Charming Vietnam

Itinerary

1. Day 01

   HANOI ARRIVAL - CITY TOUR (D)
   Welcome to Hanoi – Vietnam! The professional Tour Guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel in the center of the city. Have an overview of Hanoi by Cyclo, a kind of three-wheel rickshaw imported to Vietnam in early 20th century. Visit the Old quarter of Hanoi from Cyclo before stopping at Ngoc Son temple, Hoan Kiem Lake (aka the Sword lake), and St. Joseph cathedral. Late afternoon we will enjoy a unique show of Water Puppetry, a kind of traditional stageart of Northern Vietnam at Lotus Theatre closeby the Cathedral.  Dinner and overnight in Hanoi.  
2. Day 02

   HANOI – HALONG – OVERNIGHT ONBOARD (B/L/D)
   From Hanoi, between 08:00 and 08:30 AM, a shuttle bus from the Halong cruise team will pick us up and drive eastward for approximately 3.5 hours to Halong Bay — the pride of the Gulf of Tonkin and a UNESCO-designated Natural World Heritage Site (1994 and 2006). Upon arrival in Halong, we’ll board a large cruise boat to explore the bay’s breathtaking scenery, formed by thousands of uniquely shaped limestone islets and secluded sandy beaches. After enjoying a fresh seafood lunch onboard, we can visit the Surprising Grotto, go swimming or kayaking, or explore nearby floating villages. In the evening, enjoy a cooking class followed by dinner onboard. Later, participate in optional evening activities on the boat or simply relax at your leisure. Overnight on the boat. Please note: The itinerary may vary depending on the selected cruise.
3. Day 03

   HALONG – HANOI – OVERNIGHT TRAIN TO LAO CAI (B/L)
   An early wake-up offers a great opportunity to enjoy a gentle yoga or Tai Chi session on the sundeck while taking in the tranquil beauty of the sea at dawn. The Vietnamese call their sea the "East Sea," so you can imagine how magical the sunrise appears over the limestone islets on clear mornings. After breakfast and a cup of warm coffee, the boat continues cruising to visit a cave and passes through stunning areas, where nearly every islet has a name inspired by its shape or resemblance — such as Sail Island, Fisherman’s Head Rock, Butterfly Rock, or Turtle Islet. We’ll enjoy brunch onboard before checking out and taking the shuttle bus back to Hanoi. Upon arrival, enjoy some free time for shopping in the Old Quarter. Later, a Threeland representative will transfer you to Hanoi Railway Station to board the night train to Lao Cai, departing at 21:30. Please note: there is no guide escort on the train. Overnight onboard the train.
4. Day 04

   LAO CAI - SAPA - CAT CAT, LAO CHAI, TA VAN VILLAGES – SAPA (B)
   Arrive at Lao Cai Station at 06:00. You will be picked up and transferred by car to Sapa, a scenic 40km drive along winding mountain roads. The landscapes of Sapa are stunning year-round — from misty pine forests in winter to lush green terraced fields in spring. Along the way, stop for photos of the picturesque scenery and perhaps capture a few candid shots of charming Hmong or Dzao girls in traditional dress on the mountainside. Upon arrival in Sapa, we’ll have breakfast and leave our luggage at the hotel before heading out with our guide to explore Sapa Market. Here, we can meet local ethnic minorities and admire their handmade crafts — from wooden carvings and silver jewelry to intricately dyed and embroidered textiles. Next, enjoy a short 2-km trek to Cat Cat Village, home of the Hmong people. This is a great chance to meet local residents and learn more about their daily lives and customs. In the afternoon, we transfer to Lao Chai Village (10km from Sapa) and begin a 3-km walk to Ta Van Village, passing through beautiful valleys and visiting villages of the Hmong, Tay, and Dzay ethnic groups along the way. Return to Sapa town in the late afternoon. Overnight in Sapa.
5. Day 05

   SAPA TOUR – LAO CAI - OVERNIGHT TRAIN TO HANOI (B)
   Option 1 (Tuesday, Saturday, or Sunday): On market days, visit one of the vibrant hill tribe markets — Can Cau (Sat), Bac Ha (Sun), or Coc Ly (Tues) — where ethnic minorities like the Flower Hmong gather in colorful traditional attire to trade goods and socialize. After exploring the market and nearby villages, transfer to Lao Cai Station for the night train to Hanoi (no guide escort). Overnight on the train. Option 2 (Other days): Visit Taphin Village, home to the Red Dzao, and enjoy a scenic hike through terraced fields and local hamlets, meeting Hmong and Dzao communities known for their handmade textiles and embroidery. Afterward, return to Sapa and transfer to Lao Cai Station for the night train to Hanoi (no guide escort). Overnight on the train.
6. Day 06

   HANOI - HUE CITY TOUR (B)
   Picked up by car at Hanoi Station around 05:00. Before breakfast, we’ll have a chance to join locals in their morning exercises around the lakes — from jogging and yoga to sword dancing, fan dancing, and Tai Chi. After breakfast and a short rest, we transfer to Noi Bai Airport for a short flight to Hue. Recognized by UNESCO as Vietnam’s first Cultural World Heritage Site, Hue is known for its imperial architecture and traditional lifestyle. We’ll explore the Royal Citadel, Forbidden City, and Hue Royal Museum, then visit Thien Mu Pagoda and the well-preserved Tomb of King Tu Duc — one of the most remarkable monuments of the Nguyen dynasty. Overnight in Hue.
7. Day 07

   HUE - DA NANG TOUR - HOIAN ANCIENT TOWN TOUR (B)
   After breakfast and hotel check-out, we depart from Hue, heading south with a stop in Danang to visit the Cham Museum — a fascinating introduction to the rich Cham culture that once thrived in Central Vietnam. We continue to the Marble Mountains before arriving in Hoi An around midday. In the afternoon, explore the ancient town of Hoi An: stroll across the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, visit historic Chinese Assembly Halls, traditional trading houses, pagodas, and browse the riverside market along the Thu Bon River. The timeless beauty of Hoi An has long inspired artists with its distinct Oriental charm. Overnight in Hoi An. Optional: In the evening, enjoy Palao, a captivating cultural performance on a nearby island, showcasing the heritage of the Cham people. (Available after 09 November 2018; ticket and transfer surcharge applies.)
8. Day 08

   HOI AN – DA NANG DEPARTURE (B)
   After breakfast at the hotel, back to Da Nang Airport for your departure flight. End of services.

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