TRIPS

Vietnam’s Cultural & Culinary Delight

$ 2,695.00

Description

Day 1 Arrival in Hanoi

Arrival in Hanoi and you are met and welcomed by your guide at the airport and transfer to the hotel.

Overnight in Hanoi
Category A Property: Rosaliza Hotel (Deluxe City View)
Category B Property: Anise Hotel (Deluxe room)
Category C Property: Sheraton Hanoi Hotel (Deluxe)

Day 2 Hanoi (Breakfast: Hotel / Lunch: Koto Restaurant / Dinner: Anh Tuyet Restaurant)
Sightseeing in Hanoi
Although it is the modern-day capital of Vietnam, Hanoi still retains the mystery and charm of past centuries. Narrow lanes and traditional shop houses invite an exciting exploration by walking, while it’s many beautiful public spaces lakes, parks, tree-lined boulevards and monuments
give the city an air of elegance and harmony with nature unique among Asian capitals.
Sightseeing around West Lake (Ho Tay Lake) with electric car (Possible to make some stops en route/on request)

Visit the Temple of Literature
The Temple of Literature has a peaceful series of walled courtyards and graceful gateways, and this monument is one of the best-preserved examples of traditional Vietnamese architecture. Founded in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius, this was also the site of Vietnam’s first university. In one courtyard, giant stone tortoises bear stele on their backs, listing the accomplishments of graduating scholars.

Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
Sightseeing around Hanoi city center with electric car and a walk in the Old Quarter
Hanoi is a blend of long established traditions and modern imprints of Western colonization. Tree-lined boulevards and colonial buildings give the city a touch of Western elegance, while crowded blocks of tiny old houses and narrow lanes which brim with the colorful activities of daily life bear the charm of the past centuries. Take a 35 minute ride on an electric car through the city center including Hoan Kiem Lake, Quan Su Pagoda, Silk Road, Hanoi Railway Station and Hoa Lo Prison then the Hanoi Opera House. Get off the electric car and take a 25 minute walk to get a personal feel of daily life in the Old Quarter.

Stop at coffee shop
Visit a Water Puppet Show with transfer to/from restaurant
See a Water Puppet Show, a fantastic art form originating in Northern Vietnam, best seen in Hanoi.
Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 3 Hanoi – Overnight Train to Lao Cai (Breakfast: Hotel / Lunch / Dinner)
Transfer to/from restaurant
Enjoy a traditional breakfast of pho and Vietnamese coffee
Early morning visit one of the local Pho restaurants and observe how one of Vietnam’s favourite noodle dishes is prepared. Then sit down and enjoy a traditional breakfast of a steaming bowl of pho noodles accompanied by freshly brewed Vietnamese coffee.

Cooking Class at Hanoi Cooking Centre with a market visit (Private)
On arrival at Hanoi Cooking Centre (HCC), try a cup of La Han, a special Vietnamese tea, followed by a brief introduction to Vietnamese cuisine and the highlights of traditional meals. Take a short walk to the Chau Long Market to see the wet goods, unusual tropical fruits, livestock and silk worms. Then head back to HCC to start the cooking class and to enjoy the delicious dishes.
Street Food Experience at Night

Short drive from the hotel to a busy back alley on Nghi Tam street near the West Lake where you will start the walking tour. Follow the guide through Tay Ho area and explore the street dining culture of the locals. Go into Yen Phu street and stop at a grill stall to try nem nuong (pork skewers herbs and salad) with special local flavor. Follow the buzzing roads around Truc Bach Lake and stop at another conner for pho cuon (pho rolls) and pho xao (fried pho). In winter pho will be replace by a steaming hot pot. Continue on foot and drop on a stool on the streetside to have a coffee or a glass of nuoc mia (sugar cane juice) with mild sweet taste and pleasant kumquat scent. Drive back to the hotel and end the tour.
Experience Bia Hoi at local restaurant
Visit an authentic Vietnamese beer garden and enjoy drinking rituals.

Afterwards, transfer to the train station in time to board the Train for an overnight journey to Lao Cai.

