33 Days Vietnam and Burma in Depth Tour

ITINERARY

Day 1: Mandalay | Arrive in Mandalay

International Flight: Excluded
Meals: Dinner
Welcome to Myanmar! Upon arrival in Mandalay, our guide will greet you at the airport welcome area and transfer you to your hotel for check-in.

This evening enjoys a unique cultural dinner show at Kinsana Garden Theatre. The performance features traditional musical instruments and dance spanning eight periods dating back to the 11th century. While the theatrics ensue, enjoy some of the finest cuisines in Myanmar to welcome you to Burma.

Accommodation: Hilton Mandalay

Day 2: Mandalay | Explore Mandalay Highlights

Meals: Breakfast

Morning is at your leisure to relax.

In the afternoon, you’ll go to see the Highlights of Mandalay, you’ll start off your day with an opportunity to learn about the distinct Buddhist culture unique to Burma. You’ll visit the Mahamuni Image where you’ll have an opportunity to watch locals pray and place the gold paper on the statue of Buddha for a blessing. You can participate as well if you like for a small donation to the temple(only men are allowed to place the gold on the statue).

You’ll also visit a gold paper factory to see how golden leaves are made, a staple in Burmese religious practices. Then you’ll visit the 19th-century Shwenandaw Monastery (Golden Palace Monastery) famous for its teak carvings of Buddhist mythology.

Stone Book Temple

Next, you’ll see the Kuthodaw Pagoda which is a Buddhist stupa that contains the world’s largest book of Buddhism.

At the end of your day, you’ll enjoy a gorgeous sunset from the top of Mandalay Hill.

Accommodation: Hilton Mandalay

Day 3: Mandalay – Monywa | Ancient Amarapura | Continue to Monywa

Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, you’ll transfer by private vehicle to Sagiang, the capital of Sagiang Division located on the Irrawaddy River. You’ll cross the Inwa Bridge, which was built by the British in 1934. Then you’ll visit the Maha Ganayon Kyaung Monastery to see hundreds of monks line up for daily meals. Then visit the U Bein Bridge which is 1.2 kilometers long and is the longest teakwood bridge in the world.

Continue to Monywa (approx; 3 hours). Monywa is the second biggest city after Mandalay in central Myanmar. It is the major trade center whose surroundings are filled with fertile fields yielding crops such as rice, beans, vegetables, and tobacco. On the way to town, visit Thanbude Temple with its more than half million Buddha Images inside and outside of the main temple. Then drive to the jetty of Chindwin River which is the third longest river to take a ferry to the other side where an American Willy Jeep waits to carry you to Pho Win Taung Cave Pagodas. Walk all the way up the Sandstone Caves built from the 16th to 19th century. Monkey food sellers may try to accompany you as you explore the caves. Then, drive back to Monywa for check-in at your hotel.

Accommodation: Win Unity Resort Hotel

Day 4: Monywa – Bagan | Irrawaddy River Ride to Bagan

Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, visit Bodhi Ta Taung Buddhas so named after one-thousand Sitting Buddhas under a thousand Bo Trees. Then visit the second largest Reclining Buddha and the tallest standing Buddha which measures 413 feet in height. Depart Monywa to Pakkoku(3 hours), on the way stop at Ma U village to experience village life with home industries such as Bamboo Scales Making, Incense Stick and so on. Take a walk among the 16th to 18th century Pagoda Complex nearby. You can also drop in at one of the pit-stops where you can see Thanaka plantations – a special Burmese wood used in their traditional cosmetics. Continue driving to Pakkokku, which is known as the Tobacco Trade Center where you embark on a private boat to the ancient city of Bagan(3 hours). You’ll observe local river life along the banks. Arrive in Bagan and check in to your hotel.

Bodhi Tataung Standing Buddha in Monywa

Accommodation: Aureum Palace Hotel

Day 5: Bagan | Bagan’s Valley of a Thousand Temples

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today you’ll explore Bagan, where you will see its thousands of Buddhist pagodas spread in the valley of the Ancient City of Bagan. These pagodas used to own by individual families during prosperous times. You will visit the Nyaung Oo Market where locals buy and sell produce. Then you’ll visit the Shwezigon Pagoda which is the largest pagoda in Bagan painted with real gold.

