Dear Tuan,

We arrived back home Friday morning and would like to thank you very much for a well organised tour schedule, friendly guides with lots of local knowledge, (especially Siya in Siem Riep with his excellent photo skills who took fantastic photos of us, Sunny in Sapa who made the “sun shine” even on a foggy day and Quang in Hanoi who did not leave any of my many questions un answered, good food and nice hotels.

It was so good to meet the person behind the many e-mails we had in the last two years and we very much appreciated that you took the time to meet with us and would like to thank you for the bottle of wine and fruit which we enjoyed in Sapa.

We had a fantastic holiday and took lots of new impressions back home with us. We definitely will recommend Vivutravel and your excellent services to our friends.

I would like to leave a comment on your web-site, but don’t know how to. You are welcome to use this e-mail on your web site.

Thank you again
Elfi and Paul (Travel from 3 Feb  - 20 Mar 14)
Email: Elfi <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.>

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Sai Gon – Can Tho – Chau Doc – Phnom Penh – Siem Reap – Hanoi – Sapa – Halong Bay – Hue – Hoi An – Nha Trang – Da Lat

TOUR  ITINERARY

Day 1, 23 Feb 14: Ho Chi Minh City Arrival 

Meals: None

+Guide

Arrive at Tan Son Nhat airport, welcome by our private Vietnam tour guide and driver and transfer to you hotel for check in. Ho Chi Minh, the most exciting city of Vietnam, a mecca of commerce, also a city with a chequered history and a rich culture, its pagodas, museums, public buildings, parks and boulevards make it one of the most delightful Vietnam Tours and cities to visit in Vietnam.

Free time at leisure.  Overnight in a Ho Chi Minh hotel

Accommodation: Duxton / Deluxe

 

Day 2, 24 Feb 14: Ho Chi Minh City Tour

Meals: B, L

+Guide

Today we will start a Ho Chi Minh City tour visiting the Thien Hau Temple, followed by the lively Binh Tay Market. As one of the spotlights for any Vietnam tours, Ho Chi Minh City lures worldwide Vietnam tour makers with its passion and magic. Have lunch in a local restaurant.

After lunch, visit the War Remnants or History Museum and the former Presidential Palace. From there, the Notre Dame Cathedral, Old Saigon Post Office, Dong Khoi Street (formerly Rue Catinat), Continental Hotel, Opera House and City Hall are all within walking distance and absolutely nice choices for a free stroll.
Stay overnight in a Ho Chi Minh hotel

Accommodation: Duxton / Deluxe

 

Day 3, 25 Feb 14: Ho Chi Minh City – Tay Ninh – Cu Chi Tunnels – Ho Chi Minh City 

Meals: B, L

Morning pick up from the hotel for Cu Chi Tunnels tour, en route to visit the bustling market at Thu Dao Mot. Upon arrival in Cu Chi, we visit the incredible underground tunnel network of approximately 200 kilometres hand-constructed by Vietnamese guerillas during the long struggle for independence where you will understand more about the Vietnam War or American War, a must see Vietnam Tour for any tourists to learn about Vietnam past and present days. Afternoon drive back to Ho Chi Minh.

Accommodation: Duxton / Deluxe

 

Day 4, 26 Feb 14: Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Cruise 

Meals: B, L, D

+Guide

Today we will start our exploration of the Mekong Delta, a major rice producing area. This must be one of the most fascinating riverine deltas in the world. The Mekong splits into nine major arteries. A vast network of rivers and waterways with thousands of ships of all sizes plowing the waters gives the Mekong Delta a very special atmosphere and no doubt one of the most interesting destinations for Vietnam Tours.

Boarding at Ninh Kieu pier. Welcome drink, introduction to the ship and crew, check into the cabins. Departure downstream of the Hau river. Lunch on board while en route. Tour near Tra On floating market.

Turning into Nicolai canal, towards the Mang Thit and Co Chien rivers. Rest on the upper deck in a scenery of rice fields, sugar cane, woods on the near banks.

