9 Day Classic Vietnam Southbound- Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City
Price: AUD $1655.00
General Information:
TOUR NAME: 9 Day Classic Vietnam Southbound- Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City DEPARTS: Daily, Hanoi FINISH: Ho Chi Minh City NO OF DAYS: 9 Days/8 nights TOUR CODE: INTREP12 TRANSPORT: Transfers and sightseeing in private vehicles (join-in-group transport to/from Halong Bay), boat cruises, walking and cyclo, plane. ACCOMMODATION: 4* and 5* hotels (7 nts), air-conditioned en suite cabin on sailing junk (1 nt) AGE: Open GROUP SIZE:Open
Staying in 4* and 5* hotels, this is an all encompassing trip visiting the highlights of this vibrant country in style. Bursting with inclusions and activities, this trip captures the best of Vietnam from north to south. Your trip starts in Hanoi, one of Asia's most captivating cities. Relax aboard a private boat cruising scenic Halong Bay dotted with thousands of limestone islands and hidden grottos. Travelling south you reach Hue, an ancient city with splendid tombs, ornate pagodas and the remains of a once magnificent Citadel - all relics of Vietnam's fascinating heritage. Next stop is Hoi An, a delightful fishing town, its narrow streets filled with historic buildings, tailors and inviting restaurants. See the famous Cu Chi Tunnels where you even have the opportunity to venture underground.
Itinerary:
Day 1 Hanoi The capital of Vietnam is a charming city, famous for its beautiful lakes, shaded boulevards and beautiful public parks. The city centre reflects the former colonial French and Buddhist influences along with the more modern aspects of South East Asia.
Days 2-3 Halong Bay overnight cruise Upon arrival at Halong Bay, step on to the wonderful junk, the Jewel of the Bay. Enjoy a sumptuous lunch while cruising amongst the majestic limestone karsts of Halong Bay. The afternoon can be spent swimming, soaking up the sun on the upper deck or trying your hand a kayaking.
Days 4-5 Hue A full day of sightseeing Hue's fascinating heritage with your local guide, visiting the Imperial Citadel and two of the most impressive Emperor's tombs. In the evening you take a cruise on the Perfume River.
Day 6 Hoi An Today you are driven by private car to Hoi An, visiting the Cham Museum, Marble Mountain and China Beach en route. Hoi An is a delightful riverine town 30km south of Danang. Known as Faifo to early Western traders, it was one of South East Asia's major international ports during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Today, parts of Hoi An look exactly as they did a century ago.
Days 7-8 Ho Chi Minh City and Cu Chi Tunnels You are met on arrival at Saigon Airport and transferred to the Rex Hotel .The Rex Hotel is a Saigon classic, complete with swimming pool and its rooftop garden bar which has been voted one of the top bars in the world. The rest of the day is at leisure to start exploring this exciting city. The Cu Chi tunnels played a vital part in the American war because they allowed the Viet Cong to control a large rural area only 30 to 40 km from Saigon and The Cao Dai Temple at Tay Ninh has been described as a Walt Disney fantasia of the East.
Day 9 Depart Ho Chi Minh City Today is at your leisure in Ho Chi Minh City and a chance for last minute shopping! You are transferred to the airport for your departure flight.
Activities Included
This is a list of included activities on this trip. All other activities are optional and at your own expense. For a list of optional activities and sightseeing available on this trip, see the optional activities section below. If you choose not to participate in the included activities on this itinerary, the cost will not be refunded.
Halong Bay cruise; Hanoi - sightseeing and Old Quarter cyclo tour; Hue sightseeing with Perfume river cruise; Hai Van Pass; Danang - Cham museum; Hoi An walking tour; Cu Chi tunnels and Ca Dai Temple.
Meals
While travelling with us you will experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Generally, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where and what to eat, not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. Please check the 'meal inclusions' section below for details of meals included.