Have a rest in the hotel during the hot afternoon. Then you’ll enjoy a Horse Cart Ride first to the small village of Taung Phi where rests a worn teak monastery awaiting the rare tourists who are lost. You’ll continue by horse cart around temples and winding roads as the sun makes it’s a way to the sky’s edge casting curious shadows from the temples across the plain. Continue to Shesandaw Pagoda. From your vantage point, you’ll watch one of the best sunsets in Southeast Asia. Then you’ll take a horse cart ride back to your hotel.

Accommodation: Aureum Palace Hotel

Day 6: Bagan | Hot Air Balloon | Popa Volcano

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Experience the unrivaled majesty of thousands of ancient temples drifting below you in style, comfort, and safety. You’ll rise early in the morning to beat dawn for a spectacular sunrise over the unique Bagan scene aloft in your hot air balloon. The captain will explain the safety procedures, and you can some coffee or tea before departure. Then the balloon will take off and you’ll be treated to an amazing view of the temples across Bagan. It is also great to see the other balloons in flight. After an hour ride, you’ll have a smooth landing.

Valley of a Thousand Temple – 33 Days Vietnam Burma Depth Tour

Then head east toward Mount Popa, an extinct volcano standing 1518 meters high. Mount Popa has played an important role in Myanmar culture, religion and history since earliest times. Its shrine is dedicated to the worship of the 37 Nats, the Burmese ancient animist spirits.

Learn about nats and nat worship as you climb the stairs to the top with your local guide. The view over the Myingyan Plain from the top of the volcanic peak is impressive. Transfer back to Bagan late this evening.

Accommodation: Aureum Palace Hotel

Day 7: Bagan – Inle | Flight to Heho | Leisure

Internal Flight: Included
Meals: Breakfast
Morning is at your leisure to relax or explore the rest in the city on your own.

Board an afternoon flight to Heho. Upon arrival, our guide will greet and transfer you to your resort next scenic Inle Lake for check-in.

Accommodation: Sofitel Inle Lake Myat Min

Day 8: Heho – Inle | Inle Lake Excursion by Long Tail Boat

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Your Excursion today will be made by private longtail boat to see life of the In-tha tribe(name of local ethnic people live on the lake), to discover their unique floating farms and life on the water. You will also witness local fisherman who fishes while using only one leg to paddle the boat. Then you’ll visit the Long Neck Ladies who were relocated from the Myanmar and Thailand border.

Rest of the day is at your leisure to relax.

Accommodation: Sofitel Inle Lake Myat Min

Day 9: Heho – Inle | 3th-Century Kakku Temple

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
In the morning, you’ll transfer to visit the 3rd-century Kakku Pagoda complex Firstly you’ll stop on the way for a visit at “ Ayetharyar Wine “ where you’ll taste Myanmar’s local wine and view the beautiful landscape of the vise yards and the hills. Then you’ll go on to Taung Gyi, the capital of Shan State and visit Kakku Pagoda. There you’ll see a large white pagoda surrounded by 2548 pagodas set on the square in packed and closely together. You’ll be wandering through marvelous pillars and stupas of Kakku. Each stupa is intricately crafted with delicate images and sculptures that are beautiful and in detailed.

After your exploration, you’ll be escorted to a local restaurant for lunch. After taking a rest, you’ll return back to Heho and visit Pa-O village and you could stop for the photos of the countryside and see the local farm along the way back.

Kakku Temples – 33 Days Vietnam Burma Depth Tour

Accommodation: Sofitel Inle Lake Myat Min

Day 10: Heho – Thandwe | Flight to Thandwe | Sunset over the Bay of Bengal

Internal Flight: Included
Meals: Breakfast
In the morning, take a flight to Thandwe. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your resort next to Ngapali for check-in.

Today, you can relax on the beach and enjoy a beautiful sunset over the Bay of Bengal.

Accommodation: Aureum Palace Hotel & Resort

Day 11: Thandwe | Relax on the Beach

Meals: Breakfast
Today is at your leisure on the beaches of Ngapali.

