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 1: Dien Bien Phu – Lai Chau

???8h: A Lotussia Travel guide & driver will meet you at your hotel in Dien Bien Phu and drive then to Lai Chau. Stop en route to visit local hill tribe villages or taking beautiful photographs. Arrival in Laichau town around noon. After lunch (at your own account), start a soft trek to a local village around Lai Chau. Free dinner and overnight in Laichau.

Day 2: Lai Chau – Tam Duong (B)

The picturesque road from Lai Chau to Tam Duong goes along the Chinese Border and the Nam Na River. We visit some Black Thai villages, which are famous by their on-stilts wooden houses. During the way we cross a footbridge leading us to Kh’Mu Village, an important hill-tribe similar to the Laos people in terms of language and traditions. Before arrival in Tam Duong, a stop at Man Tien Village is scheduled. We spend the night in a guest-house in Tam Duong.

Day 3: Tam Duong trekking (B)

Tam Duong is a frontier town situated in a beautiful valley between limestone rocks. This place is the home of many hill tribes such as the H’Mong, Man Tien, Lu and Cu Chu people. Authentic in lifestyle and colorful in costumes, most of the tribes were emigrated from South China during the 17th – 18th century. A full day of trekking through their villages, hidden behind mountains and hills, enables us to learn how self-sufficient life is. A picnic is prepared for lunch. We will continue our trip with visiting a home-run tea factory as the area is famous for its tea plantation. Also this night is spent in the Tam Duong guest-house.

Day 4: Tam Duong – Sapa (B)

This morning we are going to visit the Tam Duong Multi-Ethnic Market, an ideal place to meet local people. Ethnic groups from every part of the region come here to exchange their agricultural and handicraft products. After this interesting experience of interacting with the local people, we make a promenade to Pa Pe, a village of the Lu minority. The people here are famous because of their black teeth. When girls have the age of 10 they have to chew a certain type of plant (growing in the woods) which causes black moisture upon the teeth. Having black teeth is considered as a symbol of beauty in this tribe. After this amazing visit we continue our way to Sapa. Stop at Tram Ton Pass -the highest pass in Vietnam, 1900m, view the heaven gate and large valley and nice Silver Waterfall. We come higher and higher in altitude as we reach Sapa where we spend the night in a hotel.

Day 5: Trekking in Sapa (B)

Sapa is not only an ideal place for retreat with its moderate climate, it is also a place of cultural value and breathtaking mountainous scenery. The town of Sapa is inhabited by colorful hill tribes, which are based on the foot of Fan Xi Pan Mount and other surrounding valleys. Here we spend our whole day trekking around the river of Sapa Valley, crossing suspension bridges and witnessing green rice terraces. During our trek we will again be exposed to local life and the daily activities. We trek up and down and through bamboo forest, see three different ethnic minorities until we stop at a nice waterfall in Giang Ta Chai Village of the Red-Dzao to spend the night in the house of a local family.

Day 6: Sapa – Bac Ha – Lao Cai – Hanoi (B)

Have breakfast and then drive to Bac Ha. During this ride we pass the Chinese border (Lao Cai) where you can get a glimpse of the Chinese town of Hekou, and visit a nice temple there, located just at the other side of the Red River. Bac Ha is situated in the highlands and is mostly populated by the beautifully dressed Flower H’mong minority (famous for its multi-ethnic market). The environment is paved with plum trees. Visit the Sunday market and have lunch in town (at your own account). After lunch, transfer to Coc Ly to take a boat trip on Chay River. After the boat trip, our car and guide drive you back to Laocai station where you will catch the night train to Hanoi. Overnight on train.

