VIETNAM & MYANMAR HOLIDAY

Today is a full day to explore Vietnam’s charming capital. Start with a visit to the Temple of Literature, which is well known as the first university of Vietnam. Follow it with one of the city's museums (a choice between the Hoa Lo Prison, the History Museum and the Ethnology Museum). In the afternoon, transfer to the Ba Dinh Square, where stands the Mausoleum of President Ho Chi Minh, who led Vietnam to its independence from French colonial rule. This site has become an important city landmark and a perfect place to learn more about Vietnam’s rich history. From there, wander through the beautiful surrounding gardens toward the One Pillar Pagoda and Presidential Palace, where a replica of Ho Chi Minh’s simple working space is on display.

Later, hop on a cyclo, one of the most typical vehicles in Hanoi, is a human-powered transport with a seat at the front for passengers and the driver at the back. With this an hour leisurely ride, which is perfect chance for photos and slow-moving sightseeing, you will have a great local touch. Passing by Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son temples, Old Quarter… and finally disembark at the ancient city gate of O Quan Chuong, then continue walking to Thanh Ha local market and through bustling streets & alleys.
Enjoy a traditional Water Puppet Performance – a unique Vietnamese Art form hailing from Southeast Asia’s wet – rice culture.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi.

Early morning, your guide & driver will meet you at the lobby of the hotel then leave Hanoi for Sapa on a six hour journey on the Vietnam’s longest and modern highway. On arrival, be ready for a trek on mountain trails to Lao Chai & Ta Van village, an excellent way to explore the daily life and familiarize yourself with the cultures of the H’mong and Dzay people who populate the region. The trek through the breathtaking scenery of Sapa valley also gives you an opportunity to admire the amazing rice terraces. Today you will experience your night at home-stay with Dzay tribal family. The hard work is rewarded this evening with a delicious home cooked dinner!
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Accommodation: Homestay in Ta Van Village.

After breakfast at the homestay, continue trekking through bamboo jungle to visit Red Dao people in Giang Ta Chai village where you will also have a chance to see a waterfall. The Red Dao women have very colorful red embroidery and coins on their clothing. Some of the women have shaved off their eyebrows because of a nice Red Zao Legend. After lunch in a local house next to the Muong Hoa stream, walk up-hills to Su Pan where you will meet the car and get transferred back to Sapa. Check in to the hotel and spend rest of the day at leisure or you may want to discover Sapa town on your own.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Sapa.

This morning, drive to Tram Ton Pass. Admire the spectacular views, even the Fansipan summit, the highest peak of Indochina mountains (weather permits) and visit the nearby Silver Waterfall with marvelous scenery of the surrounding nature. Stop along the way to visit O Quy Ho village which known for the different kinds of vegetables, flowers, fruit trees and even medicinal plants grown here. Have lunch in Sapa then farewell this beautiful mountain town to drive back to Hanoi.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi.

After breakfast, set out on a 2.5 hour drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Site: Halong Bay. Spend nearly 24 hours on a traditional junk cruise in the amazing bay: a natural wonderland composed of jutting limestone islands and sparkling turquoise waters. Arrive at the dock around noon and board your junk. Savor a gourmet lunch of fresh seafood onboard as you sail out into the mystical bay. In the afternoon, cruise around some of Halong’s many islands, including Dinh Huong and Ga Choi. Along the way visit one of the bay’s 3 largest caves (Thien Cung, Dau Go or Sung Sot). Stop at an island cove with a sheltered white-sand beach and take a dip in the warm waters of the Tonkin Gulf (weather permitting). Pass the night on your junk, lulled to sleep by the gentle rocking of calm waters.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Accommodation: on cruise.

