GRAND VIETNAM

(15 days / 14 nights)

This is the comprehensive alternative to our previous trip and shows you Vietnam in close-up, from top to bottom. It's not just a change of direction - this trip packs another adventurous week into the itinerary. We'll explore Hanoi, admire Halong Bay world heritage sight and visit the colourful hilltribes of Sapa before slowly making our way south along stunning coastline to Ho Chi Minh City.

       HIGHLIGHTS

       . Hanoi

       . Sapa

       . Bac Ha weekend Market

       . Ha Long Bay

       . Cat Ba Island

       . Hue ancient city

       . Chaming Hoian town

       . Ho Chi Minh

       . Cao Dai Temple (Tay Ninh)

       . Cu Chi Tunnels

       . Mekong Delta

Detailed itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival - Ha Noi

On arrival at Noi Bai Airport, you are met and transferred to hotel. Ha Noi , Vietnam's capital, is a stylish and gracious city that retains an unique old world charm and some Asia ‘s most striking colonial architecture. The many lakes and parks make for relaxing atmosphere. If time permits  we enjoy a short cyclo excursion through the bustling old quarter streets named after the specific goods once offered for sale at these places. An evening performance of Hanoi's famous water puppets is not to be missed. O/N in Ha Noi.

Day 2: Ha Noi - Lao Cai

Our trip begin with a half day of Hanoi city tour includes the Ho Chi Minh Complex, containing the mausoleum of the nation’s founder Ho Chi Minh, the Presidential Palace and the Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts. Close to this site is the One Pillar Pagoda, whose origins date back to the foundation of Hanoi. We follow this with a trip to the Temple of Literature, well known as Vietnam’s first university and the Ethnologic Museum, dedicated to Vietnam’s 54 ethnic minorities, some of which we will see on our forthcoming days. We also visit The peaceful lake of Hoan Kiem with its scacred temple. The remainder of the day is free for your own exploration of Ha Noi until transfer to the Hanoi rail way station for a night train to Lao Cai (soft sleeper compartment for 4 passengers). O/N on board .(B)

Day 3: Lao Cai - Sapa

The train arrives in Lao Cai this morning. At an elevation of 1,500 meters, Sa Pa was once a hill resort of French administrators when the summer heat became unbearable. The remoteness and the simple lifestyle of ethnic minority people are a highlight of Sa Pa although conditions are basic. After checking into hotel in Sapa we can soak up the fresh climate as much as we want by spending time to wander around. The ethnic people are frequently seen in this hill town and small vendors along the street sell local textiles and handicraft. O/N in Sa Pa. (B)

Day 4: SaPa

The range of Phan Si Pan boasts Vietnam’s highest mountain and lends an alpine feel to the area surrounding this hill station. Today we have enough time to visit the bustling Sa Pa Market where the Red Dao, Black Hmong, Tay and Xa Pho 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. 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 colourful population makes for an unimaginable view. O/N in Sa Pa. (B)

Day 5: Sapa - Bac Ha Market - Lao Cai - Hanoi

Upon leaving Sapa we set off on our scenic drive through the border town of Lao Cai to the colourful Sunday Market at Bac Ha. This market also attracts a wide variety of ethnic minority groups including the Variegated Hmong, Dao, Phu La, La Chi and Tay. They still retain their old age cultural traditions and are recognisably distinct from each other by their dress. The experience of this congregation is colorful and unique. After the market we enjoy a walk around the area, visiting the Hmong King’s former residence and Ban Pho where the villagers make the potent local maize alcohol. Afternoon we drive back to Lao Cai Station for a night train to Hanoi (soft sleeper compartment for 4 passengers). O/N on board .(B)

Day 6: Ha Noi - Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Island

We arrive in Hanoi Station an early morning. On arrival you are greeted and driven to Ha Long Bay, truly one of the world herritage. We embark on a boat for seven hour cruise to explore the legendary Ha Long Bay. Views of sailing junks navigating past over 3,000 limestone islands and out crops jutting out of the clear and emerald water of the bay are nothing short of spectacular. These limestone karst formations are littered with beaches, grottoes and beautiful caves. Along the way we will anchor for a leisurely swim in a secluded cove and an enjoyable visit to one of the many hidden grottoes beneath towering cliffs. After a huge seafood lunch on board we weave our way towards Cat Ba Island and  also have time for another swim. O/N in Cat Ba. (B,L)

Day 7: Cat Ba - Hai Phong - Ha Noi

The impressive way to catch your first glimpse of Cat Ba is a walk along the seaside at dawn. Today you have a half day free to explore Cat Ba Island on your own pace. There are various options to choose from, some of which are rowing a tiny boat, kayaking or visiting the national park. These optional activities are not included; however our guide is on hand to advise you with invaluable information. We regroup at our hotel in the early afternoon  and travel by ferry to Hai Phong, the biggest port town of northern Vietnam. On arrival in this town we board our awaiting vehicle for a two hour drive back to Hanoi, arriving in time to see a performance of Hanoi's famous water puppets. O/N in Ha Noi. (B)

