A panorama of diverse beauty from Hanoi's lively Old Quarter, to Sapa's mountains, terraced rice paddies and ethnic minorities, to the magic and treasures of Halong Bay.
Routes: Hanoi – Sapa – Halong – Hanoi
Duration: 9 days
Difficulty: (2/5)
Your Itinerary:
Day 1: Good morning Hanoi. Chao Ban! Welcome to Hanoi, we will meet and take you to your hotel, check-in and today is free at your leisure to rest or explore, discovering your own first impressions of Vietnam. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 2: Hanoi city tour. Depart at 8:00 am, after checking out, from your hotel by van. We will begin our day by visiting Uncle Ho, learning about his great life at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Presidential Palace, and his residential place. Next stop is the nearby Temple of Literature. The site of Vietnam's first University, built in twelfth century, to teach the royals the Confucius theory. Here we will also have a chance to see a traditional music performance. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant for a taste of authentic Hanoi Pho. In the afternoon, choose one from the numerous museums or temples around Hanoi (Museum of Ethnology, Women's Museum, History Museum or Quan Thanh Temple).
A late afternoon walk around Hoan Kiem lake and Hanoi's fascinating Old Quarter for some great fun, shopping, and street side traditional food. This is your chance to be part of typical Hanoian style and its traditional Vietnamese culture. We finish our relaxing but informative day by attending a Water Puppet Show, a favorite experience for all visitors to Vietnam. We can help you get back to your hotel if you wish, but often our guests would just rather spend the early evening enjoying a drink with a view of the city. Dinner on your own. At 8:30 pm transfer from an prearranged meeting spot to the station for your night train to Sapa. Includes: (B), (L).
Day 3: Sapa-Ta Phin, trekking and home stay (4 hours). The train arrives in Lao Cai at about 6:30 am where your guide will welcome you. Then take a morning drive through the clouds by car/van to Sapa (about 1.5 hours). When you arrive in Sapa you will be taken to a local restaurant for a morning shower and breakfast. Then we will take a short ride from Sapa to our trekking base where we start our trek through terraced rice fields and Hmong villages. Chances to meet and talk with locals working in the fields are plentiful. We will break for a picnic lunch en route then continue trekking to Ta Phin village of the Dao people (4 hours). Your Dao host family will warmly welcome you to their traditional home where we will share in an ethnic style dinner and stay the night. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 4: More trekking and back to Sapa. At the first of gleam of daylight, you will see and hear the sounds of morning village life. You can join them in some of their activities, like feeding the animals, cleaning the house, gardening or preparing breakfast. After breakfast, we will complete our trek on a valley route to the main road (4 hours) linking Lao Cai and Sapa. Alternatively, for this long trek, you can choose a short morning wander around the village for about 1 hour, resulting in more time spent with the host family and other villagers. For both options, you will be supported by our car/van back to Sapa (30 minutes). When we arrive back in Sapa we will check in to the hotel, shower, and break for lunch. At 2:30 pm we will visit the gardens of beautiful Ham Rong mountain and take part in a traditional ethnic music performance put on by the ethnic minority people. Then return at your own leisure with free time to discover the secrets of this colorful town. Overnight at the hotel in Sapa town. Includes: (B), (L).
Day 5: Sapa-Hanoi, via night train. Wake up in Sapa town, breakfast at the hotel then enjoy the morning with some of your new friends that you may have met the afternoon before. You have the entire morning and lunch for free time and visiting the lively markets. At 2 pm travel by car/van to visit the Hmong village of Sin Chai to learn more about the Hmong people in an area close to the tourist path but still untouched. You will return to Sapa in late afternoon and finally depart for the Lao Cai train station at 5:30 pm. The train leaves Lao Cai at 8:50 pm and arrives after a pleasant sleep in your first class, shared AC soft berth to Hanoi by 4:30 am. Includes: (B).
Day 6: Hanoi–Halong Bay. When you arrive in Hanoi, a very short walk will get you to a prearranged hotel for you to shower and a take a short rest before we start our next day. At 8:00 am we will pick you up, by private mini-van, at the hotel and begin our journey to Halong city. After 3.5 hours driving and viewing simple, countryside, rice paddy life, we arrive at the at port. Board your private boat, an authentic Chinese Junk, and start your amazing cruise through this World Heritage Site. Lunch is served on board, a selection of the freshest seafood. We visit "the amazing cave", followed by a swim in the tranquility of Halong Bay and its emerald water. We will cruise further into a quiet area where we will anchor and stay overnight. Dinner and relax as the sun sets. Then you are free to swim in the phosphorous water, retire to your cabin, or fall asleep under the stars amidst the magic of Halong on the top deck. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 7: Halong Bay–Hanoi. Wake up early in the morning for a great sunrise and a breath of fresh ocean air. Breakfast served on boat then we do a leisurely cruise through thousands of seemingly never ending islands. These are great opportunities to capture some amazing photographs. We stop to visit a floating fishing village and listen to some legendary stories of the fishermen's daily life. Take one last swim somewhere in the middle of the bay to refresh before cruising back to the Halong city pier. By noon we be ashore and break for lunch at a local restaurant. Then we hit the road back to Hanoi. We arrive and finish our tour at your hotel by 5:00 pm. Includes: (B), (L).