Awake early and participate in Tai Chi on the top deck or simply relax and enjoy the sunrise over the bay’s towering islands. Enjoy a morning cup of coffee or tea, before setting out to explore nearby islands by rowboat. Return to the junk for breakfast then take advantage of the sundeck and admire the amazing rock formations of Bai Tu Long Bay as you navigate back to Halong City. Savor a fresh seafood lunch, served on board before sailing back to Halong City, where your car will be waiting to take you to Hanoi's airport for your flight to Danang. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in Hoian.
Meals: Brunch.
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoian.

Immerse yourself in the tranquility and charm of this sleepy riverside town. From the 16th to 18th centuries Hoian was a thriving international port frequented by Chinese, Dutch, French, Japanese, Portuguese and Arab traders, who came to trade in the high quality silk still produced in the region. Today, Hoian is a relaxing resort popular with tourists for its eclectic architecture, skilled tailors and numerous cafes. Take a half-day walking tour through the narrow winding streets of the ancient town centre, visiting Chua Ong Pagoda, the Chinese Assembly Hall, the 200-year old Tan Ky ancestral house and the famous Japanese Bridge. After lunch, take a short boat trip to a nearby island and visit a handicraft village specializing in ceramics. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon and enjoy a free evening at your leisure.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoian.

* Wet Rice Farmer Tour (4.5 Hours): 8:00 AM: Pick up at hotel by bicycle. Take a leisurely bike ride to a local farm, passing through rice paddies and breathing in the fresh air. Meet the local farmer and learn about daily farm life. Enjoy a break while sipping a cup of tea in the rice fields before changing into your farming clothes! Change into farm clothes before getting into muddy rice fields: Authentic Vietnamese traditional farmer clothes, conical hat, boots (provided). Learn the traditional process of growing wet rice and what it entails including the agricultural water system and farming techniques such as using a water buffalo plough! Return to the hotel for free afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoian.

You have a free morning until drive to the airport for your domestic flight to Can Tho, the largest city in southern Vietnam’s Mekong Delta region. Set on the southern bank of the Hau River, it’s known for its canal network and nearby floating markets. Our guide will pick up on arrival and you will get the taste of the city by visiting some main points such as Binh Thuy ancient house. With its fine architecture and antiques of 19th century, it was recognized as a national heritage site. Here, visitors can explore the culture and the life of Southwest region’s people in the 20th century. Then, we move to visit Ong Temple, which remains a great influence of Chinese architecture in the area. If time permits, we enjoy a relaxing walk in Ninh Kieu Wharf. Check in the hotel for your free time.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Can Tho.

Wake early and leave the hotel to visit the famous Cai Rang floating market by motorized boat. This is a great opportunity to get fantastic photos of colourful boats laden with fruit and vegetables. Boats are filled with teetering piles of fruit and vegetables, from carefully balanced watermelons, to bright flowers. Then venture deeper into the country-side, passing traditional houses made of wood and palm leaves as you observe the activities of the local people, and sample the fresh, exotic fruit. Return to Ninh Kieu quay in Can Tho around 10 A.M. Check out the hotel then drive to Ho Chi Minh City.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

After breakfast, set out on a guided city tour around Saigon city, visiting such key sites as the Reunification Palace, the War Remnants Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, the CityPost Office and Ben Thanh Market. Then you travel outside of Saigon to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels. The Cu Chi Tunnels are an underground labyrinth of passageways, used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War (or “American War” as it’s referred to here) as protection against American air raids. Those inclined are invited to crawl through selections of the tunnels to better understand what life was like for the Vietnamese soldiers during wartime. Drive back to the hotel in the late afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

Your driver will meet you at the hotel and take you to Tan Son Nhat Airport to catch your regional flight to Yangon. On arrival in Yangon, your guide will welcome you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Free at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Yangon.

Today you take a morning flight to Bagan. Bagan is Myanmar’s archaeological wonderland, where over 2,000 ancient temples blossom from the countryside. Start your tour with a trip to the bustling Nyang U Market in Old Bagan then explore the beautiful, gold leaf Shwezigon Pagoda and learn about Burmese Buddhist traditions at Wetki-In Gubyaukgyi cave temple, Htilominlo temple. Continue our tour with a visit to Ananda Temple, Thatbyinnyu Pagoda,,, stopping along the way on the Bagan plains to admire some of the surrounding temples. Later, in the afternoon, you will enjoy the enchanting sunset over the temple zone.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Bagan.

