|
 |
|
| Vietnam Tour Asia Travel > Vietnam Tours 2012 |
|
FASCINATING TOUR IN THE NORTH OF VIETNAM IN 15 DAYS |
|
|
|
| This tour will guide you to the most outstanding tourist attractions of the North. For who has never been to Vietnam, it would be a terrific journey to explore the culture and nature of Vietnam. However, the ones who have visited Vietnam will find it no less interesting. The deep beauty of a site can only be recognized after several visit. |
|
 Detail Itinerary |
|
Day 1: Hanoi arrival
Arrive at Noi Bai airport at ………PM. Meet and transfer by private car to your hotel in the city center (no guide, Driver only). O/N in Hanoi.
Day 2: Hanoi - Halong Bay (B,L,D)
Have breakfast at hotel. 08.30 approx. Our Guide will come to pick up you for Halong Bay.
12 noon approx Arrive Halong Bay. Welcome aboard The Paloma Cruise. Meet the captain and crew and join us for a welcome cocktail as we tell you about life on board. Set sail as lunch is prepared by our chef.
Join us for a relaxing lunch in the restaurant or on the outdoor dining area. Enjoy the stunning views of the Bay, its dramatic limestone islands as we sail through the calm waters.
Afternoon While we make our way to Bai Tu Long Bay, relax on the sundeck and watch the world go by or take an afternoon nap in your cabin.
Early afternoon we arrive at Cong Do Island with its many lagoons home to numerous species of sea-life, such as shrimp, crab, fish, squid and aquatic plants while south-west of the island has a preserved, almost undamaged coral reef. We drop anchor.
Opportunity to go swimming in the clear warm waters or do kayaking. Kayaking is suitable for all levels and ages. Our expert will run through the safety procedures and after a basic paddling lesson our experienced guide will lead you to explore the Bay, its lagoons and beaches.
A BBQ dinner is served in the restaurant or outdoor dining area, which is a gastronomic delight. Accommodation and overnight on Paloma Cruise (Superior room). http://palomacruise.com
Day 3: Halong Bay - Hanoi (B,L)
06:30 For the early risers join us for a Tai Chi session on the sun deck. Take an opportunity to view the sunrise over the Bay or have an early morning swim.
Breakfast, coffee and tea and served. After breakfast visit Trong (Drum) cave, Trinh Nu (Virgin) cave, Coc Ngoi (Toad) cave and we drop anchor at Surprise (Sung Sot) Cave.
10:00: We board The Paloma again. Take time to refresh and relax before checking out. Bags can be left in the luggage store. An early lunch is served.
12.00: Return to the shore and disembark from The Paloma as our crew say farewell.
Transfer back to Hanoi. Arrive Hanoi at around 16:00’PM. O/N at hotel in Hanoi.
Day 4: Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Hoa Lu Tam Coc (B,L,D)
Have breakfast at hotel. At 8.00 leave Hanoi by private coach to Hoa Lu . Visit the historic capital of Viet Nam and the famous ancient temples of Le and The Dinh Dynasties. Bus transfer for an hour on picturesque quiet roads through villages, rice fields, rivers and rocky outcrops to Tam Coc (12km) for lunch.
In the afternoon: visit TamCoc cave to see the beauty of the karst formations as you pass along their base and row into one of the many caves carved through the limestone. Then visit Bich Dong pagoda. Back to Ninh Binh town for overnight. Duc Tuan Hotel (Deluxe room) http://ductuanhotel.com
Day 5: Ninh Binh - Van Long Kenh Ga - Hanoi (B,L)
Have breakfast at local restaurant then transfer to Van Long. On arrival have a boat trip around natural caves and grottoes, admire the wonderful landscape of the tourist area.
12h00:Picnic Lunch.
12h30: Take about 3 hours road ride to the ferry-boarding a boat and cruising along Hoang Long river (that is mean the Dragon river), admits beautiful shaped limestone formation, rice paddies to visit the floating village Kenh Ga (Chicken Canals-see lonely page). Life and activities on the river watching is water puppet on the theatre (you can imagine). You can will to see Hot mineral-Spring (Natural stream).
15h30: Back to the Hotel, arrive Hanoi at around 17:30’PM. O/N in Hanoi.
Day 6: Hanoi City Tour - Lao Cai (B,L)
Have breakfast at hotel then take a full day Hanoi city tour to visit the most attractions of Hanoi.
