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US$1,260
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BOOK TOUR
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OVERVIEW
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You will start your trip from Hanoi with Halong bay highlights, fly to Hoi An to visit the historical Hoi An ancient town and explore the colonial Saigon and boat ride to discover the Mekong river delta. Then fly to Siem Reap with some days to discover the splendor of the Angkor Wat. In Laos, you will visit the UNESCO World Heritage listed former royal capital, Luang Prabang by taking on a journey through lush landscapes, across soaring mountains to swim in the crystal-clear waters of beautiful Kuang Si waterfalls to the Mahout villages.
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HIGHLIGHT
• Take a cyclo tour in the charming old quater Hanoi and see the typical Vietnam style.
• Visit the the ancient citadel Hoa Lu and cruise through the Trang An landscape complex grottoes.
• Cruise on the UNESCO natural heritage Ha Long bay and explore the beautiful karsts and islets.
• Visit UNESCO World Heritage sites My Son Sanctuary
• Walk in the picturesque town of Hoi An, one of Southeast Asia's major trading ports between the 17th and 19th centuries
• Get through the Hai Van pass, one of the most beautiful panoramas of Vietnam.
• See the UNESCO-listed Imperial citadel and learn about the Nguyen Dynasty.
• Cruise along the Perfume river to the Thien Mu pagoda.
• Experience and learn about the vast underground network Cu Chi tunnels.
• Cruising among local barges full of fruits and vegetables of Cai Be and Cai Rang colorful floating market.
• Get on a bike in pretty Ba Lang island, the best way to see the surrounding countryside.
• Take a Tuk-Tuk ride in the surroundings of Angkor.
• Discover Explore the Angkor Archaeological Park, the remnants of the former Khmer Empire.
• Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the old Royal city of Luang Prabang, home to dozens of temples and a way of life that has changed little over the years.
• Enjoy the impressive experience of a 30 minutes elephant ride on the howdah (elephant seat) or on your elephant’s neck.
• Receive basic mahout training on how to control an elephant.
• Take a traditional Lao long boat to the Tad Sae Waterfall and relax in the clear water.
• Learn about butterflies and local flora at Kuang Si falls butterfly park.
ITINERARY
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Day 1: HA NOI – ARRIVAL (Nil)
You will be welcomed upon your arrival at Noi Bai airport in Hanoi by our experienced English speaking tour guide and driver, then transfer to your hotel for check-in (after 14:00). Overnight in Hanoi.
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Day 2: HA NOI – FULL DAY CITY TOUR (Breakfast)
Enjoy a morning city tour by visiting Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum and his house on stilt, the botanical garden and the Presidential palace while learning about his life and revolutionary activities. This used to be the residence of the Governor of Indochina. On the way out visit One Pillar pagoda. The pagoda was constructed in 1049 by King Ly Thai Tong according to his dream of Bodhisattva seating on a lotus flower and led him to the pagoda. Arriving at the Temple of Literature, this is the first Royal National university in Vietnam.
Continue to visit Hoan Kiem lake (Restored Sword lake) and Ngoc Son temple. Situated in the heart of Hanoi, the lake got its name according to a legend story. Next, stop to visit Hanoi ancient citadel with Doan Mon gate, Kinh Thien palace, Hau Lau palace and North gate. In the end of the tour you will take the 45 minutes-cyclo tour around the Old quarter through its streets which are named after the guilds that used to represent such as Hang Bac (Silver street), Hang Gai (Silk street), Hang Tre (Bamboo street) etc & walking through it for shopping at some places. Overnight in Hanoi.
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Day 3: HA NOI – NINH BINH – TRANG AN – HANOI (Breakfast)
Today morning, we will proceed to Ninh Binh province by heading south for the two hours drive along Highway One. We spend 2 hours driving and enjoy the daily life of Vietnamese people in the countryside on the way.
Upon Ninh Binh arrival, we will visit two remaining temples of the ancient citadel of Hoa Lu. The first is dedicated to Dinh dynasty and the second commemorates the rulers of the Le dynasty. After visiting the two remaining sanctuaries of the ancient citadel, take a 3 hour rowing boat (2 pax/boat) sampan on a river through the rice paddies to explore Trang An grottoes. June 2014, UNESCO has inscribed Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex in Ninh Binh Province to its World Heritage List. During the journey through Trang An, you will travel through 12 caves and 3 temples and the scenery of the nature of Trang An is just unreal. At the end of the tour, you can take a bicycle ride through the rice paddy fields that surround beautiful limestone mountains of the country side.
