Jewels Of Vietnam in 9 Days

Immerse yourself in the vibrant and fertile region of the Mekong Delta, known as the "rice bowl" of Vietnam. Embark on a captivating journey through mangrove-lined riverways, where you'll witness the local way of life and explore charming workshops and gardens. After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, prepare for pick-up between 7:30-8:00 am (exact time will be confirmed the day before the tour). Board the shuttle bus that will transport you to My Tho. Upon arrival, visit the historic Vinh Trang Pagoda, which dates back to the late 19th century. Then, step aboard a sampan and cruise along the river, meandering through picturesque river islands. Pause at one of the islands to take a leisurely walk, immersing yourself in the rural landscapes and visiting orchards, where you can savor tropical fruits while being serenaded by traditional folk music. Resume your journey on the sampan, gliding through the scenic Thoi Son canal, basking in the tranquility of the countryside. Make a stop at another village to witness the fascinating production of coconut candies and visit a local honeybee farm. Treat yourself to the delightful flavors of honey tea and candies, savoring the peaceful ambiance. Indulge in a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, allowing time to relax and rejuvenate. In the afternoon, embark on a cycling excursion around Tan Thanh village, gaining insights into the authentic local lifestyle. Alternatively, you may choose to unwind in a hammock or take a leisurely stroll through the village. Return to Ho Chi Minh City, with an estimated arrival time of 17:30. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Discover the dynamic city of Ho Chi Minh, formerly known as Saigon, where modernity coexists with a storied past. Embark on a journey through time, delving into the city's colonial and Vietnam War history. Your tour guide will meet you at your hotel lobby between 7:30 and 8:00 am (exact time will be provided the day before). Begin the morning by visiting the iconic Independence Palace, also known as the Reunification Palace, situated on the grounds of the former Norodom Palace. This landmark played a significant role in the Fall of Saigon and serves as a testament to the city's historical importance. Continue your exploration with visits to splendid French colonial structures, including the Notre Dame Cathedral (exterior visit only) and the historic Central Post Office. Conclude the morning with a visit to the War Remnants Museum, housing a comprehensive exhibition on the Indochina wars. Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, embark on a journey to the Cu Chi tunnels, approximately one and a half hours away. Upon arrival, immerse yourself in the gripping history of the tunnels through an introductory video. Witness the ingenuity of the tunnel system, which served as living quarters, storage facilities, weapons factories, hospitals, and command centers during the war. Traverse the intricate maze, encountering hidden trap doors and perilous traps, designed for the safety and defense of the soldiers. Conclude your visit with a taste of special tea and cassava, symbolic of the guerilla's sustenance during the war. Return to Ho Chi Minh City by approximately 19:00. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Notes: The Notre Dame Cathedral is currently undergoing restoration and is accessible for exterior viewing only.

Transfer from your hotel to the airport for your flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival, check-in at a day-stay hotel and enjoy some free time until the evening. In the evening, we will transfer you to the train station for your overnight journey to Sapa. Overnight on the train (4-seat sleeping cabin with A/C) Meals: Breakfast

Upon arrival at Lao Cai station, your guide will meet you and transfer you to Sapa by bus. After a refreshing break, we will embark on a 6 km trek to Y Linh Ho village, passing through the picturesque Muong Hoa valley. Explore the vibrant village of the Black Hmong ethnic group before continuing for another 2 km to Lao Chai village, surrounded by terraced rice fields. Our journey then takes us to Ta Van village, home to the Dzay minority people. Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local house, immersing yourself in the local culture and traditions. Afterward, we'll trek for 2 km through breathtaking landscapes until reaching the road, where the bus will transport you back to Sapa. Enjoy dinner and have leisure time to unwind. Overnight in Sapa Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner NOTES: Trekking distance: 10 km Difficulty level: moderate

After breakfast, embark on a captivating journey to Cat Cat village, home to the Black Hmong ethnic group. Delight in a picturesque walk through the valley, taking in the breathtaking scenery and encountering a mesmerizing waterfall. Explore the remnants of the French-built hydroelectric power station, an intriguing relic of colonial times. Enjoy a delightful picnic lunch by the riverside before continuing our adventure for 3 km to Sin Chai village, nestled at the base of the majestic Fansipan Mountain, the highest peak in Vietnam and Indochina. As we return to Sapa, take some leisure time to relax before we transfer you to the train station for your return journey to Hanoi. Overnight on train (4-seat sleeping cabin with A/C) Meals: Breakfast, Lunch NOTES: Trekking distance: 5 km Difficulty level: easy

Prepare to be mesmerized by the enchanting beauty of Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the world's natural wonders. Brace yourself for awe-inspiring vistas and indulge in a tranquil cruise experience, complete with captivating activities. Upon arrival in Hanoi at approximately 5:30 am, our driver will be there to meet you and transfer you to the hotel for a refreshing shower, breakfast, and some rest. Later, the cruise team will pick you up between 8:00-9:00 am (exact time to be confirmed the day before the tour) to embark on your journey to Halong Bay. Arriving at the jetty around noon, board the cruise ship and settle in with a warm welcome and check-in. As the cruise sails through the picturesque islets, savor a delectable lunch on board. In the afternoon, engage in a range of activities such as swimming, kayaking, exploring caves (depending on the boat's itinerary), or simply unwind and soak up the serene ambiance. As the day draws to a close, witness the mesmerizing sunset before enjoying a delightful dinner. Overnight on board Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Note: In the event of inclement weather, the itinerary may be subject to changes or cancellations if boats are unable to depart from the port. Rest assured, your travel consultant will arrange alternative arrangements in such cases.

As the morning sun graces Halong Bay, indulge in a delightful breakfast while the cruise gracefully makes its way back to the port. Relish an early lunch before disembarking and being transferred back to Hanoi. The remainder of the day is yours to explore the city at your leisure. Overnight in Hanoi Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Make the most of your morning with leisure time before transferring to the airport for your onward flight back home. Meals: Breakfast