DAY 1: ARRIVE SAI GON (-/L/D)

Upon arrival in to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) we will be welcomed by our tour guide and transferred to our hotel.

Saigon is one of the world’s true cosmopolitan cities with a history, culture and style obtained from colonial France, ancient China and the art deco era. Once the main port of Cambodia's Mekong territory, Saigon became the capital of France's Cochinchina and later the capital of the Republic of Vietnam. It remained the capital until the end of the American War in Vietnam in 1975, when it was moved to Hanoi.

Although the city was renamed Ho Chi Minh City in 1975, the government soon realised that the proud 'Saigonese' would never stop calling it Saigon. Now it’s accepted that Ho Chi Minh City refers to the greater metropolitan area, while the older and central suburbs are called Saigon.

Overnight in Saigon

DAY 2: SAI GON (B/L/D)

Today we begin our sightseeing around Vietnam's largest and busiest city with a visit to the imposing Notre Dame Cathedral, built between 1886 and 1890, and the French-style Central Post Office.

We continue to the Reunification Palace. This was the scene for the final stages of the American War when a North Vietnamese tank bulldozed through the gates and a soldier ran to the fourth floor of the palace to raise a North Vietnamese flag from its balcony.

Next we visit the emotional War Remnants Museum where sensitive photographs and infantry weapons are on display. As it is a self-explanatory museum, we will have time to walk around on our own. Please be aware that some of the remnants and photographs on display at this museum may be confronting and upsetting for some group members.

After lunch we will drive to Cholon, the Chinatown of Saigon; here we will visit the beautiful Thien Hau Pagoda, dedicated to the Goddess of the sea. End our tour at Ben Thanh Market where we can enjoy some bargain hunting!

The remainder of the day is free at your leisure.

Overnight in Saigon

DAY 3: SAI GON TO MEKONG DELTA (VINH LONG) (B/L/D)

This morning we drive south to the Mekong Delta province of Vinh Long, where we visit Vinh Long market to witness the daily life of people living in this area.

Embark on a local motorised boat to An Binh Island to see Tien Chau Pagoda, which was recognised for its national art and architecture heritage in 1994. Next we will visit a brick and pottery factory and have lunch at a rustic local restaurant where we can sample the culinary specialties of the Mekong Delta.

After lunch we will cruise to a local house, where we will spend the night, and enjoy a family-style dinner.

Overnight in Homestay

Note: Our accommodation for the home stay is dormitory style – each person will be provided with a fold-up bed/camp bed, linen and a mosquito net. A basic shower and Western-style toilet are available outside the house. The itinerary is subject to change based on the location of the house.

DAY 4: MEKONG DELTA (VINH LONG) TO SAI GON (B/L/D)

After a simple breakfast consisting of bread and egg and tea, we will say goodbye to our friendly hosts.

Walk to the river bank and board a sampan, in which we are paddled by a personalised rower. Take the time to discover the maze of small palm-lined canals.

Visit an ancient house where we can see a farming tool collection on display. Sip a cup of tea and taste some of the local tropical fruits whilst listening to traditional folk music.

Afterwards we will head to Cai Be floating market before driving back to Saigon, with a stop en route in My Tho for lunch.

Overnight in Saigon

DAY 5: SAIGON - TAY NINH & CU CHI TUNNELS (B/L/D)

This morning we head west to the Cao Dai Great Temple (or 'Holy See') at Tay Ninh. The Cao Dai religion has over two million followers today and was created in 1926 by a Vietnamese man who promptly elected himself the first Pope. It combines the philosophies of Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity and Islam. The ‘Holy See’ is one of the most striking and unusual structures in all of Asia, blending the styles of a Western cathedral, a Chinese pagoda and the lurid colours of a Disney cartoon. 

After lunch we visit the amazing communist guerrilla tunnel system at Cu Chi. The network, which is several storeys deep in some parts, includes trapdoors, living areas, storage facilities, weapon factories, field hospitals, command centres and kitchens.

The tunnels are located in an area known during the American War in Vietnam as the ‘Iron Triangle’, on account of the strength of its Communist insurgency. Cu Chi was also the conclusion to many caravan paths that traced down from the Chinese border, across mountain borders with Laos and into the Mekong Delta, which later became known as the Ho Chi Minh Trail. We have the unique opportunity to hear a first-hand account of what it was like to live in the tunnels during the American War as we are led around the tunnels site by a Cu Chi War Veteran. After exploring the tunnels we return to Saigon.

Overnight in Saigon

DAY 6: SAI GON TO NHA TRANG (B/L/D)

This morning we transfer to Saigon airport, where we board our flight to Nha Trang. Upon arrival we will transfer to our hotel.

Nha Trang has one of the nicest beaches in Vietnam with turquoise waters, excellent fishing, snorkelling and scuba diving. Traditionally home to a huge fishing industry, which influenced the lifestyle and cuisine found here, Nha Trang has developed into a resort town. Vietnamese don’t enjoy tanning and therefore the beaches are deserted until dusk, when you will find them quickly coming down for a swim.

The remainder of the day is free at your leisure to stroll along the beach of this seaside city.