Category A Property: Fanxipan Train (Sharing berth in a 4-berths sleeper compartment)
Category B Property: – Victoria Express Train (Sharing berth in a 4-berths sleeper compartment)
Category C Property: – Victoria Express Train (Sharing berth in a 2-berths sleeper compartment)

Overnight in a sleeper compartment (sharing) for one night

Day 4 Lao Cai – Sapa  
Early arrival in Lao Cao station where you’re overland transferred in approximate 1 hour to Sapa.

Escape to the rugged mountain region north of Hanoi inhabited by ethnic groups seemingly a world away from the fast pace of urban life. Located near the Chinese border, Sapa lies at an elevation of 1650 metres and is a former French hill station that has recently grown in popularity as a destination for those seeking adventure among Vietnam’s highest mountain ranges.

Primarily Vietnamese in character, Sapa comes alive during the weekend market when the local ethnic Hmong and Dao people trek in from nearby villages to sell their wares. Surrounded by the vista of Vietnam’s highest peak, Fansipan (3142 metres), the region holds countless trails and walks for all levels of enthusiasts and provides an introduction into the lives of the isolated communities of the north.

Enjoy a walk through Sapa’s colourful market and stroll down into the valley to visit the small community of Cat Cat. The Hmong that have settled here are a shy and private people although are welcoming to visitors. A short trail leads off to a waterfall nestled in the ravine below. You will also visit Ham Rong mountain

Ham Rong Mountain is an attractive tourist area in the center of Sapa Townlet. Visitors to Ham Rong have chances to climb up the San May (Cloud Yard) to enjoy the panorama of Sapa Townlet, visit the orchid gardens with beautiful and colorful flowers. In addition, Ham Rong Mountain has numerous caves and stones in extraordinary shapes

Category A Property: Chau Long Hotel (ROH room)
Category B Property: – Victoria Resort (Superior room)
Category C Property: – Victoria Resort (Deluxe room)
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Day 5 Sapa – Lao Cai – Hanoi (B, L, D)
Full day walk with packed lunch to Dao, Giay and Hmong settlements in Lao Chai and Ta Van Ray districts. The walk is moderate to intermediate descending down into a scenic valley of cascading water crossed by suspension bridges. Enjoy a picnic lunch today.

Late afternoon, you go ahead to Lao Cai for a night train back to Hanoi

Dinner at local restaurant nearby Lao Cai station and overnight in a compartment (sharing) for one night

Category A Property: Fanxipan Train (Sharing berth in a 4-berths sleeper compartment)
Category B Property: – Victoria Express Train (Sharing berth in a 4-berths sleeper compartment)
Category C Property: – Victoria Express Train (Sharing berth in a 2-berths sleeper compartment)

Day 6 Hanoi – Halong Bay (Breakfast: Hotel / Lunch / Dinner: Paradise Luxury Cruise )
Upon return to Ha Noi in early morning, you are transferred by vehicle to Halong Bay
Transfer to/from Tuan Chau Marina Port
Arrival Tuan Chau Marina Port, embark Paradise Luxury Cruise. Serve lunch on boat while cruising passing by: Soi Sim beach, Coconut Three islands.

In the afternoon, explore Cua Van Floating village by rowing bamboo boat with local people or kayaking by yourself (with supplement) then back to Paradise Luxury for cooking demonstration with chef to discover the traditional spring roll of Vietnamese cuisine. Dinner on board. Overnight on board.

Overnight in cabin / onboard (Vietnam).

Category A Property: Paradise Luxury Cruise Cruise (Deluxe)
Category B Property: Paradise Luxury Cruise Cruise (Deluxe Balcony)
Category C Property: Paradise Luxury Cruise Cruise (Terrace Suite)

Day 7 Halong – Hanoi – Danang – Hoi An (Breakfast: Hotel / Dinner: Mango Mango Restaurant )
Join an early morning Tai Chi session on the sundeck while tea, coffee and assorted pastries are being served. Relax on board of visit Sung Sot cave. Back on board enjoy breakfast, check out and return to Tuan Chau Island. End of the program.

