The title itself expresses the most significant feature of this tour. The destinations, obviously, will be the most well-known ones in Vietnam. Holiday Indochina promises to bring fresh and special emotions to our customers in this general popularity.

MEAL PLAN → Rather than offer 3 meals per day, every day, our itineraries are designed to include meals only where necessary or where they add to your overall experience. Prices include breakfast throughout; lunch is included on Days 2 to 13. Dinner is included on Days 1, Day 5 and 13. Extensions are inclusive of breakfast.

ACCOMMODATION → from 3 star accommodation and above as described below.

CRUISE ACCOMMODATION → Private cabin in sharing cruise on Halong bay

GRATUITIES → Tips are often the main source of income for those working in the travel industry. Tipping in bars and restaurants is now customary and should be around 10% of your total bill. Tipping for your guide and driver is recommended at 5USD/person/day.

TRAVEL TIPS → This tour includes considerable traveling overland and sightseeing, so bring light, durable clothing and comfortable footwear.

NB → The itinerary on this tour is subject to change depending on water levels and road and weather conditions. The tourist infrastructure in parts of Vietnam is not as developed as in other Far East destinations. Transport may be subject to a delay or change and sometimes roads may be bumpy. Due to the number of steps in and around the main attractions, this tour is not suitable for those with walking difficulties. Vegetarian diets cannot be adequately provided for throughout Vietnam. Vietnam celebrates New Year’s Day (Tet) on Feb14 2010. One week either side of these dates domestic travel increases dramatically and transport availability is limited. Many markets, shops and restaurants close although hotels remain open. Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is closed every Monday to Friday and throughout October to November.

MODE OF TOUR: private tour with private vehicles and private local tour guide, depart at any desired date

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival           (D) - 50km/ 1hour drive
Our tour guide will meet and greet you at the airport, transfer to Hanoi center. During the next days experience the many sights and sounds in and around of one of South East Asia’s most delightful and enigmatic cities. Begin with a panoramic rickshaw tour around the narrow alleys and tree lined boulevards of the famous Old Quarter with a short talk on Vietnamese history introducing an evening that also includes a traditional water puppet show. Overnight in Hanoi
 
Day 2: Hanoi City Tour - Transfer to Railway station     (B/L) - 100km + 400km/ 8hours touring + 8hours overnight on train
Take time to learn about Ho Chi Minh on a visit to his Mausoleum (closed October and November) and the simple house where he lived, then explore the One Pillar Pagoda and the Temple of Literature and Hanoi Fine Art Museum. After lunch, we pay a visit to Hoa Lo Hanoi also known as "Hanoi Hilton" then free walking around Hanoi old quarter for shopping and short visit Dong Xuan market. At 21:00, we go to Hanoi Railways station to board on the overnight train to Sapa. Overnight on 4 berth, sharing cabin with A/C

Day 3: Lao Cai arrival - transfer to Sapa   (B/L) - 35km/ 1hour drive
The train arrives in Lao Cai at 05:00 am. Drive uphill to Sapa. At an elevation of 1,500 meters, Sapa is the former hill retreat for French administrators when the heat in plain became unbearable. The remoteness and simple lifestyle of ethnic minorities are a highlight of Sapa although conditions are very basic. After checking into hotel we can soak up the fresh climate as much as we want by 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. In the afternoon, we trek to Cat Cat village (2 km from Sapa town) where you will visit the village of Black H’mong hill tribes. Enjoy the beautiful landscapes of Sapa Valley. Lunch is served at local restaurant. Back to your hotel. Free for dinner and leisure. Overnight at hotel.

Day 4: Sapa – Hanoi          (B/L) - 35km/ 1hour drive
This morning, let’s challenge you by a soft trek to visit Lao Chai and Ta Van villages inhabited by Black H’mong and Dzay ethnic minorities. You may acquire for a quite long walk but the rewards for your efforts are totally worthy with amazing and breath-taking landscapes of terraced rice fields, green valleys and meet with friendly local people. Back to the hotel and free at leisure. In the afternoon, we transfer you to Lao Cai station to take night train back to Hanoi.  Overnight on 4sotf berth sharing cabin train
 
