Vietnam Impressions

TOUR ITINERARY

DAY 1: AUSTRALIA TO HANOI

Fly with Vietnam Airlines to Hanoi for a three night stay.

DAY 2: HANOI

Tour the city this morning, visiting Ho Chi Minh Complex, where you will see Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum (closed Sep-Dec), Humble House on Stilts and One Pillar Pagoda. Drive to the serene Temple of Literature and later enjoy a walking tour of the bustling Old Quarter. This evening you will watch a performance of the famous Water Puppets, which have a history dating back thousands of years.

DAY 3: HANOI – HALONG BAY

Early this morning you will travel to the ‘Jewel in the Crown of Vietnam’, Halong Bay. Board a junk boat for a relaxing cruise through the emerald waters and around the limestone islets of the Gulf of Tonkin. Enjoy the spectacular scenery as you have lunch on board. After your cruise you will travel back to Hanoi.

DAY 4: HANOI TO HOI AN

Fly to Danang this morning. Upon arrival transfer to the UNESCO World Heritage listed town of Hoi An, stopping at Marble Mountains en route. This evening partake in a cooking class where you can taste your own dishes for dinner.

DAY 5: HOI AN

Tour the charming town of Hoi An on foot, visiting an old merchant’s home, the Japanese Covered Bridge, Hoi An Market and a local Chinese temple. This afternoon is free at your leisure to soak up the atmosphere of Hoi An at one of the many cafés along the Thu Bon River.

DAY 6: HOI AN TO SAIGON

This morning you will fly to the cosmopolitan city of Saigon. Upon arrival you will explore the city with a visit to the French-style Central Post Office and the Notre Dame Cathedral. Learn about the American War in Vietnam with a visit to the Reunification Palace and the emotional War Remnants Museum. End the day at the lively Ben Thanh Market where you can enjoy some shopping.

DAY 7: SAIGON – CU CHI & TAY NINH

Explore the amazing network of the Cu Chi Tunnels led by a War Veteran who lived in the tunnels for years during the American War in Vietnam. The tunnels were used by the Viet Cong guerrillas for concealment, food and weapon storage as well as living quarters. You can even crawl through the tunnels if you are feeling brave! Later, travel to Tay Ninh to experience the midday service at the colourful head temple of the unique Cao Dai religion.

DAY 8: MEKONG DELTA – DEPART SAIGON

This morning travel to Ben Tre in the Mekong Delta. Life in the Mekong Delta mainly revolves around the river and many of the villages are only accessible by the canals. Explore the river by boat, passing stilt houses and fish farms. Paddle through palm-lined canals in sampans and walk through villages, where you can sample local tea and coconut candy. Return to Saigon this afternoon where you will be transferred to Saigon airport to board your overnight flight to Australia.

DAY 9: ARRIVE AUSTRALIA

Arrive home today.

Tour reviews

Wendy Wu Tours Review:

We returned to Australia last Sunday morning 9th December, 2012, having travelled to Vietnam on a Wendy Wu 9 Day Impressions Tour.

Our National Escort was a young man by the name of Pham Quoc Cuong (John). John is the reason for our email.

This young man is an outstanding representative of your organisation!

His professionalism, punctuality, people skills & attention to detail were absolutely first rate from the moment he met us on day one of our holiday, during every single stage of our trip & up until he saw us safely & punctually delivered to the airport for our flight back to Australia.

John took care of every single detail & logistic of our trip with pin point precision. He was able to answer every single question asked of him. He took care of every need of a vastly different group of people from four other countries, including a medical emergency & ongoing special needs of one of our group & did so with a smile on his face.  His local knowledge is outstanding, from the smallest facts about his homeland, to the largest & most sensitive issues of past & present times. This fine young man carries out every aspect of his job in such a way that our holiday was just that, a holiday.

He so impressed us that we would like to let yourselves know what an asset you have in Pham Quoc Cuong (John). 

Mr and Mrs McAlpine, Western Australia - December 2012

Price guide

Important Note: Prices include Vietnam Airlines Fuel surcharges and Tipping of $365 (correct as at Mar 2013 and subject to change). Please note the Tipping amount of USD58 is payable on arrival in Vietnam.