Northern Cover
09 days / 08 nights - Coach, Train
Package price based on twin share (US$) for year 2008 from US$
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Trip Includes:
- Hotels (05 nights); 2 night on train and 1 night homestay; Meals: All breakfast, 07 lunch and 1 dinner; Train: Hanoi - Lao Cai - Hanoi; English speaking guide; Private air-conditioning coach; Private boats: Halong bay; All Entrance free; Puppet show; 01 bottle of water/ day
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Day 1 Hanoi
You will be welcomed from your flight and transferred to your Hanoi hotel. Tonight we introduce you to Vietnamese cuisine at a local restaurant.
Day 2 Hanoi - Lao Cai (Breakfast/ Lunch/ Berth)
This morning join us on a walking ‘orientation’ of the old quarter and a brief look at Hoan Kiem Lake . The old quarter is steeped in history, busy crowded merchant streets named after their wares. Here you can purchase anything from silk pyjamas to herbal medicines. Hoan Kiem Lake, “Lake of the Restored Sword” gets it’s name from a 15 th century legend where Heaven gave Emperor Ly Thai To a magical sword to drive out the Chinese. walking ‘orientation’ of the old quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake.
The afternoon is at leisure to explore the shops and markets before an evening transfer to the train station for the overnight train to Lao Cai on the Chinese border. Shared air-conditioned 4-berth modern carriages are reserved.
Note: Simple dinner on train.
Day 3 Lao Cai - Sapa (Breakfast/ Lunch)
This morning arrive at Lao Cai on the Chinese border where you board the local bus for the drive through the winding hills to Sapa. Sapa is a small town set in a beautiful valley often shrouded in mist and home to diverse hill-tribe communities.
Breakfast on arrival and then the day is yours free to explore this delightful town high in the mountains. Your guide is available to show you around or assist if necessary.
Day 4 Sapa 2 day Trek (Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)
Today you have the opportunity to take part in a 2-day Trek. If you prefer not to trek you may prefer to explore the markets and take shorter walks around the village. The trek takes you through the rolling hills and valleys and along terraced gardens. The trek is easy for anyone of average fitness and most people complete it in about 4 hours with stops at points of interest. Mist often swirls around the hills as local hill tribes tend their farms and go about their daily life.. Good strong walking shoes with good tread. Overnight at a local family’s homestay/guesthouse.
Day 5 Sapa - Lao Cai - Hanoi (Breakfast/ Lunch/ Berth)
Say goodbye to your host family and continue walking the hills on your return to Sapa. On return to Sapa board the bus back to Lao Cai and the overnight train to Hanoi.
Day 6 Hanoi City (Breakfast/ Lunch)
An early arrival in Hanoi and transfer to your hotel for breakfast and a chance to freshen up. After breakfast a half-day city tour to visit some of Hanoi ’s historical sights. The beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake , the final resting place of Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum set deep in the bowels of a monumental edifice that has become a popular local and foreign pilgrimage. Ho Chi Minh’s house, a stilt house built in the style of the ethnic minorities, where Ho Chi Ming lived simply between 1958 and 1969. One Pillar Pagoda a small but significant pagoda with a Buddhist representation of the world and the Temple of Literature originally built in 1070. Afternoon free to shop and explore Hanoi 's old quarter at leisure.
Note: HCM Mausoleum is closed Mondays and Fridays .
Day 7 Halong Bay 2-day tour (Breakfast/ Lunch)
Journey East along Highway 5 across Hai Hung Province to Halong on the coast. Your driver will stop at various places of interest along the way including the Humanity Centre a program for disabled young people to learn crafts such as silk embroidery. Halong is a popular holiday resort for local people and also the departure point for your boat journey to Halong Bay World Heritage Park.
Day 8 Halong Bay - Hanoi (Breakfast/ Lunch)
This morning a half-day boat trip through this magical land. Halong Bay is one of the most spectacular and romantic of all Vietnam 's physical wonders. From the Emerald waters 3,000 islands rise steeply to create a dramatic seascape. Said to be the 'dragon descends into the sea. 'The boat will stop at various points of interest, caves and lagoons. Weather permitting you may swim in one of the lagoons. Lunch is served on board. Return journey to Hanoi.
Day 9 Hanoi ...tour end (Breakfast)
Tour ends this morning after breakfast.
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Saigon - Mekong Delta