Classic Vietnam

This journey takes in the 'must see' gems of this fascinating country.

Our journey begins with a tour of bustling Ho Chi Minh City before heading to the coastal town of Nha Trang where we take a boat trip to view sea turtle and indulge in some snorkeling and seafood lunch.

Heading north to the world heritage site of Hoi An we discover the importance of this port town.

We take the time to explore a traditional fishing village and try our hand at casting fishing nets for our nights dinner! Further north is the elegant, ancient capital of Hue.

Here we explore historic pagodas and temples before taking an overnight train to Hanoi.

We immerse ourselves in Hanoi's teeming market places before escaping to the tranquil islands and emerald waters of stunning Halong Bay.

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Itinerary / Highlights

DAY 1 Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City
On arrival day in Ho Chi Minh City you will be transferred to our centrally located hotel. There are no activities planned but this evening we will meet with our group leader to discuss the outlines of the tour and also to answer any questions you may have. Following the group meeting, we will have dinner.
Meals: D

DAY 2 Sightseeing in Ho Chi Minh City
With a population of more than 7 million, Ho Chi Minh City (or Saigon) is the largest in Vietnam. The huge number of people rushing about their daily business gives the city a vital and dynamic atmosphere. With a huge variety of sights and sounds, we join the masses in the streets and hop aboard a cyclo to experience the streets as we are pedaled to Ben Thanh market and the Presidential Palace. If you wish we can also visit the War Crimes Museum. The afternoon is free at leisure.
Meals: B, L

DAY 3 Train to Nha Trang
An early start as we are transferred to the nearby railway station to board the 13.00 train to Nha Trang. The journey takes us through rural Vietnamese countryside filled with rice paddies and fruit orchards as well as numerous villages and towns. The route follows the coast north to Nha Trang. On arrival we are transferred from the station to our hotel.
Meals: B

DAY 4 Nha Trang, overnight train to Danang
Pack your swimwear as we spend the day on a boat exploring the Bay. We stop at Tri Nguyen Aquarium on Mieu Island where we can view sea creatures including sea turtles. We continue to Mun Island which is the best island for snorkeling as well as being home to sea swallows who make their nests in the caves. We also visit a local fishing village where we enjoy a fresh seafood lunch.
This evening(20.13) we will board our comfortable train for our overnight journey to Danang.
Meals: B, L

DAY 5 Arrive Danang, transfer to Hoi An
After breakfast we will transfer to Hoi An by private vehicle. From our hotel in Hoi An we set off to Thanh Nam fishing village. We meet a local guide who will show us around the village and show us the fishing tools that Vietnamese fishermen use, including the nets, baskets and boats. We set off on one of the local boats where the crew will show us how to cast the net and hopefully you may even
catch your dinner. We continue to Dai Chiem estuary where we can view peaceful waterways and many local boats. We enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and will return to Hoi An by around 3pm. The rest of the day is free.
Meals: B, L

DAY 6 At leisure in Hoi An
Today is at leisure to explore Hoi An. Hoi An is a charming, small town which can be easily explored on foot. Between the 17th and 19th centuries Hoi An was a thriving international trading port with a large Chinese and Japanese population. More than any other place in Vietnam, Hoi An retains the feeling of centuries past and is a favourite with all travellers. You can spend your time walking
around the historic town soaking up the atmosphere, exploring the many Chinese assembly halls and fascinating ancestral homes, some of which have been occupied by the same family for fifteen generations. One of the most spectacular Assembly Halls is Phuoc Kien, built in 1690. The pagoda inside contains intricate statues and artwork, in part dedicated to Thien Hau Thanh Mau, the Goddess of the Sea and protector of fishermen. The unofficial emblem of the town is the Japanese Covered Bridge, which is over 400 years old. Hoi An is also famous for its shops in particular it's large number of tailors. If you wanted, you could have a whole new wardrobe made for you here! The riverside market is always a hive of activity, especially in the early morning when the day's
catch arrives. You might like to take a boat ride with one of the local women across the Thu Bon River. You could hire a bicycle and head off on a scenic ride to Cua Dai beach, about 4 km away, stopping along the way at some of the neighbouring villages. There's even the chance to improve your culinary skills with a Vietnamese cooking lesson! One thing is for sure - there is no shortage of
things to do in this town!
Meals: B

DAY 7 To Hue
Leaving Hoi An early we drive four hours north to the ancient capital of Hue. The scenery en route is beautiful as we hug the coastline of the South China Sea before winding our way up the spectacular Hai Van pass. Here we stop to admire the stunning views north, to Lang Co beach and south to Danang City. Upon arrival in Hue we set off on a city tour. Until 1945 the city was the former capital
and it is regarded by many as the cultural centre of Vietnam. The Royal Tombs of the Nguyen Emperors on the outskirts of the city are easily accessible. The Nguyen dynasty ruled Vietnam from 1802 until 1945 and several of its most prominent Emperors are buried in the surrounding countryside, we will visit one of these tombs with our guide. Set on the banks of the Perfume River and surrounded by beautiful rolling hills it is a tranquil and idyllic place. We also visit the Citadel, containing the Imperial City and the Forbidden Purple City, the Emperor's private residence. Both were badly damaged during the Tet Offensive of 1968, when the Communists took the city from the South and held it for 3 weeks. The battlements of the Citadel show marks from the terrible fighting that went on within its walls and are riddled with shrapnel and bullet holes. Now thanks to UNESCO funding, much of it is being faithfully restored to its former glory. The Imperial City, created in the 19th century and modelled on the Forbidden City in Beijing, has many palaces and temples inside. One of the most interesting parts of the City is the ancestral Temple; dedicated to the memory of the
former Emperors.
Meals: B

DAY 8 In Hue, overnight train to Hanoi
Today is at leisure before boarding our early evening overnight train to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam.
Meals: B

DAY 9 Arrive in Hanoi
On arrival into Hanoi we check into our hotel before heading off on a cyclo tour to explore the vibrant old quarter with its bustling streets. The area is home to hundreds of small thriving businesses, each street denoting its trade, such as Tin Street, Silk Street or Fish Street. We also visit the central Lake of Hoan Kiem. Legend has it that in the 15th century Emperor Le Thai To vanquished the invading Chinese with the help of a magical sword. Whilst rowing on the lake an enormous turtle seized the sword from his grasp. The Emperor took this to mean that peace had returned and the sword had been given back to its guardian spirit. In honour of the event he renamed the lake 'Ho Hoan Kiem' & Lake of the Restored Sword.
Meals: B

DAY 10 To Halong Bay, overnight cruise
This morning we depart early for the three-hour drive through the stunning Red River Delta to Halong Bay. On arrival we will join our boat and head out into the Gulf of Tonkin amongst the huge limestone outcrops and emerald waters we cruise around a remote section of Ha Long, perfect conditions to laze on the sun deck or to don the bathers and go for a swim. Tonight will be spent in
the private cabins aboard our boat. There is the opportunity to unwind and enjoy a drink at the boat's bar whilst we are spoilt with fresh seafood cooked by our on board chefs.
Meals: B, L, D

DAY 11 Halong Bay, return to Hanoi
The morning is at leisure as we continue to cruise in Halong Bay. We then return to the wharf and disembark the boat for the transfer back to Hanoi. Tonight a farewell dinner has been arranged along with optional tickets for a performance at Hanoi's famous Water Puppet Theatre. This is a series of stories presented by puppeteers who traditionally performed during the monsoonal period, when rice farming in the Red River Delta was not possible. The stories reflect their way of life and dreams.
Meals: B

DAY 12 Trip concludes in Hanoi
The tour concludes this morning with a transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Meals: B