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 or around the bar enjoying the sunset. The crew will serve dinner while the Bassac is cruising Mang Thit river towards her anchorage point for the night.

The Bassac sets anchor for the night on river Mang Thit. Overnight on board.

Boat: Bassac boat / Deluxe (Twin)

 

Day 5, 27 Feb 14: Cai Be – Chau Doc  

Meals: B

+Guide

06:30 Departure towards Cai Be. The passengers take their breakfast while enjoying the scenery on the banks.

The Bassac crosses Co Chien river then branches into Cho Lach canal for 30 minutes through the traffic of sand and rice barges, in a scenery of fruit drying facilities and wooden ship building yards.

Arrival in Cai Be, check-out and boarding of a local boat for a tour of Cai Be floating market and handicraft.

Leaving the board at: Cái Bè. Pick up and drive to Chau Doc. Visit Holy Sam mountain on the way and uponyour arrival, take the boat trip to visit the fishing and floating village, an ethnic Cham village. Overnight in Chau Doc.

Accommodation: Victoria Chau Doc / Superior

 

Day 6, 28 Feb 14: Chau Doc – Phnom Penh   

Meals: B, L

+Guide

After breakfast, we take the speed boat to Phnom Penh where you will be greeted by your professional friendly English Speaking Tour guide on your arrival at boat pier from Chau Doc and transfer for Lunch.
In the afternoon, we will visit the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda. This amazing place, which floor is covered with 5000 silver plates, houses the Preah Keo or emerald Buddha, made of Baccarat crystal. In front stands a 90 kg golden Buddha studded with 9584 diamonds. After this, we will visit the National Museum where present a collection of Khmer art, mostly sculptures.

Overnight in Phnom Penh

Accommodation: Intercontinental Hotel / Deluxe

 

Day 7, 01 Mar 14: Phnom Penh – Flight to Siem Reap

Meals: B, L

+Guide

After breakfast, we will drive to the Choeng Ek killing fields and the Tuol Sleng genocide Museum - a mass gravesite and a former high school converted to a detention and torture centre by the Khmers Rouges when they came to power in 1975. Afternoon transfer to airport for flight to Siem Reap K6 115H 01-MAR-14  PNH-REP HK2  15:20  16:05. Pick up and transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Accommodation: Siem Reap: Sokha Angkor Hotel / deluxe city

 

Day 8, 02 Mar 14: Siem Reap Angkor Tour

Meals: B, L

+Guide

Today breakfast, then we will visit Angkor Thom beginning with the portal South Gate. Angkor Thom is located in the middle of Angkor. We also visit Bayon, Baphoun, elephant terrace and the Terrace of leper king, then visit Ta Prohm, the Jungle Temple. Afternoon we will discovered the beautiful temple of Angkor Wat, classified as World Heritage by UNESCO, with its soaring towers and its extraordinary bas-reliefs. It is one of the most extraordinary monuments ever conceived by the human spirit, built in the 12th century in honour of Vishnu. Angkor Wat, formed a rectangle of 1500 metres by 1300, covers an area of almost 200 hectares to include the supervision of watersheds ditches 190 metres wide. Within these, the wall encloses an area of 1025 meters on 800, or 82 hectares is the largest monumental Group of Angkor.

Accommodation: Siem Reap: Sokha Angkor Hotel / deluxe city

 

Day 9, 03 Mar 14: Siem Reap Angkor Tour

Meals: B, L

+Guide

This morning after breakfast, we drive through the countryside to reach the magnificent Banteay Srei temple–the Citadel of women. This Hindu temple, dating back to the 10th century, has three central towers each decorated with superbly intricate carvings and reliefs of male and female divinities, Then on the way back we stop to visit the Cambodian Landmine museum and Rehabilitation Centre to get some more experiences about the past time in Cambodia during the civil war. Afternoon we going to explore the Grand circuit as Preah Khan, Neak Pean, Ta som and Mebon temples. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Accommodation: Siem Reap: Sokha Angkor Hotel / deluxe city

