Vietnam DMC 9 Days Package the Pearls of the North

Refine Asia Operation Offices: Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, Myanmar, Yunnan
Email: sales@refineasia.com / www.refineasia.com
The Pearls of the North
Vietnam
Duration : 9 Days / 8 Nights
Destinations : Hanoi – Sapa – Halong Bay – Cat Ba – Ninh Binh - Hanoi

Geography
Vietnam covers an area of 330,363 sq. km and is
about as big as Italy or New Mexico. The country has
three main geographic regions - the tropical south
dominated by the Mekong River estuary, the dry
central region, and the more temperate north
comprising the River delta and mountain highlands.
Religion
Vietnam supports adherents of all the major world
religions, as well as followers of religions that are
peculiarly Vietnamese: Theravada and Mahayana
Buddhism, Protestant and Catholic Christianity,
Taoism, Confucianism, Islam, Cao Daism, Hoa Hao
and Hinduism. In addition spirit and ancestor worship,
To Tien, is also practiced. Confucianism is probably
the most pervasive doctrine of all.
Climate
Vietnam’s climate is very diverse because the
country covers a wide range of latitudes and
altitudes.
The North: The cold season is between November
and April when average temperatures are around
60°F/16°C and it is often wet and chilly. In the hot
period, between May and October, the average
temperature is about 86°F/30°C. The South: The
temperatures in the south are constant all year,
ranging from 77-86°F/25-30°C. The dry season is from
November to April and the wet period from May to
October.
People
Ethnic Vietnamese constitute almost 90 percent of
the population in Vietnam. Originating in what is
now southern China and northern Vietnam, the
Vietnamese people pushed southward over several
centuries to occupy the entire eastern seacoast of
the Indochinese Peninsula. Nearly 100 years of
French rule (1858-1954) introduced important
European elements, but the Vietnamese still attach
great importance to the family and continue to
observe rites honoring their ancestors, indicating the
persistence of tradition.
Manners
The Vietnamese used to greet one another by
clasping their hands, prayer-like, in front of their
faces and bowing slightly. Unfortunately, this
charming custom has been replaced by the
handshake. When trying to gain the attention of a
Vietnamese, try not to point or gesture excessively.
This is regarded as rude. Call out their names if
possible, if not beckon by using the whole hand,
palm downwards.

With rolling mountains and stunning blue seas, northern Vietnam embraces a spectrum of
diversity still unknown to most local and foreign travelers. During this 9-day captivating
journey, discover the vast and splendid National Park of Cat Ba Island and Cuc Phuong,
observe the spectacular limestone landscape of Halong Bay and Dry Halong Bay and stroll
around colorful hill-tribe fairs nearby to the peaks of Vietnam. All this and more will surely
make this trip memorable. This trip is intended for those who have time to explore northern
Vietnam extensively.
Day 1 Arrival Hanoi (-/-/D)
Welcome to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. As soon as the guests arrive at Noi Bai airport on
their flight from home, they will be warmly greeted by Refine Asia staff who will assist to clear
all formalities and handle the luggage.
At the hotel, the guests will be welcomed with cool towels and welcome drinks at the lounge,
while our hospitality staff clears all the check-in formalities. The guests will have time to refresh
or relay after a long flight.
Welcome Dinner at Press Club Restaurant
Gourmet western cuisine is the hallmark of the award-winning Restaurant at the Press Club,
headed by classically-trained Swiss Chef Marcel Isaak, and serviced by a dedicated team of
staff. Evocative of Vietnam in the 1920s, the restaurant features two private dining rooms, a
fully-stocked wine cellar, beautiful polished bar, and international cigar menu.
Overnight in Hanoi

Day 2 Hanoi - Lao Cai (B/L/D)
Today the guests will enjoy a full day City tour through Hanoi. Hanoi is one of the oldest and
most charming cities in Asia, and apart from its traditional Vietnamese architecture, there is a
French quarter with grand French colonial villas and broad boulevards lined with sandalwood
trees and coffee houses. On this tour the group will visit Ngoc Son Temple inside Hoan Kiem
Lake, the One-Pillar Pagoda, the Museum of Ethnology and the Temple of Literature. In the
course of the tour, the group will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. As a conclusion, a one-
hour cyclo ride through the old quarter will be made.
The One Pillar Pagoda: Built by the Emperor Ly Thai Tong
in thanksgiving for his heir in 1922, this pagoda is a
Buddhist representation of the world in the form of a
lotus coming out of the water, containing a statue of
the Goddess of Mercy. Originally made of wood on one
single stone column, the current pillar was reconstructed
in 1955 after being destroyed by the French in 1954.
The Temple of Literature: The Temple of Literature is a
peaceful series of walled courtyards and graceful
gateways and is one of the best-preserved examples of
traditional Vietnamese architecture. Founded in 1070
and dedicated to Confucius, this was also the site of
Vietnam’s first university. In one courtyard, giant stone
tortoises bear stelae on their backs, listing the
accomplishments of graduating scholars.
Museum of Ethnology: This museum brings to life the
astonishing ethnic diversity in Vietnam, with art and
artefacts from the 54 different ethnic groups that inhabit
the country. Inside the museum are detailed
descriptions of minority groups, with examples of their
traditional clothing and way of life.

