The Hidden Charm of Vietnam 14 days

When you think about Vietnam, what images come to your mind? Vietnam, a land of "ao dai" (long dresses) and conical hats or Vietnam, a land of hospitality? For a long time, the word Vietnam has been mentioned with a word “war” added up to. Vienam is now no longer a land of war, but a land of colorful culture and breathtaking landscapes with impressive mountains, lush rice fields, stunning beaches and pristine islands. The country will not reveal its beauty to anyone, however. Only those who are willing to understand and truly listen will recognize the Vietnamese unique appeal.

Day 01: Hanoi arrival (D)

Upon arrival in Hanoi, you will be welcomed by Vietnam typical tours's guide and transferred to your hotel. Hanoi is one of Asia’s most charming cities, with romantic boulevards and colonial houses. The rest of the day is free time for your own shopping and exploration.

Day 02: Hanoi (B,L)

A full day spent for visiting Hanoi – the politic, economic and cultural capital of Vietnam. Starting with Museum of Ethnology (closed on Monday), which offers informative and well-documented display on the country’s 54 ethnic groups, include elaborate and colorful hill-tribal costumes,. The display continues on to the outside garden with fascinating examples of traditional houses from the Kinh’s to the ones of the ethnic groups in Central Highlands. After that, we come to visit the Temple of Literature- a complex of the Confucius Temple built in 1070 and the first Royal National University in Vietnam built in 1076.

This temple and its beautiful garden provide an opportunity to learn more about madarin education in Vietnam since 1000 years ago and to relax in tranquility. In the afternoon, walk around the alleys of Hanoi Old Quarter, visit Hoan Kiem lake and Ngoc Son temple or Jade Mountain temple situated in the heart of Hanoi. An interesting Water puppet show will wrap our day with delight. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 03: Hanoi – Hoa Binh – Ferme du Colvert (B,L,D)

Morning transfer to Ferme du Colvert- a unique and charming Vietnamese – French resort set in the heart of Muong ethnic village in Luong Son (Hoa Binh), around 40km from Hanoi. Upon arrival, we visit Luong Son valley, Village of Muong ethnic people, suprised by the beautiful landscape of lush rice field, tranquil lake and spectacular limestone peaks

Cycle to surrounding region and blend in the colourful local market. Relax with traditional massage of Muong ethnic people. Oviernight in Ferme du Colvert, an ideal place to escape completely from the city hustle and bustle.

Day 04: Ferme du Colvert – Mai Chau (B,L,D)

Depart to Mai Chau – a picturesque valley, home to many hill tribes including the Dzao, Muong and Thai. Arrive in Mai Chau around noon, check in Thai ethnic homestay in Van Village, a village of the ‘White Thai’, who predominantly inhabit this area. Lunch in the homestay with typical Thai ethnic meals. In the afternoon, take a short walk around the village where you will be welcomed by friendly local people, communicate with them and explore their traditional lifestyle. Enjoy a traditional dancing show at night with taste of Ruou Can, the local rice wine. Overnight in the homestay.

Day 05: Mai Chau – Van Long – Hoa Lu (B)

After breakfast, drive to Ninh Binh via Nho Quan with its peaceful countryside settings. After lunch, taking buffalo car or cycling through the village, stop to take some shots. Board a small rowing boat to explore the Van Long Nature Reserve which covers some 3,000 hectares of picturesque water landscape. You will enjoy two hours rowing through spectacular scenery made up of Limestone Mountains reflected in emerald water and lush rice fields. The forest is home to Delacour Langur – an endangered species with only 200 individuals remaining globally. Disembark and walk to visit two temples dedicated to King Dinh and Le in Hoa Lu- the ancient capital of Vietnam in 10th century. Overnight at the hotel in Hoa Lu.

Day 06: Hoa Lu – Ha Long (B,L,D)

After breakfast, depart to Ha Long bay via Thai Binh & Nam Dinh, passing peaceful countryside typical of Red River Delta with endless rice fields and winding river. Arrive at Ha Long Tourist Wharf around noon. Embark the elegant wooden junk. Lunch will be served as the boat cruises to visit numerous islands and lime-stone outcrops rising abruptly from the emerald water. It is also an ideal opportunity to enjoy the sea and refresh your soul in its splendid setting. Dinner with fresh seafood is prepared by our experience chef. A sweet night on board in your private cabin.

Day 07: Ha Long – Hanoi – Hue (B,L)

Enjoy the breakfast and savor an incredible sunrise from the sundeck as the boat cruise to Luon Cave & Halong floating village, then back to the habour. Our car will transfer to Hanoi then Hanoi airport afterwards for flight to Hue. Overnight in Hue.

