Day 1: Arrive in Beijing, China

Arrive at Beijing, you will be met up by our tour representative and transferred to hotel.

Day 2: Beijing

Tour the Imperial Winter Palace also called the Forbidden City in the heart of the Capital. Walk in the world’s largest public square the Tiananmen Square. The tour then takes you to the Summer Palace, a sprawling imperial encampment of temples, Visit the Temple of Heaven, a beautiful ornate wood structure built in 1420 and used by the Emperors to perform sacrificial rituals for good harvests.

Day 3: Beijing

Full day excursion to the Great Wall at Badaling (up and down in cable Car). Here you’ll have plenty time to walk along the historic ramparts and marvel at its size and grandeur. After that, you’ll stroll along “The Sacred Path” which leads to the Ming Tombs where 13 Emperors were buried, and visit the Emperor’s resting place through a series of under-ground passageways and chambers.

Day 4: Beijing – Xian

Free time at own leisure for the morning. In the afternoon, transfer to airport for flight to Xian, the city of eternal peace, once the flourishing capital of China of 13 dynasties. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel. Guided walk through the Muslim quarter of the Old Town and the local market. Evening dinner at a local Chinese restaurant.

Day 5: Xi’an

Take an excursion to Qin Emperor’s Tomb, where 8,000 life-sized terracotta warriors and horses were unearthed in 1974. They were interred within the outer wall of the Emperor’s mausoleum as his eternal imperial guards. The scale of the endeavour is awe-inspiring and the image of warriors solemn and moving. The day also includes a visit to Shaanxi Provincial History Museum. Lunch at Terra Cotta Museum with noodle-making demonstration and evening dinner will be served in Chinese dumpling with Tang Dynasty Dinner Show.

Day 6: Xi’an – Wuhan – Yichang

Transfer to airport for flight to Wuhan, then met by the local guide and transferred to Yichang, the starting point of the Yangtze River cruise. Transfer to pier and board the ship.

Day 7: Yangtze River Cruise

Three days’ dramatic river cruise upstream from Wuhan to Chongqing along the Yangtze or Changjing, the China ’s longest. It’ll funnel you past magnificent rock formations, mist-shrouded peaks, the fragments of ancient settlements, and swirling eddies. Among them are the most famous Three Gorges. The cruise ship will also pass the Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest, through a series of locks and lifts, experiencing in first-hand the functions and power of the Dam. The cruise ship will stop at towns and historical sites along the route, allowing you time to relish the colorful tales as they unfold.

Day 8: Chongqing

Cruise arrives at Chongqing in the morning. Met by our tour representative and transfer to Dazu Rock Carvings (China advanced stone works of art). In the afternoon, transfer to hotel.

Day 9: Chongqing – Shanghai

After breakfast served at hotel, you will have a free stroll in Chongqing. Take flight to Shanghai.
Accommodation: Days Hotel (4 star)

Day 10: Shanghai – Suzhou

Take a full day excursion to Suzhou, famous for its elegant gardens crisscrossed by natural ponds and canal. Tour the Garden of Maser Nets and the Pan Men Gate, visit the Embroidery Institute to learn the history of silk and how it’s produced, and take a boat ride on the Grand Canal.

Day 11: Shanghai – Beijing

Transfer to airport for morning flight to Beijing. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel.

Day 12: Departure

Transfer to airport for the departure flight. End of service.

                          

Day 01: Arrival in Hanoi.

Arrive at Noi Bai airport via flight ???. Arrival time??? You’ll be greeted at the airport by Lotussia local guide and driver and then escorted to your hotel in town. Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 02: Hanoi City Tour; Hanoi – Maichau village

Breakfast at hotel. A half day city tour of Vietnam’s capital. Hanoi is a unique city with tree-lined boulevards, French colonial architecture, peaceful lakes and oriental temples. The city tour includes such sights as the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (Ho Chi Minh mausoleum is closed on Monday and on Friday), One Pillar Pagoda and the Temple of Literature – The first National University of Vietnam and the Ethlology museum where you can find the biggest object collection of 54 Vietnamese ethnic groups.

In the afternoon, depart Hanoi for Hoa Binh province and up then to Mai Chau valley. This scenic drive takes around four hours. Along the way we pass fields of tapioca and sugar cane as well as rice paddies. Upon arriving in Mai Chau valley, we take a short walk around Lac & Poom Coong villages to have the first sights of the White Thai community culture.

In the evening, assist to the traditional music and dance show which is performed by The Thai young girls and boys. They all come from this village. Try also some rice alcohol made of traditional plants and local sticky rice. Overnight at stilt-house.