Day 5: Hanoi - Halong Bay (B/L/D) - 200km/ 3.5hours drive
Arrive in Hanoi early and depart directly to the city of Quang Ninh and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Halong Bay. Upon arrival see a little of this busy seaport. Continue your journey to Halong Bay and board the traditional junk. Once onboard check into your cabin, enjoy a sumptuous seafood lunch and spend the afternoon cruising past the many limestone peaks and islands that form this picturesque bay. Relax on deck this afternoon and overnight onboard
 
Day 6: Halong Bay - Hanoi (B/L) - 200km/ 3.5hours drive
Waking up, having breakfast served onboard and sinking under the first sunshine in a pure dawn on the sea. Continue cruising around the bay. Take sampan to visit Luon Cave and come back to the boat. Having brunch before disembarking, be picked you up at the pier and transfer back to Hanoi. Visit Dong Trieu ceramic and pottery village on the way. Arrive in Hanoi at 04:00 pm. Free for your dinner and leisure. Overnight in Hanoi
 
Day 7: Hanoi - Hue  (B/L) - 650km/ 1hour flight
Transfer to the airport to catch morning flight to Hue. Check-in hotel upon arrival and take refresh for a while. This quiet city is widely known for the magnificent architecture of its citadels, palaces, royal tombs, pagodas and temples built under the Nguyen Dynasty. We visit the major sites including the Imperial Citadel with Forbidden Royal City like one in Beijing. In the afternoon an interesting cyclo touring around city will bring lot fun. After your dinner (under your own management), our evening will be highlighted with a special traditional performance of folksongs on boat along Perfume River and don’t forget to send your wishes when dropping your paper lantern into the river.  Overnight in Hue
 
Day 8: Hue   (B/L) - 8hours touring
Situated on the Perfume River this ancient imperial city was once the home to Vietnam’s last ruling dynasty. An important cultural centre of Vietnam and a city with great national pride, Hue has many historical and religious monuments. Today visit the sights of Hue, beginning with a cruise along the Perfume River to visit the Thien Mu Pagoda and the Royal Tombs of Emperors Tu Duc and Khai Dinh. Later seek out some incredible bargains at Dong Ba Market and take an informative tour of Hue’s Imperial Citadel. Despite heavy war damage this important and historical collection of buildings still stands proud within the city. Dine later at the popular restaurant. Overnight at hotel in Hue
 
Day 9: Hue - Danang - Hoi An   (B/L) - 200km/ 4hours drive
Depart Hue via the Hai Van Pass. This scenic journey passes pretty villages and fruit orchards as you hug the coastline on your journey to UNESCO World Heritage listed Hoi An. Stop by in Danang and visit the Cham Museum, take a stroll on China Beach where the Americans first landed back in 1965 and wander the Marble Mountain. Upon arriving in Hoi An, rest a while before a relaxing walking tour of the central market, Japanese Bridge, Fukien Assembly Hall and Tan Ky Old House. The following day is at leisure. Choose to browse the many tailors or handicraft shops or relax on the beach just outside town. Overnight in Hoi An

Day 10: Hoi An    (B/L)
Morning tour to visit local market and boat trip on Thu Bon River to visit handicraft villages to understand more about Hoian. Alternatively join a popular cookery class in the morning, which includes a visit to the market to choose your ingredients and lunch. Later an optional tour to the 7th to 13th Century Champa ruins of My Son reveals a little more of Vietnam’s varied history. Overnight in Hoi An
 
Day 11: Hoi An - Hochiminh city (Saigon)      (B/L) - 800km/ 1.5hour flight
Leave Hoi An this morning by Vietnam Airlines from Danang for your flight to the energetic and commercial hub of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City. Formerly known as Saigon this beautiful city has inspired many writers and artists over the years. Its wide tree lined boulevards lie home to street hawkers selling traditional Vietnamese food and strong iced coffees. See touches of colonial architecture in its buildings and watch the streets come alive as they throng with a million mopeds. On arrival take a short tour of the city visiting the thought provoking War Remnants Museum, the Notre Dame cathedral, former Presidential Palace and Ben Thanh Market. Overnight at hotel in Saigon City

Day 12: Saigon - Mekong Delta - Can Tho   (B/L) - 250km/ 4hours drive
Leave Saigon for My Tho located on the northern banks of the Mekong River and is the closest town in the Delta area to Ho Chi Minh City, about 2 hours drive away. In the center of the town close to the river there is a large market that sells just about anything that can be eaten or is used in day to day business. Around the My Tho area you will find a maze of small canals that can be explored on one of the many organized boat tours. Enjoy a boat ride on the Mekong River and visit an orchard on an island, with lunch en route. Continue with a visit to a honey farm and then continue driving to Can Tho. Check-in hotel and stay overnight in Can Tho.

