Northern Vietnam in Style

Itinerary

• Vietnam

  Vietnam is the easternmost country on the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia. Vietnam was under Chinese control for a thousand years before becoming a nation-state in the 10th century. Successive dynasties flourished along with geographic and political expansion deeper into Southeast Asia, until it was colonized by the French in the mid-19th century. The French were expelled in the mid-20th century, leaving a nation divided politically into two countries. Bitter fighting between the two sides continued during the Vietnam War, ending with a communist victory in 1975. In 1986, Vietnam instituted economic and political reforms and began a path towards international reintegration. By 2000, it had established diplomatic relations with most nations. Its economic growth has been among the highest in the world in the past decade. Tourism is centered on Hanoi and Ha Long Bay in the north, Hue and Da Nang in the center, and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) in the south.

• Halong Bay

  Ha Long Bay is located 160km (100 miles) north of Hanoi, this is an amazing complex of 3000 chalk islands rising out of the South China Sea. The area is strange, eerie and very beautiful. Many of the islands contain bizarre cave formations and grottoes. An entire culture of floating villages has evolved with interlinked boats that can move from island to island.

• Hanoi

  Hanoi is nestled on the banks of the Red River, it is a beautiful city that retains an air of French colonial elegance with pretty yellow stucco buildings lining leafy streets. Hanoi is also a city of lakes, which adds to its air of sleepy grace. In the middle of the city lies the peaceful Hoan Kiem Lake with the 18th-century Ngoc Son Temple sitting on an island in its center. To the north of Hoan Kiem Lake is the Old Quarter, a fascinating maze of small antiquated streets lined with markets and pavement restaurants and cafes. Also worth a visit, the former Ville Française was the old French administrative center and is characterized by enormous colonial-era châteaux and wide spacious boulevards. It also houses Hanoi’s most popular attraction, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.

• Lao Cai

  Lao Cai Province is located in the north of the country. It borders the provinces of Ha Giang, Yen Bai, Son La, and Lai Chau, as well as the province of Yunnan in the People's Republic of China. Lao Cai is a mountainous region. In the northwest of the province is Phan Xi Pang (a.k.a. Fansipan), Vietnam's highest mountain. The province is bisected by the Red River, the most significant river of northern Vietnam, which flows out of China towards the capital Hanoi. Much of the province is heavily forested. The temperature generally ranges between 18° and 28°, although lowland areas tend to have less variation than mountainous areas

• Sapa

  Sapa is an incredibly picturesque village that lies on the Hoang Lien Son mountain range near the Chinese border in NW Vietnam. It is called as "the Tonkinese Alps" You can see many hill tribe people, their villages, rice terraces, lush vegetation, and Fansipan, highest peak in Vietnam.

• • Hanoi
  • the structure of Sofitel Hanoi

  Day 1: Hanoi

  You will be met and transferred between the airport to your hotel in a private vehicle with an English speaking driver.

  Accommodation: Sofitel Legend Metropole (5*)

  The exquisite Metropole in Hanoi, which was built by the French in the colonial style in the early 1900s, combines old-world charm with modern convenience. With its rich history and evocative public spaces, it is easy to imagine the days when Graham Greene propped up the bar and intrigue radiated from every room. Located in the heart of downtown, the hotel features 363 rooms and suites and a beautiful interior garden. Le Beaulieu serves fine French cuisine while Hanoi specialties are served at the Spices Garden. A swimming pool and fitness center are available and the beautiful city of Hanoi is just at the doorstep, ready for you to explore its sights and sounds.

• • Hanoi market

  Day 2: Hanoi

  You will be picked up by private car and english speaking driver for your own private cooking lesson. Start the morning with a visit to the local produce market with your chef. This will give you a very traditional shopping experience, providing you with local knowledge of how to select the freshest ingredients. You will then go to back to the restaurant and the chef will share their cooking secrets with you. Try your hands at cooking typical main dishes, desserts and drinks. After finishing, enjoy your meal!

  Accommodation: Sofitel Legend Metropole (5*)
• • Halong Bay
  • The Halong Violet

  Day 3: Halong Bay

  You will be picked up at 8am for your private transfer to Halong City. This takes roughly 3 hours. You may stop enroute to admire the local scenery. Arrive at the port around 11:30am and board the ship. Begin sailing and pass through magical bay, where thousands of sculpted limestone islands rise from the waves like dragons’ teeth. After lunch, take a short trek to a nearby summit for a panoramic view of the bay dotted with golden sails, go swimming on a quiet beach or sunbath on the sundeck. Later in the afternoon, you will visit an interesting fishing village with an opportunity to interact with local people who have been living in the bay for almost three generations. Back on board enjoy a lavish dinner. Overnight on board.

  .

  Accommodation: Halong Violet (5*)

  Halong Violet is the newest five star junk on Halong Bay. The ship is fitted out in the 1930’s Indochine style. It featured a boutique dinning room, library & lounge, Spa & Gym and 6 individual theme cabins with marble bathroom, jacuzzi & balcony. The junk also cruise its own routine away from the crowd to untouched areas of the bay.

