of the 54 ethnic
groups in the country. Next we enjoy a rickshaw ride through
the lively Old Quarter, a series of 36 ancient streets where peddlers
still trade the way they have done for centuries.
The rickshaw tour ends up at an old house on Ma May Street, an example
of dwellings in the 19 century. Later we walk through the busy traffic
to the water puppet theatre and enjoy a performance of the
famed traditional art form created by village farmers around the
Red River Delta region. Transfer to Hanoi Railway Station and board
a night train to Lao Cai on the border with China, the gateway
to Sapa.
Day
3: Lao Cai -Sapa (B, L)
Early
morning arrival at Lao Cai Railway Station, we'll be greeted and
transferred 40 km upland to Sapa. Enjoy breakfast then descend by
car to Muong Hoa Valley where we'll trek a meandering path through
the villages of Lao Chai and Ta Van of the Black Hmong and Day people.
Home visits are included to discover local life.
Enjoy
a picnic lunch in a village on the trek route then return to town.
Take a moderate climb up the Ham Rong Mount for a great view of
Vietnam's highest mountain range, Fanxipan, filled with terraced
rice paddies and deep valleys. There's also a chance to enjoy a
show by ethnic minority artists.
Day
4: Sapa - Lao Cai - Train to Hanoi (B, L)
Free
in the morning to relax or explore the town independently.
In
the afternoon we travel by car to the ethnic villages of Ma Tra
and Ta Phin and take a light trek to experience the local life of
the ethnic minority people of H'Mong and Red Dzao, the 2 largest
ethnic groups in the area. You
can already recognize them by their distinctive dressings.
Later
we transfer to Lao Cai and visit the border gate to China before
the night train back to Hanoi.
NOTE:
Alternatively, a hill tribe market tour can be arranged (Sunday,
Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday)
Travel
downhill from Sapa to Bac Ha/ Coc Ly/Lung Khau Nhin/Pha Long passing
the beautiful mountainous road. In Bac Ha/ Coc Ly/Lung Khau Nhin/Pha
Long, visit the colourful market where you can meet about
10 different ethnic minorities. People flock to the market
for not only trading but also drinking local whiskey and socialization…
Later,
visit some more hill tribe villages which is a great opportunities
to see local life amidst natural scenic setting. Transfer to Lao
Cai and tour the gate to China before the night train back
to Hanoi.
Day
5: Hanoi - Halong Bay (B, L, D)
Back
in Hanoi early this morning, we'll be met and transferred to a mini
hotel for refreshment and breakfast.
Afterwards,
we journey east to Halong Bay, through picturesque rice-farming
villages of the Red River Delta, where we see everyday Vietnamese
village life.
On
arrival, we board a beautiful traditional junk and spend
a full day and night cruising the bay's 3000 magnificent limestone
islets. In the evening when the boat is anchored in the middle of
the stunning lagoon, we enjoy a wonderful seafood meal and later
there is opportunity for an evening swim from the side of the boat.
Spend the night on our luxurious boat.
NOTE:
Kayaks are available if specified at time of booking.
Day
6 Halong - Danang - Hoian
(B, L)
Wake
up to fresh coffee then further cruising and more sightseeing. En
route the junk weaves through impressive rock formations that invite
comparisons from fighting cocks to dragons and even further!
Disembark
and transfer to airport for a flight to Danang in Middle Vietnam.
Meet up with our local guide upon arrival and drive 35 km along
the scenic coast to the quaint town of Hoian for the night.
Day
7 Hoian (B)
This
morning we'll be on foot exploring the ancient quarter of
Hoian, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site because of
its historic role in international trade, unusually well-preserved
ancient streets and homes. Sites include the Japanese Bridge,
a Sino-Vietnamese merchant house, a Chinese Temple, the Central
Market, and the Culture Museum.
There'll be time for independent
exploration and shopping opportunities, which many of our guests prefer as Hoian is a very good place to find interesting gifts. This is also the place that you can have a suit or dress tailor-made (usually
ready in 24 hours).
Optional tour of herb village: take a bike ride or car depending on your preference through the rural scenery of Hoian to a small vegetable planting village located on the banks of Tra Que lagoon (5km - 15mins cycling from Hoian). Tra Que village has been known for its special aromatic herbs such as mint and basil. Join local people in their daily work of planting and watering vegetables. Learn to cook some local specialties, for example "Tam Huu" - a set of shrimps, pork and aromatic herbs, and then enjoy lunch. Tour finishes around 14:00 PM. We can re-arrange your morning walking tour to suit.
