Day 1: Arrival – Saigon
Upon arrival in Saigon, you will be picked up from airport to a hotel in Saigon for relax, overnight in Saigon.
Day 2: Saigon – Hanoi
AM: Free & easy PM: Transferred to Tan Son Nhat airport for the flight to Hanoi at 15:00 PM, upon arrival in Hanoi at 17:00 you will be picked up and transferred to the hotel for checked in and relax. Overnight in Hanoi. (B)
Day 3: Hanoi city tour
After breakfast at hotel, start city tour with Ho Chi Minh Complex for visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Ho Chi Minh Museum and One pillar pagoda, Tran Quoc Pagoda. Continue to visit Literature temple, the first University in Vietnam in 16th century. Have lunch in one of famous restaurants in Hanoi. PM: Visit Ethnological Museum then have Cyclo in the Old Quarter and visit Dong Xuan market, enjoy Water Puppet show in the afternoon. (B, L)
Day 4: Hanoi
Free and easy. (B)
Day 5: Hanoi – Mai Chau – Son La
The journey northwards begins as we depart Hanoi and pass through the undulating terrains of tea plantations and the many timeless villages linked to the road which is the main artery of trade between the northwestern region and the capital city. This is our first glimpse of rural Vietnam and sets the tone for the days ahead. Depending on road and traffic conditions our drive will deliver us in Son La by mid or late afternoon. After checking into our hotel we take a walk around this mountain town. There is little traffic on roads and many Black Thai in traditional costume are busy going in all directions. (B, L)
Day 6: Son La – Dien Bien – Phu
Son La, was once the site of French penal colony in which anti colonial revolutionaries were incarcerated. Visit the Old French Prison and museum before depart for Dien Bien Phu. You'll enjoy the picturesque scenery as you pass the villages of Black Thai, White Thai, Meo and Muong peoples. The winding roads cross over the Pha Din Pass before reaching Dien Bien Phu, the site of the decisive battle in Vietnam’s struggle for independence in 1954. After checking into our centrally located hotel we enjoy a walk around to see this fast growing town. Our main stop is Dien Bien Phu’s Museum which details the event in place. We also pay a visit to the old battle field where the lush vegetation now grows over many of the war relics including old French tanks and artillery pieces. Overnight in Dien Bien Phu. (B, L)
Day 7: Dien Bien Phu – Tam Duong
Heading out of the town, we spend a full day travelling into Vietnam’s most mountainous region. The roads are difficult at times, but the spectacular landscape with a mixture of terraced fields and hill villages makes the hardship all worthwhile. On the way, we have some opportunities to encounter the Red Hmong, Kho Mu, Mang, Dao people who still retain their age old cultural traditions and are recognizably distinct from each other by their dress. We arrive in Tam Duong by late afternoon and have time strolling around to catch our first glimpse; a small town surrounded by breathtaking mountains and tea plantations. Overnight in Tam Duong. (B, L)
Day 8: Tam Duong – Sapa
The scenery of the north is unequalled although the conditions are very simple. After breakfast we set off on a half day drive following the mountain roads to Sa Pa, our final destination. At an elevation of 1, 500 meters, Sapa was founded in the early years of the last century as a hill resort for French administrators when the heat on the plains became unbearable. We arrive in Sapa by mid afternoon and can soak up the fresh climate by spending our time wandering this famous hill town. The ethnic people are frequently seen on the main street of Sapa and small vendors along the street selling local textiles and handicraft. Overnight in Sapa. (B, L)
Day 9: Sapa – Bac Ha
After breakfast we continue venturing into northern Vietnam, travelling through the Chinese border town of Lao Cai to the colourful Sunday Market at Muong Khuong. This market also attracts a wide variety of ethnic minority groups including the Variegated Hmong, Dao, Phu La, La Chi, Tay who still retain their age old cultural traditions and are recognizably distinct from each other by their dress. The experience of this congregation is unique. Upon leaving Muong Khuong, we drive to Bac Ha. As an option we can embark on a walk during the afternoon, visiting the Hmong King’s former residence and Ban Pho where the villagers make the potent local maize wine. Overnight in Bac Ha. (B, L)
Day 10: Bac Ha – Hanoi
Include: Private 4 seat car Hotel 3 star: Hanoi Capital or Hanoi Palace English speaking tour guide Entrance fees Meals: Breakfast, lunch The return journey begins as we depart Bac Ha Town and pass through the verdant and rugged mountain scenery to Hanoi. These back roads are a great way to explore the real Vietnam. We see very few other travellers, mostly rural dwellers who are just as interested in finding out about our lives as we are of theirs. The drive is very long, but we can make many stops along the way to stretch our legs and take some wonderful photographs. Tour ends in Hanoi. (B, L)
Day 11: Hanoi
Free & easy. (B)
Day 12: Hanoi – Halong on Phoenix Cruiser
Include: Joining 16 seat van Deluxe double cabin on boat English speaking tour guide Entrance fees Kayak Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner 08:00 AM: Shuttle bus pick you up at your hotel for the 3.5 hr drive (165km) to Halong City. 12: 00 Board Halong Phoenix Cruiser. Lunch and a welcome drink are served while the boat cruises the bay to enjoy the beautiful limestone seascape. You will see Dog Rock and Incense Burner Rocks, as well as Fighting Cock Rock before heading to Sung Sot Cave (Cave of Surprises). Later, we stop at a floating house owned by fishermen before kayaking to Luon Cave to enjoy the quiet atmosphere of the bay. After returning to the boat, we will anchor in a safe and scenic location for swimming and seasonal fruit in the “ Floating Garden ”. Dinner is served onboard and then you will have free time to listen to music, relax under the stars or join in Karaoke singing. (B, L, D)
Day 13: Halong – Kayaking
Include: Deluxe double cabin on boat English speaking tour guide Entrance fees Kayak Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner Full day sea kayaking to discover the hidden beauty of Halong Bay. After breakfast, served at around 7: 30, kayaking begins. The guide will show you the most beautiful parts of the bay, such as Drum Cave, Man's Head Islet, Turtle Islet and Fairman's Cave before heading to Van Gia fishing village for BBQ lunch and relaxation. You will have an opportunity to understand more about fishermen's daily life in the bay. Afterwards we continue kayaking to the other side of the bay to visit a pearl farm. We return to the junk at around 4:00 PM for the second night. (B, L, D)
Day 14: Halong – Hanoi
After breakfast, we take a local wooden boat back to the Junk for our return to Halong City. Enroute there will be time for swimming and ‘arm-chair' exploration of more beautiful limestone islands- have your camera ready for some beautiful shots!
