Vietnam Impressions

TOUR ITINERARY

DAY 1: AUSTRALIA TO HANOI

Fly with Vietnam Airlines to Hanoi (via Saigon) for a three-night stay.

DAY 2: HANOI

Explore the city today, 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 were invented thousands of years ago.

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 onboard. After your cruise you will travel back to Hanoi, arriving later this evening.

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. Partake in a cooking class this evening where you can taste your own dishes for dinner.

DAY 5: HOI AN

Today you will tour the charming town of Hoi An by 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 or visit the tailors for which this town is known, if you would like to have some clothing made.

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, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Reunification Palace and the emotional War Remnants Museum. Drive to Cholon (Chinatown) to see the beautiful Thien Hau Pagoda and end the day at the lively Ben Thanh Market, where you can enjoy some shopping.

DAY 7: SAIGON - TAY NINH & CU CHI

Travel to Tay Ninh to experience the midday service at the head temple of the unique Cao Dai religion. This afternoon 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. You can even crawl through the tunnels if you are feeling brave!

DAY 8: MEKONG DELTA - DEPART SAIGON

Travel to Ben Tre in the Mekong Delta this morning. Explore the river by boat, passing stilt houses and fish farms. Paddle through palm-lined canals on 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.

Note: Passengers flying with Singapore Airlines may miss touring on Day 8 due to conflicting flight schedules. You may choose to stay an extra night in Saigon at your own expense to avoid this.

DAY 9: ARRIVE AUSTRALIA

Arrive home this morning.

Please note: Should seasonal flooding or adverse weather disrupt portions of your tour, alternative arrangements will be made.