Accommodation: Aureum Palace Hotel & Resort

Day 12: Thandwe | Relax on the Beach

Meals: Breakfast
Today is at your leisure on the beaches of Ngapali.

Accommodation: Aureum Palace Hotel & Resort

Day 13: Thandwe – Yangon | Leisure | Flight to Yangon

Internal Flight: Included
Meals: Breakfast
Morning is at your leisure on the beaches of Ngapali.

In the afternoon, take a flight to Yangon. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel for check-in.

Accommodation: Belmond Governor’s Residence

Day 14: Yangon | Burmese Capital Highlights

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast, visit the downtown area to see the Old City Hall and Maharbandoola Park. Then take a stroll along the old street ending at the old Strand Hotel. Next, drive to Botahtaung Pagoda which features golden decorations inside the pagoda. Continue to Bogyoke Market which sells many Burmese traditional handicrafts including stone carving, wood carving, bronze carving, painting, etc.

In the afternoon, visit Kandawgyi Park for a stroll near Chaukhtetgyi Reclining Buddha Image – one of the largest in Yangon. Continue to the highlight of Yangon: the golden Shwedagon Pagoda, which has been described as one of the wonders of the world. Shwedagon plays a very important role in the Old Burmese History and also is an important Buddhist icon. Enjoy the sunset over the pagoda.

Accommodation: Belmond Governor’s Residence

Day 15: Yangon – Saigon | Flight to Saigon

Internal Flight: Included
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
In the morning, take a flight to Saigon with a stopover in Bangkok. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel for check-in.

Saigon(officially Ho Chi Minh City) is a bustling metropolis of the South and the economic muscle of Vietnam. During the Vietnam War, it was the main base center of the US military with the largest airport in the region. Prior to that, it was under French colonial rule and was an Asian hub of sea trade. The city is based in the Mekong River Delta region – the rice basket of Southeast Asia and where many exotic fruits are cultivated. Full of history and culture, Saigon will certainly be an interesting visit.

As dusk is setting, take a cyclo tour around 45 minutes to the Dang Pier on Saigon River, where you’ll enter a replica of the emperors Saigon Boat Cruise for a magnificent and memorable dining and entertainment spectacle along the Saigon river. The dinner cruise features soft traditional ethnic music while you enjoy the passing lights of the city. The captain will welcome you onboard and introduce you to the specialties which have made this boat a culinary experience in Ho Chi Minh City. While on board, relax on the upper deck and enjoy a panoramic view of Saigon lighting up the evening sky.

Accommodation: Mandarin Oriental

Day 16: Saigon | Impressions of Saigon | Leisure

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast at the hotel, your private guide and car will greet you and escort you to see some of the most significant and mysterious temples in Ho Chi Minh. You’ll start by visiting the Emperor Jade Pagoda; also known as the Tortoise Pagoda. This figurine-filled place of worship is considered by many to be Saigon’s finest. The next stop is Cholon: the Chinatown of Saigon. A thickly settled district rife with tea houses and pagodas. There you’ll see Phuoc An, Hoi Quan Pagoda and Quan Am Pagoda. Then you’ll enjoy a cyclo tour around the city before stopping at Ben Thanh Market. Here you can find local handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs or give the local cuisine a try. Once the tour is complete, you’ll be escorted to your hotel to rest in the afternoon.

As dusk is setting, take a cyclo tour around 45 minutes to the Dang Pier on Saigon River, where you’ll enter a replica of the emperors Saigon Boat Cruise for magnificent and memorable dining and entertainment spectacle along the Saigon river. The dinner cruise features soft traditional ethnic music while you enjoy the passing lights of the city. The captain will welcome you onboard and introduce you to the specialties which have made this boat a culinary experience in Ho Chi Minh City. While on board, relax on the upper deck and enjoy a panoramic view of Saigon lighting up the evening sky.

Accommodation: Renaissance Riverside Hotel Saigon

Day 17: Saigon | Cu Chi Tunnels and Vietnam Culinary Class

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Learn southern Vietnamese cooking in Cu Chi province.