There are many ways to see the city, but
the best and most unique way to
discover the Old Quarter of Hanoi and its
authentic atmosphere is to take the
traditional transportation “cyclo”. With
the one hour riding on this special kind of
“moving armchair” through the 36 streets
which are dedicated to 36 different
products in the old quarter of Hanoi, our
group will gain a whole day’s worth of
knowledge about the authentic Vietnamese culture and way of life.
In the evening, the guests will be transferred to the train station for their trip to Sa Pa. Dinner
will be served on board.
Victoria Express Train
With its elegant carriages, the Victoria Express Train recalls a more romantic era. Passing
through the exotic landscapes of North Vietnam, it offers every visitor a wonderful travelling
experience. Indulge yourself in our dining carriage, “Le Tonkin”, where you can savor the
delights of traditional Vietnamese and Western cuisine. Our talented Chef has selected the
best wines, adding a further exquisite touch to a memorable experience. Discover our 4-
course set menus!
Overnight in train

Day 3 Lao Cai - Sapa (B/L/-)
Arrival at Lao Cai Train Station in the very early morning. The guests will be picked up and
transferred to a local restaurant for breakfast. Afterwards departure for the Silver Waterfall.
The Silver Waterfall is located about a half hour from Sapa town which offers stunning views
over surrounding mountains and lush forests belonging to Hoang Lien National Park. The
guests are advised to stop by a farm for a cup of tea and talk with people to understand
their local life. Then continue the drive uphill to the Heavens Gate, the highest stretch of road
in Vietnam as well as the provincial border of Lao Cai and Lai Chau provinces. Enjoy fantastic
view over the valley!
Afterwards transfer to the hotel for check in and remaining day at leisure.
Overnight in Sapa
Day 4 Sapa - Lao Cai – Hanoi (B/L/-)
After breakfast, the guests will first sneak through the
Sapa market and leave the busy town behind. After
a couple of minutes, they will follow a road going
downhill to Cat Cat village. The guests will stop by a
waterfall and a hydroelectric station for a while
before continuing the trek on a dirt trail through rice
paddy terraces. They will enjoy spectacular scenery
while walking along a narrow river.

Eventually the guests arrive in Y Linh Ho village of Black Hmong minority, where they can take
a rest while lunch is serve d nearby the river. After lunch, the guests will head toward Muong
Hoa valley. They will pass through Lao Chai village of Black Hmong minority and then Tavan
village of Giay minority by following a very popular trekking route.
Afterwards, return to Sapa from Tavan by car. Transfer to Lao Cai to catch the train back to
Hanoi.
Overnight in Train
Day 5 Hanoi – Halong Bay (B/L/D)
Upon arrival at Hanoi train station in th every early
morning, the guests will enjoy a breakfast at a local
restaurant. Afterwards, they will be transferred to Gia
Lam airport for their helicopter flight to Halong Bay.
Before the group gets ready for landing, they will
enjoy spectacular views of the landscapes of the
World Heritage Site of Halong Bay. Halong Bay is one
of the most magnificent scenic spots in all of Vietnam
and was recognized as a world natural heritage site
by UNESCO in 1994. Halong is a picturesque bay with almost 2,000 islets rising from the clear
emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin.

Afterwards the guests will embark the Au Co Cruise ship, with which they will cruise through
Halong Bay for the following two days. Lunch will be served on board.
Gala Dinner at Trong Cave
In the evening the guests will enjoy a unique and memorable gala dinner set at the Trong
Cave in Halong Bay. The guests will pass through the candle-lit pathway and will with no
doubt be bewitched by the mystical scenery inside: A magnificent atmosphere making the
evening an unforgettable experience. (This activity is subjected to a certain minimum number
of participants.
Overnight on board in Halong Bay

