Footprints of Vietnam: From Hills to Mekong - 17 Days

Arrival in Noi Bai airport, you will be picked up then transferred to the hotel in the city center. Your drive crossing Red River and have an over view of city with typical houses architecture and world's most special traffic. 

Note: Hotel check in is available at 14.00

Exploring the Capital City of Hanoi

In the morning, visit the Tran Quoc Pagoda—dating back to the 6th century during the reign of Emperor Ly Nam De. Then visit the mausoleum (closed on Mondays and Fridays), dedicated to Ho Chi Minh, who led Vietnam to independence from the French. Enjoy a pleasant stroll through the botanical garden to visit the Presidential Palace—Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house where he lived and worked.

Late morning, visit the Temple of Literature—known as the first National University and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Bun Cha which is the best choice for an easy and tasty lunch in Hanoi. Pork patties and slices of pork belly are grilled over hot coals and served with fish sauce, tangy vinegar, sugar and lime which, when combined, creates a sort of barbecue soup that is eaten with rice vermicelli and fresh herbs. Accompanied by deep-fried spring rolls, this calorie rich dish is served with garlic and chilies on the side for an extra kick.

In the afternoon, continue to the Hoa Lo Prison Museum (Hanoi Hilton), which chronicles Vietnam’s history during French colonial rule and the Vietnam War. Take a cyclo ride through the Old Quarter to Hoan Kiem Lake.
Evening at leisure. Meals are at the guests’ own expense.
 

Pick up from hotel for 15 minutes transfer to train station. You will take an overnight sleeping train to Sapa. The French colonist train style will give you special experience. Arrival in Lao Cai city in early morning.

Sau Chua hamlet to start off the beaten trek of 15km up-downhill that is your challenge but the reward is worth it. Towards a hill-tribe village of Sa Seng where you will be able to see the authentic lifestyle of the Black H’Mong people who originated from China since and have been in Vietnam from the 11th century.

Enjoy a picnic lunch or a meal at a local restaurant before trekking uphill along the side of mountain to get the most wonderful views of the Muong Hoa valley at the elevation of 1,800m. Descend into the valley on a trek to the Hau Thao village, consisting of only a few houses and church scattered on a rocky point. You will get the best scenery in the area with rice terraces, small villages nestled on the huge Hoang Lien mountain range and even the peak of Indochina, Fansipan peak (when the weather permits). Keep trekking down the trail to Muong Hoa valley.

the Silver waterfall, which is the biggest one in Sapa. Hike up 200 steps and cross the bridge to get as close as possible to the waterfall, enjoy the views (if the weather permits).

Ta Van village, the charming land of the Dzay people, well located on the hill with amazing views of river, rice terraces and Hoang Lien Son Mountain range. As you leisurely walk, meet villagers who will kindly invite you to visit their homes.

Lao Chai village. Turn on a small path crossing the rice field to a small hamlet. Have a special visit to grandma who is the only craftsman left in the community, traditionally using beeswax for decoration to make the unique Hmong’s indigo clothing. It is also great chance to learn about their daily life and culture.

Get pick up by shuttle bus at hotel lobby for a transfer to Hanoi. Arrive to your hotel in Hanoi around 8:00 PM

Meet tour guide and driver then depart to Mai Chau. On the way, visit a Muong village. Continue to Thung Khe pass where you can view magnificent panoramic views of the valley before arriving in Mai Chau town. Mai Chau is a beautiful valley located 145 km away from Hanoi. It is great place with harmonious landscapes, green mountain ranges, rice terraces and White Thai ethnic villages.

Arrive in Mai Chau, check in your accommodation and have a break for lunch. In the afternoon, take a 5km bike ride(optional) or walk to the rice fields. Discover the culture and daily life of the locals in Lac, Na Phon, Poong Com villages. See the rural work on rice fields, the weaving craftsman, and encounter with locals. Return to your accommodation in the late afternoon.

8:00 AM: The professional tour guide and driver will pick you up at hotel, first pay a visit to Hoa Lu - the former capital of Vietnam from the 10 to the 11 century, visit the two temples: Temple of King Dinh and King Le Continue to Tam Coc and enjoy lunch at local restaurant. Tam Coc which has been well-known as the “Halong Bay on land” and appeared in famous French movie “Indochina”. Then boarding a small sampan to visit Tam Coc which means literally “three caves” (2.5 hour boat trip) Then, you visit Bich Dong pagoda nearby. Overnight in hotel

Mua Cave, one of best trekking routes in Ninh Binh, located 3.5 km away from Tam Coc. It means “Dancing cave” due to the site being used by the Tran King to enjoy dancing and singing performances.

You will spend almost 1 hour trekking up nearly 500 steps. The higher you go the better the view you get. Reach the top of Ngoa Long Mountain you will get wonderful panoramic views of golden rice fields in Tam Coc, exotic limestone mountains and idyllic villages. Enjoy the views and fresh air while stand next to the Lady Buddha statue. 