AM : 08:00-08:30 Our guide & driver will pick you up at your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter. Then visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum. Enjoy the architectural and historical aspects of Uncle Ho”s final resting-place. Just next door is Ho Chi Minh‘s house on stilts. Lying to one side of the Mausoleum is the One Pillar Pagoda~ founded by King Ly Thai To in 1049 the structure has become an important symbol for the people of Hanoi . Continue to visit the Quan Thanh Temple ( Taoist~ dating from the Ly Dynasty ) and Buddhist Tran Quoc Pagoda on West lake ( One of the oldest in Vietnam ). Lunch.
PM : After lunch proceed to visit the Ethnology Museum~ continue to visit the Literature Temple and Quoc Tu Giam. Vietnam“s first university constructed in 1070~ it”s gardens and well-preserved architecture offers a relaxing glimpse into Vietnam“s past. We will take you past Hoan Kiem Lake~ see the peaceful waters~ and visit Ngoc Son temple. For the end of the tour journey visit by coach trip along the Hanoi Old Quarter. Free for shopping.
Tour ends around at 15:30’PM. You are free to have dinner by yourself.
At 19:45 I will come to take you to the train station for Sapa (Lao Cai). The train depart at 20:35’PM. O/N on the train (Livitrans Train – Business Class – 04 beds cabin with AC) http://www.livitranstrain.com
Day 7: Lao Cai - Bac Ha Market (Sunday only ) - Sapa (B,L,D)
A local guide will meet you at the station and get in a coach. The bus ride uphill to Bac Ha Market takes a little over an hour, giving you a glimpse of the stunning vistas and impressive rice terraces. You'll have breakfast in a local restaurant.
After witness the daily life of the local people and see how the ethnic minorities people sell and exchange their agricultural products at the market, we continue to discover the H’mong King’s palace (old building built by the French & Chinese).
In the afternoon, we go for a light trek to visit Ban Pho, the village is home to flower H’mong minority. We are invited to enter several local houses to have some green tea, corn wine, listen to the host talking about their family, talk to them… and then enjoy landscapes on a round Bac Ha. Around 4PM proceed to Sapa. O/N in Sapa.
Day 8: Sapa - Cat Cat - Lao Chai - Ta Van (B,L,D)
After breakfast at hotel. transfer down to the South-west of Sapa (around 4 km) to visit Cat Cat village . Transfer 6 km by jeep then walk on 2 km down to Lao Chai village, and close Ta Van village of the Dzay minority. Lunch at a local family in Ta Van, all for you to discover their daily life, works and special custom, enjoy landscapes… Continue after through bamboo forest to Giang Ta Chai village of the red Dzao, visit a wonderful waterfall & a suspension rattan bridge on the way to the main road for a jeep to return to Sapa. O/N at hotel.
Day 9: Sapa - Ma Rong Mountain - Lao Cai _ Hanoi (B,L,D)
After breakfast at your hotel, the Tour guide will come to take you to visit Ham Rong Mountain by walk (since it’s only 1km from your hotel).
This is an attractive tourist area in the center of Sa Pa Town. Legend has it that in the distance past, all animals lived together in a chaotic environment.One day, Jade Emperor gave an order that every species of animal had to find for them an area to live. Having heard the order, they scrambled for a place to reside. The three brothers of dragon who were living in a large lake hurriedly ran to the east but could not find any place; they then ran to the west. The two older brothers ran fast and came to the destination first. The youngest brother ran slowly and strayed into the crowds of lions, tigers and big cats. Fearing that these animals would attack it, the dragon opened its mouth to defense itself. At that time, the order of Jade Emperor was no longer available, so the three dragons petrified. The two older dragons, which were waiting for their brother, face Lao Cai City, and the youngest one raising its head and opening mouth faces the Hoang Lien Mountain Range. So the mountain is named Ham Rong (Jaw of Dragon). You will 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. Back to Sapa for lunch.
You are free in the afternoon for shopping at Sapa market. At 4:00’PM transfer back to Lao Cai Station for the night train back to Hanoi. O/N on the train. (Livitrans Train – Business Class – 04 beds cabin with AC) http://www.livitranstrain.com
Day 10: Hanoi - Duong Lam Ancient Village (B/L)
The train arrive Hanoi at 4:30’AM. Since it’s too early, please take a taxi by yourself to the Amanda Hotel in the Old Quarter of Hanoi (just pay around $3/taxi/way because it’s only 3km from the train station to your hotel). Check in and have breakfast at hotel.
At 8:00’AM start to travel to Duong Lam Ancient Village.
A journey to Duong Lam village is a trip to trace back the origin of Vietnam's culture and Vietnam's traditions. This is also the great chance explore architecture of ancient houses while wander along its narrow alleyways, visit temples dedicated to the two kings born there, and most interesting of all, chat with locals living in the ancient houses.