Day 6 Halong Bay - Cat Ba (B/-/-)
Continue cruising and disembark in the late morning at Halong. Afterwards the guests will
take another boat for approximately 1.5h to get to marvellous Cat Ba Island. The driver awaits
the guests at Gia Luan Pier and takes them to a natural getaway - the Cat Ba National Park.
Check in at your hotel.
In the afternoon the guests will take a trekking excursion to Frog Lake for approximately 3h.
Along the way they will for sure have the chance to see some animals of the park as monkeys
and butterflies. Return to the hotel.
Overnight at Cat Ba
Day 7 Cat Ba – Ninh Binh (B/-/-)
Today the guests will have to wake up early! They
will be picked up at the hotel for the transfer to
the pier. A speedboat takes the guests to Hai
Phong, to continue by car to Ninh Binh. Ninh Binh,
some 100km (62 miles) south of Hanoi, offers a
world of natural wonders and cultural heritage to
explore. Stop by Hoa Lu, the capital of Vietnam
in the 10th century, known to travelers as
Vietnam's "inland Halong Bay." After visiting two
temples in commemoration of King Dinh Tien Hoang and King Le Dai Hanh in the ancient
capital. The guests will enjoy the amazing boat trip to visit Trang An grottoes which is a
gathering of 31 valleys, 50 cross-water caves, and home to 600 kinds of flora and over 200
kinds of fauna, many of them in the Red Book of Vietnam. While rowing through Trang An
grotto in the quiet, fresh air of the highlands, with only the sound of birds and the oars stirring
the clear water and surrounded by magnificent forested mountains upon which graze white
goats, the guests will enjoy a heaven on earth.
Overnight in Ninh Binh

Day 8 Ninh Binh - Hanoi (B/-/D)
Head to Cuc Phuong National Park in the morning to visit the endangered primate rescue
center, where rare primates are being saved from poachers and they are prepared to live
again in their natural habitat. Tour the centre which is run by Vietnamese and German
biologists and observe the different primate species living here.
After that the guests will drive 20 km to the starting point of the trekking trail and visit a pre-
historic cave along the way. Remains of human skeleton and stone tools dating back as far
as 7,500 years have been found there. Start the trek to the 1000 year old tree and back; the
trail leads 6 km through the jungle.
Drive back to Hanoi in the early afternoon.
Farewell Dinner at LY Club Lounge and Restaurant
Centrally located in the core of city. Built in late 19 century same period with legendary Long
Bien bridge, this French architecture building is redesigned and set in a trendy and elegant
concept with a Wine cellar, Cocktail Bar, Fine-dining Restaurant and Theatre Hall
Coming to Ly Club is not only for delicious tastes of cuisine but also is chance to see our wish
to showcase and support to Vietnam’s unique performing arts so that those traditions may
continue to flourish.
Overnight in Hanoi

Day 9 Departure Hanoi (B/-/-)
After breakfast in the hotel and at the respective time, the guests will be transferred to the
airport for their departure flight back home.
Refine Asia wishes a safe trip home

Step back into history at
Hanois most storied 5-star
hotel. A Grand Dame of
Southeast Asia Sofitel Legend
Metropole Hanoi welcomes
guests to experience
her colonial grandeur
and timeless elegance.
Please join us for a Magnifique
voyage to Hanoi. Savour the
French art de vivre blended
with elegant Vietnamese
touches amidst the charms
of the French Quarter.
LocatedstepsfromtheOperaHouseinHanoisFrenchQuarter
this legendary property brings guests into intimate contact
withtheopulenceofanotherera.Surroundyourselfinheritage
as you stroll stately corridors and explore a dramatic past.
Savour luxury hotel rooms (364) and suites (22) that have
welcomed many of the worlds greatest luminaries. The
fin-de-siecle style Graham Greene Charlie Chaplin and
Somerset Maugham Suites offer a luxurious window onto
character of Old Indochine.Likewise find yesteryear serenity
reflected in the sanctuary of Le Spa du Metropole. Lavish your
body with French beauty therapies and healing Asian rituals
in spa treatment rooms that echo a timeless refinement.
Savour legendary cuisine in Hanoi’s most celebrated
restaurants. Le Beaulieu lavishes the palate with
French haute cuisine and the sommelier’s fine wine
pairings. Taste authentic Vietnamese in the Spices
Garden and modern Italian culinary art at Angelina.
Guests staying at Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi enjoy
a full range of 5star luxury hotel services and facilities.
Sofitel Legend
Metropole Hanoi
Refine Asia Operation Offices: Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, Myanmar, Yunnan
Email: sales@refineasia.com / www.refineasia.com

With its elegant carriages, the Victoria Express
Train recalls a more romantic era. Passing through
the exotic landscapes of North Vietnam, it offers
every visitor a wonderful travelling experience.
Indulge yourself in our dining carriage, “Le Tonkin”, where
you can savor the delights of traditional Vietnamese
and Western cuisine. Our talented Chef has selected
the best wines, adding a further exquisite touch to a
memorable experience. Discover our 4-course set menus!
The train departs six times a week, linking Hanoi to Lao
Cai. The Victoria Express Train is a 8.5 hour trip from Hanoi
to Lao Cai, accommodating up to 52 passengers in two
luxurious sleeping carriages. Each sleeping carriage has
6 superior cabins (4 berths) and 1 deluxe cabin (2 berths),
all are air-conditioned, wood paneled, with individual
reading lights, baggage storage and oversized windows.
Victoria
Express Train