Day 03: Maichau Full day Hiking

Breakfast at the Thai stilt house then we leave the village for a full day hiking around. We will pass many different Thai hamlets, through rice fields, hill sides…Stop sometimes to visit local houses and talk with local people. And one of the highlight on this walk is to experience the everyday life and culture white Thai people and stay in their traditional house on stilts as honoured guests.

Day 04: Maichau – Ninhbinh; PM: Kenh Ga floating village

Breakfast then we say good bye to the warm-hearted Thai people. Depart for Ninhbinh. We will arrive at Kenh Ga around noon.

Have your lunch in a local restaurant and try some specialty of the region. After lunch, the car will drive you to Kenh Ga floating village where you will take the boat trip along the beautiful river. Set on the banks of the Hoang Long River, Kenh Ga is a remarkable place, not only because it is surrounded by the same massive rocks that dominate Hoa Lu, but also because for most of the year the entire community lives on the water itself. The floating village of Kenh Ga receives relatively few visitors compared to nearby Hoa Lu and the peoples’ aquatic way of life has changed little over the centuries.

After the boat trip, continue our journey to Ninhbinh town where we stop for overnight.
Overnight at local guest-house.

Day 05: Ninhbinh – Tam Coc – Hanoi – Laocai (Night train)

The river trip in Tam coc is wonderful for photo hunters, especially when local people come to harvest the water rice planted along the river, or when they transplant some seedling for the next crops. The tourists often compare the place with Guilin – China, or more closely, to the limestone islets of Halong Bay in the Tonkin Gulf for their similar geological structures and shapes. Thus Tam Coc is also called Halong-Bay-On-Land.

We move on to Tam Coc for a 3-hour boat trip along the Boi river. Along the way we will visit caves and ancient temples. After lunch we can make a visit Bich Dong Pagodas before making our way back to Hanoi.

After dinner (at your own account), transfer to Hanoi railway station to take the night train to Laocai. Overnight on the train.

Day 06: Laocai – Cancau – Bac Ha (This day must be Saturday)

The train arrive Laocai station early morning. You will be met by another Lotussia local guide and driver. After having breakfast in town, start the ride up to Can Cau market. The ride is relatively flat from Lao Cai to Bao Nhai, where you will be taken through rural area. Situated in the mountains in border area, 20 km from Bac Ha, Can Cau is a small, but very colorful market. Opening only on Saturdays, it always delivers a very photogenic display of Flower Hmong, Black Zao, Phu La ethnic costumes. Chinese people also come for trading. After spending the whole morning exploring the market, you will leave the market for Bac Ha town for lunch.

In the afternoon, you will take a walk to Ban Pho village of Nung and Flower Hmong, which locate in a small valley. The villagers grow vegetables and fruit trees. One of the most famous fruit of the area is plum. You will be able to visit a local house, where you might have chance to taste a cup of corn wine, another famous product of the village. You will go back to hotel late in the afternoon.

Overnight in Bac Ha.

Day 07: Bacha – Sapa (This day must be Sunday)

After having a morning coffee, you take a short walk to visit the old castle of the former Hmong King. From there you can have a view over the town. You will then visit the huge market of Bac Ha with its colorful array of ethnic minority people such as Flower Hmong, Phu La, Black Dao, Tay, Nung who gather to buy and sell. After spending the whole morning exploring the market, your lunch will be served in a local restaurant.

After lunch, you drive downhill for about half an hour. You will then start a short walk to Trung Do village, which belongs to the Tay minority. Here you can stop by a traditional Tay house for a cup of tea before you get on a boat. You will have a cruise upstream the Chay River to experience the picturesque scenes and the magnificent sight of a beautiful cave. The boat ride ends at Coc Ly, where you get on the car for the journey to Sapa. Overnight in Sapa.

Day 08: Sapa – Ban Ho – Sinchai

The day commences with a jeep ride to the trekking route. The trek starts by walking through the incredibly scenic “Ban Ho” valley. Here you will have the opportunity to visit and explore the wooden houses, which traditionally belong to the Tay ethnic minority. You will then continue to walk to Thanh Phu village where you stop for lunch in a local house.

After lunchtime, you head to Sin Chai village of Red Dao minority where the night will be spent in bamboo huts. The wonderful hospitable atmosphere of the Red Dao will attract you.

Overnight in the village.

Day 09: Sin Chai – Nam Nhiu – Nam Than – Thanh Phu

Today’s trek takes you through several villages where you will be able to meet Tay, Hmong and Xa Pho ethnic minorities. You will have time to photograph the beautiful rice paddy terraces and the surrounding mountain. On the way you will visit a local school. Your lunch will be prepared and served in a local house.

