Vietnam Off The Beaten Track TT04
30 Days From £1748 (2,616 USD)
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Join us on this amazing tour, which is for those adventure travelers who want to take the road less traveled in this stunning country and to also come away with a deep understanding of all the regions of Vietnam. For full no obligation pricing options and operator contact details please enquire: 
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Description
A full day by day itinerary will be provided by the tour operator when you make an enquiry about this holiday.
Includes
- Hotel rooms as mentioned in twin or double sharing
- Land transfer by air-con private vehicle
- Local English speaking guide at each end including airport pick-up/drop-off
- Full board
- Private boat trips in Hue, Hoi An and Mekong Delta
- Shared boat trip in Ha Long bay with private cabin in twin or double
- Entrance fee, cyclo and show and programmed
- Domestic flight tickets and airport tax – Vietnam airlines, economy class
Excludes
- Travel insurance
- International flight ticket
- Visa to Vietnam
- Supplement in single room
- Drinks, tips and personal expenses
Prices per person, based on 2 people traveling - please submit an enquiry to receive a personalized itinerary and costs.
Itinerary
| ARRIVAL IN HANOI Arrive in Hanoi, the capital of unified Vietnam. The city was founded in 1010 on the right bank of the Red River and was then known as ‘Thang Long’, roughly translated as | |
| HANOI The day is dedicated to a more in depth discovery of Hanoi beginning with a visit to Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum. This imposing monument, dedicated to the father of modern Vietnam, was constructed from marble and granite and takes the form of a stylized lotus (closed Mondays and Fridays). Located nearby is Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts and the One Pillar Pagoda, a symbol of Hanoi. Continue your tour with a visit to the ancient Taoist Temple of Quan Thanh, where lies the genie protector of the city (or Tran Quoc Pagoda located on the shores of Lake West). Next visit the Temple of Literature, or van Mieu, a structure dedicated to Confucius. Constructed in 1070, the compound soon became first Vietnam’s university. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, where you will have the opportunity to sample some regional delicacies. In the early afternoon visit the renowned Museum of Ethnography (closed Mondays), which houses an interesting collection of artifacts relating to the mosaic of ethnic groups that inhabit Vietnam. Alternatively, visit the Museum of History (closed Mondays) which displays an array of exhibits ranging from prehistoric times to the fight against French colonization. This afternoon’s touring will also provide the opportunity to see Hanoi’s famed old quarter from the seat of a cyclo. During your tour around the district you will see some of the areas original 36 streets which have always sold the same wares. Silver Street, Silk Street and Flower Street are just a few. During your adventure through this maze of streets you will see traditional ‘tube houses’, a style of architecture indigenous to this part of Hanoi. Next, visit the Temple of Jade at the centre of atmospheric Hoan Kiem Lake, otherwise known as the lake of ‘the restored sword’. Finish, the city tour with a stop at the food market in Hang Be Street. This afternoon is free for a stroll along the boulevards of the old colonial quarter where you can view some of the best French architecture in South East Asia. In the evening, visit Hanoi’s water puppets theatre to attend a performance of the traditional show. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and accommodation included. | |
| HANOI / KENH GA / MAI CHAU You take the road to the South Mandarins of Hanoi, beautiful landscapes of the Red River Delta: rice paddies, fields of vegetables are an array of romantic nature along 100 km. After 2 hours of driving, you take the road to where you Nho Quan made a cruise boat to the village Kenh Ga. Isolated in a region surrounded by water, floating village of Kenh Ga lies about 15 km from Ninh Binh. The picturesque landscape, the authentic life of the inhabitants rowing with their feet and living on the water throughout the year gives travelers a typical image of the region. It is a floating village where 300 Catholics live fish, moving in boats or cement sampans. Far from modern life, meet and chat with the villagers, especially with children will implant in your mind images of an authentic region. Picnic lunch. Continuation for the valley Mai Chau. Dinner and overnight on the floor in a traditional Thai minority house on stilts. Traditional dance and culture show after dinner. | |
