Vietnam Impression

Description

Tour type: Private - moderate

Class: superior - luxury

Duration: 12 days
Arrival/ Departure: Hanoi / Ho Chi Minh City or reverse.
Price: from 1037USD/person
Meals planned: B: breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner
Group size: on request (2 - 16 person)

Highlights: Hanoi, Sapa trekking, Ha Long Bay, sea kayaking and Snorkeling, charming Hoi An, My Son, Hue, boat cruises, Cu Chi Tunnel.

Introduction: This tour concentrates on the North and Central parts of Vietnam, which have longer and richer history and culture. You will not be disappointed with a chance to see the diverse culture and brave history of Vietnamese people. From stunning mountainous area, to green flat river delta, from exciting trekking to leisure activities on board beautiful and romantic cruisers, etc., all waiting for you ahead. 

Itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival (D)

Day 2: Hanoi city (B, L)

Day 3: Lao Cai arrival – Sapa - Cat Cat - Sin Chai (B, L)

Day 4: Sapa trekking - Lao Chai - Ta Van - Hanoi (B, L)

Day 5: Hanoi - Halong (B, L, D)

Day 6: Halong - Hanoi (B, L)

Day 7: Hanoi - Hue (B)

Day 8: Hue – DMZ – Hue (B, L)

Day 9: Hue – Da Nang – Hoi An (B, L)

Day 10: Hoi An - My Son (B)

Day 11: Da Nang – Ho Chi Minh City  (B)

Day 12: Ho Chi Minh - Cu Chi Tunnels - Departure (B, L)

Note*: This is a typical tour made by Tuan Linh Travel. In any case, please contact us for details in accordance with your departure date or customized itinerary.

