Hanoi Arrival With Airport Assistance (Own ticket) Located in Vietnam’s north, Hanoi is the country’s capital and second most populous city, with a population of approximately 11 million. Compared to Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi is more traditional, renowned for its thriving arts scene and beautiful French architecture. While it is rapidly developing, the city has retained many of its attractive architectural features and cultural traditions. As soon as you deplane, our Immigration Officer and guide will meet you at the end of the jet bridge, holding a signboard with your name(s) on it. Be escorted through the immigration/customs formalities and introduced to your guide, who will be waiting outside the terminal. Our representative will also collect your luggage from baggage reclaim and return it to you. Your guide will come to meet you and transfer you to your hotel. The regular check-in time is at 1400; early check-in is NOT included and subject to availability.

Around 9:00am, hop on bicycle and ride through the Old Quarter to enjoy the hustle & bustle of the city. Sit down at a tiny café on the sidewalk to enjoy the local life passing by while your guide briefs the logistics of the trip. Visit Quan Thanh temple which dates back the 11th century. Make an optional stop at the Monument where John McCain was shot-down on Truc Bach Lake. Then head to the north end of West Lake, cycle along the edge of the lake where you might see fishermen at work. Pass by the beautiful lotus gardens in blossom (which are best seen from mid-Jun until early Sep). Then walk around the peaceful area of one of the revered Buddhist pagoda - Kim Lien Pagoda. Cycle onwards through quiet back streets to experience suburban life before riding back to your hotel. NOTES: • Suggested time: 09:00 • Duration: 4 hours. • No support vehicle along the biking route. Afternoon free at leisure. This evening, your taste buds will rejoice at this foodie tour around Hanoi by jeep. Observe the fascinating local nightlife before transferring to a coffee shop at a busy corner of the Old quarter where HRH Prince William once stopped for a cup of coffee during his visit to Vietnam. Then, drive to Bun Cha Huong Lien; where Barack Obama - the 44th U.S President enjoyed dinner with savory grilled pork in fish sauce served with noodles. As you try both the coffee and Hanoi’s signature dish, continue on to a little 35 year-old Banh Cuon shop which appeared in the TV program called “Parts Unknown” presented by Anthony Bourdain, and discover these Vietnamese rice pancakes stuffed with pork and mushrooms. Before returning to your hotel, you will stop at a local bar to relax with a cocktail inspired by local food, namely: Pho (noodle soup); o mai (sugar dried fruit); and com (young rice cake). Prepare yourself for an unforgettable culinary odyssey and remember to bring your appetite! NOTES: • Starting time: 17:00 • Duration: 4 hours • Special note: Not available during Tet ho

Depart to Tuan Chau Harbor. Upon arrival, take the speedboat to Lan Ha Bay. After meeting at Heritage Line’s welcome lounge at the Tuan Chau Marina, we take a quick speedboat transfer to your luxurious floating home before starting our unique journey of exploring one of the wonders of nature – Lan Ha Bay and its main island of Cat Ba. The first highlight of the cruise is lunch, which we serve in Ginger’s nearly 360-degree light-flooded restaurant. Our live cooking in the open kitchen is a one of a kind experience – enjoy the culinary display along with fantastic panoramic views of the passing scenery. While we cruise along in the early afternoon, there is time to enjoy our unique facilities on board. As we reach the shore of a small lagoon on Cat Ba Island, we hop on bicycles (electric cart transfers are also available) for a tour along small paved roads towards Viet Hai village. Little has changed in Viet Hai since the ancestors of the 80 households settled here centuries ago. Situated in a valley within Cat Ba National Park and surrounded on all sides by forest and mountains, the locals are isolated from the island’s other villages and towns. The community is self-sufficient, as the residents provide for themselves by working the farms, fishing, or collecting rain water for drinking. Here you have the unique and authentic opportunity to meet the local inhabitants, learn about the fruits and vegetables grown in the valley, have a glimpse of local households and try some homemade liquors. Back on board, our chef is prepared for an interactive cooking class in the restaurant’s open kitchen. Learn about local ingredients as well as the preparation of classic Vietnamese dishes. As the sun sets, we arrive at a tranquil anchor spot for the night. In this hidden spot, you can revel in the memories of the day’s adventures with a cocktail under the stars. After a delicious dinner, you may like to unwind at our bar with a digestif or watch a movie in the evening cinema.

