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Given almost two weeks, Indochina Voyages Travel will introduce you to the core of Vietnamese culture while enjoying all the most spectacular sites and sceneries Vietnam has to offer. Unforgettable |
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 | Day 1&2 Hanoi... arrival at the cradle of Vietnamese culture; get a feel for the city's enchanting Old Quarter from a brief orientation tour and see the famed northern water puppet show. Tour the best and select sights in Hanoi and explore the well preserved colonial-era architecture as reflected in the beautiful French-built villas; interact personally with Ngoc, a contemporary art guru who is willing to share her passion and knowledge with art lovers; enjoy the sumptuous traditional cuisine. |
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 | Day 3 Thoha village and more... a big morning is in store today as you will experience an unforgettable visit to the scenic rural village of Tho Ha; discover the vestiges of an ancient miniature coffin-making village and rice paper producing town; board one of the few remaining ferries to cross Cau river and observe a sharing technique for making rice paper from your friendly locals. Return to Hanoi for an in-depth lecture delivered by Mark Rappoport at his eclectic gallery. A New Yorker who fell in love with ethnology study in Vietnam, Mark discusses the diverse minority ethnic cultures. |
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 | Day 4&5 Halong Bay... a wonderful drive to the east coast that passes through rural landscapes; be fascinated by the natural beauty of this Bay where the dragons from ancient lore descended. Serene skies, splendid rock sculptures and emerald waters will surround you as you sail along; spend a night on board a traditional junk in this mythical bay that will be one of the most memorable experiences of your life time. |
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 | Day 6&7 Sapa (overnight train Hanoi-Laocai on the 5th)... climb up to an elevation of over four thousand feet, then pause to take in the breathtaking views of the mountains, the minority villages and terraced rice fields that Sapa has to offer; stroll around the market frequented by the colorful, indigo-dressed locals; hike up and down the valley of Tavan and Taphin, dotted with traditional houses of the H'mong & Dao people that are so picturesque they will inspire the photographer in you. |
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 | Day 8&9 Hue (flight Hanoi-Hue)... catch the morning flight to the former imperial capital of Hue, a Unesco Cultural Heritage site known for its monuments, royal tombs and an imposing citadel that dates back to 1804; marvel at the ruins and the recently renovated areas of the royal citadel; cruise aboard a dragon boat on romantic Perfume river and walk the beloved King TuDuc's tomb; get introduced to and welcomed by a family of royal descendants and learn how they prepare and garnish their traditional royal dishes...then a fantastic dinner awaits. |
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 | Day 10&11 Hoian... a gorgeous mountain drive through the Ocean Clouds Pass to Danang; follow a museum expert for an educational walk around the Cham museum to learn and admire the intricate sandstone sculptures made by the olden days Cham artists; stroll across the ancient small town of HoiAn, a place that, for centuries, greeted merchants from Japan, China, India as well as the first Christian missionaries and whose charming architecture and cultural value still remain virtually untouched. Early next morning, walk to the fish market by the river pier, then head to My Son ruins, once sacred holy land of the Champa Kings from the 4th to the 13th century dedicated to their Hindu religious practices. |
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 | Day 12&13 Saigon & Mekong... be surprised by the vibrancy of this industrious metropolis; tour the must-see sites including the Notre Dam Cathedral, Central Post Office and the War Remnants Museum; immerse yourself in the chaos of traffic and commercial activities of this fascinating city's life and lights that never seem to stop. Relax and stroll around fruit orchards of farming families in Mekong where locals will come up and offer you samples of their home-grown products with great hospitality; enjoy the tilapia fish prepared in local style amid a rural setting by the water; venture out in a short sampan ride through narrow canals of the Mekong and cruise these mighty waters for a refreshing and relaxing way to end your Vietnam highlights trip. |
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| | Day14 Saigon departure... take time for some last minute shopping along Dong Khoi street or enjoy at leisure until your flight home later today or going onward to a trip extension |
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| | This itinerary can be customized to suit travelers' schedule and interests |
