Covering all the main attractions of this historical and once turbulent land, the Vietnamese Discovery tour rewards with informative and fascinating glimpses of this delightful country. Viewed from the seat of a traditional cyclo (three wheeled bicycle), from a cruise boat sailing along Halong Bay as well as more usual methods of transport! An ideal introductory tour for the first time visitor.
DAY 1 - LONDON TO HANOI
Depart the UK today and fly to the capital city of Vietnam, Hanoi, arriving the following day.
Transfer to your hotel and rest a while before a relaxing late afternoon tour of the fascinating shops and alleyways within the Old Quarter of Hanoi by traditional cyclo. This three wheeled bicycle with a unique seating arrangement at the front has been a form of transport within Vietnam for many years.
This evening relax with a cocktail and an informative talk on Vietnam’s remarkable history by a local historian. Later, dine at a popular restaurant and enjoy a traditional water puppet show before retiring to your hotel.
DAY 3 - HANOI
This morning continue your tour of Hanoi with a visit to the One Pillar Pagoda and the monumental marble mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh (closed Mondays, Fridays and October to November). See the simple house where he lived and learn about this amazing man’s fight for the independence of this beautiful country. Your morning tour concludes at the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, established in 1076. The afternoon is at leisure, or an optional visit to the Museum of Ethnology.
DAY 4 - HANOI TO HALONG BAY
Depart for an overnight cruise around the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Halong Bay, a picturesque landscape of over 3,000 limestone islets dotted throughout these warm emerald waters, and be welcomed on board with a refreshing cocktail. Set sail following a Vietnamese buffet lunch and over the next afternoon and morning explore the caves and grottoes that once offered shelter and a hideout to pirates that sailed the South China Sea.
Hear myths and legends connected with these grottoes while relaxing on deck. Enjoy the picturesque landscape, with an opportunity for swimming and kayaking when your traditional junk sets anchor within the Bay. Return to Hanoi for your flight with Vietnam Airlines to the Imperial city of Hue and transfer to your hotel.
DAY 6 - HALONG BAY TO HUE
Situated on the Perfume River, this ancient imperial city was once the home to Vietnam’s last ruling dynasty. An important cultural centre of Vietnam, Hue has many historical and religious monuments.
Today visit the sights of Hue, beginning with a cruise along the Perfume River to the Thien Mu Pagoda and the Royal Tombs of Emperors Tu Duc and Khai Dinh. Later, seek out some incredible bargains at Dong Ba Market and take an informative tour of Hue’s Imperial Citadel. Despite heavy war damage this important and historical collection of buildings still stands proud within the city. Dine later at a local restaurant.
DAY 7 - HUE TO HOI AN
Depart Hue via the Hai Van Pass. This scenic journey passes pretty villages and fruit orchards as you hug the coastline on your journey to UNESCO World Heritage listed Hoi An. Stop by in Danang and visit the Cham Museum, take a stroll on China Beach where the Americans first landed back in 1965 and visit the Marble Mountain. Upon arriving in Hoi An, rest a while before a relaxing walking tour of the central market, Japanese Bridge, Fukien Assembly Hall and Tan Ky Old House.
The following day is at leisure. Choose to browse the many tailors or handicraft shops or relax on the beach just outside town. Alternatively, join a popular cookery class in the morning which includes a visit to the market to choose your ingredients and lunch. Later, an optional tour to the 7th to 13th Century Champa ruins of My Son reveals a little more of Vietnam’s varied history.
DAY 9 - HOI AN TO HO CHI MINH CITY
Leave Hoi An this morning by Vietnam Airlines for your flight to the commercial hub of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City. Formerly known as Saigon, this beautiful city has inspired many writers and artists. Its wide tree lined boulevards are home to street hawkers selling traditional Vietnamese food and strong iced coffees. See touches of colonial architecture in the buildings and watch the streets throng with a million mopeds. On arrival, take a short tour of the city visiting the thought provoking War Remnants Museum, the Notre Dame cathedral, former Presidential Palace and Ben Thanh Market.
DAY 10 - HO CHI MINH CITY TO MEKONG DELTA
Drive two hours to My Tho, nestled deep within the ricebowl of Vietnam – the Mekong Delta. Famous for its extensive orchards and rice fields, enjoy a cruise on the Mekong River to a fruit orchard to see a rural cottage industry at work and enjoy a horse and cart ride through the village. Following lunch return to Ho Chi Minh City. Your final evening includes a Farewell Dinner in a local restaurant.
DAY 11 - MEKONG DELTA TO LONDON
A day at leisure for additional sightseeing or shopping with an optional tour to the tunnels at Cu Chi. Drive through scenic areas of paddy fields and fruit farms that provide produce to local markets and traders bound for the city. Explore this underground network that was once a hideout and home for scores of Vietnamese insurgents during the Vietnam War.
Early evening, depart Ho Chi Minh City to the UK.
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