From bicycles to boats, trains to planes you will get a real feel for Vietnam’s culture and way of life. Highlights include the colorful ethnic minority peoples of Sapa, the relaxing atmosphere of Vietnam’s premier beach resort, Nha Trang and exploring by boat the intricate network of canals in the lush Mekong Delta. Add to this the delightful quaint fishing village of Hoi An, the regal splendor of Hue and the elegant tree-lined boulevards and buildings of colonial Hanoi and you have a wonderfully diverse tour.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
On arrival at Saigon’s Tan Son Nhat International airport, you will be greeted by our guide and transferred to your hotel. Whilst there are no activities planned for today, your guide will be on hand to offer any advice and assistance regarding your free time. This evening, your guide will take you out for a traditional music show followed by dinner at one of Saigon’s superb restaurants. (Dinner included)
Day 2: Saigon – Cu Chi Tunnel
Located at the threshold of Saigon and adjacent to the revolutionary base, Cu Chi played an important role in the two wars of resistance against the old and new colonial powers. Cu Chi was an "underground village" with its abyss of interlaced tunnels having a combined length of more than 200 km. The main tunnel is 60 - 70 cm wide and 80 - 90 cm high. Above the tunnel is a layer of earth about 3 m - 4 m thick, enough to sustain the weight of 50 - ton tanks or heavy artillery as well as the destruction of bombs up to 100 kg.
After lunch we visit the War Remnants Museum. The War Remnants Museum has a wealth of images from the wars, the most moving being a gallery entitled 'Requiem' which is dedicated to Vietnamese and foreign journalists and photographers who perished during the French and American conflicts. The Reunification Palace was the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until April 30th 1975 when the North Vietnamese tanks came crashing through the front gates, bringing the American War to a dramatic end the Reunification Palace, the Notre Dame Cathedral and General post office.
Notre Dame Cathedral was built between 1877 and 1883 and the stone used to create it was exported in its entirety from France. Next to the cathedral stands the Central Post Office, finished in 1891. It is another fine example of French architecture and is Vietnam's largest post office. Following the tour you will have free time to relax or explore at your leisure. (Breakfast & Lunch)
Day 3: Saigon – Vinh Long
Bidding farewell to Vietnam’s largest city this morning we make our way down to the southwestern Mekong Delta to Vinh Long (2 hour drive). There we take a boat to visit the Cai Be floating market. Here we witness the delicate art of rice paper making and visit a floating market. Each boat on the market usually sells just one particular item, whether it be pumpkins, pineapples, sugar cane etc, and in order that the customer knows where to shop, they hang that item from the highest part of the boat. Tonight a local family in their stilt house built out over the river will be our hosts. Following the evening feast you will have the opportunity to converse with the family for an insight into life on the Delta. (Breakfast & Lunch, Dinner)
Day 4: Vinh Long - Chau Doc
Today we head to the township of Chau Doc. Nestled on the Vietnamese-Cambodian border, this small town chiefly owes its existence to rice production. The boat captain will take us around the myriad of waterways, visiting small cottage industries and a Bonsai garden before reaching our final destination for today. Late this afternoon we will ascend Sam Mountain to watch the sunset over Cambodia before heading back into town for the evening meal. (Breakfast, Lunch)
Day 5: Chau Doc - Can Tho
Following breakfast we board a riverboat and cruise to a floating fish farm to witness the highly productive techniques involved with these small businesses. From here we will move onto a small Muslim community to learn more of their lifestyle and visit their local mosque. We will return to Chau Doc for lunch and then drive to the Tay An and Lady Su Temples before making our way to Can Tho. Once here the remainder of the day is at your leisure. (Breakfast, Lunch)
Day 6: Can Tho – Saigon
We’ll depart the Victoria at 6:30 this morning from the jetty of the hotel. We’ll enjoy a delectable breakfast buffet on board the Lady Hau as we cruise the Mekong to visit the floating market of Cai Rang. Our cruise will take us along several channels of the Delta before we say goodbye to the mighty Mekong and begin our drive back to Ho Chi Minh City. Arriving back around lunchtime you will have the remainder of the day at your leisure. (Breakfast)
Day 7: Saigon - Nha Trang