 

Day 10, 04 Mar 14: Tonle Sap Lake – Fligh to Hanoi 

Meals: B, L

+Guide

This morning after breakfast at the hotel, we will enjoy Tonle Sap Lake, Asia’s largest inland lake also the biggest harvest fresh water fish in the world, which swells to ten times its normal size during the wet season; here we have a two-hours boat trip observing how local people go about their daily lives in the floating village, during the boat trip we stop to visit a bird garden and a fishing farm, and also see floating school and a local market will also prove a rewarding experience for today.
PM : we will have time to go shopping arround the Old Market in the French quater area. Old Market has handicrafts local made, palm sugars as well as many other things from Cambodian products. Then transfer you to Siem Reap International Airport for departure flight to Hanoi VN 840L 04-MAR-14  REP-HAN HK2  19:15  20:55. Upon arrival, our private Vietnam Tours guide and driver will welcome your Vietnam Holiday, pick up and transfer to the hotel for check in. Hanoi, a city where the exotic chic of old Asia blends with the dynamic face of new Asia. Where the medieval and modern co-exist. A city with a blend of Parisian grace and Asian pace, an architectural museum piece evolving in harmony with its history, rather than bulldozing through like many of the region’s capitals. Hanoi is where imagination becomes reality.

Free at leisure.  Overnight in a Hanoi hotel.

Accommodation: Melia / Deluxe (ROH)

 

Day 11, 5 Mar 14: Hanoi – Hoa Lu & Tam Coc – Hanoi  

Meals: B, L

+Guide

After breakfast, we continue your absolute Vietnam Tours by heading south for the two hour drive along Highway One. We spend one hour visiting the Dinh and Le sanctuaries. These are the two remaining temples of the ancient citadel of Hoa Lu. The first is dedicated to Dinh Tien Hoang (also known as Dinh Bo Linh), an Emperor from the Dinh Dynasty. The second commemorates the rulers of the Le Dynasty. Dinh Bo Linh successfully conquered Vietnam’s first independent rulers, the Ngo Dynasty. On his death in 980, General Le Hoan wisely married Dinh’s widow and established the Le Dynasty and enlarged the citadel.

We then move on to Tam Coc - Poetically penned ‘Halong Bay on the rice paddies’, the area around Tam Coc boasts stunning scenery. While Halong Bay has rugged rock formations jutting out of the sea, here they soar skywards from a sea of green. After a three hour boat trip along the Boi River, we do beautiful bicycle trip to Bich Dong pagoda for visit to a very nice pagoda and cave. Overnight in Hanoi.

Accommodation: Melia / Deluxe (ROH)

 

Day 12, 6 Mar 14: Hanoi Tour – Train to Lao Cai

Meals: B, L, D

+Guide

Hanoi without a doubt a beautiful city for your Vietnam Tours. Today we enjoy a full day Hanoi city tour of this charming capital city including the mausoleum of the nation's founder Ho Chi Minh (close on Monday & Friday), the Presidential Palace, the Ho Chi Minh's house on stilts, the One Pillar Pagoda, the Temple of Literature, the impressive Ethnologic Museum, the beautiful West Lake, the Tran Vu Pagoda, the peaceful lake of the Restored Sword.

Late afternoon we take a cyclo tour for a short excursion through the bustling old quarter streets named after the specific goods once offered for sale at these places. In the evening, we end Hanoi city tour with a fantastic traditional water puppet show. At 20:00, we transfer you to the train station for teh overnight train to Sapa.

Train: King Express / Private cabin

 

Day 13, 7 Mar 14: Lao Cai – Sapa – Lao Chai – Ta Van – Topas Ecolodge

Meals: B, L

+Guide

Sapa - The Queen of the Mountains, overlooking a beautiful valley, lofty mountains towering over the town on all sides, Sapa Tour is gateway to another world of mysterious minority cultures and luscious landscapes.