After you’ve finished breakfast at the hotel, your private guide and car will greet you and escort you to visit a lush green Vietnamese Medicine Garden full of herbs, vegetables, and spices used in local cuisine. Your chef will teach you how to identify various plants and when is the right time to pick them. The chef will also educate you on the various mints used in the Vietnamese kitchen and which herbs are believed to have certain healing properties.

After you’ve learned about the various vegetation used in Vietnamese gourmet, you’ll be taught how to make your own masterpiece dishes.

Then you’ll have the opportunity to eat your creation for lunch.

Cu Chi Tunnels – 33 Days Vietnam Burma Depth Tour

Next, you’ll take your adventures underground for an adventure in history you won’t forget with a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels.

Discover these amazing systems developed by the guerrillas fighting in the Vietnam War.

You’ll have an opportunity to see the various weapons used in the war on display. Then you’ll be taken to see the innovative ways the guerrillas survived and fought back in the war. See how they built an impressive underground system as your tour guide tells of the stories and history of the Vietnam War.

Then you’ll have the chance to see rice paper and coconut candy being made. After, you’ll enjoy jasmine tea and a boiled cassava root snack that was a common food eaten by guerrillas during the war.

You’ll return back to Ho Chi Minh.

Accommodation: Renaissance Riverside Hotel Saigon

Day 18: Saigon | Mekong Delta Discovery: Vinh Long

Meals: Breakfast
Discover the Mekong River, essential to life in the heart of Vietnam.

After you’ve finished breakfast at the hotel, we will take you to Vinh Long where you’ll embark on a boat cruise to the vibrant Cai Be floating market. Be prepared to see fresh spices, mints, and local fruits. If you’re adventurous, you can take of one of the many colorful fruits in season.

The next stop is the Hoa Binh Phuoc islet, full of local homes where the families produce tiles and ceramics. You’ll visit the rice-paper kiln and coconut candy kiln where you can walk around and observe daily country life. You can have the opportunity to taste fresh made coconut candy which has a soft and chewy consistency.

When the tour is finished, you’ll return to Ho Chi Minh.

Accommodation: Renaissance Riverside Hotel Saigon

Day 19: Saigon – Hoi An | Leisure | Flight to Hoi An

Internal Flight: Included
Meals: Breakfast
Morning is at your leisure to relax or have own exploration in the city.

Board an afternoon flight to Danang. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel near Hoi An Ancient Port Town for check-in.

Accommodation: Hotel Royal Hoi An – MGallery Collection

Day 20: Hoi An | 4th Century Cham Ruins and Hoi An Ancient Port Town

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
In the morning, you’ll transfer to the My Son Holy Land. Tucked in the mountains up winding roads with serene views, lay the 4th century My Son Holy Land Ruins. The surrounding mountains are strictly forbidden from living or development. The ruins lay in a beautiful surrounding mountainous landscape. You’ll enter the temples while your tour guide gives you the history and stories of the Cham and the site.

In the afternoon, you’ll continue to visit Hoi An Ancient Town. This town features the 16th-century Hoi An port town in it’s preserved state. You’ll start the day visiting the Museum of Trade Ceramics. This museum houses art and pottery dating from the 1,500s to the 1,700s.

Then you’ll briefly visit the Chua Ong Pagoda, a temple from the 17th century which features China’s influence in the region. You’ll continue through the Ancient Town as the streets take on a magic of their own with old lanterns, French-style houses, intricately carved wooden doors and more. You’ll take a stroll through the Old Tam Ky House to see it’s imperial styles meshed with French overtures. Continue on to stroll along the river and see traditional boats and locals on bicycles passing by. You’ll then approach the Japanese Covered Bridge. This bridge has connected the Chinese and Japanese sides of town over the waterway for centuries. The old wooden structure has shown amazing resilience for more than 400 years.

At dusk, enjoy walking along the riverside as colorful lanterns light up the town. After you’ve finished the tour, you will return back to your hotel.

