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 west
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 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
colourful 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-Vientiane (B)
At leisure until transfer to Noi Bai Airport
for onward flight to Vientiane. Arrive in Vientiane, the peaceful
capital of the People’s Democratic Republic of Laos. After
transferring to the hotel there is time for an afternoon city
tour taking in Wat Sisaket, with its thousands of miniature
Buddha statues, Wat Prakeo, Wat Simuang, the That Luang Monument
and Vientiane’s own Arc de Triomphe, the Anousavari Monument.
Overnight in Vientiane.
Day 11 Vientiane-Luang Prabang
(B)
Transfer to Wattay Airport for a morning
flight to the former royal capital, Luang Prabang. Transfer
to hotel before setting out to explore some of the sights of
this peaceful, provincial city. There is little traffic on the
dusty Luang Prabang roads and monks in orange robes scurry in
all directions carrying umbrellas to shade themselves from the
sun. The former Royal Palace, now the National Museum, Wat Xieng
Thong, Wat Sen, Wat Visun and Mount Phousi with panoramic views
over the city should not be missed. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 12 Luang Prabang-Pak Ou-Luang
Prabang (B,L)
A full day boat trip on the mighty Mekong
River to visit the mysterious Pak Ou Caves. Thousands of gold
lacquered Buddha statues are crammed into the two caves carved
out of a towering limestone cliff. They range in size from a
few centimetres to the size of a human. After a picnic lunch,
visit a riverside village where rice wine is produced and the
village of Ban Phanom, where traditional Lao textiles are woven
on ancient wooden looms. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 13 Luang Prabang-Vientiane
(B)
An early morning visit to Luang Prabang
Market before transferring to the airport for the flight back
to Vientiane. Transfer to hotel on arrival. The afternoon is
free for more exploration or souvenir shopping. Overnight in
Vientiane.
Day 14 Depart Vientiane (B)
After breakfast visit the Morning Market
before transfer to the airport for departure flight.
Tour Includes: Accommodation in shared twin room with daily
breakfast, 02 lunches, Land transportation by air-conditioned
vehicles with driver, English or French speaking local guides
and Entrance fees for mentioned visits. The tour does not include
dinners, beverages, Airport tax, International flights from
Vietnam to Laos, Visa fees on arrival in Laos ( USD 30 per person
), Domestic flights in Laos and Personal expenses.
Vietnam 50 - 14 Days / 13 Nights The Best of Northern Indochina ( private tour )
pls
contact us for further information and price