| MAI CHAU / SON LA Hiking the villages Poom Cong and Lat. Route for the Moc Chau plateau in beautiful landscapes waterfalls and terraced rice paddies. Withdrawn along the mountains of Laos, you visit the villages and hamlets where you will be welcomed by the Thai ethnic groups living in houses on stilts. Lunch en route. Hiking through Thai villages. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and accommodation included. | |
| SON LA / DIEN BIEN PHU Route to the collar of Pha Din which lies between Dien Bien Phu and Sonla areas, villages Thai black H'mong bariolés and H'mong black. En route, you admire the rice terraces hidden behind clouds of the morning. Visit market Thuan Chau Thai minorities en route. Lunch at Tuan Giao. Continuation for Dien Bien. Afternoon, visit the museum of war, the Hill of Eliane (famous during the war) and the command centre of De Castries. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and accommodation included. | |
| DIEN BIEN / LAI CHAU Departure for Lai Chau on the mountain road, passing through villages of different ethnic groups inhabiting the region. Stops en route to meet with H'mong ethnic villagers. Lunch en route. Continuation for Lai Chau following the River Nam Na, a major tributary of the Black Rive. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and accommodation included. | |
| LAI CHAU / SA PA Visit market Tam Duong which takes place every Thursdays and Sundays. Tam Duong is the meeting point of several races where we encounter populations Thai, Giay, Lü, H'mong, Dzao… This market is considered one of the most beautiful mountains of Tonkin. Walks (optional) to H'mong villages and Man Tien nestled in the mountains. This magnificent trip is an opportunity to contemplate beautiful landscapes and meet with high ethnic colour to the warm welcome. After lunch, departure for Sa Pa. You continue to discover a beautiful region with many different ethnic groups, which is surrounded by rice terraces. Stop the valley Binh Lu with a fantastic panorama. Check to Sa Pa late in the afternoon. Free time for personal discovery. Located at 1 650 metres, with the temperate climate, Sa Pa was an old station climate created by the French in the region of Mount Fan Si Pan (3143m), which is regarded as the roof of Indochina. The city we are interested in a mosaic of minorities: H'mong, red Yao, Tay, Dzay and others. The city retains some colonial mansions perfectly integrated in a natural wilderness. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and accommodation included. | |
| SA PA The day is devoted to a beautiful hike through the breathtaking scenery of Sa Pa valley. Start by road that descends in the wake of the street Cau May (6 km) En route, admire the rice terraces hidden behind mist of the morning, a truly awe-inspiring sight. Follow a small track and cross the Muong Hoa River and pass well tended rice terraces on your way to the Black Hmong village of Lao Chai. Continuing through the colourful rice terraces you will reach the village of Ta Van Giay. As you continue your trek along the Muong Hoa River you will cross a small suspension bridge, roughly 2km from the settlement. Here you can discover a fascinating collection of rock carvings. These engravings depict some beautiful images of man, stilt houses and some beautiful decorative patterns. Lunch at a home in the village. Conclude your day’s trekking with a visit to the village of Giang Ta Chai. Return to Sa Pa. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and accommodation included. | |
| SA PA / BAC HA You visit the Sa Pa market where ethnic groups come to exchange their agricultural products or sell their traditional costumes facts carefully at the hands of women. It is also the place well loved by young couples. From miles around, radiant Red Dao women flock to the market of the gothic church of Sa Pa and leaving their woven bamboo backpacks colorful embroidery. Amazing to look at in their huge red hats, they are very friendly and only too happy to pass the time of day and speak to passers-by. Members of different ethnic minorities, dressed in various traditional styles (indigo tunics, skirts folded developed, jackets nailed money) come up from the valleys to reach the busy market of Sa Pa. They carry all kinds of goods on the small mountain ponies they guide through the steep streets of the city. You are going to climb the mountain Ham Rong (Dragon jaw), where we can not miss the opportunity to take beautiful photos of the region. An interesting walk will lead us to the theatre where we will have the opportunity to witness the spectacle of dancing five races of Sa Pa (optional for groups of 10 or more people). Lunch. Start with a spectacular route to Bac Ha, a country of H'mong flowers. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and accommodation included. | |
