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Day 1: Hanoi

Accommodation: Gondola Hotel

Transfer from Hanoi airport to your hotel

Welcome to Hanoi, the capital of unified Vietnam. One of the most charming and memorable cities in South East Asia, Hanoi has large shady avenues, numerous lakes, manicured gardens and well-preserved architecture, as well as an Old Quarter to truly shake the senses. Upon arrival, meet your driver and enjoy a quick transfer to your hotel.

Estimated travel time: 45 minutes.

At leisure in Hanoi

Today you will have free time to take in the remarkable atmosphere of Hanoi, Vietnam's bustling capital and second largest city. Relax, meander or explore at your leisure.

A great place to start would be the ancient streets of the Old Quarter. Hectic, buzzing and a treat for the senses - your expectations of urban Vietnam will likely be met here. Distinguished from one another by trade, each historically named street translates to the product sold (e.g. Hang Non roughly translates to 'Hat Street'; Hang Gai, 'Silk Street'). But be prepared to negotiate if you go shopping - Hanoi is notorious for its haggling culture.

The Old Quarter is also a prime location for Hanoi's varied and delicious street food. Eating a bowl of famous Pho Ga (chicken noodle soup) or Pho Bo (beef noodle soup) while squeezed onto a plastic table with other locals is a quintessential Vietnamese experience. Banh Mi (the traditional sandwich), barbecued pork and a cup of fresh drip coffee are also firm favourites of this country's cuisine. 

If you've not been already, taking a walk around the still waters of Hoan Kiem Lake, with its scenic red-painted bridge at the north end, provides a sense of calm among the hubbub. As a central feature of the city, it also acts as a useful point of reference when navigating.

To further explore Hanoi's contrasting fusion of old and new, hop in a taxi or cyclo. Modernised shopping centres, towering skyscrapers, and countless restaurants reside alongside historical statues, religious buildings, museums and an array of architecture full of both Vietnamese and French influence.

Day 2: Hanoi

Accommodation: Gondola Hotel

Discover Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum

Ho Chi Minh, a key revolutionary leader and former president, is one of the most revered figures in Vietnamese history. For this reason, his Mausoleum is highly honoured by the Vietnamese people. Built in the centre of Ba Dinh Square, the granite building was modelled on Lenin's tomb in Moscow and was constructed between 1973 and 1975. Ho Chi Minh's remains are embalmed and displayed here, in the same place where he read the Declaration of Independence in 1945, thus establishing the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.

There are often queues to enter the central hall, where people can pay their respects. Strict rules around dress and behaviour apply here - you must cover your legs, try to remain silent and generally behave with dignity. Also note that there is strictly no photography inside the building, and be mindful of opening times.

Visit Tran Quoc Pagoda

Perched on a small peninsula on the east side of West Lake, Tran Quoc Pagoda is regarded as the most ancient pagoda in Hanoi. Thought to have been built in the sixth century, it is around 1,500 years old. The eye-catching Buddhist tower is made of 11 levels, and makes for a striking silhouette at sunset. Wandering the grounds you'll spot a Bodhi Tree - this was grown from a cutting of the original tree in India, where Buddha is believed to have sat and achieved enlightenment. It was given to Vietnam as a gift by the Indian President in 1959.

Discover the Temple of Literature

The grand Temple of Literature was constructed in 1070 and is dedicated to Confucius - a popular Chinese philosopher, teacher and politician. The building is testament to the most academically accomplished in Vietnamese history, as well as respected literary figures. It is not unusual to see young students coming to the temple to pray for good grades.

See the Museum of Ethnology

This museum will help you further your understanding of the 54 ethnic minorities inhabiting Vietnam; it houses a fantastic collection of tribal art, everyday objects and unique artefacts from all over the country. Colourful and informative, the various exhibits form a brilliant picture of the diversity of the Vietnamese people. Besides being a popular tourist attraction and a fantastic way to preserve the heritage of ethnic minority culture, it also acts as a centre for ethnographic research, and is used by many anthropologists and cultural experts.

Street Food Tour of Hanoi's Old Quarter

The Old Quarter of Hanoi is synonymous with world class street food: you'll have an abundance of authentic Vietnamese delicacies at your fingertips. This excursion takes you to typical local hang-outs, from the central food markets to the archetypal street food merchants. Chat to the stall vendors, taste bits and pieces, and discover how the food is made and where it is sourced. There will be plenty of close contact with delicious, artisanal ingredients, and you'll leave with first-hand knowledge of the fantastic flavours that Vietnam is known for. A tempting way to discover lesser-known parts of Hanoi- make sure you're hungry!

