Can Tho Holidays
Sample Itinerary - REF SOUTHEAST ASIA 109
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Day 1: Hanoi
Welcome to Hanoi - the ‘Paris of the Orient’. Upon arrival at the airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Spend the remains of the day at leisure.
Day 2: Hanoi - Sapa
You are free at leisure in the morning. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided city tour of Hanoi. Having celebrated its 1000 year anniversary in 2010, the city has a rich and fascinating history. Sightseeing includes the Museum of Ethnology (closed on Monday), widely acknowledged as the best in the country, containing an extensive display of life-size structures dedicated to Vietnam’s 54 ethnic minority peoples and the Temple of Literature - Vietnam’s first university dating back to 1070. Then enjoy a one-hour cyclo tour through the narrow, chaotic streets of the Old Quarter - a must for any visitor to Hanoi! This evening at approx 9pm, board an overnight express sleeper train from Hanoi to the border town of Lao Cai (soft sleeper berth cabin).
Day 3: Sapa
The train pulls into Lao Cai at approximately 06:00am this morning, transfer to Sapa for breakfast. Located 1500m above sea level, Sapa is a former French hill station, nestled in the rugged Tonkinese Alps and surrounded by lush valleys and verdant rice paddy fields. This morning take a light trek to the hill tribe villages of Cat Cat, Ta Van and Cau May. Walking to the villages nestled in the valley below Sapa, you meet some of the local ethnic minority people on their way to and from Sapa. These minority people, including the Red Zao, Hmong and Tay people, walk to Sapa to trade at the markets. Tonight you spend the night at the hotel in Sapa town.
Day 4: Sapa - Hanoi
Start your morning with a hike to a beautiful waterfall before continuing on to a picturesque Red Dao village. Red Dao women wear giant red scarves around their heads and their clothing is embellished with colourful red embroidery and coins. Spend the afternoon at leisure in Sapa before returning to Lao Cai to board the overnight train back to Hanoi.
Day 5: Hanoi - Halong Bay
Upon arrival in Hanoi early in the morning, transfer for your early check in at hotel in Hanoi to take a shower and breakfast. Around 08:00 we transfer to Halong City, the drive takes about 4 hours, stopping off for a refreshment break en route. Upon arrival meet the crew of your traditional Junk boat at the dock and embark upon a scenic cruise to the famous limestone peaked islands of Halong Bay and on to Bai Tu Long Bay which is every bit as beautiful as Halong. Aside from the cave visit and swimming, there is also a chance to explore this stunning area by sea kayak. Returning back to the Junk for a scrumptious dinner.
Day 6: Halong Bay - Hoi An
Wake up to spectacular views of the bay. Start your day with Tai Chi on the Sundeck while complimentary tea and coffee are served; cruise through the Bay passing beautiful spots like Trong (Drum), Trinh Nu (Virgin) and Me Cung Caves, Coc Ngoi (Toad) Islet, etc. At 08:30, Explore Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave. Buffet brunch is served onboard. Cruise back to the dock arriving in Halong around noon and transfer back to Hanoi airport for your flight to Danang. Upon arrival in Danang, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Hoi An.
Day 7: Hoi An
A bicycle ride into the countryside, leads us to Tra Que village. Here,we discover age old farming practises and learn about traditional medicine. It’s a hands on experience today where we’ll assist with tending the fields and gardens and cooking lunch. Later, return to to your hotel and board the Eco Tour boat for a sunset cruise. Our tour also provides you with the opportunity to experience paddling the strange and unique Vietnamese bamboo basket boat. Back on-board boat you can enjoy the setting of the sun and the day’s end with refreshments including cold beer and soft drinks together with a Complimentary Vietnamese Snack.
Day 8: Hoi An - Nha Trang
Transfer to the airport in Danang and fly to the coastal resort of Nha Trang. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Spend the remains of the day at leisure. A day of leisure and indulgence as we cruise through blue clear waters amongst the islands off Nha Trang. We take drive to Cau Da port where we will embark on our boat. We cruise to visit the Tri Nguyen Aquarium, a small world of many sea species of local province at Mieu Island. We will then head out to Mun Island where you have the chance for swimming and optional snorkeling in the crystal clear waters. Lunch stop is at the fishing village of Lang Chai where there is time to explore further before boarding the boat back to Nha Trang harbor.
Day 9: Nha Trang
Spend the day at leisure in Nha Trang. Nha Trang is a popular coastal resort in central Vietnam, with 7kms of white sandy beach and pristine waters surrounded by archipelagoes and mountains.
Day 10: Nha Trang
Spend the day at leisure in Nha Trang. The resort is ideal for scuba diving, snorkelling or simply relaxing on the sandy beach. Sample some of the delicious seafood in some of the many restaurants and perhaps enjoy a spot of retail therapy at Cho Dam Market.
Day 11: Nha Trang - Saigon
In the morning, transfer to the airport and fly to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Spend the remains of the day at leisure in this lively and cosmopolitan metropolis with its gleaming sky scrapers, expensive restaurants, bars and designer shops, which stand in stark contrast to the ancient pagodas, colonial era landmarks and ramshackle markets.
Day 12: Saigon
This morning we visit the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, a sprawling underground network of tunnels and living quarters used by the Viet Cong during the war. Returning to Ho Chi Minh City early afternoon and enjoy lunch before embarking on a city tour. Major attractions include the Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral and the War Remnants Museum.
Day 13: Saigon - Can Tho
In the morning, travel overland into the beautiful countryside of the northeastern Mekong Delta and Vinh Long province. On arrival, take a boat ride to visit a local orchard and the famous Cai Be floating market. Approximately 400-500 boats loaded to the gunnels with fruit, vegetables and other local produce anchor or moor along the banks of the river every day waiting to offload their goods to wholesale traders or local customers. Everybody here buys, sells and barters their goods only from their boats. Leaving Cai Be, visit a local family producing coconut candy, a regional delicacy. After a lunch of local delights, proceed to Can Tho.
Day 14: Can Tho - Saigon
In the early morning, we take the boat trip to visit Cai Rang floating market. Afterwards, take drive back to Saigon and have lunch at local restaurant en-route (on your own). Upon arrival, check in hotle and stay at leisure.
Day 15: Saigon
Your Vietnam adventure comes to an end after breakfast and hotel check out today. Included transfer to Ho Chi Minh Airport for your onward flight home.
