REALISTIC SCHOOL TOUR FROM NORTH TO CENTRAL VIETNAM

DAY 01: HANOI – ARRIVAL

Following your requested time of arrival flight,

Upon arrival you will be welcomed by our friendly Guide at Noi Bai International Airport and start your REALISTIC SCHOOL TOUR FROM NORTH TO CENTRAL VIETNAM.

The driver and guide will transfer you to the central of Hanoi and you will check-in your hotel. You will be at your leisure for walking, discovering the Old Quarter Area around by yourself or just simple relaxing in your hotel. Dinner on your own.

“Thanh Nien” Street – Tales of Hanoi Streets

Overnight in Hanoi.

DAY 02: HANOI – ZEN TOUR AT TRAM TUE – HALF-DAY CITY TOUR (B/L)

In the morning: After having breakfast at hotel, our guide will take you over Nhat Tan bridge to Đông Anh – the suburb of Hanoi to visit a great Zen place named Tram Tue being run by a true Buddhist which is known as a Non-Profit Buddha Enterprise.

This “Tram Tue” is just located right on the bank of Red river with peaceful surroundings & also one of the first Buddhist companies applying Buddha doctrines in the business as well as seeding/enlightening quintessences of Buddha doctrines/nature into the normal life of local communities. This amazing Zen school is also attracting lots of Foreign Ambassadors to experience meditation courses, traditional high-class tea ceremonies as well as the ecosystem of Agarwood’s products … in the weekends. And there will be some following activities:

• Attending an introduction course with CEO (a Buddhist) of the company to know more about the history – culture, vision & mission
• Learning about the Worshiping Space of Buddha’s Three Treasures – also Zen/Meditation Center
• Visiting Ecosystem of Agarwood’s Products as well as High-Class teas (Hundred-year-old teas of Vietnam)
• Tasting special Vietnamese Vegetarian Foods cooked by gourmet chefs (knowing more about meaning, rites of worshiping Buddha before the meals, origin … of Vegetarian Foods)
• Attending a tea ceremony together CEO & Monk to enjoy some special high-class teas in Vietnam & even from China & sharing more about the history, religions …
• Practicing Zen/Meditation with Agarwood incense under the right instruction of Buddhists

At around 13:00, we’ll say goodbyes to Buddhists then go back to Hanoi city.

After getting back to Hanoi city, you will be transfered to visit around the Ho Chi Minh Complex, which contains the mausoleum of the nation’s founder Ho Chi Minh, the Presidential Palace, and the Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts. Close to this complex is the One Pillar Pagoda, whose origins date back to the foundation of city. We follow it with a visit to the Temple of Literature, which is well known as the first university of Vietnam.

Later, we will take a visit at Ngoc Son Temple then return to the local restaurant for dinner before back to hotel.

Overnight in Hanoi.

DAY 03: HANOI – MU CANG CHAI – SHORT TREK (B/L)

In the morning: Departure at 8:00AM from your hotel in Hanoi. After getting out of bustle and hustle Hanoi, you will enjoy the countryside view through the windows while driving northwestward to Yen Bai province. Around noontime, lunch is served at a local restaurant on the way. In the afternoon, you will have a couple of scenic stops for taking photographs at Khau Pha Pass and at a viewpoint in Che Cu Nha.

Late in the afternoon, arrive at your accommodation, check in and relax for the remainder of the day or you can consider a short trek to see the main spots and admire the beauty of amazing rice terraces that Mu Cang Chai has to offer. You will also be able to trek through a couple of the H’mong hill tribe villages and may have chance to interact with the locals, learn about their interesting daily life and culture.

Overnight at homestay/hotel in Mu Cang Chai.

DAY 04: MU CANG CHAI – TRANSFER TO SAPA – CAT CAT VILLAGE (B/L)

After having breakfast at your stay, you will start your journey to Sapa at around 07:00AM – 08:00AM.

The road from Mu Cang Chai to Sapa is a picturesque journey that traverses the captivating landscapes of northern Vietnam.

We will drop you off at your hotel. After checking in the hotel, you will have a short break for changing clothes, resting a little bit before the local English Speaking Tour Guide pick you up to a local eatery for savoring your special luch arranged by local people.

In the afternoon: Continue the journey, you will travel by car to Cat Cat Village, where the Black H’Mong ethnic minority settlement.

The village located in a beautiful valley near Sapa Town. On the way walking to the village, you could see the H’mong working on their Terrace field with buffalos. Upon reach the village you have a chance to visit a local traditional house to meet a local family and talk to them to learn about their life and culture. After the village, we walk to Cat Cat Waterfall for a short rest.

