Vietnam family tour of a life time

02, March, 2016

Vietnam family tour of a life time

TOUR NAME: VIETNAM TOUR OF A LIFE TIME
DESTINATIONS: HANOI – SAPA – HALONG BAY – HUE – HOI AN – HO CHI MINH – CU CHI – MEKONG DELTA & DEPARTURE

NUMBER OF PERSON: 02 ADULTS & 02 CHILDREN AGED 12 YRS OLD

ACCOMMODATION IN DELUXE 3 STAR HOTELS / STANDARD 5 STAR HOTELS
ROOM TYPE: 1 FAMILY ROOM / 1 CONNECTING ROOM / NEXT DOOR ROOMS

TOUR PRICES - OPTION 1: $2450 USD PER ADULT & $2174 USD PER CHILD
TOUR PRICES - OPTION 2: $2720 USD PER ADULT & $2464 USD PER CHILD

NOTE: THE ABOVE TOUR PRICES ARE VALID UNTIL 30TH SEP 2016!

ITINERARY

Day 1: Hanoi arrival – Ninh Binh (+Guide)
Vietnam is deserved to be a top country to travel in your lifetime which is famous for its peaceful country-sides, green rice paddy fields, rugged mountain ranges, exotic ethnic minorities, amazing white sandy beaches, spectacular bays, mysterious pagodas and significant historical sites. Travel to Vietnam with Vivutravel is a perfect idea and your Vietnam holiday packages will be memorable.

You will be welcomed upon your arrival at Noi Bai airport (Hanoi) by our experienced English speaking tour guide and driver before transferring to beautiful Emerald Resort in Ninh Binh province. Overnight in Ninh Binh.

Accommodation: Emeralda Resort / Duplex Family

Day 2: Ninh Binh free day (Breakfast) (+Guide)
Free day at leisure to relax and discover the countryside villages around.

NOTE: Today, English speaking guide is included. Then you can ask our tour guide to arrange walking tour/biking tour to countryside villages. The bike renting fee is not included.

Overnight in Ninh Binh.

Accommodation: Emeralda Resort / Duplex Family

Day 3: Tam Coc tour (Breakfast) (+ Guide)
09:00    Pick up at your resort and transfer to Tam Coc through stunning limestone karst valleys surrounded by picturesque fields and villages, along the way stop where you wish to take photographs. On arrival in Tam Coc, board your private sampan for a leisurely 2.5-hour cruise. As the boat gently slices through the water, notice the enormous limestone karsts jutting out from the green rice fields. After the boat trip, drive back to your resort for relax.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Accommodation: Emeralda Resort / Duplex Family

Day 4: Ninh Binh - Halong Bay - Overnight on board (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) (+ Guide)
We start at 8.00 A.M for the 3 hour drive (170 km) through the Red River Delta, which offers plenty of chances for taking photos of Vietnamese farmers tilling the vast green paddy fields. At half way, we'll have a visit to a handicraft workshop with fine clothes, embroidered paintings, stone statuettes and all kinds of gems mined in Vietnam such as star rubies or sapphires... Our destination is the World Heritage Site of Ha Long Bay. The bay offers some 3000 mountain islands and islets towering in the Gulf of Tonkin in the East Vietnam Sea.

12:00 – 12:30    Embark at Hon Gai International harbor.
12:30 – 13:00    Check-in. Cruise begins with welcome drink and safety briefing.
13:30 – 14:30     Set menu lunch served in the outdoor dining room (depending on the weather) while cruising into magnificent Bai Tu Long Bay; admire the fascinating limestone karsts on the way.
15:00 – 17:00    Cruise to Vung Dang – Cong Dam area: Swim or relax on a white sandy beach; Go kayaking through the mystery Karst Mountains in Vung Dang area.
18:00 – 20:30    Return to Dragon Legend Cruise to refresh yourself in Mineral Seawater Pool, Fitness Room or the Spa and Massage Services before dinner.
20:30    Spend the rest of your evening relaxing, talking with the on board team, watching movies, listening to music… Overnight in Tra San area.

Accommodation: Dragon Legend Cruise / Deluxe Cabins – Next Door

Day 5: Halong Bay - Hanoi – Night train to Lao Cai (Breakfast, Brunch) (+ Guide)
06:30 – 07:00    Start a new day with a Tai Chi demonstration on the sun-deck.
07:00 – 07:30    Take in the morning view of the Bay’s landscape with a cup of tea or coffee and enjoy breakfast in the fresh air.
7:30 – 09:45    Cruise to Cong Do area to explore the well- hidden Thien Canh Son Cave.
10:00    Check out your cabin.
10:45 – 11:30    Enjoy a Buffet while cruising towards the harbor.
11:30 – 12:00    Disembark and transfer back to Hanoi for overnight.
Then see off at Hanoi railway station for night train to Sapa.

NOTE: If you want, we can arrange a mini-hotel for 2 hours for your family to take a rest before the night train.

Overnight on train.