11: 30 Halong Phoenix Cruiser arrives at the dock for lunch in an A/C restaurant. Transfer back to Hanoi for check in and relax. Overnight in Hanoi. (B, L)
Day 15: Hanoi – Hue
Free & easy all day. At 10:00 PM transferred to the railway station for the night train to Hue. Overnight on the train. (B)
Day 16: Hue City tour
AM: Arrival in Hue at 11:00 AM, picked up to have lunch, check in hotel & relax. PM: A boat trip along Perfume River to visit Thien Mu pagoda, Minh Mang tomb, visit Dong Ba market. Overnight in Hue. (B)
Day 17: Hue
Free and easy. (B)
Day 18: Hue – Hoi An
AM: Transfer to Hoi An. Upon arrival, check in and relax. Overnight in Hoi An. (B)
Day 19, 20: Hoi An
Free & easy. Discover the beauty of Hoi An ancient city & beach. (B)
Day 21: Hoi An – Danang
Transfer to Danang for check in hotel and relax. (B)
Day 22: Da Nang
Free & easy. (B)
Day 23: Danang – Nha Trang
AM: Free & easy PM: Transferred to the railway station for the train to Nha Trang at 13:10 PM. Arrival in Nha Trang at 21:20 PM, check in hotel and relax. Overnight in Nha Trang. (B)
Day 24, 25: Nha Trang
Free & easy. Discover the beauty of Nha Trang beach – one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. (B)
Day 26: Nha Trang – Saigon
Catch the train to Saigon at 9:30 AM. Check in upon arrival. (B)
Day 27: Saigon City tour – Cu Chi Tunnels
Breakfast at hotel. Then spend full day visiting the city: Ho Chi Minh City is the largest and busiest city in Vietnam with a population of 6 million people. Much of the daily life takes place on the streets, which are lined with shops, stalls and vendors with their wares spread out on the footpath. We start our tour with a visit to the Reunification Palace which was the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until end of April 1975. Close to this sight are some of the best French colonial structures including the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Old Saigon Post Office. Visit the Jade Emperor Pagoda, the War Remnant and the bustling Ben Thanh Market. Here anything and everything is for sale. Lunch at local restaurant. Afterwards we continue to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, which were an incredible underground network constructed by Vietnamese fighters during the long struggle for independence. The tunnels contained hospitals, plus accommodation and schools, and were used as a military base for the Vietcong in the American war. Turn back to Ho Chi Minh City. Dinner at local restaurant. (B, L)
Day 28: Saigon – Mekong Delta
Include: Private 4 seat car Hotel 3 star: Saigon Can Tho English speaking tour guide Entrance fees Boat trip Meals: Breakfast, lunch 8:00 Pick up at hotel. Transfer to My Tho. Take the motorized boat through the Bao Dinh natural canal; view the stilhouse and the fruit plantation along the canal sides. Visit the My Tho wholesale fruit market. Proceed to the Tortoise Island. Lunch served in the heart of the orchard. Enjoy the nice boat ride through the Tan Tach natural canal in Ben Tre, cruise under the shadow of the water coconut trees. Visit the family business where you can experience the agricultural lifestyle. Trekking through the fruit plantation in Thoi Son island, enjoy the rowing boat ride on the creeks before returning to My Tho by rowing boat. Proceed to Can Tho. Check in on arrival. (B, L)
Day 29: Mekong Delta – Saigon
8:00 After breakfast, take the morning boat trip to visit the Phong Dien floating market with the busy sense right at the time. Keep cruising through the small channels system, visit the rice noodles making village. Experience the “monkey Bridge “in the Delta. Visit the second floating market of Cai Rang. Break time for lunch. Return to Hochiminh city. Stop for visit & rest at the Bonsai garden in My Tho. Drive back to Saigon for check in and relax. Overnight in Saigon. (B, L)
Day 30: Saigon – Vung Tau
After breakfast we travel to the former Australian Task Force Base (ATF) at Nui Dat.The opportunity to visit the local Nui Dat school and former military landmarks such as, SAS hill,” Luscombe Field “ air strip, Luscombe Bowl and the “Kangaroo South Pad” a Helicopter dust off strip and the Pearly gates. We then pause for a briefing in preparation for our trek to the Long Tan battle site. We move forward through the rubber plantation to exit the former task force perimeter and follow in part the patrol route, passing by small villages and local hamlets and across the dam wall of the Suoi Da Bang river, before arriving at The Long Tan Memorial Cross. Overnight in Vung Tau. (B, L)
Day 31: Vung Tau – Saigon
AM: Go walking in Vung Tau city by yourself PM: Transferred back to Saigon for check in and relax. Overnight in Saigon. (B, L)
Day 32, 33: Saigon
Free & easy. (B)
Day 34: Saigon – Departure
Relax until transferred to the airport for your ongoing flight. (B) | 
