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NORTHERN VIETNAM ADVENTURE - 8 days/ 7 nights (VNA)

Hanoi / Ha Long Bay / Lao Cai / Sapa / Hanoi

Private Journey

For those seeking for a road less traveled, a unique experience, a soul-searching journey, Explorient warmly invites you to an adventure through the land of Northern Vietnam, little known to the outside world until recently.  Far deep in the Hoang Lien Son mountain range of Vietnam near the Chinese border lays a picturesque village of Sapa, also known as the "Tonkinese Alps".  Nestled atop the dramatic mountains covered with terraced rice fields, spectacular waterfalls, flora and lush vegetations, Sapa is the home to numerous ethnic minorities for centuries.  Once an arduous journey, Sapa is now made accessible with the inauguration of the Victoria Express, a luxury three-car train comprised of two-sleeper carriages with either two-or-four berth rooms and a restaurant car.

Your Northern Vietnam Adventure begins in Hanoi, Vietnam's artistic and intellectual capital, a city of lakes, shaded boulevards and public parks.  Here, you'll get a chance to visit Hanoi's main attractions, including One Pillar pagoda, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, his House on Stilt, Temple of Literature, and the Opera House.  Wander about the narrow alleyways of Hanoi's Old Quarter lined with shop-houses selling silk products, traditional handicrafts and art galleries.  Then, embark on a private chartered wooden boat for a memorable trip to Ha Long Bay.   View the magnificent limestone cliffs and stunning sceneries while having a seafood lunch on board.

 Next, board the Victoria Express train to SaPa.  Visit the colorful Coc Ly market to watch the local ethnic minorities trade their goods and socialize.  Journey downstream by boat on the Chay River to enjoy the magnificent view of Sapa and have a picnic lunch en route.  Trek around the Ta Van area and visit the homes of the H'Mong and Dzay villages.  In the evening, enjoy fondue in front of an open-hearth fireplace of your mountain chalet resort while listening to your soul harmonizing with nature.

Northern Vietnam Adventure - a short, extraordinary journey to an enchanted land that will imprint in your heart precious memories that will last a lifetime.

TOUR INCLUDES:

• 7 nights accommodations per itinerary

• Meals as specified per itinerary

• Private Tour: Sightseeing & Transfers by private car, driver and Professional English-speaking guides

TOUR ITINERARY:

Day 1:   Hanoi

Arrive in Hanoi, be met and transferred to your hotel.  Overnight in Hanoi.  Accommodations at Hilton Opera Hotel

Day 2: Hanoi/ Halong Bay

Private sightseeing tour of the city.  Highlights include Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, his House on Stilt, One Pillar pagoda, Temple of Literature and the Opera House.  This afternoon, journey west, crossing the Red River to Ha Long.  The three-hour scenic drive stops en route at Hong Ngoc, where you will have time for a drink and see local people manufacturing different kinds of handicrafts.  Overnight in Ha Long.  Accommodation at Novotel Halong Bay.  (B, L)

Day 3: Ha Long/ Hanoi / Lao Cai

This morning, board a private junk for a fantastic cruise through Ha Long Bay (approx. five hours) with a fresh seafood lunch on board.   En route, visit the Heavenly Palace Grotto and Driftwood cave, one of the highlights around the bay.  In the afternoon, drive back to Hanoi to board the Victoria Express train.  Overnight and dinner on board. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Lao Cai/ Sapa

Pick up at Lao Cai station and transfer to Coc Ly market, which takes place only on Tuesday, with breakfast en route. Experience the weekly market of the H'Mong, Dzay and Flower H'Mong. By boat downstream on Chay River with picnic lunch. The afternoon trek includes visits to local H'Mong and Dzay villages. After arriving in Bao Nhai, drive back to Sa Pa along the winding road.  Tonight, enjoy a fondue dinner in front of an open-hearth fireplace in your hotel.  Overnight in Sapa.  Accommodation at the Victoria Sapa Resort (B,L,D)

Day 5: Sapa/ Ta Van

Trekking around the area of Ta Van to visit the local ethnic hill tribes and enjoy the mountainous sceneries.  Return to Sapa by Jeep.  Overnight in Sapa.  (B)

Day 6: Sapa/ Lao Cai/ Hanoi

Enjoy additional sightseeing of Sapa. In the evening, transfer to Lao Cai station to board your overnight Victoria Express train to Hanoi. Arrive the next morning. (B)

Day 7: Hanoi

Upon arrival, commence sightseeing of Hanoi's Old Quarter by cyclo.  Explore this fascinating place filled with hundreds of specialty shops selling silk clothing, lacquer ware, paper lanterns, traditional handicrafts and arts; and enjoy people watching atop Vietnamese coffee shops.  Enjoy the balance of the day at leisure. Overnight at Hilton Opera Hotel. (B)

Day 8: Depart Hanoi

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight. onwards. (B)

Ha Long Bay

Town of Sapa

Sapa Rice Terrace