ITINERARY
Day 1
Travel to London in time for the departure of your scheduled flight to Hanoi.
Day 2 – Arrival in Hanoi
On arrival in Hanoi, you will be met and welcomed by your guide and then transferred to the Mercure Hanoi La Gare Hotel.
In the afternoon, start to explore the diverse architecture of Hanoi and its famous 36 streets of the Old Quarter by walking tour. In the evening, enjoy the welcome dinner at one of the finest restaurants. (D)
Overnight at Hanoi La Gare.
Day 3 – Hanoi
A full day tour of Vietnam's capital city. Hanoi is a unique city with tree-lined boulevards, French colonial architecture, peaceful lakes and oriental temples. This city tour includes such sights as Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum (from outside - closed Mondays and Fridays plus Oct-Nov) and his house on stilts, the One Pillar Pagoda, and the Temple of Literature.
After lunch at a local restaurant, continue with a visit to the Ethnology Museum where you will gain an overview of the ethnic diversity of Vietnam. (B,L)
Overnight at Hanoi La Gare.
Day 4 – Hanoi – Halong Bay
This morning we depart for the 3.5-hour drive to Halong Bay. The journey there passes through the rich farmland of the Red River Delta, where the Vietnamese villagers work the rice fields, take pigs to the market on motorbikes and plough the fields with their water buffalo. You will arrive at the pier in the late morning and board a traditional wooden junk and begin your exploration of magical Halong Bay. Cruise by rock formations with such names as Sail, Dog and Dinh Huong (incense pot). Towards the end of the day set anchor for the night as the sun sets followed by dinner on board. (B,L,D)
Day 5 – Halong Bay – Hanoi – Hue
Wake up early in the morning to enjoy the aquamarine water of the bay at its best. After breakfast, the junk will cruise quietly through the spectacular limestone formations of Halong Bay. Return to Halong harbour with lunch en route. After disembarkation, transfer directly to Noi Bai airport for flight VN 1321 departing Hanoi at 1800 and arriving in Hue at 1910. Welcome at the airport and transfer to the Pilgrimage Village hotel for check in. (B,L)
Overnight at the Pilgrimage Village
Day 6 – Hue
A full day visit of the former imperial capital of Vietnam starts with a traditional sampan cruise on the romantically named Perfume River to Hue’s best-known religious site, Thien Mu Pagoda. Afterwards, enjoy a cyclo tour of Hue’s lovely countryside. You will have plenty of time to enjoy the pretty country roads which curve around large fields, dwelling-places, and little country paths, stopping to visit the village and a garden house en route. Lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, you will discover Tu Duc mausoleum with its tranquil setting of gardens and lakes and Tu Hieu pagoda where you might be interested in attending a praying ceremony. (B,L)
Overnight at the Pilgrimage Village
Day 7 – Hue – Da Nang – Hoi An
In the morning, pay a visit to the Majestic Imperial Citadel and enjoy the faded elegance of Hue as you visit the old city. Then depart to Da Nang via the scenic Hai Van Pass to view one of the most beautiful panoramas in Vietnam as you look out over the central coastline. Upon arrival in Danang, transfer to Cham Museum to view some of the best-preserved statues before heading to Hoi An ancient town. Arrival in Hoi An late in the afternoon. (B,L)
Overnight at the Boutique Hoi An hotel.
Day 8 – Hoi An
In the morning, visit Hoi An town, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site because of its unusually well-preserved ancient streets and homes. Set out to explore the quaint cobblestone streets of the town with more than two-century-old Chinese houses. Sites include the Japanese Bridge, the Chinese Temple, and Phung Hung, a Chinese-style trading house. Then taking a bike ride through the rural scenery of Hoi An to a small vegetable planting village located on the banks of Tra Que lagoon (5km – 15mins cycling from Hoi An). Tra Que village has been known for its special aromatic herbs, mint and basil. Mingle with local people in their daily work of planting and watering vegetables. Then learn to cook some local specialities, for example “Tam Huu” – shrimps, pork and aromatic herbs. Return to the hotel and free at your leisure. (B,L)
Overnight at the Boutique Hoi An hotel.
Note: The Tra Que programme is flexible to change to afternoon with dinner instead of morning with lunch at the local house.
Day 9 – Hoi An – Da Nang – Saigon – Cu Chi – Saigon
Transfer to the airport for your morning flight from Da Nang to Saigon. You will be welcomed at the airport and transferred to the city for lunch. Then, depart to Cu Chi where you will visit the amazing tunnel network built by Vietnamese fighters during the Vietnam War with America. Return to Saigon at the end of the day. (B,L)
Overnight at the Liberty Central.
Day 10 – Saigon – Ben Tre – Saigon
Today we depart from Saigon to explore Ben Tre in the Mekong Delta. Upon arrival at Ben Tre Town, take a motor boat trip around Ben Tre River with several stops to visit a brick kiln, coconut fruits processing and some families in Cai Son and the Thanh Nhon channel who make sleeping mats. Enjoy fresh fruit and green tea while relaxing at a local house. Lunch is at a local house. In the afternoon, take a rowing-boat along a small channel to a rice making workshop and then visit an ancient house. You then return to Ho Chi Minh City in the late afternoon. This evening we enjoy a farewell dinner. (B,L,D)
Overnight at the Liberty Central.