Cruise down the waterways of the fertile Mekong Delta, See the lush farming lands of Vietnam, Taste-test yummy tropical fruits, Experience river life on a village homestay
Stay at the stylish Blue ocean Resort, Sunbake on Mui Ne Beach, Spend a day by the pool, Spend a day in the hotel day spa, Swim in the sultry South China Sea
Experience charming Hanoi, Learn the tricks of the trade in cooking classes, Tour local markets, Visit a traditional noodle-making village, Dine at local restaurants
Take a private tour of Vientiane, Explore the culture and cuisine of Luang Prabang, Travel along the Mekong River, See thousands of Buddha images at Pak Ou Caves, Experience the charm of slow-paced Laos
Experience the colonial charm of Hanoi, Visit the former French hill station of Sapa, Trek through the spectacular scenery of North Vietnam, Stay overnight in a hilltribe village, Mingle with colourful Montagnards
Tap into the action in Bangkok, Marvel at the beauty of Angkor, Remember the past in Phnom Penh, Travel down the Mekong to Chau Doc in Vietnam, Soak up the frenetic vibe of Saigon
Experience the non-stop sights and sounds of Saigon, Learn about life in the Cu Chi Tunnels, Lose yourself in a tumult of colour at the Cao Dai Great Temple, See the ancient streetscapes of Hoi An, Step into the Nguyen emperors' shoes in Hue, Enjoy a cycl
Explore the busy streets of Ho Chi Minh City, Visit the chilling Tuol Sleng Museum, Remember the victims of the Khmer Rouge regime at the notorious Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, Relive the glory of the ancient Khmer Empire in the temples of Angkor, Ride a
See the sights of Ho Chi Minh City from a cyclo, Delve into the underground world of Viet Minh guerillas, Embark on a shopping spree in Hoi An, Peer into Vietnam's imperial past in Hue, Experience the magic of Halong Bay, Relax with a hot Vietnamese coffe
Experience old Vietnam in the elegant streets of Hanoi, Enjoy a boat trip on beautiful Halong Bay, Discover the history of the Nguyen dynasty in Hue, Engage in some trade in Hoi An, Learn how longan honey is made, Embrace the energy of Ho Chi Minh City
Shop up a storm in Hong Kong, Experience local life in Guiyang, Meet the colourful Miao people in Guizhou, Embark on a hilltribe trek from Sapa, Explore exciting Hanoi
Stroll the tree-lined boulevards of Hanoi, Spend a night aboard the Jewel of the Bay, Sail amongst stunning limestone scenery, Relive the days of the Nguyen dynasty in Hue, Get a suit hand-tailored in Hoi An, Crawl into the Cu Chi Tunnels, Experience the
Tap into the energy of Ho Chi Minh City, Take a private tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels, Take time out along the coast, Soak up the old-world atmosphere of Hoi An, Visit imperial Hue, Enjoy an overnight boat trip on Halong Bay, See old Saigon from a cyclo
We witness a real variety of riding and cultural sights as we work our way down the length of Vietnam. At times we will be cycling the scenic highway coastal route and also get off the beaten track into the little visited central highlands with their hill
Bargain like a local in Bangkok's markets, Take a tuk-tuk to explore the Angkor temples, Experience rural everyday life at a Cambodian village homestay, Delve into Khmer history in Phnom Penh, Explore Sihanoukville's tropical surrounds, See the sights of
Explore the architectural wonder of Hanoi's city centre, Experience Laos culture, Wander by the Mekong in chilled-out Vientiane, Admire the scenery of backpacker mecca Vang Vieng, Explore the hidden treasures of Luang Prabang, Take a local riverboat cruis
Experience the beauty of Halong Bay, Explore the evocative Old Quarter of Hanoi, Delve into Vietnam's royal past in Hue, Get a tan on the sun-drenched beaches of Nha Trang, Be spellbound by the vibrant streets of Saigon
Build infrastructure to support the community's needs, Teach in a rural school, Explore the Moc Chau region, Experience Vietnamese village life, Make local friends, Join like-minded travellers to work as a team, Make a Difference
Experience modern Vietnam in Saigon, Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, Get a taste of local life in a Mekong Delta homestay, Relax on the beaches of Nha Trang, Have a whole new wardrobe tailored in Hoi An, Experience imperial Vietnam in Hue, Take in a water pup
