Day 1, 4th Nov - Welcome to Vietnam!
Welcome to Vietnam! Arrive into Ho Chi Minh airport and you will be picked up and transferred to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh/Saigon, to check in and chill before our first chance to try out the amazing Vietnamese cuisine and meet the whole group for a welcome evening meal. Overnight in hotel in Saigon. Meal plan: (Welcome Dinner)
Day 2, 5th Nov – Saigon & Cu Chi Tunnels!
This morning we start around approx 8:30 am, our driver will take us to visit the famous Cu Chi tunnels. The tunnels are 75 km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City, in an area that played an important role during the Vietnam war for independence and reunification. More than 200 km of tunnels were built here by the Vietnamese guerrillas and are often the highlight of South Vietnam touring. This morning we will be able to explore the bedrooms, meeting rooms, air-raid shelters, smokeless kitchens, and experience life underground in this extraordinary tunnel complex. After visiting the tunnels, go back to HCMC for an afternoon to chill, the evening is free to explore the surrounding shopping streets and local foods, local coffee shops. Overnight in hotel in Saigon. Meal plan: (Breakfast)
Day 3, 6th Nov - Saigon to Da Nang via Night Train!
This morning is a relaxed morning, breakfast and chill before check out at 12pm to head to the train station for a real Vietnamese experience (like have you really been in Vietnam if you haven't done an overnight train). We will embark on the enchanting journey from Saigon to Da Nang aboard a night train, traversing the diverse landscapes of Vietnam under the blanket of night. As the chug of the train lulls us into relaxation, we will catch glimpses of rural villages, lush rice paddies, and serene countryside passing by our windows. Experience the Vietnamese way of night time travel. Overnight in night train to Da Nang. Meal plan: (Breakfast)
Day 4, 7th Nov - Hoi An
We will arrival into Da Nang city around 11am, and we will then be transferred to our Hoi An Hotel by private transfer. We will have sometime to relax after the overnight train, giving us the the chance to explore the enchanting streets of Hoi An at our own pace or chill by the swimming pool. Our tour guide will take us to a tailor shop, where we can get some beautiful clothes made. Wander through the historic town, discovering ancient architecture, vibrant markets, and hidden gems tucked away in every corner. Later in the afternoon we will do a personalized lantern-making class in the charming town of Hoi An. Under the guidance of skilled artisans, immerse yourself in the traditional techniques of lantern crafting, weaving intricate designs with vibrant colors. Engage in this hands-on experience, igniting your creativity as you craft a unique memento to cherish from your time in Hoi An. Overnight in hotel in Hoi An.
Day 5, 8th April - Hoi an basket boat & cooking class.
After breakfast, let's take the eco green tour with our local guide to the countryside village. You will go to the village by bicycle, then have the chance to see the water buffaloes with local farmers in the field. Visit the bamboo handicraft area, explore the tranquil water coconut forest on traditional Vietnamese bamboo basket boats, learn to paddle basket boats from the local people and watch a bamboo basket boat performance. There’s other activities including crab catching, and boat racing if you are feeling energetic, and sometimes even karaoke right on the river! A Hoi An cooking class offers a hands-on culinary adventure, immersing participants in the vibrant flavors and rich culinary heritage of central Vietnam. Led by expert local chefs, these classes typically begin with a guided tour of the bustling markets, where participants select fresh ingredients like fragrant herbs, exotic spices, and locally sourced produce! The evening is free to wonder around the ancient town for our last night in Hoi An. Overnight in hotel in Hoi An. Meal plan: (Breakfast & Lunch)
Day 6, 9th Nov – Travel to Hue by open top army jeeps (Hai Van pass)
After having breakfast at the hotel, we'll travel to Hue. On the way we’ll stop on the top of Hai Van pass and enjoy the breath taking view there. It will be around a 5-6 hours journey. We will start by making our way up the Hai Van Pass to some viewpoints with awesome photo opportunities overlooking the coast and the train tracks and a place surrounded with French colonial buildings in ruins. Once we arrive in Hue we will check in and relax for the evening. Overnight in Hue. Meal plan (Breakfast & Lunch)
Day 7, 10th Nov - Hue - Imperial City
