Vietnam Insight with Sapa - 16 days

2012 - Your Journey starts Hanoi, ends Saigon

DAYS 1-6 - HANOI & SAPA
Arrive in Hanoi and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy a peaceful morning walk around Hoan Kiem Lake and an interactive cooking class then in the evening board an overnight train. After racing through the countryside in darkness, wake up to the majestic mountains of Northern Vietnam. Visit a delightful local market before arriving at your destination, Sapa. 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. Get amongst the minority villages to further comprehend this unique way of life. Return to Hanoi on the overnight train.
Hotels: Tirant, Overnight train, Bamboo Sapa, Topas Ecolodge

DAYS 7-9 - HANOI & HALONG BAY
Slip away to the ancient Temple of Literature and infamous Hanoi Hilton prison, and enjoy a famous water puppet performance. Cruise amongst thousands of limestone islands on captivating Halong Bay, and fall asleep to the water lapping at the bows of your private boat, your accommodation for the night, before returning to Hanoi.
Hotels: Anise, Overnight boat

DAYS 10-12 - HUE & HOI AN
Fly to the former imperial capital of Hue and explore the rich history of this complex city, including the Citadel, elaborate emperors’ tombs and the tranquil Thien Mu Pagoda. Visit the Spiral Foundation and meet the deaf and mute workers when you learn to make your own souvenir. Depart Hue for a beautiful drive past lush rice fields and pretty coastal views, including the famous Hai Van Pass. Stroll through the fascinating streets of Hoi An to discover traditional houses and temples and the iconic Japanese Bridge. A market tour with the young people from the Streets Foundation introduces you to some of the local produce. You might want to challenge your skills during a fun cooking class in the evening, then enjoy the freedom of a whole day getting to know Hoi An’s charming streets. Alternatively, whisk away on a short bicycle ride to the gleaming beach nearby, or shop till you drop at one of the many masterful tailors in town.
Hotels: Huong Giang, Hoi An Trails

DAYS 13-16 - SAIGON & MEKONG DELTA
Discover the real Saigon by foot as you stroll along the city’s historic Dong Khoi Street, the former Rue Catinat, and expand your knowledge at the fascinating Reunification Palace and War Remnants Museum. Gain an insight into the history of the resilient Vietnamese people at the amazing Cu Chi tunnels, and travel to Can Tho in the heart of the Mekong Delta. Wind your way down the rivers and canals of this fascinating region by boat, and meet some intriguing characters at farmhouses and fruit orchards. This evening, why not join the locals on a riverside promenade, savouring the relaxing ambience. Visit an authentic floating market before returning to Saigon. On your last day, enjoy free time until your departure transfer.
Hotels: Renaissance Riverside, Golf Can Tho