Classic Vietnam

Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi - Accommodation: (D)

On arrival at the airport, you will be greeted and transferred to the hotel. Depending on what time you arrive, activities can be organized - or you can rest up. In the evening, the group will have a Welcome Dinner at a local Vietnamese restaurant. Overnight Maison D'Hanoi Hanova Hotel (or similar)

Day 2: Hanoi - Full Day City Tour - Accommodation: (B,L)

This morning you will enjoy a guided city tour of Hanoi, also known as the 'Paris of the East'. The city has a rick and fascinating history. The city tour includes Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple in the Old Quarter of Hanoi. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit Temple of Literature, built in the 11th century as Vietnam’s first university, Fine Art Museum, Quan Thanh Temple. Evening at leisure. Overnight Maison D'Hanoi Hanova Hotel (or similar)

The Temple of Literature: Originally built as a temple to Confucius, this is the site of Vietnam’s first university dating back to 1070. Inside are the stone stele mounted on the backs of turtles, inscribed with the names of the university’s graduates. The complex is divided into five courtyards with different paths that would originally have been reserved for the Emperor and his mandarins. One of the courtyards contains the statue of Confucius guarded by two beautiful bronze storks standing on turtles. The temple highlights the importance influence that Vietnamese society has placed on education. Ngoc Son Temple and Hoan Kiem Lake: The Ngoc Son temple is set on a tiny island on the Hoan Kiem Lake, its history dating back to the 13th century. The temple is reached by crossing the Huc Bridge which literally means the ‘Place Touched by Morning Sunbeams’. The Hoan Kiem Lake is the local point of the city and the source of many legends. One legend has it that in the 15th century Emperor Le Thai To vanquished the invading Chinese with the help of a magical sword. Whilst rowing on the lake an enormous turtle seized the sword from his grasp. The Emperor took this to mean that peace had returned and the sword had been given back to its guardian spirit. In honour of the event he renamed the lake ‘Ho Hoan Kiem’ – Lake of the Restored Sword.

Day 3: Hanoi to Sapa - Overnight Soft Sleeper Train (B)

Morning free in Hanoi. A traditional afternoon cyclo tour through the narrow, ancient streets of the exotic Old Quarter is a great way to soak up the sights and sounds. In the evening, board an overnight sleeper train to Lao Cai and the mountainous region near the Chinese border. Overnight: Soft Sleeper Train - 2 people per sleeper.

Afternoon cyclo tour through the Old Quarter - a must for any visitor to Hanoi! A cyclo (pronounced see-clo) is a Vietnamese version of a cycle rickshaw, originally used as the main form of transportation in Vietnam, it has now been overtaken by motorbikes, but still very much remains at the heart of Vietnamese culture. Sit back and relax as you witness the hustle and bustle of Vietnamese life from the comfort of your arm chair! The Old Quarter, also known as the 36 streets, is a bustling area of narrow streets home to literally thousands of small businesses, shopkeepers and street vendors, selling everything from bananas to books. Originally each of the 36 streets names’ was related to the products being sold there. Hence you can walk from Fish Street to Tin Street to Bamboo Street. It’s a great place to explore and the slow pace of a cyclo will enable numerous photo opportunities.

Day 4: Sapa - Accommodation: (B, L)

Arrive at Lao Cai station early in the morning and transfer to Sapa. Depending on your fitness level, you can arrange anything from gentle walks to challenging hikes to explore the lush valleys and mountains that surround the town. With an expert local guide, you can navigate small paths through verdant, terraced fields of rice and corn, passing farmers and their water buffalo ploughing the land as they have for centuries. The ethnic-minority groups still maintain their traditions and way of life, including their own language and intricately embroidered, colourful clothing. In the evening, you can stay overnight with a local family in Ta Van village or return to the comfort of your hotel in Sapa. Overnight Royal View Hotel (or similar)

Day 5: Sapa - Ta Phin - Hanoi - Overnight Soft Sleeper Train (B, L)

Start the morning with a hike to a beautiful waterfall before continuing on to a picturesque Red Dao village. Red Dao women wear giant red scarves around their heads, and their clothing is embellished with colourful red embroidery and coins. Spend the afternoon at leisure in Sapa before returning to Lao Cai to board the overnight train back to Hanoi. Transfer to hotel. Evening at leisure. Overnight: Soft Sleeper Train - 2 people per sleeper.

