Vietnam Highlights

14 days - from $808

What a great way to travel the length of this incredible country. This trip is suited for those who prefer independence to move at your own pace and at a price to suit. Relax on Whale Island or Nha Trang and enjoy the hospitality of our homestay.

Itinerary:

Day 1,HANOI Arrive and check into your hotel. Later this evening you will have the chance to meet your tour leader and the other members of the tour. (No meals.) Day 2,HANOI Free day to explore Hanoi. You may like to visit the fascinating Ho Chi Minh mausoleum, amble through the winding streets of the Old Quarter, or relax in a café by Hoan Kiem Lake. In the late afternoon we board the overnight train to Hue. (B) Approx. 12 ½ hrs train journey   Day 3 to Day 4,HUE Arrive and transfer to our hotel. We have one and a half days in Hue, famous for its stunning architecture and the Perfume River, which flows slowly through the centre of the city. Hue was recently given the prestigious World Heritage status by UNESCO. Optional tours are available on the Perfume River, or to the Demilitarized Zone (US$15) or Bach Ma National Park (US$80). (Day 3 – No meals, Day 4 - B) Day 5,HOI AN Travel to Hoi An via the spectacular Ocean Cloud Pass, Danang and China Beach. (B) Approx 4 hours driving Day 6,HOI AN A full day at leisure in Hoi An. Option to visit the historical site of My Son (US$5 plus entrance fee), or hire a bicycle to explore (US$1).(B) Day 7 to Day 8,WHALE ISLAND Transfer by road and boat to secluded Whale Island, so named because of the sperm whales which can sometimes be spotted off its shores. Two days to swim, laze on pristine beaches or go snorkelling amidst lovely coral gardens. In the evening, there is time to relax at the beach bar - the perfect place to watch the sun go down with a cocktail in hand. Day 7 - Approx. 10 hours driving. (Day 7 – BD, Day 8 - BLD) Day 9,NHA TRANG Late departure from this paradise island and travel south towards Nha Trang, a laid back beach resort. Approx. 2 hours driving. (B) Day 10,NHA TRANG There’s time to check out the town or the beach before we board the overnight train to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City). Approx. 7½ hrs train journey. Optional boat trip (US$8), or visit to the local mud bath (US$10). (B) Day 11,SAIGON (HO CHI MINH CITY) Arrive in Saigon and transfer to the hotel. There’s a host of things to do in this exciting city and some interesting excursions for those who want to venture further afield. Visit the famous Cu Chi tunnels (US$12 plus entrance fee). (No meals) Day 12,MEKONG DELTA HOMESTAY Today we head south to the Mekong Delta. Here the mighty river splits into a labyrinth of channels before disgorging into the South China Sea. We spend the day exploring the area by boat and on foot. This is a great opportunity to learn about life in the Delta. Tonight we are guests of a local family. (BLD) Approx. 3 ½ hrs driving Day 13,MEKONG DELTA - SAIGON This morning we visit an authentic floating market before returning to Saigon. (B) Approx. 3 ½ hrs driving Day 14,SAIGON Tour ends after breakfast. (B)

Included

Group Size Max 18
Activities Snorkelling, Mekong Delta homestay
Accommodation 8 nights simple hotels, 2 nights sleeper train, 2 nights island hut on Whale Island, 1 night homestay
Transport Public and private bus, Reunification Express, local boat
Fully Escorted By Imaginative Traveller tour leader, services of qualified guide in the Mekong Delta

Excluded

Airport Transfer: Not included
Entrance Fees: Not included. Allow US$30 for all sites listed as part of the itinerary

Trip Reference: SAVH