Watch a show at the Water Puppet Theatre

The renowned Thang Long Water Puppet Show takes place in its own theatre in Hanoi, telling musical stories with water as the stage.  The puppets are controlled by no more than eight puppeteers hiding behind a bamboo screen, who move to music depicting ancient myths and folk tales. The show is considered to be one of the cultural highlights of Northern Vietnam, dating back to a tradition that first started in the Red River Delta in the 11th century. It is a popular tourist attraction, but deservedly so. The puppeteers are very skilled and the show is highly enjoyable.

Day 3: Duong Lam, Nghia Lo

Accommodation: Nghia Lo Hotel

Transfer from Hanoi to Nghia Lo

Get ready to start getting off-the-beaten track as you head out to the gorgeous northern hill provinces. You'll be picked up from your hotel in Hanoi and driven to the village of Nghia Lo. There will be chances to stop on the way.

Estimated journey time - 5 to 6 hours, depending on stops.

Visit the Mia Pagoda

One of the ten oldest pagodas in Vietnam, the Mia Pagoda is an ancient example of traditional Vietnamese temple design, with the additional highlight of 287 Buddha statues.

Situated on a hill and surrounded by greenery, it also makes for a pleasantly serene dose of Buddhist history.

Explore Duong Lam Ancient Village

This purely agricultural village is renowned for its many ancient houses, which were built with laterite blocks around four hundred years ago. Have a wander around the historical roads, visit the temples here, and watch the villagers making local specialities such as soft-green lentil cake, and rice cake filled with brown onion.

Discover the daily life of ethnic White Thai people

After going through the Trung Ha Bridge you'll come across Nghia Lo village. Here you'll stop to discover more about the daily life of the ethnic White Thai people, a 700 year old tribal minority. Though Buddhism is the most widespread religion across Vietnam, the majority of the North's tribal ethnic people mostly live their life through animism - the worship of spirits which come from people, animals and plant-life.

Day 4: Mu Cang Chai, Sapa

Accommodation: Bamboo Hotel

Transfer from Nghia Lo to Tu Le

You'll be driven from Nghia Lo to the rural village of Tu Le.

Estimated travel time - 1 hour 20 minutes.

Visit the Thai ethnic village of Tu Le

Take in the serene atmosphere of the quiet village of Tu Le, a Thai ethnic settlement set amongst green expanses and lush rice fields. With such a low number of tourists in this area this is one of the best off-the-beaten track places in Vietnam, you'll have the chance to meet some friendly locals who live each day in their traditional dress, and to visit a Thai family.

Stop at Khau Pha pass

Here the wonderfully scenic rice terraces continue on - especially on the shoulder of Khau Pha. This spot has a superb view over the valley with mountains reaching out to the horizon. It's one of the best views in the region, so be sure to take some photos.

Stop at the highest pass in Vietnam

Your vehicle will then climb an ascending road up to Heaven Gate - the highest pass in Vietnam.

This stop offers stunning panoramas of the valley below and a fantastic view of majestic Mt. Fansipan, the highest peak of Indochina's mountains.  Stop briefly to enjoy the freshness and take stock of the unbeatable surroundings.

Stop at La Pan Tan, Che Cu Nha or De Su Phinh village

There are multiple ethnic minority villages across the Mu Cang Chai region, belonging to local villagers in various traditional costume. Their homes are dotted among the most spectacular rice terraces in Vietnam, and the mild climate provides visitors with a calming freshness; a rare find when exploring the hectic cities further south.

The terraced rice paddies sprawl out into the distance, and fantastic photo opportunities appear at every meandering walkway. Chat to the locals about their customs and how they make their livelihoods, or share a cup of tea while sat among the lush greenery.

Day 5: SAPA

Accommodation: Bamboo Hotel

Trekking in Muong Hoa valley

After a two hour trek up a rocky path, you'll head to Hang Da - a village inhabited by the Black Hmong people. The picturesque settlement hides itself under lush trees, high up on Den Thang Mountain. Explore this ancient village and chat to local families; the way of life has barely changed here for hundreds of years.

You'll enjoy a well-made lunch before continuing the trek along the same trail. Ascending alongside the mountainside for about half an hour, it offers a spectacular view of Muong Hoa Valley. The next stop is Thao Hong Den, another village of the Black Hmong, where you can relax and enjoy the lush surroundings in fresh air while interacting with locals.