Day 13: Can Tho - Saigon (B, L, D) - 250km/ 4hours drive
Waking up early in the morning for board on a sampan in a 3-hour touring to Cai Rang floating market with stops at a Bun Tau noodle factory and a short trek before arriving at a rice-husking mill are the highlights of the trip. You can even try passing one of the many fragile monkey bridges along the canals photo shot. At the floating markets, you will discover a typical way of displaying and advertising farm products of local people gathering on the Mekong River to trade their goods. Lunch in Can the before drive back to Saigon. Enjoy dinner with your fellow passengers before leaving. Overnight in Saigon

Day 14: Saigon Departure  (B) - 30km/ 45minutes drive
Free at leisure until transferring to Tan Son Nhat airport to take departure flight onward. End of service.
Alternatively extend your stay in Indochina on the golden sands of Nha Trang or discover the temples of Angkor in Siem Reap. For details of possible extensions to the beaches, please contact our Sales team.

Hotel options

Destination	First Class	Superior	Deluxe
Hanoi	Medillion hotel ***	Sunway hotel ****	Sheraton hotel *****
Train to Sapa	Tulico - Sharing cabin	Tulico VIP	Victoria Express
Sapa	Green bamboo hotel***	Chau Long hotel ****	Victoria resort and hotel ****
Halong Junk	Huong Hai Junk***	Indochina Sails****	Valentine junk*****
Hue	Asia hotel ***	Huong Giang hotel ****	Imperial hotel *****
Hoian	Hoi an hotel***	Vinh Hung resort****	Golden sand resort****
Hochiminh city	Dai Nam hotel***	Ramana hotel****	Equatorial hotel****
Can tho	International hotel***	Golf Can tho hotel****	Victoria resort Can tho****
Hotels are subject to availibility and change with the same standard

Base on the group of	First Class	Superior	Deluxe
1 person	$ 2719	$ 3469	$ 4257
2 persons	$ 1567	$ 1966	$ 2385
3 persons	$ 1379	$ 1772	$ 2191
4 persons	$ 1239	$ 1639	$ 2057
5 persons up	$ 1159	$ 1558	$ 1977
Single Supplement	$ 429	$ 722	$ 989

- All rates are quoted in USD PER PERSON, valid until 31 Dec 2010 and subject to change without prior notices
- Payment can be made by: VISA, MASTER, Amex, JCB, bank transfer or in cash  

INCLUSION:
•    Domestic flights within Vietnam: Hanoi - Hue, Danang - Hochiminh city (Economy class)
•    Services of English or French speaking tour guide
•    Train ticket to and from Lao Cai - 4soft berth sharing cabin
•    Centrally located accommodation
•    A/C cabin on deluxe junk on Halong bay
•    Transport by air-conditioned vehicles
•    Meals indicated in the itinerary
•    Entrance fees and boat expenses
•    Wet tissue and 01 water bottle/day/pax

EXCLUSION:
•    International air ticket
•    Visa approval letter fee at $20 each
•    Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
•    Travel insurance
•    Tips and gratitude’s
•    Other not mentioned and personal expenses


**** TRIP EXTENSION:

THE BEACHES OF VIETNAM
The ‘S’ shaped coastline of Vietnam is dotted with exceptional beaches, none more so than Nha trang beach
DAY 14 → Afternoon air transfer (one hour) to Nha trang for up to three nights or more at your chosen hotel.
DAY 18 → Return air transfer to Ho Chi Minh City to connect with your flight back to your home country.

A GLANCE OF CAMBODIA
DAY 14 → Late afternoon flight with Vietnam Airlines to Cambodia with Phnompenh and Siemreap, gateway to the temples, and transfer to your hotel. Prebook one of our sightseeing experiences.
DAY 18 → Connecting with your flight back  your home country.