Trip Style: Culture & Sightseeing

Service Level: Standard

Physical Grading: Easy

Highlights

Description

This is a soft adventure holiday that combines a bit of activity with culture experiences. This trip has been designed for school student with reasonable amount of time with fare a bit of activities on each spot. You ride your bicycle along quiet village roads and have a unique opportunity to discover traditional village life that has experienced very little change over the centuries. Sail amongst thousands of Karsts limestone islands and islets of Halong Bay. This trip offers great value as it introduces all the main sights in the country, providing plenty of flexibility so you can share great experiences with your fellow friends.

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Trip overview

Sweet Memory of Vietnam

From US$ 863
Tour Code: SMOVN
Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
Destination: Hanoi - Maichau - Hanoi - Halong - Hoian - Hochiminh City
Commence: All time around the year upon request

Itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival (D)
Welcome to Vietnam! On arrival at the airport, you will be picking up and transfer to your hotel. If time permits, we can start our touring with the visit to the Temple of Literature. In the afternoon, take a rickshaw ride rambling through the maze of Hanoi's old quarter. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner at a loHa Noical restaurant with authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 2: Hanoi to Maichau (D)
Today, we drive 140km south west of Hanoi along the scenic country road to Mai Chau, this valley offers a splendid vista of a valley surrounded by lush landscape, and stilt houses inhabited mainly by the White Thai ethnic group. On arrival, you will be welcome by our host family with some green tea and afterward we start to cycle to the nearby Thai villages for watching local artisans weaving their beautiful handicrafts. Return to our house for some cold drinks before diner. Tonight you will be entertained by a traditional dance perFormance by the local Thai tribe. Overnight in the traditional house built on stilt of the Thai minority.

Day 3: Maichau to Hanoi (B)
After breakfast, we begin with another easy ride passing peaceful Thai villages to see the daily lives of the white Thai people such as rice planting, herding water buffalos and building traditional houses. And then we say goodbye to our host family and return to Hanoi for some more touring at Hochiminh complex or visit to the infamous Hanoi Hilton prison. Tonight you have reserved seats for an unforgettable show at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre. Overnight in Hanoi

Day 4: Hanoi- Halong Bay (B, L, D)
Hoi An Leave the bustling city of Hanoi for Halong city, drive through lush green rice paddies of the Red river delta. Stopping along the way for photos opportunities and learning how Vietnamese people cultivating their rice and doing their garden. Upon arrival in Halong city, our boat crew will greet you with a special seafood lunch whilst cruising around the bay to explore a fantastic view of the picturesque scenery blending with the sky. Enjoy our cruise amongst thousands of limestone karsts Formations which are littered with beaches, grottoes and beautiful caves. Visit one of the many hidden grottoes beneath towering cliffs and swim off the boat or in one of many sandy beaches. Tonight, our chef will prepare you a sumptuous seafood dinner and some authentic Vietnamese dishes. Overnight on our traditional Junk.

Day 5: Halong Bay-Danang-Hoian (B, L)
Enjoy the sunrise and quiet atmosphere of the bay in the morning. After breakfast with some tea and Vietnamese coffee we continue to visit the Luon Cave then move toward the islets in the shape of Man's Head, and Tortoise Island. Lunch will be served on board before disembarkation for the drive to Hanoi airport. We take a short flight to Danang then transfer to Hoian. After check in, the rest of the day is at your leisure. Overnight in Hoian.

Day 6: Hoian (B)
After your breakfast, enjoy a walking tour in the ancient town of Hoian to the Japanese Covered Bridge, Phung Hung Ancient House, Phuc Kien Assembly Hall and Chua Ong Pagoda. Afterward, we ride on our bicycle off the town to Cuadai beach for a swim or playing some sports with your group on this white sandy beach. In the afternoon, enjoy your free time at the hotel pool or riding around the local stores for some photo opportunities. (join in one of the cooking class in Hoian for a fun-filled experience: Optional). Overnight in Hoian.

Day 7: Hoian - Hochiminh City –Cuchi Tunnels (B, D)
Cu Chi Tunnels Today, we take a short flight to dynamic Hochiminh city, followed by an orientation visit to the Former Presidential Palace, the War Remnants Museum, the colonial Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Saigon Post Office. Afterwards we continue to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, which were an incredible underground network constructed by Vietnamese fighters during the long struggle for independence. The complex system of underground tunnels contained innumerable trap doors, specially constructed living areas, storage facilities, weapons factories, field hospitals, command centers and kitchens. Today the remaining tunnels have become a major tourist attraction giving the visitor a unique experience and a feel of what underground life in the American/Vietnam war must have been like. Tonight, your tour guide will host a lavish farewell celebration dinner. Overnight in Hochiminh city.

Day 8: Hochiminh City Departure (B)
Today, you will have free time for your own activities in Hochiminh city until the pick up time for the airport transfer to your onward flight.