Day 7: Hanoi – Ha Long City (L,D)

8h30: A Lotussia Travel car and guide will pick you up at your hotel in Hanoi (please inform us your hotel information). Heading out of town we make our way towards Halong Bay, truly one of Vietnam’s most scenic impressive sights. On arrival in Halong we embark on a boat for an exploration of the legendary Halong Bay. Along the trip we learn some kayak orientation and instruction in paddling technique. We begin our first kayaking experience to discover the limestone karst formations which are littered with beaches, grottoes and beautiful caves, and visit one of the many hidden grottoes beneath towering cliffs. At the end of afternoon we return to our escorted boat for relaxation and dinner. The night paddle is available for kayaking fervor. O/N on board

Day 8: Ha Long Bay – Hanoi (B,L)

The views of sailing junks navigating past over 3,000 limestone islands and outcrops jutting out of the clear and emerald water of the bay are nothing short of spectacular. After breakfast on board we continue cruising and make stop for second paddle. We circumnavigate the island, observing some secluded lagoons and enjoying last swimming opportunity. In late morning we regroup at our escorted boat for two hour cruise to Halong Pier. Have a delicious lunch on board before disembarking and return to Hanoi. Upon arrival in Hanoi, transfer to your hotel in town. End of our services.

                          

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi.

Arrive at Noi Bai airport, Hanoi. You’ll be greeted at the airport by Lotussia local guide and driver and then escorted to your hotel in town. The rest of the day is free at leisure. Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 2: Hanoi City Tour. Travel to Maichau

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, 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 3: 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 4: Maichau – Ninhbinh. Boat trip visiting 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 5: 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 6: Laocai – Cancau – Bac Ha (This day must be Saturday)

The train arrive Laocai station early morning. You will be meet 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 7: 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 8: 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 village.

Day 9: 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 whow, one of famous Vietnamese traditional art. Overnight in Ha Noi.

Day 13: Hanoi full day free

Breakfast at hotel. Full day free at leisure or for personal discovery of the town or to do some more shopping before leaving 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 and transfered to the 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 (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 the visit. In the evening, walk on the river Thu Bon in sunset. 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 meet by another Lotussia local guide and driver and transferred to city center.

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. Free lunch in town.

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. At 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 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. Transfer Airport – Hotel.

On arrival at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, you will be greeted by Lotussia local guide and driver then transferred to your  hotel in town.

The rest time of the day is free at leisure. A special welcome dinner will be provided in one of most typical Vietnamese restaurant in town.

Day 02: Hanoi – Battrang -  Vanphuc – Laocai.

Breakfast at hotel.

Transfer to Bat Trang pottery village which is located around 20km from Hanoi city center. Enjoy the beautiful scenery of Vietnam countryside and agricultural activities along the road. Upon arrival at Bat Trang village, we visit some pottery workshop to see how the skiful local people make these beautiful pottery. Around noon, we return to Hanoi downtown for lunch. In the afternoon, we will go further South Hanoi to visit the most famous silk village in the country, Van Phuc Silk village. Free time for shopping and admire their handmade products. Return to Hanoi and enjoy one hour foot massage to have another authentic experience.

Around 20h00, our driver and our guide will drive you Hanoi Railway Station for the night train to Laocai.

Day 03: Laocai – Sapa – Tavan.

06:00 – Arrive at Lao Cai train station. Welcome by Lotussia local guide and driver. Transfer to Sapa for breakfast and a short relax after the night train. Then, we will take a jeep ride for the first part and go down hill to Muong Hoa valley to visit 2 villages of the H’mong and the Dzay (Lao chai village and Tavan village). Lunch will be provided at a family of the Dzay minority.

Day 04: Tavan – Sapa.

Get up early in the morning for fresh atmosphere in the countryside. Breakfast and continue hiking to the next village of the Red Dzao minority (Giang Ta Chai village). We will visit a beautiful silver waterfall and a nice rattan bridge. We cross then the river and go up to the mountain for Su Pan village before  taking our jeep to come back to Sapa. Check in hotel.

Day 05: Sapa – Laocai – Hanoi.

Breakfast at hotel. We will visit a village of the black H’mong (Catcat village) We walk around this small village to see how the Hmong live in such pour condition. We pass the hydroelectric power station built by the French in the old days. Then we go back uphill to Sapa town for lunch. We have  the whole afternoon free to do some shopping or just enjoy the fresh mountain air before we take our car to go downhill to Laocai Station. We will take the night train back to Hanoi.

Day 06: Arrival in Hanoi early morning. Transfer Hanoi – Halong Bay. Kayaking.