after breakfast we will explore the majestic Imperial City, a UNESCO World Heritage site: wander through the historic complex, surrounded by ancient walls and gates, to discover the intricate architecture and rich cultural heritage of the Nguyen Dynasty. Immersing ourselves in the opulence of the imperial palaces, pagodas, and gardens, gaining insight into the royal history that defines this cultural gem.. Overnight in hotel in Hue. Meal plan: (Breakfast)
Day 8, 11th Nov – Hue – Hanoi
After having breakfast at our hotel, we will check out at 10:30am, and travel to Phu Bai Airport for our flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival in Hanoi, being picked up and transferred to the hotel. Later in the afternoon we will do a city walking tour: we will have a look at the church, then head to the Train street area for some photos and if we're lucky, we can see the train going through. we will then head back to the heart of the Old Quarter: Ta Hien Street, for restaurants and pubs and explore Hanoi night life in the Old Quarter (Ta Hien street). Overnight in hotel in Hanoi. Meal plan: (Breakfast)
Day 9, 12th Nov – Hanoi to Ha Long Bay
Our luxury limousine or shuttle bus will pick us up from our hotel in Hanoi after breakfast and start our trip to explore the most amazing bay in the North of Vietnam. On the way, we will have a quick stop in the middle of the way to rest. Arrive at our waiting lounge at Ha Long international cruise port, we will have a bit of time to relax and enjoy a cup of tea/coffee. Wait for our captain to finish the registration and transfer by tender to our boat. We will then enjoy a welcome drink and spend a couple of minutes briefing about safety on the boat and activities included then we check in our cabin. Delicious Vietnamese set menu will be served while leisurely cruising further into Lan Ha Bay. Enjoy kayaking through the karst and breathtaking nature, swimming and relaxing. Get back to the boat and enjoy our Sunset party while our cruise sailing to the overnight anchorage. Sumptuous set dinner on board. After have a cocktail and enjoy the quiet night on the bay. Overnight on boat in Ha Long Bay.
Meal plan: (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Day 10, 13th Nov – Halong Bay / Hanoi
Get up early for the amazing sunrise in HaLong Bay! Breakfast will be served while we cruise toward one of the famous caves in the Bay. we will get a chance to explore the cave, learn about its mythical stories. Check out at 11:30, travel back to Hanoi and enjoy a farewell dinner to finish our epic journey of Vietnam together. Overnight in Hanoi. Meal plan: (Breakfast & Dinner)
Day 11, 14th Nov – Depart Hanoi
All good things must come to an end. Today it's time to say goodbye to everyone as we end our tour, there will be a transfer provided to Noi Bai Airport for your homeward flights.
Meal plan: (Breakfast)
Total cost €1785 per person sharing
Please note the tour starts in Ho Chi Minh and ends in Hanoi. You can fly home from Hanoi airport. Also note with regards to luggage, a small suitcase or backpack is recommended as we will need to carry our luggage up some stairs at times!
Included: 2 x airport tranfers, all transport on the tour, internal flight, all accommodation (hotels, overnight train and boat), Welcome dinner, 9 x Breakfasts, 3 x Lunch, 3 x Dinners, Lantern Making Class, Hoi An cooking class, Cu Chi tunnels, bamboo baskets boats, eco green tour, Imperial city, full board ha long bay cruise and open top army jeeps.
NOT included: International flights to/from Vietnam, Travel insurance (compulsory), meals not listed in the itinerary and visa.
Fine print:
Please not itinerary may be subject to small changes due to any unforeseen circumstances that may arise. All rooms on all trips are shared, with 2 people in each room.
Terms and conditions:
If you are happy with the itinerary and want to go ahead. A deposit of €500 will be required to secure your booking within upon confirmation of spot. This deposit is non-refundable.
If you are happy with the itinerary and want to go ahead. A deposit of €500 will be required to secure your booking within upon confirmation of spot.
The balance of €1285 will be due 10 weeks before trip start date (26th of August 2024). You can make the payments in instalments after the deposit is paid if that suits you.
With regards to a refund: Your deposit is non-refundable. The deposit is required to book all accommodation and transportation which are non-refundable or changeable.
For the balance of your payment, I maybe able to refund this up 10 weeks before the trip should you have an emergency and need to cancel. Anything closer than 10 weeks, and I cannot refund you.
I suggest you take out comprehensive travel-insurance that covers trip cancellations, that way should you have to cancel you are covered, you will get a full pay out from your insurance company. Keep an eye on the excess required.
I am really excited to have you all on this trip to Vietnam with me ❤️
Brenda x