Hoi An Ancient Town – 33 Days Vietnam Burma Depth Tour

Accommodation: Hotel Royal Hoi An – MGallery Collection

Day 21: Hoi An – Hue | Mountain Coastal Road Trip Hue

Meals: Breakfast
Your tour guide will assist with checking you out of your hotel and then you’ll be escorted by vehicle for a scenic ride along the mountain coasts of Vietnam. Start by riding alongside the beaches of Danang where you’ll see hundreds of traditional fishing boats scattered out along the water with beautiful mountains lining the horizon. Then you’ll approach a steep and narrow ascent where you’ll find the scenery surreal.

Along the way, there is a stretch of road which overlooks a beautiful bay with a small fishing village, perfect for a Facebook portrait. You’ll continue your climb to a summit where the clouds will meet you. In Chinese, the summit is referred to as “Where the Clouds Meet the Ocean”. You’ll continue onward through mountains, valleys, countryside, and shorelines where you’ll find numerous breath-taking scenes. Feel free to request your driver to stop for photos along the way. As you enter Hue, you’ll see many imperial signs and impressive houses and buildings which are only a deluge of what’s to come.

Accommodation: La Residence Hotel and Spa

Day 22: Hue | Hue Imperial Citadel and Purple Forbidden City

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
In the morning, you’ll start with a visit to the Perfume River, a river famed for its natural scenery and numerous flowers that cover its shores. Along the river, you’ll see Vietnamese daily life up close. Your boat will take you to the Tomb of Minh Mang, featuring gardens, many steps, and beautiful decorations.

Then you’ll visit Tu Doc, a compound with the private royal residence and a tomb which also houses the body of one of the wealthiest emperors in Vietnam. Archaeologists have attempted to find his body and the vast treasures, legends have held, that are contained with it. However, these attempts have failed as the body was buried in an inconspicuous place in the large compound unknown to this day. You’ll then continue on to see the Khai Dinh Tomb, a more modern tomb with ornate decorations inside.

Lunch at a Royal Residence

Your ventures will take you to lunch at a royal residence. These imperial styled houses near the Royal Citadel feature beautiful gardens, intricate furnishings, and detailed ornaments at every turn. Each dish highlights different aspects of Hue traditional food enjoyed by the royalty. The brilliant food presentation will be sure to leave a fond memory with you of this family-owned garden and restaurant.

In the afternoon, you’ll press onward to see the famed Imperial Hue Citadel – the old capital of Vietnam. This Citadel has a moat and wall perimeter 10 km long. You’ll be able to view it’s vast gardens and structure relics. Then you’ll breach the outer perimeter of the Hue Imperial City. Inside, you’ll see many of the national treasures and structures which have survived the Vietnam War. Venture further inside and you’ll enter the Purple Forbidden City. This city was off limits to the commoners and only could be entered by the highest officials in Vietnamese government and royalty. Your driver will meet you on the other side of the city where you’ll then be escorted to a stop at the Dong Ba Market where you can see local fruits and produce for sale.

Hue Royal Citadel – 33 Days Vietnam Burma Depth Tour

Accommodation: La Residence Hotel and Spa

Day 23: Hue | Phong Nha Cave

Meals: Breakfast
In the morning, you’ll transfer 200km North of Hue to visit the remote Phong Nha Caves. These caves were recently discovered and comprise some of the largest caverns in the world. They are still being mapped by a team of British and Vietnamese scientists. You’ll take a boat trip to visit some of the more easily accessible caverns. The caves are famous for their rock formations which have been given names such as the Lion, the Fairy Caves, the Royal Court, and the Buddha. Afterward, return to Dong Hoi for lunch before driving back to Hue.

Accommodation: La Residence Hotel and Spa

Day 24: Hue – Hanoi | Leisure | Flight to Hanoi

Internal Flight: Included
Meals: Breakfast
Relax in the morning. In the afternoon, board a flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel for check-in.

After check-in, enjoy a stroll on your own around Hoan Kiem Lake outside your hotel. Feel free to also pick up a souvenir at the night markets or at one of the many trinket shops in the alleys and small roads of this historic part of town.

Accommodation: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

Day 25: Hanoi | Best of Hanoi

Meals: Breakfast
See the highlights of Hanoi during your full day city tour, enjoy the visit to cultural, historical and iconic landmarks.