Transfer back to Ha Noi and have a free eveining at your leisure to explore everyday life of Hanoian by yourselves. Overnight in Ha Noi.
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Day 4: HANOI – HALONG BAY (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Ha long bay must be a Vietnam’s most famous and most popular UNESCO World Heritage site. We start at 8.00 for the 3 hour drive (170 km) through the Red River delta, which offers plenty of chances for taking photos of Vietnamese farmers tilling the vast green paddy fields. At half way, we'll have a visit to a handicraft workshop with fine clothes, embroidered paintings, stone statuettes and all kinds of gems mined in Vietnam such as star rubies or sapphires... Our destination is the World Heritage site of Ha Long bay. The name “Halong” means the descending dragon in to the sea. Legend states that gods sent dragons, who dropped jewels and jade from their mouths into the bay, creating the islands. The towering limestone karsts represent the dragon’s back, surrounded by jade green water creating an unforgettable site. There are more than 1600 limestone islands and islets with different shapes jutting out from the sea. Most of them are still intact from human activities thanks to their uninhabited and uncultivated characters.
12:30 Upon arrival, receptionists welcome guests at the International Tuan Chau harbour.
12: 45 Captain welcomes guests to Syrena Cruises by tender. Check in cruise whilst enjoying a welcome drink, safety briefing and check in cabin.
13:00 Leaving International Tuan Chau harbor to discover the Halong Bay - natural wonders of the world. Have buffet lunch with special dishes while cruising through famous sights Ba Hang fishing village, Đỉnh Hương island, Chó Đá islet, Gà Chọi islet...14:30 Cruise stops at 587, the core area of the world natural heritage. Transfer by tender to Luồn cave - one of the caves with haft-open formhas special endemic plants of Halong Bay. Visit Luồn cave by a traditionally woven (bamboo) boat rowed by a local boatman.
15:30 Leaving Luồn cave, transfer by tender to the Titov islandwhich was named by Uncle Ho, after Gherman Stepanovich Titov - the Soviet astronaut who visited in 1962. Enjoy swimming, relaxing on the beach or climb the steps of the Rock mountain. On the top of the mountain, you can see a corner of magical Halong Bay...
16:30 Back to the cruise. Relax and enjoy sunset on the sun deck. You can book 45 minute chargeable kayaking program to discover more about Halong Bay (contact with cruise manager for service price). While cruising to overnight anchorage at Trong Cave, you wil approach Đầu Người islet, Yên Ngựa islet, Động Tiên cave.
18:00 HAPPY HOUR- Buy 1drink get 1 free (wine excluded) and joinVietnamese cooking demonstration.
19:00 Dinner is served (set menu).
20:30 Evening activities include: film entertainment (in the dining room); squid fishing; massage (contact with cruise manager for service price) or karaoke (applied to charter group). Overnight on Syrena Cruise.
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Day 5: HALONG BAY – HANOI – DANANG – HOI AN (Breakfast, Lunch)
06:00 Morning call (if you request).
06:30 Enjoy Tai Chi instructions on the sundeck in 30 minutes.
Visit Sửng Sốt cave.
07:00 Coffee, tea, fresh milk, water, pastries, fresh fruit, cereals… will be served in the dining room.
08:00 Arrive at Bồ Nâu cave. Transfer by tender to the Sửng Sốt cave - one of the most beautiful caves in Halong Bay.
09:00 Come back to Syrena Cruises relax and check out of cabin. Approaching International Tuan Chau harbour.
09:15 Enjoy brunch buffet menu served in the dining room and settle the bills (if you have).
10:45 Transfer by tender back to Tuan Chau harbour and disembarkation. Guide and driver will pick up and transfer you to the airport for short flight to Da Nang.
Upon arrival, pick up and transfer to Hoi An ancient town. Overnight in Hoi An.
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Day 6: HOI AN – MY SON SANCTUARY – HOI AN (Breakfast)
Today, depart to My Son sanctuary about 50km which was once an imperial city during the Champa dynasty, between the 4th and the 8th centuries. Upon arrival, visit the ruins towers of Cham people and learn about of architecture of Cham civilization. Spend about 1.5 hour to see a large complex of religious relics that comprises more than 65 architectural works. In 1999, UNESCO labeled the Cham architecture in My Son as a world cultural heritage site.
