Vietnam Uncovered

We meet and greet you at the airport and provide a private transfer to your hotel where you can settle in and explore your new surroundings.

Overnight:

Maison D'Hanoi Hanova hotel

Extras and options:

Alternative accommodation options available

This city tour takes in Hanoi’s essential sites. There is a morning and afternoon schedule, as well as an organised lunch.

You are met at 08:30am in the hotel lobby.

Morning:
• Ho Chi Minh Complex including the Mausoleum, his former stilt-house residence, the Presidential Palace and the Ho Chi Minh Museum
• The Temple of Literature - Vietnam’s first university dating back to 1070
• A local Vietnamese lunch

Afternoon:
• Museum of Ethnology, widely acknowledged as the best in the country, containing an extensive display of life-size structures dedicated to Vietnam’s 54 ethnic minority peoples
• Ngoc Son Temple and Hoan Kiem Lake - the Ngoc Son Temple is set on a tiny island on Hoan Kiem Lake, its history dating back to the 13th century
• A one-hour cyclo tour through the narrow, chaotic streets of the Old Quarter - a must for any visitor to Hanoi!
• A traditional performance of the famous Vietnamese water puppets

Please note: the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed all day on Monday and Fridays, as well as from 1st October to 30th November (approx.) for annual conservation.

Sapa is a former French hill station set in a high valley near the Vietnam-China border and is surrounded by picturesque mountains. At 1600m, its cool climate inspired the French to build villas here as their summer retreat from Hanoi. Today, Sapa attracts visitors from around the world due to its stunning scenery, crisp climate, colourful markets and ethnic hill tribes living in nearby villages.

Board an overnight train from Hanoi to the border town of Lao Cai. Catch some sleep along the way in soft sleeper berths on the express train (4 berth shared cabins). The train departs around 21:00pm and arrives into Lao Cai the following day at around 06:00am.

Meals included:

Breakfast & Lunch

Early arrival at Lao Cai and transfer to Sapa for breakfast. Today begins by getting some exercise with a trek to the hill tribe villages of Cat Cat, Ta Van and Cau May. As you walk to the villages, nestled in the valley below Sapa, you will meet some of the local ethnic minority people on their way to and from Sapa. These minority people, including the Red Zao, Hmong and Tay people, walk to Sapa to trade at the markets. Tonight you spend the night at the hotel in Sapa town.

Overnight:

Victoria Sapa Resort & Spa

Meals included:

Breakfast & Lunch

This morning our exercise involves climbing up Ham Rong Mountain for a panoramic view of Sapa and its surrounds. After lunch time we drive out of town and commence an hour-long walk to Ta Phin, home to the distinctive Dao (pronounced Zao) community.

In the afternoon, transfer to Lao Cai for the overnight train journey to Hanoi.

Catch some sleep along the way in soft sleeper berths on the express train (4 berth shared cabins). The train departs around 20:00pm and arrives into Hanoi the following day at around 05:00am.

Meals included:

Breakfast & Lunch

Upon arrival in Hanoi, transfer directly to the hotel. Early check-in is based on room availability but an early breakfast is included.

Rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight:

Maison D'Hanoi Hanova hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

You are met at 08:30am in the hotel lobby.

Hoa Lu, 100 km south of Hanoi, was the Vietnamese capital city under the Dinh and Le Dynasties between 968 and 1009 AD. Some of the structures and tombs have survived the years and can still be seen today. The area is also one of outstanding natural beauty with limestone peaks whose splendour is said to surpass that of Halong Bay.

Depart Hanoi for the 2 hour drive south. Spend an hour visiting the Dinh and Le sanctuaries before visiting Tam Coc for a traditional boat ride along the Boi River. Along the way, pass through caves and ancient temples.

Overnight in Ninh Binh.

Meals included:

Breakfast & Lunch

In the morning, transfer from the hotel in Ninh Binh to Halong Bay - about 4 hours with a refreshment break en route. Meet the crew upon boarding the traditional wooden junk, then relax and enjoy lunch while the boat heads towards the secluded islands. Visit ancient limestone caves and go sea kayaking and swimming if the weather permits. Return to the junk refreshed and invigorated and relax on deck with a drink to watch the sunset. Enjoy a freshly prepared seafood dinner under the stars.

Overnight:

Prince (Indochina junk boat)

Extras and options:

Alternative junk boat options available

Meals included:

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Enjoy an early morning swim followed by breakfast. The tour then visits the “Cave of Surprises” before cruising back to the main harbour for the return drive to Hanoi.

In the evening you are transferred to the train station for the overnight journey on the Reunification Express southwards to Hue. Accommodation aboard the train in four berth shared cabins, which are simple but comfortable.

Note: Day use room in Hanoi is not included.

Extras and options:

The overnight train experience is not for everyone. An upgrade to an internal flight Hanoi to Hue & 1 night in Hue (instead of overnight train) is available upon request.

Meals included:

Breakfast & Lunch

Upon arrival in Hue, transfer directly to the hotel. Early check-in is based on room availability with breakfast included.
Hue was the Vietnamese capital during the Nguyen Dynasty 1802-1945 and ruins of the city’s regal past can still be seen inside the Citadel and the Imperial City. Created in the 19th century, the Imperial City was modelled on the Forbidden City in Beijing and holds many palaces and temples inside its giant walls. Many of the buildings were damaged by French aerial bombing and the Tet Offensive in 1968. Now it is slowly being restored thanks to generous funding by UNESCO.

