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Grand Vietnam Explorer: Mar 18-30, 2012
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Duration: 13 days / 12 nights
Cost: $3,175 per person
Group Size: Limited to 10 participants
Service Level: First Class
Tour Leader/Concierge: Keith Hajovsky
This is a small group, 13 day, extensive exploration of Vietnam. Your tour leader will assist you with everything before, during and after the tour, and there will likewise be an English speaking, expert local guide who will provide you with an in-depth view of the history, cultures and landscapes of this incredibly diverse country. Your tour leader/concierge can assist you with everything before, during and after the tour. Accommodations will be in 3.5 and 4-star hotels and resorts and comfortable soft sleeper compartments for overnight trains, and the limited size of the group will enable you to have deeper, more authentic, cultural experiences.
Sightseeing Highlights
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Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum, Temple of Literature, Taoist temple of Quan Thanh, Ethnology Museum, Old Quarter
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Sapa - former hill station with lush green, terraced mountains, traditional hill tribes, and handicraft markets
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Halong Bay - overnight on a traditional junk (luxurious wooden boat) in these emerald waters with 3000+ tiny islands
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Hoi An - picturesque riverside town full of tiny shop-houses, craft shops, artisans and terrific food
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Hue - former imperial capital of Vietnam with splendid tombs, notable pagodas and the remains of the Citadel
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Ho Chi Minh City - Cholon the city's Chinatown, lively Ben Thanh Market, the War Remnants Museum, and the Presidential Palace
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Mekong Delta - cruise on this majestic river to visit the Cai Be floating market and watch traders and farmers work as they have for generations
Inclusions
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Travel concierge service from US-based tour guide before, during and after tour
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Expert, English-speaking local guides during the tour
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All 12 nights accommodations in 3.5 and 4-star hotels and resorts, except for two nights on a train in a soft sleeper compartment and one night on a luxurious junk
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18 meals
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two in-country flights
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All land transportation throughout and boat rides
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| Call (512) 259-1947 for more information or to book today! Mention code 10409390 | | Travel Sherpa Keith | | | | Difficulty Level - Moderate |
| | Day | Destination | Description | | Day 1 | Hanoi | (Sun, Feb 12): Arrive Hanoi
Arrive in Hanoi at the Noi Bai International Airport where you will be welcomed by your guide and transferred to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure. Overnight in Hanoi at the Flower Garden Hotel.
| | Day 2 | Hoa Lu | Trang An nature reserve
Depart your hotel early this morning for the 2-hour drive through rural northern Vietnam to Hoa Lu, Vietnam's first capital. Visit the temples dedicated to Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang of the Dinh Dynasty (968-80), and Emperor Le Dai Hanh of the Le Dynasty (980-1009). The ancient Hoa Lu Citadel once covered an area of three square kilometers. If time permits take a half-hour walk up one of the nearby surrounding limestone karst hills and be rewarded with spectacular views.In the late morning depart for the town of Ninh Binh for a Vietnamese lunch. Along the way, stop wherever you wish to take photographs of local villages and the stunning landscapes. After lunch drive to Trang An, a nature reserve very similar to Tam Coc which is known as ‘Halong Bay on Land' (see Day 6), but much less visited and more laid back. Board your private sampan and peacefully glide through the water of this ecotourism area while observing the enormous limestone karsts jutting out from the green rice fields and passing through a series of caves. Cruise back by sampan and return to Hanoi. Overnight in Hanoi at the Flower Garden Hotel.
(breakfast and lunch included)
| | Day 3 | Lao Cai | tour Hanoi and travel to Sapa
This morning visit the mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh, the father of modern Vietnam. Then we go to a wooden ethnic minority style house that was his temporary residence from 1954 – 1969. In the same complex you will see the One Pillar Pagoda, founded by King Ly Thai To in 1049 and an important symbol for the people of Hanoi.Your next stop will be the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university. Constructed in 1070, the gardens and well-preserved architecture offer a relaxing glimpse into Vietnam's past. Continue to West Lake and one of the oldest Buddhist pagodas in Hanoi, Tran Quoc, and the nearby Taoist temple of Quan Thanh which dates from the Ly Dynasty.Later this afternoon, visit the Ethnology Museum which covers the culture and ritual practices of the various ethnic groups scattered throughout Vietnam.At the end of the day, take a walking tour of Hanoi's Old Quarter, also known as the ‘36 Streets'. This bustling area of narrow streets and alleys is home to literally thousands of small businesses and shopkeepers. It is an interesting place to explore with plenty of great opportunities for photos.Depending on availability, finish the day with a Water Puppet show, a uniquely northern Vietnamese art form depicting scenes from rural life and episodes of national history.This evening, transfer to Hanoi Train Station for the overnight train ride to Lao Cai, the gateway to Sapa. Spend the night on the train in a soft sleeper compartment.
