North and Central Of Vietnam: Hanoi – Sapa – Halong – Danang – Hoian

Upon arrival in to Hanoi, we will be transferred to our hotel. Hanoi is a charming and richly historic city of lakes, shaded boulevards and verdant public parks, with a population of about four million. The city centre is like an architectural museum, with blocks of ochre buildings retaining the air of a provincial French town from the 1930s.

Overnight in Hanoi

After breakfast, enjoy the Hanoi City Tour. The city tour brings you to visit both the old & new quarters. Some highlights are as follow: Ho Chi Minh Museum & Mausoleum (these 2 places closed every Monday & Friday), which tells the life story of the great leader, as well as serves as his final resting place.

One Pillar Pagoda, one of the oldest architectures dated back from the 11th century. It rises on a one pillar from the middle of a square lotus pond. Legend has it that Ly Thai Tong had a dream vision of Quan Am sitting on a lotus flower and promising him a male child. Thus, he had this pagoda built, itself sitting on a pond like a giant flower on its tall stem.

Continue the city tour with the Temple of Literature – the first university in Vietnam, Ethnology Museum which is a valuable centre for the exhibition and the preservation of cultural heritages of the 54 ethnic groups in Vietnam.

Afternoon follow by visiting:

– Hoan Kiem Lake (Hoan Kiem Lake means Lake of the Restored Sword It derives its name from the legend of Lê Thái Tổ’s magic sword – which was given to him by the gods to help him defeating the enermy. A golden tortoise emerged from the lake and snatched the sword from the king)

– Ngoc Son Temple (The temple is dedicated to three men who exemplify the Vietnamese ideal: the scholar, Van Xuong De Quan; the warrior, Tran Hung Dao; and the patron saint of physicians, La To)

– Last watching a water puppet show at Thang Long theatre and then transfer to railway station to take night train to Lao Cai

Late check out room at hotel until 18:00 this day

Overnight on train – 02 person 1 cabin / Soft sleeper in AC cabin of 4 berths

Upon arrival in Lao Cai early this morning, you will be met by your local guide. We will spend this day to visit one of ethnic market:

Coc Ly Tuesday Market:

It takes about 2 hours by car from Sapa to Coc Ly Market. It is the colourful market in a mountainous area where the Flower H’mong mainly gathers to exchange their homemade products. After visiting the market we go on a boat on the Chay River with beautiful mountains on both sides. On the way we will have a short trek to Trung Do village (Tay) This is a unique opportunity for you to the see the traditional lifestyle of tribal minorities and their costumes and handicrafts.

Lung Khau Nhin Thursday market:

Lung Khau Nhin is held on Thirsday. You will enjoy beautiful scenery along the road until you arrive in Muong Khuong. From there, you turn in a dirt road, which goes up in mountains. Pine trees forests and villages surround the tinny market. Flower Hmong, Tu Di, Tay and Giay ethnic minorities come to buy and sell local products such as food and material for agriculture and fabric. After exploring the market, your car will take you heading to Cao Son – the most stunning part of Lao Cai province. You will then be able to visit to the most secluded peaceful village – Tin Thang and have an oppoturnity to see people still distill the wine from corn, making bacon in the most basic way and offering special corn cake to anyone who drop by their house.

Can Cau Saturday market:

After having breakfast in Sapa we go to the Can Cau Saturday Market by a van. It takes us 2 hours to get there. This is a colourful market situated in a small village in the mountain. You will see several different minority groups here but mainly the Flower H’mong people. The local people come here to buy and sell clothes, vegetables, meat and cattle. In the afternoon we will have a short trek to Ban Pho village (Flower H’Mong).

Bac Ha Sunday market:

This is the largest market in the region, a place where many ethnic groups gather to buy and sell, eat and drink together. There are 10 minority groups in the Bac Ha region. You can buy homemade handicrafts and clothes. In the afternoon we will have a 2 hour trek to Ban Pho village (Flower H’Mong people).In the village we can have a look in their house and understand little more about their lifestyle and traditional customs. Especially, we can try homemade wine from corn.

Transfer to Sapa for your overnight.

