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Living Art of Vietnam
Highlights of tour:
Discover the traditional sophisticated arts and the truly life of different regions of Vietnam: from the hill tribes of South West mountainous region in an exclusive Eco-lodge to fishing villages in the center and lifestyle on the water of Mekong river.
Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi (D)
Welcome to Vietnam, arrival at Hanoi airport, after immigration and customs formalities, you’ll meet your personal guide and driver, then transfer into the city. Upon arrival, check-in to hotel. A cyclo (rickshaw) trip around with 36 streets of Hanoi ancient town gives you a chance to explore the different local way of life. Enjoy the Water Puppet Show in the evening.Welcome dinner and overnight at the hotel
Day 2: Hanoi – Handicraft villages – Hanoi (B, L, D)
This full day tour of handicraft villages surrounding Hanoi helps you discover many ancient arts of Vietnam. We begin by Bat Trang pottery village located along the two banks of Red River. We visit its workshop with many sophisticated products. Then we continue to visit Dong Ho folk painting where you contemplate Vietnamese ancient folk paintings made by the local skillful artisans with natural materials and colors. After lunch, we visit But Thap Pagoda, the Buddhist cradle of Vietnam; you will be impressed by its unique architecture, its charms and long history. We finish this day by visiting Dong Ky carpenter village. Return to Hanoi for dinner. Stay overnight at hotel.
Day 3: Introduction to Vietnamese Calligraphy Art (B, L, D)
This morning, we introduce to Vietnamese calligraphy, a unique feature of Oriental art. During this time, the master will learn you about the origin and the spirit of this ancestral art. He will show you his precious materials such as paintbrushes of many sizes; Ink Stands, papers etc… Be immersed yourself in the beauty of Vietnamese calligraphy art. Free at own leisure in the afternoon for a traditional massage. Dinner and stay overnight in Hanoi.
Day 4: Hanoi – ancient village Duong Lam (B, L, D)
This morning, we drive to the west of Hanoi (about 60km) to the destination of Duong Lam, a typical rural village of the North, where were born 2 kings in Chinese invasion period (8th and 9th century). On arrival, we will be welcomed by hosts and lunch with them. In the afternoon, we bike to visit Phung Hung king temple; Ngo Quyen king temple, Mia Pagoda and some old houses dating back up to 400 years. Two main materials built these houses: laterite and mud. Stay overnight in a local house.
Day 5: Duong Lam- Mai Chau (B, L, D)
After breakfast, we walk to visit Mong Phung communal house where dedicates the god Tan Vien Son. It is considered as a flower in the sophisticated Vietnamese sculptural art. After lunch, we say goodbye to the hosts and drive to Mai Chau valley. Enjoy the spectacular scenery on the road. Arrive in Poong Com village. Stay overnight there in a white Thai family.
Day 6: Mai Chau – Ban Hieu (B, L, D)
This morning, walking and visiting some minority villages: Ban Lac and Ban Van, we discover the daily life of the villagers. Afternoon, we will drive toward Ban Hieu village, located in the heart of Pu Luong nature reserve. Stay overnight in our lodge.
Day 7: Ban Hieu (B, L, D)
Many activities are possible all around « Les Bains de Hieu » as swimming in Waterfalls, walking, biking, trekking, fishing. Two horses are also available for your own pleasure to explore the surrounding of this enchanting place. Overnight in our lodge.
Day 8: Ban Hieu – Ninh Binh (B, L, D)
After breakfast, we leave our Eco-lodges from Ban Hieu village to go to Ninh Binh. Stop at Van Long for lunch then cruise about 2hrs along Hoang Long river, admire beautiful limestone formation, rice paddies. We visit also the floating village Kenh Ga and a hot mineral Springs (natural streams). Overnight in Ninh Binh.
Day 9: Ninh Binh (B, L, D)
We visit Trang An eco site by a rowing boat cruise, we explore the magical caves, natural and rural beauty. We head back to Ninh Binh and visit Phat Diem stone cathedral, we learn about its history and the originality in its sculpture. Overnight in Ninh Binh.
