DAY 1: HANOI ARRIVAL
Welcome to your holiday with Vietnam Travel and Cruise!
Arrival at Hanoi airport, looks for our guide who will be waiting for you with a sign bearing your name. The journey from the airport to your hotel will take approximately one hour and is an entertaining experience full of chaotic traffic, hectic architecture and overloaded motorbikes. Check in your hotel and enjoy free time to explore the city.
Overnight in Hanoi.
DAY 2: HA NOI CITY FULL DAY – SAPA BY TRAIN
Vietnam Travel and Cruise’s car and guide will meet you at 08.00am. Our tour will start by visiting Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum. The mausoleum is the last resting place of Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam’s great revolutionist. It is a symbol of gratitude and respect of Vietnamese people for president Ho Chi Minh. The Ho Chi Minh Museum is the preserver of everything memorable related to Ho Chi Minh. Close by, the famous One Pillar Pagoda is worth a passing look. Built by King Ly Thai To in 1049, the structure has become an important symbol for the Hanoian. After that, we will continue to visit the Literature Temple and Quoc Tu Giam – Vietnam’s first University, constructed in 1070. Its gardens and well-preserved architecture offer a relaxing glimpse into Vietnam’s past.
When you finish your lunch at a local restaurant, we will proceed to Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. This is the most recent yet probable the largest and undoubtedly the most interesting museums in Hanoi and Vietnam. This is worth a thorough visit, for those who are keen to learn about the multi culturally of Vietnam and for those who would appreciate some green space. Then a late afternoon cyclo tour of Hanoi’s fascinating Old Quarter is followed by free time for shopping.
Free time to relax until 20.30 transfer to train station for an overnight train to Lao Cai.
Train time: 21.00 – 05.30 (next day).
Overnight in Train.
DAY 3: SAPA – CAT CAT – Y LINH HO – TAVAN
Early in Sapa, meet our guide and then transfer to Sapa for having breakfast and then start the tour today.
Note: bring your necessary things when trekking and other things our staff will help you to take to homestay directly.
Driver for a short road transfer heading to Cat Cat village. After a couple of minutes, you will follow a road going downhill to Cat Cat village. You will stop by a waterfall and a hydroelectric station for a while before you trek on a dirt trail through rice paddy terraces. You will also enjoy spectacular scenery while walking along a narrow river. You eventually arrive in Y Linh Ho village of Black Hmong minority, where you can take a rest while you are served lunch nearby the river.
After lunch, you head Muong Hoa valley. You will pass through Lao Chai village of Black Hmong minority and then Tavan village of Giay minority by following a very popular trekking route. You will spend the night in local house of Giay minority. You will be able to take a walk to enjoy the valley view as well as swim in the river nearby.
Approx: 5 hours walking/ 1-hour lunch.
Overnight at homestay.
DAY 4: TAVAN – GIANG TA CHAI – SU PAN – HA NOI BY TRAIN
Once you get energy for your last day trek by having a delicious breakfast, you leave for Giang Ta Chai village of Red Dao minority. You will trek through bamboo forest, which belongs to Hoang Lien National Park. On the way you will pass by a waterfall where you will have time to take a rest and enjoy the surroundings. You will find a nice place to enjoy lunch.
After lunch, you continue toward Su Pan, a small village located by the road. Here you start your journey back to Sapa by car and have free time until 18.00pm transfer to Lao Cai to catch a train back to Ha Noi.
Approx: 1-hour driving/ 3 hours walking/ 1-hour lunch.
Overnight in Train.
DAY 5: HA NOI – HA LONG BY SHUTTLE BUS
Early arrive in Ha Noi, transfer to your hotel (Medallion Hotel) for having breakfast at the hotel and waiting our shuttle bus and guide for Ha Long tour.
***Note: please bring all baggage together as you will not come back to hotel.
08h00 – 08h30 Pick-up at hotel and start the scenic, 3 and ½ hour drive to Halong Bay.
12h30 – 13h00 Embark on V’Spirit Classic Cruise followed by a short cruise briefing.
13h30 – 14h30 Savor a delectable lunch as V’Spirit Classic cruises among the limestone islands.
15h00 – 16h00 Explore the amazing Sung Sot Cave – the most beautiful cave in Halong Bay.
16h00 – 17h00 Cruising to Titov island. Go swimming and relaxing at the beach of Titov or climb up to the top of the island for a panorama view of Halong Bay.
17h00 – 17h30 Return to the main boat and continue cruising to the quiet area while enjoy beautiful seascape on the way.
