Fascinating Far East (Vietnam + Bangkok)

After breakfast, you proceed for a tour of 4 of Bangkok's most important temples, which are famous both for their cultural significance and Buddhist sanctity. The first temple on the itinerary is the Wat Trimit, sometimes referred to as the Temple of the Golden Buddha. It houses the renowned 3-meter-tall Buddha statue made of 5.5 tonnes of solid gold. The next stop is at the Wat Arun, perhaps the most photographed landmark og bagkok and also known as the ‘Temple of the Dawn’. The next stop is at one of Bangkok's oldest temples, Wat Pho, often known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. At 46 metres long and 15 metres high, it is the largest in Bangkok and depicts the Buddha's entry into nirvana. The first university in Thailand, the largest collection of Buddha statues, and the origin of traditional Thai massage may all be found within this stunning temple complex.

The last stop of the day is at Wat Benchamabophit, also referred to as the Marble Temple. One of the most exquisite Buddha statues in the nation may be found inside this monastery, which was constructed in the 19th century using white Italian Carrara marble.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Bangkok

After breakfast you embark on a tour of 2 of Bangkok city’s most famous landmarks. The first stop is at the Grand Palace, one of Thailand's most spectacular architectural wonders and the royal residence too. The next stop is at Wat Phra Kaew, one of the temples housed within the Grand Palace complex and also referred to as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Tour the temples grounds and admire one of the most respected and hallowed sculptures of this Buddhist nation.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Bangkok

After breakfast you would be transferred to Bangkok airport to catch a flight to Hanoi. On arrival, you would be taken to the hotel in a private vehicle. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Hanoi

Today, post breakfast you would be taken to Sapa in an air-conditioned limousine van transfer. The comfortable and spacious seats together with surround sound system and LED TV makes the journey all the more pleasant. The rest of the day at Sapa is at leisure.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Sapa

Today you embark on a trip to Sapa’s countryside where you get to trek up to 1.900m above sea level. You visit remote farming villages of Cat Cat, Lao Chai, and Ta Van - places so remote you'll have to travel on foot to reach there. You also get to see the fantastic view of rice paddies and visit Ta Phin’s cave, a very well-known in Sapa.

Next, take the Fansipan Legend, a renowned cable car journey that is a must-do while in Sapa, up to Fansipan Peak. From the comfort of your cable car seat, take in the entirety scenic landscape of Sapa and Fansipan and be prepared to be greeted by a sea of clouds on arrival at the top.

 Overnight stay at a hotel in Sapa

Today you continue with your Sapa exploration and visit a welcoming and picturesque village where you get to observe both the Black Hmong and Red Dao ethnicities. The Red Dao are renowned for their skill in herbal medicine and for using plants from the countryside to treat a variety of diseases, while the Hmong have distinctive marriage customs.

You also get to visit Ta Phin's cave, which is well-known in Sapa, and enjoy a wonderful view of rice paddies

Overnight stay at a hotel in Sapa

Today, post breakfast you would be taken to Hanoi in an air-conditioned limousine van transfer. The comfortable and spacious seats together with surround sound system and LED TV makes the journey all the more pleasant.

In the evening you get to discover the charming French quarter of Hanoi on an evening Cyclo Tour followed by a Water Puppet Show. The cyclo ride takes you past the Hoan Kiem Lake in the historical center of Hanoi, followed by a stop at the Opera House in central Hanoi. The last stop is at the water puppet show; a unique traditional folk theatrical art form of Vietnamese culture and usually performed during festivals and New Year's Day.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Hanoi

Today after breakfast you proceed for a tour of one of the most magnificent and picturesque landscape in the world, Halong Bay. Halong bay covers is filled with more than 3,000 limestone “peaks” or karsts jutting out from the turquoise waters of the sea. You spend the day exploring this magnificent seascape, including the caves and the beaches, from the decks of a traditional Vietnamese boat.

These traditional Vietnamese boats come with hand-crafted wooden interiors and air-conditioned cabins with private baths to make your stay as comfortable as possible.

Overnight stay on cruise

Today after breakfast, you set off on a guided walking tour to discover Hanoi’s Old Quarter-located in the middle of Ha Noi. The quarter is a true reflection of Hanoian cultural architecture, historic relics, and religious centres. It consists mainly of 36 Old Streets divided and named according to the business they once conducted in the past, and most of that working has remained in the system until now. You may enjoy sampling some local delicacies which are popular in this area.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Hanoi

Afteer breakfast, the morning is free to relax.

In the evening, you go on a guided walking food tour of Hanoi. Take in the enticing aromas emanating from the street hawker stalls selling anything from seafood to exotic fruits. For an authentic Vietnamese food experience so stop by some renowned and specialised stalls or food joints run by real local chefs. Try and sample the fruit and street snacks in the area or one of the regional specialities which consists of fresh fruit served in a cup with crushed ice and condensed milk. The egg coffee is also another local favourite you can give a try.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Hanoi

Today after breakfast, you leave for the airport to catch a flight to Da Nang. On arrival at Da Nang airport, you are taken to the hotel in Hoi An (about 30 kms from Da Nang).

Overnight stay at a hotel in Hoi An

Post breakfast, you would be taken to the boat station to embark for cruise along the poetic Perfume River.

The 80 kilometers long Perfume River owes its name to the fact that it flows through many forests of aromatic plants before reaching Hue, bringing with it a pure and fresh aroma. On the way, you also stop at the Thien Mu Pagoda (the symbol of Hue).

The next stop on the itinerary is the Minh Mang tomb, built by ten thousand workers and artisans. The Tomb of Minh Mang has an symmetric arrangement with Than Dao as the axis. On the main axis lies a number of constructions including the entrance, the court yard, the stone stele house, the Hien Duc gate, Sung An temple,

Trung Minh lake, Minh Lau, Tan Nguyen lake, Quang Minh Chinh Truc three-door gate, Trung Dao bridge and Buu Thanh – which is the grave of King Minh Mang.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Hoi An

After breakfast, the entire day is at leisure to explore the ancient town of Hoi An on your own. Hoi An is of the prettiest cities in all of Vietnam and thanks to its 800 historic buildings, the Old Town here has been declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You have many options to explore such as museums, ancient homes and pretty temples and even some amazing food joints.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Hoi An

Today, post breakfast, you proceed for a visit to the captivating Cham temples of My Son Sanctuary, located around 50km from Hoi. Dating back to the 4th century, these captivating temples predate Buddhism in Vietnam. The temples were built between the 4th and 14th century AD by the King Bhadravarman. They were constructed out of fired brick, sandstone bas-reliefs and stone pillars. The purpose of building the complex known as My Son was to worship the Hindu god Shiva. In fact, you can even spot headless statues whose upper bodies are currently housed at The Louvre in Paris!

Overnight stay at a hotel in Hoi An

Today you have another day at leisure to relax. If you have exhausted your options in Hoi An, you can take a day tour of the the surrounding countryside of Hoi and explore glorious beaches or scenic ruined cities. One such place is the Cam Kim Island, home to master woodcarvers.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Hoi An

Your Far East trip comes to an end today. Post breakfast you would be dropped back to the Hanoi airport for your onward journey. You may choose to extend your journey by adding some extra nights for exploring other options in the region or for add on a few nights at another Far Eastern country.