Melody Of Mountain And Sea in 8 Days

Today, embark on a full-day exploration of Hanoi, a city that seamlessly blends the charm of tree-lined boulevards with the elegance of French colonial architecture, tranquil lakes, and ancient pagodas and temples dating back thousands of years. At 8:00-8:45 am, your expert guide will pick you up at your hotel to start the day's adventure. The first stop is the Ho Chi Minh complex, a place of great significance as it houses the final resting place of the revered Vietnamese leader, Ho Chi Minh. You will get a chance to pay homage at his mausoleum and also visit his stilt house, where he lived and worked from 1958 to 1969. The Ho Chi Minh Museum is also a part of the complex, where you will learn about his unwavering dedication to Vietnam. Next, continue to Tran Quoc Pagoda, an ancient Buddhist temple situated on the picturesque West Lake. This national heritage site boasts stunning architectural features and a rich history. The next stop is the Ethnology Museum (closed on Mon and Fri). It provides a fascinating insight into the diverse cultures of Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups. After indulging in a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, head over to the Temple of Literature, the first university in Vietnam built in 1073. Dedicated to Confucius and Chu Van An, the headmaster of the Imperial College, the temple represents the high moral philosophy and ethics of Vietnamese education. As the sun begins to set, head over to Hoan Kiem Lake to visit Ngoc Son Temple and admire the stunning blend of French and Vietnamese architecture in the surrounding area. Overnight in Hanoi.

Embark on an unforgettable journey as you depart from Hanoi and head towards Halong Bay, where you'll be greeted with a mesmerizing landscape of towering limestone formations jutting out of the emerald green waters of the Red River Delta. The scenic route will take you through verdant rice paddies and quaint villages, giving you a glimpse into the rural life of Vietnam. Upon arrival, step aboard your luxurious cruise and take in the breathtaking scenery of the bay. Indulge in a delectable seafood lunch and savor the flavors of the region. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure, lounging on the sundeck or exploring the stunning karst grottoes by kayak or swimming. As evening falls, return to the boat for an early dinner and relax as you soak up the serene atmosphere of Halong Bay. You can also choose to participate in the engaging activities organized by the cruise team or simply unwind and take in the tranquil beauty around you. Overnight on the cruise, surrounded by the magic of Halong Bay.

Wake up early to witness the beauty of the natural wonder of the world during sunrise while savoring breakfast in the dining room. Participate in a revitalizing Tai Chi class on the sun deck to awaken your muscles and mind. Afterward, visit the stunning limestone cave adorned with stalagmites and stalactites. Return to the boat, check out, and enjoy a delicious brunch while cruising back to the harbor. Upon arrival, you will be transferred back to your accommodation in Hanoi. Overnight in Hanoi.

Start your day with an early breakfast at the hotel and complete the check-out procedures. Hop on a deluxe limousine bus for a six-hour ride to reach Sapa. After reaching Sapa, you will be transferred to your accommodation, and the remainder of the day is yours to explore the charming town nestled in the midst of mountains. Overnight in Sapa.

Indulge in a scrumptious breakfast at the hotel. Meet your guide around 9:30 am to embark on a 12 km trekking journey. You will visit the Hmong minority villages of Y Linh Ho and Lao Chai, admiring breathtaking landscapes of rice terraces and mountains along the way. Have lunch in Lao Chai village by the river before continuing your trek to Ta Van village, where the Dzay people reside. Spend the night at a homestay in Ta Van village, immersing yourself in the daily life and unique customs of the local people. Overnight at homestay in Ta Van Village.

Start your last day with a hearty breakfast to fuel your trekking journey. You will hike to Giang Ta Chai village, inhabited by the Red Dao ethnic group. The trail will take you through a serene bamboo forest, which is part of the Hoang Lien National Park. Along the way, you will come across a waterfall and a rattan bridge, perfect for taking a break and relishing the beauty of the surroundings. You will stop for lunch at a picturesque spot. After lunch, you will continue hiking towards Su Pan village, located on the roadside. From there, you will travel back to Sapa by car and then take the limousine bus back to Hanoi. Overnight in Hanoi.

Enjoy a nutritious breakfast on the last day of your Vietnam trip. After checking out of your hotel, you can explore local markets to buy souvenirs for your loved ones. Your private driver will then take you to the airport for your return flight home. End of the trip.