Wake up early and join our Tai Chi session on the terrace deck to ease your mind and muscles with the first rays of the sun touching the water. Coffee, tea and breakfast pastries await you in the dining room to start the new day. It is time for Ginger to lift her anchors and cruise to Frog Lake, a secluded spot which is perfect for our morning excursion. Go for a refreshing “bay swim” or explore this captivating marine landscape via kayak. The cliffs stretch vertically out of the water and you feel a sense of freedom while meandering through this green medley of water and tree-topped islets. Back on board, we serve a hearty breakfast while cruising back to our mid-bay anchoring spot, from where we will transfer you back to the welcome lounge at the pier. Savour the last moments of this unique journey while relaxing on comfy sun beds on the terrace deck. Transfer back to Hanoi and have day use at The Chi Boutique hotel until proceed to train station for overnight on train to Lao Cai.

Upon arrival at Lao Cai Railway Station, take a scenic 1hr drive to your hotel in the former hill station of Sapa. A frontier town 350km northwest of Hanoi and close to the border with China, Sapa’s terraced rice fields are some of the world’s most beautiful. Drive 30min south of Sapa into the breathtaking Muong Hoa Valley, home to the largest terraced rice fields in Sapa. If your visit is between May and October, it will coincide with the local planting and harvest time, a chance to see the local farmers in action. Starting at the Black H'mong village of Lao Chai, hike to Ta Van Village to visit the Zay group, an ethnic minority known for their brightly coloured clothing. Observe the way of life and the local traditions of this ethnic minority before continuing your trek featuring magnificent views of the terraced fields and impressive Mount Fansipan. Enjoy a boxed lunch on the way to the Red Dzao village of Giang Ta Chai. Notice the square piece of fabric on the back of the shirts worn by both men and women symbolizing that they are children of God. The Dzao women also wear red turbans adorned with silver coins and red tassels. Return to Sapa by car. NOTES: • Suggested departure time: Depends on arrival time of train. • Tour duration: 09 hours. • Trekking distance: 11km (7mi). • Grade: Medium. • As Sapa is becoming more and more popular with tourists, many local women with limited income have turned to selling souvenirs. Expect hill tribe vendors to follow you and be persistent (although not aggressive) in persuading you to buy their handicrafts. If not interested, just say ‘no, thank you’ and ask your guide to steer you away.

Enjoy a light trek to discover Sapa's quaint hill tribe villages, taking in the different traditions, cultures and costumes of the minority groups. Walk from Sapa to Suoi Ho – starting point Trek downhill through pine forests towards the small village of Suoi Ho, inhabited by the Black H’mong ethnic minority. Notice how their houses are typically built without windows due to the cold weather in the winter. Continue your walk past rice paddy fields and spectacular mountain scenery to the village of Ma Tra with the possibility of seeing tea plantations and cardamom gardens (seasonal) along the way. Hike to Ta Phin Village where you will meet the Red Dzao and Black H’mong, two of the largest ethnic groups in Sapa, who live peacefully together in this village yet retain their distinctive cultures and dress. Return to Sapa. NOTES: • Suggested departure time: 08:00. • Tour duration: 06 hours. • Trekking distance: 2km (1mi). • Grade: Easy. • As Sapa is becoming more and more popular with tourists, many local women with limited income have turned to selling souvenirs. Expect hill tribe vendors to follow you and be persistent (although not aggressive) in persuading you to buy their handicrafts. If not interested, just say ‘no, thank you’ and ask your guide to steer you away.

