Authenic Vietnam

DAY 1:  HANOI ARRIVAL (D)

On arrival at Noi Bai Airport, welcome to Vietnam by our guide and transferred to hotel for check in. 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.

Dinner at local restaurant. Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.

DAY 2:  HANOI – SAPA (B/L/D)

Morning, city tour to visit Hochiminh Complex, this complex  comprises the Mausoleum of the nation’s founder Hochiminh (closed on Monday, Friday and the whole months of October-November), the Presidential Palace and the Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts, the One Pillar Pagoda, whose origins date back to the foundation of city. We follow this with a trip to the Temple of Literature, which is well known as the first university of Vietnam built in 1070. Lunch at local restaurant.

Afternoon, we visit the Ethnological Museum, the most interesting museum in Hanoi. We will view Tran Quoc Pagoda,Vietnam’s oldest pagoda, built in the 6th century and located on Cayang Island in the middle of the lake.  We visit these sights before continuing to the peaceful lake of Hoan Kiem with Ngoc Son Temple, take 1-hour Cyclo trip around with 36 streets of Ha Noi old quarter and enjoy the performance of the famous Vietnamese traditional art of water puppetry at Thang Long theatre. Dinner at local restaurant then drive to Hanoi railway sation for train to Sapa (depart: 8:20pm)

Overnight on train.

DAY 3: SAPA – CAT CAT VILLAGE (B/L/D)

Early arrival Lao Cai station around 4:00am, meet with our local guide and breakfast at local restaurant in Lao Cai then transfer by car for the highland town of Sapa. Same morning we visit the Minority Village where ethnic minority people are in various styles of traditional dress – indigo tunics and leggings, elaborate pleated skirts, sliver-studded jackets. The first sightseeing is Cat Cat minority village where you will have a new understanding to these minorities and experience the unique lifestyle.

Lunch at local restaurant

Afternoon, take a stroll to the local market to see the various local fresh produce and handicrafts for sale, you will continue to trek across wooden bridges tucked away in the valley to view the hidden Silver Waterfall. End of tour at around 4:00 PM. Free at leisure.

Dinner at local restaurant. Overnight at hotel in Sapa.

DAY 4: SAPA – LAO CHAI – TA VAN  VILLAGE (B/L/D)

Morning, free at leisure, relax and enjoy the beautiful landscape from your balcony. The short journey will commence with a drive southwards Muong Hoa valley. You will then start your descending walk into the valley, which is the largest paddy terrace in Sapa area. The guide can provide you with interesting information about rice and rice growing. If you visit the valley some time in between May and October, you will be able to experience how the local do planting and harvesting, one of the most important activities in their daily life. The walk takes you from Lao Chai village of Black H’mong minority to Ta Van village of Dzay and Dzao minority people & experience the daily life of minority people to understand their culture and customs before transfer back Laocai for train to hanoi Overnight on the train.

DAY 5:  SAPA – HANOI – HALONG (B/L/D)

Early morning, arrival Hanoi. Meet with our guide then transfer to a restaurant for breakfast and taste  Vietnamese coffee. After that transfer to Halong via vehicle  (160km driving one way – 3.5hrs drive). This will be your first opportunity to see some of the rural areas of Vietnam. The drive goes through the Red River delta, so we’ll have plenty of chance for taking photo of Vietnamese farmers tilling the vast green paddy field. At half way, we will have a visit to a handicraft workshop with fine clothes and embroidered paintings. With a quick rest stop en route, you will reach Halong City.

Arrival in Halong at 11:30. Check in Junk. Lunch on board with welcome wine. Enjoy a fantastic cruise in Halong Bay to visit Sung Sot cave, round over Tuan Chau island, Dinh Huong island, Gachoi island, Dog island, Sail island and a swim at titov beach. Enjoy dinner on board while watching sunset. Overnight on Bai Tho junk or similar in Ha long.

DAY 6: HALONG – HANOI (B/L/D)

Early risers can enjoy a morning view of Bay’s landscapes. Sitting on the upper desk we can enjoy the breath – taking beauty of the rocky islands rising from the crystal-clear water of the Bay. We can hear the birds singing, cicadas chirping ashore and the gentle lapping of the waves against our boat, the perfect soundtrack to accompany the fresh air and  gentle breeze. A morning cruise to visit Man’s head island. Tortoise island. Visit to Bai Tu Long bay then arrange luggage and check out then have lunch on boat. Arrive at the pier. Our guide and driver pick you up and drive back Hanoi.

Check in hotel. Free at leisure. Dinner at local restaurant. Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.

DAY 7: HANOI – DEPARTURE (B)

Free at leisure until transfer to airport for departure flight