In the morning, you’ll be escorted to see some of the most significant places in Hanoi.

You’ll begin by seeing the Tran Quoc Pagoda. This 1,400-year-old temple features ten tiers surrounded by gardens and which also hosts a bodhi tree grown from a cutting of the original bodhi tree under which Buddha sat. Next, you’ll pass by the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, a large memorial where the charismatic Vietnamese leader read the Declaration of Independence in 1945. Not far from here is the One Pillar Pagoda. This millenia-old structure was built on a large stone column in the middle of a pond to resemble a temple seen in the Emperor’s dream.

The Ancient University of Vietnam

Then you’ll learn about the highlight of this tour – The Temple of Literature. The ancient university was erected almost a millenium ago and has hosted many of the most prominent scholars through Vietnamese history. The site features many gardens, pools, buildings, courtyards, and ancient trees where the best and brightest of Vietnam studied under the guidance of Confucius teachings.

In the afternoon, you’ll go on to see the Museum of Ethnology to learn about the different ethnicities in Vietnam. Next, you’ll take a stroll around the Hoan Kiem Lake where you can see the Tortoise Tower sitting on the water. You’ll also be able to visit the Ngoc Son Temple, which rests on the lake with a narrow bridge for access.

Then you’ll enjoy a half hour cyclo tour through the Old Quarter in Hanoi. The cyclo is a historic mode of transportation in the cities of Vietnam where a cyclist escorts you while you sit in a seat affixed to the front with a canopy over top. In the Hanoi Old Quarter, you’ll enjoy streets full of life with genuine shops and cafes frequented by locals.

The tour finishes with a Water Puppet Show performed by the world-renowned Thang Long Opera House. This performance features a talent unique to Vietnam. You’ll watch as water puppets perform the folklore legends of Vietnam while live ethnic music sets the mood.

Accommodation: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

Day 26: Hanoi – Sapa | Road Trip to Sapa | Leisure

Meals: Breakfast
Today, you will travel around 4 hours on the newly built highway northward from Hanoi to Sapa through the lush countryside and beautiful mountainsides. Sapa is a lovely small town located near the top of the Annamite Range and surrounded by the ethnic hill tribes. Then you will check in your hotel and enjoy some leisure time.

Accommodation: Victoria Sapa

Day 27: Sapa | Meet Remote Hill Tribes (Lao Chai-Tava-Gian Tour)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

You’ll then leave your hotel to visit Lao Chai village while following the road down the mountain. Views of the Muong Hoa valley and magnificent surroundings of mountains and rice terrace fields can be seen from this road. Along the road, you may have a chance to see ethnic groups of H’mong, Giay, Red Dao and stalls serving tea, fruits, and sweets. Arrive at the Black H’mong village of Lao Chai, where you will experience the daily life of the villagers. After that, take a walk from Lao Chai to Ta Van village, where the Giay hill tribes live. Here you’ll take a rest and enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by the local guide in a local house.

After lunch, you’ll trek through the winding hills and venture through a bamboo forest to find a hidden waterfall. Here, you’ll stop to relax. Continue on foot to explore the Red Dao village of Giang Ta Chai where you will also have the chance to see their daily activities. In the afternoon, you’ll return back to Sapa.

Sapa Valleys and Terraced Rice Fields – 33 Days Vietnam Burma Depth Tour

Accommodation: Victoria Sapa

Day 28: Sapa | Authentic Weekly Bazaar of Flower H’mong Ethnic

Meals: Breakfast
Each day of the week, various ethnic village tribes congregate together in remote sections of the mountains. They dress in their finest ethnic garments to represent their tribes as they come together to buy, sell and trade their produce and livestock with other villages. The hill tribe market is a unique opportunity to see the colorful ethnic apparel proudly on display. It is a time of social and community gathering. Finally, return to your hotel and relax.

Note: As different regions have different markets on certain days of the week, we will clarify in the itinerary which market you will visit based on your travel dates.

the Flower Hmong Sapa Hill Tribes – 33 Days Vietnam Burma Depth Tour

Accommodation: Victoria Sapa

Day 29: Sapa – Hanoi | Return to Hanoi | Leisure

Meals: Breakfast
Today, you will travel by vehicle back to Hanoi with the view of the lush countryside and beautiful mountainsides along the way. Arrive at the hotel and enjoy your leisure time.