Afternoon, return back and visit Hoi An ancient town, the ancient architecture of Hoian is a fascinating combination of Vietnamese traditional characters with Chinese and Japanese influence. There are plenty to see in this delightful town, some of which are the famous Japanese Covered bridge, Trieu Chau Assembly house, 200 years old Tan Ky House & Historical museum. Today we include these on a walking tour past many low tiled houses scattered along the small streets and assembly halls, which reflect the town's multi-cultural past. Overnight in Hoi An.
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Day 7: HOI AN – HUE (Breakfast)
After breakfast, transfer to Hue (ca. 130km with 2,5 hours driving). On the way, you will stop and visit Marble mountain which is made up of five limestone outcrops in isolation from the surrounding plains, each riddled with caves and grottoes, with some made into pagodas and shrines. The top offers spectacular views of Da Nang and the surrounding. On the way get through the Hai Van pass, one of the most beautiful panoramas of Vietnam offering stunning view over the central.
Upon arrival, take a boat trip on the romantic Huong (Perfume) river to visit Hue's best-known religious site, Thien Mu 7-storey pagoda. Then continue to visit the Imperial Citadel from where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945. Stop at Dong Ba market, where you can buy local products for souvenir before transfer to your hotel for checking in. Overnight in Hue.
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Day 8: HUE – HO CHI MINH CITY (Breakfast)
In the morning, you will be picked up by car and visit two typical tombs of Hue dynasty. Start with Tu Duc tomb: contribute in 1864-1867s included 50 architectural works. Difference with Tu Duc tomb, Khai Dinh tomb is smaller and contribution style is affected by European and Oriental Architectural. Special, the biggest stone dragon is design along the stair-step lead to central chamber.
After finishing tour around noon, you will be transferred to airport for the flight to Ho Chi Minh city. Upon your arrival at Tan Son Nhat airport, pick up and transfer to your hotel for check-in. This evening is free at your leisure. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city.
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Day 9: HO CHI MINH CITY – CU CHI TUNNELS – CITY HALF DAY (Breakfast, Lunch)
Today morning, leave Ho Chi Minh for Cu Chi tunnels. In Cu Chi, starts with an introductory video detailing its long 25-year construction. Then it is time to go underground in the infamous 120-mile Cu Chi tunnel system which offered a safe haven for soldiers and thousands of Vietnamese people during the Vietnam War. It is virtually an underground city with dwelling houses, schools, hospitals and factories. On display are booby traps, the remains of a US army tank and huge craters left by American B52 bombs. Here you will have the opportunity to witness how rice paper is made and to explore the amazing labyrinth of tunnels used by the guerrillas during the war.
On the way back to Saigon, take a break in the rubber forests, where you can touch the rubber tree, see the latex and listen to the explanations of the origin and economic benefits of rubber trees in Vietnam.
Return to Ho Chi Minh city and then have lunch at a local restaurant before taking a half day city tour. Start your sightseeing by a walking tour in Dong Khoi street and visit Notre Dame cathedral, the spiritual and cultural crucible of the French presence in the Orient & the General Post Office, City Hall and Opera House, the ancient & with French colonial architecture style. Then visit War museum which primarily contains exhibits relating to the American phase of the Vietnam War , and is a major tourist attraction, Reunification palace which was the workplace of the President of South Vietnam & was then known as Independence Palace.
The final stop is at Ben Thanh market which is always loaded with varieties of goods, such as consumer goods, cakes and candies, food and foodstuff, and particularly high-quality fruit and vegetables. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city.
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Day 10: HO CHI MINH CITY – CAI BE VINH LONG – CAN THO (Breakfast, Lunch)
Transferring from the centre of Ho Chi Minh City at 7.00, you will reach Cai Be at 9.30. We will pick up you at the first stop-over - Cao Dai temple Cai Be which is symbolizing for the local unique religion and then the Cai Be Cathedral.
After that, you will embark on the boat to visit the inland and floating markets of Cai Be to observe the daily life of local people as well as to know how the two markets different from each other.
You will buy fresh tropical fruits right at locals own boats and have chance to talk to them for exploring more their own culture value along with their daily life.
Leaving the market, you will continue with a hand-rowing boat tour to discover the exciting Mekong river life. The small boat will travel through the tiny canals and lead you to the meeting spots.
Back to the main tourist boat and transfer to Tan Phong Island. Take a short rest, have a drink and taste the local fresh fruits.