The train will arrive in Hanoi at around 5AM in the morning. You will be welcome again by Lotussia local guide and driver then transfer to a restaurant in town for breakfast and a short relax after the long train journey. At around 8h30, we drive to Ha Long City, approximately 3 hours away. Once at Ha Long City you will board our boat starting our marvelous cruise of this stunning area, stopping along the way to visit one of the limestone caves in the area. As we cruise our boat staff will serve a sumptuous local seafood lunch on boat. In the afternoon, we will start our kayaking trip through beautiful small islets until we arrive at Titop beach. Swimming and enjoy the view of sunset in middle of Halong Bay, the 8th World Wonder!

Day 07: Halong Bay Kayaking.

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 and enjoy the great view of Halong bay sunset.

Day 08: Halong Bay Kayaking.

Breakfast on board. We continue our cruise towards Trong Grotto and then the Virgin Grotto where our support boat will drop us down for another kayaking excursion. We will kayakin in this area until noon. Then we get on our suppot boat again for a delicious lunch. In the afternoon, we get on our kayak again to go through many other rocks and islets of strange and fun shapes. We also kayak through Luon cave which is quite long and dark giving you an unique kayaking experience. Late afternoon, we will take a swim at Soi Sim beach.

Day 09: Halong Bay – Hanoi. Free afternoon.

Breakfast on board. Then we cruise towards Bai Tu Long bay, through the area where one important part the film “Indochina” was made. Visit Halong local market before heading Halong pier to get in our vehicle for our journey back to Hanoi. We will arrive in Hanoi at around 15h00. The rest of the day is free for your personal discovery or leisure.

Day 10: Hanoi Departure. End.

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

                          

The next highlight of the trip will be the Ba Be National Park, Vietnam’s largest natural lake and is now the centrepiece of an extensive National Park. The park and the surrounding area is limestone country, so lakes, waterfalls, caves and unusual rock formations abound. The whole area is richly forested and home to many ethnic minority communities.

Before flying to Hoian in the central region, travelers will also enjoy a two-day trip to Halong bay. The bay consists of a dense cluster of 3000 limestone monolithic islands, each topped with thick jungle vegetation, which rise spectacularly from the ocean. Several of the islands are hollow, with enormous caves. The bay was World Heritage listed by UNESCO at the 18th meeting of the Committee of the World Heritages of UNESCO (in Thailand on December 17th, 1994). It is one of Vietnam’s most popular tourist destinations.

The 11-day tour concludes in the bustling south. Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, is the fast-paced commercial capital of the country yet is still filled with architectural remnants of the French Indochina period. Travel to the nearby Mekong Delta and experience the rustic lifestyle of this region as you explore the labyrinth of waterways, floating markets and fertile rice fields.

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive Hanoi.

Upon arrival at Noibai airport in Hanoi, you will be greeted by Lotussia Travel guide, driver and transferred to your hotel in town.

Check-in hotel (after 14:00) and stay free for the rest of time.

Overnight in Hanoi (Hotel).

Day 02: Hanoi full day sightseeing tour (B)

Enjoy a full day sightseeing tour of Hanoi, 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 stilts house, One Pillar Pagoda and the Temple of Literature – The first National University of Vietnam.

In the afternoon, continue visiting the Ethnology museum where you can find the biggest object collection of 54 Vietnamese ethnic groups.

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 Hanoi (Hotel).

Day 03: Hanoi – Ha Giang (B,L,D)

Transfer to Ha Giang though Son Nam District of Tuyen Quang province. Enjoy natural landscape and green fields, palm hill and villages along the way. Lunch will be provided in a local restaurant en route. Passing Tuyen quang town, you can visit village of black Tay minority. Arrive Ha Giang town in late afternoon.

Dinner and overnight in a stilt-house in a Tay village (Homestay).

Day 04: Ha Giang – Quan Ba – Yen Minh (B,L,D).

After breakfast in the stilt-house of the Tay, we will spend about one hour for visiting Ha Giang museum where you can find the most updated object collection of 23 ethnic minorities living in the province.

Leaving Ha Giang, we will travel to Quan Ba. Stop en route to visit a Hmong village which is well known the their traditional recipe of making corn wine. Lunch will be served in a local restaurant in town. After lunch we will visit a Dao village before continuing our drive to Yen Minh.

