COMPLETE FILE

Overview

Luxury adventure travel in Vietnam

This well-balanced classic trip to Vietnam shows all facets of the country: the mountains of Sapa, with its markets and ethnic minorities; the Tonkin and its fabulous bay of Halong; the Annam with Hue, its citadel, the Perfume River and the Cloud Pass; Saigon; and the Mekong delta.
For this luxury trip to Vietnam, you will be accompanied by a private guide. We describe this trip as « soft adventure» since its discoveries and easy trekking in the north are accessible to all. You will marvel at our local Vietnamese guides, who are fluent in English, the minorities you will meet in the north, and their colorful clothing, the bucolic cruises along the Delta of the Mekong, and so much more. You will also have spare time to discover major Vietnamese towns and cities at your own pace.
You will stay in our selection of 5 stars hotels, comfortable and typical of the country. Each one of them is equipped with a swimming pool. This luxury adventure travel to Vietnam, with a private guide, is ideal for a first encounter with Asia. No set departure dates, no groups, only adventure and luxury combined, to be discovered at your own pace.

Do not hesitate to contact our Vietnam specialist for more information on this tailor-made luxury adventure!

Itinerary

Day 1| international flight
Depart Montreal

Day 2| Arrival Hanoi
Arrive Noi Bai Airport. Warmest greeting with tour guide with bid smile and flowers, then transfer to Hanoi, the political capital and cultural capital of Vietnam. Steeped in history, tradition, and legend, Hanoi is a city that has been inhabited continuously for a millennium and has changed little in decades. Check in hotel. Accommodation in Hanoi. (Option: Sofitel Metropole hotel *****)

Day 3| Hanoi city tour
Hanoi will charm you. -The fine villas are pure French, making no concession to the climate, and were it not for the palms, bougainvillea, etc., they might be standing in some pleasant outskirt of Paris.- and all interspersed by traditional Vietnamese buildings and pre-colonial Pagodas and Temples. Hanoi has been an agricultural and fishing settlement since 2,000. BC but the city, as we now know it, dates back to 1010 AD., populated by hard-working and friendly people only too ready to make you welcome. Our visits today include the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and his house on stilts within the grounds of the former French Governor-General's Palace and the near-by One Pillar Pagoda, all of which are in the historic French Quarter with it's mature, shade-giving trees and the classical French ochre-colored villas bordering the Ba Dinh Square, the political centre of Hanoi. We pass the largest of the city's lakes, the Tay Lake and visit Quan Thanh Temple, visit the fascinating Ethnology Museum. After lunch, we visit the Temple of Literature and take the sight seeing the Old Quarter, where colorful, crowded streets bustle with activity. Visit international well-known artist Mai Hien in her home - studio.
Late afternoon, we enjoy a water puppet show, a unique art of Vietnam. Accommodation in Hanoi. (B) (Option: Sofitel Metropole hotel *****)
(Note: Hochiminh Mausoleum and museums are closed on Monday and Friday)

Day 4| Hanoi - Van Long - Hanoi (~92km)
Breakfast at hotel then depart to Ninh Binh, 90 km belong to the east of Hanoi. Enjoying the rural scenery along the road. Upon arrival, enjoy a wonderfull rowing sampan trip to visit Van Long in a supper-quiet litter river between rice paddies and steep Rocky Mountains. 12h00 lunch at the restaurant. Then we continue to visit Hoa Lu ancient citadel, you will find the vestiges and the culture of Vietnamese feudalism that under the 10th century. We continue to discover the scenery of country side. Back to Hanoi about 6.00pm. Accommmodation in Hanoi. (B,L) (Option: Sofitel Metropole hotel *****)
Driving: ~2hours