Overnight in Sa Pa

Meal included: Breakfast at local restaurant

After breakfast at hotel, you transfer by vehicle to Suoi Ho village. From here, you follow the trek through rice fields and villages. Enjoy spectacular view along the way to Ma Tra Village. Stop by some local houses to meet the people and explore their culture, customs and traditions.
The rest of the day is an easy descent to reach Ta Phin Village of the Red Dzao group.

We meet the car & transfer back to Sapa. Then we go back to Lao Cai railway station

Overnight on train – 02 person 1 cabin / Soft sleeper in AC cabin of 4 berths

Meal included: Breakfast at hotel

Upon arrival Hanoi railway station, you will be met and transferred to have a day use at hotel near station for refreshment and breakfast before transfer to Halong Bay.

08:00: Pick up from your hotel in Hanoi. Drive to Halong City through the paddy fields in the Red River Delta. Stopover at Hai Duong province for refreshment about 20 – 30 minutes.

12.00 – 13.00 Arrive in Tuan Chau Wharf – Breaking and taking photo at Pelican Private Lounge
Transfer by tender to the boat

13.00 – 15.30 Check in and enjoy Welcome Drink, receive cruise brief and safety instruction by crew member and Cruise Manager
Start cruising. Enjoy buffet lunch while cruising to magnificent Halong Bay – Bai Tu Long Bay, admire the fascinating formations on the way. You will have opportunity to see the famous such as: Perfume Rock, Fighting Cock, Lonely Rock, Saddle Rock…. before arrives to “Vung Viêng” village.

15.30 – 17.30 Visit “Vung Viêng” village by a rustic – row boat, meet the local people who will help you row the boat for sightseeing. Enjoy quiet space and fresh air, you will feel truly relaxing.
Free optional swimming and kayaking around many small and big islands at emerald Bai Tu Long water.

17.30 – 19.30 Back to the boat and free time for relax
Option: Massage service available. Please book with Cruise Manager directly (please see massage menu)
Cooking class on sundeck – How to make Vietnamese spring rolls. Then enjoy the spring rolls you make together and Happy Hour (buy one drink, get one free). It is time for chatting and relaxing.

19.30 – 23.00 Deluxe Vietnamese Dinner will be served
Evening activities include: Leisure time for chatting around the bar, watching many sorts of Vietnam cultural films. Relaxing and spending a romantic night on Pelican Cruise’s music. Reading magazines in room and dining room. Passengers may also try their luck with squid fishing on the boat.
Option: Massage service available. Please book with Cruise Manager directly (please see massage menu)

23.00 End of Day One program

06.00 – 09.00 Taking part in Tai Chi class on the sundeck (duration about 30 minutes)
Coffee, tea and pastries for breakfast are served in the dining room with morning view of bay’s landscape.
Transfer by tender to Sung Sot Cave. Walk up about 100 steps to the cave entrance. It takes approximately 45 minutes for cave visiting. Return to the boat by tender. Proper shoes are highly recommended.

09.00 – 11.30 Check out and make payment in reception area
Have a buffet brunch while cruising back to the Tuan Chau Wharf. Relaxing on the sundeck or in the dining room enjoying the bay scenery as approaching the wharf.

11.30 Transfer by tender to Tuan Chau Wharf. Say goodbye to the crew

12.00 – 16.30 Return from Halong to Hanoi by shuttle bus
Stop over the middle to visit a traditional workshop

16.30 Arrive in Hanoi

Free the rest of the day in Hanoi

Overnight in Hanoi

Breakfast at hotel, transfer to airport for your flight to Danang.
Arrival in Da Nang, you will be met by tour guide and take a short visit to Marble Mountains which are considered as “Landscape of the South Sky” to visit Linh Ung Pagoda, Ba Tho Cave, Hades Cave, Huyen Khong Cave and a village of marble sculptural artists that is over 300 years old.

Then transfer to Hoi An for your stay there.

Free time at leisure.

Overnight in Hoi An

Meal included: Breakfast at hotel

Spend full day at leisure, relaxing in Hoi An.

Overnight in Hoi An

Meal included: Breakfast at hotel

Spend full day at leisure, relaxing in Hoi An.

Overnight in Hoi An

Meal included: Breakfast at hotel

After breakfast, free at leisure.
Transfer to the airport for return flight.

Meal included: Breakfast at hotel

End of services.