Itinerary
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Day 1 Arrival – Hanoi
Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport Hanoi where you will be greeted and transferred to the Sofitel Legend Metropole for a private check-in at the exclusive Club Metropole. The remainder of the day is free to relax or explore on your own. In the evening the group enjoys a welcome dinner.
Dinner … Sofitel Legend Metropole – Grand Premium Club Room
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Day 2 City Tour – Hanoi / Sapa
This morning we begin a private city tour that highlights Hanoi's significant sights. We visit the Vietnam Ethnology Museum and learn about the cultural heritage of the country's 54 ethnic groups. After a traditional Vietnamese lunch, we visit the Ho Chi Minh complex and then admire the impressive French architecture of the Presidential Palace. We continue on to Hanoi's famous One Pillar Pagoda and then to the thousand-year-old Temple of Literature, Vietnam's foremost Confucian sanctuary. Passing Hoan Kiem Lake we arrive in the bustling Old Quarter and explore its vibrant streets that evolved from medieval market stalls. Dinner is at one of our favourite restaurants before we transfer to Hanoi Train Station for the overnight train to Lao Cai – the gateway to Sapa and Vietnam's northern highlands.
Breakfast, Dinner … Victoria Express Train – Superior Cabin
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Day 3 Trekking – Sapa
After an early arrival at Lao Cai Train Station, we transfer to Victoria Resort and Spa for breakfast and an early check-in. The remainder of the morning is free to relax and take in the breathtaking views of the mountainous Sapa Valley. After lunch at the lodge, we venture out and trek to the Red Dzao village of Thanh Kim. The Red Dzao women are famous for their elaborate, colourfully embroidered dress and distinctive red, triangular-shaped turbans decorated with silver coins and red tassels. Tonight provides an opportunity to share stories of our afternoon trek as we dine at the lodge's Ta Van restaurant.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner … Victoria Resort and Spa – Deluxe Room
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Day 4 Trekking – Sapa
Today we begin trekking at Ban Ho, a small village of the Tay people set deep in the Sapa Valley. Passing traditional stilt houses overlooking rice terrace fields, we take in village life and its colourful hill tribe people. After lunch, we continue trekking through this picturesque valley and pass the remote villages of the Red Dzao ethnic minority communities before arriving at Nam Toong village. The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy. Enjoy one of the best massages in Vietnam at the resort's spa or relax in the lounge with a glass of red wine beside the crackling fire. Tonight we enjoy a delicious dinner at the lodge's Ta Van Restaurant.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner … Victoria Sapa Resort and Spa – Deluxe Room
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Day 5 Cycling – Sapa / Hanoi
This morning we cycle over the highest mountain pass in Indochina, Tram Ton Pass (1940m). We take in sweeping views of the Hoang Lien Valley before a free-wheeling glide to Binh Lu Junction. The area is dotted with the villages of many hill tribes including the Dzao, H'mong, Lu, and Nung. We cycle through Ban Bo village before enjoying a late lunch. Late afternoon we transfer to Sapa for dinner before boarding the night train in Lao Cai for Hanoi.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner … Victoria Express Train – Superior Cabin
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Day 6 Hanoi
The overnight train arrives early in the morning at Hanoi Train Station, where our private transfer is waiting. We transfer to the Sofitel Legend Metropole for an early check-in at the exclusive Club Metropole. Following several days of trekking and cycling, you are free for the remainder of the day and evening to relax or explore Hanoi at your leisure.