Day 5| Hanoi - Cycling Ancient Duong Lam - Sapa by night train
Leave the hotel at 8am for an easy biking tour to Ha Tay, where there is quite probably the last remaining Vietnamese village not affected by the world outside and modern developments: bamboo scenes, rice and maize fields, silent, simple life, natural and hospitable local farmers. Stop for a visit Thay pagoda where preserves many precious worshipping objects, wooden and stone bas-relieves and steles, lacquered statues, thrones, bells. Then head to visit the truly ancient village of Duong Lam, a Vietnamese Historic Site, with nearly 1,200 years of history. Duong Lam comprises six ancient hamlets and is the birthplace of two of Vietnam's former kings - Phung Hung (781-802) and Ngo Quyen (808-944). Duong Lam area is one of the oldest sites of continuous human settlement in Asia. Archaeological evidence shows that this area has been settled for at least 4,000 years... Lunch at a local house. Biking around the village in the afternoon. Drive back Hanoi in the late afternoon.
Free for dinner. In the evening, meet guide and transfer to Hanoi Train Station to catch the night train to Sapa with superior cabin. Overnight on train. (B,L) (Option: Victoria Express train)
Train: Passage Dates Train Dep. Arr.
Hanoi - Lao Cai (Sapa) TBD Victoria Express 21.50 06.30
(Note: The size of the berth on the train are very small: 80cm with wide and 190cm with length. Sapa is more touristy than other places of sightseeing)

Day 6| Lao Cai - Sapa - Lao Chai San - Ta Van - Sapa
Arrive in Lao Cai station, bus pick up to drive for 45 min to Sapa, a popular French resort in the early 20th century Located at an elevation of 1600m. Sapa is regarded as the meeting point of many different ethnic minorities. Having breakfast and take a free time for hanging around the town for few hours then we trek from the town through pine forests and mountain valleys which surrounded by French architectures. The trek will lead from one to many different unbreathtaking sceneries for pictures of Lao Chai the home of the Black H'mong people and via Tavan village the home of the D'zay tribe. The trek is an absolutely spectacular walk through rice terraces, river and tribal people on their traditional colorful costumes, approximately is about 11km. After picnic lunch, trek to Tavan village the home of the D'zay tribe. Back to Sapa in the afternoon. Accommodation in Sapa. (B,L) (Option: Victoria Sapa Resort ****)
Trekking: ~8km

Day 7| Sapa - Giang Ta Chai - Su Pan - Sapa
After breakfast at hotel, we follow the water buffalo trails to Giang Ta Chai village home of the Red D'zao people. They are the best minority of handmade embroidery and handicrafts in this region, you might have a chance to chat with them in different foreign languages, and find out a lots of culture value and customs from them as well. And then we walk down to Supan via waterfall and the popular rattan bridge. Bus pick up for a short drive back to Sapa. Free time on your own. Accommodation in Sapa. (B,L) (Option: Victoria Sapa Resort ****)
Trekking: ~10km

Day 8| Sapa - Cat Cat - Ta Phin - Lao Cai - Hanoi by night train
After breakfast, trekking down to Cat Cat village the home of the Black H' Mong people is regarded minority hill tribe in this region. We will stop over at one of very typical house and learn about architectures, culture and custom as well. After that we visit a beautiful waterfall where the French built a hydro-power plant to supply the electricity for Sapa town residence during the colonial and then trek back up to the mountain side for the view of valley to see the peak of Fansipan mountain (3,143meters above the sea level). Back to Sapa.
After lunch, drive to Ta Phin village, learn about Red Dao people. Then drive through the mountains to Lao Cai. Night train back to Hanoi with soft bed. Over night on train (B,L) (Option: Victoria Express train)
Train: Passage Dates Train Dep. Arr.
Lao Cai (Sapa) - Hanoi TBD Victoria Express 21.00 06.00

