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Overview

Tailor-made trip to Vietnam

Travel off the beaten track! Here is an inexpensive trip, ideal for travelers wishing to discover Vietnam independently. With unpretentious accommodation arrangements and a very affordable cost, this tailor-made trip is designed for autonomous travelers who want to explore the country off the beaten track, without being accompanied by a local guide.
You will be provided with a rental car and a private driver who is very familiar with the itinerary (but speaks only Vietnamese!). For the rest, you are free to make all necessary arrangements and hire guides locally. Further reading on Vietnam is strongly recommended to compensate for the absence of a guide. It must be noted that a guide is provided for the trekking section of the trip in the northern part of the country.
The itinerary is specifically designed to offer you the most complete experience of Vietnam, from North to South. It includes a visit of the Sapa markets and Northern tribes, a Halong Bay cruise, a cultural discovery of Central Vietnam, with stops in Hue and Hoi An, as well as a journey on the Mekong River to conclude the trip.
This is your chance to discover the Vietnam that lies beyond the beaten paths. A tailor-made trip which is affordable, full of surprises and discoveries...and above all, that fits YOUR needs!

Do not hesitate to contact our Vietnam specialist for more information on this tailor made trip.

Itinerary

Day 1| International flight
Flight to Hanoi

Day 2| Arrival in Hanoi
Reception and greetings at the Noi Bai International Airport with warm smile and flowers, and transfer to your hotel. Overnight at hotel, Hanoi.

Day 3| Hanoi free day - Services for accommodation only
Free day to discover Hanoi City on your own. Overnight at hotel, Hanoi. (B)

Day 4| Hanoi - Halong (~157km)
Depart at 7.30 am for a 3.5 hour drive through the picturesque countryside to Ha Long Bay. 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. (B,L,D)
Driving: 3.5hrs (one way)

Day 5| Halong - Hanoi - Sapa by night train
Early risers can enjoy a morning view of the 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. Back to hanoi at about 4pm. Free time for your own shopping and dinner, then transfer to the train station for the night train to Sapa with soft berth. Overnight on train. (B)
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| Sapa - Lao Chai - Ta Van homestay
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. Homestay in Tavan village. (B,D)
Walking: ~11km
Level of difficulty during the trek adjustable by customer

Day 7| Ta Van - Giang Ta Chai - Ban Ho homestay
After breakfast, 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. Picnic lunch will be served by the bank of the stream before we are heading to Ban ho which is the homeland of the Tay people. Enjoy the Vietnamese green tea and watching the sunset down to the valley of Ban Ho. Overnight in the local family. (B,L,D)
Walking: ~10km
Level of difficulty during the trek adjustable by customer

Day 8| Ban Ho - Sapa - Trekking
Enjoy another day at the remote village in Sapa. After breakfast, walk around Banho. After turning narrow peaks appear, pitons or sugar loaves. The magnificent setting of mountains gives the image of an array of prints. Return to Sapa by car on a track winding over steep slopes. Overnight in Sapa. (B)
Walking: ~6km

Day 9| Sapa free day - Hanoi
Free day to explore Sapa town, visit the market in Sapa, see the local residents exchange their agricultural products. Late afternoon, drive back to Lao Cai station for the night train to Hanoi with soft bed. Overnight on train. (B)
Trekking: ~5km

Day 10| Hanoi free day - Services for accommodation only
Arrive Hanoi in the early morning, about 05.00am. Transfer to the Restaurant / Café for your own breakfast and morning coffee. You can go for a walk to Hoan Kiem Lake to see the local people play badminton or and practice Taichi on the beautiful Hoan Kiem lake. Make contact with local inhabitants for a real local encounter with rural Vietnam. Today, you are free for shopping or more sight seeing on your own. Overnight at hotel.
Check in time hotel is 13.00 (early check in is subject to availability)

Day 11| Hanoi - Hue by night train - Services for train only
Free all day. In the evening, transfer to Hanoi train station for the night train to Hue. Overnight on train. (B)

Day 12| Hue free day - Services for accommodation only
Arrive Hue in the early morning. Free day in Hue to discover Hue City. Overnight at hotel in Hue. (B)

Day 13| Hue - Hoi An (~130km) - Services for accommodation onlyTransfer from Hue to Hoi An by public bus.
Arrive Hoi An, check in hotel and free time for relax. (B)
Driving: 2,5hrs

Day 14| Hoi An free day - Services for accommodation only
2 beautiful days in Hoian free to discover this charming city in the World Heritage of Unesco. Accommodation in Hoi An. (B)

Day 15| Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh City via Danang - Services for accommodation & flight
More free time in the morning for walking tour or shopping, then departure by private car to Danang Airport for flight to Hochiminh city. Accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City. (B)
Airlines:
Passage Dates Flight Dep. Arr. Status
Danang - HCM City TBD VN 323 13.40 15.30

Day 16| Ho Chi Minh City - Can Tho (~170km)
After breakfast, depart by car to the "rice basket" of Vietnam - the Mekong Delta where the mighty Mekong River ends its journey from mountain of China to the South China Sea, splitting into seven major branches as it traverses the soggy delta, a fertile area of almost 50,000 square kilometers. The delta is a region of extraordinary energy and market commerce, with burgeoning markets, floating markets, fruit orchards, and more coconuts than you'd want to contemplate. The delta is a relaxing place, with good food, pleasant river trips, cheap boats, and friendly people. One is never far from water in the delta, and boats in some districts are the main mode of transportation. Intriguing in the backwaters are the floating markets, which have disappeared in other parts of Asia. We'll be sightseeing by sampan, cruising along the quiet back-roads and canals of the Delta, stopping for lunch of tropical fruits and seafood. After lunch, continued exploration of the waterfront villages through the vast rice field landscapes and the home of a local farming family. Accommodation in Can Tho. (B,L,D)
Driving: 4hrs (one way)

Day 17| Can Tho - Ho Chi Minh City
Early morning sampan cruise to Cai Rang floating market, through the waterways, and for a short walk to a rice husking mill and a chance at crossing one of the many bamboo -monkey bridges- along the canals. Lunch featuring specialties of the Mekong. Afternoon return to Hochiminh City. Late afternoon and evening free time for relax or last minute shopping on your own. Accomodation in Hochiminh City (B)

Day 18| Depart Ho Chi Minh City - Services for airport transfer
Free at leisure before taking the flight home. Enjoy the memories for a lifetime. Ends of the services. (B)

Budget

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Other fees

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.