Essential Vietnam, 14 days

On arrival at  Ho Chi Minh Airport, you are met by our guide and taken to your hotel by private transfer. You may have some time free to relax or discover at your own leisure. The bustling city of Ho Chi Minh, still called Saigon by many locals, was originally a fishing village built up on a vast swampland, but it has developed into Saigon under the French domination. The effervescent development has bought Ho Chi Minh some cosmic changes from a war-torn city to a thriving metropolis. However, the architecture, local culture and lifestyle in Ho Chi Minh are still a reconciliation among French, American and Chinese influences. This fast growing city is now punctuated with elegant international hotels and exclusive restaurants, crowded with motorbikes, cars and vociferous cyclo drivers, and excited by numerous shopping areas, sidewalk cafés and noodle stalls. They have formed a dynamic urban area in very special sense and make for an endless exploration in this  south Vietnamese gem.

Today, we begins our exploration of  Ho Chi Minh City, taking a walk along the vibrant and beautiful Nguyen Hue Boulevard. This broad walking promenade is fringed with many  shopping malls, eating spots and French colonial structures. We pay a quick look at the ornate City Hall and the old Opera House before going to see the Notre Dame Cathedral and  the Old Sai Gon Post Office, some of  striking landmarks in European style. The following top is the Reunification Palace, a former residence of the southern Vietnam President until a dramatic end on April 1975. The president palace was built on base of the French governor-general mansion and had all for the president life, plus shelter, helipad, and command bunker. Upon leaving this landmark, we head to the War Remnant Exhibit, which contains a wealth of images and real objects reflecting the notorious Vietnam- American War and the first Indochina War involving the French colonialists. They make your visit like taking a step back into the war time. We continue seeing the Jade Emperor Temple  and the crowded Saigon Chinatown, locally named Cho Lon. This bustling area is crammed with various sacred temples and mysterious and narrow market lanes. The major attractions in place are the Binh Tay Market and  the Thien Hau Pagoda. They will give us some interesting views of the local culture and traditions.  We round off our day with a walk around the retail  Ben Thanh Market, where vendors display a vast array of goods and handicrafts appealing to every taste!.

Heading out of the town, we travel by road to the Mekong Delta. This fertile region was formed by the mighty Mekong River, which winds its way from Tibet - China through  Laos, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, and finally into Vietnam.  On arrival in My Tho, we take a boat trip along the Mekong River, catching some  fantastic views dotted with floating fish farms and many lush islands. The local boat makes a stop at the famous Unicorn Island, locally named Con Thai Son. We stroll along the village lanes fringed with simple local houses, luxuriant fruit gardens, and green rice fields. This pleasant walk gives a good chance to see the local life close up, taste many season fruits, enjoy traditional music performed by a villager team, and sample honey tea at nearby bee farm. The intricate narrow canals are life blood of the Mekong Delta. We travel by small rowing boat to venture into this maze before we board again our motor boat racing across the water   to the Phoenix Island in Ben Tre. This rich farmland region, considered as coconut kingdom, is famous for fruit gardens, crocodile farm, and many cottage industries. We visit some of them on a walk around the island and also explore  the  traditional  lifestyles of local villagers who call this delta their home. Upon disembarking, we keep driving to Can Tho, the largest city in the Mekong Delta.  Along the way, we make stop to visit  the beautiful Vinh Trang Pagoda. This ornate complex was built in peaceful setting of garden and bonsai trees,  with a mixture of China, Vietnam, Cambodia and Europe elements.

