Vietnam Tour 12 days: North & Center Vietnam Discovery

Warmly welcome you on arrival at Noi Bai international airport. We transfer you with a comfortable vehicle to the city center of Hanoi to check-in your hotel. This day is scheduled to take some rest after your long flight. You have the opportunity to get some first impressions of the city by yourself and of course our tour guide is always available at your request. Overnight at the hotel in Hanoi
 
Meals: N/A
Accommodation: At the hotel in Hanoi

After breakfast, our guide will pick you up and show you around Hanoi, Vietnam’s gracious capital. We enjoy a full day city tour starting with the Ho Chi Minh Complex, home to his mausoleum, garden, house on stilts and a museum which traces his life and work.
 
Our first stop is to visit the mausoleum of the nation’s founder Ho Chi Minh. Located in the center of Ba Dinh Square, this is the most important monument of Vietnam in which Ho Chi Minh’s body is preserved. This site only opens on Tuesday to Thursday and weekends from 08:00 – 11:00.
 
The next destination is the Presidential Palace and the Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts. The Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house was completed on May 19th, 1958 as a birthday present for uncle Ho and becomes a symbol of his simple life.
 
Close to this complex is the One Pillar Pagoda. The pagoda looks like a lotus blossoming from the square pond. It was constructed in 1049 by King Ly Thai Tong based on his dream of Goddess of Mercy seating on a lotus flower and giving him a boy. In 1954, it was destroyed by the French and then restored in 1955.
 
We follow this with the Temple of Literature, which is well known as the first university of Vietnam. This temple provides an opportunity to learn more about education in Vietnam since 1000 years ago until recent history.
 
In the afternoon, visit the impressive Ethnologic Museum that is dedicated to Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups. This museum has both indoor and outdoor exhibition area with the most popular architectural styles of house’s ethnic people. The museum closes on every Monday.
 
Back to the hotel, you have free time until our driver transfers you to the rail way station to board a soft sleep & AC train to Lao Cai/Sapa (22:00-05:55).
 
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: On train (Sharing soft sleeper & AC, carriage cabin of 4 berths on train).
 

After breakfast, we drive past the beautiful scenery of the tranquil town of Lao Cai Sapa, home of the Flower Hmong and amazing markets

Visit markets opening every morning. Here you will have a chance to witness thousands of local minority people in their traditional ethnic dress, drink alcohol and trade goods.
6.    Can Cau Market (Saturday only)
2.    Bac Ha Market (Sunday only)
2.    Cao Son Market (Wednesday only)
•    Muong Hum Market (Sunday only)
•    Coc Ly Market (Tuesday only)
•    Muong Khuong Market (Sunday only)
•    Lung Khau Nhin Market (Thursday only)
•    Can Cau and Bac Ha Markets (Saturday and Sunday only)

Then back to Sapa. Overnight in Sapa
 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: At the hotel in Sapa

The day is devoted to a beautiful hike through the breathtaking scenery of Sa Pa valley. Start by road that descends in the wake of the street Cau May (6 km) En route, admire the rice terraces hidden behind mist of the morning, a truly awe-inspiring sight.
Follow a small track and cross Muong Hoa River and pass well tended rice terraces on your way to the Black Hmong village of Lao Chai. Continuing through the colorful rice terraces you will reach the village of Ta Van Giay. As you continue your trek along the Muong Hoa River you will cross a small suspension bridge, roughly 2km from the settlement. Here you can discover a fascinating collection of rock carvings. These engravings depict some beautiful images of man, stilt houses and some beautiful decorative patterns. We lunch in a home in the village. After lunch the walk continues through a bamboo forest to Giang Ta Chai, a Red Dao ethnic minority village. After taking a rest nearby a waterfall to refresh, you start climbing uphill to a road where the car is ready for your journey back to Sapa.
Our guide will then pick up you for a transfer back to Lao Cai station for your train to Hanoi. Then back to Sapa to take a night train to Hanoi (Sharing soft sleeper & AC, carriage cabin of 4 berths on train; 21:30 - 05:25).
Approx: 1-hour driving/ 4 hours walking/ 1-hour lunch.
 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: On train

Breakfast served at hotel and then starts a 3-hour drive through the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta to Ha Long City.

