Vietnam
THE BEST OF NORTHERN VIETNAM — 10 Days/9 Nights (EVN/BNV)
Northern Vietnam— with the cultural center of Hanoi, hill tribes and
terrace rice fields in Sapa, national parks, and wonderful Halong Bay— moves at a
slower pace than the cities in Southern Vietnam. This is the program for you if
you are interested in culture and people.
Day 1: Arrive Hanoi
Arrive in Hanoi. Meet your guide and transfer to hotel. The rest of the day is
at leisure. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 2: Hanoi (B)
A full day city tour of Vietnam's capital. Hanoi is a unique city with
tree-lined boulevards, French colonial architecture, peaceful lakes and oriental
temples. The city tour includes such sights as Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, the One
Pillar Pagoda, the Fine Arts Museum, the Temple of Literature, the Lake of the
Restored Sword, and the Old Quarter. In the evening enjoy a traditional
Vietnamese water puppet show. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 3: Hanoi - Haiphong - Halong - Haiphong (B,L)
An early start to drive to Haiphong, Vietnam's third largest city and gateway to
Halong Bay, 100km to the east of Hanoi. On arrival board the hydrofoil for the
55-minute journey to Cat Ba Island, the largest in the bay. At Cat Ba board a
private boat for a cruise among some of the 3,000 limestone islands that are
scattered throughout this spectacular bay. The cruise includes a fresh seafood
lunch. Return to Haiphong by hydrofoil in the afternoon. Transfer to hotel.
Overnight in Haiphong.
Day 4: Haiphong - Hanoi (B)
Haiphong still has many impressive examples of classic European colonial
architecture in its town centre. A morning cyclo tour along the wide boulevards
includes a visit to Hang Kenh tapestry factory and the Du Hang Pagoda, founded
over three centuries ago. Return to Hanoi in by road after lunch in Haiphong and
transfer to hotel. The rest of the afternoon is free for relaxing or shopping
for souvenirs. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 5: Hanoi - Sapa (B)
Leave Hanoi by road for the picturesque day's journey to Sapa, in the far
northwestern corner of Vietnam. There are many photo opportunities along the way
and after a lunch stop at Yen Bai visit Black Dao and Flower H'mong villages en
route. Arrive at Lao Cai in the late afternoon where you can gaze across the Red
River at China on the opposite bank. From Lao Cai the road winds up the terraced
hillsides to Sapa, a former French hill resort and home to some of Vietnam's
most colorful ethnic groups. Transfer to hotel. Overnight in Sapa.
Day 6: Sapa (B)
A morning walking tour of Sapa visits the busy market where Red Dao, Black
H'mong and other hill tribes converge from the surrounding countryside to sell
their embroidery, silverware and handicrafts and to buy provisions. In the
afternoon visit some of nearby hill tribe villages, such as Cat Cat or Ta Fin.
Overnight in Sapa.
Day 7: Sapa (B)
Light trekking or mountain bike riding to further explore the rustic villages
scattered among the valleys and hillsides. Overnight in Sapa.
Day 8: Sapa - Hanoi (B)
Return to Hanoi after breakfast via Lao Cai. Transfer to hotel on arrival in
Hanoi. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 9: Hanoi - Hoa Lu - Hanoi (B)
A 70km drive through rural northern Vietnam to the site of Vietnam's first
capital, Hoa Lu. After visiting the two remaining sanctuaries of the ancient
citadel, take a sampan on a river through the rice paddies to the grottoes of
the sacred Tam Coc Caves. Enormous limestone karsts jut out from the green rice
fields giving rise to this place's other name, 'Halong on Land'. Overnight in
Hanoi.
Day 10: Hanoi (B)
At leisure until transfer to Noi Bai Airport for onward flight.
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