By vehicle from Halong to Hanoi (Noi Bai Airport)
Flight from Hanoi to Danang
Transfer from Danang airport to Hoi An
Transfer to/from restaurant
Overnight in Hoi An.

Category A Property: Lotus Hoian Boutique Hotel & Spa (Superior)
Category B Property: Hoi An Garden Palace & Spa (Junior Deluxe)
Category C Property: Sunrise Premium Resort Hoi An (Deluxe)

Day 8 Hoi An (Breakfast: Hotel / Lunch)

Cooking class at Secret Garden with market visit
Visit the local market along with the chef to see what produce is on offer and to buy the ingredients for the dishes to be cooked that day. Back at the Secret Garden Restaurant the chef will demonstrate how to cook up some delicious traditional Vietnamese cuisine. Then sit down to enjoy the freshly cooked dishes.
Afternoon at leisure
Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 9 Hoi An (Breakfast: Hotel / Lunch)

Authentic Agricultural Experience of Hoi An in Thanh Dong organic farm
Starting at 242 Cua Dai street and go to Thanh Dong organic farm by boat. From here, clients have a chance to wear on the typical uniform of farmers in Vietnam: Ba Ba. Listening to farmer’s introduction about the organic farm and learn how to harvest vegetables of local people and experience daily activities with them on the farm. Enjoy a bowl of corn sweet soup and green tea before moving to The Field restaurant and bar by boat. Arrive THE FIELD RESTAURANT & BAR, clients can participate in some traditional folk games (pottery smashing, catching fish by hands, etc.). Having lunch. Back to the meeting point. End of tour.
Excursion to Tra Nhieu Fishing Village without lunch (HD)
The guide welcome guest at hotel lobby, walk to THU BON wharf on Bach Dang street, and sailing along Thu Bon River to TRA NHIEU village. Here you will have a brief introduction to the history, traditional handicraft of the village such as: farming, fishing, poultry and livestock breeding, mattress making… After that, you will be taken in a boat with local fisherman to learn how to cast a net, catch fish,… Bidding farewell to the local fisherman, continue to Cam Kim village. Back to Hoi An by boat. End the tour.
Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 10 Hoi An – Danang – Saigon – Cai Be (Breakfast: Hotel / Lunch: Cuc Gach Quan Restaurant / Dinner)
Transfer to Danang airport
Flight from Danang to Saigon
By vehicle from Saigon (city) to Cai Be
Sightseeing in Cai Be with boat trip and overnight at Mekong Lodge.
Late afternoon, check in at Mekong Lodge and join evening cooking class. Overnight at Mekong lodge.

Category A Property: Mekong Lodge Villa (Bungalow/New Wing)
Category B Property: Mekong Lodge Villa (Bungalow/New Wing)
Category C Property: Mekong Lodge Villa (Bungalow/New Wing)

Day 11 Local Village – Cai Be – Saigon (Breakfast: Hotel / Lunch)

Sightseeing in Cai Be with a boat trip and overnight at Mekong Lodge.
After breakfast, join a 10km cycling tour to TAN PHONG ISLAND along village paths to see wooden ferries and an orchard. Also visit handicraft villages and the local land market at Cai Be. Have lunch at hotel. Boat transfer to Cai Be harbor.
By vehicle from Cai Be to Saigon (city)
Overnight in Saigon.

Day 12 Saigon (Breakfast: Hotel / Lunch: Nha Hang Ngon )

Sightseeing in Saigon and Cholon (Chinatown) (Full day)
A vibrant metropolis, Saigon teems with energy, activity and motion. Everywhere you look, you see the convergence of traditional and modern life. Begin with a tour of the historic centre, strolling along Dong Khoi Street, formerly known as the Rue Catinat, the main shopping thoroughfare and heart of old colonial Saigon. Pass by classic European-style landmarks such as the ornate City Hall (Hotel De Ville), the old Opera House (both may only be viewed from the outside), and pay a quick visit to the neo-Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office.
Afterwards dive into modern history with a tour of the Reunification Palace. Formerly the Independence Palace of the South Vietnamese president, this 60s style building was famously stormed by tanks on April 30, 1975 signifying the fall of South Vietnam. It has been preserved in its original state, and the original tanks remain on display near the entrance gates. Continue to the harrowing War Remnants Museum, which comprehensively documents the travails of the long Vietnam- American War. Inside are detailed photographic exhibitions; outside is a collection of tanks, planes and weapons. A powerful experience, this museum is guaranteed to provoke strong emotions. Then visit the Emperor of Jade Pagoda, one of Saigon’s most interesting pagodas.