Overnight in Nha Trang

DAY 7: NHA TRANG (B/L/D)

This morning we transfer to the port and board a boat for a relaxing cruise through the clear blue waters amongst the islands off the coast.

We stop at Mun Island, where we may have the chance for a swim. After lunch we return to Nha Trang.

Overnight in Nha Trang

DAY 8: NHA TRANG - DA NANG (B/L/D)

This morning we will transfer to the airport for our flight to Danang. Danang is on the western bank of the Han River and is Vietnam's fourth largest and main University City.

Upon arrival in Danang, we transfer to the charming town of Hoi An, located 30km south of Danang. En route we will stop at Marble Mountains, five mountainous outcrops of marble. Here we will have a view of China Beach, where the American Marines had a huge R&R base during the 1960s and 1970s.  

Perhaps more than any other place in Vietnam, Hoi An retains the feel of centuries past. Once known as Faifo, Hoi An was an influential port along the Silk Road. For over 500 years merchants from China, Japan, France and Portugal settled in the prosperous town resulting in a distinctive blend of culture, cuisine, religion and architecture. In 1999, the town was declared a UNESCO World Heritage listed site for having the most unique architecture in Southeast Asia. It has been restored and protected by both the UNESCO fund and proud locals ever since. 

Overnight in Hoi An

DAY 9: HOI AN (B/L/D)

Today we enjoy a walking tour of the narrow and ancient streets of this charming town. We will visit one of Hoi An’s oldest homes, built over 200 years ago and still occupied by the descendants of the merchant family that originally built it. We will also visit the traditional Hoi An Market, the Quan Cong Chinese Temple and the Japanese Covered Bridge.

After lunch, the rest of the day is free at your leisure to explore this ancient town.

If you enjoy hunting for a bargain, then we recommend you make the most of the shopping opportunities available here, as once we depart Hoi An there will be limited time to explore the shops.

Overnight in Hoi An

DAY 10: HOI AN - MY SON (B/L/D)

This morning we drive 40km west of Hoi An to My Son, one of the most impressive yet lesser known UNESCO World Heritage listed sites. The area comprises of many temples and monuments of Hindu-like shrines that are set amongst the lush green valleys, surrounded by hills and overlooked by the massive Cat’s Tooth Mountain. It is thought that My Son may have served as a burial place for Cham monarchs who ruled this land and used it as a place of worship.

During the American War in Vietnam, a lot of the area was devastated and depopulated by bitter fighting. Having found it to be a convenient staging ground, the Viet Cong set up base here, thus resulting in the Americans bombing the monuments. Here we will visit the Cham Ruins before returning to Hoi An this afternoon.

Overnight in Hoi An

DAY 11: HOI AN TO HUE (B/L/D)

We leave Hoi An this morning and head north to Hue. This drive will take us over the scenic Hai Van Pass, passing the fishing village of Lang Co, as we enjoy panoramic views of the central coastline.

Hue was the imperial capital of Vietnam from 1802-1945, when the last emperor abdicated the throne, yet is still regarded as the seat of Vietnam's culture and religion today. The Imperial Citadel, which dominates the city, was modelled on China’s Forbidden City. The city boasts many significant pagodas and temples, as well as the grand tombs of the Nguyen Emperors.

This afternoon we enjoy a cyclo ride to the Imperial Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City, which was built only for the Imperial family, concubines and eunuchs. The Forbidden Purple City is still being restored to this day after the destruction caused by street fighting and bombing during the French and American wars.

Enjoy a cruise along Perfume River to the Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue's oldest and most beautiful pagoda, built on a hillock overlooking the river.

Overnight in Hue

DAY 12: HUE TO HANOI (B/L/D)

This morning we will visit the UNESCO World Heritage listed Royal Tomb of Minh Mang. Emperor Minh Mang reigned in the Nguyen Dynasty, the last of the Vietnamese dynasties, from 1820-1840. The construction of his tomb was completed after his death and is said to have taken approximately 10,000 workers to complete. The complex comprises of almost 40 monuments and is surrounded by gardens and pools, making it one of the more beautiful tombs. From here we transfer to the airport for our flight to Hanoi.

Upon arrival in to Hanoi, we will be transferred to our hotel. Hanoi is a charming and richly historic city of lakes, shaded boulevards and verdant public parks, with a population of about four million. The city centre is like an architectural museum, with blocks of ochre buildings retaining the air of a provincial French town from the 1930s.

Overnight in Hanoi

DAY 13: HANOI (B/L/D)

Without question, Ho Chi Minh is one of the great figures of 20th Century history. This morning we will explore Ho Chi Minh Quarter for a look at the life of the father of modern Vietnam. First we will visit Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, which sits in Ba Dinh Square and is where Ho Chi Minh first declared independence from French rule in 1945. Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is closed from September to December year round. During this time we are unable to enter the Mausoleum, however we can view it from the exterior.

In the same complex we will see the Humble House on Stilts, from which ‘Uncle Ho’ ruled Vietnam until his death in 1969, as well as Ho Chi Minh Museum (closed on Monday, Friday) and the One Pillar Pagoda.

