As a snap shot of the best that Vietnam has to offer, Vietnam Impressions visits the three cities that encapsulate the romance, history and the resurgence of modern day Vietnam. Starting in Hanoi, the ‘Paris of the Orient’, this tour stops in the UNESCO listed old town of Hoi An before finishing in vibrant Saigon
Highlights
This is an example of one of our highlight tailor-made tours in Vietnam - we'll be pleased to design similar Vietnam vacations with dates and itinerary customized to your personal preferences
Tour Code:MVSD07 | Group size:Any Group Size | Duration:12 days/11 nights | Tour Valid:Until December 30th, 2012
Rates are valid until December 30th, 2011 by MinMax Travel Co., Ltd. All rates are quoted per person in U.S Dollars. Rates are net and inclusive of service charges and 10% VAT..
Activities: Hanoi Place Transport: car Meals: Dinner
You will be greeted at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Depending on when you arrive activities can be arranged for the rest of the day.
Day 2
Activities: Hanoi – Sapa Place Transport: car->train Meals: Breakfast - Lunch
Enjoy a guided city tour of Hanoi. Having celebrated its 1000- year anniversary, the city has a rich and fascinating history. A traditional cyclo tour through the narrow, ancient streets of the exotic Old Quarter is a great way to soak up the sights and sounds. In the evening, board an overnight sleeper train to Lao Cai and the mountainous region near the Chinese border.
Day 3
Activities: Sapa Place Transport: car Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Arrive at Lao Cai station early in the morning and transfer to Sapa. Depending on your fitness level, you can arrange anything from gentle walks to challenging hikes to explore the lush valleys and mountains that surround the town. With an expert local guide, you can navigate small paths through verdant, terraced fields of rice and corn, passing farmers and their water MinMax Travel ploughing the land as they have for centuries. The ethnic-minority groups still maintain their traditions and way of life, including their own language and intricatelyembroidered, colorful clothing. In the evening, you can stay overnight with a local family in Ta Van village or return to the comfort of your hotel in Sapa.
Day 4
Activities: Sapa – Hanoi Place Transport: car->train Meals: Breakfast - Lunch
Start your morning with a hike to a beautiful waterfall before continuing on to a picturesque Red Dao village. Red Dao women wear giant red scarves around their heads, and their clothing is embellished with colourful red embroidery and coins. Spend the afternoon at leisure in Sapa before returning to Lao Cai to board the overnight train back to Hanoi.
Day 5
Activities: Hanoi – Halong Bay Place Transport: car Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Arrive in Hanoi at around 5 am. A day room will be available, so you can shower and freshen up before breakfast. At around 8 am start your journey to Halong Bay and arrive at around midday to board a traditional junk for an overnight cruise. Halong Bay is widely considered to be one of the natural wonders of the world. Thousands of towering pillars of sea and wind-carved limestone karst make the bay an unforgettable sight. After lunch, explore some of the huge limestone caves dotted around the bay and visit a floating fishing village. Then the captain will find a secluded spot where you can swim, soak up the sun on the top deck, or try your hand at kayaking. In the evening enjoy a seafood feast for dinner.
Day 6
Activities: Halong Bay – Hanoi Place Transport: car Meals: Breakfast - Lunch
Enjoy an early morning swim (during the summer), followed by breakfast as you cruise through more spectacular scenery. In the afternoon drive back to Hanoi, where you will have one more evening to sample its fabulous cuisine and explore the Old Quarter.
Day 7
Activities: Hanoi – Hue Place Transport: car->Airplane Meals: Breakfast - Lunch
In the morning, fly to the former Imperial Capital of Hue. This beautiful city is rich in history, culture and ancient temples. Spend the day exploring the Citadel, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage site, before relaxing on a sunset cruise on the Perfume River.
Day 8
Activities: Hue – Hoi An Place Transport: car Meals: Breakfast - Lunch
Drive south along a beautiful stretch of coastline and over the scenic Hai Van Pass, to the picturesque riverside community of Hoi An. On arrival, enjoy a walking tour of this charming traditional town now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 9
Activities: Hoi An Place Transport: car Meals: Breakfast
Spend the day at leisure on the beach or having clothes made by one of the expert, inexpensive tailors Hoi An is famous for. If you like to cook, you can spend a fabulous day exploring the local produce market with an expert chef who will teach you the secrets of Vietnamese cuisine.
Day 10
Activities: Hoi An – Ho Chi Minh City Place Transport: car->Airplane Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Fly to Ho Chi Minh City and spend the afternoon on a guided tour of the highlights of this bustling, cosmopolitan city. In the evening, you may like to enjoy a fun cooking class or take a cruise down the Saigon River, complete with local entertainment and a fantastic traditional and international buffet dinner.
Day 11
Activities: Mekong Delta Place Transport: car->Boat Meals: Breakfast - Lunch
Explore the heart of the Mekong Delta on a traditional sampan cruise in Cai Be. Visit floating markets and get a feel for a way of life that has changed little for centuries. Enjoy a delicious lunch at a superb restaurant on the banks of the river before returning back to Ho Chi Minh City for some free time
Day 12
Activities: Ho Chi Minh City Place Transport: car Meals: Breakfast
You will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight
- 11 Nights Accommodation in deluxe twin / double room view with daily BKF.
- Pick-ups and transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle as specified in the itinerary above (Please note: pick-ups will be by a guide and driver or, where a guide is not necessary, a driver only. All unaccompanied drivers will be briefed in advance, and will carry a mobile phone to ensure smooth transfer arrangements)
- Domestic flight tickets: Hanoi - Hue and Da Nang - Ho Chi Minh City , including domestic airport taxes.
- Boat cruises as specified in the program.
- The services of experienced English-speaking guides as indicated in the itinerary (please note: guides will be on hand from pick-up until guests' return to their hotel or reaching their destination). Free days or part days will not include the services of a guide unless requested and included in the final itinerary.
- Where necessary, entry fees for all visits as mentioned in the program.
- Lunches and dinners (as specified in the itinerary) in the best local restaurants, or picnics where no suitable restaurant is available.
Importance note - The itinerary is just a sample of our tours; we'll be pleased to design similar programs with dates and itinerary customized to your personal preferences in Tailor Made Tours section. Rates may vary frequently. Please contact us to get the best possible price based upon your travel period and specific touring needs.
What to bring? - Sun Block, Wide brim hat, Camera + Film, Comfortable shoes, Rain gear, Warm clothes, original Passport...
How to start? - MinMax Travel is a fully escorted tour and best-available all year round; the only thing you need to prepare in advance is the international air-ticket from/to your country.
- If you don’t have enough time to complete visa before your departure, we will help you to obtain Vietnam Visa on arrival easily (getting visa at the airport, on your arrival)