13 Day Memoirs Of Vietnam & Sapa Extension

Chao mung! Welcome to Vietnam and its beautiful ancient capital, Hanoi. Take some time to relax and, depending on your arrival time, enjoy the afternoon or evening at your leisure.

Arrival transfers: the easiest way to transfer between Hanoi airport and your hotel is by taxi. Noi Bai Airport is a trusted transfer provider and a ride to your hotel will cost approximately 400,000VND. 

Alternatively, we can assist to pre-arrange a private departure transfer for you before your trip starts. Refer to "Extra Services" for rates.

Check-in: passengers will be arriving at various times throughout the day. If you arrive prior to standard check-in time (generally 3pm), you're welcome to leave your luggage at reception and enjoy the hotel facilities or explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotels discretion.

We’ll be rising early today to board our coach and depart for the quiet mountainous town of Sapa. Located in northwestern Vietnam, close to the Chinese border, Sapa is home to a variety of different ethnic tribal groups. Upon arrival in Sapa in the early afternoon, you will transfer to a homestay run by a local family where you'll enjoy a refreshing change from the usual hotel scene. Here, you will have the unique opportunity to immerse yourself fully in the local culture and assist your family in preparing this evening’s dinner.

Sapa is a very popular trekking base, due to its location nestled among the Hoang Lien Son mountain range. The day will begin at 8.30am, we will enjoy some trekking around the village and experience some spectacular vistas overlooking the terraced rice paddies that line the surrounding steep valley walls. After lunch, you will transfer to a hotel where we will spend our second night in Sapa. The rest of the afternoon and evening are yours to spend at leisure.

Please note the walk is approximately 6-10km.

This morning we say farewell to Sapa and begin our return trip to Hanoi, firstly by road transfer southwards and up the Den Thang mountain. Here we leave the vehicle for an easy walk to explore the Hang Da village of the Black Hmong people. We then follow the large village path downhill along the stunning valley of Sa Seng, passing several small settlements along the way. We finish our walk after paying a visit to Sa Pa, another hamlet of the Hmong located near the former site of the Sapa traditional market. Here we will be picked up and transferred to Lao Cai, where we will check in for our bus journey back to Hanoi. 

*To complete this walk, you will require to walk a staircase of approximately 400 steps.

This morning we depart for a leisurely drive to Tuan Chau Port. Upon arrival at this port city we will board our Halong Bay cruise. Onboard, you'll enjoy a complimentary drink and take a seat in the lounge before a short welcome briefing with fellow guests. Become acquainted with the junk boat's facilities, using the opportunity to ask any questions and getting to know the friendly staff. You’ll be shown to your room where you can unpackbefore freshening up just in time for lunch. As you indulge in an exquisite, freshly cooked meal, the boat will cruise passing the most beautiful and quiet areas including Incense Burner, Dog Stone Islet, Fighting Cock, Finger Islet. 

Early in the afternoon we arrive at Surprise Cave - one of the most spectacular and largest grottoes of Halong Bay. The mouth of the grotto is reached by ascending about a hundred stone steps.

This evening, attend the Fruit and Vegetable Carving Lesson led by our Head Chef. During the lesson, the chef will conduct Fruit and Vegetable carving, showing the guests how we decorate and make some traditional Vietnamese food.

Evening activities such  as board games like cards or Parcheesi are available throughout the evening as well as massage service. You can also try your luck at squid fishing on the boat with help from the crew.

Start your morning by enjoying sunrise Tai Chi class upon the sundeck as day breaks on the calm lagoon. You will be then transferred by tender to the Titov Island. Spend time on the island, allowing time to climb to the peak for a breathtaking 360 degree view of the Bay (there is also an expansive viewing deck half way up). After the climb, there is time left to relax on the beach and have a swim.

Once back on board, enjoy a full breakfast and relax in the dining room and lounge or on the deck enjoying your last views of the bay before disembarking at midday. From here, we drive to Hanoi (approximately 3.5 hrs drive) and check in to our hotel.

In the afternoon we will visit Van Mieu, otherwise known as The Temple of Literature. The Confucian temple dates back to 1070, and features astoundingly well-preserved traditional Vietnamese architecture. Note the peaceful series of walled courtyards and graceful gateways.

Continue on and visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex from the outside. The Mausoleum contains Ho Chi Minh’s final resting place. 

Next, we’ll enjoy a walking tour through Hanoi’s Old Quarter - the oldest continuously developed area of Vietnam, highlighting more than 1,000 years of history. Explore the network of narrow alleyways known as 'The 36 Streets'. This is a wonderful place to soak up local life, and peruse market items from fabrics to crafts and exotic medicines. Each street was named to reflect the specialised trade of the merchants who had shops there, such as silk traders or jewellers. 

Today we transfer to the airport, fly south to Hue and transfer to our resort for the next two nights. 