Option 1: Sapaly Express / 1 Sharing Cabin of 4 berths
Option 2: Victoria Express / 1 Sharing superior cabin of 4 berths

Day 6: Lao Cai - Ethnic market - Sapa (Breakfast, Lunch)
Arrive at Lao Cai railway station, pick up and transfer to a local restaurant for having breakfast.
Then, drive to visit one of the interesting ethnic markets in Sapa. The markets in the Northern Vietnam are always the colorful meeting places for the hill tribes, spotlight for any Sapa Tours and of course, your unique Vietnam Tours experience. Minority people come down from the mountains to sell their products, or just for catching up on the latest news, gossip, drinking away troubles or seeking for lover.

Market days:
Can Cau Market - Saturdays
Bac Ha Market or Muong Hum Market or Muong Khuong Market - Sundays
Cao Son Market - Wednesdays
Lung Khau Nhin Market - Thursdays
Coc Ly Market – Tuesdays

In the afternoon, transfer back to Sapa for check-in your hotel. Overnight in Sapa.

Option 1: Amazing Sapa Hotel / Deluxe Rooms – Next Door
Option 2: Victoria Sapa Resort / Superior Rooms – Next Door

Day 7: Sapa – Y Linh Ho – Lao Chai – Ta Van Villages (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) (+ Guide)
From Sapa, we trek via Y Linh Ho through beautiful scenery to the Black H’mong Village of Lao Chai where we spend time looking around the village and learning about life in the village. We enjoy our picnic lunch in Lao Chai or at an appropriate spot.After lunch, we walk through rice terraces and on local paths to the Zay village of Ta Van. This is the only village in the Sa Pa area where the Dzay people live. We spend time looking around the village.

We meet with our local Dzay hosts in their home. Our hosts and guide will prepare our evening meal, and the rest of the evening can be spent get - ting to know more about family life in Ta Van or strolling around the village.

Accommodation: Ta Van Homestay

Day 8: Ta Van - Bamboo Forest - Giang Ta Chai - Night train back to Hanoi (Breakfast, Lunch) (+ Guide)
After our breakfast, there’s more time to look around and experience life in Ta Van. We then, continue our trekking in the valley through a bamboo village, stopping for a picnic lunch at an appropriate spot along the way, this is a local food shop at the food of a waterfall and the famous ratan bridge.

After lunch, we head up the side of the valley to the main a small village of the Dzao people called Giang Ta Chai, learn about the local life, then back to the ratan bridge and go up to the main road where the car picks up us to drive back to Lao Cai railway station for night train back to Hanoi.

NOTE: Upon your arrival at Lao Cai city, if you want, we can arrange a mini-hotel for your family to take a bath before the night train. Overnight on train.

Option 1: Sapaly Express / 1 Sharing Cabin of 4 berths
Option 2: Victoria Express / 1 Sharing superior cabin of 4 berths

Day 9: Hanoi free day (Breakfast) (+ Guide)
Arrive at Hanoi railway station in the early morning, pick up and transfer to your hotel in Hanoi for early check-in.
Free at leisure and overnight in Hanoi.

Option 1: May De Ville Old Quarter / Panorama Connecting Room
Option 2: Opera Hanoi Hotel / Deluxe Rooms – Next Door

Day 10: Hanoi city tour (Breakfast) (+ Guide)   
Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam with a long background of history and culture. Besides historical destinations, Hanoi is well-known for its beautiful lakes with the image of local Tai Chi in the early morning, tree-line boulevards, funny street vendors & special street food cuisine.

08:30 Pick up at your hotel and transfer to visit Ho Chi Minh complex with first stop at Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum – a large memorial to the national hero - President Ho Chi Minh who led the country to independence and reunification. The Mausoleum is located at Ba Dinh Square where Ho Chi Minh President read the Declaration of Independence on 02nd Sep 1945 establishing the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. Then take a short walk to the Presidential Palace & House on Stilt. Near from Ho Chi Minh complex, One Pillar Pagoda – symbol of Vietnam with unique architecture of lotus flower is a must-see destination for all Vietnam tours. Our next stop will be the Temple of Literature which is the first university in Vietnam. It was constructed in 1070, first to honor Confucius and nowadays to celebrate the doctorates and high rank scholars of Vietnam.

After lunch time, we continue our Hanoi city tour to the Museum of Ethnology offering an insight into the 54 different ethnic groups of Vietnam. It introduces Vietnamese traditional ways of life from religious events to the symbolic rituals as well as displays a variety of Vietnamese homes as full-scale replicas outside.
End the day with a short cyclo ride around the old streets observing daily life of Hanoian, take exotic photos of Hanoi traffic and enjoy a fantastic water puppet show. Overnight in Hanoi.

Option 1: May De Ville Old Quarter / Panorama Connecting Room
Option 2: Opera Hanoi Hotel / Deluxe Rooms – Next Door

Day 11: Hanoi – Flight to Hue (Breakfast) (+ Guide)
Free at leisure until we pick you up and transfer to Noi Bai airport for flight to Hue – the ancient capital of Vietnam under the Nguyen Dynasty.
Upon your arrival at Phu Bai airport (Hue), pick up and transfer to hotel for check-in. Overnight in Hue.

