Vietnam Express Soutnbound

10 days Hanoi to Saigon

Welcome to Tailormade Vietnam Holidays...As we travel through Vietnam , we look forward to sharing our passion for this beautiful destination with you. As you explore this historic country you will marvel at the warmth of the people and the sheer beauty of the countryside. The faded ochre colonial buildings and wide tree lined boulevards make Hanoi a most attractive city and the maze of narrow streets in the Old Quarter are a delight to explore. Halong Bay takes you away from the hustle and bustle to enjoy cruising between the limestone peaks for an overnight stay on board. The imperial splendour of Hue , enchanting Hoi An and rural scenery of Mekong Delta combine to make this a most memorable trip. Finishing in dynamic Ho Chi Minh City , don't miss the Ben Thanh market for some fantastic shopping.

highlights

Take a cyclo ride in Hanoi 's Old Quarter, Dive into the emerald-green waters of Halong Bay , Explore Vietnam 's imperial past in Hue , Cycle among the rice paddies near Hoi An, Get a taste of local life in a Mekong Delta

itinerary disclaimer

The itinerary attached is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in reality. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Please note that our brochure is usually released by the end of each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to improve the itinerary. It is very important that you print a final copy of your Trip Dossier to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans

DETAIL ITINERARY

Hanoi - Halong bay – Hue - Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh City ( Saigon ) – Mekong Delta

Day 1 Hanoi arrival

You are met on arrival at Hanoi Airport and transferred to your hotel - please advise flight details at time of booking. Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is a charming city of about 4 million people, famous for its beautiful lakes, shaded boulevards and public parks. The city centre is an architectural museum piece, its blocks of ochre buildings retaining the air of a provincial 1930s French town, in complete contrast to the fast-living and commercial air of Ho Chi Minh City. As Vietnam develops to compete with other South-East Asian countries, Hanoi's mirror-like Hoan Kiem Lake reflects modern office buildings towering over old Buddhist temples and a tangle of ancient streets. The city hums with the never-ending flow of bicycles, cyclos and everything from racy new Honda Dreams to 30-year-old Russian motorbikes.

Days 2,3 Ha Long bay

After a buffet breakfast at the KOTO restaurant, dedicated to training street kids and disadvantaged youth in skills for the hospitality industry, we drive to Halong Bay (approx. 4hrs) and board our private boat. We enjoy lunch while cruising past some of the thousands of limestone karsts within this dramatic World Heritage site. There is then an opportunity to swim in the bay's emerald waters, explore caves with incredible formations of stalactites and stalagmites or simply enjoy the tranquillity of this bay of wonders.

Our overnight accommodation on Halong Bay is on a sailing junk with twin bed cabins that have air-conditioning and private facilities. There is also a dining room and bar where we enjoy dinner.

On the morning of day 3 we may visit the Dong Trieu ceramic village as we make our way back to the capital. Once back in Hanoi, there's a chance for more exploration. Why not head back to the Old Quarter, stroll the city's tree-lined boulevards or enjoy the serene lakes over a traditional Vietnamese coffee? Otherwise stock up on freshly baked baguettes and bottled water for the trip ahead.

In the evening we board an overnight train. Conditions are basic and cleanliness might not be as we would expect back home, however overnight trains are a truly Intrepid experience and the best way to travel long distances with the locals. Sleeper trains typically have 4 berth compartments (occasionally 6 berth depending on seasonal variations) of which are bench seats that convert into sleeping bunks. A sheet, pillow and blanket are provided, although some travellers prefer to bring their own sleeping sheet. On occasion passengers of different genders will be required to share a compartment and there will be occasions where you will be sharing with local travellers or travellers who are not part of your group. Most trains have a dining carriage serving simple food, but some travellers take the opportunity to stock up on fresh bread, cheese and fruit prior to departure.

Days 4-5 Hue

Arriving in Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam, we have two full days to enjoy the many sights and slower pace of this tranquil city. We'll visit the Imperial Citadel, one of the Nguyen emperors' tombs and also enjoy a dragonboat cruise along the Perfume River.

Hue, known as the centre of Buddhism and education in Vietnam, has a wealth of pagodas and monasteries to discover, so enjoy getting to know this fascinating place. You'll find many students willing to be your personal guide and to show you the many secrets of this regal city. Busy Dong Ba Market offers a vast array of goods and foods to see and sample, including traditional Hue specialties such as 'banh khoai' (Vietnamese cake made from grated cassava, sugar and coconut milk)

Days 6-7 Hoi An

Leaving Hue, our bus journey takes us south through rural countryside and the picturesque fishing village of Lang Co before ascending the dramatic Hai Van Pass. We arrive at the World Heritage listed Hoi An (approx. 4 hours) and take an orientation tour of the ancient town.

Once a thriving river port, the town's architecture has been preserved and restored. This small town is a favourite with CTV passengers and leaders alike, and wandering the streets and narrow alleyways brings hours of pleasure and discovery. Today's trade is in ceramics, wood-ware, paintings and tailoring. There is something here for everyone and it is the perfect place to pick up gifts for those back home. There are options also for a visit to the ancient Cham city of My Son, boating, or simply lazing the day away on a nearby beach.

Days 8-10 Sai Gon

A short flight brings us to the emerging economic hub of Ho Chi Minh City (approx. 1 hour). Our hotel is located close to Ben Thanh Market and the city's main shopping district, so there is plenty for you to explore and discover. In the afternoon, we take a cyclo tour of the city and visit the War Remnants Museum.

Starting early in the morning on day 9 (8.00am) we take a day trip to My Tho in the Mekong Delta (2.5 hrs). En Route we stop by a local brick making factory and visit the small cottage industry of salt making. Take this opportunity to wander this remote village and learn more about the local rural life so seldom seen. We then visit a nearby garden restaurant, in the heart of the Delta, where you can sample some of the regional specialities such as the famous Elephant ear fish. After lunch we board small rowing boats, sampans, and paddle through the many mangrove tributaries that make up the Mekong Delta. Boarding our main private boat, we then cruise through more major waterways, arriving in Ben Tre town. Boarding our private minivan we visit a candy factory and have the opportunity to sample the local candies for which this region is famous. Returning to Ho Chi Minh City (approx 6.00pm), there's time for some last minute shopping at the night market before our final night dinner.
On day 10 you are transferred to Sai Gon airport for the flight home. Extra nights can be added in Ho Chi Minh City.

Tour includes:
• Accommodation with daily breakfasts
• Extra meals as per the itinerary
• All transfers and transportation as dedicated in the itinerary
• Tours and excursions as described in the program
• Local English speaking tour guide
• Entrance fees and permits where applicable during guided time
Tour excludes:
• International flights and visas
• Pre & post trip arrangements
• Transfers beyond the itinerary
• Entrance fees and permits during free time
• Travel insurance (compulsory)
• Food & drinks not mentioned within the itinerary
• Tips and gratuities
• Expenses of a personal nature such as bar bills, laundry and telephone charges
• Other services not clearly described in the program