Day 1                     Saigon

Upon arrival into Saigon you will be met and transferred to your hotel 

Day 2                     Saigon 

A vibrant metropolis, Saigon teems with energy, activity and motion. Everywhere you look, you see the meeting of traditional and modern life. The emerging modern skyline stands cheek by jowl with colonial buildings and traditional temples. Outside on the streets, young professionals zip by on motorcyles, chatting on mobile phones; inside the quiet temple courtyards, worshippers pray amidst clouds of incense. Begin your tour of this exciting city with a tour of the historic center, strolling along Dong Khoi Street, formerly known as the Rue Catinat, the main shopping thoroughfare and heart of old colonial Saigon. Pass by classic European-style landmarks such as the ornate City Hall (Hotel De Ville), the old Opera House (both may only be viewed from the outside), and pay a quick visit to the neo-Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office. Afterwards dive into modern history with a tour of the Reunification Palace, Formerly the Independence Palace of the South Vietnamese president, this 60s style was famously stormed by tanks on April 30, 1975 signifying the fall of South Vietnam. It has been preserved in its original state, and the original tanks remain on display near the entrance gates. Continue to the harrowing War Remnants Museum, which comprehensively documents the travails of the long Vietnam- American War. Inside are detailed photographic exhibitions; outside is a collection of tanks, planes and weapons. A powerful experience, this museum is guaranteed to provoke strong emotions. Afterwards driving to the historic center to visit Emperor of Jade Pagod,a one of Saigon's most interesting pagoda.  In the afternoon, head out to Cholon (China Town). Explore the highlights of this fascinating area, beginning with a brief visit to Binh Tay Market, the vast wholesale market selling every kind of good from dried foods to T shirts to electronics. Continue to Thien Hau Pagoda, build by the Cantonese congregation and dedicated to the heavenly goddess. End your tour at the central Ben Thanh Market, where vendors display a vast array of goods and handicrafts, appealing to every taste.Overnight in Saigon 

Day 3                     Saigon  

From Saigon, drive to Tay Ninh, the birthplace of the unique Cao Dai religion, a fusion of Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Christianity, Islam and native Vietnamese spiritual beliefs. Every day at noon, worshippers garbed in colorful robes flock to the Cao Dai Great Temple  to participate in the daily prayer sessions, which visitors may respectfully observe from the upper balconies. (Note: shortly before and during the annual TET festival (Vietnamese New Year) the daily ceremony of the priests in Tay Ninh may be cancelled without prior notice).  Afterwards, continue to the Cu Chi Tunnels. Never discovered by American forces, these tunnels were an important Vietcong base during the American War. Stretching over 200 km, this incredible underground network, dug by hand out of hard laterite, connected command posts, hospitals, shelter and weapon factories. Today, you can walk through the area and learn about the day-to-day life of the VC, see the cleverly disguised entrances and elaborate booby-traps, and even venture inside the tunnels, some of which have been modified to accommodate tourists. Return to Saigon in the late afternoon. Overnight in Saigon 

Day 4                     Saigon - Can Tho

Transfer from Saigon to Can THo. Leave Can Tho for Thoi Long village by van or car (25 km). It is certainly great fun to cycle on country roads to traditional career as weaving the coconut water leaves for making the proof of the thatch house, making bamboo fish trap instruments, the clay oven for cooking, noodle, rice paper and shipbuilding. Crossing the Thuan Hung ferry for Tan Loc islet. Have lunch and relax at the ecology garden (on the hammock under the shade of Bang Lang tree 300 years old) which is renowned for delicious fruit and delicate bonsai all year round. Afternoon, discover the islet by bicycle known as catfish farm. Dinner and overnight at a local home. Overnight in Local Village 

Day 5                     Can Tho – Saigon

After breakfast, say good bye to your homestay family. Take an excursion to Cai Rang and Phong Dien Floating Markets with boat trip. Cai Rang Floating Markets: In the early morning, take a boat trip to Cai Rang floating market, the largest and most bustling of the Mekong Delta markets. Fruit and vegetable vendors assemble from all over the region, hanging samples of their wares on long poles above their boats, while buyers navigate their smaller craft between the colorful fruit barges. Phone Hong Dien Floating Market: the best floating market in the Mekong Delta with many stand-up rowing boats around. The market is visited by boat first and then one returns to Can Tho by car. Transfer back to Saigon for the night 

