Grand Tour of Vietnam and Sapa

Upon your arrival at Hanoi International airport, you will be welcomed and transferred to the hotel in Hanoi City Centre. Free time for the rest of the day.

Meals: Dinner
Overnight in Hanoi 

Morning departure to visit the beautiful Temple of Literature. It was used to educate Vietnamese royalty, mandarins, and the elite. The University operated for 700 years before becoming the peaceful landmark it is today. Its gardens and well-preserved architecture offer fascinating glimpses of the country’s distant past.

Continue to explore Hanoi with a visit to the nearby Ho Chi Minh Complex, the final resting place of President Ho Chi Minh (Bac Ho), the most iconic leader of Vietnam and who has led the country to its independence and reunification. This complex includes Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, Ba Dinh Square, Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House, Ho Chi Minh Museum and One Pillar Pagoda. Here you will see the mausoleum and the old house where he lived from 1958 to 1969. End the morning with a visit to the small, but iconic One Pillar Pagoda.

In the afternoon, start with a visit to the Museum of Ethnology. This is the most comprehensive museum in the country, with an abundant amount of information on the 54 ethnic minority groups in Vietnam.

In the late afternoon, ride a pedicab through the streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, also known as “36 streets”. Take a tour through the charming Hang Be Market and around Hoan Kiem Lake. This bustling area of narrow streets and alleys is home to thousands of small merchants.

Enjoy a water puppet show that will immerse you into the traditional performance arts scene of Vietnam before heading back to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast – Dinner
Overnight in Hanoi 

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Sapa. Arrival early in the afternoon.

Lunch at a local restaurant before heading out to visit Sapa town.

Head toward the small Giay village of Ta Van, in the breathtaking Muong Hoa
Valley. Enjoy a scenic walk through the tranquil rice terraces towards the Black H’mong village of Lao Chai. Marvel at the cascading paddy fields that cling to the mountainside and take in one of Vietnam’s most breathtaking views before arriving at the home of
Ms Moo, a local Black H’mong lady. Soak in the view whilst learning more about the traditional life and culture of the Black H’mong people and enjoying a traditional H’mong herbal foot bath! Afterwards head over to nearby Lao Chai village where
you will learn the art of Batik painting.

The beautiful textiles of the Black H’mong are famous around the world and Batik is a traditional part of H’mong culture. Under threat from modernization, Batik is now only practiced by a handful of villagers. Join a hands-on master class led by a local expert and take your creation home! You will be supporting a sustainable tourism project that helps local women and ensures this amazing art form is handed down to the next generation. The tour concludes with a stroll before transferring back to Sapa town.

Approx : 1,5 hours trekking at easy level

Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Overnight in Sapa 

In the morning, departure towards Ban Khoang Valley. On the way, you will enjoy the stunning views of the mountain and the valley.

Arrive at Ban Khoang and take a walk into Lu Khau, home to the Black Hmong and the Red Dao minorities. Visit their home and meet the friendly host, via your guide chat with them and learn about their ancient culture and lifestyle in the mountainous countryside.

You’ll continue your visit to Ta Giang Phinh village. Follow the trails to descend to the valley for a local lunch with a local family. After lunch and some good rest, walk through the peaceful and picturesque landscape. Along the winding path through the stunning valley, visit some homes of Black Hmong ethnic people. At the other side of the valley, visit some handicrafts families making Indigo clothes and traditional Bamboo flutes.
Return to Sapa town. Rest of the day free.

Approx: 4 hours trekking at Easy/Average level

Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Overnight in Sapa 

Start this half-day walking tour by visiting the rustic village of Suoi Ho. Take a stroll through its sleepy streets and get a glimpse of village life. Later, enjoy views of the stunning countryside as you walk along the Suoi Ho River, en-route to the second village of Ma Tra. Soak in its vibrant culture and visit its quaint Christian church before being picked up by car and returning to Sapa Town.

Lunch at a local restaurant before taking the road back to Hanoi which you will reach in the evening.

Approx: 2 – 3 hours walking

Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Overnight in Hanoi 

Early morning transfer to Halong Bay for a 3 days cruise throughout its breathtaking 1,600 islands and islets that rise up out of the emerald water. The beautiful bay also hosts numerous pristine sandy beaches that are ideal for swimming.

Complete the check-in procedure for your cruise, then a short transfer to the Capella cruise by a tender boat. Cruise anchors for outdoor activities that include Oasis Pool and Jacuzzi; Floating Ocean Pool; Inflatable Water Slide; Kayak; Mini-golf course.

In the afternoon, enjoy a happy hour with freshly prepared canapés and complimentary drinks while watching the sunset. In the evening, enjoy onboard activities such as the Cigar & Poker room; Night Squid Fishing; Board games at the Spirit of the Sea Lounge, and more.

Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Overnight on board the cruise 

Start your day with a Tai-chi exercise class on your cruise sundeck followed by a light breakfast.

Cruise towards Viet Hai pier, where you’ll explore the local life of a rustic village in the middle of the island. You can choose to take a bicycle ride or an electric cart to Viet Hai village. The 6km-ride takes you along a beautiful lagoon and a lovely cave to the hidden village of Viet Hai.

After lunch, the boat will anchor in the center of Lan Ha bay. It’s time for swimming, kayaking or just relaxing on a small and pristine beach.

Enjoy the rest of the afternoon on the boat while sipping a cocktail and watching the sunset. After dinner, enjoy the onboard recreations such as the Cigar & Poker room; Night Squid Fishing; Board games or movie watching at the Spirit of the Sea Lounge.

Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Overnight on board the cruise 

Start your day with a Tai-chi exercise class on your cruise sundeck followed by a light breakfast.

You will be exploring the Bright cave on a traditional rowing bamboo boat. Here you will see an angled passageway opening the cave at water level and a serene round lake surrounded by lush trees and precipitous stone cliffs.

After your buffet brunch, transfer to Ninh Binh City and visit Phat Diem church. Designed and built in 1892 by a Vietnamese catholic priest, with Vietnamese and European styles and green stone for main material, the grand church is an architectural blend between traditional elements and western touches representing an “eclectic architectural style”. Stroll around the church to admire the great effort of putting all the massive heavy stones into the grand structures.

Continue your day with a visit to a mat weaving family who live by the river bank. Communicate with them through the guide and gain insight into the lives of local people and the maintenance of traditional family crafts.

Please note that the discovery of the craft mat weaving craft will only take place at certain times of the year.

Meals: Brunch – Dinner
Overnight in Ninh Binh 

After your breakfast, departure toward Hoa Lu, the former capital of Vietnam during the Dinh and Le dynasties in the late 10th century. On arrival, visit the two temples dedicated to two emperors of the Viet Kingdom.

After lunch in a local restaurant, continue to Trang An, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its spectacular natural landscapes and the magnificent rock formations which is often referred to as “Halong Bay on land”.

Take a local boat and glide along the picturesque river which runs through five limestone mountains. While enjoying the sounds of nature with birds soaring, you can take some great photos of the vertical cliffs shadowing in the emerald crystal water.

Finally, climb up a white stone cliff to visit an ancient Pagoda, from the mountaintop you will be amazed with the scenic views of the surrounding area.

Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Overnight in Hanoi 

In the morning, you will be transferred to Hanoi Airport to board the flight to Hue. Welcome at the airport and transfer to your hotel.

In the afternoon, you will have a guided tour of Hue. First explore the tomb of Tu Duc
Completed in 1867, this tomb is the most popular, imposing and impressive of the royal mausoleums, designed by Emperor Tu Duc himself before his death.

Continue by boat to visit Thien Mu (Celestial Lady) pagoda overlooking the Perfume River. Built in 1601, the 21- meter-high tower is the centerpiece of the pagoda and represents seven reincarnations of Buddha.

You also have the chance to visit the craft workshop where local women stitch hats from conical palm trees and make incense sticks using sandalwood, cinnamon, and sawdust mixed with tree resin.

Meals: Breakfast – Dinner
Overnight in Hue 

In the morning, journey into the scenic countryside. Arrive at Phuoc Tich Village, an untouched residential area dotted with 27 ‘Nha Ruong’ – Hue’s traditional houses and unique gardens. Take a walk through the peaceful streets, admiring the historical sites nestled within the scenery, and pay a visit to one of the traditional homes. Try making ‘banh gai’, one of the most famous traditional cakes, with your welcoming host, Mrs Kieu. Part of your tour fee will be directly contributed towards Mrs Kieu, helping her to earn an income as a home-based chef.

On your way to Tam Giang lagoon, wind through the countryside, watching the daily life of locals and the peaceful atmosphere of the ancient villages. On your way, stop at Quang Cong Village, known locally as the ‘City of Ghosts’, and behold the increasingly lavish and elaborate tombs that the villagers build for their ancestors.

Upon arrival to Tam Giang lagoon, enjoy a lunch of fresh seafood (optional) and take a boat trip on the lagoon. Float past local families living on the riverbank, stopping to meet some of them on your way. Finally, transfer back to your hotel in the late afternoon.

In the evening you will have a royal dinner with traditional Hue dishes wearing royal costumes.

Meals: Breakfast – Dinner
Overnight in Hue 

Today after your breakfast, you will leave towards Hoi An. The scenic route passes through the Ocean Cloud Pass (Hai Van Pass), the wonderfully photogenic fishing village of Lang Co where you will stop for photos before reaching Hoi An.