17h30 – 19h00 Enjoy Sunset Party on sundeck and admire the best moments of the day when the sun starts to set.
19h00 Dinner is served. Socialize with other guests, take part in board games, fish for squid, or just laze around.
Overnight on board.
DAY 6: HA LONG – HA NOI BY SHUTTLE BUS – HUE BY FLIGHT
06h30 – 07h15 Start your day with Tai Chi exercises or a photo hunt.
07h30 – 08h30 Have breakfast on board and enjoy the peaceful morning of Halong Bay.
09h00 – 10h00 Kayak around the Luon Cave.
10h15 Return to the boat. Freshen up and check out of your cabin.
10h15 – 11h00 Continue your cruise exploring the Bay, passing Ba Hang fishing village, Dog Islet, and more.
11h00 – 12h15 While heading back to the harbor, watch the fruit carving demonstration and participate in the Cooking Class before enjoying a traditional Vietnamese lunch.
12h15 – 12h30 Disembark V’Spirit Classic.
12h30 – 13h00 Transfer back to Hanoi.
Our shuttle bus will drop you off at a point near Noi Bai Airport where our driver is waiting and transfer you straight to the airport.
Overnight in Hue.
DAY 7: HUE CITY TOUR
08:00AM: Today we start the tour to Hue Monument Complex, which is recognized as UNESCO World Heritage. Our driver will pick you up at your hotel and transfer to the boat station in Hue. We board a boat for a trip on the Perfume River to visit the towering Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the most famous Vietnamese landmarks. Differing legends explain how the pagoda came to be – one tells of an old woman who instructed Lord Hoang Nguyen in 1601 to walk contemplatively along the river with a lit incense stick and to build a city at the spot where the incense stopped burning.
From Thien Mu Pagoda, We then take a short drive into a lush valley of the river where seven tombs were built for seven Nguyen emperors. Each is an expression of the unique personality of the man whose remains it holds and each is comprised of three elements: a temple dedicated to the worship of the deceased emperor and his queen, a stone stele that records the biographical and historical high points of his life, and the royal tomb itself. We will visit two most famous tombs: Minh Mang and KhaiDinh Tomb. Lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, we return to the center of Hué city. The massive Hue Royal Citadel is the most well known and iconic site in Hué. Begun in 1805 by Emperor Gia Long, it is actually a sprawling complex comprised of the Imperial City, several museums, lakes, and lovely gardens, all laid out in a series of concentric circles. We also visit the Forbidden Purple City, originally built in the early 1800s for the personal use of the emperor and staffed by eunuchs who posed no threat to the royal concubines. Nearly destroyed in the Tet Offensive, the ruins today house the Royal Library and the grounds flourish with mimosa plants and vegetable gardens.
After that our car will take you to Dong Ba Market: Dong Ba market is the biggest and most significant central market of ThuaThien – Hue province and the adjacent regions. In Dong Ba market, you can go shopping and see the daily life of local people.
The tour finishes at about 4:30PM and our car will drive you back to your hotel in Hue.
Overnight in Hue.
DAY 8: HUE – HOI AN
After breakfast at hotel, your leisure time for walking around and shopping in Hue.
12.00pm: check out from your hotel and transfer you straight to Hoi An.
Overnight in Hoi An.
DAY 9: MY SON TOUR
08.00AM start our trip to the ruins of the Cham Kingdom in My Son. Located in a lush valley, My Son now remains with red brick towers and sanctuaries. In fact, My Son is comparable to other big icons in Southeast Asia, like Angkor Wat in Cambodia, Ayutthuya in Thailand and the Borobodur in Indonesia. The ruins and temples of My Son have been dated as being from the 7th to the 13th century. Have lunch at a local restaurant.
Return to Hoi An, in the afternoon, have a walking tour to visit Hoi An old quarter which known as Faifo to early Western traders, Hoi An was one of the major trading centres in South East Asia between the 16th & 17th centuries. A charming 16th century merchant town, with strong Japanese and Chinese influences, Hoi An is best explored on foot. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its well-preserved architecture, it is also a thriving centre of traditional handicrafts. Wander through the cobbled streets, past low tile-roofed buildings, the bustling central market and the small harbour where colourfully painted boats are moored. Your walking tour will include visits to a private house where members of the same family have lived continuously for centuries in a traditional setting to one of the family chapels built by prominent merchant or offical families as centers for ancestor worship. Continue to Sa Huynh Museum which contains exhibitions from the earliest period of Hoi An’s history. Finally, continue to the famous Japanese Covered Bridge Pagoda, first constructed in 1593 by the Japanese community of Hoi An to link the town with the Chinese quarters across the stream.