Day 6                     Saigon – Buon Ma Thuot

Transfer by road to Buon Ma Thuot. Journey along through the provinces of Song Be and Dac Lac via Chon Thanh and Dong Xoai. Overnight in Buon Ma Thuot 

Day 7                     Buon Ma Thuot  

The capital of Dac Lac province, Buon Ma Thuot is a prosperous town in a region known for coffee plantations and diverse Montagnard poplation. In the morning, visit the town highlights, beginning with the Ethnographic  Museum , which provides a comprehensive insight into the many distinct ethnic groups of the province, which include the Ede and M'nong, among others. Displays feature traditional Montagnard dress, as well as agricultural implements, fishing gear and musical instruments.
Continue to the KHai Doan Pagoda, the Lac Giao Temple and the local Catholic Church.  Head outside town to visit the spectacular Dray Sap Waterfalls, which cascade over a 100m width in the middle of a beautiful rainforest setting.Overnight in Buon Ma Thuot 

Day 8                     Buon Ma Thuot - Pleiku 

Located 50 km south of Pleiku, Phue Cuong Waterfalls used to be the stone quarry run run by the US troops for road construction. Enroute, visit local Jarai and Bahnar Villages, including an Elephant ride. Overnight in Pleiku 

Day 9                     Pleiku - Danang - Hoi An

Transfer to the airport for your flight  from Pleiku to Danang. Upon arrival into Danang you will be transferred to Hoi An. Hoi An is a picturesque riverside town south of Danang. Known as Faifo to early western traders, it was one of South East Asia's major international ports during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Now, this beautifully preserved historic city is best seen on foot. The walking tour includes: Japanese Covered Bridge: the first bridge on this site was constructed in 1593 by the Japanese community of Hoi An to link the town with the Chinese quarters across the stream. The bridge was provided with a roof so it could be used as a shelter from rain and sun. Sa Huynh Museum : located near the Japanese Covered Bridge, it contains exhibitions from the earliest period of Hoi An's history. Tran Family Chapel: this house for worshipping ancestors was built about 200 years ago with donations from family members. The Tran family traces its origins to China and moved to Vietnam around 1700. The architecture of the building reflects the influence of Chinese and Japanese styles. Phuoc Kien Assembly Hall: Chinese pagoda built around 1690 and then restored and enlarged in 1900. It is typical of the Chinese clans that were established in the Hoi An area. The temple is dedicated to Thien Hau Thanh Mau (Goddess of the Sea and Protector of Sailors and Fishermen). Lantern Making Workshop: Visit one of the lantern workshop in Hoi An. The framework of lantern will be made by the industry itself and clients can observe locals making silk cloth on the lantern. Overnight in Hoi An 

Day 10              Hoi An - Hue  

Transfer by road  from Hoi An to Hue. Journey from Hoi An over scenic mountainous roads with spectacular views over the coastline. Halfway between Danang and Hue lies the dramatic  Hai Van Pass, the high dividing line between the climate zones of north and south Vietnam. Continue southwards passing Lang Co, a lovely stretch of beach curving outwards between a clear blue lagoon and the South China Sea, and the large coastal city of Danang before arriving in Hue. Overnight in Hue 

