Highlights of Vietnam with Sapa - 15 days

2012 - Your Journey starts Saigon, ends Hanoi

DAYS 1-3 - SAIGON & MEKONG DELTA
On arrival in Saigon, transfer to your hotel. Start to bond with your small group of fellow travelers and tour leader with a tour briefing and welcome drinks. Wander along the city’s historic Dong Khoi Street, the former Rue Catinat, and stop to explore the Reunification Palace and War Remnants Museum. Gain insight into the resilience of the Vietnamese people as you investigate the amazing Cu Chi tunnels, and wind among the canals of the Mekong Delta sampling fruit from local orchards.
Hotel: Duxton

DAYS 4-7 - HUE & HOI AN
Fly north to Hue, the former imperial capital and a window into Vietnam’s complex past. Delve into the ancient Citadel, elaborate emperors’ tombs and tranquil Thien Mu Pagoda. At the Spiral foundation, meet the deaf and mute workers as they guide you to make your own souvenir. Witness the lovely countryside and spectacular coastal scenery on your way to Hoi An. A living monument to Vietnam’s rich history, this charming town boasts traditional houses and temples and the iconic Japanese Bridge. Visit a produce market with the disadvantaged youth from the Streets organization, and then enjoy some free time in Hoi An for shopping, or enhance your culinary skills with a fun cooking class.
Hotels: Saigon Morin, Hoi An Historic Hotel

DAYS 8-9 - HANOI & HALONG BAY
Fly to Hanoi and then relax as you watch farmers working their land on the drive to enchanting Halong Bay. Enjoy the freshest seafood while you cruise amongst the thousands of limestone islands. On your return to Hanoi, a delightful water puppet performance awaits. Learn all about the life and legend of ‘Uncle Ho’ at his former home and mausoleum, and visit the ancient Temple of Literature and ‘Hanoi Hilton’ prison.
Hotels: Royal Lotus, Silk Path

DAYS 10-15 - HANOI & SAPA
Enjoy a peaceful walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, and then join an interactive cooking class before boarding an overnight train to the striking mountains of Northern Vietnam in the evening. After arriving in Sapa and checking in to your hotel, wander the delightful town and local market. Tour the Ta Van valley with sweeping views across stepped rice fields, and soak up the regional lifestyle of the mountain dwelling locals, before transferring to Topas Ecolodge, with incredible views on all sides of the valley below. Here, discover the minority villages for an insight into their unique way of life. Return on the overnight train to Hanoi.
Hotels: Tirant, Overnight train, Bamboo Sapa, Topas Ecolodge