Accommodation: Imperial Hue Hotel / Deluxe River View Connecting

Day 12: Hue city tour (Breakfast) (+ Guide)
A full day trip to visit the old capital city of Vietnam under the Nguyen Dynasty ruled from 1802 to 1945, with first stop at the Imperial Citadel giving you a better understanding of the beauty of Vietnamese Royal architecture and culture.  Then we will take a beautiful dragon boat trip along Perfume River and visit to Thien Mu Pagoda – one of the most popular attractions in Hue. It is located on the banks of poetic Perfume River with typical traditional architecture of Hue pagodas and famous for the event that buddhist monk from this temple, Thich Quang Duc, burn himself to death for anti-government protest in 1963. The next stops will be King Ming Mang and King Khai Dinh tombs which are the most beautiful works of royal architecture of the Nguyen dynasty.

Accommodation: Imperial Hue Hotel / Deluxe River View Connecting

Day 13: Hue - Drive to Hoi An (Breakfast) (+ Guide)
After breakfast, drive to Hoi An - highlight of any tour to Vietnam - is an exceptionally well-preserved example of a South-East Asian trading port dating from the 15th to the 19th century. Its buildings and its street plan reflect the influences, both indigenous and foreign, that have combined to produce this unique heritage site. This scenic drive passes through the fishing village of Lang Co before climbing over the Pass of Ocean Clouds. On the way, stop in Danang to visit the Cham Museum, which contains the finest collection of Cham sculptures in the world and Marble Mountain - a well-known pilgrimage site with peaks, caves, tunnels and temples. Upon arrival in Hoi An, free to take walking tour of the Hoi An ancient town centre. Overnight in a Hoi An hotel.

Accommodation: Le Belhamy Resort / Family Pool Villa

Day 14: Hoi An free day (Breakfast) (+ Guide)
Hoi An Ancient Town -the highlight of any tour to Vietnam that no Vietnam Tours maker would skip, is an exceptionally well-preserved example of a South-East Asian trading port dating from the 15th to the 19th century. Its buildings and its street plan reflect the influences, both indigenous and foreign, that have combined to produce this unique heritage site.

Day free to cycle through rice paddies in the countryside of Hoi An ancient town, shop for souvenirs among the antique shops and art galleries, or just sit at sidewalk cafes and soak up the atmosphere of this quaint town. Or relax on the white sandy beach of the famous Cua Dai Beach. Overnight in a Hoi An hotel.

Accommodation: Le Belhamy Resort / Family Pool Villa

Day 15: Hoi An biking tour (Breakfast, Lunch) (+ Guide)
08:30    Spend a day leisurely cycling though the scenic countryside of Vietnam, far from the traffic the motor scooters, and the noises the city. You will cross the islands on the Song Thu river delta using local transportation, including ferries and floating bridges...

This tour will take you on a visit to artisans making bricks according to age-old. You will discover how wooden river boats are made and learn the secret of weaving the colorful straw Hoi An sleeping mats. Try the renowned Vietnamese basket boats. You will spend the day with first-hand contact with one of the rural inhabitant of the region, far from the usual tourist circuits. At lunchtime you will be invited into a local home for a traditional Vietnamese meal, and learn their customs and traditions. After you have relaxed for a while under the shade of a mango tree, you will begin your return towards Hoi An, which will take about an hour. Overnight in Hoi An.

Accommodation: Le Belhamy Resort / Family Pool Villa

Day 16 - 18: Hoi An free days (Breakfast)
Free days at leisure to relax and discover the city by yourselves. Overnight in Hoi An.

Accommodation: Le Belhamy Resort / Family Pool Villa

Day 19: Hoi An - Danang - Flight to Ho Chi Minh (Breakfast) (+ Guide)
Free at leisure until we pick you up and transfer to the airport for flight to Ho Chi Minh. Upon your arrival at Ho Chi Minh airport, pick up and transfer to hotel for check-in. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.

Option 1: Somerset Ho Chi Minh City / 2 Bedroom Premier
Option 2: Rex Hotel / West Wing Premium Rooms – Next Door

Day 20: Ho Chi Minh city tour (Breakfast) (+ Guide)
08:30    Start your day visiting two iconic architectural landmarks the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office built between 1877 and 1883 by renowned designer Gustav Eiffel. The cathedral still remains an active church with services each day and is favoured backdrop for Vietnamese wedding photographs.

From the cathedral, take a short stroll along Dong Khoi Street to the Opera House. From a bomb shelter to housing the parliamentary Lower House, the Opera House has had an interesting history. Restored in 1995 the Opera House has returned to its roots and is once again a theatre.