The floating markets are truly a highlight of the Mekong Delta; however, they are usually animated from dawn to midmorning only. Today we get up early to take a private boat downstream the Mekong River towards the Cai Rang floating market. This bustling trading hub still keeps its traditional trading way; each boat usually  sells one particular item, whether it be pumpkins, pineapples, sugar canes,….To help  the customer knows where to shop, they hang that item from the highest part of the boat. We circumambulate many barges heaped with tropical fruits to explore the amazing scene of trade and take some wonderful photos close up. The local boat waves its way back to the Ninh Kieu Pork, giving us a chance to look at the Can Tho cable bridge spanning over the Hau River. Today we take a flight to Da Nang City in central Vietnam. On arrival at Da Nang Airport, you are met by our guide and driven to Da Nang center to visit  the famous Cham Museum, formerly the Ecole Francaise d’Extreme Orient. This beautiful mansion contains many exquisite limestone carvings from the vanquished Kingdom of Champa that has been in central coastal littoral prior to the march of the Vietnamese nation south. We continue driving south to  the sensational Marble Mountain with five rocky outcrops. They are said to represent the five natural elements of the universe; fire, water, earth, wood and metal. The long steep staircase may involve some hardship to see this mountain top. However, you can take an optional cable car ride with small  extra fees. We arrive in Hoi An and may have time to catch our first glimpse of this enchanting town.

The multiple style architecture, colorful shopping areas, diverse food tastes, beautiful countryside and pristine beaches make Hoi An one of the most delightful places in Vietnam. This ancient town was originally a Cham seaport but has been influenced by a myriad of traders from various cultures between the fifteenth and nineteenth centuries. We enjoy a morning walking tour to explore Hoi An Ancient Town where Japanese legacy, Vietnamese tube houses, ornate temples and Chinese shop houses are still standing to present the unique traditional townscape . The narrow walking streets dotted with many shop houses lead us to the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge . This structure was first constructed in 1590s by the Japanese traders to link them with the Chinese quarters. The ornamentation has remained relatively faithful to the original Japanese design over centuries. We continue onto the Museum of Trade Ceramics, a beautifully restored timber house where displays many relics of the bygone civilization and the origins of this port town. Upon leaving this museum, we head towards the typical Phung Hung House, a gem with a mixture of Japanese and Chinese architectural elements. This ancient house was built by a Vietnamese family two centuries ago and has been lovingly preserved through seven generations. We follow it with the Chua Ong Pagoda and the Phuc Kien Assembly Hall. This colorful building is one of the five well-known halls in Hoi An. You spend the rest of this day at leisure, to relax on An Bang Beach, stroll around the vibrant waterfront, make some fine garments at famous tailor shops or go on one of many optional trips.

The cycling experience begins as we ride our bike through the rice fields, glassy rivers, and lazy water buffaloes lounging in the mud to Tra Que Village. This small community focus on vegetable farming, supplying the organic veggies for the whole Hoi An and nearby areas. On arrival at Tra Que Village  we  can join one of the local farmers and do their daily works; watering the crops, fertilizing  the land with seaweed from the nearby lake, picking up a hoe and getting your hands muddy. We also get a chance to enjoy a typical herbal foot massage and participate in cooking some homemade foods. They  include banh xeo, a specialty savory pancake wrapped in rice paper , noodle soup making from chewy noodles, simmering beef and ground peanut . We leave Hoi An Town for Hue, hugging the coastline before climbing up the  challenging Hai Van Pass, an obvious boundary between northern  and southern Vietnam. The panoramic view from this pass top  is nothing short of spectacular, with a mixture of zigzag roads, turquoise sea, winding rail way behind the verdant forest. The scenic drive reaches this day final destination by late afternoon. The riverside town of Hue was once Vietnam’s feudal capital from 1802 to 1945 under the Nguyen Dynasty, which still resonates with the glories left in forms of royal citadel, hoary pagodas, and  mausoleums littered in surrounding hills.

