Classic option from £1865* PP
Trip code: TVI-C-22 |
Group size: Max 16, Avg 12
START Hanoi, Halong Bay Overnight Cruise, Mai Chau, Ninh Binh, Vinh, Dong Hoi, Hue, Hoi An, Central Highlands, Dalat, Cu Chi Tunnels, Mekong Delta, Saigon FINISH
Make the time to delve deeper into Vietnam and get off the beaten path to reveal the hidden treasures of this beguiling destination. Unforgettable holiday moments happen where and when you least expect them. This journey explores highlights such as antique Hanoi, energetic Saigon and charming Hoi An, but also ventures into lesser-visited areas such as the demilitarized zone and the Ho Chi Minh trail through the remote Central Highlands.
Availability
01865 268 940
2013
DAYS 1-4: HANOI & HALONG BAY
On arrival in Hanoi, transfer to your hotel. Learn about Ho Chi Minh, at his former home and mausoleum, and then retreat to the ancient Temple of Literature and fascinating ‘Hanoi Hilton’ prison. Relax on the picturesque drive to enchanting Halong Bay. Enjoy the freshest seafood while you cruise amongst the thousands of limestone islands, sleeping onboard as you float on the moonlit bay. On your return to Hanoi, an entertaining water puppet performance awaits.
Hotels: Church Boutique Hotel, Overnight boat
DAYS 5-7: MAI CHAU, NINH BINH & VINH
On a scenic drive to the mountains west of Hanoi, stop at the informative Ho Chi Minh Trail and Ethnology Museums. In the beautiful upland valley of Mai Chau, a home-stay in a Tai family house gives an insight into daily life here. With dramatic karst mountains, the landscapes around Ninh Binh are renowned for their timeless beauty. A plush stay at the Emeralda soothes the soul, before you venture into the region’s caves and waterways by boat, then travel along the Ho Chi Minh Trail to Vinh.
Hotels: Home-stay, Emeralda Ninh Binh, Saigon Kim Lien
DAYS 8-10: DONG HOI & HUE
Discover Hoang Tru, the birthplace of Ho Chi Minh, and then spend an indulgent night at a luxurious beachside resort in Dong Hoi. A glimpse into life here during the war, cross the demilitarized zone which separated north from south and visit the Vinh Moc Tunnels. Explore the historic sites of the former imperial capital, Hue, including the Citadel, an elaborate emperors’ tomb and the Thien Mu Pagoda. Join the deaf and mute workers at the Spiral Foundation and make your own souvenir.
Hotels: Sunspa Resort, Huong Giang
DAYS 11-12: HOI AN
Charming Hoi An is reached by a spectacular drive, stopping at the famous Cham Museum in Danang and witnessing sacred Marble Mountain along the way. A walk immerses you in the charming streets of Hoi An, where you discover traditional houses and temples and the iconic Japanese Bridge. Enjoy a market tour with the kids from the Streets Foundation, before a day at leisure, perhaps stopping by one of the many master tailors in the region.
Hotel: Ancient House River
DAYS 13-15: PLEIKU, KONTUM & BUON MA THUOT
A dazzling drive through terraced rice paddies and cotton, rubber and cassava plantations leads to the remote Central Highlands, revealing verdant tea and coffee plantations, glimmering waterfalls and colourful minority villages as you experience local life in a region rarely visited by tourists.
Hotels: Indochine Hotel, Hoang Anh Gia Lai, Dakruco Hotel
DAYS 16-17: DALAT
In the former French hill station of Dalat, delight in the sweeping mountain vistas during a cable car ride, admire the faded Art Deco charm of the last emperor’s summer residence and rummage through the town’s vibrant market.
Hotel: Saigon Dalat Hotel
DAYS 18-22: SAIGON & MEKONG DELTA
Wonder at the energy of Saigon as you walk amongst the excitement along historic Dong Khoi Street, the former Rue Catinat, and learn about Vietnam’s fascinating recent history at the Reunification Palace and War Remnants Museum. Uncover the resilience of the Vietnamese people at the incredible Cu Chi tunnels. In the fertile Mekong Delta, meander along the canals and shady lanes visiting local farmers to learn about their way of life. You may wish to watch the sun setting over the promenade, before an early morning cruise to the floating markets the next day. Return to Saigon. On your last day, enjoy free time until your departure transfer.
Hotel: Lavender Hotel, Golf Can Tho Hotel
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