• • Tai Chi
  • Victoria

  Day 4: Halong Bay - Hanoi

  Wake up to Tai Chi exercises on the sun deck and continue cruising the bays. Breakfast buffet will be served in the restaurant, then you will visit the limestone grotto. Disembark in Halong City around 11am and transfer back to Hanoi with your private vehicle, guide and driver.

  Transfer between Hanoi Train station and your Hanoi hotel with private car and driver.

  Accommodation: Victoria Carriage (4*)

  Travel in style on board the Victoria Express Train. The Victoria Express Train features one dining carriage and two sleeping carriages to make your travelling experience a most comfortable one. With its elegant carriages, the Victoria Express Train recalls a more romantic era. Passing through the exotic landscapes of North Vietnam, between the charming cities of Hanoi and Lao Cai it offers every visitor a wonderful traveling experience. Watch the beautiful scenery in front of you, from the luxury of your seat, or take a nap in the comfort of our cozy sleeping carriage. If you prefer, you can indulge yourself in our dining carriage, “Le Tonkin”, where you can savor the delights of traditional Vietnamese and Western cuisine. *Please note that the dining carriage is not part of every train journey.

• • Sapa
  • Victoria Sapa Hotel

  Day 5: Lao Cai - Sapa

  Transfer between Lao Cai train station and Sapa in a private vehicle with guide and driver.

  You will be picked up by private car and English speaking driver today for a visit to the colourful Coc Ly Market. Every Tuesday morning the people from the surrounding ethnic villages such as Flower H’mong, Phu La and Dao Tuyen gather to buy and sell their products. Having explored the market, you will have a boat trip to Flower H’mong village of Na Nen then trek to Trung Do village of the Tay people. Enjoy a picnic lunch in local house before continuing your boat trip along the river banks. At the conclusion to this tour you will be picked up in the Bao Nhai village and driven back to Sapa.

  Accommodation: Victoria Sapa (4*)

  The Victoria Sapa Resort is the only luxury hotel in North-Western Vietnam, and was built as a traditional mountain chalet with accented wooden décor and a welcoming stone hearth fireplace. The Victoria Sapa Resort overhangs the village, blending in perfectly with the natural surroundings. The resort features 77 stylishly designed rooms, each with private terrace, wood flooring and a warm touch of local decoration. Enjoy fine dining at Ta Van Restaurant and enjoy a glass of red wine by the fireplace at Ta Fin Bar. After a day of sightseeing in the Sapa region, unwind at the spa center before turning in.

• • Biking Tour

  Day 6: Sapa

  From Sapa you will be cycling downhill into Muong Hoa and the Ban Ho valley. The ride offers beautiful views of the fantastic mountains and rice paddy fields along the way to a Tay stilt restaurant, where you will have lunch. After eating, you will take a pleasant walk to the Ecolodge, which consists of 25 individual lodges placed in a circle around the hills. From the Ecolodge there are breathtaking views across the scenic valleys below, which are home to villages of Tay, Red Dao and Xa Pho minorities. Later you will cycle over to the nearby Red Dao village of Lech. Here you have time to explore the daily life of the Red Dao people. After visiting the Red Dao village you cycle back to the Ecolodge from where you will return to Sapa by car.

  Accommodation: Victoria Sapa (4*)
• • 
  • Victoria Sapa Train

  Day 7: Sapa - Lao Cai

  The short journey will commence with a drive southwards Muong Hoa valley by private car and English speaking guide. You will then start your descending walk into the valley, which is the largest paddy terrace in Sapa area. The guide can provide you with interesting information about rice and rice growing. If you visit the valley some time in between May and October, you will be able to experience how the locals plant and harvesting, one of the most important activities in their daily life. The walk takes you from Lao Chai village of Black H'mong minority to Ta Van village of Giay minority, including a visit to the local Catholic Church. After visiting Ta Van, the car will take you back to Sapa.

  Transfer between Sapa and Lao Cai train station in a private vehicle with guide and driver.

  Accommodation: Victoria Carriage (4*)
• • Tran Hung Dao street vendors

  Day 8: Hanoi

  Transfer between Hanoi Train station and your Hanoi hotel with private car and driver.

  Almost unique amongst Asian capital cities, Hanoi's French quarter is now fully recognized as an important part of Vietnam's heritage. Yet much of the history behind it still remains a mystery to most. Today, you will take a tour exploring the French Quarter through the ideas of its architects and the shape of its stones. It sets about unraveling all threads of civilization, which have left their mark on the area, beginning with recent reminders in a Soviet style. Discover a different world altogether as will visit the Buddhist pagoda of Quan Su, the centre of Vietnamese Buddhism and Tran Hung Dao streets. Learn about the French approach to justice and punishment and hear tales of daring Vietnamese resistance to the repressive regime. Finish your walking tour with a nice cup of Vietnamese coffee.