Day 10: Ninh Binh-Hai Phong – Cat Ba (B, L, D)
Early morning, you’ll be driven to Hai Phong then take the hydrofoil to Cat Ba Island. Here you’ll board a charming Junk where you’ll have lunch as you set sail for discovering Lan Ha bay. Spend the afternoon sailing or kayaking through the limestone pinnacles piercing the emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin. On this evening, an on-deck candlelight dinner featuring gourmet cuisine will be served up. Overnight on a Junk.
Note: The cabins on board are simple, comfortable, clean, air-conditioned, and outfitted with their own and hot shower. This is a private cruise.
Day 11: Cat Ba-Hanoi-Hue on train (B, L, D)
You will begin this morning with a sunrise breakfast and visit a fishing village. Lunch on board. You will disembark the Junk and take the hydrofoil to back to Hai Phong, our driver accompagnies you to Hanoi in the afternoon. Transfer to Hanoi Station for overnight train SE1-19:00 to Hue.
Day 12: Hue (B, L, D)
Arrival in Hue in the morning, after a breakfast in a local restaurant, you will take a boat trip on the Perfume River to visit Thien Mu pagoda. Lunch on boat. Then visit the elaborate tombs of Emperor Tu Duc & Khai Dinh. We finish the day with a visit to Dong Ba market. Overnight in Hue.
Day 13: Hue – Lang Co (B, L, D)
The morning, visit the majestic Imperial Citadel of Hue then we drive to Lang Co, one of 27 most beautiful bay in the world. We pass through scenic Hai Van Pass, where we enjoy the spectacular panorama of the central coastline from the summit. Free at own leisure on the beach. Overnight in Lang Co.
Day 14: Lang Co (B, L, D)
This morning, the boat take you discover the bay. We head up to An Cu lagoon and take the time to visit the sea food raise farm of local people. We stop at Lang Co fishing village and visit a local market. Have a picnic lunch. Cruise back to the hotel. Overnight in Lang Co.
Day 15: Hue-Hoi An (B, L, D)
Drive to Hoi An via Da Nang. We stop to visit Marble moutain and Cham museum. Arrival in the ancient town of Hoi An. Afternoon, explore the old port town’s narrow cobblestone streets and visit historic sites including a traditional Chinese trading house, Phuc Kien Pagoda and the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge. Overnight in Hoi An.
Day 16: Hoi An (B, L, D)
In the morning, we bike to Thanh Nam fishing village, where we will have an unforgettable and enriching experience about the daily life of a typical fisherman. We will work with the local people and learn how to catch the fish and lift the fishing net out of the water … After lunch, we go back to the hotel and free at own leisure. Overnight in Hoi An.
Day 17: Hoi An- Da Nang-Saigon (B, L, D)
Morning, you’ll be transferred to Da Nang airport for your flight to Sai Gon, then directly driven at your hotel. After lunch, you will begin your exploration of Sai Gon, the economic powerhouse of Vietnam. You will visit the Reunification Hall and the former US Embassy. Historically, both buildings symbolize the deep scars of this war-torn country. You also have the chance to see the War Remnant Museum, the Notre Dame Cathedral and general post office which was reportedly designed Gustave Eiffel. Walk amongst the frenzied merchants and buyers of Cho Lon market and visit Thien Hau Pagoda. Dinner at a local restaurant and overnight in Sai Gon.
Day 18: Saigon-Cai Be- Sa Dec (B, L, D)
After breakfast, we drive to Cai Be and boarding of the cruise vessel. Lunch on boat while the cruise goes head to Sa Dec. Disembark to visit Sa Dec, the flower market or/and brick kilns. Return to the vessel for relax and admire the sunset. Dinner and stay overnight on boat.
Day 19: Cai Be – Saigon (B, L, D)
After breakfast, we take a sampan, cruise toward Cai Be floating market, one of the most animated ones on the Mekong River, bearing all the characteristics of the locals’ life in the western region. Then we have a short walk or biking around the area. After that, we come back to Saigon by car, lunch on road. Stay overnight in Saigon.
Day 20: Saigon Departure (B)
Free at leisure until transfer to Saigon airport for your international flight.