Day 11 – Saigon
Today, set out on a city tour of the former capital of French Indochina, once known as Saigon. Historic landmarks include the Old Saigon post office, Notre Dame Cathedral and the ethnic bustling Chinese district of Cho Lon. Then free until transfer to the airport for your flight departure arriving back in London the following day.
Or for the Jayavarman Cruise extension, you will stay for one more night at the Liberty Central, before embarkation the next day. (B)
Cambodia Extension (3 days / 2 nights)
Fly from Ho Chi Minh to Siem Reap and transfer to hotel.
This afternoon, head out to the Roluos Group, a collection of early-Angkor temples including Bakong, Lolei and Preah Ko. Later today, visit the ancient city of Angkor Thom and discover Bayon's 54 smiling faces and the impressive bas-reliefs at the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King. Finally, end the day with a private blessing ceremony by monks in a small contemporary pagoda. (B)
Overnight in Siem Reap at the Tara Angkor.
Day 12 - Siem Reap
Start your day with a tour of the Small Circuit temples, including the vine-covered Ta Prohm, Banteay Kdei and Srah Srang. Later this afternoon, depart on a very special sightseeing tour of the famous Angkor Wat by local tuk tuk. Uncover a stunning archaeological masterpiece before enjoying a magical sunset at this famous icon as dusk falls. (B)
Overnight in Siem Reap at the Tara Angkor.
Day 13 - Siem Reap
Enjoy a morning visit to the temples of the Grand Circuit: Preah Khan Temple, Neak Pean and Ta Som. Later this afternoon, embark on a local boat trip on the Tonlé Sap Lake, where you will have the opportunity to learn about life on Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake. Pass by floating houses and flooded forests as you cruise to Kampong Phluck, a village with houses on stilts that are submerged whenever Tonlé Sap Lake expands. Finally, transfer to the airport for your departure flight on Bangkok Airways connecting in Bangkok with your onward flight to Heathrow arriving the next morning. (B)
ACCOMODATION
Hanoi
Mercure La Gare 4*
Located opposite Hanoi Central Railway Station, Mercure Hanoi La Gare is an inviting oasis in the heart of the bustling city centre. Situated close to the Old Quarter, this Hanoi hotel features modern design and facilities, plus 102 spacious rooms, a French brasserie, internal courtyard and gym. Ideal for leisure guests, Mercure Hanoi La Gare offers easy access to Hanoi attractions including the Temple of Literature and Hoan Kiem Lake.
Halong Bay
Dragon Pearl 4*
Whether you are dinning in the restaurant, lounging on one of the two sundecks or relaxing in the comfort of your cabin, you will be surrounded by the handcrafted teak and oak that make the Halong Dragon Pearl a wonderful sailing vessel reminiscent of the traditional Chinese junks that used to sail these waters.
Each 9m2, air-conditioned cabin boasts its own bathroom with hot water shower, a closet and night table. In each cabin you enjoy the elegant design of the fine woodwork that is evident throughout.
On the 3rd floor you'll find the elegant dining room and bar, exquisitely designed with handcrafted Teak and Oak. To the rear of the deck is a cozy, covered lounging/dining area where you can enjoy the stunning views of Halong Bay through the elegant archways. On the forward deck is a large outdoor lounging area, perfect for taking in the views. On top is the spacious, 150 square metre tanning deck with 15 comfortable lounge chairs. 8 metres above the water, you'll have a panoramic view of the limestone karsts towering from the emerald waters of Halong Bay.
Hue
Pilgrimage Village 4*
Pilgrimage Village is a beautiful boutique resort located in Hue, the ancient capital of Vietnam. The charm of this unique Vietnamese property is its tranquility and design, a sense of the past in an updated rustic village setting. The resort offers a harmonious balance of natural environment and local culture, modern art concept and traditional style.
Hoi An
The Boutique Hoi An 4*
The Boutique Hoi An consists of 82 individual cozy rooms and villas arranged to maximise views of the beach on Cua Dai. Conveniently accessed from Danang Airport and only 5 minutes from Hoi An town. The large swimming pool is surrounded by tropical gardens, and the beach just a stone's throw away. A great choice for a characterful beach property with easy access to the sights of Hoi An.
Ho Chi Minh
Liberty Central 4*
The Liberty Central Hotel is the modernly built superior hotel located in downtown Ho Chi Minh City, and is strategically situated right next to Ben Thanh market, and a short stroll to the famous landmarks such as City Opera House, Central Post Office, and Unification Palace. The hotel offers 139 well appointed rooms with super views of Saigon and the latest in technological facilities. There is also an outdoor swimming pool and a spa.
Siem Reap
Tara Angkor 4*
Warm Khmer hospitality and stylish rooms await you at the exceptional Tara Angkor hotel. With a large choice of hotels in Siem Reap, The Tara Angkor stands above the rest with its unique blend of modern architecture and traditional hospitality. Facilities include 206 magnificent rooms and suites, two restaurants, a lobby bar, and a swimming pool with jacuzzi, fitness and a sauna.
DEPARTURES AND PRICES
Tailormade:
We are tailor-made specialists which is reflected in the excellent value we are able to give our clients. We regularly receive special offers from airlines and hotels, enabling us to tailor-make the best possible price at the time of your enquiry. As a result the choice of airline and hotel will differ dependent on the time of your enquiry.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
We strongly recommend the purchase of travel insurance (covering emergency medical evacuation) for trips to Vietnam and Cambodia.