Next, visit the Reunification Palace, once a symbol of the South Vietnamese Government. It was here on 30 April 1975, that the war ended when a North Vietnamese Army tank crashed through its gates. See the war room, the banquet hall and the presidential office with the unusual gifts which have been received. In the afternoon continue on to the War Remnants Museum. Here, your guide will tell the story of the city’s darkest and most tragic hours during the Vietnam War. The museum contains displays of military aircraft, weaponry and many photographs – some that are quite graphic in nature.

Head to Cholon the city’s Chinatown and Thien Hau Pagoda which is dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea. With intricate friezes, carved tableaus and impressive incense coils make for some great photos. Then observe street life with a short walking through the narrow streets to Binh Tay market that sells everything from hats to dried squid!

Option 1: Somerset Ho Chi Minh City / 2 Bedroom Premier
Option 2: Rex Hotel / West Wing Premium Rooms – Next Door

Day 21: Ho Chi Minh - Cu Chi tunnels - Ho Chi Minh (Breakfast) (+ Guide)
08:30    An extremely complex tunnel system, the Cu Chi network covers a wide area of countryside near to Ho Chi Minh city and was an excellent way for the Viet Kong to move undetected by American forces underground. This evocative day tour explores the struggle of everyday life during the Vietnam War from a local perspective and takes you deep underground to explore the tunnels.

The Cu Chi tour starts with an introductory video detailing its long 25-year construction. Then it is time to go underground in the infamous 120-mile Cu Chi tunnel system which offered a safe haven for soldiers and thousands of Vietnamese people during the Vietnam War. It is virtually an underground city with dwelling houses, schools, hospitals and factories.

On display are booby traps, the remains of a US army tank and huge craters left by American B52 bombs. You will be able to admire lots of compelling photos and personal effects left behind.

There is also the chance to play real war games firing an authentic AK rifle used during the war.

Option 1: Somerset Ho Chi Minh City / 2 Bedroom Premier
Option 2: Rex Hotel / West Wing Premium Rooms – Next Door

Day 22: Ho Chi Minh – Mekong Delta – Embark Bassac Cruise (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) (+ Guide)
08:00    Pick up at your hotel and transfer to the pier.
•    Boarding at Cai Be at noon. Welcome drink, Introduction to the ship and crew, check into the cabins.
•    Departure towards Cho Lach on the Tien Giang river.
•    Lunch while en route. Rest on the deck.
•    The Bassac slips into the Chợ Lách canal, in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the river traffic, between markets and churches, a unique opportunity for a glimpse of the very varied life on the banks as well as on the water.
•    Visit of a village on the banks of river Mang Thit, an opportunity to appreciate the way of life and hospitality of the local inhabitants. Visit of the orchard or rice fields nearby.
•    Boarding back, complimentary drink as a welcome back on board. Rest on the deck enjoying the sunset. The crew will serve dinner while the Bassac is cruising Mang Thit river.
•    The Bassac sets anchor just downstream from the little Tra On floating market, for the night.

Accommodation: Bassac Cruise / Deluxe Cabins – Next Door

Day 23: Can Tho - Cai Rang floating market - Ho Chi Minh (Breakfast) (+ Guide)
•    You may get up for breakfast as early as 06:30, as the ship is resuming its cruise the Tra On floating market. The ship then departs towards Can Tho.
•    Arrival in Cai Rang floating market, check out and transfer onto a local boat to visit the floating market, then a noodle factory and return to the Ninh Kieu pier.
•    End of services by mid-morning on shore at Cần Thơ. Then drive back to Ho Chi Minh for overnight.
•    Please note you will leave the Bassac for good upon boarding the small boat for the last visit, typically about 8:30.
•    The details of the program and the visits may vary depending on logistics or technical constraints.

Option 1: Somerset Ho Chi Minh City / 2 Bedroom Premier
Option 2: Rex Hotel / West Wing Premium Rooms – Next Door

Day 24: Ho Chi Minh departure (Breakfast) (+ Guide)
Free at leisure until we pick you up and transfer back to the airport for flight back home!

END OF SERVICES!


SERVICES INCLUSIVE:
•    Economy flight tickets: Hanoi – Hue & Danang – Ho Chi Minh
•    Private transportation in 16 seated vans
•    Return train tickets Hanoi – Sapa – Hanoi
•    All entrance fees & boat trips to indicated sights
•    English speaking guides (Except for free days)
•    Meals as mentioned
•    Visa on arrival to Vietnam (Except for $25 usd per person as stamping fee at the airport)

SERVICES EXCLUSIVE:
•    Early check-in & Late check-out
•    Tips
•    Drinks
•    Personal expenses
•    Insurance

NUMBER OF PERSON: 02 ADULTS & 02 CHILDREN AGED 12 YRS OLD

ACCOMMODATION IN DELUXE 3 STAR HOTELS / STANDARD 5 STAR HOTELS
ROOM TYPE: 1 FAMILY ROOM / 1 CONNECTING ROOM / NEXT DOOR ROOMS

TOUR PRICES - OPTION 1: $2450 USD PER ADULT & $2174 USD PER CHILD
TOUR PRICES - OPTION 2: $2720 USD PER ADULT & $2464 USD PER CHILD

ITINERARY

Day 1         Hanoi arrival – Ninh Binh
Meals included: None
+ Guide

Vietnam is deserved to be a top country to travel in your lifetime which is famous for its peaceful country-sides, green rice paddy fields, rugged mountain ranges, exotic ethnic minorities, amazing white sandy beaches, spectacular bays, mysterious pagodas and significant historical sites. Travel to Vietnam with Vivutravel is a perfect idea and your Vietnam holiday packages will be memorable.