Overnight in Hoi An.
Day
8: Hoian (B)
Free
day to relax in Hoian and enjoy the hotels ammenities, the local
beaches and/or shopping.
Day
9: Hoian - Danang - Hue (B, D)
We
leave Hoian and travel overland to Hue, the former capital of Vietnam,
This visiting the Cham sculpture museum, the Non Nuoc Beach and
Marble Mountains in Danang, climbing over the breathtaking Pass
of Ocean Clouds and passing by the scenic beach of Lang Co.
In
Hue we'll be exploring the former Imperial Citadel, a complex
of palaces and temples built in the early 19th century and a recognized
UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. We also take a leisure boat
trip on the scenic Perfume River and visit Thien Mu
pagoda.
Round
off the evening with Hue cuisine and folk music.
Day
10: Hue - Saigon (B)
This
morning we visit the tomb of Emperor Minh Mang and also a
fascinating royal garden house before taking the flight to
Saigon.
Upon
arrival in Saigon, meet your guide and explore some of Saigon's
famous landmarks including the Former Presidential Palace, War
Remnant Museum, War Remnant Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, the
Central Post Office, the Opera House, the City Hall, and Ben Thanh
Market.
Day
11:
Saigon - Tay Ninh/Caodai Temple - Cu Chi Tunnels - Saigon (B, L)
Our
tour today includes a visit to the opulent Holy See Temple of Caodai Sect in Tay Ninh. Caodai is a fascinating Vietnamese religion
combining aspects of Christian, Buddhism, Muslim, Taoism and Confucius
into a single religion. There's a chance to observe the impressive
noon service of adherents.
Early
afternoon we travel to Cu Chi to explore the legendary network
of underground combat tunnels where our guide will explain
how the Vietcong survived and fought during the Vietnam War. Known
as the "Iron Triangle" during the war of the 60's, the story of
Cu Chi is one of struggle, determination against all odds, and eventual
victory. Now the tunnels are a major site of interest for tourists
and historians, and those interested in Vietnam's military history.
Day
12: Saigon - My Tho - Can Tho in Mekong Delta (B, L)
We
leave the hustle and bustle of Saigon behind and journey to Mekong
Delta, a world that lives and works on the waters. Arriving in My
Tho, a prosperous town just 80 km from Saigon, we take a boat to
an insular village to visit family workshops producing handicrafts
and candy from coconut. Tasting seasonal tropical fruits in an exuberant
orchard, we ride a horse cart to a typical Delta house and
enjoy folk music by amateurs.
Proceed
by local sampan through the small canals and side arms of
the river to further experience river life. For lunch we'll sample
regional specialties such as Elephant Ear Fish, Rice Ball, etc…
After a pleasant break we travel to Can Tho where we take a spin
around Ninh Kieu Quay - bustling and exciting with river life on
Hau River.
Day
13: Can Tho - Saigon (B)
Early
morning, we take a boat to the extraordinary floating market of Cai Rang. Famous as one of the largest markets on the complex
of waterways that comprise the Mekong Delta, hundreds of
boats packed with local produces gather and make for an exciting
maze. Boats come to us from all sides, offering fruits, vegetables,
plants, foods, etc… Sellers advertise their wares by hanging samples
high atop bamboo poles so that their customers can find from afar.
It
is a great view of how commerce actually happens in the Mekong.
The boat tour is capped off with an orchard visit. We then return
to Saigon for a night of rest..
Day
14: Saigon - Phnom Penh, Cambodia(B)
This morning we depart Vietnam and fly to Phnom Penh, Cambodia. We’ll be met at Phnom Penh airport and transferred to the airport to relax.
In
the afternoon we tour the capital city of Cambodia, taking in the
opulent Royal Palace with the dazzling Silver Pagoda, the
impressive National Museum, the hilltop temple of Wat Phnom, the
Independence Monument. Mosey along Sisowath Quay at sunset and take
the opportunity to see stalls selling fried cockroaches, spiders,
crickets or grasshoppers or other culinary delights.
Day
15: Phnom Penh - Siem Reap (B, D)
After
breakfast we'll immerse in the exotic sights and sounds of the Central
Market located in a distinctive domed Art Deco building, a labyrinth
of stalls selling everything from CDs and DVDs to silks, crafts,
jewelry and more.
Visit
the notorious Toul Sleng Genocide Museum and the infamous Cheoung
Ek Killing Fields - proofs of the crimes against mankind
by Khmer Rouge.
Fly
to Siem Reap and enjoy dinner with entertainment from Apsara
dancers. Later, visit the lively Pub Street as well the lucky
Night Market.
