Welcome to Vietnam! Arrive in Tan Son Nhat International Airport. After passport formality, your guide and driver will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon. Rest of the day you are free at leisure. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

(Breakfast and Lunch included) Breakfast at hotel. In the morning, get off of the tourist track to experience the local life of bustling Ho Chi Minh City. Learn about Vietnamese and Chinese communities as you travel to Cho Lon, one of the world’s largest and oldest Chinatowns. Start with a visit to the iconic Binh Tay Market, famed for its warren of food stands and grand Sino-French architecture. Learn about the everyday life of the fruit and vegetable sellers here before stopping for a glass of traditional Café Sua Da - Vietnamese iced coffee, and the chance to try some of Vietnam’s exotic fruits. Afterwards, hop on a cyclo and pass through the chaotic backstreets where everything from spare motorbike parts to religious artefacts are frantically traded! Stop at historic Cha Tam church, where President Diem was seized during the 1963 coup and hear about the city’s turbulent past before walking through the oldest streets of Cho Lon. Visit a traditional Chinese medicine shop and see how herbal tea is prepared before arriving at the Minh Huong communal house - home to one of Cho Lon’s oldest Chinese communities. Hear the stories of the families that moved from China over 3 centuries ago and learn how Vietnamese and Chinese culture has blended over the years. After lunch, depart for Cu Chi, a famous underground system which was built by the Viet-Cong’s during the Vietnam-American war in the 1970’s. The Cu Chi tunnels is a network of underground systems with over 200 km (125 miles) range including underground hospital, living areas, weapon factories and much more. Here you will also have a chance to try a bit of warfare yourself, as there is a shooting range near the tunnels (not Included in the tour). Start the tour with an overview introduction of Cu Chi and its legendary history by your tour guide. A documentary film about the tunnels will explain more about the tunnels' history and how heavy the fighting was in the area during the war. You will be guided to the tunnel system including the weapon factory, hospitals, kitchens and even get an opportunity to crawl under the tunnels. Learn about traps and how trap doors worked. After that you can try delicious manioc which was the main food for guerilla-warriors in Cu Chi during the war. There's even an opportunity to try to fire off an AK47 or MK16 or machine guns at the nearby shooting range. You will be transferred back to Saigon in the afternoon. Overnight in Saigon

(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included) Breakfast at hotel. Check out. This morning, leave bustling Ho Chi Minh for the 2.5-hour drive to the delta town of Cai Be. The brilliant colors and bustling markets of the Mekong Delta will delight kids as well as adults. Arrive in Cai Be at noon, then board the boat. The excursion starts from Cai Be town pier at 10:00. Upon embarkation on your sampan-hotel, you will be welcomed with fresh cotton towels. After your installation, the cruise will begin with the visit of Cai Be colorful floating market cruising among local barges full of fruits and vegetables. Visits will be made at an ancient mandarin house dating from 1890 where you will we welcomed by the owner. Further, another stop at some local home factories will allow you to observe how rice paste, coconut candies and other specialties are traditionally made. We will proceed to Phu An hamlet, an untouched beautiful area reflecting some of the best sights the Mekong Delta can offer. A delicious lunch will await you at "Le Longanier", a superb Indochinese villa located by the river, in a lush tropical garden surrounded by fruit plantations. After lunch, your sampan will proceed to Sa Dec cruising the Tien Giang river, one of the two large arms of the Mekong. These evergreen islands among the Mekong River bring about large networks of meandering rivers, criss-crossed with countless arroyos, and remaining unknown to many people. We will then cruise on a small beautiful canal through water jacinth plantations… You will take a small rowing boat for a cruise along a narrow canal passing by a local tiny village and fruit plantations. Further on the banks, some dark smokes in the sky will lead us to one of the largest artisanal bricks and tiles factory where you will have an interesting visit. Sa Dec town will appear like a little “Venice” with numerous narrow canals. You will disembark for a guided visit of this charming and peaceful town, walking along its narrow streets where beautiful French old houses, Chinese temples and Vietnamese. Dinh are dating from the last century. You will visit the Trung Vuong primary school where famous novelist Marguerite Duras spent her childhood (turned into the movie “The Lover”), then you will have your last visit of the day at the beautiful ancient house of Ong Huynh Thuy Le who was the former “lover” of M. Duras. A delicious dinner will be catered for you on board.