Upon arrival, walk along tiny ancient alleys to visit Mong Phu communal house in Mong Phu hamlet - the only hamlet whose original village entrance gate remains intact, dedicated to national heroes. Continue walking around the village to discover the daily life and farming working of Vietnamese peasants along the terrace with a stop in two ancient houses: the biggest ancient house was build 200 years ago and the most ancient house back to 400 years ago. Have a Family lunch with a local family (quite interesting).
In the afternoon visit Ngo Quyen temple and Phung Hung temple, places dedicated to two national heroes Ngo Quyen and Phung Hung. And then Mia Pagoda (other hamlet in Duong Lam village), is built in 15th century and admire 287 statues of all sizes, along with are famous sculpture such as the statue of Buddha in the Himalayas and the statues of the Eight Viagra Deities. In the late afternoon drive back to Hanoi. Arrive Hanoi at 5:00’PM. O/N at hotel.
Day 11: Hanoi - Hue (Flight)(B,L)
Have breakfast at hotel. You are free until 10:00’AM then transfer to the airport for flight to Hue (depart at 12:20’AM -> arrive Hue at 13:30’PM).
The other driver and Guide will wait pick up you from Hue’s airport and take you to Hue Heritage Hotel. Have Lunch in a restaurant before starting to explore Hue .
Starting by discover the Imperial Citadel where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945 including Flag Tower, Noon Gate, Nine Dynastic Urns, Nine Holy Cannons, Thai Hoa Palace, and Forbidden Purple City. Then take A boat trip on the romantically named Perfume River visits Hue’s best-known religious sites, Thien Mu Pagoda. Back to your hotel in the late afternoon. O/N at hotel in Hue.
Day 12: HUE – DMZ – VINH MOC TUNNEL (B,L)
Have breakfast at hotel then transfer to Vinh Moc Tunnel.
During Vietnam-American 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. Last but not least, you will have a chance to visit Van Kieu ethnic minorities people in the Central of Vietnam. Return back to your hotel late afternoon. O/N in Hue.
Day 13: Hue - Hoi An (B,L)
After breakfast, starting to explore the South of Hue. There are eight splendid royal tombs of the Nguyen Emperors, situated among the hills on the banks of the Perfume River. Often designed while the emperor was still alive, each mausoleum was built to serve as a palace for the afterlife. Among them, the Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, with its lotus- filled lake and central pavilion and the simple and serene Tomb of Khai Dinh are the most interesting. Back to your hotel for lunch.
In the afternoon transfer to HOI AN. On the way stop too see Hai Van Pass, Cham Museum and Marble Mountain. Arrive Hoi An in the late afternoon. O/N in Hoi An.
Day 14: Hoi An - My Son (B,L)
Have breakfast at hotel then take a short walking tour around this enchanting port town. Follow the narrow lanes lined with centuries-old houses influenced by Chinese, Japanese, French and European architectures and visit its numerous places of interest: the
400-year old Japanese Covered Bridge, the Phuc Kien Assembly Halls, the local fish market… Around the town we can see a numerous art galleries and tailor shops, get some made-to-order clothes if you like. Lunch in a local restaurant.
After that, travel about 50km from Hoi An to My Son sanctuary. It comprises many Champa temples, in a valley roughly two kilometers wide, surrounded by two mountain ranges. It was the site of religious ceremony of kings of the Champa dynasty, and was also a burial place of Champa royals and national heroes. The My Son temple complex is one of the foremost temple complexes of Hinduism in South East Asia and is the foremost heritage site of this nature in Vietnam. Though the complex has been destroyed over time, we still see many majestic ancient ruins of temples in the area. We also spend time to visit a silk handicraft village along the Thu Bon River on the way back to Hoi An.
Day 15: Hoi An - Depart (B)
Have breakfast at hotel. You are free until the time to transfer to the airport for flight departure. Finish service.
Includes:
• Transfer by private AC vehicle the whole trip included airport pick up & drop off.
• Private English Speaking Guide
• Accommodation at 3 star hotels (or 4, 5 star hotels)
• Train tickets Hanoi – Lao Cai – Hanoi (Soft Sleeper 4 beds cabin with AC)
• Meals as mentioned (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
• Halong bay 02 days package on Paloma Cruise (4*).
• Private Boat trip on River ( Tam Coc, Van long Kenh Ga)
• Admission fee for all sightseeing places
• Cold water and towel during tours
• Vietnam visa arrangement
NOT includes:
• Flight tickets Hanoi – Hue ($85/person/way)
• Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls etc.).
• Drinks.
• Tips and gratuities.
• services not mentioned above.
|
|
| Class |
Size of group |
| 1 pax |
2 pax |
3 pax |
4 pax upward |
| 3 star hotels |
|
$1485 |
|
$1345/person |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
