Impressive Vietnam - Great Summer Promotion
7days/ 6 nights in the North
or
10 days/9 nights with Beach Break Extension
or
12 days/ 11nights with Beach Break AND southern Extension

Valid till 30 Sep 09

Day 1   : Arrive Hanoi

The day is at leisure to discover Hanoi’s Old Quarter under your own steam. Our Wildlotus Adventures guide and driver will warmly welcome you at your hotel lobby in the afternoon  and escort you to a local restaurant for trip briefing and dinner. Overnight at hotel in Hanoi. (D)

Note: Please contact us should you need an airport pick up, this will involve a small supplement.. Don’t forget to advise your flight arrival times.

Day 2   : City tour of Hanoi – Overnight train to Lao Cai

Hanoi, capital of Vietnam since the 11th century dazzles visitors with its unique blend of oriental lifestyle, French colonial architecture, tree-lined boulevards and peaceful lakes. Still retaining a charming air from its colonial days, visitors are often impressed with the quietness and subtle beauty of Hanoi.

After breakfast, transfer to visit Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum (exterior only), Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts and the One Pillar Pagoda. Continue on to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university dated from 1070AD.  Its gardens and well-preserved architecture offer a relaxing glimpse into Vietnam's past. Continue to lunch at the ‘Brothers café’ for a buffet style feast, an interesting fusion of Viet and western flavours, housed in a beautiful old style Vietnamese building with traditional music.
In the afternoon drive to the Museum of Ethnology, Hanoi’s best and most interactive museum.
From there transfer toward Thanh Nien road and stop to visit Quan Thanh temple (Taoist, dating from the Ly Dynasty) and the Buddhist Tran Quoc Pagoda on West Lake (one of the oldest in Vietnam). Spend one hour on foot or by cyclo with a guided orientation stroll around the Old Quarter. In the late afternoon visit the Thang Long Theatre for a showing of the famous water puppets. From here drive to dinner to a small restaurant in Hanoi. After dinner, transfer to the railway station in Le Duan Street to board the night train to Lao Cai
Overnight on board in SUPERIOR class carriage. (B, L, D)

Note: the Mausoleum is open from 08.00 to 11.00 from Tuesday to Thursday, and over the weekends. It is close in Oct and Nov for yearly maintenance.

Day 3  : Lao Cai – Muong Khuong district – Colorful market day – Sapa

Arrive Lao Cai approximately 5.30 am. Our local team will meet the group at the station. Enjoy breakfast at a local restaurant in Lao Cai.  Transfer to the lesser visited area of Muong Khuong. Explore Lung Khau Nhin or Cao Son market (every Wednesday or Thursday). The market is located in a small town frequented by Flower Hmong, Tu Di, Pa Di, Tay and Giay ethnic minorities, who come to buy and sell local products. After spending the morning exploring the market, enjoy lunch in a local restaurant nearby. After lunch, visit a village of Dao or Nung people, and explore the daily life of the local people.  Visit a nearby waterfall before heading to Sapa.
Check in hotel. Dinner and overnight in hotel in Sapa. (B,L,D)

Note: 4 hours driving, 3 hours walking and visiting the market.

Day 4  : Sapa – Ma Tra – Ta Phin – Overnight train to Hanoi

Leisurely breakfast at hotel. Begin this moderate trekking day at 9am. From Sapa, head in the direction of Tram Ton Waterfalls, passing by several minority villages. The hike in the the shade of tall pine trees is very enjoyable. Continue along beautiful rice fields and by local bamboo irrigation systems. Pause for lunch at Ma Tra village (Black H’mong) located on a hill top then trek downhill to Ta Phin village (Red Dao). Arrive in Ta Phin and enjoy time in the afternoon to meet local villagers. The Red Dao people are masters of medicinal plants - you can even  try a herb bath in the village! Return to Sapa to refresh and dine before transferring  to Lao Cai station for the night train back to Hanoi. Overnight on board in superior carriage. (B,L,D)

Note:  Approx 4 - 5 hours hiking/ 1 hour 30 driving. This is an easy trek along lesser known trails.