(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included) The breakfast will be served on board at 07.30. You will then go on land for the visit of Sa Dec local market, one of the most exotic and authentic in Vietnam. Back on board your sampan, cruising down to Can Tho along a beautiful narrow canal, passing under several wooden “monkey bridges” and by tiny typical villages. Your lunch will be served on board. Some stops on the banks will be arranged for you to establish contacts with the local population or discover some interesting villages on the way. A visit will be done at a Cao Dai Temple, overlooking the river. A bicycle ride will also be organized in the country side. Before sunset, we will have our last stop on the banks arranged at a splendid ancient house or “Nha Co” dating from the early 19th century. After being greeted by the owners, we will cater a candlelight dinner for you, an unforgettable experience in a unique atmosphere. After dinner, we will proceed the cruise for approximately one hour until Can Tho. We will moor for the night in a quiet place. Your bed will be ready for your second night on the Mekong River.

(Breakfast and Lunch included) At around 06:00, your sampan will slowly start cruising. Your breakfast will be served on board at 07:00 while approaching Cai Rang Floating Market actually stills the largest in the whole Mekong delta. We will pass by countless sampan boats carrying sand, rice, fruits and vegetables, fish, flowers… showing an intense activity on the river. Your cruise journey will end at around 10:00 at Ninh Kieu pier after a visit at Can Tho local market. After that resume the drive back to Ho Chi Minh City (the journey takes about 4-hours). Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

(Breakfast included) Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before transfer to the airport for your flight to Danang. En-route you may wish to drop into the Cham Museum to learn about Cham culture. With their roots dating back as far as 192 AD, Vietnam's indigenous Cham people lived an Indian way of life in both culture and language. The Cham Museum in Danang is dedicated to this period and the Champa existence which began predominantly in the coastal areas of Vietnam. Housing the largest exhibition of Cham sculpture in the world, the museum displays almost 300 terracotta and stone works of art ranging from the 7th to the 15th centuries. Many of the exhibits are considered masterpieces of their field showcased according to the region in which they were found with a total of ten separate interior exhibition rooms. All of the sculptures on display fall into one of the following sections – icon, pedestal, pediment, or fragment, with the area in which they were found determining where they are exhibited. When you've finished browsing the internal creations, step outside to appreciate the building itself carefully crafted with objects of worship including idols and holy animals surrounded by flowers, leaves and turrets all symbols of Hinduism. Up on arrival, your guide and driver are waiting for you and transfer you to Hoian and check in your hotel. Rest of the evening you are at leisure. Overnight in Hoi an.

(Breakfast and Lunch included) After breakfast, meet with your guide for an interesting and insightful tour of Hoi An’s highlights and learn about its history. Hoi An is a former trading port that welcomed Chinese, Dutch, French, Japanese, Portuguese and Arab merchants between the 16th to 18th centuries. Today Hoi An is famous for its restored architecture, homemade silk, expert tailors and delicious noodles and seafood. Its relaxed vibe and pedestrian streets make this town a pleasure to walk around and discover new things. The first stop is Chua Ong Pagoda, dating back to 1653 and built in honor of the Chinese general Quan Cong, who is worshipped by many as a symbol of loyalty and justice. Next, pop into Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, to see the Jinshang Temple which is dedicated to the goddess of the sea and the protector of sailors. From there it’s a short walk to Tan Ky House, a 200 year old ancestral house and finally, stroll across the often photographed 17th century covered bridge built by Japanese craftsmen. The beautifully built bridge doubles as a temple and is a major landmark of Hoi An. End your afternoon with a boat trip along Thu Bon river before returning back to your hotel. Tuck in early for the evening or head out to the riverside promenade to explore its lantern-lit charm under cover of night. Overnight in Hoi An.

(Breakfast and Lunch included) Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. After check out, you will leave Hoi An and drive along the coastline along the East Sea with breath-taking views, particularly as the road winds its way up Hai Van Pass (“Pass of the Clouds”), one of the most scenic stretches of road in Vietnam. Arrive at Phuoc Tich Village, an untouched residential area dotted with 27 ‘Nha Ruong’ - Hue’s traditional houses - and unique gardens. Take a walk through the peaceful streets, admiring the historical sites nestled within the scenery, and pay a visit to one of the traditional homes. Try making ‘banh gai it’, one of the most famous traditional cakes in Hue, with your welcoming host, Mrs Kieu. Part of your tour fee will be directly contributed towards Mrs Kieu, helping her to earn an income as a home-based chef. After trying your hand at baking, hop on a bicycle and take a 30km ride from Thanh Toan to Tam Giang lagoon. Wind through the countryside, watching the daily life of the local people and the peaceful atmosphere of the ancient villages. On your way, stop at Quang Cong Village, known locally as the ‘City of Ghosts’, and behold the increasingly lavish and elaborate tombs that the villagers build for their ancestors. Upon arrival at Tam Giang lagoon, enjoy a lunch of fresh seafood and take a boat trip on the lagoon. Float past local families living on the riverbank, stopping to meet some of them on your way. Finally, transfer back to your hotel in the late afternoon with plenty of time to enjoy your evening as you please.