Sapa is located in Lao Cai Province, 380 km Northwest
of Hanoi, in close proximity to the Chinese border.
Famous for its terraced rice paddies & highlands,
Sapa is home to more than 30 colorful hill tribes and
close to Vietnam’s highest peak, Mount Fansipan.
The four star Victoria Sapa Resort & Spa, the only luxury
hotel in the region, was built as a traditional chalet with
accented wooden décor, the Resort overhangs the
village, blending perfectly with its natural surroundings.
The 77 rooms at Victoria Sapa Resort & Spa feature
private terrace, wood flooring and offer views over Sapa
village, the resort’s lush gardens or Mount Fansipan. A
warm touch of local decoration provides guests with
a sense of calm in the mountain chalet atmosphere.
Victoria Sapa Resort & Spa offers the finest dining
available in the region. The Chef’s fine cuisine blends
local ingredients to create exciting international
dishes with a French and Vietnamese flair.
Enjoy traditional dances performed by H’mong and Thai
Minority people every Saturday night at Ta Van Restaurant.
Enjoy a glass of hot red wine by the fireplace at the Ta
Fin Bar after a day of sightseeing in the Sapa region.
Victoria Sapa
Resort & Spa

Au Co Cruise
Halong Bay
The Au Co is the ﬁrst and only luxury cruise operator
offering full cruise program & itinerary in a single trip
through world-renowned Halong Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay,
Lan Ha Bay & Cat Ba Island.
The Au Co ship features the very latest safety standards
and represents Vietnamese and Oriental culture at its
best. Each of her 32 spaciously-designed private cabins
boasts luxurious bathrooms and panoramic balconies.
1

Catba – Pearl Island, is the most beautiful, largest island in
Halong Bay, the World Natural Heritage Site recognized by
UNESCOandCatbaitselfwasrecognizedasaWorldBiosphere.
Charmingly and isolated lie on Catba Island – a spectacular
natural wonder, Catba Island Resort and Spa honors to
offer you the memorable and meaningful holidays… With
the unique design “East meets West” – French colonial
architecture combined with ancient original style of
Vietnam having 165 spacious and elegant, well appointed
rooms with hardwood ﬂoor and bamboo furniture all
create luxury & warmth, offering a comprehensive range
of guest facilities and services, all with individual bay view
balconies, 4 star amenities, multi-channel TV, and a mini bar.
Please enjoy dining experience in our Seashore
Restaurant that designed like a ship, or at the Terrace
with plentiful food. Savor the ﬁneness of cocktails or wine
with premium brands at Fun Pub, Pirate Bar… relax and
pamper yourself with professional massage service…
adventurous feelings at Water Park, entertaining and
refreshing at Game House with Chess, Dart, Billard…
Cat Ba Island
Resort & Spa

Managed by Emeralda Management Group (EMG)
since 2011, Emeralda Resort Ninh Binh is located on
the edge of Van Long Natural Reserve, Ninh Binh
province where as mentioned earlier can be reached
approximately 90 minutes leisure drive from Hanoi.
Styled with traditional Vietnamese elements in architecture
and furnishings, wedded to cutting edge enhancements
and guest comforts, Emeralda Resort Ninh Binh incorporates
the environmental commitment evident throughout
the resort. Natural materials used for construction
and ﬁnishes, with local produce and ingredients
combined to create memorable dining experiences.
With a total of 172 guest rooms, 3 superb restaurants
and bar, Spa La Cochinchine, mini golf course and 2
conference halls. Wake up to a mountainous scene from
a Tonkin decorated Emeralda superior room, featuring
complimentary high-speed internet access and well
equipped bathrooms. Make yourself comfortable in an
Emeralda deluxe room or Emeralda duplex family room,
offering a true sense of Vietnam, comprising spacious
bathrooms with garden view and an outdoor shower, a
natural private terrace allows you to relax in a comfortable
lounge chair with a good book or a calming cup of tea.
Emeralda Resort
Ninh Binh

THANK YOU!
Your Refine Asia team

Vietnam DMC 9 Days Package the Pearls of the North

Recommended

Recommended

More Related Content

What's hot

What's hot (19)

Similar to Vietnam DMC 9 Days Package the Pearls of the North

Similar to Vietnam DMC 9 Days Package the Pearls of the North (20)

More from World of DMCs

More from World of DMCs (20)

Recently uploaded

Recently uploaded (20)

Vietnam DMC 9 Days Package the Pearls of the North