In the afternoon, you head back to Thanh Phu village of Tay minority. Here you will spend the night. You can take a walk to explore local daily life while your dinner will be served with Vietnamese dishes.

Day 10: Thanh Phu – My Son – Nam Toong – Sapa – Laocai – Hanoi

On the last day of the trek you will cross several suspension bridges and trek through lush rice paddy fields and stunning scenery. You have a unique opportunity to meet Xa Pho minority in My Son village, one of the smallest group ethnic living in Northern Viet Nam. They always maintain their unique costume and nomadic life. You trek uphill to Nam Toong village of Red Dao minority, where you have lunch in a local school.

In the afternoon, your trek will be firstly downhill to Ban Ho village where you will have time for a swim in the river. You will then climb toward Su Pan. The car will meet you there and take you then to Laocai railways station for the night train back to hanoi. Overnight on the train.

Day 11: Hanoi – Halong. Overnight on boat.

Arrive in Hanoi in the early morning, transfer to a local restaurant for early breakfast then depart to Halong. Enjoy the journey through the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta and the scenery of rice fields, water buffalo and everyday Vietnamese village life. Arrive in Halong and board the Bai Tho traditional sailing junk (or similar junk). Whilst cruising the exquisite waters sample the regions fresh seafood. Visit the recently discovered Surprise Grotto with its great views, and on the next island see the yawning mouth of Bo Nau Cave. Alternatively journey to Dau Go Cave and nearby see the famous stalagmites and stalactites of Thien Cung Cave. Enjoy a swim in the emerald waters of Halong Bay at any spot that you wish to visit or take a kayaking trip to explore the Bay. Watch the sun set over the bay whilst enjoying a delicious dinner. Overnight on board junk.

Day 12: Halong – Hanoi

Wake up to fresh coffee and a wholesome breakfast before cruising back to Halong City. En route the junk weaves through strange-shaped rock formations that invite comparisons from fighting cocks to dragons. After another wonderful fresh seafood lunch (early) on board disembark at the dock at Halong City. Transfer back to Hanoi.

Enjoy a short cyclo excursion through the bustling old quarter streets named after the specific goods once offered for sales at these places. In the evening, attend to the water puppet show, one of famous Vietnamese traditional art. Overnight in Ha Noi.

Day 13: Hanoi half day city tour

Breakfast at hotel. Then continue to visit some more highlights of Hanoi such as The beautiful West Lake and the History Museum with an excellent collection of artifacts illustrating the Vietnamese history. We visit these sights before continuing to the peaceful lake of Hoan Kiem. Enjoy a short cyclo excursion through the bustling old quarter streets named after the specific goods once offered for sales at these places.

The afternoon is free at leisure or for your personal discovery of the town or to do some more shopping before leaving Hanoi. Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 14: Hanoi – Hue (AM flight). Hue city tour.

Breakfast at hotel then transfer to Noibai airport for your flight to Hue. Flight number???. Dpt. At ?h. HAN-HUI.

You will be greeted at Hue airport by another Lotussia guide and driver then transfered to your hotel in town.

Starting visiting Hue by taking the boat trip on Perfume River to visit Thien Mu Pagoda considered as Royal Pagoda of the Nguyen Dynasty and Imperial Citadel.

In the afternoon, visit Mausoleums of Tu Duc or the one of Khai Dinh King. Visit a typical garden-house in Hue if time permits (Hue has another name as “city of garden”). Overnight at hotel.

Day 15: Hue city tour. Hue – Danang – Hoian

Breakfast at hotel. Depart for Lang Co, a small village of fishermen. Taking photograph from Hai Van Pass (The pass of Sea and Cloud). Visit Cham Museum in Danang. Free lunch en route.

You will arrive in Hoian in the afternoon. Free dinner and overnight in Hoian.

Day 16: Hoian

Start the visit of this charming small town, first commercial center in Vietnam since the 15th century, with more than 800 classified buildings : Japanese Covered Bridge, Tan Ky Old house, Assembly Hall Chinese. Phuc Kien Pagoda, Hoian Museum and Market. After lunch, continue walking in town or do some shopping. Free diner in town. Overnight at hotel.

Day 17: Hoian – Danang – Saigon. Saigon city tour.

After breakfast, transfer to Danang airport for the morning flight to Saigon. Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh city airport, you will be met by another Lotussia local guide and driver and transferred to city center.

After your free lunch in town, start the tour with Ho Chi Minh City highlights including the Post Office, cathedral, Reunification palace, centre town, then continuation towards Cholon, visit Thien Hau temple, Binh Tay market. Overnight at hotel.

