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Overview

Private adventure travel to Vietnam

This package offers a complete discovery of Vietnam, from north to south. This private travel will take you to the heart of Vietnam and offers a wide array of remarkable sites and landscapes. Between the beaches, the cultural sites, meeting the locals and seeing historical cities, this trip is full of history, culture and adventure!

This well-balanced adventure trip begins with an exploration of North Vietnam, a real treat for the traveler interested in setting out on foot through untamed lands, to discover a very genuine and still relatively unknown region, where ethnic minorities have managed to maintain the traditional lifestyle of their ancestors. Your hike will take you to the village of Tam Dung, home to a number of surprising landscapes of rocky peaks rising out of the earth and the sea. Local schedules permitting, you will have the opportunity to visit one of their weekly markets, always a unique experience.
Your private travel in Vietnam then takes you to Halong for a cruise through fairytale landscapes. From Hanoî, you will travel towards Hue, historic center of the country. Accompanied by a private local guide you will visit the imperial city of Hue and the ancient land of Danang. En route towards the south of the country, your private guide will take you to Whale Island for a three-day stopover. This will be your opportunity to relax on the gorgeous beaches or, if you prefer, go scuba diving or sailing. This is Vietnam's paradise island, which the tourist crowds have yet to discover.
Your private adventure trip will end in Saigon, after one night on the unique waterways of the Mekong Delta that we will discover by boat and bike! This is a ‘'love at first sight'' trip!
Do not hesitate to contact our expert specialist of Vietnam for more information about this wonderful private adventure trip!

Itinerary

Day 1| International flight

Day 2| Arrival Hanoi
Arrive Noi Bai Airport, clear immigration and customs, and meet guide with big smile and flowers outside the terminal for transfer the downtown, 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.

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, to 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. In this afternoon, we enjoy a water puppet show, a unique art of Vietnam. This evening, we enjoy a welcome to Vietnamese dinner and receive a tour orientation at an authentic Vietnamese restaurant. Accommodation in Hanoi. (B,D)
(Note: Hochiminh Mausoleum and museums are closed on Monday and Friday)

Day 4| Hanoi - Tam Coc - Hoa Lu - 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. Enjoy a wonderfull rowing sampan trip to visit Tam Coc (Three Grottoes) in a supper-quiet litter river between rice paddies and steep Rocky Mountains. 12h00 lunch at the restaurant. After that drive to visit Hoa Lu ancient citadel, you will find the vestiges and the culture of Vietnamese feudalism that under the 10th century. Back to Hanoi about 4.00pm. Accommmodation in Hanoi. (B,L)
Driving: ~2hours

Day 5| Hanoi free day - Sapa by night train - Service for the train only
Free time all day. 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)
(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 - 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,L,D)
Trekking: ~8km

Day 7| Ta Van - Giang Ta Chai - Sapa
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. And then we walk to the main road via waterfall and the popular rattan bridge. Bus pick up for a short drive back to Sapa. Check in hotel. Accommodation in Sapa. (B,L)
Trekking: ~10km

Day 8| Sapa - Hanoi by night train
After breakfast, take a short walk around to explore Sapa town. After lunch, 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 for relax then drive through the mountains to Lao Cai. Night train back to Hanoi with soft bed. Over night on train (B)

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. 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: ~3.5hours (one way)

Day 10| Halong - Hanoi
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. On the back to Hanoi stop for a break at a ceramic workshop to see workers creating traditional style Vietnamese ceramic. Back to hanoi at about 4pm. Accommodation in Hanoi. (B,L)

Day 11| Hanoi - Nha Trang
After breakfast, free time in the morning.
Afternoon, drive to the airport for the flight to Nha Trang. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel. Accommodation in Nha Trang. (B)


Days 12-13| Nha Trang free day - No services
Relaxing at the beach. (B)

Day 14| Nha Trang - Ho Chi Minh City
Last free day in Nha Trang. In the late afternoon, transfer to the airport for the flight to Hochiminh City. Meet guide at the airport and transfer to hotel. Accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City. (B)
Airlines:
Passage Dates Flight Dep. Arr.
Nha Trang - HCMC TBD VN455 17.00 17.55

Day 15| Ho Chi Minh City - Can Tho (~190km)
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. Arrive Can Tho in the late afternoon. Accommodation in Can Tho. (B,L)
Driving: ~4hours (one way)

Day 16| 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 Ho Chi Minh City (B,L)

Day 17| 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 a delightful surprise featuring authentic local cuisine! Further sightseeing in the afternoon, including Chinatown and the City Theater, where the film -The Quiet American- was shot. Accommodation in Hochiminh City. (B)

Day 18| Depart Ho Chi Minh City
Free at leisure before taking the flight home. Enjoy the memories for a lifetime. End of the services and flight back home. (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.