(breakfast included)
| | Day 4 | Sapa | Sapa walking tour
Upon arrival at the border town of Lao Cai, transfer to the former hill station of Sapa. In the terraced hills and mountains of this area, the expansive green landscape is enlivened by the colors of its hill tribe population - flashes of shining silver jewelry from the necks and wrists of indigo-clad Hmong and the scarlet hues of the turbans worn by the Red Dao can be seen. It is here you will find hands stained with color from fabric dyes and shades of blue, red and green intricately embroidered and stitched into jackets, waistcoats, pants, skirts, caps, purses and leggings.Take a morning walking tour of Sapa and visit the busy market where Red Dao, Black Hmong, Tay and other ethnic minority people converge from the surrounding countryside to sell their silverware and handicrafts and to buy provisions. Then take a light trek to discover Sapa's quaint hill tribe villages set against the stunning Hoang Lien Son Mountain Range and Indochina's highest peak, Mt. Fansipan, with a picnic lunch en-route. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon and evening at leisure. Overnight at the Chau Long Hotel.
(breakfast and lunch included)
| | Day 5 | Hanoi | locals' market and hill-tribe village in Sapa
Have breakfast before driving to visit a locals' market in Lung Khau Nhin. Here you will see mostly Flower Hmong, however Phu La, Black Dao, Tay, Nung hill tribe groups also gather here, many in their colorful, traditional clothing.Continue with a short walk to a hill-tribe village where you will have the opportunity to visit some locals' homes and see how they live their daily lives.Later in afternoon transfer back to Lao Cai for the night train back to Hanoi. In Lao Cai you will have the use of a hotel room to freshen up before the overnight train trip. Spend the night on the train in a soft sleeper compartment.
(breakfast and lunch included)
| | Day 6 | Halong Bay | overnight cruise on Halong Bay
Following an early arrival in Hanoi, a hotel will again be available for freshening up before taking a 3.5 hour drive to Halong Bay. Along the way, you will pass through the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta while observing everyday life of Vietnamese villagers as they work in the rice fields, take pigs to the market on motorbikes and plough the fields with their water buffaloes. Arrive at the boat pier in Halong City late in the morning.After checking in, transfer to your traditional junk (luxurious wooden boat) for the journey to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lunch is served on board as you cruise into the Bay. Pass by rock formations with names such as Sail, Dog and Dinh Huong (incense pot). As the sun sets, the boat will drop anchor for the night and dinner will be served on board. Overnight on the junk in Halong Bay.
(breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
| | Day 7 | Hoi An | Thanh Chuong Palace on way to Hoi An
Enjoy a full breakfast as the junk returns to Halong City. After disembarking from the junk we start our drive to Noi Bai Airport for the flight to Danang. En route we visit the Thanh Chuong Palace, home and studio of Thanh Chuong, one of the most celebrated painters in Vietnam today. This living space is an architectural gem showcasing Vietnamese traditional cultural objects and structures.After the visit it's a quick transfer to the airport for the short flight to the central port city of Danang. On arrival in Danang transfer to Hoi An, a major Asian trading port in the 17th and 18th centuries whose architecture and relaxed lifestyle have changed little over the years. Overnight in Hoi An at the highly acclaimed Life Heritage Resort.
(breakfast included)
| | Day 8 | Hoi An | visit My Son and Tra Kieu, walking tour of Hoi An
Spend half a day visiting the capital and religious centre of the former Champa Kingdom, My Son which is a Unesco World Heritage Site. Here, 40km southwest of Hoi An, in a lush green valley, are dozens of red brick towers and sanctuaries dating from between the 7th and 13th centuries. On the way back to Hoi An, stop to visit Tra Kieu, formerly known as Simhapura or the Lion Citadel and the capital of Champa between the 4th and 8th centuries. Some of the finest sculptures in Danang's Cham Museum (see Day 9) originated from here.In the afternoon, return to charming Hoi An, the old-world trading port of narrow streets and traditional houses. In keeping with its heritage as a trading port, Hoi An's tiny shop-houses now host a range of craft shops and artisans including some of Asia's best tailors. Take a walking tour of the old town centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to visit former merchants' houses, the 400 year-old Japanese Bridge, a Chinese communal hall and the colorful market. Overnight in Hoi An at the Life Heritage Resort.