Day 8: Hanoi - Hue

There is a full day free for your own exploration of the town and catching up on some shopping area before transfer to  the Hanoi railway station for a night train journey to Hue. O/N on board. (B)

Day 9: Hue

Hue was once Vietnam’s feudal capital from 1802 to 1945. This small and quiet city is widely known for magnificent architecture, pagodas and royal tombs laid in many small villages and surrounding hills. We arrive in Hue this morning and enjoy a boat trip on the Perfume River with stopover at the beautiful Thien Mu Pagoda and to see the mausoleum of Emperor Minh Mang. After our impressive boat trip we will visit the Imperial City and the Forbidden Purple City. This royal residence was all but destroyed during the 1968 Tet Offensive, however it is still fascinating to walk among the ruins. Heading out of this landmark, we enjoy a walk to the bustling Dong Ba Market that sells a wide variety of local goods and handicrafts. Along the way we pass by many fantastic eating spots, ideal places for visitors to sample some local delicacies. O/N in Hue. (B)

Day 10: Hue - Hoian

This morning we explore in Hue with the elaborate tomb of Emperor Tu Duc before drive south to Hoi An which was originally a Cham seaport but has been influenced down the centuries by a myriad of traders from various cultures. Along the way we can break the journey in Lang Co Beach for a leisurely swim and an enjoyable visit to a nearby fishing village. The winding road begins as we make our way up the  spectacular Hai Van pass. A view from the top of the pass is one of Vietnam’s most impressive panoramic scenes. The next stop of our trip is Da Nang which is famous for the  Cham Museum. After seeing this sight we continue to the China Beach and the Marble Mountain, whose peaks represent the five elements of the universe. O/N in Hoi An. (B)

Day 11: Hoian

The ancient architecture of Hoian is a fascinating combination of Vietnamese traditional characters with Japanese and Chinese influence. There are  plenty to see in this delightful and tranquil town, some of which are  the famous Japanese Covered Bridges, the Pottery Museum, the 200 years old Tam Ky House, the Chua Ong Pagoda, the vibrant market. We visit these on our morning  walking tour past many low tiled houses scattered along the small streets and assembly halls which reflect the town's multi-cultural past. The remainder of the day will be free for your own exploration of the town and relax on a beach. O/N in Hoian. (B)

Day 12: Hoian - Danang - Ho Chi Minh

An early morning transfer to airport for a short flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Which is still called Saigon by many locals, is crowded with bikes and motorbikes, excited by numerous shopping area and sidewalk cafés. Upon arrival  we start our tour of Ho Chi Minh  with a visit to the Reunification Palace which was the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until end of April 1975. Close to this sight are  some of the best  French colonial structures including the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Old Sai Gon Post Office.  We also visit the Jade Emperor Pagoda,  the War Remnant and  the bustling Ben Thanh Market. Here anything and everything is for sale! O/N in Ho Chi Minh. (B)

Day 13: Ho Chi Minh - Cao Dai Temple (Tayninh) - Cu Chi Tunnels - Ho Chi Minh

Today we drive north to visit the head quarter of Cao Dai sect in Tay Ninh. This religion was founded in 1923 and now numbers  over 2 million members. On arrival we see the ornate temple and  attend the fantastic mid-day service when the followers fill the hall wearing colored robes, a symbol of the curious combination of the Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism. Afterwards we continue to the famous  Cu Chi Tunnels, an incredible underground network constructed by Vietnamese fighters during the long struggle for independence. The tunnels contained hospitals, plus accommodation and schools, and were used as a military base for the Vietcong in the American war. O/N in Ho Chi Minh. (B)

Day 14: Ho Chi Minh - Mekong Delta - Ho Chi Minh

Heading out of the town, we travel by roads to the Mekong Delta, Vietnam's largest rice bowl. On arrival in My Tho we embark on a boat navigating around the intricate small canals in the delta region, which is a great way to observe the local lifestyle close-up. The most interesting excursion will pass the lush green vegetation before arriving at the most beautufull Unicorn Island. Here we have opportunities to visit some fascinating local industries, stroll around an orchard and taste many seasonal fruits. And then we continue our trip to see fascinating local industries in Ben Tre Province. After feasting on a huge lunch we return to Ho Chi Minh with stop over at the beautiful Vinh Trang Pagoda. O/N in Ho Chi Minh. (B,L)

Day 15: Ho Chi Minh - Departure

There is a free time for you to relax or further explore Ho Chi Minh. The trip ends after your transfer to Noi Bai Airport for departure. (B)