Day 18: Ho Chi Minh city – Tay Ninh & Cuchi Tunnels -  Ho Chi Minh city.

Breakfast at hotel. Enjoy a morning drive through typical southern Vietnamese countryside to Tay Ninh Province in the west of Vietnam. In Tay Ninh visit the incredible Cao Dai Great Temple, with architecture that could have come straight from a Walt Disney fantasy and where all the major faiths of the world blend together in a unique religious cocktail. After lunch in a local restaurant visit the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, an incredible underground tunnel network constructed by Vietnamese resistance fighters during the long struggle for independence. Overnight in Saigon

Day 19: Saigon – Vinhlong – Cantho

Breakfast at hotel. Then drive to Cai Be. Upon arrial in Caibe, we take a boat trip to visit Cai Be floating market, fruits and orchards. Stop for walking on the village roads to visit the Rice Paper workshop, Pop Corn and Rice workshop. Lunh is in a farmer’s house at the fruit or bonsai garden. Procceed to Vinh Long town by boat then transfer to Cantho.

Overnight in Cantho

Day 20: Cantho – Saigon

Depart Can Tho to Cai Rang, take a boat trip to Cai Rang floating market. You also have the opportunity to stop by an island to watch local villagers producing instand rice noodles, aboat builder yard and rice – husking. Drive back to Saigon, check in hotel. Overnight in HCMC.

Day 21: Saigon Departure.

Breakfast at hotel. Free time till transfer to the airport for your onward flight at 21.10 back home. End.

                          

Day 01: Arrival in Hanoi. Transfer airport – hotel. Overnight in Hanoi.

Arrive at Noi Bai airport via flight ???. Arrival time??? You’ll be greeted at the airport by Lotussia local guide and driver then escorted to your hotel in town. Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 02: Hanoi full day city tour with cyclo ride in the old quarter. Overnight in Hanoi.

Breakfast at hotel. Then we start the sightseeing tour of Hanoi capital with 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. This complex also comprises the One Pillar Pagoda, whose origins date back to the foundation of city. We follow this with a trip to the Temple of Literature, which is well known as the first university of Vietnam and the impressive Ethnology Museum, dedicated to Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. Free lunch in town.

In the afternoon, we continue exploring the old town of Hanoi with the History Museum with an excellent collection of artifacts illustrating the Vietnamese history, the peaceful lake of Hoan Kiem and Ngoc Son temple. Enjoy a short cyclo excursion through the bustling old quarter streets named after the specific goods once offered for sales at these places. O/N in Ha Noi.

Day 03: Hanoi – Cuc Phuong National Park. Trekking & overnight at Muong stilt-house.

Breakfast at hotel. Then make a pleasant journey to Ninh Binh, about 120km in the south of Hanoi. Upon arriving in Cuc Phuong National park, we start visiting the Rescue Center where we will see and learn about the park’s biodiversity and variety of endangered species.

Then, we begin our trekking journey through the life and songs of the local rain forests. A picnic lunch will be served en route. In the late afternoon, we will arrive at a village of the Muong minority people where we will spend our night in a local house. Dinner, then free time to talk with the host family and learn about the Muong people’s life and culture. Overnight at the stilt house.

Day 04: Cuc Phuong – Trang An. Boat trip on “In-land Halong Bay”. Trang An – Maichau. Overnight at house on stilts of Thai ethnic minority.

After breakfast, we will take a short walk of to get reach the main road where we will get picked up by our car and transferred to Thung Nang which can be called “Vietnam’s Inland Halong Bay”.

Thung Nang is wonderful for photo hunters. The tourists often compare the place with Guilin – China, or more closely, to the limestone islets of Halong Bay in the Tonkin Gulf for their similar geological structures and shapes. Thus Thung Nang is also called Halong-Bay-On-Land.

Along the way we will visit caves and ancient temples. After the pleasant boat trip, we disembark the sampan and take our car again for Mai Chau. Arrive in Mai chau late afternoon.

Day 05: Maichau full day hiking. Overnight in Maichau.

Breakfast at the Thai stilt house then we leave the village for a full day hiking around. We will pass many different Thai hamlets, through rice fields, hill sides…Stop sometimes to visit local houses and talk with local people. And one of the highlight on this walk is to experience the everyday life and culture white Thai people and stay in their traditional house on stilts as honoured guests. We will return to the village around late afternoon. Have a short break before enjoying the Thai traditional Music and Dance show which is performed by the village young gilrs and boys. Althrough they are not professional artistes, they will give you an unique experience of their culture life.

Day 06: Maichau – Sonla – Dienbien. Overnight in Dienbien.

