Detailed itinerary
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
) - Cu Chi Tunnels – 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.
Overnight:
Hong Ngoc 3 hotel
Meals
included: none
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.
General Notes:
• Tailormade Vietnam Holidays reserves the right to alter or revise
the prices and the itinerary when circumstances beyond the
company's control deem it necessary.
• Accommodation in hotels is subject to availability. If the
listed hotels are fully booked, alternate accommodation will be
offered at the same level.
• If there are any requests regarding special meals, dietary
requirements, early check in, late check out, adjoining room and
so on, please inform the company when booking. Such requests are
subject to confirmation and availability.