Experience the charming delights Vietnam has this offer on this 17 day trip across Hanoi, Halong Bay, Saigon and more. Highlights of the Reflections of Vietnam tour include seeing the stunning formations of the rice terraces in Sapa, relaxing on the unspoilt beaches of Cham Islands and cycling through the streets of Hoi An.
Explore bustling and vibrant Hanoi
Hike through the rice terraces of Sapa
Relax with a cruise on picturesque Halong Bay
Discover the ancient streets of Hoi An
Cycle through the farmlands of the Mekong Delta
Day 1-2 – Fly to Hanoi
Fly to Hanoi, Vietnam's colonially influenced atmospheric capital. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
Day 3 – Discover Local Hanoi
Start your day with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh complex and the Ethnology Museum to learn about the country's ethnic groups. Next visit the home of a water puppet artist where you will have the chance to participate in the creation of the puppets and experience a private performance. Tonight, discover Hanoi's street-side nightlife and taste the varied flavours of Vietnamese street food such as Pho Cuon and Banh Xeo – a truly local way of eating dinner!
Day 4 – Temple of Literature and Lao Cai
This morning you may choose to get up early and pay a visit to the fabulous flower market in Quang Ba, and see the Tai Chi at Truc Bach Lake – an oasis of peace and daily life in the centre of Hanoi. Visit the Confucian Temple of Literature and the Old Quarter before boarding your overnight train to Lao Cai.
Day 5 – Sapa Minority Village
After an early morning arrival and breakfast, transfer to beautiful Sapa. Today you will trek through luscious, stepped rice paddies and hills for approximately five hours. Enroute, visit small villages to rest and meet the residents, ending your walk at Ta Phin Village of the Red Dao minority.
Day 6 – Sapa Trekking
Your Sapa adventure continues today with approximately six hours of walking through the rice terraces, visiting the H'Mong Village of Y Linh Ho and Cat Cat Village. On the way, take in the marvellous landscapes of the Muong Hoa and Sa Seng Valleys. Tonight, board the train for the overnight journey back to Hanoi.
Day 7 – Overnight on Halong Bay
Board a traditionally designed junk boat for a serene and unforgettable cruise on the glassy, limestone studded waters of Halong Bay. Pass by quaint fishing towns, taste freshly caught seafood, and take a swim in the cool waters of the bay. Watch the sunset behind the limestone karsts from the deck of the boat, cocktail in hand.
Day 8 – Tai Chi and Cave Exploration
Start your day with a calming yet invigorating Tai Chi session on the deck of your junk boat, and take in the stillness or the morning as you gently set sail. Explore the inquisitive formations of Surprise Cave and enjoy a buffet lunch on board before cruising back to the dock and driving to Hanoi.
Day 9 – Discover Hanoi by Bicycle
Today you will see Hanoi from the saddle of a bike as you cycle along the back roads and alleys on the Red River. Stop by small hamlets, cycle through bonsai and flower gardens and visit Chem Communal House – existing for over ten centuries, its intricate designs are a reminder of the long history of Vietnam. Cycle back to Hanoi, pedal along the shores of West Lake and past the Imperial Citadel.
Day 10 – Hoi An Walking Tour
Fly to Danang and drive to Hoi An, where you will spend an afternoon wandering the beautiful, charming, flower-covered streets of this ancient town. Walk past Chinese traders' homes, visit local artists and tailors and walk through the 16th century Japanese Bridge. Arguably Vietnam's friendliest town, Hoi An is always a favourite for relaxed exploration.
Day 11 – Rural Hoi An by Bicycle
Jump back on your bike today and wheel through the scenic rice paddies outside Hoi An. Pay a visit to local farmers where you can try your hand at traditional farming techniques – look out for water buffalo! Enjoy a calming boat ride to a peaceful fishing village, where you can try fishing net making and paddling unique bamboo basket boats. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure.
Day 12 – Cham Island Paradise
Cruise a sapphire sea to the idyllic Cham Island. Arriving at Lang Village, you'll take a relaxed stroll and learn about the island's history. Enjoy amazing sea views on the way to Chong Village – if you're lucky the monkeys might make an appearance. There's time to take a swim in the sea, relax on the white sands and take a seafood lunch before returning to Hoi An.
Day 13 – Saigon Walking Tour
Fly to dynamic Saigon, where modern high-rises rub shoulders with ancient temples. Take a tour of Saigon's busy streets, from the colonial Notre Dame Cathedral and French colonial Post Office, down former Rue Catinat to the Hotel Continental made famous in the ‘Quiet American' movie, before taking a final stop at the Caravelle Hotel's beautiful rooftop bar for panoramic views of the city.
Day 14 – Mekong Delta by Rickshaw
Head south to Ben Tre. Ride a rickshaw (xeloi) past quiet rural villages and verdant fields before boarding a boat to drift through small backwater canals. Drop into local workshops where you can chat to the locals before visiting a boat-building household and residence of a former Viet Cong Soldier who survived two years fighting the Khmer Rouge. Arrive at your homestay in the afternoon and take the time to wander around the village.
Day 15 – Cycling in the Mekong
After breakfast visit the colourful Cai Thia market, then cycle along small paths through orchards and thatched houses stopping to chat with local farmers on the way. Enjoy a garden lunch with fresh fruit, rice wine and traditional music, before transferring to Can Tho.
Day 16 – Cai Rang Floating Market
Pay a morning visit to the famous floating market, taking in the scenery and locals going about their daily business along the canals. Take a relaxed cycle through the quiet and isolated countryside before returning to Saigon.
Day 17 – Depart Saigon
Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.
Discovery
Designed for those who wish to be further immersed in the authentic charm of Asia; Discovery Tours include more cultural and active experiences. You will be accompanied by our dedicated and professional National Escorts and local guides, whose unparalleled knowledge will turn your holiday into an unforgettable experience. Discovery tours include:
Your accommodation is selected for convenience of location, comfort or character, and can range from a business hotel in one city to a family run guesthouse in a smaller town. In more remote areas, accommodation may be of a lower standard and may not have all western amenities.
Coaches: Coaches with air conditioning are used on our group tours for city sightseeing, short excursions to the countryside and longer transfers where necessary.
Planes: Internal flights are based on economy class, with reputable airlines.
Most Wendy Wu groups consist of 10 travellers or more and will be accompanied by both a national escort and local guides. There will usually be no more than 18 travellers in each group although you may encounter other Wendy Wu tour groups while you are travelling.