Today, we begin our exploration of Hue with the massive Hue Citadel containing the Imperial City and the Purple Forbidden City. This royal residence was all but partly destroyed during the 1968 Tet Offensive. However, it is still fascinating to walk around to see many pavilions, bridges, libraries, and great halls. They have been restored to explain the legends of the Nguyen Dynasty emperors who have built the fortress and lived within its moated walls for nearly 150 years. We follow it with a walk to the bustling Dong Ba Market, which is crammed with local treasures and also has many eating spots. They make an ideal place for visitors to try their hand at bargaining and sample some local delicacies. Upon leaving this trade center, we make our way to  the mausoleum of Emperor Minh Mang. This majestic complex of courtyards, pavilions and temples, was built in a tranquil setting of gardens and lakes. We drive through the rolling hills to the Khai Dinh Mausoleum, a synthesis of Vietnamese and European elements. The mandarin courtyard where are standing various statues of mandarins, horses and soldiers, makes for a real scene of the royal court.  The most notable place is Thien Dinh Palace housing the bronze statues and the King steles. We embark on a traditional boat, cruising along  the Perfume River to the riverside Thien Mu Pagoda. This iconic religious structure has a nice legend and a prominent architecture stretching from the river banks in seven successive tiers to monastic buildings and octagonal tower, regarded as a symbol of Hue.

The following destination of our journey is Hanoi via a short morning flight from Hue. On arrival at Hanoi  Airport, you are met by our guide and driven to the town center. The capital city of Hanoi with lovely lakes, ancient houses, historic temples, shady parks, and striking colonial architecture, is a fascinating blend of East and West, combining traditional Sino-Vietnamese motifs with French flair. We spend this afternoon seeing the Temple of Literature, which is now dedicated to the scholars of Confucius, but was once the first university of Vietnam. The successful candidate records are still found in various stone steles set over giant stone turtles in the temple ground. We continue onto the Hoa Lo Museum, which was originally a house of detention built under the French domination. This famous prison has been ironically nicknamed the Hanoi Hilton by the American pilots who were incarcerated at Hoa Lo during the American War. Today it was partly demolished to give way to a commercial center, but the original sign still hangs over the entrance. The remaining space was preserved to create the Hoa Lo Museum displaying an array of torture instruments, terrifying guillotine from the French rule, and smaller section devoted to the American prisoners. We finish a round of city tour  with a fantastic water puppet show followed by a pleasant walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, one of the major scenic spots in Hanoi.

Today, we continue seeing Hanoi with Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (close on Mon. and Fri. and Oct. to Nov).  This imposing  marble and granite structure was built  overlooking the Ba Dinh Square. We queue up for a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Ho Chi Minh House, a simple traditional stilt structure set  in a well-tended garden. He has  lived and worked in this place until his final days.  Nearby this complex is the One Pillar Pagoda, which rises from the center of a square lotus pond, ascending on a single pillar and resembling a blossoming lotus flower. We head towards  the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (close on Mon.) where display various documents, images and objects focusing on  54 ethnic groups in Vietnam in  both outdoor and indoor sections.  The sightseeing tour is followed with a drive pas various attractions, including  Tran Quoc Pagoda,  Quan Thanh Temple, Long Bien Bridge, and Opera House. No stops planned, it is simply a glimpse of the cityscape.  We have free time to explore at your leisure before we board  the local train for an overnight journey to Lao Cai. The train conditions are basic; we travel in soft sleeper class which is compartment for up to four people, a communal environment. This train journey is in keeping with the adventure nature of our trips and allows you to experience a taste of the ‘ real Vietnam’. 

The train pulls into Lao Cai Station, giving us a unique view of Vietnam away from the capital cityscape and a different type of discovery. You are greeted by our guide and travel along the winding roads to Sapa Town. The hotel room is not available for early check in;  however you can leave the luggage at the hotel and start  this day activity. We take a drive downhill  before we set off on a walk  from Y Linh Ho to Lao Chai and Ta Van Villages. The local footpaths bring us a chance to meet many villagers doing their daily works. Perhaps they are the Hmong, Dao or Giay  ethnic minorities who have settled here a long time ago and make for the main local population. On arrival  at Lao Chai Village, we have a stop to admire the stunning mountain backdrop and the steep terraced rice fields, and make friend with local ethnic minorities along village lanes. We continue walking to Ta Van  Village, home to the Zay ethnic minorities. They often stay on stilt house and have the  culture and traditions different from their nearby Hmong people. We complete our walking trip and drive back to Sapa Town. This hill station set at an elevation of 1,500 meters has some warm days and cool evenings. The evident vestiges of the French colonial era are still found in place as it was once a summer retreat place for French administrators to escape the unbearable summer heat in the  plain regions.  We stroll around to discover the quaint townscape brought from the prominent architecture styles, mountain peaks,  rice terraces, and colorful ethnic minority people.