| BAC HA / PHO GIANG / PHO QUANG / HA GIANG Visit Bac Ha market every Sunday that attracts many mountaineers from across the region to barter, trimmed silver jewelry and embroidered clothing and bariolés. It is a market of the most spectacular. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and accommodation included. | |
| HA GIANG / QUAN BA / YEN MINH Visit the Museum of minorities in Ha Giang. Then visit the ancient village of Tay minority and the village of white minority Hmong in court drive. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and accommodation included. | |
| YEN MINH / LUNG PHINH / MEO VAC / DONG VAN Departure toward Meo Vac for the visit of market Lung Phinh which takes place the day of Tiger and the Monkey (according to the lunar calendar). This is one of the most spectacular markets minorities of the region. Lunch at Meo Vac. Continuation for Van Dong. Arriving in Dong Van at the end of the afternoon. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and accommodation included. | |
| DONG VAN / HA GIANG En route to Lung Cu, the beginning of the territory of Vietnam before arriving in Dong Van - the most gigantic limestone plateau of Vietnam. Views are spectacular all the way Then visit the home of King H'mong. Back in Ha Giang. Visit the village of minorities Lolo en route. Lunch en route. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and accommodation included. | |
| HA GIANG / CAO BANG Route to Cao Bang via Bac Me and Bao Lac. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and accommodation included. | |
| CAO BANG / BAN GIOC / CAO BANG Route magnificent falls to Ban Gioc, with the crossing of the pass My Phuc and the region Trung Khanh. Time devoted to visit the waterfall Ban Gioc, the River Quay His which rushes over rocks down in spectacular waterfalls. In the midst of the waters, there is a prominence limestone covered with trees, which divides the current three, thus creating a beautiful sight and pleasantly cool the atmosphere. At the foot of the waterfall runs a wide creek, transparent as a mirror, surrounded by a multitude of flowers. Ban Gioc is also famous for its fish tram huong. Numerous opportunities to bathe. Lunch ongoing visit. Back in the city of Cao Bang in late afternoon. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and accommodation included. | |
| CAO BANG / BA BE Route for Ba Be Lake. Lunch. Afternoon, tour the Pac Ngoi village where the Tay, minority live their traditional life of fishing and rice farming. Discovery walk including areas where red Dzao and H'momg live. Meeting with authentic minorities as they carry out their lakeshore activities. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and accommodation included. | |
| BA BE / HANOI Board your boat for a cruise through the enchanting scenery of Ba Be. Also known as Lake of the ‘three seas’, it stretches for over 9 km in length and 1800m in width. Situated 145m above sea level the lake is the result of 3 valleys that come together in an arc. Babe is not only a site of exceptional landscapes, but also a nature lover’s paradise. Nearly forty species of mammals, more than a hundred species of birds and many butterflies can be found in the vicinity. Visits to the nearby Dau Dang waterfalls are possible, as is hiking in the surrounding countryside. Return to Hanoi pm. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and accommodation included. | |
| HANOI Free day for shopping and further exploration of Hanoi. Breakfast and accommodation included. | |
| HANOI / HA LONG BAY Depart Hanoi for the world famous Halong Bay, or bay of ‘the descending dragon’, a journey of approximately 3 1/2 hours. Listed as a World Heritage site by UNESCO, Ha Long Bay is a stunning limestone archipelago stretching over some 1500 square kilometers and comprising nearly 2000 islets. Board your junk for a memorable cruise through the ‘eighth wonder of the world’ gliding gently past fishing communities and hidden cave systems. Visit the ‘Cave of Surprises’, really a complex, where you can marvel at strangely formed stalactites and stalagmites. After anchoring at a nearby beach you can go for a swim or climb to the top of Thien Cung (Heaven’s) island to get a panoramic view of the bay and surrounding islands. Delicious local seafood is served on board the boat, with other options available. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and accommodation included. NB. Accommodation on junk in private cabin (with air conditioning and shower). | |
| HA LONG BAY / HANOI / HUE After breakfast, continue your journey cruise through the breathtaking scenery of Bai Tu Long Bay. After disembarking, return to Hanoi by road in time for lunch. Enjoy a free afternoon exploring the city on foot or simply relax with a drink at the edge of Hoan Kiem lake. In the late afternoon transfer to Noi Bai airport for your flight to Hue. On arrival in Hue, transfer to your hotel and check in. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and accommodation included. | |