Arrive in Yen Minh around late afternoon. If time permits, we will have a short walk to a local village where three ethnic groups Tay, Nung & Giay live together.

Overnight in Yen Minh (Guesthouse).

Day 05: Yen Minh – Dong Van – Meo Vac (B,L,D)

Depart for Dong Van. Stop en route to visit a H’mong village and the Palace of the Vuong family (The King of H’mong people). Lunch will be provided in a local restaurant in Dong Van. After lunch, we will visit the ancient town of Dong Van before continuing our trip to Meo Vac. Enjoy great view over the Nho Que river once reaching Ma Pi Leng pass.

Arrive Meo Vac around late afternoon. Check-in hotel for overnight.

Day 06: Meo Vac – Bao Lac (B,L,D)

Note: This day must be Sunday

Enjoy the whole morning for the market of Meo Vac, opens every Sunday has become very famous for their uniqueness as markets and also sites for cultural exchange of ethnic minority groups.

Lunch will be provided in a local restaurant in town. After lunch, we will leave Meo Vac for Bao Lac.

Overnight in Bao Lac (Guesthouse).

Day 07: Bao Lac – Ba Be Lake (B,L,D)

After breakfast, enjoy a nice journey from Bao Lac to Ba Be. Few passes from where you can dominate the area. The road is quite easy but there are also many curves. We can stop en route to visit some local hill tribe villages. Arrive Ba Be lake around late afternoon.

Overnight in a stilt-house in a Tay village (Homestay).

Day 08: Ba Be Lake – Hanoi (B,L)

After breakfast, enjoy a 4-hour boat trip on Ba Be lake. We will visit the Puong grottoes before disembarking in a small pier. Join our vehicle again for a short drive to Ba Be town. Have lunch in a local restaurant. Then return Hanoi.

Arrive Hanoi around late afternoon. We will check-in hotel for a short rest. Then enjoy one-hour massage package to one of the finest spa saloon in Hanoi – A full body massage both invigorating and relaxing. This massage helps to reduce tension, soothe sore muscles and increase circulation.

Overnight in Hanoi (Hotel).

Day 09: Hanoi – Halong Bay (B,L,D)

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). 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. In the afternoon, enjoy one-hour kayaking trip to explore further “The 8th World Wonder”. Watch the sunset over the bay whilst enjoying a delicious dinner.

Overnight on board junk (Boat-house).

Day 10: Halong Bay – Hanoi – Danang – Hoian (B)

Breakfast will be provided on board. Then we continue our cruise in Halong bay 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.

Upon arrival in Hanoi, transfer directly to Noibai airport for a short flight to Danang.

You will be met up at Danang international airport by Lotussia Travel local guide, driver and transferred to Hoian.

Overnight in Hoian (Riverside Resort).

Day 11: Hoian half day city tour (B)

After breakfast, begin our visit of this charming small town of Hoian, first commercial center in Vietnam since the 15th century, with more than 800 classified buildings such as Japanese Covered Bridge, Tan Ky Old house, Assembly Hall Chinese. Phuc Kien Pagoda, Hoian Museum and Market.

Then enjoy a half day free at leisure for your personal discovery/shopping.

Overnight in Hoian (Riverside resort).

Day 12: Hoian – Danang – Ho Chi Minh city (B)

According to flight departure time, transfer to Da Nang airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh city (Saigon). Flight??? (DAD-SGN).

You will be greeted at Tan Son Nhat international airport in Ho Chi Minh city by Lotussia Travel local guide and driver then transferred to your hotel in town.

In the afternoon, 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 Ho Chi Minh city (Hotel).

Day 13: Mekong Delta (B,L)

Heading out of the town, we travel by road 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 thrilling excursion will pass the lush green vegetation before arriving on an island. Here we have opportunities to visit some fascinating local industries, stroll around an orchard and taste many seasonal fruits. After feasting on a huge lunch we return to Ho Chi Minh.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city (Hotel)

Day 14: Departure (B)

According to your flight departure time, you will be transferred to Ho Chi Minh city airport for onward flight home. Flight???. End tour.