Day 11                Hue  

Enjoy a leisurely boat ride down the Perfume River, stopping first at the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda, an elegant seven-tiered octagonal tower which has become Hue's most widely recognizable monument. Continue cruising into the countryside to the Imperial Tomb of Minh Mang, a majestic complex of courtyards, pavilions and temples in a beautiful natural setting. Also visit Old Imperial City. Located in the heart of Hue is the Imperial Citadel, a vast complex built in the early 19th century and modeled after the Forbidden City of Peking. The original walls stretched for 10 km and were surrounded by a wide moat. Today, most of the buildings have been destroyed due to bombing during the Vietnam-American War, but the monuments that remain provide a fascinating glimpse into the court life of the Nguyen Dynasty. Approach the city past the striking Flage Tower, where a giant Vietnamese flag waves proudly overhead, to the imposing Ngo Mon Gate, the main entrance to the Imperial Enclosure. Enter into an area of spacious courtyards and serene lotus ponds, and visit Dien Tho Residence ( Dien Tho palace) is where the Queen mother lived, visit Thai Hoa Palace, the magnificently decorated reception hall, the Halls of the Mandarins, and the original Nine Dynastic Urns, among other sites. Overnight in Hue 

Day 12              Hue - Hanoi  

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival into Hanoi you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Your afternoon tour of Hanoi includes, a visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum from the outside only. Visit the Presidential Palace (may be viewed from the outside only) Visit Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple and the Rising Sun bridge.  Hoan Kiem Lake: located in the centre of the city this is an enchanting body of water. Legend has it that in the mid-15th century, Heaven gave Emperor Ly Thai To a magical sword which he used to drive the Chinese out of Vietnam. One day whilst boating on the lake a giant golden tortoise grabbed the sward. Since then, the lake has been known as the 'Lake of the Restored Sword. Ngoc Son Temple: located in the northern end of Hoan Kiem Lake, it was founded in the 18th century. Surrounded by water and shaded by trees, it's a delightfully quiet place to rest. The temple is dedicated to the scholar Van Xuong, General Tran Hung Dao and La To, patron saint of physicians.Also visit the Old Quarter: they have well over a thousand years of history and remain one of Vietnam's most lively and unusual places, where one can buy anything from a gravestone to silk pyjamas. Exploring by walk to the maze of back streets which is fascinating and there are endless things to buy wool clothes, cosmetics, gold and silver jewellery, silk clothes and herbal medicines. Visit a Water Puppet Show,  a fantastic art form originating in the northern Vietnam, best seen in Hanoi. Overnight in Hanoi 

Day 13                    Hanoi - Halong  

Transfer by road Halong Bay. Board a traditional junk and cruise Halong Bay. These traditionally built junks have facilities of the highest standard, which include private cabins with ensuite bathrooms, a spacious dining room serving traditional Vietnamese cuisine. The first day's itinerary passes Dinh Huong island, Ga Choi Island, Sung Sot cave, before stopping at Titov beach for a swim. Dinner is served on the boat as the sun sets. Overnight in cabin / onboard 

Day 14                      Halong - Hanoi 

Enjoy breakfast on board, while continuing to cruise around the waters of the bays, visiting Man’s Head Island, Tortoise Island and Luon Cave. Return to the pier just before noon and disembark. Transfer back to Hanoi railway station. Board your overnight 4 berth sleeper cabin to Lao Cai 

Day 15                     Lao Cai - Sapa 

Arrive Sapa, transfer by Topas Ecolodge shuttle bus (SIC transfer by hotel) to the Topas Ecolodge. Overnight in Sapa 

Day 16                    Sapa

Trekking excursion from Heavens Gate to Sa Pa Valley.  Take a drive to the Silver Waterfall, and take a short walk to the waterfall. Continue driving further to Heavens Gate, the highest peak of roads in Vietnam. From there you can see Fan Si Pan, the highest peak of Indochina mountains as well as enjoy stunning views. The walk starts at a point nearby the waterfall, by a descent on a trail through bamboo forest, which belongs to Hoang Lien National Park. Lunch will be served at a nice spot nearby a river. After lunch, continue the trek to Sin Chai village, where Community Based Tourism in Sapa takes place. Visit the village, inhabited by the Black Hmong minority, one of the largest group ethnic minorities in Sapa area. Overnight in Sapa 

Day 17              Sapa - Hanoi

Transfer to Lao Cai train station by Topas Ecolodge shuttle bus (SIC transfer by hotel)
Board your overnight 4berth cabin to  Hanoi . Overnight in Train 

Day 18               Hanoi

Arrive Hanoi railway station, transfer to the airport