Declared as a World Heritage site by the UNESCO in 1994, Ha Long Bay is one of Vietnam’s most spectacular natural attractions. Nearly 200 km far from Hanoi, the bay is dotted with 1600 limestone islands, capturing visitors’ attention.

Arrive at Hanoi railway station at around 5.00 AM; you will be picked up to a mini hotel for breakfast and fresh up before starting a 3.5 hours drive to Ha Long Bay (around 8.00).

Arrive in Halong ad board a luxury wooden sailing junk for a cruise through the limestone cliffs and emerald waters of Ha Long Bay, giving us the chance to take in the stunning scenery of this World Heritage Site. While on board we will be served a sumptuous fresh, local seafood lunch followed by a swim and exploring some of the limestone caves in this area. When the sun comes down we drop anchor for the night nearby a remote island. Dinner served on board. Overnight on Junk.
 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: On cruise

Rising to the tranquil beauty of the bay we have time for an early morning dip with joys and emotions for watching sunrise on sea followed by breakfast. This morning we continue to move around the bay to find more secluded areas. The junk will be near us at all times serving as a back-up vessel for those that require it. At around midday we will return to the main harbor where our private vehicle waiting for you for a 3-hour journey to the airport for your short flight to Hue. Upon arrival check in at your hotel in Hue.

Note: 
- Due to operation or weather conditions, itineraries and food may change without prior notice.
- Itinerary in Halong Bay is difference between cruises
 
Meals: Breakfast, Brunch
Accommodation: At the hotel in Hue

We then set out for the exploration of Hue's famous highlights, including a boat trip to visit the picturesque Thien Mu, or Heavenly Lady Pagoda
 
Built in 1601, it is one of the best know religious and must-see sites in Hue. Both landscape and monuments here are always in harmony and bring a feeling of peace for travelers.
 
Disembark the board for a visit the elaborate mausoleum of former emperor Tu Duc.
Stretching along the Perfume River, Tu Duc mausoleum is considered to be the most picturesque site of Hue. The tomb was designed by the Emperor Tu Duc himself and this is the largest architectural work of Nguyen Dynasty’s royal palaces and tombs.
Transfer back to Hue center Hue for lunch at local restaurant.
 
In the afternoon we continue to visit the Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City
Built in the 19th century by Nguyen dynasty, the Citadel becomes the most important historical and cultural monument in Vietnam. It is a square 2 km wall encompassing 3 walled enclosures: the Citadel, the Yellow Imperial city, and the Forbidden Purple city.
 
If time permits, we continue to do the walking and shopping in Dong Ba Market to enjoy the specialty of Hue city. Overnight at the hotel in Hue
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hue

After having breakfast, we continue our south journey by road to Hoian
The ancient town of Hoian is a small town in Central Vietnam. In the 16th and 17th centuries, Hoian was a busy international commercial port for foreign merchants. Today, Hoian is popular for its peaceful beauty, eclectic architecture, tailors and cafes.
The scenery en route is very beautiful. We make a stop at Lang Co beach for coffee and refreshments before winding our way up the spectacular Hai Van Pass to admire the stunning views north to Lang Co beach and south to Danang City. Continue on our way down to the other side and head to Da Nang where we will stop at the Cham Museum, the famed China Beach, and the Marble Mountains. Arrival in Hoi An, we will have our first glimpse of this beautiful boutique town recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site. The tranquil and charm of Hoi An with its low tiled houses of Chinese appearance, Japanese covered bridge, and the colorful riverside market make it one of Vietnam’s most delightful places. Overnight at hotel in Hoian

