Asia

Day 1 - Saigon. Arrive Saigon and transfer to your centrally located hotel. This evening get to know your tour leader during your tour briefing and welcome drinks.

Days 2, 3 & 4 - Saigon, Cu Chi & Mekong Delta. We wander Saigon’s wide and historic boulevards, visiting famous landmarks such as Dong Khoi Street (formerly Rue Catinat), Hotel de Ville, the former Presidential Palace and the lively Chinatown district ~ Cholon. Take a special boat trip along the Saigon River to Cu Chi to visit the amazing tunnel system used by Communist guerrillas during the Vietnam War, stopping at the riverside pottery and ceramics village of Binh Duong along the way. We then head south to the Mekong Delta, where we walk amongst lush fruit orchards and take a boat through the intricate waterways of the Mekong River system.

Days 5, 6 & 7 - Dalat & Nha Trang. A short flight takes us to the cool climate of the former French hill station of Dalat in the central highlands. Dalat was a favoured retreat for the colonial elite and its natural setting makes it a welcome respite from the frenetic pace of Saigon. From Dalat, we travel across the impressive Ngoan Muc Pass, through remnants of the ancient Champa Kingdom, to the picturesque coastal town of Nha Trang. We cruise through the turquoise waters and islands off Nha Trang, enjoying great swimming, snorkelling and seafood.

Days 8, 9 & 10 - Hoi An & Hue. Flying to Danang on Vietnam’s central coast, we travel the short distance south to the beautiful Cham Museum, famous China Beach and the Marble Mountains. It’s then on to the quaint merchant town of Hoi An, where we walk ancient and narrow lanes visiting markets, historic houses and temples. In the evening, try your hand at Vietnamese cooking in a friend’s restaurant. There is time for a boat trip along the Thu Bon River to appreciate the tranquil scenery and time to relax and soak up the atmosphere of this laid back town. From Hoi An we travel north across the spectacular Hai Van Pass to the former imperial city of Hue. There we visit the emperors’ tombs, explore the moated ruins of the Citadel and travel by boat on the Perfume River to Hue’s oldest and most revered pagoda, Thien Mu

Days 11 to 14 - Ha Noi & Ha Long Bay. Today we fly to Hanoi. Vietnam’s capital and cultural centre is a stylish and gracious city that retains a unique old world charm and some of Asia’s most striking colonial architecture. We arrive in time to see a performance of Hanoi’s famous water puppets. We take a day to travel to Halong Bay and experience one of Vietnam’s most spectacular landscapes, cruising amongst the thousands of limestone islands in the bay made famous in the film Indochine.

We start our exploration of Hanoi itself with a morning walk along some of the beautiful tree lined boulevards. We visit the Ho Chi Minh quarter and the simple wooden house from which he ruled as Vietnam’s President. We also visit the ancient Temple of Literature, the infamous Hanoi Hilton and finally a cyclo tour through the lively Old Quarter. The rest of the day is free to relax, go shopping or explore the city further. Finally we gather to bid Vietnam and your fellow travellers farewell over dinner. On Day 14, your journey ends with your airport transfer.


See below for 2005 departure dates.