7.00. Transfer to Halong Bay 11:30 – 11:45 Arrive at Halong International Harbor 
12:15 Embark on cruise by tender. Check-in, enjoy welcome drinks and cruise briefing
13:00 Enjoy lunch while cruising to magnificent Ha Long Bay, and admire the fascinating formations on the way
14:45 Luon cave - Kayak or Bamboo boat 
Luon cave excursion on bamboo rowing boat by locals or kayak. This is one of the must-do activities in the bay. 
16:00 Titop island – Climbing, Beach & Swimming 
Your next stop is Titop island with its famous crescent moon-shaped beach and tranquil beautiful blue waters. Viewing Halong Bay from the peak of Titop island is another not-to-be missed activity. 
17:00 – 18:30 Enjoy the best moments of the day at sundeck as the sun hits the water between the dramatic limestone peaks and emerald-green coves, enjoying drinks and a cooking demonstration.
19:15 Savour a delicious dinner
21:00 Night time squid fishing 
22:30 Free of mind with sweet dreams

Note:

-The itinerary is subject to change in case of bad weather
-English speaking guide on board

06:15 Enjoy sunrise on the Bay. Morning Tai Chi session on sundeck
06:30 Light breakfast. Coffee, tea and pastries served in restaurant
07:20 Sung Sot cave excursion
Explore Sung Sot Cave – the biggest and most stunning cave in Halong Bay
09:15 Check-out of cabins & bill settlement. Start cruising back to the port
09:30 Buffet brunch served at the restaurant 
10:45 – 11:00 Back to the port. Farewell and disembark
11:15 – 11:30 Transfer back to Hanoi Old Quarter. Arrive at approximately 14:30-14:45.
End of our service. 

Spend a half day for an excursion to the sacred valley of the Champa Kingdom. Located 40km from Hoi An Town, My Son was once the most important intellectual and religious center of the kingdom of Champa and may also have served as a burial place for Cham monarchs.

It comprises of many Champa temples, in a valley roughly two kilometers wide, surrounded by two mountain ranges. In 1999, the My Son temple complex was recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site  

Hoi An used to be one of the most typical South-East Asian trading ports dating from the 15th to the 19th century and the Old Town is still well-preserved. The exchanged cultures is displayed on many historic buildings, religion, daily business and enriched by the authentic lifestyle of local inhabitants.

the Hoi An city’s symbol - the Chua Cau or the Japanese Covered Bridge, built in the 17th century to allow the Japanese quarter to be accessible from the Chinese neighborhoods. The bridge’s original style has been carefully preserved for the last 400 years.

the Cantonese Assembly Hall sits right next to the Cau Pagoda, constructed by Cantonese settlers during the 19th century for communication among Chinese residents and worshipping the Thien Hau Holy Mother. On a visit, you can admire the structure as well as the decor, which includes a striking dragon made from pottery.

Far diffrent from the famous Hoian ancient town or sand beaches, the rural countryside gives you the most authentic experience about life and people here. Cycling through the riverside villages, crossing rice fields and meeting people...

- Gently cycling in Kim Bong carpentering village

- Witness the landscaps from Thu Bon river

- Sampan boat experience

to Cam Thanh village. Along the way the landscapes of fishing farms and water palmtrees will accompany you. Arrive in Cam Thanh and embark a small round bamboo sampan basket boat. Enjoy crab catching in the water palm trees forest. This is a relaxing moment after hours of biking.

After that take a little rest in the house of fisherman (Mr. Phong) enjoy green tea and foot massage with medicinal herbs that planted in the family garden. Then prepare vegetables and herbs from Tra Que village, join in a small practice of cooking the typical dishes: crispy pancake (meat, shrimp, beansprouts…), spring rolls of Hoi An, Tam Huu, grilled fish in banana leaf… Enjoy the dishes you made.

Kim Bong village. On the boat, you will immerse yourselves into the comfortable fresh air and enjoy the idyllic landscapes on both sides of the river.

This village has long been known for its wood carving. At first, the artisans inherited the techniques from the northern Vietnamese. Later, from business exchange, they could successfully adopt the know-how of Chinese and Japanese sculptures and cultivate their own style. Bike around the village to understand their daily life and visit a carpenter's workshop to admire their talent. It is possible to buy some wood products as souvenirs.

to Tra Nhieu village. Immerse into the countryside in the center of Vietnam. The trip will allow some unprecedented meetings for instance, Ms Duoc with the mat weaving, Mr Kha with the bamboo sampan basket making and Mr Huynh Ri with his craftsman shipyard. A countryside landscape of palm and rice fields, buffaloes and farmers in the fields will surround you along the way.