You will be welcomed upon your arrival at Noi Bai airport (Hanoi) by our experienced English speaking tour guide and driver before transferring to beautiful Emerald Resort in Ninh Binh province.

Overnight in Ninh Binh.

Accommodation: Emeralda Resort / Duplex Family
http://emeraldaresort.com/

Day 2         Ninh Binh free day  
Meals included: Breakfast
+ Guide

Free day at leisure to relax and discover the countryside villages around.

NOTE: Today, English speaking guide is included. Then you can ask our tour guide to arrange walking tour/biking tour to countryside villages. The bike renting fee is not included.

Overnight in Ninh Binh.

Accommodation: Emeralda Resort / Duplex Family
http://emeraldaresort.com/

Day 3         Tam Coc tour  
Meals included: Breakfast
+ Guide

09:00    Pick up at your resort and transfer to Tam Coc through stunning limestone karst valleys surrounded by picturesque fields and villages, along the way stop where you wish to take photographs. On arrival in Tam Coc, board your private sampan for a leisurely 2.5-hour cruise. As the boat gently slices through the water, notice the enormous limestone karsts jutting out from the green rice fields. After the boat trip, drive back to your resort for relax.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Accommodation: Emeralda Resort / Duplex Family
http://emeraldaresort.com/

Day 4         Ninh Binh - Halong Bay - Overnight on board
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
+ Guide

We start at 8.00 A.M for the 3 hour drive (170 km) through the Red River Delta, which offers plenty of chances for taking photos of Vietnamese farmers tilling the vast green paddy fields. At half way, we'll have a visit to a handicraft workshop with fine clothes, embroidered paintings, stone statuettes and all kinds of gems mined in Vietnam such as star rubies or sapphires... Our destination is the World Heritage Site of Ha Long Bay. The bay offers some 3000 mountain islands and islets towering in the Gulf of Tonkin in the East Vietnam Sea.

12:00 – 12:30    Embark at Hon Gai International harbor.
12:30 – 13:00    Check-in. Cruise begins with welcome drink and safety briefing.
13:30 – 14:30     Set menu lunch served in the outdoor dining room (depending on the weather) while cruising into magnificent Bai Tu Long Bay; admire the fascinating limestone karsts on the way.
15:00 – 17:00    Cruise to Vung Dang – Cong Dam area: Swim or relax on a white sandy beach; Go kayaking through the mystery Karst Mountains in Vung Dang area.
18:00 – 20:30    Return to Dragon Legend Cruise to refresh yourself in Mineral Seawater Pool, Fitness Room or the Spa and Massage Services before dinner.
20:30    Spend the rest of your evening relaxing, talking with the on board team, watching movies, listening to music… Overnight in Tra San area.

Accommodation: Dragon Legend Cruise / Deluxe Cabins – Next Door
http://dragonlegendcruise.com/

Day 5         Halong Bay - Hanoi – Night train to Lao Cai
Meals included: Breakfast, Brunch
+ Guide

06:30 – 07:00    Start a new day with a Tai Chi demonstration on the sun-deck.
07:00 – 07:30    Take in the morning view of the Bay’s landscape with a cup of tea or coffee and enjoy breakfast in the fresh air.
7:30 – 09:45    Cruise to Cong Do area to explore the well- hidden Thien Canh Son Cave.
10:00    Check out your cabin.
10:45 – 11:30    Enjoy a Buffet while cruising towards the harbor.
11:30 – 12:00    Disembark and transfer back to Hanoi for overnight.

Then see off at Hanoi railway station for night train to Sapa.

NOTE: If you want, we can arrange a mini-hotel for 2 hours for your family to take a rest before the night train.

Overnight on train.

Option 1: Sapaly Express / 1 Sharing Cabin of 4 berths / http://sapalytrain.com/
Option 2: Victoria Express / 1 Sharing superior cabin of 4 berths / http://victoriahotels.asia/en/victoria-express-train

Day 6         Lao Cai - Ethnic market - Sapa
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
+ Guide

Arrive at Lao Cai railway station, pick up and transfer to a local restaurant for having breakfast.

Then, drive to visit one of the interesting ethnic markets in Sapa. The markets in the Northern Vietnam are always the colorful meeting places for the hill tribes, spotlight for any Sapa Tours and of course, your unique Vietnam Tours experience. Minority people come down from the mountains to sell their products, or just for catching up on the latest news, gossip, drinking away troubles or seeking for lover.

