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Day 1: Hanoi
On arrival, transfer to your hotel.
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Day 2: Hanoi – Duong Lam – Hanoi
Situated northwest of Hanoi, Duong Lam is one of the country’s few remaining ancient villages. Visit Mong Phu temple and continue on through the narrow alleys to see the old laterite houses which make up this charming village. Enjoy lunch in a 100 year-old house and then continue driving to Mia Pagoda and Ngo Quyen temple and Phung Hung temple, places dedicated to two national heroes - Ngo Quyen and Phung Hung. (B)(L)
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Day 3: Hanoi – Lao Cai
Begin with a walking tour of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, home to thousands of shopkeepers, with plenty of photo opportunities. Following this visit to the Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, the West Lake and the sixth century Tran Quoc Pagoda. The afternoon is at leisure before your transfer to Hanoi Train Station for the overnight train ride to Lao Cai, the gateway to Sapa. (B)
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Day 4: Lao Cai – Sapa
On arrival in the border town of Lao Cai, transfer to the former hill station of Sapa, a land of terraced hills and mountains enlivened by the colours of its hill tribe population. Take a morning walking tour to the busy market where Red Dao, Black Hmong, Tay and other ethnic minority people converge to sell their wares. Then take a light trek to discover Sapa's quaint hill tribe villages. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon and evening at leisure. (B)(L)
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Day 5: Sapa – Lao Cai – Hanoi
Take in the picturesque countryside on a short walk to a hill tribe village where you will have the opportunity to visit some local homes and see the daily lifestyles of these tribes as well as their culture and traditions. Return to Lao Cai for the night train back to Hanoi. BL
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Day 6: Hanoi – Halong Bay
Arrive early into Hanoi where a hotel will be available to freshen before heading to Halong Bay. Along the way, you will pass through the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta. Transfer to your boat for the overnight journey on Halong Bay, cruising by incredible rock formations. (B)(L)(D)
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Day 7: Halong Bay – Hanoi – Hoi An
Sail back to Halong City and en-route to Hanoi Airport visit Thanh Chuong Palace, the home and studio of Thanh Chuong who is one of the most celebrated painters in Vietnam. On arrival in Danang transfer to Hoi An, a quaint town whose architecture and relaxed lifestyle has changed little over the years. (B)
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Day 8: Hoi An
Take a walking tour of the ancient town centre to visit former merchants’ houses, the 400 year-old Japanese Bridge, a Chinese communal hall and the colourful market. Afternoon is at leisure. (B)
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Day 9: Hoi An – Hue
Have the morning at leisure before leaving Hoi An for Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. Drive through Danang and visit the Cham Museum, before climbing over the Hai Van Pass and dropping down to the wonderfully photogenic fishing village of Lang Co, before arrival in Hue. (B)
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Day 10: Hue
Start your day with a visit to the Imperial Citadel. After exploring the ruins take a cyclo through the ‘Old City’ to Tinh Tam Lake where the Emperors used to come to relax. Drive on to Thien Mu Pagoda, constructed in 1601, the 21-metre tall tower is the centrepiece of the pagoda. In the afternoon depart for the Mausoleum of Tu Duc and finish up at Khai Dinh’s Tomb, before taking a stroll through Dong Ba Market. (B)
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Day 11: Hue - Saigon
Transfer to Hue Airport for the short flight to Saigon. A full day city tour starts in Cholon, the city’s Chinatown and then, visit Vietnam's first traditional medicine museum, the FITO Museum. Head back into the city to visit Ben Thanh Market and this afternoon visit the War Remnants Museum, the former Presidential Palace, the Old Saigon Post Office, Dong Khoi Street, the Opera House and City Hall.(B)
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Day 12: Mekong
Leave bustling Saigon for the 2.5-hour drive to the delta town of Cai Be, home to a colourful floating market, vast emerald rice fields and lush back waterways. Board a boat for a cruise of the Cai Be floating market. Continue to a cottage factory where ‘pop-rice’, rice paper and coconut candies are made. Return to the boat and cruise to Dong Hoa Hiep Island, seeing the daily life of the local villagers along the way. Return to Saigon.(B)(L)
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Day 13: Saigon
Enjoy late check out at your hotel until your onward flight.(B)