| HUE The day is spent discovering Hue, capital of Vietnam from 1802 to 1945 during the reign of the Nguyen dynasty emperors. Declared a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1993, the Citadel is only one of many well-preserved historical sites in the city and its environs. Cruise in a sampan on the Huong River (Perfume River) to Thien Mu Pagaoda, or pagoda of the Heavenly Lady, a Buddhist shrine dating from the mid-seventeenth century. Located on the banks of the Huong River, it is easily recognizable by its octagonal tower. Continue your tour with a visit to the Citadel, seat of the Nguyen Dynasty emperors. Construction began in 1804 under the orders of the first Emperor Gia Long after the site had been selected using principles of geomancy (feng shui). The site is composed of three sections; the capital city (Thanh Kinh), the imperial city (Hoang Thanh) and the Forbidden City (Cam Thanh). It was largely destroyed in 1968 during the fighting that engulfed Hue following the Tet Offensive. Today, efforts are being made to restore and preserve this invaluable piece of heritage. Next, take a walk through Dong Ba market that offers an array of goods and produce, ranging from fresh vegetables to conical hats. Lunch at a local restaurant provides an opportunity to sample some of Hue’s famously refined cuisine. In the afternoon visit the intricately decorated tomb of Khai Dinh, which contains a beautiful altar and a bust of the king. Next, visit Minh Mang’s mausoleum located on the left bank of the Huong River, which represents the perfect harmony between nature and architecture. Return to Hue. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and accommodation included. | |
| HUE / HOI AN Depart Hue for Hoi An along Highway 1 which links Hanoi to Sai Gon. This drive is reputedly the most beautiful in all Vietnam, taking you past coastal fishing settlements, most notably Lang Co with its stunning lagoon backdrop. The drive also takes you over Hai Van Pass, or ‘pass of the ocean clouds’. En route stop in Da Nang for a visitis to the informative Cham Museum, which houses one of the largest collections of Cham artefacts in the world (optional). En route, stopping in a village of stone carvers at the foot of the Marble Mountain. Continue on to the delightful town of Hoi An which stands on the banks of the Thu Bon river, some thirty kilometers southeast of Da Nang. Around the fifteenth century, this old port town in the kingdom of Champa was known as Faifo. Check-in to hotel on arrival. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. The afternoon is spent strolling through the narrow streets of this atmospheric old town. This former port, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is full of architectural gems that show a range of influences. Visit the Japanese bridge, the temple of the genie of water, the Fujian temple and the fish market. Around the seventeenth century Hoi An was one of the busiest ports in South East Asia, with Chinese, Portuguese, Japanese, Dutch, French and English merchants visiting the town in search of spices, lacquer ware, and ceramics. Enriched by the proceeds of this trade many merchants constructed beautiful homes. One can admire these charming houses along Tran Phu street, one of the oldest in Hoi An. Architecture in the old town tends to show an integration of Sino-Japanese influences in a local style. Most buildings share the same overall plan; built on two levels, they are constructed like a tube between two streets that run parallel. In the late afternoon take a boat ride on the Thu Bon river for the chance to view some beautiful rural scenery, finishing at around sunset. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and accommodation included. | |
| HOI AN / DA NANG / PLEIKU / KON TUM Transfer to the airport for your flight from Da Nang to Pleiku, a city situated in the central highlands. This region; ‘discovered’ by Frenchman Dr. Yersin in the early 19th century, bordering Laos and extends along the Cordillera Annamitique. Occupied by the inhabitants of the plain, this region is strongly influenced by the Malayo-Polynesian culture of the Chams, and several ethnic communities who have chosen to live: Jaraï, Bahnar, Sédang, Rhadé, Mnong, etc. .. Today, these minorities are pushed to the Lao border or scattered from some parts of the plateau because of the ever-growing plantations of coffee and rubber. Check-in Pleiku, home and visit Lake T'nung, located in an ancient crater, and the Village of Dektu, inhabited by the minority Jörai (or Gia Rai). Lunch. You continue your way to explore the remote village of Kon Tum. Visiting a curious wooden church, built in memory of the first Christian missionary. Meeting with children of a local orphanage and discovery of a magnificent monastery built entirely of wood. Further to a local village where you will become acquainted with ethnic minorities. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and accommodation included. | |