Market days:
Can Cau Market - Saturdays
Bac Ha Market or Muong Hum Market or Muong Khuong Market - Sundays
Cao Son Market - Wednesdays
Lung Khau Nhin Market - Thursdays
Coc Ly Market – Tuesdays

In the afternoon, transfer back to Sapa for check-in your hotel.

Overnight in Sapa.

Option 1: Amazing Sapa Hotel / Deluxe Rooms – Next Door / http://amazinghotel.com.vn/
Option 2: Victoria Sapa Resort / Superior Rooms – Next Door / http://victoriahotels.asia/en/sapa

Day 7         Sapa – Y Linh Ho – Lao Chai – Ta Van Villages
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
+ Guide

From Sapa, we trek via Y Linh Ho through beautiful scenery to the Black H’mong Village of Lao Chai where we spend time looking around the village and learning about life in the village. We enjoy our picnic lunch in Lao Chai or at an appropriate spot.After lunch, we walk through rice terraces and on local paths to the Zay village of Ta Van. This is the only village in the Sa Pa area where the Dzay people live. We spend time looking around the village.

We meet with our local Dzay hosts in their home. Our hosts and guide will prepare our evening meal, and the rest of the evening can be spent get - ting to know more about family life in Ta Van or strolling around the village.

Accommodation: Ta Van Homestay

Day 8         Ta Van - Bamboo Forest - Giang Ta Chai - Night train back to Hanoi
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
+ Guide

After our breakfast, there’s more time to look around and experience life in Ta Van. We then, continue our trekking in the valley through a bamboo village, stopping for a picnic lunch at an appropriate spot along the way, this is a local food shop at the food of a waterfall and the famous ratan bridge.

After lunch, we head up the side of the valley to the main a small village of the Dzao people called Giang Ta Chai, learn about the local life, then back to the ratan bridge and go up to the main road where the car picks up us to drive back to Lao Cai railway station for night train back to Hanoi.

NOTE: Upon your arrival at Lao Cai city, if you want, we can arrange a mini-hotel for your family to take a bath before the night train.

Overnight on train.

Option 1: Sapaly Express / 1 Sharing Cabin of 4 berths / http://sapalytrain.com/
Option 2: Victoria Express / 1 Sharing superior cabin of 4 berths / http://victoriahotels.asia/en/victoria-express-train

Day 9         Hanoi free day  
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner with street foods
+ Guide


Arrive at Hanoi railway station in the early morning, pick up and transfer to your hotel in Hanoi for early check-in.

Free at leisure and overnight in Hanoi.

Option 1: May De Ville Old Quarter / Panorama Connecting Room / http://www.maydeville.vn/old-quarter
Option 2: Opera Hanoi Hotel / Deluxe Rooms – Next Door / http://hoteldelopera.com/

Day 10         Hanoi city tour    
Meals included: Breakfast
+ Guide

Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam with a long background of history and culture. Besides historical destinations, Hanoi is well-known for its beautiful lakes with the image of local Tai Chi in the early morning, tree-line boulevards, funny street vendors & special street food cuisine.

08:30 Pick up at your hotel and transfer to visit Ho Chi Minh complex with first stop at Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum – a large memorial to the national hero - President Ho Chi Minh who led the country to independence and reunification. The Mausoleum is located at Ba Dinh Square where Ho Chi Minh President read the Declaration of Independence on 02nd Sep 1945 establishing the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. Then take a short walk to the Presidential Palace & House on Stilt. Near from Ho Chi Minh complex, One Pillar Pagoda – symbol of Vietnam with unique architecture of lotus flower is a must-see destination for all Vietnam tours. Our next stop will be the Temple of Literature which is the first university in Vietnam. It was constructed in 1070, first to honor Confucius and nowadays to celebrate the doctorates and high rank scholars of Vietnam.

After lunch time, we continue our Hanoi city tour to the Museum of Ethnology offering an insight into the 54 different ethnic groups of Vietnam. It introduces Vietnamese traditional ways of life from religious events to the symbolic rituals as well as displays a variety of Vietnamese homes as full-scale replicas outside.

End the day with a short cyclo ride around the old streets observing daily life of Hanoian, take exotic photos of Hanoi traffic and enjoy a fantastic water puppet show.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Option 1: May De Ville Old Quarter / Panorama Connecting Room / http://www.maydeville.vn/old-quarter
Option 2: Opera Hanoi Hotel / Deluxe Rooms – Next Door / http://hoteldelopera.com/

Day 11         Hanoi – Flight to Hue
Meals included: Breakfast
+ Guide

Free at leisure until we pick you up and transfer to Noi Bai airport for flight to Hue – the ancient capital of Vietnam under the Nguyen Dynasty.

Upon your arrival at Phu Bai airport (Hue), pick up and transfer to hotel for check-in.

Overnight in Hue.