Ready to continue? The track now descends downhill for another hour and finishes at Pho village, a quiet settlement at the centre of Hau Thao commune.

Transfer from Hau Thao commune to Sapa

From the village of Hau Thao you'll be picked up and taken to Sapa.

Estimated travel time - 30 minutes.

Day 6: Lao Cai, Bac Ha

Accommodation: Sao Mai Hotel

Transfer from Sapa to Bac Ha

From the misty heights of Sapa, you'll be picked up and taken to the Bac Ha district. On the way there will be a quick stop to look at Cau Kieu - the friendship bridge that links Vietnam to China.

Estimated travel time - up to 3 hours.

Discover Hoang a Tuong's Palace

This grand house situated in the town centre was constructed by both French colonists and the Chinese, between 1914 and 1921. It was lived in by Hoang A Tuong - a rich and powerful man remembered as a former 'king' of the Hmong people.

Though recently painted yellow, it is a largely unrestored structure, and remains a charming artefact of Hmong colonial history at almost a hundred years old.

Discover Hmong minority villages around Bac Ha

Bac Ha is home to various villages inhabited by the Hmong ethnic minority tribe - the most populous tribe in the northwest region. Feel free to walk around to visit these friendly villagers, share a cup of tea in their houses, or to visit the lush and green fields of vegetables that surround them.

They'll be happy to answer questions and it's an enlightening experience to hear about their customs and way of life.

Day 7: Lao Cai, Ha Giang

Accommodation: Homestay in Ha Giang

Experience Bac Ha market

Considered the liveliest and most thriving market in the region, the Bac Ha fair (open each Sunday) sends the usually sleepy town into a hive of activity.

An array of gorgeous ethnic costumes flood the streets each week, as a large number of Flower Hmong and other hill-tribe groups such as Nung, Phu La, and Tay all flock to the area to buy, sell and socialise. It makes for fantastic photo opportunities.

Be sure to barter if wanting to buy wares here, or just peruse the stalls at leisure, absorbing the high-spirited hubbub of rural Vietnamese trade.

N.B.: As Bac Ha market is open on Sunday only, the following markets may replace Bac Ha market according to your arrival date:

• Can Cau market on Saturday morning
• Coc Ly market on Tuesday morning
• Cao Son market on Wednesday morning

Transfer from Bac Ha to Ha Giang (via Pho Rang)

You'll be taken on a scenic journey through the mountains from Bac Ha to Ha Giang. It is a beautiful route and you'll pass stunning surroundings. Feel free to ask the driver to stop at any point if you'd like to look around.

Estimated travel time - up to 6 hours (perhaps longer depending on stops).

Day 8: Ha Giang, Dong Van

Accommodation: Lam Tung Hotel

Visit the Phuong Thien nursery, infirmary and village

Walk & enjoy the small, peaceful settlement of Phuong Thien, nestled among the crisp air of the green hills. As well as talking to the local people here, you can also visit the nursery and meet some village children. When possible, you can look around the village infirmary.

Transfer from Ha Giang to Dong Van (via Quan Ba and Yen Minh)

You'll depart for Dong Van via the villages of Quan Ba and Yen Minh.

The remote region of Dong Van is a land of rugged mountains and beautiful hill tribe villages which have remained unchanged for centuries. Today we head northwest out of Ha Giang Town towards this northernmost tip of Vietnam.

Estimated journey time - around 4 hours 30 minutes.

Visit Vuong's Palace

You'll stop in the valley to visit a grand house known as Vuong's Palace. Home to Vuong Duc Chinh and his son, Vuong Chi Sinh - they were seen as very powerful men in the Hmong region due to their property and wealth.

Vuong Duc Chinh was a mandarin under Nguyen Dynasty, who became rich from dealing goods - but mostly opium. As a landlord he built this mansion as a way to assert his power over the local area, also supplying the surrounding Hmong people with weapons in order to create his own loyal army.

Vuong hired a Chinese architect to design the building based on the rules of feng shui. He claimed the valley was a perfect site for construction due to the turtle-shape of the terrain, which signified wealth and prosperity.

Day 9: Dong Van, Lung Cu, Meo Vac

Accommodation: Auberge Meo Vac

Experience Dong Van's market and old district

Dong Van's old district is an eye-opening display of ethnic tribal everyday life. When the market is in full-swing, the sloping roofs of the market stalls protrude above a sea of colourful, traditional head-dresses worn by the local people. This ancient village nestled among jutting hills will give you a glimpse into rural life not often seen by tourists.