In the afternoon, head out to Cholon (Chinatown). Explore the highlights of this fascinating area, beginning with a walking tour from Tran Hung Dao Street through Nguyen Trai and Soai Kinh Lam market (cloth wholesale market), visit Cha Tam Church. Continue to Thien Hau Pagoda, built by the Cantonese congregation and dedicated to the heavenly goddess. End the tour at the central Ben Thanh Market, where vendors display a vast array of goods and handicrafts, appealing to every taste.

Visit the Museum of Vietnamese Traditional Medicine (FITO)
Visit Fito Museum which displays more than 3,000 objects, including a collection of knives and boat-shaped grinders used to chop and grind medicines. The oldest item in this collection was fished out of the Red River and dates back to the 6th century. The museum also has collections of items used in ancient pharmacies including medicinal kettles and cups, medicinal scales, mortar and pestles, and alcohol jars. Learn how to grind medicine, watch a documentary about the history of Vietnamese traditional medicine, and taste a cup of linh chi tea before leaving the museum.
Overnight in Saigon.

Category A Property: Le Duy Grand Hotel (Grand Deluxe)
Category B Property: Vissai Saigon Hotel (Deluxe)
Category C Property: Renaissance Riverside Hotel Saigon (Deluxe City View)

Day 13 Saigon (Breakfast: Hotel / Lunch)

Excursion by speedboat to Cu Chi Tunnels (SIC) [Half day, include Lunch]
Pick up at the hotel and transfer to the pier for the boat trip. Enjoy a light snack while heading to Cu Chi tunnels. Arrive at Cu Chi and start the tour. The Cu Chi Tunnels were a very important Vietcong base during the American-Vietnam War. Stretching over 200 km, this incredible underground network, dug by hand out of hard laterite, connected command posts, hospitals, shelter and weapon factories. Today, take the opportunity to walk through the area and learn about the day-to-day life of the Vietcong, see the cleverly disguised entrances and elaborate booby-traps, and even venture inside the tunnels, some of which have been modified to accommodate tourists. Enjoy a light lunch on board then return to Saigon by speedboat.
Afternoon at leisure
Overnight in Saigon.

Day 14 Saigon (Breakfast: Hotel / Lunch / Dinner}
Transfer to/from restaurant
Cooking Class with visit market at Hoa Tuc Restaurant
Accompany the Chef to the Ben Thanh Market to buy the necessary ingredients and then enjoy a hands-on cooking class.

Afternoon at leisure
Saigon at Night by Vespa
Saigon really comes alive after dark, and what better way to explore this dynamic city than riding pillion on a vintage Vespa. Start the evening with drinks at the popular Zoom Cafe and get to know the drivers of your stylish scooters. Then hop on the comfortable backseats and set off through the busy streets and alleys of old Saigon to see the city by street lamp. Smell the aromas wafting out from street side restaurants and pass by important sites such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Post Office and the City Hall. Stop in local eateries for seafood appetisers and drinks followed by a delicious barbeque dinner with Southern rice pancakes and fresh spring rolls. Finish the evening in several hidden cafes and bars that are popular hangouts for the Vietnamese. Listen to the sounds of live unplugged music while you immerse yourself in the local nightlife scene.
Overnight in Saigon.

Day 15 Saigon (Breakfast: Hotel )
This morning is free at leisure until the time for your transfer to the airport for onward flight.