The tour begins after breakfast with the ancient walled Citadel containing the former Imperial Palace. Spend the morning wandering through the enclosure before lunch and a trip into the surrounding countryside to see the final resting place of the Emperors at two of the most impressive Royal Tombs. In the evening, there is a cruise along the Perfume River.

Overnight:

Pilgrimage Village Hue

Meals included:

Breakfast & Lunch

This morning, continue south to the riverside town of Hoi An. The five hour trip hugs the coastline along the South China Sea with breathtaking views particularly as the road winds its way up Hai Van Pass (“Pass of the Clouds”).

From the 16th to 18th centuries, Hoi An was a thriving international commercial port for Chinese, Dutch, French, Japanese, Portuguese and Arab merchants. Today, Hoi An is a quaint riverside town, renowned for its silk and popular with tourists for its eclectic architecture, tailors shops and numerous cafes. Some of the buildings in the narrow streets have remained unchanged for more than a century and much of the town is now heritage-listed.

In the afternoon, enjoy a half day walking tour through the narrow winding streets of the Ancient Quarter visiting Chua Ong Pagoda, Assembly Hall, 200-year-old Tam Ky house and the Japanese Covered Bridge.

Overnight:

Life Heritage Resort Hoi An

Meals included:

Breakfast & Lunch

Spend the day at leisure on the beach or having clothes made by one of the famous, inexpensive tailors Hoi An is famous for.

Overnight:

Life Heritage Resort Hoi An

Meals included:

Breakfast

Transfer to the airport in Danang and take a flight to Nha Trang. Upon arrival, you are met by your guide and transferred to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight:

Novotel Nha Trang Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Depart at 08:00am from the hotel to Cau Da port to board the boat. The first stop is Tri Nguyen Aquarium on Mieu Island. Then, head out to Hon Mun Island for some swimming and snorkelling in the relatively shallow waters. From here the tour continues to Hon Tam Island where you can relax on the beach or try some water sports. Break for lunch at the fishing village of Lang Chai. Time is allowed to walk around the village before boarding the boat back to Nha Trang harbour.

Overnight:

Novotel Nha Trang Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast & Lunch

Free day at leisure to relax on the beach.

Overnight:

Novotel Nha Trang Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Transfer to the airport in Nha Trang to board your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, you are met by your guide and transferred to your hotel.

Ho Chi Minh City, or Saigon as the city is still frequently referred to, is Vietnam’s largest city. It is a fast-paced metropolis full of contrasts, with street vendors selling fruit and vegetables next to glitzy western-style bars and boutiques. Amazingly, the city’s history dates back only 300 years. In 1859 the city was captured by the French and became the capital of Cochin China. From 1956 until April 1975 it was the capital of the US-backed Republic of Vietnam. Today, Ho Chi Minh City is very much the heart of Vietnamese business and entrepreneurial activity. The French left their mark with some fine colonial-era buildings such as the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office.

Some information on the sightseeing:
• The Notre Dame Cathedral and Old Post Office: Built between 1877 and 1883 this is one of the best examples of classical French colonial architecture. Remarkably every stone used in its creation was shipped from France to Vietnam. Her two forty metre towers, topped with iron spires, still dominate the city’s skyline. The Old Post Office is another example of French colonial architecture and is also the country’s largest post office.

• Dong Khoi Street, the Opera House and the Peoples’ Committee Building: built in 1897 by French architect Ferret Eugene, the 800 seat Opera House was used as the home of the Lower House Assembly of Sourth Vietnam after 1956. It was not until 1975 that it was again used for performances. The structure was restored in 1995. The Opera House is located on the historical Dong Khoi Street which is home to many boutiques and fine restaurants. Just around the corner are the iconic Rex hotel and the beautiful Peoples’ Committee Building.

• The Reunification Palace: This is one of the most important buildings in the city. Here on April 30th 1975 the ‘American War’ officially ended when tank number 843 of the North Vietnamese Army crashed through the gates of what was, at the time the residence of the President of the Republic of Vietnam.

• The War Remnants Museum: Formerly known as the Museum of American War Crimes, this is a poignant display of the futility of war. Some of the black and white photography in the ‘Requiem’ exhibit is particularly touching, dedicated to both foreign and Vietnamese journalists and photographers who perished during the conflict. The courtyard outside contains the spoils of war, namely rusting jets, tanks and cannons captured from the American military machine.

Overnight:

Catina Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Our one day cruise excursion starts from Ho Chi Minh City with a drive to Cai Be - Phu An where you board the Cai Be Princess at around 10:00am. The tour will start with the visit of Cai Be’s colourful floating market. Visit some local home factories such as rice paste making, rice pop corn, coco candies, and longans drying processing.
The trip continues along the Mekong canals to Dong Hoa Hiep Island located between Vinh Long and Cai Be. During the cruise you will discover beautiful landscapes along the river and observe the typical Mekong delta rural life. These evergreen islands among the Mekong River still remain unknown to many people.
Lunch awaits you at Le Longanier restaurant at La Residence de Phu An Resort, a superb Indochine style resort. After a short walk along a narrow canal, the excursion will end at around 15:30pm where the vehicle will await you for your transfer back to Ho Chi Minh City.

Overnight:

Catina Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast & Lunch

Your time is free today until we transfer you from your hotel to the airport for your flight home.

Meals included:

Breakfast