The road to Son La is lined with fruit orchards, tea plantations, towering mountains and the traffic of Black Thai, Muong and White Thai hill tribe people heading to markets. Upon arriving in Sonla, we visit the Sonla Prison Museum, which remains as a poignant reminder of the inequities of the former. Then we continue the journey to Dienbien. Impressive scenery, and hill tribe villages fill the journey to Dien Bien Phu, the last bastion of French power in Indochina. Monuments, museums and preserved bunkers tell the story of the final and victorious liberating battle of 1954. Overnight at hotel in Dien Bien.

Day 07: AM: Half day tour of Dienbien; PM: Dienbien – Muonglay. Overnight in Muong Lay.

Half day touring around the battlefields. You see the museum of Dien Bien with exhibits collected during the fiercest war in Indochina during the 1950s, then we visit the vestiges of bunkers and fortified stations of over 16,000 French Expeditionary troops (including Elliane Hill and De Castries bunkers…). Free lunch in town.

In the afternoon, we depart for Muong Lay. The road through Muong Lay valley is both breathtaking and dramatic. Hugging rice terraced mountainsides and fording turbulent rivers, our travels today are visually spectacular. Overnight in Muong lay.

Day 08: Muonglay – Sinho – Laichau (visit the most colorful market of Sinho).

From Muong Lay, the drive to Sin Ho is stunning with tiered tea plantations and verdant rice terraces carved into the landscape. Sin Ho is the most authentic market in the North West region which takes place every Saturday morning. There are many ethnic groups coming from different villages to sell their home made agricultural products such as rice, corn, vegetable, chicken, pork…

In the afternoon, continue our drive downhill to Lai Chau for the night. Overnight in Laichau.

Day 09: Laichau full day trekking. Overnight in Laichau.

Breakfast at hotel. Then the car will drive us to Binh Lu market where we will have a short visit to the very big and colorful market which take place only on Sunday morning. The town is bustling with activity as the local hill tribes gather for their weekly market day here.

Then we start our hiking day. The area you are walking in this morning is a wide valley, spotted with limestone hills wherever you look. You will pass through several villages of Flower Hmong and Giay minorities where you can stop for lunch in local house.

After lunch you continue towards the village of Ban Giang, which is around 1.5 hours away. The Giay people also inhabit Ban Giang. You will then follow a small but good trail to the Lu village of Ban Hon, where you will stay overnight in a local house. You will enjoy dinner in the house, and taste, together with the family of the house, how rice wine tastes in this area of Vietnam. Our car will pick us up and get back to hotel for overnight.

Day 10: AM: Laichau – Sapa; PM: Half day visit Sapa. Overnight in Sapa.

After breakfast, we will continue our drive uphill to Sapa passing Tram Ton Pass which offers beautifull views over the Hoang Lien mountain range. This route part is also considered the most beautiful stretch of road in Vietnam.

Upon our arrival in Sapa, we will have a walk around Sapa town. Climb up to Ham Rong mountain to enjoy the wonderful views of Sapa town.

Day 11: Full day trekking in Sapa. Overnight in the hill tribe village.

After breakfast at hotel, we begin our hiking day by taking a jeep ride to Ban Ho village. This is a village of Tay ethnic minority. The Tay preserve a traditional and fairly developed agriculture with cultivation of all kinds of plants including rice, maize and sweet potato as well as seasonable fruit and vegetables. Then we continue walking to Thanh Phu village where your lunch will be provided in a local house. After lunchtime, heading to Sin Chai village. This is a village of of Red Dao people. Special dinner to celebrate the New Year Festival. Lotussia Travel is delighted to offer each guest 01 bottle of French wine to make the New year more special.

Day 12: Sapa trekking. Sapa – Laocai – Hanoi (overnight on the train).

After breakfast, we will continue our day with a long trek downhill to Lao Cai. The route from Sin Chai, one of the most remote area in Sapa offers beautiful scenery and landscape. The trek will take us through rice paddy fields, bamboo forest, old trees jungle. Your lunch will be provided at Nam Ket. After lunch, we will trek further downhill. Upon arriving in Ta Thang village, a Tay village we will be greeted again by our driver who transfer us then to Laocai station for our journey back to Hanoi.

Day 13: Early morning, arrive in Hanoi. Hanoi – Halong. Boat cruise with kayaking optional trip. Lunch, dinner and overnight on boat.