This morning we transfer to the airport for our flight to the beach resort of Nha Trang. Once we have settled into our hotel there will be an afternoon tour of the city which will include the Po Nagar Cham towers, built between the 7th and 12th centuries; the oceanographic institute and the Long Son Pagoda. The remainder of the day will be free to relax on the beach. (Breakfast, Lunch)
Day 8: Nha Trang
A relaxing day on the water is the plan for today. We board our private boat at around 9 a.m. for a day cruise around the coastal islands. Our first stop will be a local fishing village to observe island life. There will also be plenty of time for swimming and snorkeling on some of the coral reefs that surround these islands and generally lazing about on the deck of the boat, working on a tan. A delicious fresh seafood lunch will be served on board to satisfy any hunger pains. We arrive back in port at around 17.00. Back on the mainland there will be free time to shower and change before sampling some of Nha Trang's nightlife. (Breakfast & Lunch)
Day 9: Nha Trang – Hoi An
Transferring back to the airport this morning for another flight, you will be greeted on your arrival at Danang and driven to Hoi An around 33 km away. There will be a stop to visit the Marble Mountains along the way. It is said that it's five peaks represent each of the five elements of the universe (Water, Wood, Fire, Metal and Earth). From here we make our way to China Beach for lunch before continuing on to Hoi An. You will have the remainder of the day free to explore some of the many tailor shops or cycle to Cua Dai Beach six kilometers from the town. (Breakfast, Lunch)
Day 10: Hoi An
Hoi An, formerly know as Faifo to early Western merchants is a charming, small town which can be easily explored on foot. Between the 17th and 19th centuries Hoi An was a thriving international trading port with a large Chinese and Japanese population. Then in the second half of the 19th century the harbor began to silt up and most of the town' s commercial interests moved to nearby Danang. More than any other place in Vietnam, Hoi An retains the feeling of centuries past and is a favorite with all travelers.
We enjoy a half-day walking tour through the narrow winding streets of the Ancient Quarter visiting Chua Ong Pagoda, Assembly Hall, the 200 years old Tam Ky house, and Japanese Bridge. After lunch we take a short boat trip to a nearby island to visit a handicraft ceramic village and the boat building yards. (Breakfast & Lunch)
Day 11: My Son
My Son is the former capital of the ancient Cham civilization that ruled Central Vietnam from the second to the thirteenth century. My Son is considered to be one of the best-preserved Cham structures in Vietnam. Cham religion was primarily derived from Indian Hinduism and the complex is comprised of seventy Hindu-like towers and temples dating from the second century. This site is a must-see for people who are interested in architecture and ancient civilizations. My Son is now one of four World Heritage-listed sites in Vietnam. We depart Hoi An at 07:30 for the one and hour half drive to My Son and will be back in Hoi An by around lunchtime. The remainder of the day will be free to relax at your leisure. (Breakfast included)
Day 12: Hoi An – Hue
This morning we transfer to Danang railway station for the journey to the old imperial city of Hue. This afternoon we embark on a cycling tour of Hue and the surrounding area. We start with a visit to the Citadel, containing the Imperial City and the Forbidden Purple City, the Emperor's private residence. Both were almost totally destroyed during the Tet Offensive of 1968, when the Communists took the city from the South and held it for 3 weeks. The battlements of the Citadel bear witness to the terrible fighting that went on within its walls and are riddled with shrapnel and bullet holes. Now thanks to UNESCO funding, much of the City is being faithfully restored to its former glory. The Imperial City, created in the 19th century and modeled on the Forbidden City in Beijing, has many beautiful palaces and temples inside. We also visit the Imperial Museum and the vibrant Dong Ba riverside markets. This evening we will have time to stroll around the streets of Hue. (Breakfast, Lunch)
Day 13: Hue
Today we cruise along the Perfume River. Being the former royal capital, Hue's surrounding countryside contains several of the tombs of the former Nguyen Emperors, and a visit to some of these tombs will be on the itinerary for today. The ornate tomb of Emperor Minh Mang, set within a beautiful landscaped garden, will be the first stop. From here we will cruise back to the eccentric Tu Duc's tomb, and discover this Emperor's opulent lifestyle. With the mid day approaching, it will be time to cover the short distance back to the Perfume River and board our Dragon Boat.