Next, we will cycle around Tan Phong Island to visit the traditional handicraft workshops of handbags, rice papers along with wooden tables and chairs. If it is on schooldays, you will also have a chance to make friends with local cute and gentle pupils in a village school. Stop at a local farmer's house to savour a cup of tea and local specialties of banana candies. You can try plucking the fruits at the host's garden and talk to him to understand how local farmers take care for their gardens.
Saying goodbye to the hospitable host, we keep on biking to the bang conical hat (nón bàng) workshop. You will cycle back to Mekong Rustic Restaurant for lunch with local food and break before embarking on boat to leave Tan Phong Island for the pier at 17:30. Then, continue transferring to Can Tho city. Overnight in Can Tho.
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Day 11: CAN THO – HO CHI MINH CITY (Breakfast, Lunch)
After breakfast, you will board a sampan boat to Cai Rang floating market, the region’s busiest and most lively markets. Marvel at the sheer abundance of exotic fruits, vegetables and skilfully handcrafted regional products. We will pull up to the boats for talking and bargaining with the merchants. We will also visit some of the local candy and cake making factories or boat through the green water landscape to see local houses, verdant orchards and ship-building yards.
Then, take a short cycling tour through the green water landscape to see monkey bridges, local houses, verdant orchards and ship-building yards of Ba Lang island.
Have lunch at a local restaurant before transferring from Can Tho back to Ho Chi Minh City and arrive in Ho Chi Minh city around 18:00.
Check in hotel and free at your leisure. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city.
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Day 12: HO CHI MINH CITY – SIEM REAP (Breakfast)
After having breakfast at hotel, take your time for your last bit of free time in Vietnam. Transfer to Tan Son Nhat airport for your flight to Siem Reap.
Upon arrival in Siem Reap, our friendly guide will pick you up from the airport and transfer to the hotel check in (after 14:00). In the afternoon you have free time to explore the markets and Pagoda’s around your hotel and get a better look what Cambodian life is all about. Overnight in Siem Reap.
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Day 13: SIEM REAP – ANGKOR TOUR (Breakfast)
In this morning- we spend a full day exploring the wondrous ancient ruins of Angkor area with the South Gate of Angkor Thom, which is famous for its series of colossal human faces carved in stone, the impressive Bayon Temple, the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terrace, the Terrace of the Leper King and the largest as well as the most complete temple of Angkor Wat. This architectural masterpiece was constructed in the 12th century and covers an area of about 210 hectares. We stroll around this massive edifice, seeing the many galleries with Colums, libraries, pavilions, courtyards and ponds full of water reflecting the towering temple and the jungle covered temple of Ta Prohm, a truly incredible sight. There are enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers which embrace themselves in the stone foundations of the structure giving the impression of man’s creation being reclaimed by the powerful forces of nature.
Early evening, you will be taken by Tuk Tuk, a small open-sided taxi common in Cambodia, to cruise around the suburb of Siem Reap town and for a blessing ceremony by Buddhist monks for happiness, prosperity and safety for your journey. Overnight in Siem Reap.
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Day 14: SIEM REAP – ANGKOR TOUR (Breakfast)
Heading out of town we make our way by traveling on a newly paved road to the intricately carved and well preserved temple of Banteay Srei, constructed at the late 10th century by a Brahmin counselor under a powerking Rajendarvarman. It was loosely translated to citadel of the woman, but it is a modern appellation that probably refers to the delicate beauty of the carvings. Along the way we make stopover at the Preah Dark village and we follow these with a visit the Banteay Samre Temple adorned with impressive relief’s depicting scenes of Vishunu as well as Krishna legends. Afternoon, we will drive to the floating village of Choueng Kneas village, where you will take the boat to visit the way of life Cambodian poor people along with schools, restaurants, hospitals and much more floating on the great lake of Tonle sap. You many even see enterprising children floating in buckets selling soft drinks and floating pig pen.
On the way back to the city, visit a work shop “Les Artisans d’Angkor - Chantiers Ecoles” of Siem Reap and local market “Psachas” where one might get something for souvenirs to take back home. Overnight in Siem Reap
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Day 15: SIEM REAP – LUANG PRABANG BY FLIGHT (Breakfast)
Breakfast at the hotel - Free at own leisure until transferring to the airport in the eveing for taking flight to Luang Prabang.
