Destination Vietnam

Tour Packages ex-Hanoi

Halong Bay Extension

At Halong Bay a multitude of spectacular limestone outcroppings, cliffs, arches and coves compete for space in a bay which undoubtedly is the most outstandingly beautiful scenery in the country. On-board a traditional-style junk boat, we spend an afternoon sailing through this incredibly scenic area, and stop off at an islet to marvel at some of the impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations. If conditions are favourable it is possible to take a swim in the bay. Overnight is at a hotel on the mainland in Ha Long, before the return road transfer to Ha Noi.

Halong Bay Overnight Cruise

Departing Ha Noi by road we travel to one of Vietnam’s premier tourist destinations - Halong Bay, whose name translates as ‘Where the Dragon Descends into the Sea’. This extraordinarily beautiful bay is a natural wonder and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Characterised by its thousands of limestone karsts type islands rising out of its striking emerald waters, Halong Bay is truly a magical place. An overnight cruise on the bay on-board a private ‘Junk’ style boat allows a greater appreciation of the beauty of the bay and is a thoroughly memorable experience.

Kayaking Ha Long Bay

This overnight kayaking experience on scenic Halong Bay enables visitors to explore less visited areas of the bay and to access small caves, islands and inland lagoons hidden in the limestone karsts. A guide accompanies paddlers and an escort boat is provided for meals and overnight stay.

Mai Chau Extension

The scenic Mai Chau valley is easily accessible from Hanoi, and this extension provides an opportunity for visitors to experience some of the beautiful mountain scenery and visit some of the ethnic minority villages of northern Vietnam. Villagers in this area are predominantly from the Thai ethnic group, and traditional houses are stilt houses of palm and bamboo. Mai Chau is known for its colourful embroidery, which can be seen being woven by hand in many of the nearby homes. There is the opportunity to enjoy walking in the valley through the villages and past the rice fields. Accommodation is basic ?home-stay? style in a traditional White Thai long house that provides easy access to the community as well as to many trails that spread out over the valley floor.

Ha Noi Orientation

Vietnam’s capital is often described as an ?old-fashioned city, and with almost 1,000 years of history it is easy to see why it is a truly fascinating destination to visit and often a favourite destination of travellers to the region. Old-fashioned in style and atmosphere, it is a city of lakes, parks, trees, villas, mansions and even an area called the Old French Quarter. This two night package includes a full day sightseeing of Hanoi?s main sites including the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum and the city?s famous ?Ancient Quarter? or 36 Streets District.

Halong Adventure

Transferring by road from Hanoi to Halong Bay, there is the opportunity to spend two nights discovering this unique area which is often called Vietnam’s eighth wonder of the world. Approximately three thousand spectacular limestone outcroppings, cliffs, arches and coves compete for space in an area that is without doubt the most outstanding natural sites in the country ? an incomparable coastal scenery. Highlights include a wonderful overnight cruise on-board a traditional style ?Junk? boat through the bay, and a visit to Cat Ba Island including the Cat Ba National Park. One night is spent on-board the overnight boat, and one night at a hotel in Hai Phong city.

Mai Chau & Cuc Phuong

Depart Hanoi and travel by road to the fertile Mai Chau valley, where more adventurous guests will enjoy a close-up experience of the lifestyle of one of Northern Vietnam?s ethnic groups and an overnight stay in the community in a traditional White Thai long house. Continue on to the south and visit Cuc Phuong - Vietnam?s first National Park, with its wide variety of flora and fauna and many caves. Overnight stay is in simple long house style accommodation within the National Park.

Sapa

Surrounded by the vista of Vietnam’s highest peak, Fansipan (3142 metres), Sapa is primarily Vietnamese in character and comes alive during the weekend market when the local ethnic Hmong and Dao people trek in from nearby villages to sell their wares. The region offers countless trails and walks for all levels of enthusiasts. Two nights are spent on the overnight train, and one night at a comfortable hotel in Sapa. Highlights include Sapa?s colourful market, and trekking to visit some of the different ethnic minority villages located in the surrounding countryside.

Ha Noi City BreaK

With 3 nights spent Hanoi this package allows for comprehensive sightseeing of the this historic and atmospheric city. A day excursion is also made into the surrounding countryside to explore the picturesque traditional villages. Rich in Buddhism, the north of Vietnam is home to the country’s most colourful and revered pagodas and temples, including the Thay Pagoda (Master’s pagoda) and Tay Phuong Pagoda.

Highland Places & Tribal Faces – Sapa

Sapa, which lies at an elevation of 1650 metres, is a former French hill station that has recently grown in popularity as a destination for those seeking adventure among Vietnam’s highest mountain ranges. Sapa comes alive during the weekend market when the local ethnic Hmong and Dao people trek in from nearby villages to sell their wares. The region holds countless trails and walks for all levels of enthusiasts and provides an introduction into the lives of the communities of the north-west. The itinerary commences with the overnight train journey from Hanoi to Lao Cai which is located near the Chinese border, and guests will then spend two nights in comfortable accommodation in Sapa before the return overnight train journey back to Hanoi.

Northwest Frontier

The Northwest Frontier is an adventurous itinerary that will provide a rewarding experience, and is recommended for more adventurous travellers. Travelling predominantly by landcruiser, combine the walks and invigorating fresh air of Sapa with visits to ethnic minority villages in Lai Chau, Son La and Mai Chau and a visit to the historical former battle-site at Dien Bien Phu. This journey is ‘off the beaten track’ in Vietnam consequently it does require some sacrifices - roads are long, winding and rough, accommodation is basic and the food is simple. These areas have only been opened to tourism in the last decade and therefore there is only basic infrastructure and facilities throughout, with the exception of Sapa. Travellers can however expect a truly exceptional and very rewarding experience that relatively few tourists have the opportunity to experience.

Cities Of Contrasts – Saigon & Ha Noi

This package includes two nights in Saigon and one night in Hanoi, and is recommended for travellers with, and limited time who would like to gain an appreciation of these two very contrasting, yet equally interesting cities. Visits to the main sites are included in each city, as is an excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels outside Saigon. Travel between Saigon and Hanoi is via domestic flight.

Twin Cities – Ha Noi & Saigon

By spending two nights in Saigon and two nights in Hanoi, the visitor has the chance to explore the highlights of both cities, as well as undertake excursions to the remarkable Cu Chi Tunnels from Saigon, and an excursion to Thay and Tay Phuong Pagodas located in the scenic countryside surrounding Hanoi.

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