The New Vietnam

- 18 Days

Vietnam Tours - great for experience

Tour Highlights

  • Take in a show at Hanoi’s famed water puppet theatre
  • Visit the 6th century Thien Mu Pagoda
  • Go on a boat trip along the Thu Bon River
  • Relax on the palm-fringed beaches of Nha Trang

This is one of our most popular trips and it’s easy to see why. Highway One forms Vietnam’s spine and provides the core for this colourful journey, which combines Vietnam’s major cities, historic points of interest with the natural beauty and diversity of the country. A comprehensive overland journey from north to south.

Included: 17 night tour with accommodation and breakfast, 1 lunch, tour leader, English speaking guide, domestic flights and transfers if you arrive and depart on day of tour.

Not Included: International flights. For additional expenses see trip details.

Accommodation: Sunway Hotel - Hanoi. Huong Giang Hotel - Hue. Hoi An Hotel - Hoi An. Saigon Qui Nhon Hotel - Qui Nhon. Yasaka Saigon Nha Trang Hotel - Nha Trang. Novotel Dalat Hotel - Dalat. Rex Hotel - Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).

Our amazing guides in were warm, personable and enabled us to connect with the locals in an easy, natural way.

Mr P.Carraway

Prices:

Please call for 2009 prices.

Prices based on twinshare.

Full Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi

Arrive Hanoi and transfer to your downtown hotel. This evening meet your tour leader during a tour briefing and welcome drinks.

Day 2-3: Hanoi and Halong Bay

Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital and cultural centre, is a stylish and gracious city that retains a unique old world charm. Take an early morning tour by cyclo to observe the daily bustle of life around the markets, lakes and Old Quarter. We also walk the beautiful boulevards, visit the ancient Temple of Literature and explore the amazing life of Ho Chi Minh visiting his mausoleum, museum and the humble house on stilts from which he ruled Vietnam. One evening we visit Hanoi’s famed water puppet theatre. Finally, we spend a day at Halong Bay and cruise through the thousands of stunning limestone islands. Have a swim or just relax and admire this unique environment.
Stay 3 nights: Sunway Hotel

Day 4-6: The Reunification Express, Hue & China Beach

We board the Reunification Express train for the overnight journey to Hue, Vietnam’s former imperial capital (Flight option available). Drive through the country lanes to the emperors’ tombs, explore the former Royal Residence or Citadel, visit the 6th century Thien Mu Pagoda and travel by boat on the Perfume River. As we head further south we visit the beautiful Bach Ma National Park then continue across the stunning Hai Van Pass, visiting China Beach and the Cham Museum in Danang before arriving in Hoi An.
Stay 1 night: Reunification Express
Stay 1 night: Huong Giang Hotel

Day 7-8: Hoi An

Hoi An is one of Vietnam’s gems. A former merchant town, Hoi An is charming and wonderfully preserved combining Chinese, Japanese and European influences. We explore its narrow lanes and historic architecture and appreciate the tranquil beauty of the surrounding scenery on a boat trip along the Thu Bon River. Become a ‘Hoi An local’ for a day as we visit interact with local families in a nearby village. There is also time to take a fun cooking lesson and to relax and soak up the atmosphere of Hoi An.
Stay 3 nights: Hoi An Hotel

Day 9-11: Quy Nhon & Nha Trang

As we continue to head south into rural Vietnam, the country’s soul, we will pause to walk through tiny villages taking time to meet the locals and make a stop at Son My to reflect on the moving memorial commemorating the My Lai massacre. Driving south along Highway 1 past spectacular coastal scenery, we arrive at the port town of Quy Nhon. We then head further down to tropical Nha Trang and spend time cruising the clear waters and relaxing on the palm-fringed beaches. Swimming and seafood are the order of the day.
Stay 1 night: Saigon Qui Nhon Hotel
Stay 2 nights: Yasaka Saigon Nha Trang Hotel

Day 12-13: Dalat

Departing Nha Trang, we ascend to the cooler climate of the Central Highlands, pausing at the 13th century Poklongarai Cham Towers as we travel over the Ngoan Muc Pass towards Dalat, a delightful hill station established by the French and surrounded by pine forests and lakes. See the local ethnic minority hill tribes and enjoy the spectacular views on a cable car ride to a beautiful Zen Monastery. You will also explore quiet streets, surrounding hills, French villas and visit a special artist-monk.
Stay 2 nights: Novotel Dalat Hotel

Day 14-18: Saigon, Cu Chi & Mekong Delta

Descend back to the tropical lowland and to the main city of the south, Saigon. Absorb the frenetic atmosphere of Saigon as we take time to explore the city’s bustling markets, historic landmarks, pagodas and tree-lined boulevards. We also visit Cholon, the Chinese quarter, and enjoy the great food and exciting atmosphere of Saigon nightlife. Explore the incredible Cu Chi tunnels built by Communist guerrillas during the Vietnam War and the following day experience the Mekong Delta as we travel through its intricate waterways. On day 18, your journey ends with your airport transfer.
Stay 4 nights: Rex Hotel