| KON TUM / KONCOTU VILLAGE Hike to Mang Den (6km). Enjoy the local hospitality and then from Mang Den continue to Kondu the village and then KonBil the village of Leikonang. Continuation of the hike to the village of Kon Mo Nang (6km). You will live the time of the day as the Vietnam of the past as you stroll along adobe houses built and covered with straw roofs. Lunch is a picnic. In the afternoon, starting a boat along the river Dakbla to the village Konkotu. Arriving at the village of Konkotu. Dinner in this village. In the evening, performance of music gongs (optional for the group of over 10 persons). Dinner and overnight in the village of Kontotu ethnicity of Bahnar. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and accommodation included. | |
| KONCOTU / KON TUM / BUON ME THUOT Departure for Ban Me Thuot, the heart of the central highlands, whose population is composed of mountain minorities living in longhouses bringing together all the villagers. Lunch. The afternoon visit to the Ethnographic Museum of Buon Me Thuot, the village of ethnic Edé and fall Dreisap. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and accommodation included. | |
| BUON ME THUOT / LAK LAKE / DA LAT Departing Buon ma Thuot, today’s journey will take us via the beautiful Lak Lake, set in a pleasant rural landscape of hills dotted with M’nong minority villages. Board your boat for an enjoyable cruise on the placid waters of the lake, followed by a fun elephant trek to nearby Jun village. Enjoy a pleasant lunch and then head for the charming hill station of Da Lat. Your journey will take you through a stunning landscape of verdant mountains and traditional villages. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and accommodation included. | |
| DA LAT / SAI GON Continue your discovery of this laid back mountain retreat. Visit Bao Dai’s villa, a base for the last emperor on his many hunting expeditions to the surrounding hills. Also visit the cathedral and Da Lat’s bustling market, packed with produce such as locally grown flowers and fruits. Later in the morning depart for Sai Gon, the bustling economic centre of Vietnam. Your journey will take you through plantations of rubber trees, coffee and tea as you descend from the central highlands to the coastal plain. Lunch en route. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and accommodation included. | |
| SAI GON Not only is Sai Gon the most important economic centre in Vietnam, it also has some very imposing colonial architecture which belies in fascinating past. Almost a hundred years of French rule bestowed upon the city some pearls of colonial architecture. Visit the central post office, designed by Gustave Eiffel, and the Notre Dame Cathedral, inspired by its counterpart in Paris . Continue your city tour with a visit to District 5, formerly known as Cho Lon or China Town. Cho Lon, or ‘big market’, with its congested streets is where most of the city’s ethnic Chinese population live. The district lives up to its name in the form of Binh Tay wholesale market. Founded in 1778 the market sells a stunning array of goods and produce, ranging from fish to incense. Finish your city tour with a stop at Thien Hau temple, otherwise known as ‘Temple of the Heavenly Lady’, to marvel at its intricate friezes and coils of incense. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and accommodation included. | |
| SAI GON / MY THO – MEKONG DELTA / SAI GON Depart Sai Gon by road for Mekong Delta and its gateway city of My Tho, located 72 km south west of the city. Board a riverboat for an excursion across the Mekong through islands covered with lush flora and small rural communities. Cruise to Thoi Son Island where you will have the opportunity to visit a local house and taste some of the fruits that are grown locally in the orchards. Parkway in orchards, tasting tropical fruits. Lunch is at a local restaurant where you will have the chance to sample a local specialty: ‘elephant ear’ fish. Conclude your tour of the Mekong with a stop at Vinh Trang pagoda, the largest and most remarkable pagoda in the delta. Return to Sai Gon. The late afternoon is free for you to do some last minute shopping on Dong Khoi street. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and accommodation included. | |
| SAI GON / DEPARTURE Free day until departure. Enjoy a last stroll to admire the colonial architecture, visit the colourful markets or take a trip through the frenetic streets in a cyclo. Free until departure from hotel. Transfer to the airport for departure flight. Breakfast included. |