Ending the first day of your journey in Sapa, the guide will see you off at your hotel before 18:00PM, you will be at your leisure in the evening.

Overnight at homestay/hotel in Sapa.

DAY 05: SAPA – TREKKING TO LAO CHAI – TA VAN VILLAGE (B/L)

After having breakfast, at 09:30AM you will begin yours 12 km trek on small trails down the Muong Hoa Valley towards Lao Chai village of Black H’mong ethnic people. Here we will discover their daily life and how they make traditional clothes, handicraft, indigo…We will visit the biggest valley which provides the best view for golden rice terraced fields in Vietnam. After Lao Chai we walk to Ta Van village of Giay people. It is a small group of ethnic people in Vietnam with a rich culture and beautiful houses located on rice paddy fields. 

Lao Chai & Ta Van Villages, about 8 km from Sapa town, where black H’mong and Dzay people are living, it is also the beginning of the valley which is called Muong Hoa. From a high point of the main road, great view of the whole villages opens wide to offer the marvelous panorama views, backed by high mountains and facing the river. Here you will enjoy the fresh air, see terraced fields and stream, discover and visit some of Black H’mong families. You will have a welcome feeling at any house of the hospitable people there. You can interact them, learn about their culture and customs.

Overnight at homestay/hotel in sapa.

DAY 06: SAPA – FANSIPAN MOUNTAIN – BACK TO HANOI (B)

After having breakfast, our driver and guide will pick you up to visit Fansipan Mountain by the cable car. As you know the cable car in Sapa is the world’s longest and highest cable car, running up from sleepy Sapa Town in Lao Cai Province to the peak of 3,143-meter Fansipan Mountain, known as Indochina’s rooftop. Enjoy the view from the highest point of this incredible mountain. The lush green and subtropical vegetation makes this mountain very beautiful. Take some pictures for unforgettable experience from the top. After taking scenery then get cable car back to Sapa.

Goodbye to Sapa, such a wonderful experience, finally, we will have 5 hour driving on Limousine back to Hanoi.

On arrival to the bus station in Hanoi (approximately 19:30PM – 20:00PM), there wiil be a guide pick you up and transferred you to the hotel, you will have your free time to rest and relax till the end of the day.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 07: HA NOI – HALONG BAY – LUON CAVE – TITOV ISLAND (B/L/D)

Breakfast at the hotel

08:30 Pick up at your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter. Enjoy the landscape of the Red River Delta on the way to Ha Long Bay.

11:30 Arrive at Tuan Chau Marina, get checked in at the waiting lounge.

12:00 Embark on cruises, enjoy the welcome drinks while being given a short briefing. Check in to your room and get ready for a tasty lunch.

12:30 Enjoy Vietnamese and international lunch and the picturesque scenery of the bay, pass by the most beautiful areas: Incense Burner, Dog Stone Islet, Fighting Cock Islet, Three Coconuts Island.

15:00 Continue to explore Halong Bay by visiting Luon Cave. This is also an ideal place for kayaking, get up and close to the timeless beauty of Ha Long Bay.

16:30 Visit Titov Island – a small limestone island with one of the best sandy beaches in Ha Long Bay. You can immerse yourself in emerald water and hike to the top for stunning panoramic views of the bay.

“Titov Island” from above viewpoint

17:30 Back to the boat and take part in a cooking demonstration on our sundeck, enjoy the bar’s Happy Hour (buy 01 get 01) program and watch the magnificent sunset over the bay.

(Option: Massage service available. Please book with Cruise Manager directly)

19:00 Deluxe dinner is served. Enjoy our traditional and fusion dishes prepared by our talented chefs.

21:00 After dinner it’s your time to enjoy at our bar and spa, fish squid or watch a movie in cabin, play cards, chess or relax on the sundeck.

Overnight in a quite Halong Bay Area.

DAY 08: HALONG BAY – SUNG SOT CAVE – BACK TO HANOI – LATE FLIGHT TO HUE (B/L)

06:15 Seeing the bay in the morning is a wonderful experience, awaken all your senses with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck while gathering vitamin sea to refresh yourself before enjoying breakfast.

07:00 Coffee, tea and pastries for breakfast are served in the restaurant.

07:30 Visit Sung Sot Cave – a magnificent and largest limestone cave as its original name: Grotte des Surprising. The beautiful stalactites and stalagmites formed over millions of years are the reward after the steep climb on Bo Hon Island.

(*) Note: Proper shoes are highly recommended when it’s wet.

09:30 Back to the cruise ship. Check out and settle your bill at the reception.

10:00 Have brunch while cruising back. Relax on the sundeck or in the restaurant.

11:30 Disembark at Tuan Chau Marina, it’s time to say best wishes and end your trip with us.