Next we drive to the serene Temple of Literature, Hanoi's first university dating back to 1070 and a historical centre of learning, now dedicated to Confucian worship. This is followed by a visit to the Ethnology Museum (closed on Monday), where we can learn more about Vietnam's ethnic groups, traditions and languages. 

This afternoon we enjoy a walking tour of Hanoi's Old Quarter. This area of crowded, market alleys is still laid out as it was 300 years ago and is also known as the ‘36 Streets’. Traditionally in Vietnam, all the shops on a single street were devoted to selling one product. We can see rope, button, copper and herbal medicine streets.

Overnight in Hanoi

DAY 14: HA NOI (B/L/D)

After breakfast we travel to the rural outskirts of Hanoi. A small ferry will take us across the peaceful Cau River to Tho Ha Village, a traditional village where most families make a living by producing rice paper and raising pigs. It is here that we can see an authentic portrait of Vietnam’s countryside and traditional village life. We will visit the home of the village elder before continuing on to Tho Ha Pagoda.

Return to Hanoi and enjoy the afternoon free at your leisure. This evening we enjoy a performance of the famous Water Puppets. Vietnamese Water Puppets were invented thousands of years ago by farmers in the Red River Delta region near Hanoi, as a means to entertain themselves when the rains flooded their rice paddy fields.

Overnight in Hanoi

DAY 15: HANOI TO HALONG BAY (B/L/D)

This morning we drive to the area that is regarded as the ‘Jewel in the Crown of Vietnam’, Halong Bay. This area has been compared with the landscape of limestone islets of Guilin in China and Krabi in southern Thailand.

Upon arrival in Halong Bay, we board our boat for a cruise around the 3,000 islets that rise from the clear emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin. This province shares a common border with China in the north and harbours some of the most stunning scenery in Vietnam. Bizarre rock sculptures jutting dramatically from the sea and numerous grottoes have created an enchanted, timeless world; the sails of the junk boats and sampans add further to the scenic beauty. 

Enjoy a seafood lunch onboard before we set sail. We cruise around the bay this afternoon stopping to explore fascinating caves and to enjoy a swim at one of the beaches. Dinner will be served onboard whilst watching the sunset over the bay. The remainder of the night is ours to relax onboard the anchored junk boat.

Please note that our itinerary in Halong Bay is subject to change due to local conditions.We recommend you pack an overnight bag for your trip to Halong Bay. You can leave your main luggage at your hotel in Hanoi and pick it up on your return on Day 16.

Overnight in Ha Long

DAY 16: HALONG BAY TO HANOI (B/L/D)

One of the most special experiences for travellers in Vietnam is to watch the sunrise over Halong Bay. If you are up early enough you can watch this spectacular and peaceful scene. After our breakfast we continue cruising through the bay.

We enjoy brunch onboard before arriving at the wharf around midday and travelling back to Hanoi.

Overnight in Hanoi

DAY 17: HANOI - DEPARTURE (B/L/D)

This morning is free at your leisure enabling us the chance to grab that last bargain in the Old Quarter or take a stroll around the lakes and boulevards to soak up the colonial and romantic atmosphere that is Hanoi.

After a late check-out, we will be transferred to the airport for our flight to Saigon, where we connect with our overnight flight home.

End of services.

HAVE AN ENJOYABLE JOURNEY!

HOTEL LIST (Subject to availibily): below hotels or similar ones of same category: 

TOUR PRICE INCLUDES:

• 14 nights’ shared Accommodation in twin/double room with daily breakfast at the below indicated room types (see hotel category list below) (check in and check out around noontime)
• 1 Night at local family home in Vinh Long (based on dormitory with simple facilities)
• 2Days/1Night cruise in Ha Long Bay (shared boat)
• All transfers and transportation with air-con vehicles (types of vehicles depending on the number of pax)
  • 1-2pax: car of 4 seats
  • 3-7pax: van of 16 seats
  • 8-12pax: coach of 25 seats
  • 13-15pax: coach of 30 seats
  • 16-24pax: coach of 45 seats
• Local ENGLISH speaking guides
  • South (Ho Chi Minh – Mekong Delta): 1 guide
  • Nha Trang: 1 guide
  • Centre (Da Nang – Hoi An- Hue): 1 guide
  • North (Hanoi – Halong Bay): 1 guide
  • NATIONAL Escort based on a minimum of 10 pax travelling
• All entrance fees as program
• Private boat trip in Vinh Long, Nha Trang, Hue
• Meals (B/L/D) (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner) as indicated in the program (Vietnamese Local food):
  • Daily Breakfasts
  • 16 Lunches, 16 Dinners at a local restaurants
  • 01 Breakfast, 1 Lunch and 1 Dinner on boat
• 02 bottles of mineral water per person per day on bus on days of transfer and sightseeing only.

TOUR PRICE EXCLUDES:

• Airfares (international and domestic)
• Meals (other than mentioned in the program)
• Drinks
• Visas to Vietnam
• Mineral water beyond that supplied
• Tips
• Early check in or late check out
• Insurances
• Optional excursions and activities
• Additional transfer required due to any emergency situation
• Items of a personal nature (Phone calls, laundry, beverages…)
• Peak season surcharges if any
• All not mentioned above