After breakfast, escorted by our licensed tour guide and private driver for your full day sightseeing tour to significant attractions. Enjoy a rarely visited morning market at Myinkaba village, just south of Old Bagan. It’s very much for the locals, who gather with friendly smiles to trade their own grown products such as soft bamboo shoots, betel leaves, fresh chicken, fresh fruits & vegetables, or fresh, fresh or processed fish…What a place to explore unseen slide of local life!
Next, move on to Minkaba Gubyaukyi, MyaZedi Pagoda, Manuha Temple, Nan Paya Pagoda and many other interesting sites nearby and Minnanthu village ect. A break for lunch time is arranged for your refreshment and experience enchanting local cuisine.

In the afternoon, take a tour of a local lacquer wear workshop and learn about this traditional craft before take a horse cart to nearby temples such as Dhammayan Gyi (Bagan’s largest temple), That bin Nyu, Sulamani ect. It is one of the most recommended routes for any tourist, who wish to slow down the pace and closely accessible to sacred temples and local community.

Ending the day with a short cruise along the Irrawaddy River at dawn for a different adventure.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Bagan.

Head to the airport for a flight to Mandalay. Leave the city for Sagaing Hill, learn about a monk’s schooling, visit Budda Cave, Uminthonze Pagoda and Sunooponnyashin Pagoda. Enjoy the breathtaking panoramic view of Mandalay. Drive 30 minutes to Amarapura - famous for Mahagandaryone Monastery, Amarapura is the best place to see how monks live in Mandalay. Walk over Ubein Wooden Bridge, the longest teakwood of its type. Then visit Mandalay Palace, Shwenandaw Monastery: noted for its exquisite wood carvings, gold leaf beating workshop, Kuthodaw Pagoda: known to hold the world largest book.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Mandalay.

Leave Mandalay for Heho. Inle Lake, the second largest lake in Myanmar is located 900 meters above sea level and is home to the Intha people, famous for their one leg rowing technique. Upon arrival, board a motorboat for a sightseeing tour to Phaungdawoo Pagoda, famed for its richly gilded five small Buddha images and believed to be the holiest pagoda in Inle Lake. Your next stop is Ngaphechaung Monastery. As you travel closer to Nam Pan Village, have a look at cotton and lotus weaving factories and cigar making houses. These sites will give you a true sense of traditional Intha life.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Inle Lake.

This morning, visit the “5 Day Market” which is so-called as it lifts from village to another surrounding the lake on a five-day rota system. Locals like Shans, Inthas, as well as Pa-O villagers from the nearby hills converge to sell their home-made wares and products. This is definitely a fascinating place to enjoy the scene of local tribes in their colorful clothes and exotic market atmosphere. After lunch, the boat will take you to the beautiful temple of Indein which located on the hill overlooking the lake. It is relaxing to walk along the corridors and enjoy the giant columns that have been left to the nature for centuries.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Inle Lake.

Take the morning flight back to Yangon. Spend a full day exploring Yangon and its highlights from Sule Pagoda, in the heart of Yangon City; Chaukhtayi Pagoda and Kandawgyi Lake then shopping time at the bustling Scott Market (Closes on Monday and some specific holidays). Save the best for last, discover the most outstanding pagoda in Yangon: Shwedagon Pagoda, known as the “Golden Pagoda”, a real must see while you are in Myanmar.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Yangon.

You are free until your departure time. Your driver will take you to Yangon International Airport for your departure flight.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: N/A.
Bon voyage!
Thank you for choosing Vietnam Heritage Travel. We trust you have had a great holiday in Vietnam. Hope to see you again!