Day 5   :  Hanoi - Halong half day cruise

Our driver will meet the group at Hanoi train station. Drive to a local restaurant for breakfast and then on to Halong Bay. Depart 08.00 arrive 11.30am. En route our Wildlotus Adventures Guide will give a talk about ancestor worship and the importance of the family in Vietnamese life and how Vietnamese people bury their dead. The group will learn too about the rotation of rice crops compared with Southern Vietnam. Enjoy a photo stop or two of the farmlands of the Red River Delta. Arrive Halong and embark on a traditional comfortable junk. Fresh seafood lunch will be served on board whilst the junk weaves through rocky limestone outcrops, strange-shaped rock formations that invite comparisons from fighting cocks to dragons and even General de Gaulle’s nose! Visit the Sung Sot cave (Surprise Grotto) with its great views.  Stretch legs or swim and relax on Titop or Soi Sim beaches.
Overnight on board.

Note: Driving time is approx 3 – 3.5 hours to Halong city from Hanoi.
All junks in Halong Bay will be anchored and grouped in the same areas during the night. This is for safety and complies with the rules and regulations of the Bay.
Sung Sot cave is a rather touristy stop- but the views make it a worthwhile visit.

Day 6 : Halong half day cruise - Hanoi

Continue to cruise the Bay. The karst limestone outcrops were formed from sediment that settled on the seafloor in prehistoric times. They rose to the surface through geological upheaval and erosion. When exposed to rainfall, the striking limestone formations weathered into their current strange, remarkable shapes. Gradually meander back towards Halong city with brunch or lunch served on board (depending on choice of junks, meals will be organized differently). Check out at 11am – 11.45am. Transfer by car toward Bac Ninh province. If time permits, visit Phu Lang pottery village in Que Vo district and learn how to make a product from natural resources. Continue to Hanoi.
Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.

Please note B,  L, D or Brunch  are not included on the cruise

Day 7 : Depart Hanoi OR  Extension Beach break to the Centre and South

Day at leisure. This marks the end of the Northern part of the trip. Finish your tour here or join the Extension Beach Break to the Centre and South of Vietnam.

BEACH BREAK Extension:
Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to Hanoi’s Noi Bai airport. Fly to Danang. Welcome and pick up at Danang airport and transfer directly the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hoi An.

The town of Hoian was known as Faifo to early western traders and was one of Southeast Asia’s major trading ports during the 17th and 18th centuries. It was an important point of call for Chinese, Japanese and Portuguese traders and the architecture reflects its cosmopolitan past. More than anywhere in Vietnam, Hoi An retains the feel of the past. There are over 844 structures of historical significance and most people spend the day wandering around and enjoying the sights and atmosphere. Hoi An is a UNESCO world heritage site with its laid back ambiance, historic buildings and myriad of cultures.
Dinner in town. Overnight at hotel. (B, D)

Day 8 : Beach Break in Hoi An

After breakfast, our guide will lead you to the boat pier. Enjoy four hours on the Thu Bon River to a quaint fishing village. The boat is “Thuyen Thung” style- a typical round boat like a basket!  The tour will bring you to the Water Coconut Palm, a fantastic place to learn about the history about Vietnam soldiers (Viet Cong) who hid themselves in the very large coconut palm canal to fight against the American Southern troops during the war in Vietnam from 1965 to 1973. The highlight of this trip is that you have the opportunity to fish with ex-Vietcong soldiers and taste grilled fish or shrimp on the spot. Lunch will be served on board. Return to pier and short transfer to Hoi An town.

A guided walking tour is the best way to see the wooden-fronted houses that once belonged to the town’s prosperous merchants, the Japanese Covered- Bridge and the wonderful fish and vegetable market. After your guided tour, explore the shops -  Hoi An is one of the best places in Vietnam to shop for souvenirs at bargain prices including silk, handicrafts, antiques and paintings.  If shopping is not your style, just five kilometers from the centre of town is Cua Dai Beach, popular with both locals and visitors alike for its sandy beach, warm sea and seafood stalls.