Upon leaving Sapa, we start our drive through Lao Cai Border Town to Bac Ha. The road conditions vary in some places, involving some downhill and uphill drive. On arrival in Bac Ha Town, we enjoy a walk  around to explore the vibrant Bac Ha Weekend Market. This local trade fair is rather affected by the influx of mass tourism, but it still offers some colorful picture and a unique experience.  We see many different ethnic minorities including  the Flower Hmong, Dao, Phu La, Nung, La Chi, and Tay, and discover their amazing local trading ways. These hill tribe people come into this conglomeration on every Sunday for not only to trade but also enjoy some entertainments, and are recognisably distinct by their dress. They  make for the entirely local affair full of noise, colour and  hustle, and the bustle of commerce. We also have time to enjoy a short walk  to the nearby village of  Ban Pho, home to the flower Hmong people who are dominant in this mountainous area. They have their own culture, traditions, and costumes different from their counterpart in Sapa. We visit a traditional house to learn more about the local lifestyle and taste the potent maize alcohol distilled by villagers. Today we travel by overnight train from Lao Cai back to Hanoi. The local train usually leaves Lao Cai by midevening, giving us some time to catch a look across the border line to the China land.   

The train journey delivers passengers to Hanoi station in early morning. You are met by  hotel staff and walk to a nearby hotel for  fresh up and breakfast. Heading out of the town, we make our way through the beautiful countryside of rice fields and roadside villages to the rocky formations of Halong Bay. The cruise team will welcome us on board with refreshing drinks and provides some information about the watercraft and the activity program. We check in our private cabin and unpack for a two-day cruise. The exciting excursion begins as our boat  zigzags itself in Halong Bay. Along the way, we feast on a huge lunch (veg. meals also available on request), catching some beautiful views of the bay with a blend of the sky and limestone islets jutting out from the clear and emerald water. These rocky outcrops are usually named by their distinctive shapes and littered with tiny beaches and beautiful caves. You spend this afternoon to simply admire the splendid scenery unfolding beyond your eyes or go for some activities; rowing boat excursion, swimming and kayaking (optional). We can improve our culinary skill while participating in a cooking class in the flavor of the sea. The master chef will show the guests how to make some traditional Vietnamese delicacies. We follow it  with a sumptuous dinner and enjoy some evening entertainment at the dining room. There are also possibilities to try your hand at squid fishing from our boat.

The early light begins washing the night away, unveiling the marvelous beauty of Halong Bay. You can participate in a Taichi exercise on the sundeck and may get a chance to catch some wonderful photos of the sunrise over Halong Bay. The boat trip continues past many imposing  islands, giving us a new exploration of this beautiful bay.  We can spend our time at leisure or step onto a tender to visit Sung Sot, one of the many beautiful caves hidden beneath towering cliffs. The uphill walkway with nearly 100 steps is somewhat arduous; however, the panoramic view from nearby boat pier to rocky islands in the far distance, makes the hardship all worthwhile. We enjoy this splendid landscape before we start the exploration of Sung Sot Cave. This remarkable cave is naturally adorned with countless stalactite and stalagmite formations. They stretch amazingly from floor to ceiling, forming various pillars to support the cave dome. The illuminating spotlights of various colors within the stone formations add more enchantment to this beautiful cave. We come back to our cruise and weave our way through a spectacular seascape of limestone pillars towards Tuan Chau Marina. The wonderful time in Haling Bay is followed by a drive back to Hanoi. Along the way, we make stop at our pleasure, to stretch our legs and see many local villagers making excellent craft objects in traditional ways. 

There are no activities planned on this final day. You may have free time to continue your exploration of Hanoi City, do your last shopping or simply look back upon your trip images. The holiday comes to an end with a transfer to Hanoi Airport for  your departure.