Arrive early in Lao Cai, your private tour guide, car and driver will meet and transfer you to Sapa. This morning, we have arranged a mini hotel for you to have shower and breakfast.

After breakfast, we will do one of the most beautiful Sapa Tours by driving to visit Lao Chai, Ta Van, Giang Ta Chai village of the Black H'mong, the Day and Red Dao people where you can enjoy fresh air, amazing scenery of the imposing mountain range, trek down world's most beautiful terraced rice fields, visit some local families on the way and learn unique culture and life of these ethnic groups. Continue to Topas Ecolodge for a romantic night. Overnight at Topas Ecolodge.

Accommodation: Topas Ecolodge

 

Day 14, 8 Mar 14: ToPas Ecolodge – Ban Ho Village – Sapa

Meals: B, L

+Guide

After breakfast, our bus takes you to the trekking point where we will trek down the beautiful valley of Ban Ho village of the Tay people. Arrive the the village, let have a break with tea or coffee in one of the families. Enjoying amazing scenery, chatting and learning the life, habits and customs of the local people. If you wish, we trek further to visit a small hamlet of the Red Dzao people called Nam Toong before getting back to Ban Ho for a picnic lunch then drive to Sapa. Check in and overnight in Sapa.

Accommodation: Chau Long Hotel / Superior New Wing

 

Day 15, 9 Mar 14: Sapa – Bac Ha Market – Train to Hanoi

Meals: B, L

+Guide

After breakfast, we drive to visit famous Bac Ha Market Market where many ethnic minorities such as Flower H'mong, Phu La, Black Dao, Tay and Nung minorities gather to buy and sell local products that cannot be found elsewhere. The market is also a meeting place for men to drink  troubles away, women to talk and trade local products, the young to find lover. After lunch, drive back to Lao Cai and stop in Bao Nhai for beautiful boat trip on Chay River. Arrival back in Lao Cai, take a short break to visit Thuong Temple or take some memorable photos at Vietnam – China boder gate. This evening, we take the overnight train back to Hanoi.

Train: King Express / Private cabin

 

Day 16, 10 Mar 14: Hanoi – Halong Bay Cruise

Meals: B, L, D  

+Guide

Pick up from the train station, this morning, we have already arranged a room in a mini hotel for you to have shower and breakfast before driving to Halong Bay (165km), Vietnam most scenic sight, a recognized World Natural Heritage Site and highlight of any Vietnam Tours

On arrival in Halong 

12:15: Transfer by tender to the Indochina Sails boat – enjoy Welcome Drink. Receive cruise briefing and check in to cabins and begin cruise.

13:00: Lunch - deluxe Vietnamese and International Set Menu.

Massage service is available beginning after lunch and throughout the cruise.

14.30: Arrive at Titop Island. Enjoy swimming, relaxing on the beach and climbing the steps to the top of the mountain on the island for fantastic views and photo opportunities. Water and towels supplied. We will spend about 45 minutes on the island.

15.15: Transfer back to the boat and sail for approximately 45 minutes to our second destination - the Bat Cave area.

16.15: Arrive at the Bat Cave area. There are two programs to choose from at this time. One option is a 40 minute kayaking program to the nearby Bat Cave and lagoon and surrounding waters. Kayaking is $10. per person unless already booked as part of your package. Water is supplied.

The second option is to visit the largest floating fishing village in Halong Bay. We will travel to the village on the tender and tour the village for approximately 20 minutes.

18:30: Arrive at Luon Bo area - anchor for overnight.

19:00: Dinner - deluxe Vietnamese & Western Buffet or Set Menu Dinner.

20:30: Evening activities include: film entertainment in the dining room at approximately 9:15, board games and playing cards are available, join squid fishing from the boat with our crew, massage services are available. Also at this time we offer, when possible - depending on weather conditions, an excursion to a nearby squid fishing boat. We travel by tender and you will be able to board the squid boat and see how the local fishermen catch squid and other fish, the excursion lasts about 45 minutes.