Overnight in Hoi An.
DAY 10: HOI AN – SAI GON BY FLIGHT
Morning, your leisure time for walking around and shopping in the ancient town of Hoi An. 10.00am transfer to airport for flight to Sai Gon. Pick up upon arrival and go to your hotel for checking in.
Overnight in Sai Gon.
DAY 11: CU CHI TUNNELS & SAI GON TOUR
This morning you will be met at your hotel at 07.30AM by guide to transfer to Cu Chi tunnels, the journey west from Ho Chi Minh City to Cu Chi. On arrival you will be guided through the famous tunnels used by the communist guerrillas during the Vietnam War. The tunnel network stretches over 250km and extends to three levels underground providing you with a remarkable insight into the hardships, courage, determination and terror of a guerrilla war. Lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, have a walking tour through the heart of Saigon’s famous and historic city landmarks including Dong Khoi Street (formerly Rue Catinat), the Rex Hotel, Municipal Theatre, Hotel de Ville and Notre Dame Cathedral. You will then join your vehicle and drive to the site of the former US Embassy (now the US consulate) before visiting the impressive Re-Unification Palace and War Remnants Museum.
Overnight in Sai Gon.
DAY 12: SAI GON – CAI BE – VINH LONG
08.00am: meet out guide and driver at your hotel and then transfer to Cai Be.
The program will start with a visit of Cai Be floating market. Then, an optional stop can be made at local workshops where you can see how to make rice paper, coconut candy and pop-rice, pop-corn…
The rowing boat will take you deeper into the countryside on smaller canals and to enjoy the peaceful time. It is so interesting to see traditional houses made of wood and palm tree leaves and see some activities of the local farmers with an opportunity to make contacts with them and see how they catch fish…
Lunch can be served at Ut Trinh home. After lunch, we can walk around and then we will enjoy some kinds of fruits when listening to the traditional music
One more thing to do in this trip is biking ! It will be so amazing to bike on village paths to see the local farms, houses, real life and the ancestral ways to pick up fruits in Mekong Delta.
The cruise will end at Vinh Long city. Get on your car and transfer you straight to Can Tho.
Overnight in Can Tho.
DAY 13: CAI RANG – PHONG DIEN FLOATING MARKET
Touring in Phong Dien, Cai Rang. Visit Phong Dien and Cai Rang floating market. See the ordinary life of Southern Vietnamese people on Mekong river and visit rice noodle making village. Have lunch at a local restaurant.
Then transfer to Chau Doc for checking in.
Overnight in Chau Doc.
DAY 14: CHAU DOC – PHNOM PENH BY BOAT
Boat trip with a speed boat from Chau Doc, Vietnam to Phnom Penh, Cambodia. After a refrestment, visit Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and National Museum.
Overnight in Phnom Penh.
DAY 15: PHNOM PENH CITY TOUR
Morning, visit the notorious Choeung Ek Killing Fields. Afternoon, visit Wat Phnom, the most famous buddhist temple in Phnom Penh. Then continue your visit to Russian Market and Victory Monument.
Overnight at hotel in Phnom Penh.
DAY 16: PHNOM PENH – SIEM RIEP BY PRIVATE CAR
Morning, transfer from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap. Afternoon, visit Ta Prohm and Preah Khan temple. Evening, enjoy buffet dinner and watch Khmer Traditional Dance Show at a local restaurant.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
DAY 17: ANGKOR TEMPLE TOUR
Morning, visit the antique capital of Angkor Thom. Afternoon, visit Angkor Wat – the most famous temple in Cambodia.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
DAY 18: BANTEAY SAMRE TEMPLE TOUR
Visit Temple of Banteay Srei, Preah Dark village, Banteay Samre Temple. In the afternoon, exploring the ancient Khmer civilization site of Hariharalaya which flourished in the late 9th and earlier 10th centuries.
Overnight at hotel in Siem Reap.
DAY 19: SIEM RIEP – LAOS BY FLIGHT
Visit to Silk Farm at Puok, Western Baray & come back visit to Les Artisans D’ Angkor, home of handicraft center and the Old Market ” Phsa Chas”. In the afternoon, boat trip in Tonle Sap Lake – the “Great Lake” of Cambodia, one of the largest in Asia. Transfer to airport for flight to Luang Prabang.
