Highlights of Vietnam

Enjoy the highlights of the beautiful country of Vietnam on a ten day trip that allows you to experience the many delights that the nation has to offer, from the bustling city of Ho Chi Minh to the laid back atmosphere around the Mekong Delta and the ancient trading port of Hoi An.

Day 1: Arrival into Hanoi (D)

You’ll be greeted at Hanoi airport and transferred to the hotel for check-in and tour briefing. If time permits, take an orientation walk and a chance to acclimatize ourselves. Enjoy a Vietnamese Welcome Dinner, an interesting introduction of Vietnam.
Day 2: Hanoi City Tour (B)

Embark on a full day tour to discover the charming city of Hanoi, starting from the complex of memorials to Ho Chi Minh. Continue to the Single Pillar Pagoda and the Temple of Literature to gain understanding of two of the driving forces in Vietnam culture. Visit the museum of Ethnology which exhibits a large collection of artifacts from the 54 ethnic groups in the country. Ride a rickshaw to explore the lively Old Quarter, a series of 36 ancient streets where peddlers trade their wares the way they have done for centuries. Conclude a wonderful day with the famed water puppet theatre.
Day 3: Hanoi to Halong (B, L, D)

We journey east through the rich farmland of the Red River Delta to Halong Bay – a natural wonder of Vietnam. Explore this extraordinary piece of Vietnam from the comfort of traditionally styled junk. We can challenge ourselves with kayaking, swimming, and even fishing. Stay overnight aboard.
Day 4: Halong Bay to Hue (B, L)

Wake up to fresh coffee whilst cruising on to other spectacles of the bay that invite comparisons from fighting cocks to mystical dragons! After lunch we disembark and return to Hanoi for a flight to Hue, the former capital city. Upon arrival you’ll be met and escorted to the hotel.
Day 5: Hue City Tour (B, D)

Take a morning cruise on the serene Perfume River to Thien Mu and explore this highly revered pagoda. Continue to the former Imperial Citadel and take full advantage of this World Heritage Site. Afternoon, visit a typical Hue garden house typical, the impressive tomb of former Emperor Tu Duc, and a village that crafts traditional conical hats. For a joyful day to be complete, sample Hue’s distinctive cuisine and folk music.
Day 6: Hue to Hoian (B, L)

Depart Hue and travel southwards to Hoian with stops atop the breathtaking Pass of Ocean Clouds and at the fascinating Cham Museum. In Hoian, walk to explore the charming and wonderfully preserved ancient quarter that retains Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese and European influences from its old glory being a major seaport in Southeast Asia. In addition to the historic architectures, the ancient quarter offers excellent shopping opportunities.
Day 7: Hoian to Saigon (B, L)

Bid farewell to Hoian and drive to Danang to catch a morning flight to Saigon, the largest city in Vietnam. Sample a lunch in local style, a bowl of Pho noodle soup. Afternoon time will be for the most outstanding sights in the very centre of Saigon, including the Reunification Palace, the Notre Dame Cathedral, the French Post Office, the City Hall, colonial Dong Khoi Boulevard, Ben Thanh Market, etc…
Day 8: Caodai Temple & Cu Chi Tunnels (B)

We drive west to Tay Ninh to see the fussy temple and watch the noon services of Caodai. Combining aspects of Christian, Buddhism, Muslim, Taoism and Confucius into a single religion, Caodai is a fascinating Vietnamese religion. Continue to Cu Chi and explore the amazing tunnel system built by guerillas during the Vietnam War. Known as the “Iron Triangle” during the war of the 60’s, the story of Cu Chi is one of struggle, determination against all odds, and eventual victory. At the end of the day we return to Saigon for the night.
Day 9: Mekong Delta (B, L)

Leave the hustle and bustle of Saigon behind and travel into Mekong Delta, a world that lives and works on the waters. Visit an insular village with family workshops, exuberant orchard, ox carts, bee farms, and folk music by amateurs. Row a local sampan through the small canals and side arms of the river to further experience river life. Sample delta specialties for lunch and relax by the river. Later, return to Saigon for the evening.
Day 10: Departure from Saigon (B)

Today you will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight