Vietnam Grand Adventure

22 or 27 days Days Vietnam

TRI-GA

Sapa - Hanoi - Halong Bay - Mai Chau - Reunification Express - The DMZ - Hue - China Beach - Hoi An - My Lai - Nha Trang - Dalat - Cu Chi Tunnels - Mekong Delta - Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

This is our most comprehensive Vietnam journey. From the ethnic minorities near the Chinese border in the north to the depths of the Mekong Delta in the south and everything in between, this trip has it all. An amazing journey combining remote areas, minority villages as well as the country’s popular highlights. Roads are bumpy and some of the remote accommodation is basic – this is Vietnam in all its diversity.

These small group journeys for people who share our passion for the total experience of travelling in Asia - the cuisine, the natural beauty, the history, culture and people. Our small group travel is different from the rest ... we don't cut corners. One of the most striking features of the travellers on these trips is their diversity. They span all ages, they come from all over the world and they bring with them a vast and interesting variety of interests and backgrounds. They all share a love of Asia.

Suitable for travellers with above average levels of fitness and mobility and a keen sense of adventure. Some basic accommodation (3 nights) in remote areas, plenty of walking and some long road & rail travel. The Reunification Express involves basic overnight rail travel.

Available dates:

Mar 8 - Mar 29, 2006 Mar 22 - Apr 12, 2006 Apr 5 - Apr 26, 2006 Apr 19 - May 10, 2006 May 10 - May 31, 2006 Jun 7 - June 28, 2006 Jun 21 - Jul 12, 2006 Jul 5 - Jul 26, 2006 Jul 19 - Aug 9, 2006 Aug 9 - Aug 30, 2006 Aug 23 - Sep 13 2006 Sep 6 - Sep 27, 2006 Sep 20 - Oct 11, 2006 Oct 4 - Oct 25, 2006 Oct 18 - Nov 8, 2006 Nov 1 - Nov 22, 2006 Nov 15 - Dec 6, 2006 Nov 29 - Dec 20, 2006 Dec 13 - Jan 3, 2007 Dec 27 - Jan 17, 2007

Costs

From $3065.00 USD / $3550.00 CAD
Single Supplement available

No Local Payment

Itinerary

Download Detailed Trip Dossier (DOC - 748KB)

Days 1 - 6: (Optional) - Sapa Hilltribe Adventure. After a day in Hanoi to relax we travel by overnight train to Lao Cai and on to Sapa, bordering with China in the far north, and experience the diversity of Vietnam’s ethnic minority people and stunning mountain scenery. We spend two full days exploring the region, walking through friendly villages of the Thai, Hmong and Red Dzao people. We see Sapa and Bac Ha’s amazing markets and travel to nearby Thac Bac Falls and absorb the wonderful mountain landscape. Return to Hanoi by overnight train on Day 5 arriving early the following morning. Check in to your hotel and spend the day relaxing or exploring Hanoi at your leisure before meeting the rest of your group that evening. Note ~ The Sapa Hilltribe Adventure includes some basic accommodation and long overnight rail travel. This option is for the fit and adventurous!

Days 7 - 8: Halong Bay. We travel to Halong Bay and board our boat for a journey through the 3000 limestone islands dotted with caves and grottoes. As we have the boat to ourselves there is time for exploring the bay at a leisurely pace, for swimming and relaxing and experiencing the magic of falling asleep on board a boat in this beautiful part of the world. The following day we return to the mainland and head back to Hanoi.

Day 9: Hanoi. In Hanoi, we experience the rich cultural and artistic traditions of Vietnam’s capital. We explore the Old Quarter, visit Ho Chi Minh’s former residence and mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda and the Temple of Literature, then stop by the infamous “Hanoi Hilton” prison. See a unique performance of water puppetry, a traditional art form dating back to the 11th century and have some free time to explore Hanoi at your own pace

Days 10 - 12: Hilltribe Villages & Hanoi. We start with a visit to the excellent Ethnology Museum and then, travelling west from Hanoi, we reach the remote mountains around Mai Chau and enjoy the traditional hospitality of the Muong and White Tai minority people, staying overnight in a village. The following day see the stunning mountain scenery of Mai Chau, visit villages and absorb Vietnam’s rural lifestyle. Returning to Hanoi, we relax with a free day to explore Hanoi on your own before boarding the overnight Reunification Express train to the former DMZ.

Days 13 - 14: The DMZ & Hue. Disembarking at Dong Ha, we travel through the former border of north and south Vietnam, some of the most hotly contested territory in the history of warfare, visiting the former airbase at Khe Sanh near the Laos border, the Vinh Moc tunnels and Ben Hai bridge. In Hue we take a boat ride along the serene Perfume River to the city’s oldest and most revered pagoda – Thien Mu. We also visit the former emperors’ tombs and the impressive ruins of the moated Citadel.

Days 15 - 16: China Beach & Hoi An. Travelling across spectacular Hai Van Pass, we arrive in Danang and visit the fascinating Cham Museum before travelling further south to the famous China Beach and the temples and caves of Marble Mountains. Arriving in Hoi An, we take time to relax and explore the delightful narrow streets, unique architecture and sample the special local cuisine.
We also travel to the ancient Cham ruins at My Son, now listed as a World Heritage site.

Days 17 - 18: Nha Trang. Travelling by day-time train through lush rice fields and past spectacular coastal scenery, we arrive in Nha Trang. Spend a day cruising amongst tropical islands through turquoise waters, enjoying swimming, snorkelling and seafood, with time to relax or explore the town

Days 19 - 21: Dalat. Leaving Nha Trang, we ascend Ngoan Muc Pass to the central highlands and Dalat, a quaint hillstation surrounded by pine forests and French villas. We see Vietnam’s most colourful market, meet some unusual local artists and cycle or walk to the picturesque lake. There is free time to enjoy the refreshing climate and atmosphere of the area and on Day 16 we drive to Saigon.

Days 22 & 23: Saigon & Cu Chi. We walk through the bustling streets of Saigon, visiting the markets, pagodas, museums and landmarks such as the former Presidential Palace and Chinatown. We also explore the amazing Communist guerrilla tunnel system at Cu Chi.

Days 24 - 27: Mekong Delta Adventure. We travel deep into the Mekong Delta, exploring the narrow waterways by boat, visiting floating markets, local farmhouses and fruit orchards en route. We stroll through the colourful streets of Can Tho and Chau Doc and walk up Sam Mountain for superb views over the Delta and neighbouring Cambodia before returning to Saigon. On our last night we sample Saigon’s superb cuisine and bid farewell to our fellow travellers. On Day 22, your journey ends with your airport transfer.