Vietnam Explorer
15 Days package price for just £1,096 per person (single supplement £480)
For those who have around two weeks holiday this is an ideal tour to explore the diversity that Vietnam has to offer. From the ethnic minorities near the Chinese border in the north to the depths of the Mekong Delta in the south, this is your chance to experience the stunning scenery and culture of Vietnam in one package.
Mekong River scene
Day 1 & 2 - Hanoi arrival
Upon arrival in Hanoi you will be transferred to your 4* hotel in city centre. If time permits we will take a short orientation tour of Hanoi. In the evening enjoy welcome cocktails and dinner at one of Hanoi’s superb Vietnamese restaurants.
Next day we explore Hanoi’s charming French colonial boulevards, the ancient Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh mausoleum, the house on stilts and the museum. In the afternoon we visit the one more out of numerous museums in the city before exploring Hanoi by cyclo, driving through the lively Old Quarter; a series of 36 ancient streets where peddlers trade their wares as they have done for centuries. We then continue with a visit to Hanoi’s old house in Ma May Street and then enjoy a walking tour through Hang Be market, stop at the famed water puppet theatre for a performance. After dinner in a local restaurant we board our night train to Laocai.
Day 3 & 4 - Sapa
Travelling to Sapa, bordering with China in the far north, we experience the diversity of Vietnam minority people and stunning mountain scenery dotted with terraced paddies.
Here we spend two full days exploring the region, walking through friendly villages of H’mong, Red Dzao and the Zay people in a valley. We also see Sapa’s amazing market and travel to nearby Thac Bac Falls to absorb the wonderful mountain scenery or walk up the Dragon Mountain for a panorama of the town and a tribal music show. On day 5 we board the night train back to Hanoi.
Day 5 - Halong Bay
We arrive in Hanoi early in the morning. After morning refreshment and a tasty breakfast of “Pho” noodle soup, we journey east to Vietnam’s greatest natural wonder, Halong Bay. We shall spend the afternoon cruising the bay’s 3,000 magnificent limestone islets. We will spend overnight on board the deluxe junk in Halong Bay and if the weather is favourable we can enjoy a swim in the opal water.
Day 6 & 7 - Hanoi to Hoi An
This morning we continue cruising the Bay and get back to the shore around 11:30. We transfer straight to the airport for a flight to Danang on Vietnam’s central coast. We visit the city’s fascinating Cham Museum before visiting Marble Mountain and China Beach on our way to the quaint old merchant town of Hoi An.
The following morning is our chance to learn Vietnamese cooking at the Red Bridge restaurant. We experience walking cobblestone lanes, visiting markets, historic houses and temples in the afternoon. This will be followed by a boat cruise to see handicraft villages of Hoi An.
Day 8 & 9 - Hoi An to Hue
Travelling further south to My Son we visit the ruins of Cham Kingdoms capital from the 8th century. After lunch we drive north crossing Hai Van Pass to Hue, Vietnam’s former imperial capital.
The next day we travel by dragon boat along the serene Perfume River to visit Thien Mu Pagoda. We then tour the impressive tomb of former Emperor Tu Duc and the ruins of the former royal residence, the Hue Citadel.
Day 10 to 12 - Hue to Saigon
Today we leave Hue for a short flight to Saigon. We walk Saigon’s wide and historic boulevards, visiting famous landmarks such as the site of Hotel de Ville, Continental Hotel, Notre Dame de Saigon, Presidential Palace and lively Chinatown.
The next day we travel deep into the Mekong Delta, visiting Can Tho, the biggest city on Mekong, exploring intricate waterways, local farm houses and fruit orchards by sampan.
The following morning we visit Cai Rang floating market by boat before travelling further west to Chau Doc and walk up Sam Mountain for superb views over the delta and neighbouring Cambodia.
Day 13 & 14 - Saigon
After visiting the floating village and Cham village we return to Saigon.
The next day we travel to Tay Ninh to witness the bizarre Cao Dai Religion. We also explore the amazing Communist guerrilla tunnel system at Cu Chi famously used by the Vietcong during the Vietnam War.
Day 15 - Saigon departure
Today you will be transferred to airport for your flight home. End of itinerary.
15 Days package price for just £1,096 per person (Single Supplement £480)
Price includes:
- 4* hotel accommodation (on twin share basis)
- Meals: daily breakfast at hotel, 3 lunches and 3 dinners
- Sightseeing excursions with English speaking guides
- All road transportation in private air-con bus or minibus
- Entrance fees
- Domestic flights plus airport tax
- Boat trip as mentioned in sights
- Government tax and service charge
- Luggage handling and drinking water.
Price excludes:
- Visa fee ($25 available at airport)
- International flights
- Departure tax
- Personal expense such as laundry or drink during meals etc.
- Optional visits
- Travel insurance (can be arranged, please ask for details)
- Tips to guides and drivers
| Date (depart - return) |
|---|
| 13 - 27 Oct 2008 |
| 03 - 17 Nov 2008 |
| 01 - 15 Dec 2008 |
| 05 - 19 Jan 2009 |
| 19 Jan - 02 Feb 2009 |
| 09 - 23 Feb 2009 |
| 23 Feb - 09 Mar 2009 |