Day 6: Hanoi to Ha Long Bay - Traditional Vietnamese Junk (B, L,D)

Arrive in Hanoi at around 5 am. A day room at the hotel will be available, so you can shower and freshen up before breakfast. At around 8 am start your journey to Halong Bay and arrive at around midday to board atraditional junk for an overnight cruise. Halong Bay is widely considered to be one of the natural wonders of the world. Thousands of towering pillars of sea and wind-carved limestone karst make the bay an unforgettable sight. After lunch, explore some of the huge limestone caves dotted around the bay and visit a floating fishing village. Then the captain will find a secluded spot where you can swim, soak up the sun on the top deck, or try your hand at kayaking. In the evening enjoy a seafood feast for dinner. Overnight Junk: Jewel of the Bay (or similar)

Day 7: Ha Long Bay to Hanoi - Accommodation: (B, L)

Enjoy an early morning swim, followed by breakfast as you cruise through more spectacular scenery. In the afternoon drive back to Hanoi, where you will have one more evening to sample its fabulous cuisine and explore the Old Quarter. Overnight Maison D'Hanoi Hanova Hotel (or similar)

Day 8: Hanoi to Hue - Accommodation: (B, L)

In the morning transfer to Hanoi's Noi Ba airport and fly to the former Imperial Capital of Hue. This beautiful city is rich in history, culture and ancient temples. Spend the day exploring the Citadel, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage site, before relaxing on a Sunset Cruise on the Perfume River. Overnight Park View Hotel (or similar)

Day 9: Hue to Hoi An- Accommodation: (B, L)

This morning we drive south to Hoi An along a beautiful stretch of coastline. This scenic route climbs over the Pass of Ocean Clouds before dropping down to the wonderfully photogenic fishing village of Lang Co. On arrival in Hoi An, enjoy a walking tour of this charming traditional town now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site: visit the ancient town centre to visit former merchants' houses, the 400 year-old Japanese Covered Bridge and the colourful market. Evening at leisure. Overnight Hoi An Historic Hotel (or similar)

Day 10: Hoi An - Accommodation: (B)

Spend the day at leisure: time on the beach or have clothes made by one of the expert, inexpensive tailors Hoi An is famous for. Hoi An was a major Asian trading port in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries and its picturesque architecture and relaxed lifestyle has changed little over the years. If you like to cook, you can spend a fabulous day exploring the local produce market with an expert chef who will teach you the secrets of Vietnamese cuisine. Overnight Hoi An Historic Hotel (or similar)

Day 11: Hoi An to Saigon - Accommodation: (B, L)

Drive to Danang and then fly to Ho Chi Minh City and spend the afternoon on a guided tour of the highlights of this bustling, cosmopolitan city. Afternoon city tour includes The Reunification Palace (former Presidential Palace), Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral, Lam Son Square, Ben Thanh Market, Thien Hau pagoda, The Museum of HCM. In the evening, you may like to enjoy a fun cooking class or take a cruise down the Saigon River, complete with local entertainment and a fantastic traditional and international buffet dinner. Overnight Catina Saigon Hotel (or similar)

Reunification Palace: This is one of the most important buildings in the city. Here on April 30th 1975 the ‘American War’ officially ended when tank number 843 of the North Vietnamese Army crashed through the gates of what was, at the time the residence of the President of the Republic of Vietnam.

War Remnants Museum: Formerly known as the Museum of American War Crimes, this is a poignant display of the futility of war. Some of the black and white photography in the ‘Requiem’ exhibit is particularly touching, dedicated to both foreign and Vietnamese journalists and photographers who perished during the conflict. The courtyard outside contains the spoils of war, namely rusting jets, tanks and cannons captured from the American military machine.

Notre Dame Cathedral and Old Post Office: Built between 1877 and 1883 this is one of the best examples of classical French colonial architecture. Remarkably every stone used in its creation was shipped from France to Vietnam. Her two 40m towers, topped with iron spires dominate the city’s skyline. The Old Post Office is another example of French colonial architecture and is also the country’s largest post office.

Day 11: Saigon - Tour End (B)

Tour ends after breakfast. You are transferred to the airport for your international flight.