14:30 Back to your drop-off point at Noi Bai Airport. Preparing for your flight to Hue.

FLIGHT TRANSFER

VIETNAM AIRLINES | VN1545 | HAN 16:30 – HUI 17:50

Upon arrival at Hue, you will be picked and transffered to your stay. At leisure for relaxing, self discovering for the rest of the day!

Overnight in Hue.

DAY 09: HUE FULL-DAY CITY TOUR (B/L)

IN THE MONRING: At 8:00 am our guide and driver pick you up at your hotel and start day trip to explore the ancient capital city. Travel upstream of Perfume River for a visit at Gia Long Tomb – the mausoleum of the first Emperor of Nguyen Dynasty, explore the complex and admire the beautiful natural surroundings. Transfer to enjoy rural life in Thuy Bieu village and take a cycling route around the village to discover the local life here and stop off at communal houses, ancient temples, local market and walk along shady paths to enjoy the green and peaceful sights of the village’s gardens. You will have chance to visit a local house where you can get to know how traditional incense sticks are made for using. Then visit workshop where traditional silk painting & votive paper offering are made for more experience. Have lunch at a local house.

IN THE AFTERNOON: After lunch, you will be transferred to visit Imperial City – the Royal Palace of Nguyen Dynasty and learn about the history and architecture inside the complex. Visit Thien Mu Pagoda – the oldest pagoda in Hue and learn about Buddhism. Take a dragon boat sailing along Perfume River back to Hue city and end the tour at your hotel.

Overnight in Hue.

DAY 10: HUE – HOI AN – SIGHTSEEING WALKING TOUR (b)

Breakfast at your hotel, you will be picked up around 08:00AM for a transfer to Hoian for checkin.

In this afternoon, you will take a step back in time on a walking tour in Hoi An Ancient Town – an UNESCO World Heritage site. Hoi An ancient town today is a special example of a traditional port city in Southeast Asia which has been well preserved. Discover Hoi An with our half-day city tour to have an overview about Hoi An’s architecture and people lifestyle easily. On this full-day city tour you’ll see a series of architecturally interesting lanes lined with historic houses that have been preserved in their original state. Our guides are friendly, lovely, knowledgeable and willing to tell you anything about Hoi An as well as their own life. Just feel free to ask them anything you care.

Overnight in Hoian.

DAY 11: HOI AN AT LEISURE (b)

Today, You’ll be free to explore more hidden charms in Hoi An by yourself otherwise you can opt one of many great day tours from us to experience local things.

Optional tour: Cu Lao Cham Island (L):

08:45 –  Welcome to all clients at Cua Dai port. The tourists will experience the journey to discover Cham Island (Cu Lao Cham Tour)

09:20 – Where is recognized as the world’s atmosphere with lush forest, stunning beach and cute village.

09:30 – Visit Cu Lao Cham Island with famous sights:

• The protected Suite.
• Champa’s Wells 200 years old
• Au Thuyen: Where the Fishermen’s boat mooring & hide if has wind /storm
• Hai Tang Pagoda: The old temple on the island
• Seafood Market: Where trafficking trade of fishermen on the island…

09:45 – Speed boat pick up go to Ong Beach

11:00 – Visiting and snorkeling with Coral species are only preserved in Cham Island

11:30 – Speedboats take tourists to the Ông beach for the sightseeing journey and snorkeling

12:30 – Enjoy Lunch with seafood specialties at the local restaurant on the island. Free to visit and relax.

14:00 – Speed boats return guests back to the Cua Dai Port. Ending the program visit the Cu Lao Cham Island.

Overnight in Hoian.         

DAY 12: HOI AN – TRANSFER TO DA NANG – DEPARTURE (B)

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel and checking out, our driver will be waiting for you outside. You will then be transferred to Danang Airport for your departure flight! GOODBYE.

___END OF JOURNEY___

DETAILS SERVICES

Inclusive of the program

·     Transportation in private with A/C

·    Accommodations in family room with daily breakfast

·    Local English Speaking Tour Guide for all excursion

·    Zen Tour at Tram Tue, half-day city tour

·    Halong Bay 2 Days 1 Night tour on luxury cruise

·    Cable Car Tickets

·    Hue Full-day city tour

·    Hoi An half-day walking tour

·    All entrance fees as indicated in the program

·    Meals as indicated in the itinerary: B = Breakfast | L = Lunch | D = Dinner

·    Gov’t tax and service charge

·    Luggage handling and mineral water

Exclusive of the program

·    Visa stamping fee on arrival

·    Travel Insurance in all kinds

·    Tip, beverages and other personal expenses

·    Optional tour mentioned in the program

·    Peak Tourist season or special event rates