28 DAYS, VIETNAM INSIGHT TRIP

Itinerary

ITINERARY IN DETAILS:

 

DAY 1:  HANOI. WATER PUPPET SHOW
Upon arrival, you would be met and transferred to your hotel. 
At leisure to walk around the old quarter. Tonight, be treated to a water puppet show, a performing art unique to Vietnam.Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.

 

DAY 2:  VISIT TO CITY LANDMARKS AND CYCLO RIDE THROUGH THE MAZES OF OLD QUARTER(B)
Breakfast at hotel.  Enjoy the visit of charming asian tow of Hanoi.Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, his Former Residence and Temple of Literature – the first University in Vietnam as well as the capital of Vietnam about 1000 years ago. Afternoon visit Museum of Ethnology  followed by a rickshaw ride through the alleys of the Old Quarter. Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.

 

DAY 3:  PERFUME PAGODA. AND NIGHT TRAIN TO SAPA (B,L)
Day trip to visit Pefume Pagoda with boat ride on river
and trekking into scenic mountain. Tonight we catch the train to
Sapa. Overnight on soft sleeper train, 4 people to a cabin.

 

DAY 4:  TREKKING IN SAPA. NIGHT IN BAN HO VILLAGE(B,L,D)
Today we will have pleasant trek into the scenic rice field and mountains of Sapa , there will be ample opportunity to meet with our friendly people. We walk to Laochai and Tavan village  From here we pass through several H'mong villages perched on distant  hill, and are sure to attract attention as  this part of the country receive very  few visitors. We will arrive at Ban Ho village, Tay minority people by later afternoon . We will have time to walk around this charming little village, enabling us to understand a little more about how the people live. The village is home to the Tay people and tonight we will be their guests in one of their traditional stilt houses.

 

DAY  5: TREKKING IN SAPA (B,L,D)
Following breakfast we embark on our five to six-hour trek that will take us along buffalo paths and trails and through several hill tribe villages. This is an absolutely spectacular walk through stunning scenery inhabited by some of the friendliest people you will meet. We cross the river and passing by Nam Tong villages, Red Dzao people. Lunch in Nam Cang village – Phula ( Xa Pho ) minority people, then hike through  Thanh Phu, Tay minority people to Sinchai Red Dzao people for home stay. Tonight the accommodation is just rustic but the experience is enriching. 
(Breakfast, Lunch and Diner  included)

 

DAY  6:  VISIT BINHLU & TRAM TON PASS.NIGHT TRAIN BACK TO HANOI(B,L)
We walk  uphill toward Supan, red Dzao villages. As we walk to the village nestled in the valley below Sapa, we will meet some of the local minority people on their way to and from Sapa. These minority people walk to Sapa to trade at the markets. Sapa market is always an exciting place as several, different ethnic minorities congregate here. As well as the H’mong you will also see the Dao (pronounced Zao). Dao women are particularly striking as they wear a large red turban often covered with old coins or jewelry. We meet our awaiting jeep for the drive to Sapa. Later afternoon transfer to station for the night train back to Hanoi.

 

DAY 7:  HANOI – KENHGA – CUCPHUONG(B,L,D)
Breakfast and drive to Kenhga village. Nestled in the corner of limestone formation Kenhga village is where you can have taste of rural life of Vietnamese people in the Red River Delta. We take a sampan ride to explore the limestone cliffs, isolated village by the river and scenic rice field. It is only here in Vietnam that people row their boat by the feed. We then continue our way to Cuc Phuong National Park, an area of limestone cliffs and wild, tropical forest 160km to the south of Hanoi. Upon arrival, visit the Endangered Primate Rescue Centre,  the museum  and  the Botanic Garden, where visitors can see some of the 1,880 species of flora that exist in the park. We explore some caves where stone tools and borns of prehistoric humans have been found. We get ready for a short walk to the look out when we enjoy a sweeping view to the surrounding. Overnight at the Cucphuong guest house

 

DAY  8:  CUCPHUONG FOREST – BONG VILLAGE(B,L,D)
Rising early to  this morning with the sounds of the forest all around us coming to life, we  head out for a trek through the lush rainforest that makes up the park. The trek will takein stops at centuries old giant trees. Picnic lunch in the park before we reach out the Muong minority  people at Bong village. DiThe village is home to the Muong people, and tonight we will be their guests in one of their traditional stilt houses.  There, we will be toasted as honored guests and will be able to sample some of their homemade rice wine!

 

DAY  9:  BONG VILLAGE – BUOI RIVER RAFTING(B,L)
We have breakfast and embark on shart walk to the egde of forest and river.here we start river rafting along the wild river passing through several  villages, and are sure to attract attention as this part of the country receives very few visitors. We are treated to a picnic lunch by the river and continue our combine rafting and trekking to this isolated corner of Cucphuong. We then transferback to Hanoi.

