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Day 1: Join tour Hanoi
Arrive Hanoi, Vietnam's capital, and check-in at hotel.
Overnight in Flower Garden
Flower Garden
Located in the heart of downtown Hanoi, tourist attractions such as the Red River, West Lake, Sword Lake and Old Quarters are all within walking distance. The comfortable and tastefully designed rooms are spread over 14 floors with a top floor restaurant for views.
Day 2: In Hanoi
This morning we make a tour of the main sights of Hanoi. Architecturally styled like a French provincial town with tree-lined boulevards and substantial low-built houses, the city is wonderfully nostalgic. Among the interesting sights are the charming One-Pillar Pagoda, Confucious Temple and the Presidential Palace. Ho Chi Minh himself, a spartan-living and scholarly man, chose not to live in the Presidential Palace; he preferred instead a simple teak 2-storied stilt-house specially built for him in the grounds. In the afternoon we highly recommend an exploration on foot of the Old Quarter, through the city's bustling street markets. The streets are named after various crafts or specialities: Paper Street, Silk street, Basket Street etc. The shops themselves have very narrow frontages but are actually quite deep; they are known locally as 'tube' shops, while on the pavement food sellers sell noodles, snacks and stir-fries from shoulder panniers.
Overnight in Flower Garden Included meals: Breakfast
Day 3: Junk cruise in Ha Long Bay
Departing the city early this morning we head east, towards the Gulf of Tonkin and the spectacular scenery of Ha Long Bay. One of South East Asia's most spectacular settings, Ha Long Bay presents a breathtaking vista of thousands of limestone islands that rise from the jade green waters of the bay like the scales of some great submerged dragon. Indeed Ha Long means 'where the dragon descends to the sea' and local legend tells of a time when this rugged landscape was created by the pounding tail of a mighty dragon as he ran from the mountains into the sea. Boarding our junk around midday we set sail, threading our way through a flotilla of boats, junks and wooden sampans as they ply their way across the gentle waters of the bay; a timeless image of a way of life unchanged for generations. We will overnight on board the junk where we are comfortably accommodated in en suite twin share cabins, all with picture windows and air conditioning.
Overnight in Junk, Halong Bay Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Junk, Halong Bay
The best way to experience Halong Bay is by travelling and sleeping on a local style boat or junk. Our junk boasts comfortable cabins with private en suite bathrooms, a/c along with a sun deck, bar and restaurant area. Please note that we will be sharing the junk with other tourists.
Day 4: Cruise in Ha Long Bay; fly to Danang, transfer to Hoi An
After cruising back to Bai Chay Beach (Ha Long City) this morning we disembark and drive back to Hanoi, in time to catch the late afternoon flight to Danang. It's just a short drive from here to the historic former merchant town of Hoi An, our base for the next three nights.
Overnight in Trails Resort & Spa Included meals: Breakfast
Trails Resort & Spa
Set in well-kept tropical gardens, the Trails Resort has spacious and comfortable rooms housed in six 3-storey chalets, all decorated in a traditional Vietnamese style. Facilities include a spa, swimming pool and floating café and the resort is only 1km from Cua Dai Beach and 3km from Hoi An town centre.
Day 5: In Hoi An; cooking lesson and walking tour
The historic, merchant town of Hoi An had become one of the busiest international trading ports of southeast Asia by the 17th and 18th centuries, and it still retains its medieval charm today, with many of its old buildings superbly preserved. We plan take a leisurely cruise trip along the river to the one of the town's restaurants where we will be taught the flavoursome secrets of Vietnamese cuisine during a dedicated cookery lesson. We also take a walking tour of the UNESCO-listed historic quarter including such sights as the the Japanese Bridge and some of wooden houses and Chinese temples that line the streets. There are many craft shops and markets in town which are an ideal place to pick up silk paintings and tailored silk clothing.
Overnight in Trails Resort & Spa Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6: Free Day in Hoi An with Optional Excursions
Today is left free for you to enjoy Hoi An and the bustle of its emotive streets were a hand made suits and shoes can be made to measure for you within hours! Or relax and enjoy the beach side accomodation. There are also excursions that may be taken further afield such as to My Son one of the holiest and most evocative of Vietnam's Cham sites. The Chams were dynastic lords who rejected the authority of China in 2AD and established their own kingdom. Travel along the track that leads to the site is slow, as we bump through wooded hills southwest of Hoi An. But the site is certainly impressive with several groupings of Cham temples to be visited. Alternatively those with an interest in more recent history may wish to take an optional excursion to Quang Ngai, the site of the My Lai massacre memorial. The massacre was a significant turning point in the Vietnam War and the horrific story is told through a photo- presentation – quite an emotional experience.
Overnight in Trails Resort & Spa Included meals: Breakfast
Day 7: Drive via Danang to Hue
Today we head north along the coast to Hue with several interesting stops along the way. The five peaks of the Marble Mountains, originally islands, are said to represent the five elements (water, wood, fire, gold and earth). The naturally formed grottoes have been transformed into heavily carved Buddhist sanctuaries which we explore on a short ramble. A torch is useful to explore the caves and grottos. About 1km from the mountains are the white sands of 'China' Beach – an ideal spot to rest a while. Pausing at Danang, the one-time centre of the important Kingdom of Champa (2nd century AD – 1720) we visit the Cham Museum, which houses a fine collection of Cham sculptures. We then enjoy a scenic drive across the spectacular Col des Nuages (the Pass of Ocean Clouds), passing rural scenes of thatched, wooden houses and lime- green rice paddies. before arriving in Hué, one of the great cultural and religious centres of Vietnam, a quietly impressive place and a major highlight of our trip.
