Tailormade North Vietnam Explorer

Tailormade North Vietnam Explorer - Authentic Version

• 1 Overnight flight from the UK to Vietnam

  Fly from the UK to Hanoi.

  Included Meals: None

• 2 Hanoi

  Arrive in Hanoi and check-in at the hotel. The remainder of the day is free to make your first impressions of the Vietnam's capital city. You may choose to take a walk around the shores of Hoan Kiem Lake. Situated in the centre of the city and translated as ‘Lake of the Restored Sword’, Hoan Kiem Lake was named after a legend in which Heaven gave the Emperor a sword used to drive the Chinese from Vietnam; after the war a turtle rose from the water and grabbed the sword taking it to the depths of the lake.  If you are lucky you may even spot some turtles in the murky water.

  Overnight: La Belle Vie Hotel
  Included Meals: None

• 3 Hanoi

  Like a French provincial town with tree-lined boulevards, Hanoi is wonderfully nostalgic and a walk through the engaging streets of its Old Quarter provides an ideal introduction. Named after the various crafts and specialities of the city’s artisans, each street bears such descriptive monikers as Paper Street, Silk Street and Basket Street. This practice dates back to the 13th century, when the city’s original 36 guilds established themselves here, adopting a street each to differentiate them from their neighbours. The maze of alleys presents a fascinating venue to explore on foot and the area is known for its interesting ‘tube’ houses, whose narrow frontages give way to long rooms that stretch back. Street vendors tempt you with noodles, snacks and stir-fried delights from shoulder panniers, all adding to the charm of Hanoi’s historic heart. Explore on foot and on an exciting cyclo ride which will also take you to Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and The Temple of Literature. Founded in 1070 as a Confucian temple, the Temple of Literature was also Vietnam’s first university, the Chinese style architecture and courtyards are not to be missed.

  Overnight: La Belle Vie Hotel
  Included Meals: Breakfast

• 4 Halong Bay

  Drive to the incredible setting of Halong Bay, one of Vietnam's most spectacular natural attractions recently voted as one of the eight natural wonders of the world. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Halong Bay boasts hundreds of jungle clad islands (over 1600 at the last count) that rise from the jade green waters of the bay like the scales of some great submerged dragon. Indeed Halong means where the dragon descends to the sea and local legends tells of a time when this rugged landscape was created by the pounding tail of a mighty dragon as he ran from the mountains into the glittering waters of the bay below. On arrival you will board your junk and set sail, threading your way through a flotilla of boats, junks and wooden sampans as they ply their way across the gentle waters of the bay. The plan for today is to sail through this stunning seascape, stopping off to swim and visit some of the limestone caverns that pepper the landscape.

  Overnight: Bai Tho Junk
  Included Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner

• 5 Halong Bay cruise and Hanoi

  This morning you enjoy the romantic scenery of Halong Bay on a cruise amongst the islands. You'll have the chance to stop at a grotto beneath towering cliffs and perhaps visit a beach. It is interesting to see the curious assortment of tourist boats, traditional junks and wooden sampans gliding through the waters. In the afternoon you'll return to Hanoi for the evening. Perhaps you may like to see a performance of traditional water puppetry, a practice that dates back to the 15th century. Set on a flooded stage, the stories tell tales of legendary heroes and everyday life, with dragons and unicorns sharing the stage with ducks and frogs, and even fireworks and naval battles.

  Overnight: La Belle Vie Hotel
  Included Meals: Breakfast

• 6 Mai Chau

  Departing frantic Hanoi, your journey continues west to Mai Chau and Xam Khoe village. The fertile landscapes of Mai Chau are home to the minority White Thai people, who live in stilt-housed villages surrounded by rice paddies. The White Thai constitute one of the largest minority groups in the region and your time here will give you a chance to get to learn a little more about the traditions and customs of your hosts. After lunch you'll depart Xam Khoe village and walk to Buoc Village, enjoying the magnificent scenery as you go.

  Overnight: Mai Chau Ecolodge
  Included Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner

• 7 Mai Chau

  Today you head out into the Mai Chau countryside on two wheels. Your easy cycle ride takes you alongside rice paddies and through pretty villages that lie in the shadow of the surrounding mountains. There will be the opportunity to dismount and wander amongst the friendly villages to meet the locals.

  Overnight: Mai Chau Ecolodge
  Included Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner

• 8 Hanoi

  After breakfast you depart Mai Chau and return back to Hanoi for your final night.

  Overnight: La Belle Vie Hotel
  Included Meals: Breakfast

• 9 Hanoi

  Free time in Hanoi for any last-minute sightseeing and shopping, before transferring to the airport for your flight to the UK.

  Included Meals: Breakfast

• 10 Arrive UK

  Arrive back in the UK.

  Included Meals: None