Sofitel Legend Metropole – Grand Premium Club Room
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Day 7 Sea kayaking – Hanoi / Halong Bay
After breakfast, we transfer to Halong City through the Red River Delta. We board our private luxury junk at Hon Gai wharf, check into our cabins, and then enjoy lunch while cruising into Halong Bay. The junk passes spectacular limestone islands and formations on the way to neighbouring Bai Tu Long Bay. Following an introduction to kayaking, we set out to explore the tranquil waters of Cong Dam. In the evening, we enjoy our first dinner on the water, before retiring to the luxury comforts of our cabins.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner … Prince IV Junk – Deluxe Cabin
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Day 8 Sea kayaking – Halong Bay
Today we have a full day to explore the emerald waters of Bai Tu Long Bay by sea kayak. Our private junk provides access to secluded and out-of-the-way locations. We launch our kayaks in search of caves, hidden lagoons, and deserted beaches, before breaking for lunch to relax and take in the spectacular surroundings. In the afternoon, we return to our kayaks to explore more of the area and visit the mysterious Thien Canh Cave. Tonight's dinner is a sumptuous meal featuring traditional Vietnamese seafood.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner … Prince IV Junk – Deluxe Cabin
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Day 9 Sea kayaking – Halong Bay / Hanoi
After breakfast, we visit Vong Vieng fishing village and its floating school and fish farms, with the opportunity to explore the area's hidden lagoons by kayak. We enjoy lunch on board the junk and take in breathtaking scenery while cruising back to Halong City. We transfer back to Hanoi, where you are free to enjoy dinner on your own.
Breakfast, Lunch … Sofitel Legend Metropole – Grand Premium Club Room
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Day 10 Hanoi / Siem Reap
This morning, we transfer to Noi Bai International Airport and take a flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia – the gateway to the temples of Angkor. On arrival our transfer is waiting to take us to Hotel de la Paix. The remainder of the day is free to relax or explore on your own. Tonight we enjoy a dinner of Khmer cuisine at one of our favourite local restaurants.
Breakfast, Dinner … Hotel de la Paix – Deluxe Garden View Room
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Day 11 Cycling – Siem Reap / Angkor
After breakfast, our cycling discovery of Angkor begins with a visit to the famous Ta Prohm, where huge fig, banyan, and kapok trees have grown throughout the temple. The next stop is the ancient city of Angkor Thom. Take in the majestic sights of the Terrace of the Leper King, Terrace of Elephants, Baphoun, Phimeanakas, and the enigmatic Bayon temple. Cycling through the South Gate of Angkor Thom and over the causeway, our path is flanked by statues of gods and demons. After breaking for lunch, we visit Angkor's grandest and most inspiring temple – Angkor Wat. This architectural and artistic masterpiece was constructed in the 12th century and covers an area of more than 500 acres. Believed to be the largest religious structure in the world, it is the perfect fusion of symbolism and symmetry. Tonight we unwind around the hotel bar before heading into town for dinner.
Breakfast, Lunch … Hotel de la Paix – Deluxe Garden View Room
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Day 12 Cycling – Siem Reap / Angkor
This morning begins with a visit to the richly detailed Pre Rup, a temple believed to have been built as a royal crematorium. We then continue to cycle to the mountain-temple of East Mebon and marvel at the perfectly carved stone figures of the harnessed elephants that guard its corners. Cycling north we visit Ta Som and the small island temple Neak Pean, located in the middle of an artificial lake. Lunch will be enjoyed in the heart of the Angkor archaeological site. In the afternoon, we explore the vast temple of Preah Khan and discover its labyrinth of vaulted corridors and fine carvings. Cycling back to Siem Reap, we have the opportunity to visit more temples. This evening you are free to enjoy dinner on your own.
Breakfast, Lunch … Hotel de la Paix – Deluxe Garden View Room
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Day 13 Cycling – Siem Reap / Angkor
Today we cycle beyond the main Angkor complex and out along rural backroads, passing by villages, rice fields, and pagodas on the way to Banteay Srei – the jewel in the crown of Angkorian art. One of the smallest sites at Angkor, Banteay Srei stands alone in the quality of its construction and intricate decoration. Cut from pink-coloured sandstone, the temple includes some of the finest stone carving seen anywhere in the world. After lunch, and depending on your energy levels, you can choose to either cycle or ride in the support van to the remarkably preserved temple of Banteay Samre. Tonight we celebrate with a sumptuous farewell banquet and reflect on a memorable luxury adventure.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner … Hotel de la Paix – Deluxe Garden View Room
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Day 14 Departure
After breakfast, the group transfers to Siem Reap International Airport for flights home or international connections.
Breakfast


