Vietnam South To North

18 days - from $1036

This amazing overland trip will take you on an unforgettable journey through a country that’s as distinct and enchanting as the people who inhabit it. Our adventure begins in the steamy southern city of Saigon. From here we’ll explore the agriculturally rich Mekong Delta and the one-time guerrilla stronghold of Cu Chi tunnels before spending a couple of days cooling off in the attractive Central Highlands town of Dalat. Back on the coast, we’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 spectacular Hai Van Pass, brings us to a city that’s steeped in history and culture, the former Imperial capital, Hue. Another overnight train journey delivers us to the charming present-day capital of Hanoi in North Vietnam. Discover this graceful old city on foot before setting out to cruise amongst the towering limestone karsts of awe-inspiring Halong Bay.

Highlights

• Vietnam's northern capital Hanoi
• Perfume River cruise to the Thien Mu Pagoda and royal mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc
• The bustling streets and cyclos of Saigon
• Nha Trang cruise - the islands of the South China Sea
• Lunch at Dalat Market
• 'Junk' boat cruise among the limestone karsts of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Halong Bay
• Cai Be floating market and the longtail boats of the Mekong
• Cu Chi Tunnels - the underground network of the Viet Minh and Viet Cong
• Dalat hill station

Itinerary:

Day 1: Saigon2-3: Mekong Delta4: Cu Chi Tunnels5-6: Dalat7-9: Nha Trang - Island Cruise10-11: Hoi An12-13: Hue14-15: Hanoi16: Halong Bay17-18: 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:

• Gecko’s expert English-speaking local tour guide throughout the tour, and professional local site guides at some sites.

• Overnight boat cruise in Halong Bay. Accommodation in twin-share cabins with en suite facilities. A seafood lunch and dinner on board, swimming and a limestone cave excursion. Option of sleeping on the top deck under the stars (weather permitting).

• Day cruise on the South China Sea in Nha Trang, with a freshly-caught seafood lunch included (non-seafood options available).

• Local ‘shopping’ bike ride around Hue and Dragon Boat cruise up the Perfume River to visit Thien Mu pagoda and Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc (with option to cycle back through the countryside).

• Mekong Delta cruise including Cai Be’s floating market and visits to family-run industries.

• Homestay on an island on the Mekong River with a Mekong cuisine dinner, an island trail walk and a sampan ride.

• Sightseeing (including entrance fees where relevant): Hanoi - One Pillar Pagoda, Temple of Literature and Hoa Lo Prison (Hanoi Hilton); Lang Co Beach; Hai Van Pass; and the Cu Chi Tunnels.

• Free time to explore Saigon, Dalat, Nha Trang, Hoi An, Hue and Hanoi.

• Overnight ‘Reunification Express’ sleeper trains from Nha Trang to Danang, and Hue to Hanoi.

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.