In the morning, check out and depart for Mu Cang Chai, blessed with beautiful terraced fields that have been recognised as national heritage. From Sapa town, we’ll journey through the stunning Tram Ton Pass and also pass Love Waterfall. Along the way take a tour to visit Muong Khoa, Muong Kim and Na Kim villages, home to colourful minority groups. Have lunch en route and arrive in Mu Cang Chai in the mid-afternoon, where we’ll continue on to visit a village of Black Thai people and catch a glimpse of daily village life. NOTES: • Suggested departure time: 08:30 • Tour duration: 08 hours • Trekking: 2.5 hours

After having breakfast at the Lodge, take a walk through verdant rice paddies to visit Hua Khat Village, home to Hmong Tribe. Continue on to the main road where your car awaits and cross Cao Pha Pass, visiting a bee-growing farm and some minority groups along the way to Tu Le. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and the rest of the day is at your leisure. NOTES: • Suggested departure time: 08:30 • Tour duration: 08 hours • Trekking: 4 hours • Grade: Easy

Depart for a 5.5hr drive to Mai Chau, famed for its splendid vistas of lush mountains and valleys and stilt house villages inhabited mainly by the H’mong and White Thai ethnic groups. On arrival, check in at Mai Chau EcoLodge and have lunch before visiting beautiful ethnic villages such as Na Thia, Nhot, Pom Coong, Lac and Chieng Chau on foot. This is a chance to learn more about the local lifestyle and discover the unique local culture. Admire the scenic views and savour the cool fresh air of this enchanting locale. After the trip, return to Mai Chau Ecolodge and have dinner. NOTES: • Suggested departure time: 08:30 • Lunch time: 13:00 • Trekking distance: 6km (4mi) • Grade: Medium

After breakfast, take advantage of your free morning to unwind and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Or take an optional 2-hour tour on a local bike or trek through the valley. Have lunch at the Lodge before driving back to Hanoi. NOTES: • Suggested departure time: 09:00 • Optional tour duration: 02 hours • Biking/trekking distance (optional): 6km (4mi) • Grade: Medium • Estimated arrival time at Hanoi: 17:00

This morning, be transferred to airport and take the flight to Danang. Upon arrival at Danang airport, be welcomed by your private vehicle and transferred to your hotel in Hoi An. Between the 15th and 19th centuries, Hoi An was a prosperous trading port, attracting Chinese, Japanese, Dutch, Portuguese and Spanish ships amongst others. Today, this World Heritage town is recognised for its well-preserved architecture, pedestrian-only streets and distinctive local cuisine, allowing visitors a glimpse of its illustrious past. Hoi An’s narrow lanes are ideal for a guided walking tour of its many atmospheric sights. These include: the old merchant houses with influences from Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese architecture; the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, first built in the 1590s by the Japanese community to link them with the Chinese quarters across the stream; the Assembly Hall of the Chaozhou Chinese Congregation, with its intricate woodcarvings; and the colourful market with stalls brimming with local specialties, including silk, which can be turned into fashionable garments within a day or two. NOTES • Suggested departure time: 14:00 • Tour duration: 03 hours • The Hoi An entrance ticket is valid for entry to 5 sightseeing spots in Hoi An including merchant houses, the Japanese Covered Bridge, museums, pagodas and assembly halls for 24 hours. It also provides entry into Hoi An Ancient Town for as long as you are in Hoi An. Please keep the entrance ticket with you at all times should you independently visit Hoi An later in the evening or on another day.