Accommodation: Imperial Hue Hotel / Deluxe River View Connecting
http://imperial-hotel.com.vn/

Day 12         Hue city tour
Meals included: Breakfast
+ Guide

A full day trip to visit the old capital city of Vietnam under the Nguyen Dynasty ruled from 1802 to 1945, with first stop at the Imperial Citadel giving you a better understanding of the beauty of Vietnamese Royal architecture and culture.  Then we will take a beautiful dragon boat trip along Perfume River and visit to Thien Mu Pagoda – one of the most popular attractions in Hue. It is located on the banks of poetic Perfume River with typical traditional architecture of Hue pagodas and famous for the event that buddhist monk from this temple, Thich Quang Duc, burn himself to death for anti-government protest in 1963. The next stops will be King Ming Mang and King Khai Dinh tombs which are the most beautiful works of royal architecture of the Nguyen dynasty.

Accommodation: Imperial Hue Hotel / Deluxe River View Connecting
http://imperial-hotel.com.vn/

Day 13         Hue - Drive to Hoi An
Meals included: Breakfast
+ Guide

After breakfast, drive to Hoi An - highlight of any tour to Vietnam - is an exceptionally well-preserved example of a South-East Asian trading port dating from the 15th to the 19th century. Its buildings and its street plan reflect the influences, both indigenous and foreign, that have combined to produce this unique heritage site. This scenic drive passes through the fishing village of Lang Co before climbing over the Pass of Ocean Clouds. On the way, stop in Danang to visit the Cham Museum, which contains the finest collection of Cham sculptures in the world and Marble Mountain - a well-known pilgrimage site with peaks, caves, tunnels and temples. Upon arrival in Hoi An, free to take walking tour of the Hoi An ancient town centre. Overnight in a Hoi An hotel.

Accommodation: Le Belhamy Resort / Family Pool Villa
http://www.belhamy.com/home/le-belhamy.html

Day 14         Hoi An free day
Meals included: Breakfast
+ Guide

Hoi An Ancient Town -the highlight of any tour to Vietnam that no Vietnam Tours maker would skip, is an exceptionally well-preserved example of a South-East Asian trading port dating from the 15th to the 19th century. Its buildings and its street plan reflect the influences, both indigenous and foreign, that have combined to produce this unique heritage site.

Day free to cycle through rice paddies in the countryside of Hoi An ancient town, shop for souvenirs among the antique shops and art galleries, or just sit at sidewalk cafes and soak up the atmosphere of this quaint town. Or relax on the white sandy beach of the famous Cua Dai Beach. Overnight in a Hoi An hotel.

Accommodation: Le Belhamy Resort / Family Pool Villa
http://www.belhamy.com/home/le-belhamy.html

Day 15         Hoi An biking tour
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
+ Guide

08:30    Spend a day leisurely cycling though the scenic countryside of Vietnam, far from the traffic the motor scooters, and the noises the city. You will cross the islands on the Song Thu river delta using local transportation, including ferries and floating bridges...
 
This tour will take you on a visit to artisans making bricks according to age-old. You will discover how wooden river boats are made and learn the secret of weaving the colorful straw Hoi An sleeping mats. Try the renowned Vietnamese basket boats. You will spend the day with first-hand contact with one of the rural inhabitant of the region, far from the usual tourist circuits. At lunchtime you will be invited into a local home for a traditional Vietnamese meal, and learn their customs and traditions. After you have relaxed for a while under the shade of a mango tree, you will begin your return towards Hoi An, which will take about an hour. Overnight in Hoi An.

Accommodation: Le Belhamy Resort / Family Pool Villa
http://www.belhamy.com/home/le-belhamy.html

Day 16 - 18     Hoi An free days
Meals included: Breakfast
+ NO Guide

Free days at leisure to relax and discover the city by yourselves.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Accommodation: Le Belhamy Resort / Family Pool Villa
http://www.belhamy.com/home/le-belhamy.html

Day 19         Hoi An - Danang - Flight to Ho Chi Minh
Meals included: Breakfast
+ Guide

Free at leisure until we pick you up and transfer to the airport for flight to Ho Chi Minh.

Upon your arrival at Ho Chi Minh airport, pick up and transfer to hotel for check-in.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.

Option 1: Somerset Ho Chi Minh City / 2 Bedroom Premier / http://www.somerset.com/en/vietnam/ho_chi_minh_city/
Option 2: Rex Hotel / West Wing Premium Rooms – Next Door / http://rexhotelvietnam.com/

Day 20         Ho Chi Minh city tour
Meals included: Breakfast
+ Guide

08:30    Start your day visiting two iconic architectural landmarks the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office built between 1877 and 1883 by renowned designer Gustav Eiffel. The cathedral still remains an active church with services each day and is favoured backdrop for Vietnamese wedding photographs.

From the cathedral, take a short stroll along Dong Khoi Street to the Opera House. From a bomb shelter to housing the parliamentary Lower House, the Opera House has had an interesting history. Restored in 1995 the Opera House has returned to its roots and is once again a theatre.