DAY 20: NATIONAL MUSEUM
After breakfast at hotel, visit National museum and famous pagodas (Wat Xiengthong, WatVisoun, Wat Aham, Wat Thatluang) in the city. Climb Phu Si-hill and enjoy stunning scenery. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
DAY 21: PAK OU CAVE
After breakfast, cruise upstream on the Mekong River, visit the mysterious Pak Ou Caves. After then, visit near by handicraft village.Overnight in Luang Prabang
DAY 22: ELEPHANT VILLAGE
Morning, visit Elephant village, enjoy sightseeing with elephant ride and much more. After elephant ride, visit Khuang Si water fall. Rest of the day is your leisure in Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
DAY 23: XIENG KHOUANG
Drive to Xieng Khouang. Visit the Plain of Jars (3 Plain of jairs), an impressive archaeological site where hundreds of large stone jars are littered all over the plateau. Visit some villages of hill tribal people (Muang Khoun ancient town). Overnight in Phonsavanh.
DAY 24: VANG VIENG
Drive to Vang Vieng. Upona rrival, check in at your hotel. Enjoy a short tubing along Somg river. You can see the stunning view of the town. (Alt: Walk to enjoy the great mountain scenery and visit surrounding caves) (visit Tham Jang cave and join Nam Song boat trip). Overnight at Vang Vieng.
DAY 25: VIENTIANIE
Drive to Vientiane. Visit the oldest Wat Sisaket, the temple with thousands of miniature Buddha statues. Visit That Luang Stupa and the imposing Patuxay Monument. Visit Hor Prakeo. Overnight in Vientiane
DAY 26: DEPARTURE
After breakfast, 08.00am visit Buddha Park which is 30km far from the city center. Then, visit Friendship Bridge. After visiting, transfer to the airport directly for your departure flight.
Our services include:
- Accommodation at selected hotel with breakfast.
- Meals as listed in the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
- English speaking guides throughout
- All activities indicated in the itinerary
- Domestic flight: Ha Noi – Hue, Da Nang – Sai Gon, Siem Reap – Luang Prabang
- Train: Ha Noi – Lao Cai – Ha Noi
- Private transfer throughout except for Ha Long
- Welcome gifts
Trip Notes:
– Travelers are highly recommended to purchase Travel Insurance upon commitment of the booking in case of force majeure. Travel Insurance covers such costs as emergency and medical evacuation, hospital fees, property loss, etc. which could possibly happen during the trip.
– Rooms at hotels are available only from 1400 on arrival day till 1200 on departure date. A supplement will be added if early check-in or late check-out is desired.
– The itinerary may subject to change depending on weather conditions and the local situation.
– Reservations during peak times such as Christmas, New Year, Vietnamese Lunar New Year, National Holidays may be subject to supplementary charges.
– If any proposed service is not available at the time of booking, we will try to find alternative and similar option and minimize changes to the program.
– Domestic flights may subject to change or reschedule before departure date
– Vietnam Travel and Cruise is not responsible for any injury, loss, death, inconvenience, delay or damage to personal property in connection with the provision of any goods or services whether resulting from but not limited to acts of God or force majeure, illness, disease, acts of war, civil unrest, insurrection or revolt, animals, strikes or other labor activities, criminal or terrorist activities of any kind, overbooking or downgrading of services, food poisoning, mechanical or other failure of aircraft or other means of transportation or for failure of any transportation mechanism to arrive or depart on time. Additional expenses incurred due to delays, accidents, natural disaster, political actions and unrest, must be covered by the clients. Vietnam Travel and Cruise will make every effort to recoup any losses from the service providers.
Booking condition:
Payment:
– A Deposit of AUD$300 per person is required upon confirmation of your booking. This deposit is non-refundable.
– The balance is due 30 days prior to departure. If you fail to pay by the due date we reserve the right to cancel your booking and retain your deposit.
– If you make a booking less than 30 days prior to departure, full payment is due within 48 hours.
Cancellation: Any cancellations must be made in witting.
– Cancellation fees apply to all cancelled reservations. The fee is determined by the date written cancellation received by Vietnam Travel and Cruise.
– Cancellation more than 30 days – Loss of deposit
– Cancellation at 30 or less days – 100% of total booking cost
Special conditions: Depending on airlines, hotels, cruises’ cancellation policies, the above conditions may be modified.
Claims and refunds for unused services
No refunds or exchanges can be made in respect of accommodation, meals, sightseeing tours, transport or any other services, which are included in the tour prices but not utilized by the client.