21:00 – 23:00: Happy Hour! Buy one drink - get one free (wine excluded). End of program for Day One. Overnight on board

Boat: Indochina Sail / superior

 

Day 17, 11 Mar 14: Halong Bay Cruise – Hanoi – Flight to Hue

Meals: B

+Guide

6:45: Coffee, tea and breakfast pastries served in the dining room.

7:00: Arrive at the Surprise Cave area, there is a small fishing village here. Relax onboard. You may join Tai Chi instruction on the sundeck at 7:00, duraion about 30 minutes.

8:00: Transfer by tender to the Surprise Cave. Walk up the 100 steps to the entrance of the cave and tour on foot for approximately 45 minutes.

9:00: Upon return to the boat take time to freshen up and please check-out of cabins. Please leave heavy luggage outside of the cabins (staff will transfer to the pier). Depart for Bai Chay/Halong pier.

9:30: Enjoy Breakfast Set Menu or Buffet served in the dining room. Settle bills in the dining room after breakfast.

10:00: Relax on the sundeck or in the dining room and enjoy the bay scenery as we approach the pier.

10:45: Arrive at Bai Chay/Halong pier.

11:00: Transfer by tender to the pier. Pick up by our driver and transfer to Hanoi airport for the short flight to Hue (VN1545M 11MAR T HANHUI HK2  1915  2025). We will stop to visit Yen Duc village, Con Son pagoda or Phu Lang pottery village on the way to pass the time. Upon your arrival, your tour guide and driver meet and take you to the hotel. Check in and free at leisure. Overnight in HUe.

Accommodation: Imperial Hotel / Deluxe River View

 

Day 18, 12 Mar 14: Hue City Tour 

Meals: B, L

+Guide

The highlight of your Vietnam travel, Hue city is well - known as a place of many cultural heritages. Up to now, there is no place in Vietnam like Hue remaining a lot of originally historical vestiges..

Today, Hue city tour will guide you through the bustling streets, natural landscape and unique architecture including the perfume river, tombs, pagodas and many temples, hat making village, all of which have become major tourist attractions for visitors from all over the world.

Morning: Pick up at your hotel 7:30am by private vehicle and visit:

1. Minh Mạng Tomb

2. Khai Dinh Tomb

3. Traditional Martial Art Van An

4. Tu Duc Tomb

5. Conicat Hat & Incense Making Village

Noon: Buffet lunch (50 traditional foods, Asia & Western foods).

Afternoon: Continue to visit the Citadel and Thien Mu Pagoda then get on the boat for a sight -seeing trip along the Perfume River. Back to town at 4:30 pm. Overnight in Hue.

Accommodation: Imperial Hotel / Deluxe River View

 

Day 19, 13 Mar 14: Hue – Hoi An   

Meals: B, L

+Guide

After breakfast, another great day of your Vietnam holiday drives you to Hoi An. The exciting part will be Hai Van Pass which is one of the most scenic hillside roads in Vietnam. When braving the steep winding roads of a paved mountain pass, you will have a chance to discover peace, quiet and history along the way then have break at Lang Co bay which is 42.5km in length and has been officially a member of the World’s Most Beautiful Bays Club. In Danang, let spend time visiting the Cham Museum, the largest collection of Cham sculpture and artwork in the world and Marble Mountain, a famous religious site before Hoi An. On arrival, check in and free at leisure. Overnight in Hoi An.

Accommodation: Palm Garden / Beach Front Bungalow

 

Day 20, 14 Mar 14: Hoi An – My Son – Hoi An     

Meals: B, L

+Guide

After breakfast, we invite you an interesting visit to My Son Holy land, once the spiritual capital of Champa Kingdom that dominated South East Asia for nearly a thousand years and occupied most of the central parts of Vietnam from 2nd century to 16th century with very rich in history and culture. Contemplate its remarkable red brick towers and sanctuaries dating from between the 7th and 13th centuries.

