Vietnam Encompassed

22 days - from $1340

Your Vietnam adventure tour begins in the steamy southern city of Saigon. From here you'll explore the agriculturally rich Mekong Delta and the one-time guerrilla stronghold of the Cu Chi Tunnels before spending a couple of days cooling off in the attractive Central Highlands town of Dalat. Back on the coast, you'll cruise the offshore islands of Nha Trang then catch the overnight train to the ancient port town of Hoi An in Central Vietnam.

A short drive north, over the spectacular Hai Van Pass, brings you to a city that's steeped in history and culture, the former Imperial capital, Hue. Another overnight train journey delivers you to the charming present-day capital of Hanoi in North Vietnam. Discover this graceful old city before setting out to cruise amongst the towering limestone karsts of awe-inspiring Halong Bay.

Last, but definitely not least, you'll trek through the breathtakingly beautiful mountain scenery around the northern hill tribe minority town of Sapa, and spend the night in a village longhouse. Definitely one of the great Vietnam Tours.

Highlights

• Saigon
• Mekong Delta
• Cu Chi Tunnels
• Dalat
• Nha Trang
• Hoi An
• Hue
• Hanoi
• Halong Bay
• Sapa Hill Tribe Trek

Itinerary:

Day 1 Saigon2-3 Mekong Delta4 Cu Chi Tunnels5-6 Dalat7-9 Nha Trang10-11 Hoi An12-13 Hue14-15 Hanoi16 Halong Bay17 Hanoi18-20 Sapa Hill Tribe Trek21-22 Hanoi

What's It Like?

Gecko's adventures offer authentic experiences and a genuine alternative to backpacking. Our trips are designed for younger travelers on a budget but do include the entrance fees to the 'must see' sights while not wasting your money on unnecessary frills. Itineraries utilize public transport and basic twin share accommodations in small locally owned hotels, the occasional multi-share, or simply floor space in a jungle or village hut. Many trips involve some physical activity, the occasional long traveling day and you will need to carry your own bags. On camping trips, meals are freshly prepared by our camp cook, but expect to put up and take down your tent, and assist with camp chores. On all trips we only use local tour leaders who are passionate about their homeland. This is travel, grassroots style - basic but rewarding.

Included: An experienced local leader, and there will be the services of local guides at some sites. All transportation, accommodation and meals as indicated.
Not Included: International flights, arrival and departure transfers, departure and airport taxes, visas, all other meals, all optional tours or activities during free time, transfers outside of the tour program, travel insurance, tips and items of a personal nature.
Meals: Allow US$290 for additional meals. On tour we generally do not include meals, as this gives you the flexibility to go out and make your own choices as far as where to go and what to eat. This flexibility reflects the very nature of Gecko's tours. Your tour leader will always be on hand to offer recommendations and, in many cases, organise group meals that introduce you to the local specialities. These meals are optional.
Notes: Local Tour Leaders By employing and training local guides to lead our group holidays, there is a two-fold benefit. Firstly, we provide employment opportunities for the local community. Just as importantly is the benefit to you, the traveller. Your tour leader's friendship, humour, passion and intimate knowledge of the region will be key factors in making your holiday a success. Tipping Tipping has become an accepted part of tourism in South East Asia. Your tour leader will be able to advise you in this area; however, as a guideline we would recommend tipping 10% of the total bill in restaurants and a small tip to hotel bellboys for carrying your bags. At you pre-tour briefing your tour leader will discuss with you the idea of running a tipping kitty, whereby everybody contributes an equal amount and then the tour leader pays the tips and keeps a record of all monies spent (except restaurant tips). The record can be checked at any time and any money remaining at the end of the tour is returned to group members. This is often the easiest way to avoid the hassles of needing small change and knowing what is an appropriate amount to tip. It is customary to tip your tour leader, at the end of the trip, if you are happy with the service. A minimum tip of US$2 per day, from each member of the group, is the usual amount expected. Infrastructure and Tet Holiday Period Please note that Vietnam is a developing country whose infrastructure may differ from what you expect in your homeland. Expect poor road conditions and be prepared for some inconveniences due to such things as restaurants or tourist sites being closed and our regular transport services not always being available, especially so during the Tet holiday period (Vietnamese New Year). Tet (Vietnamese New Year) in 2010 is on Sunday 14th February, with that date signalling the start of the Year of the Tiger. The official Tet holiday period for 2010 will be from Saturday 13th February till Friday 19th February; however, disruptions can start as early as 1st February and end as late as the end of February. Most businesses will be closed as Vietnamese people usually spend this period returning to their homes and celebrating with their families. This will involve a major burden on all forms of transport, and despite booking in advance, tickets for planes and trains especially are extremely difficult to obtain. Even if bookings are obtained, transport services during this period will be overcrowded and heavy delays are to be expected, so you will need to make sure that you pack your sense of humour. In order to facilitate your travels during the Tet period, we may need to substitute your train/plane journey with a private bus trip, if required. This is an 'adventure' trip and we hope to expose you to all aspects of Vietnamese culture. Please be open-minded. Please note that, on your tour, you may link up with passengers booked on other tours in our Gecko's Asia program.
Starts/Ends: Saigon to Hanoi
Trip Reference: GTVE