Trip Overview
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) - Cu Chi Tunnels - Mekong Delta - Hue - China
Beach - Hoi An - Hanoi - Halong Bay
We have designed this journey for people keen to experience the diversity
of Vietnam but with limited time to spare. We take in Vietnam’s
two key cities as well as the historical and cultural depth of Hoi
An and Hue in central Vietnam and, finally, Halong Bay. The superior
option also provides an opportunity to experience some of Vietnam’s
beautiful colonial hotels. If you have a little more time why not
combine this tour with our Temples of Angkor tour in Cambodia beforehand
or with our North Unveiled tour afterwards.
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.
| Day 1 - Saigon.
Arrive in saigon and transfer to your hotel located in the heart
of the city. Tonight, enjoy a welcome drink with your tour leader
and get to know your group during your tour briefing.
Days 2 & 3 - Saigon, Mekong Delta & Cu Chi. We explore
the boulevards of saigon, passing famous sites including the
former president’s palace, notre dame cathedral, the saigon
river and dong khoi street before continuing to bustling chinatown.
We travel to the remarkable cu chi tunnels, a network of tunnels
three levels deep stretching over 200km that were used by communist
guerrillas during the vietnam war. We conclude our discovery
of the south with a trip to the lush scenery and intricate waterways
of the mekong delta. Sample tropical fruit, visit local farmhouses
and travel by sampan through the narrow canals of the delta.
Day 4 - Hue. We fly to hue, vietnam’s former imperial
capital and a charming town set on the perfume river. We travel
along the river to the 16th century thien mu pagoda and then
see remnants of hue’s royal past at the imposing former
residence, the citadel, and at the impressive tomb of emperor
Tu Duc.
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Day 5 & 6 - Hoi An & China
Beach. We drive over the spectacular hai van pass, past stunning
rural and coastal scenery, to the town of danang, visiting the
cham museum with its unique, hindu style sculptures. We drive
the short distance south to famous china beach and then to the
enchanting town of hoi an, a port town since the middle ages.
We walk hoi an’s narrow lanes, visit 300-year-old houses,
see the traditional market, enjoy a cruise on the thu bon river
through tranquil rural scenery and soak up the quaint atmosphere.
Days 7 to 10 - Hanoi & Halong Bay. Flying north, we arrive
in hanoi, vietnam’s present-day capital and one of asia’s
most attractive and interesting cities. We enjoy a cyclo ride,
explore the fascinating old quarter, stroll along the beautiful
boulevards and see the infamous ‘hanoi hilton’ prison.
We spend a day cruising the world heritage listed halong bay –
a natural wonder with thousands of islands creating a unique and
beautiful landscape. Finally, we return to hanoi to visit the
ho chi minh quarter and the temple of literature. We will also
witness a performance of the unique art of water puppetry and
finish the tour with a celebration at one of hanoi’s great
local restaurants. On day 10, your journey ends with your airport
transfer.
See below for 2005 departure dates. |
Accommodations
Clean comfortable hotels with distinctive local character.
MealsDaily breakfast and 1 lunch.
Departure Dates
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