Transfer from Dong Van to Lung Cu

The car will now drive you from Dong Van to the settlement of Lung Cu.

Estimated journey time - 1 hour 30 minutes.

Climb Lung Cu flag tower

Catching the eye for miles around, the vibrant red and yellow of the Vietnamese flag billows high at Lung Cu - a flag tower on a peak 1700m above sea level. It's quite a strenuous climb up the many concrete steps to the top. But rest assured, you will be rewarded at the top with unbeatable birds-eye views of the Ha Giang region.

From the summit, keep an eye out for two lakes, or 'wells' -  local Lolo legend says these are the eyes of a sacred dragon.

Transfer from Lung Cu to Meo Vac

Time to drive to the village of Meo Vac. There will be a stop on the way to see some stunning scenery of the valley.

Estimated journey time - 2 hours 30 minutes.

Stop at Mont Ma Phi Leng

In the heart of this mountainous region, now at a moderate climate - you'll cross the Mont Ma Phi Leng.

At over 2000 metres altitude, there's a breath-taking view over the valley; dotted with terraced hemp fields, karst hills, traditional stilt houses and the sublime Nho Que River. This romantic and quiet river has its source in China, and expands on Vietnamese territory like a band of white silk.

Walk around village of Meo Vac

You'll arrive in Meo Vac, a region highly populated by the flowery Hmong tribe. You'll recognise them by their mostly black robes with brightly coloured trim, and high-standing head-dresses.

Walk through the village environment here and imagine the long and vast history that has existed among these colourful people.

Day 10: Meo Vac, Bao Lac

Accommodation: Thuy Duong Hotel

Explore Lung Phinh market

Lung Phinh market is some 16km from Meo Vac, and is set up in the morning on the days of the Tiger and Monkey, according to the lunar calendar.

It is the largest and most authentic Northeast Vietnam market and attracts all the minorities in the region. Hmong, Dzao, Cao Lan, Lolo, Tay and others all congregate here to sell, buy, eat and socialise - the town becomes a centre of colour and activity. A great representation of rural Vietnamese lifestyle.

Transfer from Meo Vac to Bao Lac

You'll now be transferred back to the Bao Lac district.

Estimated travel time - 2 hours 30 minutes.

Day 11: Bao Lac, Ba Be

Accommodation: Home of Tay ethnic minority in the Pac Ngoi village

Visit Lolo village

After a brief trip by car you'll hike two kilometres to visit Lolo village. The Lolo tribe women are recognisable from their black tunics with colourful woven strips in the centre of their backs, and black turbans. The village people live in wooden stilt houses.

The Black Lolo is a tribe more often encountered when going 'off the beaten track' in the northwest of Vietnam.

Transfer from Bao Lac to Ba Be

Journey through the mountainous regions from Bao Lac to Ba Be.

Estimated travel time - 4 hours 30 minutes.

Explore the Hua Ma cave

Hua Ma means 'Horse’s head' and is a cave situated on a mountain 300m above sea level.

This cave complex is 800m long and 50m high, and is home to some beautiful stalactites and stalagmites in various shapes and sizes. Formed naturally over millions of years, Hua Ma cave is a great spot for absorbing the dark, lofty heights above, as well as an interesting site geologically.

Day 12: Ba Be, Hanoi

Accommodation: Gondola Hotel

Boat trip on Ba Be lake

Here you'll take a boat across Ba Be lake on the way to Ba Be National Park. Surrounded by rugged limestone towers and lush, swooping rainforest, it is Vietnam’s only natural mountain lake. This wild and important ecosystem is teaming with flora and fauna, including more than 330 species of butterflies.

Reaching the end of the lake you'll continue the trip along the Nang River until arriving at the Puong cave - an incredible 30 metres high and 300 metres long.

Transfer from Ba Be to Hanoi

Time to return to civilisation. Your trip will continue on south until you arrive at Hanoi.

Estimated travel time - 5 hours 30 minutes.

Day 13: Halong Bay

Accommodation: Oriental Sails

Transfer from Hanoi to Halong Bay

Enjoy a transfer from Hanoi to Halong Bay.  As you head east towards the coastal strip, there'll be a chance to stop at a small shopping complex with a very clean toilet. Have a chat with the sales staff if you do browse, but you are under no obligation to buy anything and it is perfectly acceptable to just use the toilet.