Day 9| Hanoi - Halong Cruise (~157km)
Arrive Hanoi in the early morning, about 05.00am. Transfer to the Restaurant / Café for a breakfast and morning coffee, breakfast. Depart at 8.30 am for a 3.5 hour drive through the picturesque countryside to Ha Long Bay. On the way, visit But Thap pagoda, one old pagoda in Vietnam. Along the way see the farms and rice fields and villages of the North-East. Upon arrival embark on a romantic classic Junk. Welcome wine is offered by the friendly and professional captain and his crew. The boat glides lazily across the unbelievably calm sea, with thousands of precipitous limestone peaks jutting dramatically out of the water. Some of them take on the shapes of fighting cocks, dogs, turtles and lions and others that the imagination creates. After a delicious lunch prepared by our professional local chef, stop at Titop beach for a refreshing swim. Visit the amazing Sung Sot cave. Cruise on and dine on the boat in " the middle of nowhere". The crew will help you fish if that's your pleasure. Be lulled to sleep by the gentle rocking of the boat. Overnight on boat. (L,D)
Driving: ~3.5hours (one way)

Day 10| Halong - Hanoi - Hue
Early risers can enjoy a morning view of Bay's landscape. Sitting on the upper deck, you can enjoy the breath-taking beauty of the rocky islands rising from the crystal-clear water of the Bay. After breakfast, crew will row the sampan for a short visit Luon cave. Afterward, continue your cruise through ever more spectacular landscapes. An early lunch will be served before we disembark the Junk. After lunch disembark the junk around noon. Return to Hanoi and continue to the airport for your flight to Hue. Upon arrival in Hue, meet with your tour guide and driver for transfering to hotel sitting on the bank of the tranquil Perfume River. Accommodation in Hue. (B,L) (Option: La Residence Hotel & Spa *****)
Passage Dates Flight Dep. Arr.
Hanoi - Hue TBD VN 247 17h45 18h55 (The flight's schedule can be change without prior notice)

Day 11| Hue
In the morning, tour the symbol of Hue, the 19th century Royal Citadel and learn the story of Vietnam's royal past under the Nguyen Dynasty. Explore the moated ruins of the Forbidden Purple City. Continue to visit two of the finest examples of Imperial architecture, the tombs of Tu Duc and Khai Dinh. Board private traditional Dragon Boat for transit upriver to visit Thien Mu pagoda and Minh Mang tomb. In the late afternoon free at leisure or exploration of the bustling Dong Ba Market. This evening, you will meet with Mr Phan Thuan An, well known Hue specialist, whose wife is grandaugter of a Vietnamese Princess. They live in the former home of the Princess with his wife and children and grand children. Mr An's father was a very important Madarine of the Nguyen Dynasty. Mr An can speak English and will be glad to share with you the family history. Accommodation in Hue. (B,D) (Option: La Residence Hotel & Spa *****)

Day 12| Hue - Hoi An
After breakfast, have a wonderful drive along the scenic coast, passing through spectacular Hai Van Pass, -the pass in the clouds- and delightful Lang Co Beach. Tour the famous Cham museum where you can see most of the remaining master pieces of Champa Kingdom, an Indianised culture that flourished from the 2 nd to the 15 th AD. Continue on to Hoi An - the charming ancient town, famous as the 17th century trading port of Fai Fo, with its fascinating mix of Chinese, Japanese and French architecture. Accommodation in Hoi An. (B) (Option: Palm Garden Resort *****)

Day 13| Hoi An - Tra Que village biking - Traditional massage - Hoi An City tour
Today, we will explore Hoian's countryside by cycling to Tra Que the famous herbal village and enjoy local specialty and Hoian traditional food massage. Lunch at Tra Que village. Return to Hoian, walking tour of Hoi An - the charming ancient town, famous as the 17th century trading port of Fai Fo, with its fascinating mix of Chinese, Japanese and French architecture. and visit mall shops, local aritist galleries. Order your clothes made at hundreds of tailor shops which Hoian is known for. Visit local specialty workshop such as White Rose and learn to make your own bamboo lantern. Accommodation in Hoi An. (B) (Option: Palm Garden Resort *****)

Day 14| Hoi An free day - Service for accommodation only
Today is free so you can get around or go shopping in this lovely town, or spend your time on Cua Dai beach. Accomodation in Hoi An. (B) (Option: Palm Garden Resort *****)