Drive back to Hoi An, visit the former merchants' homes, the 400 year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, Phuc Kien pagoda and the colourful riverside market. Overnight in Hoi An.

Accommodation: Palm Garden / Beach Front Bungalow

 

Day 21, 15 Mar 14: Hoi An Free Day

Meals: B

Hoi An Ancient Town - highlight of any tour to Vietnam that no Vietnam Tour 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 China Beach. Overnight in Hoi An.

Accommodation: Palm Garden / Beach Front Bungalow

 

Day 22, 16 Mar 14: Hoi An – Danang  – Nha Trang Beach

Meals: B

+Guide

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight (VN1945L 16MAR S DADCXR HK2  1005  1130) to Nha Trang - The heavyweight champion of Vietnam, Nha Trang has been knocking out visitors for years. True, the town is brazen and brash, but the beach is bold and beautiful and a gateway to a cluster of quieter islands. Nha Trang is really a nice break during your Vietnam holiday. Welcomed by your private tour guide and driver, and transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Nha Trang.

Accommodation: Sunrise Beach resort / Sunrise Club Suite

 

Day 23 , 17 Mar 14: Nha Trang Tour

Meals: B, L

+Guide

A morning boat trip on Nha Trang Bay visits some of the nearby islands where you will have the opportunity to swim and snorkel in the clear warm waters. After a fresh seafood lunch, return to shore. In the afternoon, explore Nha Trang at your own pace. Overnight in a Nha Trang hotel.

Accommodation: Sunrise Beach resort / Sunrise Club Suite

 

Day 24, 18 Mar 14: Nha Trang Free Day

Meals: B

+Guide

Free day at leisure. Overnight in Nha Trang/

Accommodation: Sunrise Beach resort / Sunrise Club Suite

 

Day 25, 19 Mar 14: Nha Trang – Dalat Tour

Meals: B, L

+Guide

After breakfast, we drive to Da Lat, the city of love. Check in on arrival and overnight in Da Lat, a dream Vietnam tour for all Vietnamese. This afternoon, You will visit the former "palace" of the last emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty, Bao Dai. You will also visit the very colorful local market, stacked with fresh fruit, vegetables and flowers, grown in planations around Dalat. Thanks to its temperate climate the mountains around Dalat are ideal for growing vegetables and flowers. One of the main attractions for local tourists is the "Valley of Love", worth a visit just for the peculiar sight of Vietnamese cowboys.
Finally, you will make short ride on the last part of the "cremailliere" railway to the village Trai Mat. Overnight in a DaLat hotel.

Accommodation: Ana Mandara Da Lat/ Villa Studio

 

Day 26, 20 Mar 14: Dalat – HCMC and Departure

Meals: B

+Guide

Today is free day unril we transfer you to the airport for the short flight to HCMC VN1381E 20MAR Q DLISGN HK2  0745  0830. Because you have a lot of time waiting for your departure flight (15:30) so we arrange First hotel (5 minutes from the airport) for you to have shower and rest. Check in first hotel for day use.

Note: You can walk or take the taxi to the hotel (transfer excluded)

 

 

END OF SERVICE

Inclusion:

•    Flights: Phnom Penh – Siem Reap – Hanoi – Hue, Danang – Nha Trang, Da Lat – HCMC (Economy Class)

•    All transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned vehicle with driver

•    Hotel accommodation in double sharing room

•    1 night on board the junk in Ha Long

•    Meals as indicated in the itinerary

•    English speaking guide (except free days)

•    Entrance fees to indicated sights and activities as indicated

•    Boat trips as indicated

•    Bottled mineral water during touring days

•    Train Hanoi – Lao Cai – Hanoi as indicated

Exclusion:

•    International FLIGHTS

•    Drinks

•    Other meals

•    Insurance

•    Personal expenses

•    Expenses for any optional tours or activities during free time