Start cycling along Thu Bon River where you have a chance to take photographs of many fishing boats and small houses. Continue biking through Thuan Tinh Ecological village and take the opportunity to see areca-nut gardens, family shrines and local villagers going about daily life. Then keep on cycling along quiet inland trails, passing water-coconut palm trees, fishing farms and rice paddies to reach Cua Dai Beach. Cam Thanh is a local fishing village with charming ocean views, many kumquat gardens and corn fields. Stop at An Bang beach for a private romantic lunch. Enjoy the most exotic moment together. Relax on the beach after lunch before transferring back to your hotel. NOTES: • Suggested time: 09:00 • Durations: 5 hours

Free day relaxing at your resort

This morning, board a flight to Saigon. Ho Chi Minh City, in southern Vietnam, is a sprawling metropolis of approximately 12 million people. Formerly known as “Saigon” prior to 1975, today the city is Vietnam’s commercial centre. The city’s dynamic energy is apparent in the bustling street scenes with thousands of people on motorbikes constantly on the move. Although Saigon has rapidly developed into a modern city with skyscrapers and shopping centres, there are still remnants of its past visible in the historic landmarks and beautiful French colonial buildings dotted throughout the city. The Cu Chi tunnel complex was dug in 1948 for the guerrillas to hide from French air and ground sweeps. It also served as communication routes and food and weapon caches as well as hospitals and living quarters for guerrilla fighters throughout the American war. Visit the underground villages with a VC veteran who used to live there, to better understand the tunnels’ history, life in the tunnels and the Vietnamese’s resilience during the war. Listen to the veteran’s experiences of living in the subterranean hamlets where a lack of air, food and water made life incredibly hard. Your guide will be on hand to translate the veteran’s experiences. Return to Saigon. NOTES • Suggested time: 13:30 • Duration: 5-5.5 hour

Wake up early this morning and start your day like a real Saigonese does! Your guide will show you things that make Saigon so different compared to other parts of Vietnam, from the morning crowded street coffee places to the lively local outdoor markets where people shop for their daily needs. Your first stop is a Vietnamese bread stall which is believed to be the first bread stall in Saigon. Sit down together with the local people inside a small alley to enjoy this simple, yet delicious breakfast. After breakfast, zig zag through the alleys and stop at a market for a cup of tea or coffee in Saigon’s oldest café. This coffee shop, now in its 78th year of operation, is something of a Saigon landmark. Meet the owner for a talk to learn how she makes coffee with such a special yet traditional method, a kind of “stocking coffee” which was originally the method of Chinese coffee vendors and involved a long, stocking-like fabric filter, a charcoal stove and traditional clay pots. Continue to wind your way through nearby street markets to see how people bargain for fresh vegetables, seafood and other local food. Carry on to the “flower alleys” - the biggest flower market in Saigon. Take the opportunity to see the colourful blossoms, and interact with the sellers. Stop at some vendors to try some favourite Saigonese snacks and desserts such as sponge cakes and sweet soups before heading back to your hotel. NOTES: • Duration: 3 hours. • Starting time: 07:00. • Special note: Not available during Tet holidays. • Possibility to enjoy this tour by vintage vespa.

Leave busy Saigon behind for the serenity of the lush forests of Cat Tien National Park, one of Vietnam’s top national parks. After a local ferry to the other side of the Dong Nai River followed by lunch, transfer by the lodge buggy to the National Park Centre to begin your short trek through the jungle to observe wildlife up close. Return to the lodge for dinner before heading back to the National Park Centre where you’ll transfer to a car for an exciting night excursion deep into the park using a spotlight to see the nocturnal wildlife. Return to your lodge by buggy where you’ll enjoy a good night’s rest with the sounds of the jungle as nature’s soundtrack. NOTES: • Suggested departure time: 08:00. • Estimated arrival time at Nam Cat Tien: 11:00. • Duration of afternoon tour: 03 hours. • Duration of night tour: 02 hours.

Rise early with the animals and be transferred by lodge buggy to the National Park Centre for a trekking trip to the crocodile lake, stopping often to view the myriad varieties of birds and possibly even larger mammals. The lake is home to the endangered Siamese crocodile and is one of the last places in the world where they can be seen. Return to the lodge by midday for lunch before leaving the park. Board a local ferry to the other side of the river where your driver awaits to bring you back to Saigon. NOTES: • Suggested departure time: 08:00. • Estimated arrival time at Saigon: 16:00.

Free until transfer to the airport for your departing flight. The regular check-out time is at 1200; late check-out is NOT included and subject to availability