Arrive in Hanoi in the early morning, transfer to a local restaurant for early breakfast then depart to Halong. Enjoy the journey through the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta and the scenery of rice fields, water buffalo and everyday Vietnamese village life. Arrive in Halong and board the Bai Tho traditional sailing junk (or similar junk). Whilst cruising the exquisite waters sample the regions fresh seafood. Visit the recently discovered Surprise Grotto with its great views, and on the next island see the yawning mouth of Bo Nau Cave. Alternatively journey to Dau Go Cave and nearby see the famous stalagmites and stalactites of Thien Cung Cave. Enjoy a swim in the emerald waters of Halong Bay at any spot that you wish to visit or take a kayaking trip to explore the Bay. Watch the sun set over the bay whilst enjoying a delicious dinner. Overnight on board junk.

Day 14: Halong – Hanoi. Water puppet show. Overnight in Hanoi.

Wake up to fresh coffee and a wholesome breakfast before cruising back to Halong City. En route the junk weaves through strange-shaped rock formations that invite comparisons from fighting cocks to dragons. After another wonderful fresh seafood early lunch on board disembark at the dock at Halong City. Transfer back to Hanoi.

In the evening, attend to the water puppet show, one of famous Vietnamese traditional art. Overnight in Ha Noi.

Day 15: Hanoi full day excursion to the countryside with cycling tour included. Overnight in Hanoi.

We travel west of Hanoi to visit Duong Lam village, a purely agricultural village of the Northern Red River delta where still preserve many hundred-year-old houses. It will be your unique experience as you walk along tiny ancient alleys; visit Mong Phu temple in Mong Phu hamlet – the only hamlet whose original village entrance gate remains intact, dedicated to national heroes. Then cycle to Cam Lam by village’s roads. Magnificent landscape with rice-fields and hills. The two Kings Phung Hung & Ngo Quyen were born there and the village people are very proud of this. That’s why it has the second name as “The village of 2 Kings”. At Cam Lam, we can visit the temple of Phung Hung – very beautiful temple and also the Mausoleum of Ngo Quyen in the countryside facing rice fields and nice landscape. Back to Hanoi in the late afternoon.

Day 16: Departure from Hanoi. End tour.

Breakfast at hotel. Free time till transfer to the airport for your onward flight back home. End.

                          

Day 01: Phnom Penh Arrival and City Tours (L,D).

You will be welcome at Phnom Penh airport by Lotussia local guide and driver then transferred to a local restaurant for lunch. Hotel check in then visit Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, National Museum and Central Market. Dinner in a local restaurant. Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Day 02: Phnom Penh – Siem Reap (B,L,D).

AM: After breakfast, you will be met up by Lotussia local guide and driver then transferred to airport or boat port for Siem Reap City. Siem Reap Town is small gateway to ruins of Angkor, it is 250 northwest of Phnom Penh and 15 km north of Tonle Sap. Upon your arrival in the city of World Heritage, Angkor Wat, you will be picked up by another Lotussia local then transferred to hotel for check in. Free time at leisure. Dinner in a local restaurant. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 03: Angkor History Park (B,L,D).

After breakfast at the hotel, we will visit the famous old palace, Angkor Thom within Angkor Thom are  Bayon – Baphoun, Terrace of Elephant, Phemean Akas, Terrace of Leper king. Afterwards visit Taprom Temple. Back to Siem Reap town and have lunch at local restaurant. In the afternoon, we will continue visiting the amazing Angkor Wat. Then we will watch sunset from the top of Bakheng hill. Dinner in a local restaurant with buffet and traditional Apsara Show.  Overnight in Siem Reap

Day 04: Kbal Spean – Bantey Srei (B,L,D).

Breakfast at the hotel, transfer to visit Kbal Spean which is located at 49km from Siem Reap town and it’s literally means “The head of the river”. This is one of the rivers in 1000 lingas, made up of unique lingas and lingas stands into the riverbed of the Siem Reap river. It was believed that the lingas spiritually “fertilized” the waters that fed the eastern baray and irrigated the rice fields below. Lunch at local Kbal Spean. After lunch, we will visit Banteay Srei and Banteay Samre. Then we come back to Siem Reap at the late afternoon. Dinner in a local restaurant with buffet and traditional Apsara Show. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 05: Great Lake Tonle Sap – Departure (B,L)

Today we will visit the Great Lake (Tonle Sap Lake). In 1-2 hours cruise we will experience visiting the Fishing Village where fisherman are living on the water, we will see how different their lives with other Fishing Village around the world. Back to Siem Reap Town, visit Chantier Ecole-Artisan d’angkor, the place is in the Ministry of Education that was constructed in 1992, this place renowned woodworking, stone carving and polychrome training center and workshops. Free tour of different classes and workshops offer a glimpse into the unique skills training program, teaching young artists about the techniques and styles of classic Cambodian Artistry.  Lunch at local restaurant. In the afternoon, we continue visiting Old Market for shopping before going to the airport for flight back home. End tour.