Estimated travel time: up to 4 hours, traffic dependant.

Cruise of Halong Bay - First day

The best way to experience the majesty of Halong Bay is on an overnight boat trip. You will embark at Halong City port at around 12.30pm (your guide will ensure you get on the right boat!). From there your cruiser will head out into the bay. The precise routes are tightly controlled by the government so you will see other boats heading in a similar direction to you.

On a typical first day there are opportunities to tour parts of the bay - perhaps to observe floating villages or take a trip to to a nearby beach. No trip is compulsory - if you prefer, you can just sit on deck and relax, take in the scenery or read a book. The real perk to an overnight cruise is the incredible light on Halong Bay at sunset and sunrise. You need a bit of luck to get perfect conditions, but even in the mist, it's a dream-like experience.

NB: Cruising on Halong Bay is a gamble, but well worth taking. The brochure photos always look amazing, but don't be surprised if the weather is unpredictable - it's in the nature of a sea cruise.

Cruise of Halong Bay - Choose your first activity

Your cruise of Halong Bay is with Oriental Sails - relax and enjoy lunch on board as the striking limestone islands of Bai Tu Long Bay pass you by. For an activity today, you can choose one of the following two excursions:

(1) Visit a local fishing village - There are many fishing communities in Halong Bay, hidden among many coves and bays. From your main vessel you will take a bamboo rowing boat trip (around 45 minutes) to Vung Vieng- one of the largest fishing villages in Halong Bay. The village is set in a closed lagoon surrounded by mountains, so an excellent setting for some good photos - and you'll have plenty of chances to see the goings-on of the local people.

(2) Beaching and kayaking - Surrounded by emerald sea, and with stunning views of the famous limestone islands in the distance - the many beaches of the Halong area are truly unique. Today you can be stop off at one of them to enjoy the sand and the sea. Get your paddle ready - as you'll also get the chance to cruise the water in a kayak. Breathe the sea air, enjoy the iconic views and see the intriguing island towers up close.

Cruise of Halong Bay - Happy Hour, cooking class and evening activities

Compared to the chaos of Hanoi, Halong Bay is a haven of peace and quiet. So enjoy it while you can and partake in Happy Hour! The light of the bay is at its most appealing at this time (less harsh, and better suited to the sea) - so savour a well-deserved drink with a beautiful backdrop. Following this, there's the chance to join in a hands-on cooking class with the Oriental Sails Chef, before settling down for a delicious dinner.

Then in the evening, you have a choice of activities to take part in. Socialise with other guests, take part in some night squid-fishing, or just unwind on the deck. For the livelier among you, partying is encouraged (until 10 in the evening)! You will spend the night on board the boat, at rest in the Cong Do area.

Day 14: Halong Bay

Cruise of Halong Bay - Second Day

On your second day of a Halong Bay cruise, make for the deck early (if you can bear to leave your bed!) to see a spectacular sunrise. Like sunset, it's the best time of day to see the incredible land and seascapes of the bay. After a leisurely breakfast, the boat will move slowly back to port. Typically there will be optional stops and activities along the way - the crew will keep you up to date on the schedule.

Cruise of Halong Bay - Tai Chi on the sundeck

Tai Chi is a calming, refreshing way to start your day. If you'd like to give this age-old practise a go, there is an optional session on the sundeck early in the morning. A satisfying breakfast will be served shortly after.

Cruise of Halong Bay - Visit Thien Canh Son cave

Thien Canh Son is an atmospheric and beautifully lit cave in the Bai Tu Long Bay area. Impressive stalagmites swell up from the rocky ground, while beams of light shine down through jutting, glistening stalactites. After a day or two at sea, it's an enchanting excursion to dry land. You'll likely visit the cave immediately after breakfast. After this, you'll return to the boat for an early lunch as the vessel heads back to the harbour.

Transfer from Halong Bay to Hanoi Airport

After disembarking your Halong Bay boat, you will be collected and driven back to Hanoi for your upcoming flight. There will be a toilet stop on the way.

Estimated travel time: up to 4 hours, traffic dependant.