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An

Morning after breakfast, we spend a day leisurely cycling though the scenic and peaceful countryside of Vietnam, far away from the noise of the city. After passing through town, you will find yourself cycling amongst villages of rice fields on quiet roads, ending up in Van Lang fisherman village and Bay Mau water coconut forest - 7 hectares of mangrove forest, canals, and houses covered in water coconut leaf. This place played refuge to people and local soldiers during the Vietnam War, but nowadays it is famous for its abundance of seafood. On our journey to the village we will stop at Ba Le market, rice fields, cemeteries and schools...
In the village you will be warmly welcomed with a green tea by Mr. Han and his family, the third generation of his family to live here. You are then free to stroll through the village, before rowing a basket boat with the help of skillful locals, learning their traditional fishing techniques in the water coconut forest. After returning to Mr. Han and his family, you will enjoy a traditional therapeutic foot bath with medicinal herbs, before helping to prepare lunch with a local family. Lunch will feature many local dishes, such as Tam Huu spring rolls, Banh Xeo local pancakes, grilled fish in banana leaf, among many other Vietnamese delicacies. Free time and the opportunity for a short rest will follow lunch, before we return to your hotel.
Menu :
Hoian nem
Hoian Crispy Pancakes
Tam Huu: Port, shrimp, herbs
Grilled fish with curcumas in banana leaf
Sautéed Vegetables with the garlic
Spinach Soup
Steamed Rice
Desert.

• Distance: ∼10km
• Transport: Bicycle
• Activities: Cycling, basket boat cruise, fishing, relaxing foot massage with medicinal herbs, cooking classes
and lunch at local family house.

The remaining time would be spent at your own pleasure. Overnight in Hoian
 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An

Start your exploration today with a visit to the 4th century Cham religious sanctuary of My Son,

Located in a beautiful green valley, the ruins at My Son are the largest and most intact remaining in Vietnam. It is also the home to the Museum of Cham Sculpture, which records the development of the culture and history of the Cham people.

Return to Hoian for lunch (your own account).
Experience Hoi An village by Jeep
Car picks you up in Hoi An to Cam Kim island to visit Kim Bong carpentry village.
Jeep takes you to Kim Bong carpentry village to experience and learn about the craft village.
Jeep travels along the country road, watching the rice fields. Then move to the mat weaving village. Here you will dress up as a farmer to create beautiful carpets.
Jeep continues its journey through bridges and fish farms to go to the house to make rice paper and enjoy the rice paper made by yourself and drink a glass of rice wine.
We started going to the coconut forest to ride buffalo and keep beautiful memories. End of the tour
 
Meals: Breakfast,
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An

Have breakfast at hotel. Our guide and driver pick you up and transfer to Da Nang and to Ba Na Hills
 
Located 40 km far from Da Nang city, Ba Na Hills has the climate with 4 seasons in a day, unspoiled forest and the spectacular view over Da Nang city. With a combination of villas, restaurants and game complex, it become an excellent destination for family holidays with kids.
 
To reach the summit, you will take a cable car from the foot with spectacular sceneries of forest, trees, and waterfall underground when you are on cable. On arrival you will visit Old French Villas at the height of 1138 meters for experience architecture here. You will take mountain climbing train to visit Flower Garden where has many kinds of beautiful flowers. After that you continue to visit old tree, stream, Great Buddha Statue, Suspension Bridge, Wine Tunnel where are storing different wines. Especially check-in the Golden Bridge – the most famous & unique architecture of Sun World's Ba Na Hills. Have lunch at restaurant. In the afternoon you spend more time for sightseeing at the hill and then free to relax and play games at Fantasy Theme Amusement with Movie 3D…(Fee paid by yourself). After that you will take cable car back the foot and the driver picks up and transfers you to Da Nang city. Free to have your own dinner. Overnight at hotel in Da Nang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Da Nang

After breakfast spend the rest of your time in Hoian until transfer to airport for flight to the next destination. End of Asia King Travel’s service.
 
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: N/A