  Accommodation: Sofitel Legend Metropole (5*)

• Day 9: Hanoi

  You will be met and transferred between the airport to your hotel in a private vehicle with an English speaking driver.

  Accommodation: Depart

  Depart from Hanoi International airport - end of itinerary.

Accommodation

• Cultural Moments

  Throughout Asia, rice paddies are somewhat of a constant landscape element. Rice is grown in paddies, or shallow puddles carefully controlled to ensure the appropriate water depth (typically 15 cm).  The farmers take advantage of the rice plant's tolerance to water: the water in the paddies prevents weeds from outgrowing the crop. Once the rice has established dominance of the field, the water can be drained in preparation for harvest.

• Culinary Moments

  There are a vast array of fruits native to Asia that we are sure to see along the way - keep your eyes peeled for jackfruit, lychee, rambutan, mangosteen, durian, and starfruit  - all fruits somewhat unknown to the North American

• Fun Facts

  The conical leaf hat, or in Vietnamese, non la, is hand-woven with palm leaves and bamboo, then coated with attar to keep it clean, smooth, and waterproof – helping to protect from sun and rain in tropical Vietnam.

• • Sofitel Legend Metropole

  Sofitel Legend Metropole (5*)

  The exquisite Metropole in Hanoi, which was built by the French in the colonial style in the early 1900s, combines old-world charm with modern convenience. With its rich history and evocative public spaces, it is easy to imagine the days when Graham Greene propped up the bar and intrigue radiated from every room. Located in the heart of downtown, the hotel features 363 rooms and suites and a beautiful interior garden. Le Beaulieu serves fine French cuisine while Hanoi specialties are served at the Spices Garden. A swimming pool and fitness center are available and the beautiful city of Hanoi is just at the doorstep, ready for you to explore its sights and sounds.

  • More information
• • The Halong Violet

  Halong Violet (5*)

  Halong Violet is the newest five star junk on Halong Bay. The ship is fitted out in the 1930’s Indochine style. It featured a boutique dinning room, library & lounge, Spa & Gym and 6 individual theme cabins with marble bathroom, jacuzzi & balcony. The junk also cruise its own routine away from the crowd to untouched areas of the bay.

  • More information
• • Victoria
  • Victoria 2

  Victoria Carriage (4*)

  Travel in style on board the Victoria Express Train. The Victoria Express Train features one dining carriage and two sleeping carriages to make your travelling experience a most comfortable one. With its elegant carriages, the Victoria Express Train recalls a more romantic era. Passing through the exotic landscapes of North Vietnam, between the charming cities of Hanoi and Lao Cai it offers every visitor a wonderful traveling experience. Watch the beautiful scenery in front of you, from the luxury of your seat, or take a nap in the comfort of our cozy sleeping carriage. If you prefer, you can indulge yourself in our dining carriage, “Le Tonkin”, where you can savor the delights of traditional Vietnamese and Western cuisine. *Please note that the dining carriage is not part of every train journey.

  • More information
• • Victoria Sapa Resort & Spa

  Victoria Sapa (4*)

  The Victoria Sapa Resort is the only luxury hotel in North-Western Vietnam, and was built as a traditional mountain chalet with accented wooden décor and a welcoming stone hearth fireplace. The Victoria Sapa Resort overhangs the village, blending in perfectly with the natural surroundings. The resort features 77 stylishly designed rooms, each with private terrace, wood flooring and a warm touch of local decoration. Enjoy fine dining at Ta Van Restaurant and enjoy a glass of red wine by the fireplace at Ta Fin Bar. After a day of sightseeing in the Sapa region, unwind at the spa center before turning in.

  • More information
• • Victoria Sapa Train
  • Victoria Sapa Train Sleeping Cabins

  Victoria Carriage (4*)

  Travel in style on board the Victoria Express Train. The Victoria Express Train features one dining carriage and two sleeping carriages to make your travelling experience a most comfortable one. With its elegant carriages, the Victoria Express Train recalls a more romantic era. Passing through the exotic landscapes of North Vietnam, between the charming cities of Hanoi and Lao Cai it offers every visitor a wonderful traveling experience. Watch the beautiful scenery in front of you, from the luxury of your seat, or take a nap in the comfort of our cozy sleeping carriage. If you prefer, you can indulge yourself in our dining carriage, “Le Tonkin”, where you can savor the delights of traditional Vietnamese and Western cuisine. *Please note the dining car is not always available.

  • More information

The Fine Print

• Trip Operator

  Horizon & Co. (founded in 1963), is a privately-owned leading boutique travel company. Horizon designs and stages authentic and deeply personal travel experiences that are carefully choreographed to induce a life-long memory. In addition to offering published trips on seven continents, Horizon builds private custom trips for discerning individuals and small groups.

• Contact Information

  Horizon & Co.
  Tel: 1-800-387-2977
  Email: admin@horizon-co.com
  Web: www.horizon-co.com

• What's Included:

  • Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

• What's not Included:

  • Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

• Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.horizon-co.com/terms-and-conditions
  • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.

• Request a Quote