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VIETNAMESE DISCOVERY
9 nights from £1789 per
person
9 night
holiday including flights, transfers and accommodation
Flights from
Heathrow
ITINERARY
Covering
all the main attractions of this historical and once turbulent land, the
Vietnamese Discovery tour rewards clients with informative and fascinating
glimpses of this delightful country.
Day 1 London/Hanoi
Depart
the UK today and fly overnight via Bangkok (overnight stays available) with
Malaysian Airlines, arriving the following day in the capital city of Vietnam, Hanoi. Transfer to your hotel and rest
a while before a relaxing late afternoon tour of the fascinating myriad of
shops and alleyways within the Old Quarter of Hanoi by traditional cyclo. This three wheeled bicycle with a unique seating
arrangement at the front has been a form of transport within Vietnam for many years. This evening
relax with a cocktail as you are presented an informative talk on Vietnams remarkable history by a local
historian. Later dine at a popular restaurant then enjoy a traditional water
puppet show before retiring to your hotel.
Day 3 Hanoi
This
morning continue your tour of Hanoi with a visit to the One Pillar
Pagoda and the monumental marble mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh
(closed Mondays, Fridays and October - November). See also the simple house
where he lived and learn about this amazing mans fight for the independence
of this beautiful country. Your morning tour concludes at the Temple of Literature, Vietnams first university established in
1076. The afternoon is at leisure, or an optional
visit to the Museum of Ethnology available.
Day 4 Hanoi/Halong
Bay
Depart today
for an overnight cruise around the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Halong Bay, a picturesque landscape of over 3,000
limestone islets dotted throughout these warm emerald waters, and be welcomed
on board with a refreshing cocktail. Following a Vietnamese buffet lunch, set
sail and over the next afternoon and morning explore the caves and grottoes
that once offered shelter and a hideout to pirates that sailed the South China Sea. Hear myths and legends connected
with these grottoes while relaxing on deck and enjoy the picturesque
landscape, with opportunity also for swimming and kayaking when your
traditional junk sets anchor within the Bay. Return to Hanoi for your flight with Vietnam
Airlines to the Imperial city of Hue and transfer to your hotel.
Day 6 Halong
Bay/Hue
Situated
on the Perfume River this ancient imperial city was
once the home to Vietnams last ruling dynasty. An
important cultural centre of Vietnam and a city with great national
pride, Hue has many historical and religious monuments. Today visit
the sights of Hue, beginning with a cruise along the Perfume River to visit the Thien
Mu Pagoda and the Royal Tombs of Emperors Tu Duc and Khai
Dinh. Later seek out some incredible bargains at
Dong Ba Market and take an informative tour of Hues Imperial Citadel. Despite heavy
war damage this important and historical collection of buildings still stands
proud within the city. Dine later at the popular Ancient Hue restaurant.
Day 7 Hue/Hoi An
Depart Hue via the Hai
Van Pass. This scenic journey passes pretty villages and fruit orchards as
you hug the coastline on your journey to UNESCO World Heritage listed Hoi An.
Stop by in Danang and visit the Cham Museum, take a stroll on China Beach where the Americans first landed
back in 1965 and wander the Marble Mountain. Upon arriving in Hoi An, rest a
while before a relaxing walking tour of the central market, Japanese Bridge, Fukien
Assembly Hall and Tan Ky Old House. The following
day is at leisure. Choose to browse the many tailors or handicraft shops or
relax on the beach just outside town. Alternatively join a popular cookery
class in the morning, which includes a visit to the market to choose your
ingredients and lunch. Later an optional tour to the 7th to 13th Century Champa ruins of My Son reveals a little more of Vietnams varied history.
Day 9 Hoi An/Ho Chi Minh City
Leave Hoi
An this morning by Vietnam Airlines from Danang for your flight to the energetic and commercial
hub of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh
City. Formerly known as Saigon this beautiful city has inspired many writers and artists
over the years. Its wide tree lined boulevards lie home to street hawkers
selling traditional Vietnamese food and strong iced coffees. See touches of
colonial architecture in its buildings and watch the streets come alive as
they throng with a million mopeds. On arrival take a short tour of the city
visiting the thought provoking War Remnants Museum, the Notre Dame cathedral, former
Presidential Palace and Ben Thanh Market.
Day 10 Ho Chi Minh
City/Mekong Delta(Day trip)
Drive two
hours to My Tho, nestled deep within the ricebowl of Vietnam the Mekong Delta. Famous for
its extensive orchards and rice fields, enjoy a cruise on the Mekong River to a fruit orchard to see a rural
cottage industry at work and enjoy a horse and cart ride through the village.
Following lunch return to Ho Chi Minh City. Your final evening includes a
Farewell Dinner in a local restaurant.
Day 11 Ho Chi Minh
City/London
A day at
leisure for additional sightseeing or shopping with an optional tour to the
tunnels at Cu Chi. Drive through scenic areas of paddy fields and fruit farms
that provide produce to local markets and traders bound for the city and on
arrival explore this underground network that was once a hideout and home for
scores of Vietnamese insurgents during the Vietnam War. Early evening depart Ho Chi Minh
City with Malaysian Airlines for your journey home to Heathrow via Bangkok.
Alternatively
extend your stay in Indochina on the golden sands of Nha Trang or discover the temples of Angkor in Siem
Reap. For details of possible extensions to the beaches of Phan Thiet in Vietnam or Thailand via Bangkok, please contact our Sales team.
The Temples of Angkor Extension
Vietnamese
Discovery: 9 nights
The Temples of Angkor: 3 nights
View one of the most incredible and awe inspiring sights in the world. Hidden
deep in the jungle for many years this remarkable temple complex is just a
short flight from Ho Chi Minh City, and easily combined with the Vietnamese
Discovery tour.
The
Vietnamese Discovery tour is escorted from Day 2 to Day 11 by a national tour
guide.
Meal
Plan: Breakfast is included throughout; lunches are included from Day 3 to
Day 7 and Day 9 to Day 10 and dinner is included on Days 2, 4, 6-7 and 9-10.
NB
Children
under the age of 16 are not permitted on this tour.
GROUP
SIZE: Subject to minimum numbers. Please call for details. Maximum 25
passengers.
GRATUITIES:
Tips are often the main source of income for those working in the travel
industry. Tipping for drivers, guides and porterage
is at your discretion.
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Vietnamese Discovery Tour
Tour - mainly Full Board
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9 nights 10 June
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9 night
tour
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£1789 per person
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Vietnamese Discovery Tour + Siem
Reap
Tour - mainly Full Board
Siem Reap Bead & Breakfast
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12 nights 10 June
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9 night
tour plus 3 nights Tara Angkor
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£2319 per person
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