(breakfast included)
| | Day 9 | Hue | Hue
Spend the morning at your leisure before leaving Hoi An for Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam and yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's mesmerizing tombs and mausoleums of the last emperors of Vietnam reveal fascinating insights into the lives of the imperial families and their subjects. The ancient citadel reflects the pomp and ceremony of the dynastic rulers as well as the scars of many years of turmoil, both ancient and modern. The citadel was badly damaged during the Tet Offensive of the Vietnam War, but quite a bit of restoration has occurred over the last 20 years.Afterwards drive to Danang and visit the Museum of Cham Sculptures which contains the finest collection of Cham sculptures in the world before driving over Hai Van Pass ("ocean cloud pass") and dropping down to the photogenic fishing village of Lang Co. Overnight in Hue at the Saigon Morin Hotel or the Gerbera Hotel, depending on availability.
(breakfast included)
| | Day 10 | Hue | Hue
Start your day with a visit to the Imperial Citadel where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945. After exploring the ruins of this wonderful monument take a cyclo through the ‘Old City' to Tinh Tam Lake where the Emperors used to come to relax. Full of lotus flowers in summer, there are many coffee shops around the lake where university students come to study. Then just outside of Hue we visit the Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the most famous structures in Vietnam with its 21 meter high octagonal tower as its centerpiece.In the afternoon depart for the Mausoleum of Tu Duc. Built decades before its occupant's death, the tomb was used as a palace retreat before the emperor's resting place. Finish up the day at Khai Dinh's Tomb which is traditional Vietnamese in design with a European touch, making it a bit different from the other tombs in Hue.Time permitting, pass by the city's vibrant Dong Ba Market. Overnight in Hue at the Saigon Morin Hotel or the Gerbera Hotel.
(breakfast included)
| | Day 11 | Ho Chi Minh City | Saigon city tour
Transfer to Hue Airport after breakfast for the short flight to dynamic Ho Chi Minh City which is still called Saigon by the locals. A full day city tour starts in Cholon, the city's Chinatown, to discover the markets and shops of the area. Also visit the Cantonese Thien Hau Pagoda - dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea. Next, visit Vietnam's first traditional medicine museum, the FITO Museum, which displays an amazing collection of 3,000 items relevant to the development of traditional Vietnamese medicine. Implements used to prepare indigenous herbs and objects commonly found in traditional pharmacies as well as ancient books and documents on traditional Vietnamese medicine can be seen in the galleries.Head back into the center of the city to visit Ben Thanh Market which is one of the liveliest places in the city and has an incredible variety of interesting things for sale.This afternoon, visit the War Remnants Museum and the former Presidential Palace. From there, stroll or drive (our vehicle will be available at all times) to major sights of colonial Ho Chi Minh City including the Old Saigon Post Office, Dong Khoi Street (formerly Rue Catinat), the Continental Hotel, the Opera House and City Hall. Late in the afternoon, return to your hotel. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City at the luxurious Duxton Hotel.
(breakfast included)
| | Day 12 | Ho Chi Minh City | Mekong floating market
In the morning leave bustling Ho Chi Minh for the 2.5-hour drive to the Mekong Delta town of Cai Be, home to a colorful floating market, vast emerald rice fields and lush back waterways.Upon arrival board the boat for a cruise of the Cai Be floating market. Traders work the river, and some have been living on these waters for generations. Produce at the market are hung on a pole in front of boats to attract customers and make it easier for people to see what is on offer. After visiting the market continue to a cottage factory where ‘pop-rice', rice paper and coconut candies are made. Return to the boat and cruise to Dong Hoa Hiep Island, admiring the scenery and the daily lives of the local villagers along the way. For lunch, you will be served Mekong specialties of the area. After the cruise, drive back to Ho Chi Minh City. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City at the Duxton Hotel.
(breakfast and lunch included)
| | Day 13 | Ho Chi Minh City | Depart Ho Chi Minh City
Spend time at your leisure until being transferred to Tan Son Nhat Airport for your onward flight.
(breakfast included)
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| | | | Total meals - 18 | Breakfasts - 12 | | Lunches - 5 | Dinners - 1 |
| | | | Archaeology | Architecture | | Art | History | | Photography | Shopping |
| COSTS
Cost of trip for double occupancy: $3175
Cost of trip for single-room occupancy: $3750 ($3175 + $575)
Cost includes: All land transportation throughout, boat rides, 9 nights accommodations at 3.5 and 4-star hotels, 2 nights on train in soft sleeper compartment, 1 night on luxurious junk (boat) , airport transfers, 18 meals, Western tour leader and local tour guide for the duration of tour, all admission fees
Cost does not include: international flights to/from Vietnam, departure airport tax, passport and visa fees, travel insurance, vaccinations and medical coverage/treatment, personal expenses such as beverages and snacks, meals not mentioned as included, souvenirs, internet access fees, laundry fees, tips etc..
For full terms and conditions please refer to our Registration Form. |
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