Soak up the energy of Ho Chi Minh City, Relax on Nha Trang's beaches, Stroll the atmospheric streets of Hoi An, Count the cyclos in Hue, Cruise Halong Bay, Stay on Cat Ba Island, Experience the French air of Hanoi
See the house where Ho Chi Minh once lived, Meet furry-faced monkeys in the Cuc Phuong National Park, Get off-the-beaten-track cycling in the remote Central Highlands, Mingle with colourful Montagnards, Take a bicycle tour of Hue, Conquer the spectacular
Explore the evocative Old Quarter of Hanoi, Sail Halong Bay, Ride the famed Reunification Express, Visit imperial Hue, Embark on a shopping spree in Hoi An, Swim in the South China Sea, Explore Saigon by cyclo, Take a rowboat along the Mekong
Explore Hanoi's Old Quarter, Set sail on Halong Bay, Meet school kids in Hoi An, Eat with the locals in Ho Chi Minh City, Explore jungles and temples at Angkor Wat
Take part in a cooking class in Hanoi, Explore local markets in Hoi An, Enjoy a cooking demonstration in Dalat, Visit imperial Hue, Take a boat cruise in Nha Trang, Explore the Mekong Delta, Spend a night in a rural homestay, Savour the spicy cuisine of S
Cruise scenic Halong Bay, Experience traditional village life in Chenyang, Trek through the terraces of Longji, Cycle into the countryside in Yangshuo, Be wowed by the big city lights of Hong Kong
Take a cyclo ride through Hanoi's Old Quarter, Cruise the majestic Halong Bay, Find a poem hat in imperial Hue, Meet local kids in Hoi An, Relax on the beach at Nha Trang, Escape the heat at the Dam Sen Water Park
Zoom down Bangkok's khlongs on a longtail, Bargain up a storm in Chiang Mai's night bazaar, Relax on a slow boat down the Mekong, Discover the temples of Luang Prabang, Soak up the French-inspired culture in Vientiene, Traverse the lush mountains of easte
Cruise in comfort across enchanting Halong Bay, Awake amidst awe-inspiring karst scenery, Tour the imperial tombs and temples of Hue, Experience the old-world air of Hoi An, Enjoy an idyllic beach break along the coast, Have a spiritual moment in the Thie
Experience burgeoning Phnom Penh, Find traces of French elegance around Battambang, See sunrise at Angkor Wat, Dine on delicious fresh seafood in Sihanoukville, Explore rural Cambodian countryside by bike
Learn the photographic secrets of a successful travel photogapher, Capture the captivating chaos of Hanoi, Visit picture-perfect Halong Bay, Be charmed by the colourful H'mong people, Get snap happy in the bustling markets of Bac Ha, See the spectacular r
Soak up the atmosphere of Hanoi, Cruise Halong Bay, Visit the imperial relics of Hue, Chill out in charming Hoi An, Discover a slower pace of life in the Mekong Delta, Revisit Cambodia's past in Phnom Penh, See the incredible temples of Angkor, Experience
Experience the buzz of Bangkok, Discover lovely Luang Prabang, Enjoy the charm of laid-back Vientiane, See a water puppet show in Hanoi, Cruise Halong Bay, Visit Hue's Imperial Citadel, Dine on local delicacies in Hoi An, Take a cyclo tour of Ho Chi Minh
Soak up the atmosphere at jungle-covered Ta Prohm, Reflect on Cambodia's past in Phnom Penh, Take a boat ride down the Mekong, Descend into the Cu Chi Tunnels, Experience the old-world charm of Hoi An, Uncover Vietnam's imperial past in Hue, Stay overnigh
Be awed by the ancient temples of Angkor, Visit the notorious Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, Crunch on fried spiders in Skuon, Take a slow boat up the Mekong, Relax at a mountain retreat in Tad Fane, Go caving or tubing in Vang Vieng, Swim under the specta
Join a morning tai chi session in Hanoi, Buy handmade souvenirs in the vibrant Vientiane market, Chill-out in riverside Vang Vieng, Soak up the history of Luang Prabang, Take a slow boat up the Mekong, Wind down with a traditional Thai massage, Live it up
Soak up the riverside charms of Phnom Penh, Wander among the incredible temples of Angkor, Follow in the footsteps of Graham Greene in Ho Chi Minh City, Enjoy local hospitality at a Mekong Delta homestay, Take a boat ride among the islands off Nha Trang,
Discover dynamic Ho Chi Minh City, Cruise along the Mekong River, Play soldiers in the Cu Chi Tunnels, Enjoy a cool change in Dalat, Sail the sparkling waters of Nha Trang, Go bargain-hunting in Hoi An, Explore the tombs and temples of Hue, Go gibbon-spot