Next, visit the Reunification Palace, once a symbol of the South Vietnamese Government. It was here on 30 April 1975, that the war ended when a North Vietnamese Army tank crashed through its gates. See the war room, the banquet hall and the presidential office with the unusual gifts which have been received. In the afternoon continue on to the War Remnants Museum. Here, your guide will tell the story of the city’s darkest and most tragic hours during the Vietnam War. The museum contains displays of military aircraft, weaponry and many photographs – some that are quite graphic in nature.

Head to Cholon the city’s Chinatown and Thien Hau Pagoda which is dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea. With intricate friezes, carved tableaus and impressive incense coils make for some great photos. Then observe street life with a short walking through the narrow streets to Binh Tay market that sells everything from hats to dried squid!

Option 1: Somerset Ho Chi Minh City / 2 Bedroom Premier / http://www.somerset.com/en/vietnam/ho_chi_minh_city/
Option 2: Rex Hotel / West Wing Premium Rooms – Next Door / http://rexhotelvietnam.com/

Day 21         Ho Chi Minh - Cu Chi tunnels - Ho Chi Minh
Meals included: Breakfast
+ Guide

08:30    An extremely complex tunnel system, the Cu Chi network covers a wide area of countryside near to Ho Chi Minh city and was an excellent way for the Viet Kong to move undetected by American forces underground. This evocative day tour explores the struggle of everyday life during the Vietnam War from a local perspective and takes you deep underground to explore the tunnels.

The Cu Chi tour starts with an introductory video detailing its long 25-year construction. Then it is time to go underground in the infamous 120-mile Cu Chi tunnel system which offered a safe haven for soldiers and thousands of Vietnamese people during the Vietnam War. It is virtually an underground city with dwelling houses, schools, hospitals and factories.

On display are booby traps, the remains of a US army tank and huge craters left by American B52 bombs. You will be able to admire lots of compelling photos and personal effects left behind.

There is also the chance to play real war games firing an authentic AK rifle used during the war.

Option 1: Somerset Ho Chi Minh City / 2 Bedroom Premier / http://www.somerset.com/en/vietnam/ho_chi_minh_city/
Option 2: Rex Hotel / West Wing Premium Rooms – Next Door / http://rexhotelvietnam.com/

Day 22         Ho Chi Minh – Mekong Delta – Embark Bassac Cruise
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
+ Guide

08:00    Pick up at your hotel and transfer to the pier.

•    Boarding at Cai Be at noon. Welcome drink, Introduction to the ship and crew, check into the cabins.
•    Departure towards Cho Lach on the Tien Giang river.
•    Lunch while en route. Rest on the deck.
•    The Bassac slips into the Chợ Lách canal, in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the river traffic, between markets and churches, a unique opportunity for a glimpse of the very varied life on the banks as well as on the water.
•    Visit of a village on the banks of river Mang Thit, an opportunity to appreciate the way of life and hospitality of the local inhabitants. Visit of the orchard or rice fields nearby.
•    Boarding back, complimentary drink as a welcome back on board. Rest on the deck enjoying the sunset. The crew will serve dinner while the Bassac is cruising Mang Thit river.
•    The Bassac sets anchor just downstream from the little Tra On floating market, for the night.

Accommodation: Bassac Cruise / Deluxe Cabins – Next Door
http://transmekong.com/

Day 23         Can Tho - Cai Rang floating market - Ho Chi Minh
Meals included: Breakfast
+ Guide

•    You may get up for breakfast as early as 06:30, as the ship is resuming its cruise the Tra On floating market. The ship then departs towards Can Tho.
•    Arrival in Cai Rang floating market, check out and transfer onto a local boat to visit the floating market, then a noodle factory and return to the Ninh Kieu pier.
•    End of services by mid-morning on shore at Cần Thơ. Then drive back to Ho Chi Minh for overnight.

•    Please note you will leave the Bassac for good upon boarding the small boat for the last visit, typically about 8:30.
•    The details of the program and the visits may vary depending on logistics or technical constraints.

Option 1: Somerset Ho Chi Minh City / 2 Bedroom Premier / http://www.somerset.com/en/vietnam/ho_chi_minh_city/
Option 2: Rex Hotel / West Wing Premium Rooms – Next Door / http://rexhotelvietnam.com/

Day 24         Ho Chi Minh departure
Meals included: Breakfast
+ Guide

Free at leisure until we pick you up and transfer back to the airport for flight back home!

END OF SERVICES!

SERVICES INCLUSIVE:
•    Economy flight tickets: Hanoi – Hue & Danang – Ho Chi Minh
•    Private transportation in 16 seated vans
•    Return train tickets Hanoi – Sapa – Hanoi
•    All entrance fees & boat trips to indicated sights
•    English speaking guides (Except for free days)
•    Meals as mentioned
•    Visa on arrival to Vietnam (Except for $25 usd per person as stamping fee at the airport)

SERVICES EXCLUSIVE:
•    Early check-in & Late check-out
•    Tips
•    Drinks
•    Personal expenses
•    Insurance