Vietnam Encompassed

22 days - from $1047

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

• The bustling streets and cyclos of Saigon
• The tailors and market traders of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Hoi An
• Vietnam's northern capital Hanoi
• Perfume River cruise to the Thien Mu Pagoda and royal mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc
• Sapa hill tribes and the Bac Ha Sunday market
• Nha Trang cruise - the islands of the South China Sea
• Cu Chi Tunnels - the underground network of the Viet Minh and Viet Cong
• Dalat hill station
• 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

Itinerary:

Day 1: Saigon2-3: Mekong Delta4: Cu Chi Tunnels5-6: Dalat7-9: Nha Trang - island cruise - overnight train10-11: Hoi An12-13: Hue - overnight train14-15: Hanoi16: Halong Bay17: Hanoi - overnight train18-20: Sapa - village trek - overnight train21-22: 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:

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

• 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.

• 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).

• 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).

• Two-day trek up the Muong Hoa River Valley to visit minority hill tribe villages.

• A night in Ban Ho in a longhouse belonging to a local family, including a hill tribe breakfast.

• Sightseeing (including entrance fees where relevant): Cu Chi Tunnels; Hoi An’s ‘Old Town’; Hai Van Pass; Lang Co Beach; Hanoi - One Pillar Pagoda, Temple of Literature and Hoa Lo Prison (Hanoi Hilton); and minority hill tribe town of Sapa.

• 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.

• Return overnight sleeper train from Hanoi to Lao Cai.

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.