Lose yourself in the chaos of Vietnam's capital, Dive into the emerald-green waters of Halong Bay, Meet the Montagnards in the mountains of Sapa, Witness H'mong courtship rituals in the amazing Love Market, Learn about Vietnam's imperial past in Hue, Expl
Explore Hanoi's evocative Old Quarter, Cruise the islands of Halong Bay, Ride a dragon boat along the Perfume River, Take in the tranquility of Hoi An, Experience the excitement of Ho Chi Minh City and its surrounds, Confront Cambodia's tragic past, Be en
Embark on a walking tour of historic Hanoi, Enjoy a two-day trek in scenic Sapa, Experience the Old World charm of Lijiang, Hike in the gigantic Tiger Leaping Gorge, See the Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an, Climb one of China's holiest mountains, Walk along
See the stylish new face of Ho Chi Minh City, Cruise the mighty Mekong, Swim in the South China Sea, Trek in the remote Central Highlands, Stay in a hilltribe house on stilts, Experience the dramatic karst scenery of Ninh Binh, Imagine wartime life in the
Visit the birthplace of Vietnamese independence, Meet endangered primates at Cuc Phuong National Park, Cycle country lanes in Hue, Embark on a shopping spree in Hoi An, Ride into the remote Central Highlands, Relax on a beach in Nha Trang, Put your feet u
Sail across stunning Halong Bay, Admire ancient royal relics in Hue, Buy a new wardrobe in Hoi An, Soak up the sun on the squeaky sand beaches of Nha Trang, Uncover Cambodia's turbulent past in Phnom Penh, Experience rural Khmer life at a rustic homestay,
Spice it up in Bangkok, See the amazing Angkor Wat, Experience Khmer hospitality at a traditional village homestay, Be seduced by the charms of Ho Chi Minh City, Swim in the sultry South China Sea, Stroll the 36 streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter, Discover Hu
Anyone taking this exciting journey will experience sights and sounds that are sure to be etches in your memory for a long time 3 of the leading countries in South East Asia.
Build infrastructure to support the community's needs, Teach in a rural school, Explore the Moc Chau region, Experience Vietnamese village life, Make local friends, Join like-minded travellers to work as a team, Make a Difference
Ride a longtail down Bangkok's khlongs, Explore the ancient temples of Chiang Mai, Cruise down the Mekong River, Swim under a waterfall in Luang Prabang, Visit laid-back Vientiane, Soak up the charm of Hanoi, Be enchanted by beautiful Halong Bay, Experien
See Bangkok from a longtail boat, Revel in Chiang Mai's charms, Cruise the Mekong River, Enjoy laid-back Vientiane, Sit back with a coffee in Hanoi, Experience the beauty of Halong Bay, See the amazing Longji rice terraces, Explore the magical scenery of
Trek the Great Wall, Experience the buzz of Beijing, Explore fascinating Xi'an, Visit ultra-modern Shanghai, Wander the dramatic landscapes of Guangxi, Hike along the rice terraces of Longji, Bargain hard in Hong Kong, Meet the hilltribes of Vietnam, Expl
Meet the colourful Miao minority in Kaili, Experience the mountainous beauty of Yunnan, Trek through cascading rice terraces in scenic Sapa, Soak up stunning karst scenery in Halong Bay, Immerse yourself in imperial history in Hue, Swim in Nha Trang's sub
Taste authentic Thai cuisine in Bangkok, Experience the wonder of Angkor, Enjoy a Cambodian homestay, Relax on the sandy shores of Sihanoukville, Soak up the energy of Ho Chi Minh City, Buy yourself a whole new wardrobe in Hoi An, Cruise among the limesto
Build infrastructure to support the community's needs, Teach in a rural school, Explore the Moc Chau region, Experience Vietnamese village life, Make local friends, Join like-minded travellers to work as a team, Make a Difference
Climb the amazing Great Wall of China, Explore Xi'an's exotic Muslim Quarter, Hit the stylish shops of Shanghai, Trek into the homelands of Vietnam's hilltribes, Cruise past the stunning karsts of Halong Bay, Discover French flavours in Hanoi, Experience
Immerse yourself in the splendour of the streets of St Petersburg, Visit Soviet icons in Moscow, Experience one of the world's greatest rail journeys, Stroll along the shores of Lake Baikal, Enjoy Siberian hospitality at a local homestay, Learn about Budd