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DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival (D)
On arrival at Noi Bai Airport, you are met and transferred to hotel. Hanoi, Vietnam's capital is a stylish and gracious city that retains a unique old world charm and some Asia's most striking colonial architecture. There are many lakes and parks make for relaxing atmosphere.
We will take a guided half - day tour of Hanoi, visiting the Old Quarter. We will then enjoy the unique performance of Water Puppet show and have dinner at the local restaurant.
Overnight at Hotel, Hanoi.
Day 2: Hanoi city tour (B, L, D)
Our full-day city tour begins with a visit to the President Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum and residence. We also visit the famous One Pillar Pagoda nearby. Leave the President's complex, we go to the Museum of Ethnology, which is an excellent museum containing the ethnic costumes of the various minorities of Vietnam, as well as relics, tools and even full size replicas of their homes and buildings.
After lunch in a local restaurant, we continue to visit the Temple of Literature which was the first university in Vietnam and was built in 1070. We then take a walking tour around the Restored Sword Lake. You are free for shopping before having dinner and transferring to the station for night train to Sapa.
Overnight on train to Lao Cai.
Day 3: Lao Cai arrival – Sapa - Cat Cat - Sin Chai (B, L)
An early morning arrival at Lao Cai station, transfer to Sapa town. The roads are bumpy at times, but various scenic landscapes changing from the delta area to the Tonkinese Alps make an interesting journey. At an elevation of 1,500 meters, Sapa was once a hill resort of French administrators when the summer heat became unbearable. The remoteness and the simple lifestyle of ethnic minority peoples are a highlight of Sapa although conditions are basic. It is most likely that Sa Pa was first inhabited by highland minorities of the Hmong and Dzao groups, as well as by smaller numbers of Tay and Dzay, these being the four main minority groups still present in Sapa District today.
We start our trekking with a walk down to the South-west of Sapa (around 4 km) to visit Cat Cat village of the Black H’mong. Relax at the foot of the stunning waterfall and the vestige of a hydroelectric power station that was constructed by the French during the colonial time in Vietnam. Enjoy picnic lunch by the side of the river, and then next 6 km to Sin Chai, the village located at the foot of Fansipan Mountain, “the roof of Vietnam and Indochina”. From here you can enjoy huge stunning landscapes before climbing up on the way back to Sapa.
Overnight at hotel, Sapa.
Day 4: Sapa trekking - Lao Chai - Ta Van - Hanoi (B, L, D)
Today we have enough time to visit the bustling Sapa Market where the Red Dzao, Black H’mong, Tay and Xapho ethnic minorities converge from the nearby mountainsides and valleys to trade their goods and buy provisions. We then get well off the beaten track as we embark on a walk to explore this beautiful mountain region, Muong Hoa valley on the way to Y Linh Ho village of the Black H’mong. We will then trek down to Lao Chai village, through terraced rice fields to Ta Van village of the Dzay minority people. Along the way we traverse several rustic villages and see many mountaineers doing their daily works such as logging, herding buffalo and tilling the field. The blend of verdant mountain backdrop and colorful population makes for an unimaginable view. Get back to Sapa. Free until pickup for night train to Hanoi.
Overnight on train to Hanoi.
Day 5: Hanoi - Halong (B, L, D)
Halong Bay has twice been recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage Area for its exceptional scenic beauty and outstanding geological and geomorphic values. Thousands of islands emerging uneven in the fanciful waves look strong and magnificent but also mild and vivid. Amidst these islands, we feel as if we were astray in a petrified legendary world.
4:30: You are picked up at the train station and check in a nearby hotel for relaxing and bathing (as you will not have chance to take a bath the previous day). Have breakfast, check out and then take a 4-hour drive to Halong Bay.
12.15 pm: Arrive in Halong city, board our junk boat, for an overnight journey. Sip on a refreshing welcome drink upon check in before you begin the cruise through the bay. Feast on a delicious lunch as you cruise among hundreds of islets (Dinh Huong islet, Ga Choi – Fighting Cock islet, Dog islet, Finger islet, etc.) to discover untouched pockets of Halong Bay and visit Sung Sot cave, one of the most imposing grottos of the Bay. You will then go kayaking from the Soi Sim beach to Luon Cave to enjoy the quite atmosphere of the bay.
Dinner and overnight on aboard.
Day 6: Halong - Hanoi  (B, L)
7.00am: For early risers complimentary tea, coffee, fruit and cake are served.
8.00am: Visit Luon cave on small bamboo boat paddle by out crew staff and enjoy the quiet atmosphere enclosed by high islets and mountains. Be back to our Junk. Sail past rock formations such as Man’s Head islet, Tortoise islet, Butterfly cave, Lion islet, Bai Tho mountain, enjoy the tranquil scenery as the boat meanders its way through the bay on the way back to Halong city, etc. Arrange your luggage and do the check out onboard at around 9.00 am. Enjoy a wholesome brunch as your boat weaves through strange-shaped limestone rock formations.
11.45am: Arrive back at Halong city for disembarkation where your driver waits to take you back to your Hanoi. Free time for your personal activities.
Overnight at the hotel in Hanoi.
Day 7: Hanoi - Hue (B)
Hue is a provincial capital of Thua Thien Hue Province in the central part of Vietnam, 660 km from Ha Noi and 1080 km from Saigon. Hue became the name of Vietnam's most well known ancient capital. Many historical buildings are located in Hue, largely a legacy from its time as a capital of the Nguyen dynasty (1802-1945).
The beautiful riverside pagoda of Thien Mu, which now becomes the symbol of Hue and the elaborate royal tomb of Emperor Ming Mang are not to be missed. We include these in a half day cruise on the Perfume River which also gives us a taste of the scenic countryside. After an impressive boat trip, we see the Imperial Citadel and the Purple Forbidden City. This royal residence was all but destroyed during the 1968 Tet Offensive; however it is still fascinating to walk among the ruins. We will then take a walk to the bustling Dong Ba Market that sells a wide variety of local goods and handicrafts. Along the way we pass many fantastic eating spots, all ideal for visitors to sample some local delicacies.
Overnight at hotel, Hue.
Day 8: Hue – DMZ – Hue (B, L)
During Vietnam - America War, the Ben Hai River was demarcation line between North and South Vietnam. This make a Demilitarized Zone of five km each from the river. However during the war, the Southern area of DMZ was one of the most bloodiest battlefield. This tour to DMZ will take you back to the war sites, including: Ben Hai River, Hien Luong Bridge, Vinh Moc Tunnel, Khe Sanh Combat, Ho Chi Minh Trail, Dong Ha Town, Rock Pile. We will stop at Cua Tung beach before driving back to Hue.
Overnight at the hotel, Hue.
Day 9: Hue – Da Nang – Hoi An (B)
After breakfast we depart for Hoi An, stopping en route to visit the sensational Marble Mountains, the Cham Museum in Da Nang. This structure is home to Vietnam's largest collection of Cham treasures. The winding roads begin as we make our way up the spectacular Hai Van Pass. At the top of the pass we stop to admire a fantastic view north to Lang Co and south to Da Nang. Continue to the riverside town of Hoi An which was originally a Cham port town, but has been influenced down the centuries by a myriad of traders from various cultures. There is a distinctly Chinese appearance with pagodas and assembly halls scattered along the small streets. Hoi An was once a bustling port in centuries gone by, before the river silted up.
Overnight at the hotel, Hoi An.
Day 10: Hoi An - My Son (B)
The My Son temple complex is regarded one of the foremost Hindu temple complexes in Southeast Asia and is the foremost heritage site of this nature in Vietnam. It is often compared with other historical temple complexes in Southeast Asia, such as Borobodur of Java in Indonesia, Angkor Wat of Cambodia, Bagan of Myanmar and Ayutthaya of Thailand. As of 1999, My Son has been recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site. At its 23rd meeting, UNESCO accorded Mỹ Sơn this recognition pursuant to its criterion C (II), as an example of evolution and change in culture, and pursuant to its criterion C (III), as evidence of an Asian civilization which is now extinct.
Today, we will have a full day with the tour “2 World Heritage Sites in a destination”: My Son Holy Land and Hoi An Ancient town. Tourist attractions include: architecture treasure of My Son, the land once belonged to Cham Kingdom; the Japanese Bridge, Ong Pagoda, Tan Ky Old Merchant House, Quang Dong Assembly Hall.
Overnight at the hotel, Hoi An.
Day 11: Da Nang – Ho Chi Minh City (B, L)
Morning transfer to airport for flight to Ho Chi Minh City - the capital of the French colony of Cochinchina and later of the independent state of South Vietnam from 1954 to 1975. In 1976, it merged with the surrounding province of Gia Dinh and was officially renamed Ho Chi Minh City. This is the largest city in Vietnam and the nation's economic capital. The metropolitan area Ho Chi Minh City and surrounding towns, is populated by more than 9 million. Welcomed by local guide upon arrival at the airport and transfer to the city for a city tour to visit the War Remnant Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Reunification Palace (outside), Binh Tay Market and China Town, and a lacquer ware factory if time permits.
Overnight at hotel, Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 12: Ho Chi Minh - Cu Chi Tunnels - departure (B, L)
We will spend a half day to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels. Cu Chi is actually the name of the district which covers an extensive underground network (approximately 200 kilometers) of tunnels dug initially by the Viet Minh and later expanded by the Viet Cong. The tunnels contained hospitals, plus accommodation and schools, and were used extensively for refuge and storage and also utilized as a military base for the Viet Cong close to Saigon. The 1968 Tet Offensive was launched from Cu Chi with surprising effect. A section of the tunnels has been widened to allow tourists to get a feel for what the life underground must have been like (please note that this will be hot and sweaty and also a bit claustrophobic!).
After lunch at a nice restaurant, transfer to airport for departure flight.
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*The itinerary in Halong Bay may change, depending on the option you choose.