Day
16 Siem Reap (B)
Today
we start exploring the wonders left by a highly complex civilization
that controlled the greater part of Southeast Asia for four centuries.
Enter the Great City of Angkor Thom through the South Gate
and visit the temples of Baphoun and Phimeanakas, the Terraces of
Elephant and Leper King, and the mysterious smiling Bayon.
Take
a break then continue with the fascinating temples of Ta Prohm,
Banteay Kdei, Takeo, Thommanon, Chau Say Thevoda, and the Royal
Bath of Sras Srang. Hike up Phnom Bakheng to behold the magnificent
sunset into the land of temples.
Day
17: Siem Reap (B)
This
morning we'll be touring the epic Angkor Wat complex. Built
in the 12th century as the capital of King Suryavarman II's kingdom,
this is the largest and best-preserved of the Angkor temples. It
is the apogee of classical Khmer architecture and has become a symbol
of Cambodia, appearing on the national flag, and stands on par with
such other monumental achievements as Machu Picchu and the Great
Pyramid.
In
the afternoon we drive out of town to the rural village of
Pour Krom and walk through this lovely village to see local life.
We enjoy an ox cart ride before transfer to Chong Knies village
to enjoy a boat trip on the Great Lake of Tonle Sap to see
the fascinating floating village communities and get a taste of
life ruled by monsoonal rains and water-based agriculture.
Day
18: Siem Reap - Bangkok
(B)
Free
until departure to the airport for the flight to Bangkok. Upon arrival
at Bangkok airport you will be met by our tour representative and
transferred to your hotel for check-in and tour briefing. The remainder
of the day will be at your own leisure. Free time, subject to flight
times.
Day
19: Bangkok City Tour (B, L)
Today
we take a full day tour of Bangkok, "The Pearl of Asia".
Our tour includes the Royal Grand Palace, one of the most beautiful
buildings of ancient Siam. Visit Wat Po, one of the oldest temples
in Bangkok and home of the famous 45 meter reclining Buddha as well
as the original school of traditional Thai massage. Explore Wat
Trimit, home to the Golden Buddha.
After
lunch, we travel by long tailed boat on the picturesque Chao Phraya
River and canals to see the serene family homes and temples along
the water ways. On our return journey we visit the Royal Barge Museum
and Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn.
Day
20: Bangkok (B)
Free
day to explore and shop in Bangkok.
Day
21: Bangkok -
Departure (B)
Free
before transferring to the airport for the departure flight.
Small
Group tour starting every Saturday
Dates & Price (per person)
Ref
|
Weekly
Departures- 4 Star hotels
|
Departure
Dates
|
Twin
share (£)
|
TCVD
|
Jan
- Sept 2016
|
Weekly
|
£2899
|
TCVD
|
|
Weekly
|
£2999
|
NOTE:
Bangkok can be visited at either the beginning or end of the tour.
Prices
are based upon a small group tour excluding international flights
from UK. As an agent for airline consolidators, we can obtain your
international flights at a competitive rate to suit your preferred
departure date. Contact
us to discuss your requirements.
Hotel
upgrade to 5-Star is available and private tailor-made tours can
also be arranged.
Buy
your flight tickets Now
and save £££s
on your holiday!
|
Price
Includes (The
prices shown are 'per person')
- All
flights within Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia including airport
tax.
- All
airport/hotel transfers where specified (private transfer).
- Sightseeing
tours including entrance fee by professional English-speaking
tour guide.
- Meals
as specified in the itinerary.
- Mini
Water provided on coach
-
Air conditioned transportation
- Guaranteed
Departure
Price
Does Not Include
- International
Flights: We are happy to provide flights with full ATOL Protection.
- Visa
letter of ariival fee (please contact us for
details).
- Visa
stamping fees at Airports
- Travel
Insurance.
- Tip
for driver and Guide.
Meals:
As stated in itinerary, B = breakfast, L = Lunch, D= Dinner
FAQ
and further Tour information
Please
see our FAQ
page for further essential tour information.
The itinerary
is designed according to the most updated information of the flight
available, although occasionally the sequence in which cities are
visited and duration of time spent in each city can change due to
local conditions which are out of our control. The above itinerary
highlights the main attractions that are to be visited each day.
Further places of interest may be visited during your stay, which
will provide unique ethnic and cultural handcraft shopping opportunities.
We reserve the right to change, amend or alter the itinerary, although
we will act in your best interests to handle any amendments. Please
refer to the booking form for detailed terms & conditions.
|