An early morning start to drive towards Sa Pa. The roads are bumpy at times, but various scenic landscape changing from the delta area to the Tonkinese Alps make for an interesting journey. At an elevation of 1,500 meters, Sa Pa was once a hill resort of French administrators when the summer heat became unbearable. The remoteness and the simple lifestyle of ethnic minority people are a highlight of Sa Pa although conditions are basic. After checking into hotel in Sapa 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. Overnight at hotel in Sapa.
Included: Hotel: in Sapa, Private car, Tour guide, Meal: breakfast, lunch, dinner, Entrance fee

The range of Phan Si Pan boasts Vietnams highest mountain and lends an alpine feel to the area surrounding this hill station. Today we have enough time to visit the bustling Sa Pa Market where the Red Dao, Black Hmong, Tay and Xa Pho ethnic minorities converge from the nearby mountainsides and valleys to trade their goods and buy provisions. We then get well off the beaten track as we embark on a walk to explore this beautiful mountain region. Along the way we travel several rustic villages and see many mountaineers doing their daily works such as logging, herding buffalo and tilling the field. The blend of verdant mountain backdrop and colourful population makes for an unimaginable view.
Included: Hotel: in Sapa, Private car, Tour guide, Meal: breakfast, lunch, dinner, Entrance fee

Upon leaving Sapa we set off on our scenic drive through the border town of Lao Cai to the colourful Sunday Market at Bac Ha. This market also attracts a wide variety of ethnic minority groups including the Variegated Hmong, Dao, Phu La, La Chi and Tay. They still retain their old age cultural traditions and are recognisably distinct from each other by their dress. The experience of this congregation is colorful and unique. After the market we enjoy a walk around the area, visiting the Hmong Kings former residence and Ban Pho where the villagers make the potent local maize alcohol. Overnight at hotel in Bac Ha.
Included: Hotel: in Bac Ha, Private car, Tour guide, Meal: breakfast, lunch, dinner, Entrance fee

The return journey begins as we depart Bac Ha Town and pass through the green and rugged mountain scenery to Hanoi. These back roads are a great way to explore the real Vietnam. We see very few other travelers, mostly rural dwellers who are just as interested in finding out about our lives as we are of theirs. The drive is very long, but we can make many stops at our pleasure, to stretch our legs and take some wonderful photographs.
Included: Hotel: in Hanoi, Private car, Tour guide, Meal: breakfast, lunch, dinner, Entrance fee

Today we make a full day Hanoi city tour with private car and guide visiting the Ho Chi Minh Museum, the Museum of Ethnology and Temple of Literature. We enjoy lunch at a local restaurant then go walking around the Hoan Kiem lake, the Ngoc Son temple before enjoying a one hour cyclo ride around Hanois Old Quarter. Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.
Include: Hotel in Hanoi, Private car, Tour guide, Entrance fee, Meals: breakfast, lunch

We take a flight to Danang. Our driver will pick up you at the airport then transfer a short distance to Hoi An which was originally a Cham seaport but has been influenced down centuries by a myriad of traders from various cultures. There are plenty to see in this tranquil and delightful town, some of which are the famous Japanese Covered Bridges, the Pottery Museum, the 200 years old Tam ky House, the Chua Ong Pagoda and the vibrant market. We visit these sights on an enchanting walking tour past many low tiled houses scattered along the small streets, and assembly halls which reflect the town's multi-cultural past.
Include: Hotel in Hoian, Private car, Tour guide, Entrance fee, Meals: Breakfast, lunch, Flight ticket: Hanoi - Danang

After breakfast, we enjoy a boat trip on the Perfume River with stopover at the bustling Dong Ba Market and the beautiful Thien Mu Pagoda. After our boat trip we will visit the Imperial City and the Forbidden Purple City. This royal residence was all but destroyed during the 1968 Tet offensive; however it is still fascinating to walk among the ruins. The sightseeing tour of Hue would not be complete without a visit to the elaborate tomb of Emperor Tu Duc. Overnight at hotel in Hue.
Include: Hotel in Hue, Private car, Tour guide, Entrance fee, Meals: Breakfast, lunch, Boat trip

After breakfast we have time to further explore the town until transferring to Hue Airport for a short flight to Ho Chi Minh City. This metropolis, contradiction of its northern counterpart, is crowded with motorbikes and cars, excited by numerous shopping area and sidewalk cafés. Upon arrival we start our tour of Ho Chi Minh with a visit to the Reunification Palace which was the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until end of April 1975. Close to this sight are some of the best French colonial structures including the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Old Sai Gon Post Office. We also visit the Jade Emperor Pagoda, the War Remnant and the bustling Ben Thanh Market. Here anything and everything is for sale.
Include: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh, Private car, Tour guide, Entrance fee, Meals: Breakfast, lunch, Flight ticket: Hue Ho Chi Minh

Today we drive north to visit the head quarter of Cao Dai sect in Tay Ninh. This religion was founded in 1923 and now numbers over 2 million members. On arrival we see the ornate temple and attend the fantastic mid-day service when the followers fill the hall wearing colored robes, a symbol of the curious combination of the Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism. Afterwards we continue to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, an incredible underground network constructed by Vietnamese fighters during the long struggle for independence. The tunnels contained hospitals, plus accommodation and schools, and were used as a military base for the Vietcong in the American war.
Include: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh, Private car, Tour guide, Entrance fee, Meals: Breakfast, lunch

Heading out of the town, we travel by roads to the Mekong Delta, Vietnam's largest rice bowl. On arrival in My Tho we embark on a boat navigating around the intricate small canals in the delta region, which is a great way to observe the local lifestyle close-up and catch a view dotted by many islands. The exciting excursion will pass the lush green vegetation before arriving at the famous Unicorn Island. Here we have opportunities to stroll around an orchard, taste many seasonal fruits and enjoy wonderful traditional music. The next stop of our trip is Ben Tre Province to visit some fascinating local industries. After feasting on a huge lunch we return to Ho Chi Minh, stopping off along the way to see the beautiful Ving Trang Pagoda and the Cho Lon, Saigons Chinatown, which is crammed with sacred temples and mysterious, narrow lanes.
Include: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh, Private car, Tour guide, Entrance fee, Meals: Breakfast, lunch, Boat trip