(Breakfast and Lunch included) Breakfast at hotel. Check out. Embarking on a day of exploring Hue’s famous royal tombs and the illustrious examples of grand dynasties past, the garden houses. Begin your day by floating down the peaceful Perfume River by boat, taking in the endless surrounding greenery. At the end of your hour-long boat trip, hop off at the pier and transfer to the tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh. Admire the unusual combination of architecture that blends a traditional Chinese past with a modern Western future. Then, continue to Minh Mang Tomb to explore the opulent and exotic resting place laid out in formal Chinese style. For lunch, if you don’t mind, feast on a vegetarian meal prepared by nuns at Dong Thuyen Pagoda, a temple located on the top of a hill with a fantastic view, visit the kitchen to see how your meal is prepared in a wood burning stove, then dig into your food in the company of the nuns who made it. Take the opportunity to learn about Buddhism, just get to know your friendly hosts. Or, you can choose eating in a local restaurant chosen by us. Next, make your way to Thanh Tien Village, well-known for over 300 years of crafting paper flowers. Meet one of the local villagers and learn how to make your own ornate paper flower. You can be sure that your visit is backing a good cause as it is supported by Backstreet Academy, a social enterprise providing struggling artists, craftsmen and home-based workers with additional income and recognition. After the visit, transfer to Phu Bai Airport for your domestic flight to Hanoi. Up on arrival, your guide and driver transfer you to your hotel in Hanoi. Rest of the day you are at leisure. Overnight in Hanoi.

(Breakfast and Lunch included) Breakfast at hotel. Start your morning with a visit to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the resting place of President Ho Chi Minh who led Vietnam to independence from French colonial rule. His preserved body has been an important landmark in the capital city since 1969, and a perfect place to learn more about Vietnam’s rich history. From there, wander through the beautiful surrounding gardens toward the One Pillar Pagoda and the Presidential Palace, where a replica of Ho Chi Minh’s simple working space is on display. Afterward, set off through central Hanoi toward the Temple of Literature, the oldest university in Hanoi and a perfect example of ancient architecture built in homage to the Chinese scholar Confucius. Then tend to your rumbling stomach with a traditional Vietnamese lunch with a chance to get a bit more “hands on” during a cooking demonstration! Beginning in the afternoon, start your city excursion not by foot, but on board a “cyclo”. Equal parts transportation and travel experience, these traditional bicycle rickshaws move at a leisurely pace that’s perfect for photos and slow-moving sightseeing. Sit back and relax while your driver weaves through some of the Old Quarter’s busiest streets, dodging speeding motorbikes and rolling past French colonial houses on the way to your next destination. Next, hop off your cyclo at the Northern Gate of the Ancient Citadel, a gargantuan fortress in the heart of the city. Learn a bit about the history of the imposing structure and the nearby Cua Bac Church, a beautiful example of French and catholic influence in the city. From there, set off to your meet at the front of Quan Thanh Temple. The 11th Century Taoist temple is one of the oldest and most culturally significant in the city, and about a ten minute walk from the citadel. Then embark on a lengthier stroll toward West Lake, hearing the story of John McCain and this temple along the way. Head off along a quieter back road, and stop next at historic Pho Cuon Restaurant for a quick snack. Set off again to Chau Long Market for a closer look at Hanoian culture in the flurry of a local market. After exploring the street stalls here, set off along Nguyen Truong To Street - famous for its desserts -- toward Hang Than Street, the epicenter of Hanoi’s thriving wedding cake stores. Learn a bit about Vietnam’s unique wedding culture while sampling some wedding cakes. Shake off your sugar rush on a stroll to nearby Hang Cot Street for a look at Hanoi’s mat weaving borough before stopping off along Hang Ga Street for a local coffee shop. End your walking tour with a traditional Vietnamese coffee, and head back to your hotel for refreshment before boarding your night train to Sapa. Overnight on Victoria Train or similar.

(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included) In the early morning the train arrives in Laocai Station, you are picked up at the train station and drive for one hour to Sapa. Arrive in Sa Pa, after breakfast, going to visit Cat Cat village (Black H'mong tribes, waterfall). Have lunch in a local restaurant. After lunch, continue to visit Fansipan Mountain by return cable car - the highest peak in Vietnam and the entire Indochina peninsula. Dinner at local restaurant, then you are free to visit “Love Market” if you visit on Saturday. Overnight in Sapa.