                          

Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi

Upon your arrival in Hanoi, you will be met by another Lotussia local guide and driver and transferred to your hotel.

Day 2: Hanoi full day city tour

The sightseeing tour of Hanoi acquaints us with 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. This complex also comprises the One Pillar Pagoda, whose origins date back to the foundation of city. We follow this with a trip to the Temple of Literature, which is well known as the first university of Vietnam and the impressive Ethnology Museum, dedicated to Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. The beautiful West Lake and the History Museum with an excellent collection of artifacts illustrating the Vietnamese history, are not to be missed. We visit these sights before continuing to the peaceful lake of Hoan Kiem. Enjoy a short cyclo excursion through the bustling old quarter streets named after the specific goods once offered for sales at these places. In the evening, attend to the water puppet whow, one of famous Vietnamese traditional art.

Day 3: Hanoi – Hue (fly)

Transfer to Noibai airport for your flight to Hue. Upon arrival in Hue, you will be met by another Lotussia local guide and driver and transferred to your hotel.

In the afternoon, visit the Mausoleum of Tu Duc or the one of Khai Dinh King and the Imperial Citadel.

Day 4: Hue – Danang – Hoian (day train)

Breakfast at hotel. Then take the day train to Danang. You will be picked up again in Danang railways station and transferred to Hoian.  Arrive in Hoian in the afternoon.

Day 5: Hoian – Myson – Hoian

Drive to My Son holly land, the site of the most important Cham intellectual and religious center during the 4th to 13th century, classified as the World Heritage Site. Then back to Hoian town in the afternoon. Start the visit of this charming small town, first commercial center in Vietnam since the 15th century, with more than 800 classified buildings: Japanese Covered Bridge, Tan Ky Old house, Assembly Hall Chinese. Phuc Kien Pagoda, Hoian Museum and Market.

Day 6: Hoian – Quynhon (overland)

Leaving for Qui Nhon after breakfast. Continuing southwards up Highway One to visit My Lai Massacre Memorial near to Quang Ngai. Free time for leisure on the beach.

Day 7: Quynhon – Nha Trang.

Depart for Nha Trang. On arrival in Nha Trang guests are transferred to the hotel. An afternoon is free at leisure.

Day 8: Nhatrang- Phan Thiet

A morning city tour includes the Po Nagar Cham Towers and Long Son Pagoda with its enormous white Buddha statue, Pasteur Institute. Then departs to Phan Thiet.

Day 9: Phan Thiet beach resort

Full day free at leisure to enjoy the prime beach of Phan Thiet or just relax on the resort poolside. Optional day excursion or beach activities can be arranged on the spot with resort.

Day 10: Phan Thiet beach resort

Full day free at leisure to enjoy the prime beach of Phan Thiet or just relax on the resort poolside. Optional day excursion or beach activities can be arranged on the spot with resort.

Day 11: Phan Thiet beach resort

Full day free at leisure to enjoy the prime beach of Phan Thiet or just relax on the resort poolside. Optional day excursion or beach activities can be arranged on the spot with resort.

Day 12: Phan Thiet – HCM city

After breakfast departs by road for Ho Chi Minh city. Nearer to Phan Thiet the terrain changes to arid semi-desert with cactus plants and strange looking dragon fruit trees. The scenic 200km drive south on highway one passes through dense rubber plantations and the bustling city of Bien Hoa. Arrive in Ho Chi Minh in the late morning and check into hotel. After lunch, the rest of day is free to relax by the pool.

Day 13: Departure from HCM city

Breakfast at hotel. Free time till transfer to the airport for your onward flight back home. End.

                          

Day 01: Arrival in Hanoi. Drive Hanoi – Halong bay. Cruise + kayaking. Overnight on board.

Upon your arrival at Noi Bai airport in Hanoi, you will be greeted by Lotussia Travel local guide and driver then escorted to Halong Bay. Enjoy the journey through the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta and the scenery of rice fields, water buffalo and everyday Vietnamese village life. Arrive in Halong and board the Bai Tho traditional sailing junk. Whilst cruising the exquisite waters sample the regions fresh seafood. Visit the recently discovered Surprise Grotto with its great views, and on the next island see the yawning mouth of Bo Nau Cave. Take a kayaking trip to explore the Bay or enjoy a swim in the emerald waters of Halong Bay at any spot that you wish to visit. Watch the sunset over the bay whilst enjoying a delicious dinner.

Day 02: Halong Bay full day cruise + kayaking. Overnight on board.