Day 08: Hue – Thuy Bieu Eco-village (B,L)

Depart from the hotel in the morning to visit Tu Duc royal tomb – one of the most beautiful architectural constructions of Nguyen dynasty. Cruising at leisure along Perfume River, en route visit Thien Mu pagoda (Heavenly Lady pagoda). Cruise toward Thuy Bieu Eco- village, an ancient village with wonderful laid back settings situated on the bank of Perfume River.

The afternoon spent for biking through the peaceful village, visiting several communal houses, ancient temples and especially the garden- house – a typical and unique feature of Hue. After a day of walking, your foot will be relaxed by soaking in the medical herb water and excellent blind massage. Back to the hotel for overnight.

Day 09: Hue – Danang – Hoi An (B,D)

Start our morning with a cyclo tour to visit Hue Imperial City – the remaining vestiges of Vietnam’s last dynasty including : Flag Tower, Ngo Mon Gate, Nine Dynastic Urns, Nine Holy Cannons, Thai Hoa Palace & Forbidden Purple City (Tu Cam Thanh). Afternoon, drive along the Mandarin Road, a scenic journey from Hue to Hoi An, which allows you to see a picturesque Vietnam with stunning beaches and lust tropical forest. Take some shots on route before visiting the Museum of Cham Sculpture – with many precious antique artifacts of the former Cham Kingdom on display. Transfer to Hoi An ancient town, once an important international trading port and now a charming riverside town.

Overnight in the hotel.

Day 10: Hoi An – Danang – Saigon (B)

Hoi An is features a fantastic combination of Chinese, Dutch, Japanese and Portuguese culture. You can see it by your own eyes when visiting Japanese Pagoda Bridge, Chinese street, Phung Hung old house, Hoi An market & ancient port, Phuc Thanh pagoda – the oldest pagoda of Hoi An (1454) built with Chinese bonze. Say “Good bye” to the ancient town, we transfer to Danang airport for the flight to Sai Gon. Overnight in the hotel.

Day 11: Saigon (B,L)

In the morning, visit Cho Lon – Vietnam’s largest China town where you can indulge in shopping and sample fabulous cuisine. The central market in Cho Lon is the Binh Tay market, offering a wide range of products from food to clothing. Drop in Thien Hau temple and Giac Lam pagoda- the oldest pagoda in the city. Back to the city centre to visit Notre Dame Cathedral (built in 1877) and the Central Post Office, built by the French. Tour end by visiting Ben Thanh Market – the busiest business centre in Ho Chi Minh City. Overnight at the hotel in Saigon.

Day 12: Saigon – Ben Tre – Can Tho (B,D)

Leave the bustling city of Saigon behind, we depart to the Mekong delta considered as Vietnam’s biggest « rice basket». Arrive at Hung Vuong pier( Ben Tre town), embark and cruise along the Bến Tre River – a tributary of the great Mekong River to explore the local lifestyles and their daily activities. Stop at a brick – field belonged to Mr. Tu Lo to see how Vietnamese people made brick by hand and a coconut candy home factory located along the canal to witness the process of making the candies and other souvenirs. We then have an opportunity to taste bee honey tea at a local honey farm and variety of tropical fruit that are widely available in Mekong Delta orchards. Walking or cycling through the coconut groves and green rice fields to soak and relax in the tranquil countryside atmosphere. Lunch in local restaurant.

The afternoon begins by a boat trip (with small rowing- boat) through a maze of waterways shaded by two rows of palm tree. Cruise back to the pier and disembark. Transfer to Can Tho. Overnight in Can Tho.

Day 13: Can Tho – Saigon (B)

Early morning (from 5a.m), take a boat trip through the winding waterways of Cai Rang floating market- the biggest and busiest floating market in Mekong Delta. This is the best time to visit the market as it is crowded with hundreds of sampans that offer fruits, vegetables, plants, food and other goods for trade. You will earn a great opportunity to take photos, communicate with locals and taste fruits. Leave the market; we get back to Sai Gon. On the way back, stop at Binh Thuy old house ( 5kms from Can Tho city) and Long Dinh mat weaving village where you can see how to make a mat – a very popular item closely associated with Vietnamese culture. Back to Sai Gon for overnight.

Day 14: Saigon – Departure (B)

Free time for shopping or exploring by yourself before transfer to Tan Son Nhat airport for your flight off. The hotel room is available until noon only.

VIETNAM TYPICAL TOURS COMPANY

Hotline :  (84) 974.861.652

Email : info@vietnamtypicaltours.com

Website : http://vietnamtypicaltours.com