HA NOI, SA PA, HA LONG BAY, PHONG NHA CAVES, HUE, DA NANG, HOI AN, NHA TRANG, DA LAT, HO CHI MINH CITY, MEKONG DELTA.

“Viet Nam Panorama” is one of our comprehensive journeys. From the northernmost Sa Pa ethnic minorities to the depths of the Mekong Delta in the south and major places of interest in the centre, this trip covers it all. This is truly an amazing program combining remote areas, spectacular nature, hill tribe culture and the country’s best highlights.

 

DAY 1        ARRIVE HA NOI

On arrival at Ha Noi Noi Bai Airport, we will be met and transferred to our hotel for overnight.

DAY 2        HA NOI

Today we tour President Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and his residential house, One Pillar Pagoda and Temple of Literature (Viet Nam’s first University). The afternoon is free to visit the Old Quarter with its 36 guild streets, stroll Ha Noi’s boulevards or relax by a lake.

DAY 3        HA NOI - LAO CAI

In the morning, we visit Duong Lam, a typical village of the Red River Delta, outside the city and the famous Mia Pagoda. Afternoon is time for us to discover the city at our own pace before transferring to the railway station for the overnight train to Lao Cai.

DAY 4        LAO CAI - SA PA

Arrive in Lao Cai at about 06:30am, we are transferred up to French former hill station, Sa Pa. Check in, breakfast and discover this bustling market town at our own pace. In the afternoon, we walk to Cat Cat village and enjoy the hospitality of its friendly locals.

DAY 5        SA PA

A light walk through the pristine mountain scenery of  Lao Chai and Ta Van Valley and a great photo opportunity of mount Fansipant  and daily activities of the hill tribe people are the highlights of the day. In the afternoon, we climb up Ham Rong Mountain for a wonderful view over the town.

DAY 6        SA PA - HA NOI

This day is free to wander the vivid marketplace again before driving down to Lao Cai and the Chinese border, visiting the village of Ta Phin and some of the local house enroute. There is also a chance to mingle with the Red Dzao people. We then board our overnight train for returing to Ha Noi.

DAY 7        HA NOI - HA LONG BAY

Arriving in Ha Noi in early morning and transfer to a restaurant for breakfast before driving on to Ha Long. Board our junk and enjoy a welcome drink followed by checking-in and a seafood lunch while cruising through the bay. We also explore one of the beautiful grottoes, swimming and try some night fishing.

DAY 8         HA LONG - DONG HOI

We have some more swimming and enjoy a brunch while cruising to the harbour for returning to Ha Noi. We stop at Dong Trieu ceramic village, see artisans create superb vases and other masterpieces in their skills. Last minutes to explore Ha Noi before boarding our express train to Dong Hoi.

DAY 9         DONG HOI

Arrive at Dong Hoi, the beautiful beach side town, in early this morning. We hop off the train and transfer to our hotel for breakfast, followed by a boat cruise on Sen River to visit the beautiful Phong Nha Caves, a world heritage site the largest and most beautiful ones in Viet Nam.

DAY 10         DONG HOI - HUE

After breakfast, we drive south along Highway 1 to Viet Nam’s former imperial capital, Hue. In the afternoon, we glimpse the regal splendour of a time now past as we walk the cobbled paths through the grounds of the imposing Imperial Citadel and Forbidden Purple City.

DAY 11         HUE

We cruise by a Dragon Boat up the Perfume River to Thien Mu and explore one of Viet Nam’s oldest and most revered Pagodas. Gliding through the clear waters, we arrive at the majestic and serene tomb of King Ming Mang where we tour its beautiful garden.

DAY 12        HUE - DA NANG - HOI AN

A journey over the Hai Van Pass brings us to Da Nang, where the Museum of Cham Sculpture displays carvings from a once powerful and prosperous civilization. Arriving into the old merchant town of Hoi An, we are free to explore the town by night at our own pace.

DAY 13        HOI AN

Walking through the historic Hoi An, we admire the narrow lanes of centuries old buildings, visit the town’s market and the impressive Japanese covered bridge. Afternoon is free to explore this charming town or having a rest at the beautiful Cua Dai Beach.

DAY 14        HOI AN - NHA TRANG

This morning is free to wander through the town, which was once a flourishing port during Nguyen dynasty until transferring to the airport in Da Nang for our flight to Nha Trang. Meet our guide and transfer to our hotel. The evening is free at leisure.

DAY 15         NHA TRANG

Visit to the 9th Century Po Nagar Tower and tour  the Oceanographic Institute’s staggering collection of aquatic flora and fauna. We then cruise the islands dotted turquoise waters of Nha Trang Bay. A sumptuous seafood lunch will be at the Mieu Island before heading back to the mainland.

DAY 16         NHA TRANG - DA LAT

Leaving Viet Nam’s beautiful coast town of Nha Trang, we ascend to the temperate Central Highlands and discover peaceful Da Lat, a former French hill station untouched by war and home to some of beautiful flower gardens as well as some Viet Nam’s minority groups.

DAY 17         DA LAT

There is a chance to explore Viet Nam’s most colourful market with abundant local produce and visit the Summer Palace of Bao Dai, last emperor of Viet Nam. We also walk to a picturesque lake or enjoy a short train ride through the surrounding villages.

DAY 18         DA LAT - HO CHI MINH CITY

After breakfast, we drive to Ho Chi Minh City and visit the small ethnic minority village of Kriang en route. The rest of the day is free at leisure or to explore the city’s great shopping centre at our own pace.

DAY 19        HO CHI MINH CITY - CU CHI TUNNELS

We explore the city’s historic landmarks including Notre Dame Cathedral, the former US Embassy and experience the excitement of trading activities in Cho Lon, Ho Chi Minh City’s Chinatown. In the afternoon, we explore the phenomenal underground tunnel network at Cu Chi.

DAY 20         VINH LONG - CAN THO

Heading south to Vinh Long, we board a motor boat and travel up the Mekong River to discover Cai Be Floating Market. A visit to the industries and orchards of Vinh Long is followed by a lunch of local specialties, before making the further journey to Can Tho.

DAY 21         CAN THO - HO CHI MINH CITY

A morning boat ride take us to the remarkable floating market at Cai Rang and continue up the leafy waterways to a fruit orchard where we can sample delicious tropical fruits and learn about the Delta ‘s way of life from our friendly local hosts before returning to Ho Chi Minh City.

DAY 22        DEPART HO CHI MINH CITY

A good opportunity to do some last minute shopping before transfering the airport for departure flight.

Remark :  Compulsory surcharge on Peak season*