                          

Day 01: Airport –Hanoi.

A city tour introduces you to the historical, cultural highlights of Hanoi, explore the tree-lined boulevards, French Indochinese architecture and tranquil lakes of this unique city after arrival Hanoi.

Day 02: Hanoi – Duong Lam – Lao Cai

Short biking to the rice paddy field together with a local-style lunch in a century-old house in Duong Lam village; surrounding areas to explore famous temple sites as Mia Pagoda, Ngo Quyen and Phung Hung temples, and Mong Phu Communal House. Fresh up before catch the night train to Lao Cai station.

Day 03: Lao Cai – Sapa.

There are several Hmong villages easy walking distance of town, of which the most popular is Cat Cat village, directly below Sapa in the Muong Hoa Valley, a wooden suspension bridge will take you to Ta Van, Lao Chai villages where is a Giay community, while further up hill Giay and Red Dzao village. An excursion to Ta Phin village takes you northeast of Sapa with a scenic footpath across the paddy leads to a community of Red Dao, Black H’mong hill tribes minority   surrended.

Day 04: Can Cau or Bac Ha Market – Lao Cai.

Around 02 hours drive from Sapa to Can Cau – a small market situated in a valley surrounded by mountains and only 07 km catch up to China board. The market deeply shows the typical cultural features of the minorities in remote mountainous areas in Vietnam, boys and girls in colorful costumes into difference colors of mountains. They attend the market in the hope of finding “ the other halves of their living” or exchange everything among difference ethnic peoples through cups of wine sold in the market ( Saturday market ).

“ The H’mong King;s house is an old building by the French colonists and the Chinese in Bac ha where is  the biggest market filled with many different hill tribe peoples as Black H’mong, Flower H’mong, Green H’mong, Giay, Tay,…( Sunday market )The Vietnamese and Chinese Harbour Mounth will be stop before fresh up in Lao Cai station to catch the night train.

Day 05:  Hanoi – Hue (short flight).

The old ancient Vietnam “Au Lac” had already practices herbals healing enjoying herbals bath during King’s dynasty period, minority practices to rejuvenate body energy…etc so “ Spa” will bring to you in relaxing, healing, metal and spiritually enriched to your health after trekking in the North East of Vietnam.

Let the cooking begin! Begin your culinary discovery of Vietnam with a specially-led cooking class with a well-known chef whose hands-on demonstration will help you gain insight into the diversity of the Vietnamese cuisine. After indulging in your creations, take a walk through the quieter neighborhoods of romantic Hue City to discover small markets, winding laneways, and unique buildings. End your day with a meal at a new, innovative restaurant, serving some of Vietnam’s best fusion cuisine.

Day 06: Hue

A boat trip along the Perfume River introduces you to the former imperial capital, passing monuments and tree-line riverbanks en route to Thien Mu Pagoda, the Imperial Citadel, famous mausoleum of former emperors.

Day 07: Hue – Hoi An.

Continue your Vietnam tour with a scenic drive to the South of Hue, over Hai Van Pass and through Lang Co fishing village as you make your way to Hoi an.

A charming town with a laid-back atmosphere, take a walking tour through the quiet ‘Old Town’ of Hoi An where the town’s history as a trading port is exposed through the unusual architecture and merchant homes that fill the streets.

Day 08: Hoi an

Free your own shopping or getting some new clothes made to measure.

Day 09:  Da nang – Sai Gon ( flight )

A modern city of Ho Chi Minh, where glimpses of French-Indochina architecture peek through the rows of new skyscrapers, visiting the Notre Dame Cathedral, a stunningly massive red-brick edifice with twin spires, a clear reminder that French once ruled this city and former Presidential Palace, China Town.

Day 10: My Tho – Mekong Delta – Sai Gon

A day excursion to My Tho in the Mekong Delta, board our private sampan for a river cruise on the upper part of the Mekong River to visit the bonsai, fruit garden to taste diverse types of fruit, tea mixed with bee honey, followed by a visit to a local home.

Day 11: Ho Chi Minh City – International flight.

Leisure your own time until transfer to the airport for flight by your own ticket.