On arrival at the airport in Luang Prabang, you will be welcomed by our guide and transferred to check in the hotel. The rest of the day is your own time at leisure. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
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Day 16: LUANG PRABANG – PAK OU CAVES (Breakfast)
Today, you will first visit Royal Palace Museum, which hosts a range of interesting artifacts. We then embark on the a leisure cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which also gives us a breathtaking view of the tranquil countryside, before reaching the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims. Along the way, we stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where they make the local rice wine.
On arrival back in the city, we will visit magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents classical Laotian architecture. Afterwards, we will visit the Traditional Art and Ethnology Center to learn about Laos’ many ethnic cultures. From there, we will transfer to visit Wat Siphouthabaht to admire the sunset; this is the really peaceful place to catch the last beauty of the day. The tour ends after a visit to the famous Night Market, where you can find a lovely collection of handmade textiles made by local and hill tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Option: if time permits, you may wish to visit the Kopnoi Promotion Center, and enjoy the Tea tasting Ceremony, where you can also have a small lecture about Lao culture.
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Day 17: LUANG PRABANG – MAHOUT EXPERIENCE (Breakfast, Lunch)
An optional early start gives you the fantastic opportunity to participate in the daily morning rituals of saffron-clad monks collecting offerings of Alms (ubiquitous sticky rice) from the faithful residents. This tradition is very unique in Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still preserving the procession. From there, we will take a short visit to the morning local market near the Royal Palace. At the market, you can find anything from rice, to fresh vegetables, to steamed fish, frogs, and anything else that might be the day’s catch, just set up on the ground, this is what the locals do every day. This is really the chance for you to get a real flavor of the local culture.
After breakfast, we will transfer directly to the Elephant Village (start at 8:00 AM in the morning). On arrival at the Elephant Village Camp, welcome and greeting by our camp manager and participate in short briefing about elephants. After that we will enjoy the impressive experience of a 30 minute elephant ride on the howdah (elephant seat) or on your elephant’s neck. We then receive basic mahout training on how to control an elephant.
Lunch at the Elephant Restaurant
Bathe Your Elephant: Take your own elephant down to the Nam Khan River for an exhilarating bathing experience!
Boat trip to the Tad Sae Waterfall: Take a traditional Lao long boat to the Tad Sae Waterfall and relax in the clear water.
We are free to stroll around the Elephant Village before transferring back to city center. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
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Day 18: LUANG PRABANG – KUANG SI WATERFALLS – DEPARTURE (Breakfast)
After breakfast at the hotel, we ascend the 329 steps to the top of Phousi Hill for a panoramic view of the city and the Mekong River. We then visit Wat Visoun, dating back to 1513 during the reign of King Wisunarat (Visoun), this is Luang Prabang’s oldest temple and was once home to the Prabang Buddhas.
We then transfer directly to the beautiful Kuang Si Waterfall where you can cool off with a refreshing swim in the pools or walk along the forest trails.
Before returning to Luang Prabang, we stop to visit the Kuang Si Falls Butterfly Park (closed on Tuesday), one of the must-visit spots, where you can have an optional 15 minute tour to learn about butterflies and local flora.
Laos is also known for its traditional crafts, we will take a short visit to the Ock Pop Tock Living Craft Center, where you will have a short tour so you get information about Silk, about weaver, about the Women that work in the Centre.
Finally, say goodbye to the beautiful country Lao, we will transfer you to the airport to take the departure flight to home. End of services.
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INCLUSION
Meals
17 Breakfasts, 6 Lunchs, 1 Dinner
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Transport
Private transportation, boat, night cruise
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Accommodation
Hotels (16 nights), Night cruise (1 night)
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Activities
Ha Noi city tour
Ninh Binh – Trang An
Ha Long bay overnight on cruise
Hoi An city tour
Hoi An – My Son sanctuary
Hue city tour
Ho Chi Minh city tour
Ho Chi Minh – Cu Chi tunnels
Cai Be – Can Tho in Mekong delta
Siem Reap – Angkor tour
Siem Reap – Tonle Sap lake
Luang Prabang – Pak Ou caves
Luang Prabang – Elephant village
Luang Prabang – Kuang Si waterfalls
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Guide
English speaking guide
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Price
* Any group size greater than 8 pax, please contact us at inbound.sgn@transviet.com for better quotation
* Date and time correspond to Vietnam time zone (GMT+7)
* All prices are quoted in US$
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