Vietnam has become one of the most popular holiday destinations in Asia. It is a land of many images: lush paddy fields, colourful people, vast stretches of undisturbed white sandy beaches, munuments from the Vietnam War, Ho Chi Minh and the French occupation. It stretches almost 2400 lm. from the Mekong Delta up to the highlands bordering China, covering a wide range of climates, countryside and ethnic groups. Our trip goes along the east coast from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. Along the way we enjoy a cruise in Halong Bay, discover vibrant river life in a boat along the Mekong Delta and explore the ancient sea port of Hoian.
Tour Highlights
♦ Hanoi - wander through the bustling narrow streets of the Old Quarter lined with shop-houses
♦ Halong Bay - cruise through one of the most breathtaking limestone landscapes in South East Asia
♦ Hoian - charming ancient merchants' town on the banks of the Thu Bon River
♦ Ho Chi Minh City - learn about the resourcefulness of the Viet Cong at the Cu Chi Tunnels
♦ Mekong delta and In Bihn Island
Itinerary:
Day 1. Arrive Hanoi
Arrival at Noi Bai international airport and transfer to your hotel for overnight
Day 2. Hanoi
A sightseeing tour to Ho Chi Minh Complex, which includes the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum - the final resting place of the beloved national hero, Uncle Ho - and President Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house where he lived off and on from 1958 to 1969. Enjoy the architectural and a historical aspect of Uncle Ho’s final resting-palace lying to one side of the Mausoleum is the One Pillar Pagoda, built by King Ly Thai To in 1049 the structure has become an important symbol for the people of Hanoi. We continue to Temple of literature, which was Viet Nam’s first university and is dedicated to Confucius. We end the city tour with a trip to Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son temple. B/L/-
Day 3. Hanoi - Halong Bay
Early departure for Ha Long city, Lunch be served while cruising among wonderful limestone islands…We visit Sung Sot Cave and Luon Cave area for kayaking and swimming, hiking on Titop island if the time permited. Overnight on boat. B/L/D
Dag 4. Halong - Hanoi - Hue
We spend some more time in Halong Bay, before driving back to Hanoi in the afternoon. Transfer to the train station where we board the night train (soft sleeper) to Hue. B/L/-
Dag 5. Hue
Pick up from the train station. Visit Imperial city which was built by the Nguyen dynasty, Vietnam's ruling emperors from the early 1800s to 1945 and cruise on the Perfume River to the seven storied Thien Mu Pagoda. Overnight in Hue. B/-/-
Dag 6. Hue - Hoian over Hai Van Pass
This morning we head south passing the spectacular Hai Van pass and Marble Mountains before we reach the UNESCO World Heritage town of Hoian. Walking sightseeing tour in the afternoon: Visit Chinese community’s assembly halls, Japanese bridge, Tan Ky House and Hoian textile factory. B/-/-
Day 7. Hoian - Saigon
Free time to explore Hoi An. Transfer to the airport in Danang for domestic flight to Saigon. Meet upon arrival in Saigon, transfer to your hotel for overnight. B/-/-
Day 8. Ho Chi Minh - Cu Chi Tunnels
Today, we visit Cu Chi Tunnels, an underground network of tunnels constructed by Vietnamese fighters during the struggle for independence. The tunnels contained hospitals, accommodation, etc. and were used as a military base for the Vietcong during the American war. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh. B/-/-
Day 9. Ho Chi Minh - Mekong delta and An Bihn Island
Depart for Cai Be. Visit Cao Dai temple on the way. “Cao Dai is a monastic religion that was formally established in Vietnam in 1926. It is a combination of many religions and beliefs, including Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Vietnamese spiritualism, Christianity, and Islam. The term "Cao Dai" literally means "a high place." Its practitioners believe in the dogma do not kill, live honestly, sociable, do good and avoid evil, help around, praying, worshiping ancestor” On arrival in Cai Be, set off by motor boat to visit the Cai Be floating market and watch the locals trading fruit and many other commodities on board their vessels. Keep cruising to An Binh Island through a series of small canals to experience the charms of the Upper Mekong Delta. Visit a small family business to see how coconut candy and crispy rice popcorn are made. Enjoy a lunch of fresh river food with local family. Take a rowing boat ride along the creeks. After check in take a walk through the fruit plantation and the village. In the evening join your cooking class. Enjoy the foods of your labour and enjoy dinner. Overnight:: Homestay (An Binh Island) B/L/D
Day 10. An Binh island - Saigon
Cycling tour around the island. Take the boat to Vinh Long. Transfer by car back to Saigon B/-/-
Day 11. Departure
Transfer to airport for departure. B/-/-
Visa requirements: Citizens of Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom do not need a Vietnamese visa for a stay shorter than 15 days, and can enter Vietnam with passports with at least six months validity remaining beyond the date of their arrival. All other nationalities need a Vietnamese visa to enter the country, and need to apply for one prior to their departure for Vietnam.
Best time to travel:
North: Hanoi and North Vietnam has a distinct winter and summer season. The cool but mostly dry winter lasts from November to April
South: With temperatures remaining constant year round the climate of the south is split into two simple seasons, wet and dry. The dry season begins in November and ends in April/early May
Price Includes:
9 nights at standart hotels and one night home stay
rooms with private facilities and breakfast
2 dinners on days 3 and 9; 3 lunches on days 2,3 and 9
all transport (ground and water) incl. train tickets to Hue according itinerary and entrance fees
tours as per program - some are private and some are join-in; cycling tour on An Binh island
English speaking local guide
Not Included:
international flight tickets
domestic flight tickets to Danang and Ho Chi Minh City (ca. 80 EUR per person/ticket per 2021)
insurance
tips and personal expenses
drinks and meals not mentioned in the program
visa
Gallery
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No special experience is needed; everyone who is in condition to cope with long Saturday walks in the forest can also cope with these tours. As a rule, the trips are short and at a low altitude. Often, it is your choice to join or skip a day-tour. The routes follow a hilly terrain without steep ascents and descents. Normally we walk 3/5h a day.
No special experience is needed; everyone who is in condition to cope with long Saturday walks in the forest can also cope with these tours. As a rule, the trips are short and at a low altitude. Often, it is your choice to join or skip a day-tour. The routes follow a hilly terrain without steep ascents and descents. Normally we walk 3/5h a day.
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