Hue's accommodation is ideally located in the quiet countryside in a rustic village setting surrounded by lush tranquil gardens, yet near to famous historical landmarks and the city of Hue. The resort embodies the subtle and unique connection of treasured traditional style and Vietnamese modern art vibrancy. Enjoy the harmony of a soothing natural environment and local culture. 

Once comfortably checked in, the Tour Leader will guide us on visit to the Citadel and the local market. Located near the North Central coast of Vietnam and by the banks of the Perfume River, the city of Hue is the cultural, religious and historical heart of Vietnam. Once the imperial capital of the Nguyen Dynasty,  The Imperial Citadel was erected as a ‘forbidden city’ whose inner enclosure was exclusive to the royal family. 

Enjoy a delicious breakfast before boarding a local dragon boat and cruising along the Perfumer River until reaching Dinh market.  We then continue driving to Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue's best-preserved religious monument. The tour then takes us to Tu Duc tomb – the most impressive royal mausoleum designed by Emperor Tu Duc before he died. After exploring this imposing site we pay a brief visit to the nearby village of Thuy Bieu before returning to our resort for an afternoon of leisure and relaxation.  

Enjoy breakfast at the resort before transferring to the train station. Our Tour Leader will assist us check in and see us off as we depart towards Danang. This 2.5 to 3.5-hour trip covers approximately 100 kilometers and is one of the most scenic sections of the legendary Reunification Express Railway. Settle in a simple, yet comfortable soft seat & air-conditioned carriage and take on some of the most spectacular and diverse views of Vietnam.

Once in Danang, rejoin our Inspiring Vacations Tour Leader and continue driving to Hoi An.

Check in, unwind and relax. Make the most of the hotel’s facilities (the pool is always a popular choice). This evening you will join a cooking demonstration and learn to make one of Hoi An's preferred dishes: The white rose dumpling. Finish off with a delicious dinner.

Previously known as Faifo, Hoi An was once the most important trading port in the region. Now designated a UNESCO World Heritage Centre, the city is one of the best places to discover well-preserved Vietnamese architecture. In the morning we’ll stroll through the narrow cobblestone streets of the Old Quarter and spend time mingling with local vendors at the Hoi An Market. The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy as you please. As the sun goes down the city lights up with a sea of colourful lanterns, giving Hoi An the moniker 'City of Lanterns' and making for a thoroughly photogenic and romantic atmosphere.

Following breakfast this morning we will fly to Ho Chi Minh City, commonly known as Saigon. Our Inspiring Vacations Tour Leader will transfer us to the hotel for check in. We then continue on a guided visit of Ho Chi Minh City, including Dong Khoi Street, the heart of the city’s commercial life & the Post Office.

After a luxurious breakfast at the hotel, we depart Ho Chi Minh City and head to Ben Tre. Not many tourists venture to Ben Tre, but those that do are rewarded with a plethora of sensory experiences. On arrival, we board a boat and cruise along the mighty Mekong. The cruise will stop at the bricks factory and a coconut workshop before enjoying a tasty lunch at a local restaurant. We return to Ho Chi Minh City for an afternoon at leisure.

Unfortunately, today marks the end of your fantastic tour through Vietnam. At the appropriate time make your way to the airport to board your ongoing flight.  

Alternatively, and if time permits, you may want to consider joining an optional tour to the Cu Chi Tunnels. This optional activity must be booked while on tour through your tour guide and it costs approximately $125

Optional Cu Chi Tunnels tour:
Early in the morning you will be transferred by car to Bach Dang pier and board a speedboat. Within 15 minutes of  boat riding, the banks of the river change from city sprawl to lush jungle. A light breakfast of sandwiches or pastries, fresh tropical fruits and Vietnamese iced coffee (Ca phe sua da) is served, as your guide explains rural traditions and aspects of riverbank life.

Start an in depth exploration of the site, which includes weapon and booby trap exhibitions, navigating authentic Viet Cong tunnels and visiting different underground bunkers which served as kitchens, meeting rooms and ammunition storage.

Enjoy a delicious traditional Vietnamese lunch by the river, consisting of authentic fried spring rolls, chicken and beef dishes before returning to Ho Chi Minh City. 

You will arrive back at your hotel at approximately 1.30 - 2pm.

Check out & Transfers: Passengers will be departing at various times throughout the day. Check-out time is generally between 10am-12pm. You are welcome to leave your luggage at hotel reception and spend your final moments of free time exploring the area or alternatively please speak with hotel staff if you would like to extend your check-out time. Please note this service is subject to availability and will likely come at an additional cost. 

Your Tour Leader or hotel staff  can assist you arrange transportation to the airport as/if needed. A taxi to the airport costs approximately 250,000VND. Alternatively, we can assist you pre arrange a private departure transfer. before your trip starts. Refer to "Extra Services" for rates.