Day 15| Hoi An - Da Nang - Ho Chi Minh City
More free time in the morning for walking tour or shopping, then departure by private car to nearby Marble Mountain and China Beach for exploration by foot.Continue to Danang Airport for flight to Hochiminh city. Meet guide and transfer to city center hotel (20 minutes). Afternoon and evening strolling Saigon's central district. Accommodation in Hochiminh city. (B) (Option: Park Hyatt hotel *****)
Airlines: Passage Dates Flight Dep. Arr.
Danang - HCM city TDB VN323 11.00 12.10

Day 16| Ho Chi Minh City tour
After breakfast, a short visit to Ben Thanh market for a panorama of the fresh foods that go into making Vietnam's fabulous cuisine. Visit Giac Lam pagoda, the city‘s most stunning pagoda, followed by the city's most famous examples of French Colonial architecture, including the Central Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral. Lunch will be at Quan An Ngon! Further sightseeing in the afternoon, including War Museum Chinatown and the City Theater, where the film -The Quiet American- was shot. Dinner reservations at another of Hochiminh City's finest restaurants. Accommodation in Hochiminh City. (B) (Option: Park Hyatt hotel *****)

Day 17| Ho Chi Minh City - My Tho - Ben Tre - Ho Chi Minh City
Drive to My Tho for a full day cruise on the mighty Mekong River, one of the longest rivers in the world. Explore the river's islands and canals in your own sampan, rowed by men and women living on the river. Meet the friendly local people making coconut candy in their workshop. Talk to the young ladies who sing and play in a local musical performance while you enjoy luscious tropical fruits and home-made honey tea. Taste the amazing local Elephant Ear fish and giant shrimp at lunch in an orchard restaurant cooled by gentle river breezes. Accommodation in Hochiminh City. (B,L) (Option: Park Hyatt hotel *****)

Day 18| Depart Ho Chi Minh CityFree at leisure before taking the flight home. Enjoy the memories for a lifetime. End of the services. (B)

Budget

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Lodging

Geography

Three quarters of Vietnam's territory consists of mountains and hills.
Vietnam is divided into four distinct mountainous zones.
The Northeastern Zone (Viet Bac)

This zone stretches from the Red River Valley to the Gulf of Tonkin. The mountainous area of Viet Bac is scattered with famous sights: Dong Nhat Grotto, Dong Nhi Grotto, and Tam Thanh Grotto in Lang Son Province; Pac Bo Grotto and Ban Gioc Waterfall in Cao Bang; Ba Be Lake in Bac Kan; Yen Tu Mountain and Halong Bay in Quang Ninh; and Tay Con Linh, the highest mountain peak in the region reaching 2,341 meters above sea level.

The Northwestern Zone
This zone is comprised of mountains that run from the north of the Sino-Vietnamese border to the west of Thanh Hoa Province. This magnificent mountain range is nationally known for its resort town of Sapa in Lao Cai Province, which is perched 1500 meters above sea level. Several ethnic groups, such as the H'mong, Dao, Kinh, Tay, Giay, Hoa, and Xa Pho, still reside in this region. The northwestern zone is also famous for the historical site of Dien Bien Phu and Fansipan Mountain, which measures 3,143 meters above sea level at the peak.

The North Truong Son Zone
This zone runs from the western part of Thanh Hoa Province to the Quang Nam-Da Nang Mountains. This region is known locally for its picturesque Phong Nha Grotto and its two breathtaking passes, the Ngang Pass and the Hai Van Pass. It is also known worldwide for being the location of the legendary Ho Chi Minh Trail constructed during the second great resistance war.

The South Truong Son Zone
This zone is located to the west of the south central coast provinces. Behind these huge mountains is a vast area of red soil known locally as "Tay Nguyen" (the Central Highlands). There are numerous legendary accounts of the flora and fauna and of the lives of several different ethnic minorities living in the Central Highlands. Dalat, established during the 19th century, is a popular resort town in this part of Vietnam.

