Vietnam: Legendary Landscapes

Discover the colorful ethnic villages dotting this highland region while trekking from Lao Chai to Ta Van, out of Sapa. After an early breakfast or lunch at your hotel, drive up to the picturesque highland countryside of Muong Hoa Valley. Look out for the spectacular sight of terraced paddy fields along the way. Depending upon the season, the rice terraces don various verdant shades that turn golden at harvest time. From the valley, trek up to Black H'mong Village, home to the local Lao Chai hill community. Spend time with the villagers, getting to know their lifestyles and customs better. Learn why village homes are built without windows high up on these hills. Get back on your trail and hike up to Ta Van Village of the local Zay people, known for their colorful traditional fabrics. Visit the bustling local market or simply stop along the way to interact with the villagers. Continue along your hiking trail, as Indochina’s highest peak, Mount Fansipan, beckons. Soak in the ethereal sights of terraced paddy farms along your journey, garnished with majestic views of Mount Fansipan in the distance. Drive back to Sapa at the end of your trek. (Half Day; Times: 0800/1330 hrs; Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness Level: Moderate; Please wear comfortable walking shoes).

Day One: Board your junk to discover the World Heritage site of Halong Bay with its spectacular kingdom of islands and limestone wonders on this two-day cruise.Enjoy a delectable luncheon aboard the cruise liner, as you sail deep into Halong Bay, riding past the delightful little islands of Chicken Rock, Finger and Frog Islet along the way. In the afternoon, explore the Dark and Bright Lagoon that is only accessible by row boats or kayaks. It is one of the most stunning and fascinating of caves in the Bay area. Enjoy a swim and a kayak ride before returning to the cruise to relax with refreshing beverages on the deck. Sail back to anchor overnight at Ho Dong Tien, where you can join a cook-off session with the cruise chef before enjoying a delicious dinner. You could also try squid fishing this evening, before calling it a day. Day Two: Wake up with Tai Chi sessions on the deck, and then you are off to explore one of the most beautiful highlights of the Bay – Surprise Cave. This is one of the largest and oldest cave formations in the area, with thick foliage and paved stone flags leading to the entrance. Return to a scrumptious buffet brunch aboard the cruise boat, before disembarking.

Discover the UNESCO-listed site of My Son on this enjoyable tour. Head out to the spiritual center of the Champa dynasty that ruled central Vietnam from the 2nd to the 13th centuries. Explore the ruins of about 20 of the 68 Hindu shrines that were once filled with devotees at this temple complex. This cluster of ancient shrines lies in a verdant jungle valley at the foothills of Cat’s Tooth Mountain, and was rediscovered in the late 19th century. Gain insights into Cham culture and civilization as well as their strong ties to Hindu deities such as Shiva, worshipped by the Champa kings. Capture beautiful images of the temple towers silhouetted against the lush green backdrop, before it’s time to head back. (Duration: 5 hrs; Morning Activity; Private Activity & Transfers; Travel Time to Activity: 1 hr 30 mins Each Way; Fitness Level: Easy; Please note that public champa dance performances are held at the performance hall at 0930/1030/1430 hrs)

Look out on gorgeous views of misty mountains rising high over the South China Sea, deserted sandy beaches and forests as you wind through the Hai Van Pass! Also known as the Sea Clouds Pass, Hai Van Pass stands at 500m above sea level, making it the highest pass in Vietnam. It connects the city of Da Nang to Lang Co in the Hue Province. Drive along the 25-kilometre-long mountain pass, which is popular with thrill-seeking motorcyclists. The winding roads and sudden curves which give way to a breath-taking landscape of lush mountains and blue skies. Catch glimpses of the Da Nang City, Tien Sa Port, Son Tra Peninsula, and the South China Sea as you cross over the spur of Truong Son mountain range. Stop at one of the many lookout points on the way to take pictures of the scenic Da Nang Bay before you continue on towards Hoi An. (Duration: Half Day; Flexible Timings; Private En-Route Activity & Transfers; Meals Not Included; Fitness Level: Easy; Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes; Don't forget your camera and binoculars; Please note that the best time for this activity is between October and March).

Enjoy a day out in Ho Chi Minh City, admiring its French colonial architecture and modern vibe. Accompanied by your expert insider guide, explore Saigon's historic attractions. See the restored exteriors of the Saigon Municipal Opera House and the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon. Drop by the grand Saigon Central Post Office, and hopefully meet the famous Duong Van Ngo, who has been writing letters by hand for three decades. Head to the Reunification Palace, which has become a symbol of the Fall of Saigon in 1975. Make your way to the War Remnants Museum that houses war artefacts and highly graphic exhibits. It offers a Vietnamese perspective of the American War, and conflicts with France and China. Before returning to your accommodation, experience Saigon's famed street coffee culture. Pick up a few Vietnamese phrases and gain insights into the daily life here. (Duration: 4 hrs; Time: Morning/Afternoon; Private Activity & Transfers; Fitness Level: Easy; Kindly note that the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon can be seen only from the outside due to renovations)

Start your day with a scenic drive through the Vietnamese countryside to reach the world-famous Cu Chi Tunnels, located about an hour northwest of Ho Chi Minh City. This iconic attraction is part of several such war memorial parks across Vietnam. Communist Viet Cong guerrillas dug them, mostly by hand, to survive from foreign attacks during the IndoChina War, and then the Vietnam War. First built in 1948, this elaborate network of tunnels spanning over 155 miles housed living quarters, medical facilities and booby traps. Listen to live commentary about how these tunnels were used for transportation and communication. These stories also reveal the diseases and insect infestations that were rampant due to the harsh conditions, and the difficulty in accessing basic necessities such as air, food and water. Later, these shelters were expanded to support entire underground villages. You can step inside certain sections to experience and understand the lives of Vietnamese troops at the time. (Duration: 5 hrs ;start time: 08:30 ;Travel time to activity: 2 hrs by road; Private Activity & Transfers; Fitness Level: Easy; Kindly note that these tunnels may not be suitable for guests prone to claustrophobia)