We enjoy lunch while cruising back down towards Hue, stopping on the way to visit the Thien Mu Pagoda, considered by many as the unofficial symbol of Hue. It is an active Buddhist monastery with its origins dating back to 1601.One of its most poignant displays is a car belonging to a former monk, who in 1963, drove to Saigon and set himself alight to protest against the South Vietnamese regime and its treatment of Buddhists. (Breakfast & Lunch)
Day 14: Hue – Hanoi
The nation's capital will be our next stop via the short flight from Hue. After lunch there will be a tour of some of the city’s highlights including the Temple of Literature, site of Vietnam's first university, dating back to the 11th century. The temple is dedicated to one of the world's most famous scholars, Confucius. Inside the temple grounds huge stone stele rest on the backs of even larger stone turtles (in Vietnamese culture the turtle represents longevity). The stele recorded the names of the successful candidates who would later go on to become mandarins in the Emperor's court. We also visit The Ngoc Son Temple on Hoan Kiem Lake and the vibrant old quarter. The Old Quarter's bustling streets are home to hundreds of small thriving businesses, each street denoting the goods for sale there, such as Tin Street or Fish Street. One hour cyclo tour through the Old Quarter(Breakfast, Lunch)
Day 15: Hanoi – Sapa
AM: Ho Chi Minh Complex: Completed in 1975 the complex contains Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum, his former stilt-house residence, the Presidential Palace and the Ho Chi Minh Museum.
PM: Museum of Ethnology: This museum is widely acknowledged as the best in the country and has an extensive display dedicated to Vietnam's 54 Ethnic minority peoples. As well as the comprehensive array of exhibits inside, there are also traditional tribal houses reconstructed within the grounds. After dinner we will board Victoria train carriage to Sapa. Overnight on train (Breakfast, lunch Dinner)
Day 16: Sapa
Being in a region once known as the Tonkinese Alps by the French, this area is ideal for walks along some of the many mountain paths that afford some of the best scenery in Vietnam. We will walk down to the ethnic minority villages that are nestled in the valleys below Sapa and witness a lifestyle that has changed little over the last century. As lunchtime approaches we will find a shady spot by the river to stop and enjoy our picnic lunch. Making our way back out of the valleys we will walk to the road where we will rendezvous with our waiting vehicle returning us to the comfort of our hotel in Sapa. (Breakfast & Lunch)
Day 17: Sapa
The morning exercise for today involves the short climb up Ham Rong Mountain for a panoramic view of Sapa and its environs. Once we have descended we will then have free time to stroll down to Cat Cat Falls and the neighboring H’mong Village. The H’mong people originated from China, where they emigrated from about 300 years ago. They are easily recognizable due to their dark clothing, usually blue or black. The dye is fashioned from the indigo or hemp plant that is native to the area. H’mong women wear long aprons with embroidered waistcoats and have their hair rolled up into a turban-like hat, whilst the men wear a black skullcap, long waistcoat and loose trousers.
Afterwards, you may like to explore the busy Sapa market, always a rewarding experience where many other ethnic minorities congregate. The most easily identifiable tribe is the Dao (pronounced Zao). Dao women are particularly striking as they shave their hair and eyebrows and wear a large red turban often covered with old coins or jewelry. (Breakfast, Lunch)
Day 18: Sapa - Hanoi
We drive to Taphin village in The morning to Visit Dao People,
Free time in the afternoon until transfer for night train back Hanoi
(Breakfast, Lunch)
Day 19: Hanoi - Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay covers an area of 1,500 square km. With more than a thousand limestone peaks rising up from its crystalline emerald waters this area is rightly viewed as one of the natural wonders of Vietnam and is one of five World Heritage-listed sites.
This three-day itinerary gives us the chance to enjoy the bay from the luxury Jewel of the Bay. Here you can relax on the tanning deck, swim in the clear aqua blue waters and enjoy the best cuisine available in the bay. All the while you will be looked after by our dedicated and attentive crew. There is also the option of exploring some of the bay most secluded lagoons using our fleet of modern easy-to-maneuver kayaks for some unforgettable scenery only accessible by kayak.
We depart from the capital for Ha Long Bay approximately three hours away. En route we have a short stop at the Sao Do centre run for and by handicapped children. Upon arrival at Ha Long Bay (approx. midday) we will be met by the Customer Services Manager and transferred to our luxury junk, the Jewel of the Bay. Once we have settled in we can begin our cruise around majestic Ha Long Bay accompanied by a delicious lunch. After lunch we have the chance to explore some of the limestone caves dotted around the bay. Then our captain will find a secluded spot where we can swim in the clear water of the bay, soak up the sun on the top deck or try our hand at some kayaking.