Vietnam has two major deltas, including the Red River Delta in the north and the Mekong River Delta in the south.

The Red River Delta, or Northern Delta
This region stretches for15,000 sq. km. Over time, deposits of alluvium carried from the Red River and Thai Binh River have accumulated to form the delta. The ancient Viet people settled at the junction of the two rivers . At that time, the wet rice civilization was established

The Mekong River Delta, or Southern Delta
This region is approximately 40,000 sq. km. The land is very fertile and has favorable climate conditions for agriculture. As a result, it is the largest rice growing region in Vietnam.
Vietnam is crisscrossed by thousands of streams and rivers. There is a river discharging every 20 kilometers along Vietnam's coastline. The waterways are a very convenient means of transport with major rivers like the Red River in the north and the Mekong River in the south.

Sea
Vietnam's coastline is 3,260km long. If you have a chance to travel along the coast of Vietnam, you will be able to enjoy the beautiful beaches of Tra Co, Sam Son, Lang Co, Non Nuoc, Nha Trang, Vung Tau, and Ha Tien. In some places, you will see mountains jutting out to the sea. One such magnificent site is Halong Bay, which has recently been listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Vietnam's coast has been awarded a series of large seaports, such as the ones at Haiphong, Danang, Qui Nhon, Cam Ranh, Vung Tau, and Saigon. There are thousands of islands and islets scattered offshore from north to south. Among the most popular tourist destinations are the Truong Sa and Hoang Sa Archipelagos.

Culture

In Vietnamese society, people gather together to form villages in rural areas, and guilds in urban areas. Villages and guilds have been forming since the dawn of the nation. These organizations have gradually developed for the population to be more stable and closer together. Each village and guild has its own regulations called conventions.

The purpose of these conventions is the promotion of good customs within populations. All the conventions are different but they are always in accordance with the state laws.

Approximately ten thousands such conventions are kept in the History Museum in Hanoi and in other museums throughout the country.

Climate

Vietnam is located in both a tropical and a temperate zone.
It is characterized by strong monsoon influences, but has a considerable amount of sun, a high rate of rainfall, and high humidity. Regions located near the tropics and in the mountainous regions are endowed with a temperate climate. The monsoon climate also influences to the changes of the tropical humidity. In general, in Vietnam there are two seasons, the cold season occurs from November to April and the hot season from May to October. The difference in temperature between the two seasons in southern is almost unnoticeable, averaging 3ºC. The most noticeable variations are found in the northern where differences of 12ºC have been observed. There are essentially four distinct seasons, which are most evident in the northern provinces(from Hai Van Pass toward to the north):

Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter.
Every year there are 100 rainy days and the average rainfall is 1,500 to 2,000mm. The humidity ranges around 80%. The sunny hours are 1,500 to 2,000 and the average solar radiation of 100kcal/cm2 in a year.

Because Vietnam is affected by the monsoon, that why the average temperature is lower than the other countries which are located in the same longitude in Asia. The annual average temperatures range from 22oC to 27oC. In comparing with these countries, the temperature in winter is colder and in summer is less hotter in Vietnam.

Under influence of monsoon, and further because of the complicated topography, the climate in Vietnam always changes in one year, between the years, or between the areas (from North to South and from low to high). The climate in Vietnam is also under disadvantage of weather, such as typhoons (advantage there are 6-10 storms and tropical low atmosphere in year, floods and droughts are threaten the life and the agriculture of Vietnam).

Hanoi
In Hanoi there are four distinct seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. But it is able to be divided into two main seasons: the rainy season from May to September (it's hot, heavy rain), and the dry season from October to April (it's cold, little rainfall). The annual average temperature is 23.2oC, but in winter the average temperature is 17.2oC. The lowest temperature ever recorded was 2.7oC in 1955. The average summer temperature is 29.2oC, with the highest ever recorded being 42.8oC in 1926. On average, there are 114 rainy days a year with around 1,800mm of rainfall.