Adventure Travel by Big Earth Adventure

Asia

The orient has always been a mysterious place which is loved by all who take the leap to visit. Asia is as diverse as you get, yet each country has a familiar feel to the next. The Thais have cornered the market with their cuisine, Vietnam has its Pagodas, Indonesia the wonderful people, Taiwan for its culture, Philippines for its white sand beaches, Malaysia for it's crazy markets, Hong Kong for its shopping. Every corner is a treat for your eyes.

HIGHLIGHTS OF VIETNAM

Trip code:

tri-vm

Trip length:

10 days

Group size:

Maximum 15

Transportation:

Air-conditioned vehicle and by air.

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.

Itinerary & Departure Dates

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.

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.

Meals

Daily breakfast and 1 lunch.

Departure Dates

29 January - 07 February
05 February - 14 February
12 February - 21 February
19 February - 28 February
26 February - 07 March
05 March - 14 March
12 March - 21 March
19 march - 28 March
26 March - 04 April
02 April - 11 April
09 APril - 18 April
23 April - 02 May
07 May - 16 May
14 May - 23 May
28 May - 06 June
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04 June - 13 June
18 June - 27 June
25 June - 04 July
02 July - 11 July
16 July - 25 July
23 July - 01 August
30 July - 08 August
06 August - 15 August
20 August - 29 August
27 August - 05 September
03 September - 12 September
10 September - 19 September
24 September - 03 October
01 October - 10 October
08 October - 17 October
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22 October - 31 October
29 October - 07 November
05 November - 14 November
12 November - 21 November
19 November - 28 November
26 November - 05 December
03 December - 12 December
10 December - 19 December
24 December - 02 January
31 December - 09 January
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Please contact us for a detailed trip dossier, free brochure, availability and prices.