After we have finished exploring for the day we retire to the junk. We can relax on the top deck using the sun-tanning area or enjoy a refreshing drink from the bar. In the evening our cook will prepare a splendid meal comprised of fresh seafood dishes as well as traditional Vietnamese fare as we weigh anchor in the heart of the bay. For those that are interested there is the opportunity to do a spot of night fishing from the boat. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 20: Ha Long Bay
Rising to the tranquil beauty of the bay we have time for an early morning dip followed by breakfast. This morning we continue to move around the bay to find more secluded areas. For those that wish to do some more kayaking you have the option of spending most of the morning with your kayaks and rendezvous with the junk for lunch. The kayaks are lightweight and easy to use and in keeping with our safety policies all participants will be issued with water buoyancy vests. The junk will act as a back up vessel following us at all times. In the afternoon we once again move around the bay at a leisurely pace stopping to view some more caves. As the sun begins to set why not relax in the Games room with a refreshing drink and gaze upon the natural splendor of the day. This evening, another tasty meal will be served on board.
Day 21: Ha Long Bay - Hanoi
This morning we continue to move around the bay to find more secluded areas to either swim or kayak in. At around midday we will return to the main harbor before transferring to our awaiting vehicle for a 3-hour journey back to Hanoi. We should be back in the capital at around 3pm. The rest of the the will be on your own relaxing, following a farewell dinner tonight. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 22: Hanoi – Home
Free until your driver and guide transfer to Noi Bai airport for your flight home. End of tour.
Grade: Moderate
Accommodation: Standard 4 star where available but can be upgraded in the major centers
Transport: Air-conditioned car or bus, train, boat, plane
Spending Money: You would need to allow for additional sightseeing, shopping and drinks. As a rough guide allow US$ 25 per day
Money Exchange: Ensure you have US dollars cash or US dollar travelers cheques before arriving. Most hotels are able to exchange US cash into local currency but travelers cheques need to be exchanged at a bank. At time of writing the exchange rate was 1 USD = 15,000 Vietnamese Dong (VND)
Fitness Requirements: There are no specific fitness requirements to participate. However please be aware that the trekking in Sapa is in a mountainous area. If in doubt please contact our office for details.
Laundry: Laundry facilities are available at the hotels for a nominal fee
Visas: Visas are required to enter Vietnam for all nationalities. Visas must be arranged before your travel and your travel agent can assist you.
Airport Departure Tax: International departure tax is US$ 14 and can also be paid in local currency.
Upon Request: Accommodation can be either upgraded or downgraded. Departure dates can be determined according to the wishes of the client. There is no minimum tour size requirement for this trip.
Recommend Bringing:
- Lightweight and quick dry clothing is most appropriate for the summer months and warmer clothing for the winter months
- Sun hat, swimming costume
- Travel Documents: passport, visa, Travel Insurance, air tickets
- Health requirements and travel insurance arranged
- Flashlight/Torch, alarm clock, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, personal first aid kit, personal toiletries.
- Money: Us dollars or travelers cheques and/or credit card.
- Raincoat or umbrella (winter months only)
- Cable lock or padlock for luggage
You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage; therefore it is in your own interest to pack as lightly as possible. We suggest you keep your luggage weight down to a maximum of 12 kg with a reasonable daypack for the treks and day tours. We also recommend strong walking shoes/boots for trekking and sandals or sports shoes for walking on beaches and daily use.
As you pass through immigration and customs at Tan Son Nhat International airport in Saigon you will be met by our guide and driver and transferred to your hotel.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Included:
- All transportation and transfers in air conditioned vehicles
- English speaking guide (other language guides available on request at additional cost)
- All accommodation based on twin share basis with daily breakfast
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Domestic Flights, Saigon – Nha Trang; Nha Trang – Danang; Hue - Hanoi
- Admission fees when on guided tours
Not Included:
- International Flights
- International departure tax
- Admission fees during free time
- Visas and visa fees
- Personal expenses such as shopping; telephone, laundry and bar bills etc.
- Tips and gratuities
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
Vietnam
Cultural Journey
Hiking & Trekking
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