An early morning start to drive towards Sa Pa. The roads are bumpy at times, but various scenic landscapes changing from the delta area to the Tonkinese Alps make for an interesting journey. At an elevation of 1,500 meters, Sa Pa was once a hill resort of French administrators when the summer heat became unbearable. The remoteness and the simple lifestyle of ethnic minority people are a highlight of Sa Pa although conditions are basic. After checking into hotel in Sapa, soak up the fresh climate as much as spending time to wander around. The ethnic people are frequently seen in this hill town and small vendors along the street sell local textiles and handicraft. Overnight in Sapa.

Meals: Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner

Day 3: Sapa

The range of Phan Si Pan boasts Vietnam’s highest mountain and lends an alpine feel to the area surrounding this hill station. Visit the bustling Sa Pa Market where the Red Dao, Black Hmong, Tay and Xa Pho ethnic minorities converge from the nearby mountainsides and valleys to trade their goods and buy provisions. Then get well off the beaten track as embark on a walk to explore this beautiful mountain region. Along the way traverse several rustic villages and see many mountaineers doing their daily works such as logging, herding buffalo and tilling the field. The blend of verdant mountain backdrop and colouful population makes for an unimaginable view.

Meals: Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner

Day 4: Sapa – Bacha

Upon leaving Sapa drive through the border town of Lao Cai to the colouful Sunday Market at Bac Ha. This market also attracts a wide variety of ethnic minority groups including the Variegated Hmong, Dao, Phu La, La Chi and Tay. They still retain their old age cultural traditions and are recognisable distinct from each other by their dress. The experience of this congregation is colorful and unique. After the market enjoy a walk around the area, visiting the Hmong King’s former residence and Ban Pho where the villagers make the potent local maize alcohol. Overnight in Bac Ha.

Meals: Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner

Day 5: Bacha - Hanoi

Return from Bac Ha Town, passing through the green and rugged mountain scenery to Hanoi. These back roads are a great way to explore the real Vietnam. We see very few other travelers, 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 at our pleasure, to stretch our legs and take some wonderful photographs. Overnight in Hanoi.

Meals: Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner

Day 6: Hanoi - Halong Bay

Enjoy a half day city tour before overland to Halong bay, starting with the Ho Chi Minh Complex, containing the mausoleum of the nation’s founder Ho Chi Minh, the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts. Close to this site is the One Pillar Pagoda, whose origins date back to the foundation of Hanoi. Follow this with a trip to the Temple of Literature, well known as Vietnam’s first university and the History Museum, which displays an excellent collection of artifacts illustrating the Vietnamese history. The peaceful lake of Hoan Kiem and the bustling Dong Xuan Market are also visited before we depart for Halong Bay, stopping en route at the Dong Trieu Pottery village.

Meals: Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner

Day 7: HalongBay - Catba Island

Heading out of town to embark on a boat for seven hour cruise to explore the legendary Ha Long Bay. Views of sailing junks navigating past over 3,000 limestone islands and out crops jutting out of the clear and emerald water of the bay are nothing short of spectacular. These limestone karst formations are littered with beaches, grottoes and beautiful caves. Along the way anchor for a leisurely swim in a secluded cove and an enjoyable visit to one of the many hidden grottoes beneath towering cliffs. After a huge seafood lunch on board weave the way towards Cat Ba Island and also have time for another swim.

Meals: Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner

Day 8: CatbaIsland – Hanoi

The impressive way to catch your first glimpse of Cat Ba is a walk along the seaside at dawn. Have a half free day to explore Cat Ba Island. There are various options to choose from, some of which are rowing a tiny boat, kayaking or visiting the national park. These optional activities are not included; however our guide is on hand to advise visitor with invaluable information. Regroup at our hotel in the early afternoon and travel by ferry to Hai Phong, the biggest port town of northern Vietnam. On arrival in this town board the car or bus for a two-hour drive back to Hanoi, arriving in time to see a performance of Hanoi's famous water puppets.

Meals: Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner

Day 9: Hanoi - Danang - Hoian

An early morning transfer to the airport for an hour flight to Danang. On arrival greeted and driven a short distance to Hoi and was originally a Cham seaport but has been influenced down centuries by a myriad of traders from various cultures. There are plenty to see in this tranquil and delightful town, some of which are the famous Japanese Covered Bridges, the Pottery Museum, the 200 years old Tamky House, the Chua Ong Pagoda and the vibrant market. Visit these sights on an enchanting walking tour past many low tiled houses scattered along the small streets, and assembly halls which reflect the town's multi-cultural past.

Meals: Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner

Day 10: Hoian – Hue

The following destination of the trip is Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. After breakfast we depart for Hue, stopping en route to visit the sensational Marble Mountains, the China Beach and the Cham Museum in Danang. This structure is home to Vietnam's largest collection of Cham treasures. The winding roads begin making the way up the spectacular Hai Van Pass. At the top of the pass have a stop to admire a fantastic view north to Lang Co and south to Danang. Upon arrival in Hue visit the Imperial Citadel and the Purple Forbidden City. This royal residence was all but destroyed during the 1968 Tet Offensive, however it is still fascinating to walk among the ruins.

Meals: Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner

Day 11: Hue

Includes:

• English/French-speaking guides. Other languages are available upon request
• Accommodation in double/twin-sharing room, 14 night in total
• Meals as mentioned in the Program. Special requirements (vegetarian, diet, Muslim food etc.) could be arranged upon prior notice
• All transfers and transportation by air-con buses
• Domestic air ticket from Hanoi to Hue and airport tax
• Domestic air ticket from Danang to Hochiminh City and airport tax
• Boat cruises on Halong Bay, Hue and Mekong Delta
• All entrance and sightseeing fees

Excludes:

• International flight from/to Vietnam and airport tax
• Visa arrangement
• Drinks and personal expenses (laundry, phone calls etc.)
• Any optional additional tours or activities during free time