Day 8: Your free day in Hanoi. Today is your free day in the Hanoi capital and all of its fascinating historical charm. Spend your day relaxing or shopping. Some suggestions include waking up early (about 6:00 am) and joining in some exercise around Hoan Kiem Lake; or taking a cycle tour around the Old Quarter for a different point of view; or visiting the numerous markets, shopping and trying the all of street side traditional foods. Overnight in town. Includes: (B).
Day 9: Departure from Hanoi to your home or next destination. We will pick you up at your hotel and transfer to Noi Bai International airport for your flight to home, your luggage full of a lifetime's worth of memories. We wish you a pleasant journey.
Trip Reminder
* Mekong Delta Extension
Why not add a visit to the beautiful Mekong Delta to the start of your Vietnam holiday? Experience the lively markets and delightful scenery of the delta on this two-night tour extension
* Kayaking on Halong Bay
At Halong Bay, we stay overnight on board our comfortable boat. Weather permitting, you may be able to try kayaking on the bay before watching the sun set over the spectacular limestone islands.
* Infrastructure and Tet Holiday Period
* M 19288 Community Trust
The M 19288 Community Trust, a division of M 19288 Adventures, provides funds for local community projects and initiatives that promote responsible and sustainable tourism development in the destinations in which we operate. First and foremost, but not exclusively, the Trust supports projects and initiatives that advance education and employment within the tourism and hospitality industry. The Trust operates on a not-for-profit basis, with funds donated by M 19288, our staff and our travellers, with every cent going to the nominated projects.
By donating to one on the projects supported by The Heritages Travel Community Trust you will help promote responsible and sustainable tourism and make a positive difference for communities and travellers right now, and for the future
Please note that Vietnam is a developing country whose infrastructure may differ from what you expect in your homeland.).The official Tet holiday period for 2009 will be from Saturday 24th January till Friday 30th January
This is an 'adventure' trip and we hope to expose you to all aspects of Vietnamese culture. Please be open-minded.
* Local Tour Leaders
By employing and training local guides to lead our group holidays, there is a two-fold benefit. Firstly, we provide employment opportunities for the local community.Your tour leader’s friendship,humour,passion and intimate knowledge of the region will be key factors in making your holiday a success.
* Tipping
Tipping has become an accepted part of tourism in South East Asia. Your tour leader will be able to advise you in this area; however, as a guideline we would recommend tipping 10% of the total bill in restaurants and a small tip to hotel bellboys for carrying your bags.
* At you pre-tour briefing your tour leader will discuss with you the idea of running a tipping kitty, whereby everybody contributes an equal amount and then the tour leader pays the tips and keeps a record of all monies spent (except restaurant tips).
* It is customary to tip your tour leader,at the end of the trip, if you are happy with the service. A minimum tip of US$2 per day, from each member of the group, is the usual amount expected.
* Please be aware that flight times,trains,hotels and other services are subject to availability.Where flights/trains are cancelled or delayed Heritages Vietnam will endeavor to secure alternative arrangements of similar value,
* Hotels,flights,train’s details will be updated at time of booking confirmed (your fax of confirmation)
* This itinerary and supplementary information has been complied in good faith and was accurate at time of writing.
* Please help travel responsibly in Vietnam so that you will have wonderful memories.
* Check–in: 14:00; out: 12:00 noon.Early check in if it is subject to availability.
* Booking Terms & Conditions: Tour itinerary and tour prices are subject to change without notice.Please contact us for farther
-Costs are $US NET. Subject to 3% surcharge if paid by credit cards or 2% on travellers’ cheque.
-When: All year round;
-Accommodation:Standard 3 stars hotel,twin shared room.
-Meals: Vietnam food-(B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
-Car/Van Quality:Using new AC car or van depending on your group size
-Tour leader/Tour guide: Local English/French speaking guides
-What to Bring: Passport,change of clothes,sun-glasses & hat,toiletries,sun-block,insect repellent,flashlights,good shoes,personal first aid kit & medicines, small VND notes for buying drinks. If you feel the need then sleeping bags, cable lock for your bags is recommended.
*** Accommodation offering in this trip( O/N-Overnight)
Hanoi: Galaxy/Hoa Binh/Thien Thai
Sapa : Sapa Hotel/Royal View
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Tour Includes:
-Land around trip transport AC van
-AC soft sleep train to Hanoi
-Hotels in 3 stars twin sharing room
-Meals as As indicated;(B=Breakfast,L=Lunch,D=Dinner)
-Local English/French speaking guides/leader
-All entrance and sightseeing fees in the program
Tour Excludes:
-International airfares & airport taxes in/out of Vietnam
-Hotel early check-ins and late check-outs
-All drinks & other meals not mentioned
-Travel insurance
-Visa to Vietnam (We can arrange both visa approval letter and visa on arrival upon request)
-Personal expenses (laundry,telephone, shopping, etc.)
-Others not mentioned in details,Tipping and Gratuities are welcome!
Rate in USD Per person
-If 2-4 persons:Cost in USD930.00/Pax (3 stars hotel)
-If 5-7 persons:Cost in USD850.00/Pax
-Single Sup + USD $280
* Upgrade tour to 4 stars Hotels is Cost more $US 360/Pax(S.S Cost 350 $US)
* Contact us for your arrivals dates
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
Vietnam
Outdoor: Land Rambler
Hiking & Trekking
Wildlife Viewing
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