 

DAY 10:  TRANSFER TO HALONG BAY - KAYAKING(B,L,D)
8h30 Pick up from your hotel in Hanoi and depart for Halong.
12: 00, check-in registration, Board  our boat for a stunning cruise amongst towering limestone backdrop while  enjoying  lunch on board . The cruise will take you by exotic islets with shapes of Dog, Incense Urn, Sail, Fighting Cocks, which are naturally formed by process of erosion between the see water and lime ston mountains. Arrive Surprise Cave and explore the by bay kayak, paddle to Luon cave, this cave is a natural tunnel thrusts through a mountain's foot and leads to an exotic lagoon surrounded by mountains covered by by dense junle. Seafood dinner and optional night paddle. Overnight on boat inside a wonderfully tranquil atmosphere in Luon cave area.

 

DAY 11: HALONG KAYAKING - DRIVE BACK TO HANOI(B,L)
07h30 : Our boat once again sets sail through breathtaking secluded Halong bay 
A new day wake you up with joys and emotions in an early morning for watching sunrise on sea. Enjoy break fast and continue kayak exploration. Paddle from Luon cave toward islets in shape of Tortoise, Man's head, Virgin cave. Lunch on board before returning to the wharf. 
12h00 : Back to Halong wharf and disembark
Transfer back to Hanoi. Arrival Hanoi by 5pm. Drop off at your hotel. Overnight at hotel in Hanoi

 

DAY 12 : HANOI FLIGHT TO HUE. VISIT HUE (B)
Transfer to airport for the flight to Hue. Arrival transfer to our hotel.
We then set out for the exploration of Hue's famous highlights, including the Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City. Visit the tombs of the former Emperors, in particular that of Emperor TuDuc, visit Hoquyen coleseum where the elephant were pit against tiger for royal eintertainment. Overnight in Hue

 

DAY 13   HUE – DMZ TRIP (B,L)
Early morning pick up from your hotel in Hue at 6.30am  and 
head out on a scenic drive along the coastal area to visit the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone), 
set in the rugged, jungle-shrouded mountains along the Laotian border of South Vietnam:
Visit  the ancient city of Quang Tri  (Quang Tri citadel), Visit Hien Luong bridge and  the Seventeenth parallel,
the former border lined between North and South Vietnam during the war. Visit  the intriguing network of underground
Vinh Moc tunnel ,  Con Thien.Return to Hue. Overnight in Hue

 

DAY 14 :HUE ROYAL TOMBS ET PEFUME RIVER CRUISE(B)
Boat trip on Perfume river to visit the surrounding countryside there and  the picturesque Thiem Mu, or Heavenly Lady Pagoda. One of the most poignant displays here is a car belonging to a former monk, who in 1963, drove to Saigon and set himself alight to protest against the South Vietnamese regime and its treatment of Buddhists.
Visit Minh Mang royal tomb. Overnight in Hue

 

DAY 15 : TRANSFER FROM HUE TO BACH MA NATIONAL PARK, TREK TO TRI SAO WATERFALL(B,L,D)
This morning we will depart Hue and drive the 55-km to Bach Ma National Park. Our stay in this forgotten paradise will include a trek to Hai Vuong Dai, a great vantagepoint with views all the way to the ocean. We will also treck to Tri Sao waterfall. This evening we will stay in the guesthouse located in the national park.

 

DAY 16: HOIAN – MYSON - HOIAN(B)
After breakfast, we head out toward  Hoian with a visit to Marble Mountain, craft village en route.
Countinue to visit My Son, one of the most important Cham site in the country and it’s set amongst lovely hills. My Son is another of Vietnam’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. This afternoon, enjoy a walking tour of Hoi An, Overnight in Hoian

 

DAY 17: HOIAN AT LEISURE(B)
At lesure to explore the charming little township of Hoian with old houses, temples or do your endless shopping in Hoian. Overnight in Hoian

 

DAY 18 : HOIAN - KONTUM(B)
Drive to Kontum. Visit HCM trail in Dakto, visit Sedang village,
Bana village. Visit Wooden church, a traditional architecture built church for ethic people 
and Kontum ethnology museum.overnight at local guest house in Kontum

 

DAY 19: KONTUM VILLAGES(B,L,D)
Visit Kontum Kong village,  home to Bahnar people. Visit Kon Tum ko Nam village 
and marvel at their tribal basketry. Visit  Pleitongnhia and Konhgno Katu village and meet with  Bana ethnic people  
and discover the architecture of Rong house which looks like an axe blade pointing in to the sky. 
Overnight at Banar minority people.

 

DAY 20 :  KONTUM – PLEIKU – BANTHETHUOT TREK TO JAI VILLAGES(B,L,D)
Brekfast and head out to  Buon Ma Thuot.  And then en route  to the rural village of Nam Ka before walking the final 3 kms to our home for the night. Our homestay is in Rai village, which is an Ede minority village. Our accommodation, a traditional long house-on-stilt of Ede group, is very simple but clean and comfortable.