(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included) Breakfast at your hotel. Check out. Morning trekking to Lao Chai village along Muong Hoa River, on the way to Lao Chai village you see Y Linh Ho village with terraced rice field, Black H'Mong people. Get picnic lunch on the way or Lao Chai village, then go to Ta Van Village with Dzay people, stop in homestay about 16:00 PM. Then walk around village to look great surrounding view. Have dinner with family and take your time to nice sleep. Overnight at homestay. • Please notes: You can leave the luggage at the hotel to make it easy for trekking.

(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included) After breakfast, saying goodbye to Dzay family. You will climb up the bamboo forest. Stop over on rattan bridge to see waterfall. Have lunch on the way then continue trekking to Su Pan village for discovering the real life of Red Dao people. Lunch then transfer back Sa Pa town. 16:00: Transfer to Lao Cai station, have dinner before catching the night train go back to Hanoi. Overnight on Victoria train or similar train.

(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included) Arrive in Hanoi in the morning. Your car and guide is awaiting for you at the station and transfer you for breakfast then drive for three hours to the seaside port of Halong Bay. Explore the amazing natural wonder of Ha Long Bay and Cat Ba Island on a three days cruise through the jade green waters of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. On board a deluxe cruise, a traditional wooden junk boat, admire the sublime beauty of the limestone karts rising out of the water like giants. Visit fishing villages and kayaking past jungle-clad karsts, towering up out of the water. 12:30: Your cruise will begin with a transfer from the mainland on our excursion boat which will transport you to our main vessel, Upon boarding you will be greeted by our friendly Crews and enjoy a complimentary welcome drink. After a brief introduction and safety procedures overview, you will be checked into your cabin and have some free time to relax and explore the craft. 13:15: A delicious lunch will be served in our main dining room as we slowly cruise through the magnificent limestone formations which make up Halong Bay. Feast on delicious seafood and range of other delicious dishes as we make our way deeper inside Halong Bay. 15:00: Head to Vung Vieng fishing village by local rowing boats or kayaks to explore the interesting daily lives of its inhabitants. 16:30: Back onboard we will drop anchor for our overnight stay surrounded by incredible landscape. 17:30-18:30: Happy hour with special drink menu. 17:30: We will conduct a Vietnamese cuisine cooking demonstration and invites you all to participate in the preparation of these mouth-watering delights. 19:15: Your dinner this evening will be served in our main dinner. 20:45 – 00:00: Evenings are beautiful on Halong Bay, and just because the sun goes down doesn’t mean the night is over. Take advantage of our onboard facilities or just relax to your heart’s content. Relax at our fully stocked bar with an assortment of local and international favorites. Try your luck at night squid fishing, watch a documentary film or simply relax on our roof top deck.

(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included) 06:30: Early birds are welcome to attend sunrise Tai Chi on our upper deck and it’s an excellent way to get your energy levels up for today’s adventures. You will be fascinated by the exquisiteness of Halong Bay in the early hours as you enjoy a coffee, tea. 08:00: Enjoy a buffet breakfast with best local coffee brand and freshly fruit juices. 09:00: Next you will enjoy kayaking, swimming or just relax on a stunning secluded beach. 12:00: Have lunch with set menu. 15:30: Back on board, take some time to freshen up, take a nap or just relax at your leisure as we cruise to our overnight area. Witness one of the most brilliant sunsets you will ever see. 17:30-18:30: Bar opens for Happy Hour “Buy one get one free “. 17:30: Enjoy cooking demonstration to discover our Vietnamese cuisine of traditional spring rolls. 19:15: A special dinner will be served offering you outstanding food and quality service. 20:45 – 00:00: This evening is yours to enjoy whatever you please. Tonight we will hold a movie night with a selection of films available. We also have a selection of board games for your entertainment. Our bar is always open and is an ideal place to meet new people and share stories about your adventures.

Breakfast and Light Brunch) 06:30: The best time to observe Halong Bay is in the early morning and we suggest that if you didn’t get to witness it yesterday that now is your last chance. Tai Chi will be conducted again today on our upper deck and is a terrific way to feel as one with the peaceful surroundings. 07:30: Light breakfast will be served this morning. 07:30-08:30: Enjoy the last stage of your trip in cave and islets, which is a wild and mysterious beauty in the middle of the World Heritage. 09:30: Check out of your cabin and enjoy the last stage of your trip with a delicious brunch as we continue to cruise back towards harbor through scenery. 11:15: After a final farewell from our staff, you will be transported back to Halong City wharf via our Tender for your transfer back to Hanoi. You are free for shopping until transfer to Noi Bai International Airport for your departure flight. Tour ENDS. Thank you for your choosing Travelshop Vietnam and wish to see you again in our next tours