Breakfast on board. Then we continue kayaking zigzagging through many small islets of different shapes. We will kayak to the Black Grottoe and The lake of Three Grottoe. The journey is really wonderfull and adventurous! Back to the support boat for our lunch which will be provided on board. In the afternoon, we cruise towards the Islands of Rocks and visit the Fishermen floating village. We will kayak in Ba Men temple area which is also a important highlight of our journey. Swimming at the sandy Three Peach beach if weather permits and enjoy the great view of Halong bay sunset. Dinner and Overnight on board.

Day 03: Halong – Hanoi. Cyclo excursion + Water puppet show. Overnight in Hanoi.

Breakfast on board. Then we continue our cruise in Halong bay. Lunch will be served early on board while the boat is going back to shore. Arrive at Ha long wharf about 11h00 and take our car for our journey back to Hanoi. Arrive in Hanoi at around 15h00. Enjoy a short cyclo excursion through the bustling old quarter streets named after the specific goods once offered for sales at these places. In the evening, attend to the water puppet show, one of famous Vietnamese traditional art.

Day 04: Hanoi – Ho Chi Minh city (fly). Half day Ho Chi Minh city tour.

After breakfast, transfer to Hanoi airport for the morning flight to Ho Chi Minh city (Saigon). Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh city airport, you will be met by another Lotussia Travel local guide and driver and transferred to your hotel in the city center. After your free lunch in town, start the tour with Ho Chi Minh City highlights including the Post Office, cathedral, Reunification palace, centre town, then continue towards Cholon, visit Thien Hau temple and Binh Tay market. Overnight in Saigon.

Day 05: Ho Chi Minh City – Mytho – Can Tho (25 – 30 Km Biking)

After breakfast, 08h00am transfer (approx 2 hrs) to My Tho to avoid the teeming traffic. My Tho is the gateway to the Mekong Delta and a wonderful place to start our ride. In My Tho, unload the bikes and start to pedal on the beautiful and quiet country lanes along the Tien River to Cai Be. Along the way, pass through the heart of rural Mekong along narrow lanes, passing banana plantations, sugarcane fields and the lush rural landscape of the Delta. After Cai Be, cross on Dinh Khao ferry to Cho Lach. After the ferry, cycle for a couple of kilometres and then shuttle the rest way to Can Tho. O/N in Can Tho.

Day 06: Can Tho – Ho Chi Minh city (20 – 30 Km Biking)

After enjoying an early morning breakfast visit the Cai Rang floating market, weave through teeming early morning market bustle along the banks of an active riverfront. Ride on a narrow paved road to Phong Dien floating market. Absorb the sights of endless cottage industries, timber merchants, coconut shredders, small docks loading/unloading rice, tiny vibrant markets. Continue by bike on the narrow lane to explore the hidden backwaters of the Mekong Delta. Local lunch in town. In the afternoon return to Saigon.

Day 07: Half day to Cuchi tunnels.

Breakfast at hotel. Enjoy a morning drive through typical southern Vietnamese countryside to Cu Chi to visit the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, an incredible underground tunnel network constructed by Vietnamese resistance fighters during the long struggle for independence. Then we will go back to Ho Chi Minh city around noon. Free afternoon. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city.

Day 08: Ho Chi Minh city – Phan Thiet.

Transfer to Muine. The scenic 200km drive north on Highway One passes through the bustling city of Bien Hoa before cutting through dense rubber plantations. Arrive in Muine and check into resort. The rest of day is free to relax by the pool or on the sandy beach. Overnight in Muine.

Day 09: Phan Thiet beach resort.

Full day free at leisure to enjoy the prime beach of Muine or just relax on the hotel/resort poolside. Optional golf course or beach activities can be arranged on the spot with hotel/resort. Please check with your hotel/resort staff for more details or contact your travel consultant when booking. Overnight in Muine.

Day 10: Phan Thiet beach resort.

Full day free at leisure to enjoy the prime beach of Muine or just relax on the hotel/resort poolside. Optional golf course or beach activities can be arranged on the spot with hotel/resort. Please check with your hotel/resort staff for more details or contact your travel consultant when booking. Overnight in Muine.

Day 11: Phan Thiet beach resort.

Full day free at leisure to enjoy the prime beach of Muine or just relax on the hotel/resort poolside. Optional golf course or beach activities can be arranged on the spot with hotel/resort. Please check with your hotel/resort staff for more details or contact your travel consultant when booking. Overnight in Muine.

Day 12: Phan Thiet – Ho Chi Minh city.

Free at leisure until transfer back to Saigon. Overnight in Saigon.

Day 13: Departure.

Breakfast at hotel. Free time till transfer to the airport for your onward flight back home. End tour.