 

DAY 21 : JAI VILLAGES TO KATU VILLAGES(B,L,D)
Today, we have a full day for trekking through evergreen forest to the lovely Buon Triet lake. The trek is about 18 kms but the temperature  remains quite comfortable. First, we have to climb about 2 Kms to the top of Namka hill. After that, going down and through many categorizations of forests. Sometimes, we have to across a stream. During the trek, what we can see are just forests, birds, ethnic people and sometimes small animals. We are picked up by pedal boats and enjoy a ride across this beautiful lake before enjoying an afternoon swim. This evening is spent in Jatu village where our hosts belong to the M’Nong minority.

 

DAY 22 : KAT TU VILLAGE TO LACK LAKE - DALAT(B,L)
This morning, we will hike about 10 kms before taking private transport to Lak lake. We will be exciting with views of countryside : ethnic villages, rice fields, cattle, river and we have chances to join in the daily minorities’ activities. In the afternoon, Across Lak lake by Dugout to M’Lieng village. Walking around the village to discover the daily life of ethnic minority in the Central Highlands. Continue to Dalat where we stay the night.

 

DAY 23 : VISIT DALAT(B)
Sightseeing around city : Visit HangNga - Crazy house and meet with VienThuc artist monk at LamTyNi pagoda, Visit BaoDai summer palace, and visit Old French Cremaillere railway, Dalat flower garden, TrucLam pagoda and TuyenLam reservoir   Another option for this day will be a visit to Lat village and trek to LangBian mountain. Breathtaking view from summit (~ 2100 m) , great view of Dankia lake as well as Dalat city. Moderate 5 hours hike up and down.  Overnight in Dalat

 

DAY 24 :DALAT – HCM CITY(B)
Visit Crazy house  and Prenn waterfall before we take flight VN465, 15:30/1620 Dalat - Ho Chi Minh city. Arrive HCM city, city tour to visit Benthanh market. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city.

 

DAY 25 : HCM CITY – MEKONG DELTA CRUISES(B,L,D)
Transfer to mekong Delta and boarding LE COCHINCHINE boat. Enjoy welcome drink
-          Explore the lively Cai Be floating market. Cruising amongst the mazes of waterway to  visit the handicraft villages  and meet with local people. Sightseeing the old house and sample various tropical fruits.
-          Arrive  in Vinh Long island we  then embark on  a walk or bike for sightseeing tour of the Culao BINH HOA PHUOC 
-          Le Cochinchine sets sail  to Cantho via Cho LACH and TRAON.
-          Disembark Cho LACH village. Embark on  a  pleasant walking or biking on the footpaths of the countryside to discover tropical fruit orchards and the local people's activities. Enroute to visit a cottage industry , a local farm  and sample seasonal fruits. 
-          Cruise to continue to Mang Thit  . Enjoy the magnificent sunset on the 
river. Leisurely cruise up the Mekong River while enyoying the beautiful scenery and the 
aperitifs, sunset cruise .
-          A wonderful day with picturesque ferry crossings over Mekong River branches . Dinner and nite on board Le Cochinchine  in TRAON.

 

DAY 26 : MEKONG DELTA CRUISE - SAIGON.(B)
-          Rising up to the sound of River and Mekong Delta coming to life for another lovely day we enjoy the sunset. 
-          After breakfast, we cruise along the cannels and visit a village on the bank of Co Chien or, an opportunity to appreciate the way of life of the local inhabitants, and their hospitality
-          Leisurely cruise up the BASSAC river while enjoying the beautiful scenery 
-          Arriving Cantho, we explore the CaiRang market, one of the most bustling floating markets in Mekong Delta with hundreds of small boats ladden fruits barging and jostling for space as owners attempt to sell their goods. Boat through the palm-shaded creek to see local houses and green orchards,ship building yards, local markets in full swing. Check out and disembark the boat. Return to HCm city . Teh trip concludes

 

DAY 27 : HO CHI MINH CITY, CUCHI TUNNELS. (B) 
Morning we will visit sites  of Reunification Hall, City hall, Notre Dame Cathedral, War crimes Museum, 
Chinatown, Ben Thanh Market.Afternoon drive to visit  Cu Chi - a fabulous tunnel. You will have an opportunity to get the  unique experience of guerillas living and fighting underground during the  war (a crawl through 50 -100 meters out 200 km of the tunnel system is  unforgettable). Local rice paper workshops, nice paddy fields are pleasant  sights on the way. Overnight in town of Sai Gon.

 

DAY 28 :IN HO CHI MINH CITY, TRIP FINISHES. (B) 
At leisure. Transfer to the airport for your departure flight