Vietnam Highlights

This is our most comprehensive tour to Vietnam. The itinerary spans the length of the country visiting most of the sites and attractions along the way, with the added bonus of overnighting on a Junk boat in Halong Bay, Vietnam’s ‘Jewel in the Crown’. At the end of the tour there is the option to visit the hill tribes region around Sapa.

TOUR ITINERARY

Day 1: Australia to Saigon

Depart Australia and fly to Saigon with Vietnam Airlines. Upon arrival we will be met by our Vietnamese National Escort and transferred to our hotel.

Day 2: Saigon

Begin sightseeing around Vietnam’s largest and busiest city by visiting the former Presidential Palace, War Remnants Museum, the imposing Notre Dame Cathedral built between 1886-1890 and the French style central Post Office. Also visit Cholon the Chinatown of Saigon where we see the huge Binh Tay wholesale market and the beautiful Thien Hau Pagoda dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea. After stopping at Ben Thanh Markets for some shopping the remainder of the day is at leisure.

Days 3-4: Saigon to Mekong Delta (home stay in Vinh Long)

Over the next two days explore the Mekong Delta first hand. Visit a family run coconut candy factory and the Cai Be floating market. Travelling by various types of boats in and around the Vinh Long province we stop at local farmer’s houses to enjoy authentic Vietnamese hospitality. This includes a local music show and a visit to a fruit plantation where we can sample the many varieties grown in the Mekong Delta. Travel by boat to visit various traditional businesses in Vinh Long. Our overnight stop is a local farmer’s house. In the evening, participate in cooking the evening meal. The next morning continue exploring the area before returning to Saigon.

Day 5: Saigon - Cu Chi Tunnels

Today we have an in depth look at the determination and ingenuity of the Vietnamese when we explore the famous Cu Chi tunnels. Continue to Tay Ninh to experience the midday service at the head temple of the unique Cao Dai religion.

Day 6: Saigon to Nha Trang

This morning board our Vietnam Airlines flight to Nha Trang, the capital of Khanh Hoa Province. The afternoon is free to stroll along the beach of this seaside city.

Day 7: Nha Trang

Spend an enjoyable day cruising around the islands off Nha Trang visiting the Tri Nguyen Aquarium, Tam Island and a local fishing village. There will be a chance to cool off with a swim in the waters of the South China Sea.

Day 8: Nha Trang to Hoi An via Danang

Today board our early morning Vietnam Airlines flight to Danang and transfer to the UNESCO listed town of Hoi An via Marble Mountains and China Beach. A former merchant trading port, Hoi An is a mixture of Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese and French architecture and is a real treasure of Vietnam.

Days 9-10: Hoi An

This morning undertake a walking tour of the old centre of Hoi An. Visit an old merchant home still lived in by descendents of the original merchant, the Japanese Bridge, Hoi An market, a local Chinese pagoda and assembly hall. The following day visit the Cham ruins at My Son.

Day 11: Hoi An to Hue

Leaving Hoi An we drive over Hai Van Pass to arrive at Hue. Hue was Vietnam’s ‘Imperial Capital’, the former home to the Nguyen Dynasty that ruled over the country from 1802 until the last emperor abdicated in 1945. To this end, a visit to Hue wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Imperial Citadel which was modelled on the Forbidden City in Beijing. The Citadel was the centre piece of the royal empire, a massive moated palace that was extensively damaged during the Vietnam War. Later this afternoon visit Tu Duc tomb. This evening, partake in a cooking class focusing on select local dishes and cuisine designed for the Royal Courts of Hue.

Day 12: Hue to Hanoi

Take a cruise on the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda and visit the tomb of Khai Dinh. We then board our Vietnam Airlines flight to Hanoi. Later this afternoon visit the Ethnology Museum.

Day 13: Hanoi

Hanoi is a charming and richly historic city of lakes, shaded boulevards and public parks. It is the capital of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and some have called it the ‘Paris of the Orient’. Its centre is an architectural museum piece, with its blocks of ochre buildings retaining the air of a provincial French town of the 1930’s. Our city tour includes visits to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (closed Sep-Dec), Stilt House and Museum, One Pillar Pagoda and drive around Hoan Kiem Lake.

Day 14: Hanoi

Spend a relaxing day touring the historical sites of the city, including a walking tour of the Old Quarter, a visit to Dong Xuan Market and the Temple of Literature. The remainder of the day is at leisure. This evening enjoy a performance of the famous Water Puppets, a specialty of the north.

Days 15-16: Overnight Halong Bay

Travel to the area that is regarded as the ‘Jewel in the Crown’ of Vietnam - Halong Bay, and commence our cruise around the thousands of Karst Islands on our Junk boat. Spend the night onboard relaxing and watching the sunset over Halong Bay. The following day continue our cruise around the islands before returning to the wharf and driving back to Hanoi through the striking rural countryside of the Red River Delta.

Day 17: Depart Hanoi

Enjoy a full day at leisure for a last minute shopping spree before boarding our overnight flight to Austrlia.

Day 18: Arrive Australia

Arrive home this morning.

Sapa Extension
Day 16: Hanoi to Sapa

Transfer to the train station this evening and board the overnight sleeper train to Sapa.

Days 17-19: Sapa

Sapa, which is surrounded by breathtaking mountain ranges, is the home of many ethnic minorities. Over the next three days we explore the surrounding local area including the local Saturday Markets, different minority villages, spectacular valleys and fine examples of tribal agriculture. Each day there will be 5-6 hours walking to reach the ethnic tribal villages. On the third night we board our overnight sleeper train for the return journey to Hanoi.

Day 20: Depart Hanoi

Arrive early this morning and transfer direct to our hotel for breakfast and day use. Enjoy a last minute shopping spree before transferring to the airport for our overnight flight to Australia.

Day 21: Arrive Australia

Arrive home this morning.

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Inclusions

Exclusions

Images from Vietnam Highlights