In the evening enjoy Hoi An’s night life with coffee shops, bars and handicraft workshops Overnight in Hoi An. (B, L)

Day 9 : Beach break in Hoi An

Breakfast at hotel. Free day at leisure. Overnight in Hoi An. ( B)

Day 10 : Hoi An – Danang – Ho Chi Minh City

Breakfast at hotel. At leisure until transfer to Danang airport for early afternoon flight to Hanoi to end the North and Centre program or continue to Ho Chi Minh City.

MEKONG DELTA Extension:
Welcome and pick up at Tan Son Nhat airport by our local team and transfer directly to hotel.  After settling in meet up for lunch in a local restaurant. After lunch drive to  China town. Visit Binh Tay market, the biggest wholesale market in Vietnam and Thien Hau Chinese pagoda. If time permits, learn how to make  lacquer ware at one of the workshops in town before returning to the city centre. Spend time wandering by the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office designed by Gustave Eiffel. Return to hotel to freshen up. Dinner in town. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city. (B,L,D)

Day 11 : Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta - Ho Chi Minh City

After breakfast drive two hours beyond the teeming Saigon traffic to the gateway of the Mekong Delta. Visit Cai Be floating market and head out to explore the lush An Binh island by motorized boat. Cruise through bustling market places and riverfront villages, stopping at homes, cottage industries and craft villages along the way. There will be the opportunity to cycle on a gentle trail on smooth footpaths using local bikes.
Lunch at local Bonsai garden. Continue cruising through the Delta along narrow waterways.  Disembark at Vinh Long and drive back to Ho Chi Minh City.  Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City. (B,L)

Day 12 : Depart Ho Chi Minh city

Breakfast at hotel. At leisure to explore,  or transfer to the airport for onward flights. End of the extension trip.

Note: Please contact us should you need an airport transfer, we will be happy to advise you of the  supplementary price.

Recommended Hotels

PRICE IN USD PER PERSON ON DOUBLE OR TWIN SHARE BASIS FOR 7 DAYS

EXTENSION PRICE IN USD PER PERSON ON DOUBLE OR TWIN SHARE BASIS
FOR THE CENTRE PORTION 4 DAYS/ 3 NIGHTS

EXTENSION PRICE IN USD PER PERSON ON DOUBLE OR TWIN SHARE BASIS
FOR THE SOUTH PORTION 3 DAYS/ 2 NIGHTS

INCLUSIVE:

• English speaking  guide  through out (Different guides in the North, Centre and South)
• Porter and support team during trekking in Sapa
• Private air-conditioned vehicle for transfer as mentioned in the programme
• Accommodation in double or twin sharing room with daily breakfast
• Boat package in Halong in 22 hours in double or twin sharing room on a comfortable wooden junk
• Train ticket  Hanoi - Lao Cai on day 2 and Lao Cai - Hanoi on day 4 (superior class)
• Meals as mentioned in the itinerary with following detail (B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner)
• All sightseeing entrance fees where mentioned in the itinerary
• Boat trip in Mekong Delta
• Visa authorization letter to Vietnam. You can get the visa stamping on arrival at the international airports in Vietnam or in a Vietnamese Embassy/ Consulate in your country
• All government taxes

EXCLUSIVE:

• International to/from Vietnam and international airport departure tax
• Visa stamping fee to Vietnam: 25 USD per person only for single entry and 50 USD for multi entry with 01 (4cm x 6cm) passport photo
• Domestic flight tickets Hanoi – Danang – Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh city
• Tips for guides, driver, porters at hotels
• Donations at pagodas/shrines.
• Meals not inclusive in the programme
• All beverages
• Personal travel insurance
• Personal expenditure (telephone, laundry, shopping, camera film and so on…)
• Any other services not clearly mentioned in the itinerary

WISH YOU A PLEASANT HOLIDAY IN VIETNAM!