DAY 1: Arrive Luang Prabang
Meet and greet at airport and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day if free for you to start exploring the local area.
| OVERNIGHT:
Luang Prabang hotel
| MEALS:
None
| EXTRAS:
Single room supplement (LATMUI), Extra day in Luang Prabang - pre-tour
DAY 2: Luang Prabang city tour, Pak Ou caves, & night markets
After breakfast, you will first visit Royal Palace Museum, which was built in 1904 during the French colonial era for King Sisavang Vong and his family. We then embark on a leisure cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which also gives us a breathtaking view of the tranquil countryside, before reaching the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims. Along the way, we stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where they make the local rice wine. On arrival back in the city, we will visit magnificent Wat Xiengthong a superb piece of Lao temple architecture, which presents a sweeping two-tiered roof and ornate mosaics including a beautiful ‘tree of life ‘glass montage on the rear temple wall. Afterwards, we will visit the Traditional Art and Ethnology Center (closed on Monday) to learn about Laos’ many ethnic cultures. From there, we will transfer to visit Wat Prabath to admire the sunset; this is the really peaceful place to catch the last beauty of the day. The tour ends after a visit to the famous Night Market, where you can find a lovely collection of handmade textiles made by local and hilltribe people surrounding Luang Prabang.
| OVERNIGHT:
Luang Prabang hotel
| MEALS:
Breakfast
DAY 3: Luang Prabang alms giving, Kuang Si waterfalls, fly to Hanoi
Wake up as the sun rises, we will prepare to join the most sacred tradition of Laos, the daily morning alms giving, which dates to the 14th century. More than 200 Buddhist monks depart from various temple to gather their daily meal from the faithful residents sitting quietly on the streets. From there, we will visit the temporary morning market near the former Royal Palace. Just set on the ground, the local people come here to barter their day’s catch from rice, to vegetable, to fish, or chicken. This is the best chance to experience the flavor of local life. After breakfast at the hotel, we ascend the 329 steps to the top of Phousi Hill for a panoramic view of the city and the Mekong River. We then visit Wat Visoun, dating back to 1513 during the reign of King Wisunarat (Visoun), this is Luang Prabang’s oldest temple and was once home to the Prabang Buddhas. We then transfer directly to the beautiful Kuang Si waterfalls which is the biggest in the Luang Prabang area with three tiers leading to a 50-metre drop into spectacular azure pools before flowing downstream. The pools also make great swimming holes and are very popular with both tourists and locals We will also take a short visit to the Bear Rescue Center, which houses a couple of dozen animals rescued from the hands of poachers and traffickers. Before returning to Luang Prabang, we stop to visit the Kuang Si Falls Butterfly Park (closed from 15 Apr – 30 Jun; 01-14 Sep, & 01 Jan every year), whose mission is to create a research centre studying and publishing about Laos butterflies, host plants and preservation. Laos is also known for its traditional crafts, we will take a short visit to the Ock Pop Tock Living Craft Center, set serenely close to the Mekong, this beautiful, traditionally styled workshop, where weavers, spinners and batik makers produce top-quality fabrics, offers free tours every half-hour. You'll then be transferred to the airport for your flight to Hanoi, where upon arrival you'll be met and transferred to your hotel.
| OVERNIGHT:
Hanoi hotel
| MEALS:
Breakfast
DAY 4: Hanoi, Halong Bay
This morning we drive to the coastal town of Halong where we transfer you to your private traditional wooden junk where you'll enjoy lunch onboard as you cruise into the bay. The scenery is just amazing as you pass close to the towering limestone karsts jutting up into the sky. At the end of the day you can enjoy a drink on deck whilst watching the sun set over the bay. Dinner will follow, freshly prepared seafood served under the stars, then it's off to your cabin for the night.
| OVERNIGHT:
Junk boat
| MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5: Halong Bay, overnight train to Dong Hoi
After an early breakfast we rise to see daylight emerging from the mist, revealing the dreamlike rocky formations of Halong Bay. Whilst sailing back to the mainland, why not join the onboard Tai Chi Class. From here, we return to dry land and make our way back to Hanoi for the overnight train to Dong Hoi.
| OVERNIGHT:
On board sleeper train
| MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 6: Dong Hoi, Phong Nha Cave