Overnight in Park View Included meals: Breakfast
Park View
This modern hotel has comfortable and well-appointed rooms set in two low rise towers, from the top of which one can see the Imperial Citadel. Its location is great for local highlights with quick access to the Citadel and Perfume River. There is a welcoming swimming pool and spa.
Day 8: In Hué; visit Museum and Citadel
The Perfume River divides the city in two and it has been the inspiration for poets and painters for many centuries. On the left bank is the Old Citadel, the palace built by the Nguyen dynasty (Vietnam's ruling emperors from the early 1800s to1945). The Citadel has formal moats and impressive ramparts which were constructed by 20 000 men and was an exact copy of the Forbidden City in Beijing. Although most of the Inner City was totally destroyed during the month-long Tet Offensive (1968), the vast outer walls and the West Wing remain and are an eloquent reminder of the palace's former glory. To appreciate Hué's fascinating history we'll tour the citadel in the morning with the rest of the day free for personal exploration. You may choose to hire a bike (optional).
Overnight in Park View Included meals: Breakfast
Day 9: Fly Ho Chi Minh City, walking tour
We fly to Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, Vietnam's largest city and former capital of the Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam). In the afternoon we plan a walking tour of the central sights including such interesting places as the Independence Palace (renamed Reunification Hall) GPO building and the War Crimes Museum.
Overnight in Duxton Included meals: Breakfast
Duxton
Strategically located in the heart of the city near the shopping and sightseeing areas, the Duxton Hotel offers first class accommodation to both holiday makers as well as business travellers. There are nearly two hundred rooms on 11 storeys that are tastefully furnished with contemporary Vietnamese artwork and traditional fabrics. Leisure facilities include a pool, sauna and steam room, gym as well as a restaurant and bar.
Day 10: Day cruise in the Mekong Delta
Today we drive to Cai Be in the lush surroundings of the Mekong Delta and take a boat to its colourful floating market where you'll have the chance to practise the age-old art of bartering. We continue along the river and visit local family houses where popcorn and rice paper are produced. We enjoy a lunch of fresh local produce and specialities within a lush tropical garden by the river among pomelo, longan, mango, coconut and banana trees. After lunch our cruise continues into the countryside, where local houses are still made of wood and palm tree leaves and pass under several small traditional wooden and bamboo bridges. We then return to Saigon.
Overnight in Duxton Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 11: Visit Cu Chi Tunnels; fly to Siem Reap
We drive out early this morning to the infamous Cu Chi Tunnels. Originally started during the French occupation of the country, the tunnels went on to achieve notoriety during the Vietnam War, when they formed an amazing underground command base for 10,000 Viet Cong troops and were a major part of the Tet Offensive. This area was the centre of intense fighting during the war, much of it falling prey to the incessant carpet bombing, napalm and defoliants utilised by the Americans in an attempt to dislodge the Viet Cong from their underground shelters. There is little evidence of any of that now and the landscape has returned to something of its pre war beauty, but exploring the tunnels of Ben Dinh with a local guide gives us some idea as to the conditions that the Vietnamese and their American adversaries had to endure. Be warned, the tunnels are low and narrow and can be claustrophobic, so anyone wishing to opt out may do so. Later we fly to Siem Reap in Cambodia; our base for an exploration of the fascinating jungle temples of Angkor.
Overnight in Tara Angkor Included meals: Breakfast
Tara Angkor
An elegant and luxurious place to stay while visiting the temple complexes of Angkor, the Tara Angkor has about 213 rooms each with modern and stylish decoration. The hotel has a convenient location on the road to the temples, just 5km from the park entrance and a short ride from town. Facilities include a swimming pool, two restaurants, a lobby bar, gym, jacuzzi and a sauna.
Day 12 to 13: Exploring Angkor
Our exact programme over the 2 full days at Angkor will be organised at the tour leaders discretion to avoid crowds, coincide with sunsets, etc. This amazing ruined city (actually a series of cities), built between the 9th and the 13th centuries by the Khmer kings would have had (it is estimated) a population of over 750,000 at its peak. Situated deep in the Cambodian jungle it is spread out over some 155 square kilometres, scattered with magnificent carved stone temples, elegant sculptures and incredible bas reliefs. Our exploration will include a visit to the temples of King Jayavarman Vll, reputedly Angkor's greatest king. The fortified city of Angkor Thom which he had built at the end of the 12th Century is enclosed by a square wall 8 metres high with five 20 metre high monumental gates decorated with stone elephant trunks. Originally the moat was inhabited by crocodiles and each gate was protected by huge statues of 54 different gods. The city contains another of Angkor's true gems – The Bayon. Although not nearly as impressive as Angkor Wat from a distance, The Bayon is nevertheless incredible for its maze of corridors, gothic style towers and magical central temples. We also explore The Terrace of the Elephants and the Leper King, the Baphuon and Phimeanakas, and some of the surrounding temples such as Preah Khan. Also included in our itinerary is the 2nd Angkor capital which includes the temples of Kravan, East Mebon, Srah Srang, Takeo and Pre Rup, a perfect place to watch the sunset. The temple of Ta Phrom, lies half consumed by the jungle and has been made famous as the setting for the fim 'Tomb Raider'. Perhaps the best known and most breathtaking of all the sights, is Angkor Wat. Originally built as a funerary temple for Suryavarman ll in honour of Vishnu, the temple is unique in that it faces west – symbolically the direction of death.
Overnight in Tara Angkor Included meals: Breakfast
Day 14: Tour ends Siem Reap
Included meals: Breakfast