Accommodation: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

Day 30: Hanoi – Halong Bay | Voyage Halong Bay with Cruise by Orchid

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
In the morning, your guide and driver will transfer you to Halong Bay. Upon arrival, enjoy refreshments at Private Lounge until boarding. Then board Orchid Cruise.

Receive a safety briefing and check in your cabins. The boat sets adrift for Da Chong islet, home to an old French lighthouse. Enjoy a sumptuous feast in the panoramic dining hall while en route to the isles of Con Vit and Gia Luan. The bay opens up to you with stunning green karsts towering above the water. This area receives very few cruise ships as it has just been newly opened up. Continue to Ba Trai Dao beach of Lan Ha Bay. A paradise with perfect beaches and natural beauty. Stop at one of the beaches for swimming or kayaking during the afternoon.

World-famous Halong Bay – 33 Days Vietnam Burma Depth Tour

As dusk approaches, welcome the sunset with a local specialty – “Ba Kich”(a liquor made from Noni fruit). Back on board, you’ll join a cooking demonstration to learn a few Vietnamese culinary secrets. Enjoy your creation! Then time for supper in the dining hall. Delicious Vietnamese cuisine and seafood in a romantic setting. After dinner, you may enjoy watching the stars from the sundeck, watching a movie in the restaurant, or give night squid fishing a try with the staff(subject to seasonal availability).

Accommodation: Orchid Cruise

Day 31: Halong Bay – Ninh Binh | Halong Bay Sunrise | Bai Dinh Temple

Meals: Breakfast
Rise early for one of the top best sunrises in the world. Then head to the sundeck for an invigorating Tai Chi session amongst a picture-perfect backdrop of karsts, sea, and nature. Enjoy breakfast in the dining hall before taking a journey to explore the area around Sang Tai sea cave via canoes.

Return back to the pier for check out and then transfer to Ninh Binh.

Check in at the resort with stunning views all around.

Time to stretch your legs! Go with our guide to visit Bai Dinh Temple, the largest temple in Vietnam. This Buddhist temple was built into the mountain with 3 terraces and faces the river. Explore the many halls, rooms, carvings and statues during the late afternoon. Our guide will then take you to the best place for watching the sunset over this untouched part of Vietnam. Shortly afterward, you’ll witness the 13-tier pagoda – Chau Bai Dinh – be lit up for the evening: a true spectacle to behold! Return to the resort for overnight and leisure.

Accommodation: Emeralda Resort Ninh Binh

Day 32: Ninh Binh – Hanoi | Wonders of Ninh Binh

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast, enjoy some time at the resort to relax and take in the stunning views. Check out late morning and then you’ll go to visit Hoa Lu, the ancient capital. In 968, Dinh Bo Linh declared himself as the King. Since then Hoa Lu existed as the capital for only 41 years. In 1010, King Ly Thai To moved the capital from Hoa Lu to Thang Long – present-day Hanoi. Hoa Lu became the old citadel. In Hoa Lu there are now two temples dedicated to two Vietnamese kings, which have been built on the grounds of the old royal palace. The visit offers a chance to learn more about the feudal dynasties and historical periods in Vietnamese history.

Next, you’ll take an amazing boat trip through Trang An Grottoes. A gathering of 31 valleys and 50 cross-water caves are home to 600 kinds of flora and over 200 kinds of fauna many of which are listed in the Red Book of Vietnam. Rowing through the Trang An Grottoes is a peaceful trip of serenity. The highland air is a respite from modern living and the sounds are only that of birds and the oars stirring the clear water. Towering overhead are magnificent forested mountains upon which you might catch a glimpse of grazing white-bearded goats.

Grottoes of Ninh Binh – 33 Days Vietnam Burma Depth Tour

Accommodation: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

Day 33: Hanoi | Farewell!

Meals: Breakfast
Today our guide will transfer you to the airport before your homeward flight and will bid you a fond farewell. Thank you for traveling with us!

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