We arrive into Dong Hoi station and transfer to Chay Lap village, a 45 minute drive and just on the edge of the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. Upon arrival at the village, you will then be warmly welcomed by a local family and invited to their house. You'll stay the night in a traditional, yet very comfortable house built built from local materials. Your day will be filled with activities including a Dragon Boat tour into the Phong Nha Cave. This enormous cave is one of the best in the world and holds for records: the longest underground river, the highest & longest cave, broadest and most beautiful fine sand beaches inside the caves, and the most spectacular stalagmites and stalactites. After returning to the village you can explore the local life of the villagers, and participate in social activities such as fishing in the pond, planting and gardening, or even playing football with the local children. In the evening you will be served dinner using fresh locally grown food.
| OVERNIGHT:
Homestay
| MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7: Hue, half day citadel tour
This morning we'll transfer you to Hue. Hue was the capital of Vietnam during the Nguyen Dynasty 1802-1945 and this imperial city was modelled on the Forbidden City in Beijing. There are many temples and palaces within the walls and although much was damaged during the Tet Offensive in 1968, there are plenty of impressive structures still standing. Your tour starts with the ancient walled Citadel, which contained the former Imperial Palace. We enjoy wandering through the enclosure during the afternoon before we take a cruise along the Perfume River.
| OVERNIGHT:
Hue hotel
| MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 8: Hue, drive to Hoi An
Your morning is free in Hue before we drive south to the riverside town of Hoi An. The drive follows the coastline along the South China Sea as the road winds its way up Hai Van Pass ("Pass of the Clouds"). From the 16th to 18th centuries, Hoi An was a thriving international commercial port for Chinese, Dutch, French, Japanese, Portuguese and Arab merchants. Today, Hoi An is a quaint riverside town, renowned for its silk and popular with tourists for its eclectic architecture, tailors shops and numerous cafes. Some of the buildings in the narrow streets have remained unchanged for more than a century and much of the town is now heritage-listed.
| OVERNIGHT:
Hoi An hotel
| MEALS:
Breakfast
DAY 9: Hoi An, half day tour
We start the day early with a walking tour of this former trading port famous for its restored architecture, home-made silk, expert tailors and delicious noodles and seafood. Our first stop is Chua Ong Pagoda, dating back to 1653, built in honour of the Chinese general Quan Cong, worshipped by many as a symbol of loyalty and justice. Next stop is the Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, where we will see the Jinshang Temple, dedicated to the goddess of the sea and the protector of sailors. A short walk takes us to Tam Ky House, which is a classic example of a 200 year old ancestral house. Finally we cross the well photographed 17th century Japanese covered bridge, which doubles as a temple and is a famous landmark of Hoi An.
| OVERNIGHT:
Hoi An hotel
| MEALS:
Breakfast
DAY 10: Hoi An free day
Spend the day at leisure on the beach or having clothes made by one of the expert, inexpensive tailors Hoi An is famous for.
| OVERNIGHT:
Hoi An hotel
| MEALS:
Breakfast
DAY 11: Hoi An, fly to Siem Reap
Today we transfer you to nearby Danang for your flight to Siem Reap in Cambodia. Upon arrival we'll transfer you to you hotel where the rest of the day is free for you to relax.
| OVERNIGHT:
Siem Reap hotel
| MEALS:
Breakfast
DAY 12: Full day tour of Angkor
We start your tour of Angkor at the South Gate of Angkor Thom where statues of the gods of good and evil line the entrance. Next we head to the Bayon, known for the numerous smiling faces that line the towers. These bas reliefs tell a story of daily life and the great battles that were fought between the Khmers and ancient Thais. The next stop is Phimeanakas, which is shaped roughly like a pyramid and has two ponds in the rear. A climb to the top of the temple will be rewarded with a fabulous view over the Angkor complex. We move on to the Terrace of the Elephants, a rows of trunks that form the wall and was used as a platform from which King Jayavarman surveyed his army. Close by we visit the Terrace of Leper Kings, which includes a statue depicting Yana, the Hindu god of death. Then it's a short drive to the iconic temple, Ta Prohm. This small, crumbling temple, made famous in the Tomb Raider film, is pierced by giant tree roots giving it an almost magical feel. We head back to Siem Reap for lunch and to get out of the midday sun. Later in the afternoon we explore the mighty Angkor Wat, the world's largest religious monument. This massive, three-tiered pyramid rises 65m from the ground and is topped by five lotus towers. We end the day watching the sun set over the jungle from the top of Pre Rup Temple, before returning to Siem Reap for the evening.
| OVERNIGHT:
Siem Reap hotel
| MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 13: Transfer to the airport for departure
Free time until we transfer you to the airport for your flight home.
| OVERNIGHT:
N/A
| MEALS:
Breakfast
| EXTRAS:
Extra day in Siem Reap - post-tour