Pick up at hotel in Hoi An and transfer to Hue. After that we go to visit the most important sites in city - Hue Citadel, the only vestige symbol for what was once the imperial city of Vietnam. It is inspired by the fortification of Vauban. The city is composed of three parts: Kinh Thanh (the Capital city), Hoang Thanh (the Imperial city) and Cam Thanh (the Forbidden City). The most beautiful sites in Hue are concentrated in this area including the flag tower, the South gate, the palace of supreme Harmony, the Dynasty temple area and the settlement area.

On direction to visit Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the oldest pagodas in Hue, dating back to 1601. This is the spiritual highlight of the city and well known for its majestic octagon tower and beautiful view of the Perfume River.  

Khai Dinh King's tomb, built in 11 years (1920 – 1931) on Chau Tru hill. Khai Dinh King's tomb is distinguished from other emperor's tombs by the mixture of oriental and western styles. A hundred-step climb will take you to the worship palace at the top. You will discover the amazing decoration with delightful porcelain fragments, a giant painting on the ceiling and a small royal objects museum next door. Finally, the descent offers a panoramic view to the tomb and surrounding area.

the Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral, originally built between 1863 and 1880, evidently reflects the French colonist influences. It’s a picturesque spot in the city.

the top visited in Ho Chi Minh – the War Remnant museum. The exhibits offer you all-sided views of the Vietnam War that might bring a big surprise than you are probably used to hearing and seeing.

the Independence Palace, once used as the home - office of the Presidents of South Vietnam. Our visit includes the North Vietnamese tank which effectively attacked the palace in 1975 to bring the controversial Vietnam War to an end and the five-story palace with its rooms have been preserved in their late 1960s, 1970s style and a bunker basement.

have a visit to Binh Tay Market, located in Saigon’s Chinatown area with hundreds of stalls, the biggest market in city actually contributes a hub for many of Saigon’s demands including clothing, souvenir and food items. There is also a food court where visitors can sample local delicacies and street food.

Meet our tour guide and driver for your transfer to Cai Be. Visit Cao Dai temple on route. On arrival, embark a small private boat for a cruise in a branch of the Mekong River. Experience the rhythm of life on the legendary Mekong River by visiting the canals lined with orchards.

Visiting craft workshops of rice popcorn, coconut caramel and rice cake…Go biking or walking on the village paths to discover the ancient and beautiful Phu Chau pagoda where the serenity reigns and meet the local people. Enjoy lunch in an open air restaurant where you can taste a famous local specialty, the elephant ear fish. Finally, enjoy tasting delicious fruits while rowing a small rowboat in the canals, shaded by the fruit trees.

Continue your boat trip to Vinh Long and meet the driver at the pier for a transfer to Can Tho. Arrive in Can Tho in the late afternoon.  Check in your hotel and relax. Enjoy free time on your own to discover the city located on the Mekong River side.

Meet tour guide and driver for a short transfer to the pier to take a boat trip to visit Cai Rang floating market, the largest and most lively market in the Mekong Delta. There are so many colors and smells in the bubbling atmosphere where hundreds of sampans are filled with goods such as rice, fruits, and craft products. Everything is shown to sell from the early morning.

We leave the market and continue the boat trip through the canals and visit a fruit garden (Option - replace the garden with the nursery field by the river). Head back to An Binh Market which is full of fish, fruits and vegetables.

Have a break for lunch in Can Tho then depart to Long Xuyen, visit the ancient house of Binh Thuy (also called the orchid house) and Bang Lang Stork garden. En-route, visit the fishing nets factory and the crocodile farm. Check into the hotel in Long Xuyen and relax.

Have early breakfast then transfer to the animated and authentic floating market and village in Long Xuyen on a small tributary of the Mekong River. Discover the daily activities of people living by the river. Then take a short walk (or 1 hour biking) on Cu Lao Ong Ho Island.

After that, go back to the car for a transfer to Chau Doc. On arrival, visit Chau Doc Market and enjoy a boat trip to the floating fish village and Cham village. Return to the town for a transfer to Tra Su reserve, an exceptional biodiversity ecosystem with typical cajuput forest. This is also a famous bird park, known for a variety of species.

Return to Chau Doc to discover Sam Mountain (287m) with colorful temples and Pagodas (Xu Lady Pagoda, Thoai Ngoc Hau temple, Tay An pagoda). It's possible to walk up to the top of mountain or take a motorbike taxi to enjoy the awesome sunset over the border between Vietnam and Cambodia. Stay overnight at a hotel in Chau Doc.

Get back to Saigon via Sa Dec where we can visit Kien An Cung pagoda and Huynh Thuy Le's house from the novel by Marguerite Duras  'L’Amant – the Lover'.  Discover the local market in Sa Dec which is rich in fruits, vegetables, and fish. Arrive in Saigon in the late afternoon.

NOTE: It's possible to take a high-speed boat (at 7.00 AM) to Phnom Penh, Cambodia.Pay extra $65/pax or arrange by yourself.