In the afternoon, start your half-day visit of Hoi An, a UNESCO heritage site. This town originated from a sleepy fishing village and grew into a busy trading port in Asia by welcoming international merchant boats of the Dutch, Japanese, Chinese, French and Portuguese during the late 16th to the 18th Centuries. Today, it is one of the most charming coastal towns of Vietnam. Hoi An has the country’s most beautiful traditional architecture that blends styles from the Chinese, Japanese, French and Portuguese elements.

Start your walking tour through the streets lined with yellow houses, home to silk tailors and art galleries. Visit the Chinese ornate structure of Chua Ong Pagoda, built in1653. On the same street, stroll to the nearby Phuc Kien temple, the Assembly Hall of Fujkian, one of the most important worship halls to the Chinese merchants in the old days.

Continue your visit with the Tan Ky House, built two centuries ago by a Vietnamese family, this gem of a house has been lovingly preserved through seven generations. You will also visit the most iconic landmark of Hoi An, the Japanese Covered Bridge, you will have the chance to take some amazing pictures.

Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Overnight in Hoi An 

In the morning, transfer to the countryside to start your bike tour. Ride along picturesque country roads to rural villages. On reaching the village, learn the daily work and tasks of local farmers like hoeing the soil, dropping the seeds and watering. The best part of the day will be sitting on a water buffalo and riding around the rice fields – a Buffalo boy!

Afterwards, take a cruise to Cua Dai Sea. Learn traditional fishing techniques throwing fishing nets, this task looks very easy but be sure not to throw yourself into water too! There will be more fun learning paddling the unusual and unique bamboo boats, locals call this a basket boat as it has a round shape and will spin around as you row.

Get back to the boat, enjoy lunch or dinner with a cold beer or soft drink. Return to your hotel. Free time at leisure in the afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Overnight in Hoi An 

Transfer to Danang airport and flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Arrival and transfer to your hotel to check-in and leave your luggage at the hotel.

Continue with a half day city tour including the visit of the Notre-Dame Cathedral and The Central Post Office, which was designed by the renowned French architect Gustav Eiffel. Take a short stroll along Dong Khoi Street to the Opera House. From a bomb shelter to housing the parliamentary Lower House, the Opera House has had an interesting history. Restored in 1995 the Opera House has returned to its roots and is once again a theatre.

Continue your visit with the Reunification Palace, once a symbol of the South Vietnam Government. It was here where on April 30,1975 the war ended. You will visit the war room, the banquet hall, and the presidential office which holds all the unusual gifts received at the time.

Head to Cholon, the city’s Chinatown, and Thien Hau Pagoda, dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea.

Meals: Breakfast – Dinner
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

Morning departure to Ben Tre province. The two-hour journey offers a scenic view of the Mekong Delta in southern Vietnam. Ben Tre is referred to as the kingdom of coconut. It is famous for its fruit orchards and traditional craftsmen who make a variety of products from coconut.

Continue with a short cruise on a traditional boat for a first glimpse of life in the Mekong Delta. Cross the river to pay a visit to a coconut processing workshop and learn about the different uses of this product in daily life. Venture out for a more rustic experience by hopping on a vintage Lambro (or take a bike) along sleepy village roads where you may stop to learn how locals weave coconut mats.

Next, visit a family in their home surrounded by fruit gardens. Learn about local fruit orchards and taste the local tropical fruits as you engage with the family members. In the afternoon, transfer by private transport to Can Tho.

Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Overnight in Can Tho 

Early in the morning, you are going for an incredible experience to explore the Cai Rang floating market which bustles with wholesalers on big boats. It is very interesting to see how the goods were negotiated and changed owners. Large boats anchor and create lanes that smaller boats weave into. The main items sold are fruits and vegetables, and each boat has a long straight pole to its bow from which samples of the merchandise for sale are hung. The waterway becomes a labyrinth of hundreds of boats filled with mangoes, bananas, papayas, pineapples and even Pho.

After visiting Cai Rang, depart for a 3 hour drive to Chau Doc, a peaceful and colorful town near the Vietnamese-Cambodian border.

This afternoon, get back to nature as you explore Tra Su Nature Reserve – a sanctuary of over 100 species of birds and bat colonies. Take a small rowing boat along the river to discover this mangrove forest. The best time to visit Tra Su is from September to November when the water is high and the birds come in large numbers.

You will visit a small Khmer village, where you will learn about the way of life of this ethnic minority and you will have the chance to chat with the monks in the nearby pagoda.

Meals: Breakfast – Dinner
Overnight in Chau Doc 

Morning start with a stroll in xe loi (a perfect way to better discover the delta) on peaceful paths, through villages where life has not changed over the years where you will see farmers and buffaloes working the fields.

Transfer back to Ho Chi Minh City.

Meals: Breakfast – Dinner
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City 

Transfer to Ho Chi Minh City airport and flight back to Montreal.

Meal: Breakfast