Day 1 -2 Hanoi
On the first day arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. The next day starts with a walking tour from Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, to Uncle Ho’s former residence - the House of Stilts and the One Pillar Pagoda. Visit the ancient Temple of Literature and infamous Hanoi Hilton, drive pass the city lake, before explore the fascinating Old Quarter where ancient homes and temples are interspersed with traditional stores. Enjoy local specialty dinner and an evening water puppet performance. (1B/1D)
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Day 3 - 4 Halong Bay
Sit back and enjoy your first view of the northern countryside as we drive to Halong Bay - one of the world’s greatest natural wonders. Sail among thousands of limestone islands rising mystically from the water, explore caves, swim or relax on the beach. The next morning relaxing sail, change to a wooden boat to discover grotto and spot monkeys. After lunch, relaxing drive back to Hanoi, enjoy a peaceful walk around Hanoi Kiem Lake before transfer to the railway station for your overnight soft sleeper train to Sapa. (2B/2L/D)
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Day 5 - 7 Sapa
Upon arrive Sapa, you will be transferred to your hotel. The rest of day is at your leisure time to wander around the delightful town and local market. In the next two days, explore the Ta Van valley with spectacular views of cascading rice fields. See different villages of minority ethnic groups for an insight into their unique way of life, soak up the regional lifestyle of the mountain dwelling locals and learn about tribal agriculture. Return on the overnight train to Hanoi. (3B/2L/2D)
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Day 8 Hue
Arriving in Hanoi, you will fly to Danang and then transfer to your hotel in Hue - the former imperial city of Vietnam. Afternoon dragon boat cruise through the centre of Hue on the romantic Perfume River to the iconic Thien Mu pagoda before visiting the vast and ornate tombs of Vietnam’s last imperial dynasties, sample local specialty dinner. (B/D)
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Day 9 - 10 Hoi An
Morning enjoy a cyclo ride to the impressive remains Imperial walled Citadel, then scenic drive over the stunning Hai Van Pass to Hoi An, feast your eyes with spectacular coastal scenery, visit Cham Museum and Marble Mountain on the way. Enjoy a walking tour of historic Hoi An, visit ancient merchants’ houses, a Hokkien Temple, Japanese covered Bridge and the colourful riverside market. Sample a local speciality dinner. The next day is your free time to explore the ancient harbour city of Hoi An at your own. You may enjoy the wonderful cuisine at local cafes, hire a bike to explore local streets or buy some handmade clothes. (2B/D)
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Day 11 Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City)
After a short flight to Ho Chi Minh City-Vietnam’s largest city, Explore Saigon’s famous Cu Chi Tunnels, an amazing underground network of tunnels which stretches over hundreds of kilometres. You’ll have the opportunity to crawl in a section of the tunnels to learn how the brave locals built underground hospitals, kitchens and meeting rooms during their struggle for a unified Vietnam (B)
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Day 12 – 13 Mekong Delta
Explore the lush countryside of the Mekong Delta, the “rice bowl” of Vietnam. Cruising through the canals, rivers and backwaters, you’ll learn about the daily lives of the local people. Taste exotic fruits along the way, sample a Mekong specialty lunch, walk on the island’s trails and go on a sampan ride through some of the small creeks and canals. Enjoy a walking tour of Saigon’s historic Dong Khoi Street, visit the Reunification Palace, War Remnants Museum and Gustav Eiffel designed Central Post Office Enjoy a cultural show dinner cruise along the Saigon River. Your Vietnam tour ends with an airport transfer on day 13. (2B/D)
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