Vietnam Discovery

14 days Days Vietnam

TRI-VT

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) - Cu Chi Tunnels - Mekong Delta - Dalat - Nha Trang - Hoi An - China Beach - Hue - Hanoi - Halong Bay

Experience the incredible diversity of Vietnam from the orchards of the Mekong Delta to the tropical beaches of Nha Trang, from bustling Saigon and Hanoi to the enchanting port town of Hoi An and finally the majesty of Halong Bay. Our popular “Discovery” covers most of Vietnam’s attractions in only two weeks by flying between major points of interest. Our superior option features some of the most historic hotels in Vietnam.

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.

Available dates:

Mar - Mar 18, 2006 Mar 12 - Mar 25, 2006 Mar 19 - Apr 1, 2006 Apr 2 - Apr 15, 2006 Apr 9 - Apr 22, 2006 Apr 16 - Apr 29, 2006 Apr 23 - May 6, 2006 Apr 30 - May 13, 2006 May 7 - May 20, 2006 May 14 - May 27, 2006 May 21 - Jun 3, 2006 May 28 - Jun 10, 2006 Jun 4 - Jun 17, 2006 Jun 11 - Jun 24, 2006 Jun 18 - Jul 1, 2006 Jun 25 - Jul 8, 2006 Jul 2 - Jul 15, 2006 Jul 9 - Jul 22, 2006 Jul 16 - Jul 29, 2006 Jul 23 - Aug 5, 2006 Jul 30 - Aug 12, 2006 Aug 6 - Aug 19, 2006 Aug 13 - Aug 26, 2006 Aug 20 - Sep 2, 2006 Aug 27 - Sep 9, 2006 Sep 3 - Sep 16, 2006 Sep 10 - Sep 23, 2006 Sep 17 - Sep 30, 2006 Sep 24 - Oct 7, 2006 Oct 1 - Oct 14, 2006 Oct 8 - Oct 21, 2006 Oct 22 - Nov 4, 2006 Oct 29 - Nov 11, 2006 Nov 12 - Nov 25, 2006 Nov 19 - Dec 2, 2006 Dec 3 - Dec 16, 2006 Dec 10 - Dec 23, 2006 Dec 17 - Dec 30, 2006 Dec 24 - Jan 6, 2006 Dec 31 - Jan 13, 2007

Costs

From $1700.00 USD / $1970.00 CAD
Single Supplement available

No Local Payment

Itinerary

Download Detailed Trip Dossier (DOC - 748KB)

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 - 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 - 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 - 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- 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 and the following day 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 with its mausoleum, museum 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 enjoy a cyclo tour through the lively Old Quarter. 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. Finally gather to bid Vietnam and your fellow travellers farewell over dinner. On day 14, your journey ends with your airport transfer.