Optional Experience in Hanoi:
1) Welcome dinner at Anh Tuyet Restaurant. Anh Tuyet’s cuisine is more the refined cuisine of Vietnam; made famous by a New York chef and author Anthony Bourdain.
2) Private chef’s table at Pots n Pans Restaurant. Pots and Pans is not only one of the best fine dining restaurants in Hanoi, it is also part of the KOTO restaurant family that trains and supports disadvantaged youth to offer them a career in hospitality.
3) Meal at musicians’s home in Hanoi (Mr Bang & Ms.Huong). Join a local musicians’ family for a meal at their home. Experience a home-cooked Vietnamese meal prepared with love by the mother of the family and learn about the family’s daily life.

Optional Experience in Halong:
1) Private candle light dinner in cave in Halong Bay Enjoy a private candle-lit dinner in one of Ha Long Bay’s fantastic caves.
Optional beverage:
1. 2 hours unlimited local beer, soft drinks, mineral water & sparking water
2. 2 hours unlimited house wine, beer, soft drink mineral water

Optional Experience in Hoi An:
1) Mango cruise with chef Duc Tran in Hoi An. Enjoy a private culinary sunset cruise on Hoi An’s Thu Bon River hosted by celebrity chef Duc Tran from Mango Rooms Restaurant.

Optional Experience in Can Tho
Romantic Sunset Cruise on the Hau River with cocktails and snacks.

Optional Experience in Saigon:
1) Dinner in the Sky. Let us book you an unforgettable dinner at Cirrus restaurant. Not only the best fine-dining restaurant in the whole of Indochina, but also offering a fantastic view of Saigon-by-night from the 51st floor of the Bitexco building.

2) Street Food Experience with Back of The Bike’s Chef Tour. Join our American chef on an exploration of Saigon’s best street food eateries! (on request only)

3) Street Food Experience with local celebrity and foodie expert on an exploration of Saigon best local restaurants and street food discoveries! (on request only)

Seasonality

Low: May – Oct
High Nov – Apr



Based on Category A
$2695
Land only per person based on sharing

  • For 7-11 passengers:
    Low $2695 | High $2750
  • For 3 – 6 passengers:
    Low $3095 | High $3155
  • For 2 passengers:
    Low $3475 | High $3530
  • Single supplement:
    Low $700 | High $750

Based on Category B
$3375
Land only per person based on sharing

  • For 7-11 passengers:
    Low $3375 | High $3550
  • For 3 – 6 passengers:
    Low $3465 | High $3545
  • For 2 passengers:
    Low $3845 | High $3930
  • Single supplement:
    Low $800 | High $855

Based on Category C
$3725
Land only per person based on sharing

  • For 7-11 passengers:
    Low $3725 | High $3795
  • For 3 – 6 passengers:
    Low $4115 | High $4215
  • For 2 passengers:
    Low $4495 | High $4595
  • Single supplement:
    Low $1195 | High $1275

Additional information

OVERVIEW

A fantastic journey visit the exotic destinations of Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos. Explore the historical cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, in addition to beautiful temples, boat cruises, music and theatre.

DEPARTURE

Private Trip, Guaranteed departure for minimum 1 traveler

HOTELS

As indicated in the itinerary

INCLUSIONS

– Program is based either on English or French speaking guide. For other languages a supplement charge will apply.
– accommodation as mentioned above or equivalent.
– where very early morning flights are scheduled, a breakfast box may replace the standard ABF.
– meals according to itinerary / Breakfast box in lieu of ABF when early morning flight.
– flight ticket(s), in economy class unless otherwise specified, according to the itinerary.
Flight from Danang to Saigon
Flight from Hanoi to Danang
– Porter fees at the airport where guide service is booked.
– Current fuel surcharges are included, however, these are subject to change prior to tour start date.
– ground transportation in private A/C vehicle.
– 1 complimentary bottle of drinking water and 1 cold towel per person per half day tour/ 2 bottles of water and 2 cold towels per person per full day tour.
– sightseeing incl. admission fees according to itinerary.

EXCLUSIONS

◾International Airfare/train ticket, Call 1-888-887-1688 to get a quote from your home city
◾Travel insurance. visa fees, gratuities, drinks, personal spending and optional activities.
– visa fees, drinks, personal expenses.

QUESTIONS

Should you have any further questions, please call 1888-887-1688 for assistance.

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