Quotation

Category	Net rate in US$/person in party of			Single room
	2 - 3	4 - 5	>5
Superior	1415	1159	1037	+283
First class	1611	1362	1240	+433
Deluxe	1945	1708	1587	+690
Luxury	Contact us for price

Note*: rates are not applied on New Year, National Holidays, festivals...

Inclusion:

• Twin-shared rooms at 3-5 star hotels or boat.

• Meals as mentioned in the program. Special requirements (vegetarian, diet, Muslim food etc.) could be arranged upon prior notice.

• Train ticket from Hanoi to Lao Cai and vice-verse (sharing 4-soft-berth cabin with air-conditioning).

• Land transfer by private A/C vehicle for whole trip.

• Boat trip in Halong Bay.

• English speaking guide. Other languages are available upon request.

• Admission fee for all sightseeing places

• Bottle of mineral water and cool tissue per person per day available on the car.

See details of services we provide in our tours

Exclusion:

• All flights and airport tax (Hanoi - Hue: US$85; Da Nang - HCMC: US$85)

• Visa arrangement.

• Travel insurances.

• Drinks and personal expenses (laundry, phone calls etc.).

• Services not clearly mentioned above.

Packing list: Passport, towels, toiletries, flash light, change of clothes, sun block, sun glasses, sun hat, insect repellent, proper hiking shoes and rain coat.

Accommodation

Category	Cities	Hotels	Class	Room Type
Superior	Hanoi	Hoa Binh Palace	3*	Superior
	Sapa	Holiday Sapa hotel	3*	Standard
	Halong cruise	Oriental Sails	3*	Deluxe
	Hue	Ideal Hotel	3*	Superior
	Hoi An	Pho Hoi Riverside	3*	Superior
	Nha Trang	The Light hotel	3*	Superior
	Da Lat	Vietso Petro Hotel	3*	Deluxe
	Ho Chi Minh	Sapphire Hotel	3*	Superior
First class	Hanoi	Sunway Hanoi	4*	Superior
	Sapa	Chau Long Hotel(New Wing)	4*	ROH
	Halong cruise	Victory Cruise	4*	Superior
	Hue	Huong Giang Hotel	4*	Deluxe
	Hoi An	Hoi An hotel	4*	Superior
	Nha Trang	Nha Trang Lodge hotel	4*	Standard
	Da Lat	Hoang Anh Resort	4*	Villa Supperior
	Ho Chi Minh	First hotel	4*	Superior
Deluxe	Hanoi	Moevenpick Hotel	5*	Superior
	Sapa	Victoria Sapa Resort	4*	Superior
	Halong cruise	Indochina Sails	4*	Superior
	Hue	Celadon Palace	5*	Deluxe
	Hoi An	Palm Garden Resort	5*	Garden - View
	Nha Trang	Sunrise Nha Trang	5*	Superior
	Da Lat	Saigon Dalat Hotel	4*	Junior Suite
	Ho Chi Minh	Windsor Plaza Hotel	5*	Deluxe
Luxury	Hanoi	Sofitel Metropole Hotel	5*	Opera Room
	Sapa	Victoria Resort	4*	Superior
	Halong cruise	Jasmine Junk	5*	Premium
	Hue	La Residence Hotel	5*	Superior
	Hoi An	Victoria Resort	5*	Superior
	Nha Trang	Evason Nha Trang & Six Senses Spa	5*	Garden View
	Da Lat	Sofitel Dalat Palace	5*	Luxury
	Ho Chi Minh City	Park Yark Hotel	5*	Park Room

Note*:

• Hotels and/or room type would be changed on your requests with surcharge/discount (if any).

• Similar hotels will be selected  in case pointed ones are full.