Vietnam HighlightsFrom ZAR28 140 - 19 Days, Fully Inclusive From JohannesburgThis is our most comprehensive tour to Vietnam. The itinerary spans the length of the country visiting most of the sites and attractions along the way, with the added bonus of overnighting on a Junk boat in Halong Bay, Vietnam’s ‘Jewel in the Crown’. At the end of the tour there is the option to visit the hill tribes region around Sapa. TOUR ITINERARYDays 1-2: Johannesburg to SaigonDepart South Africa and fly to Saigon with Cathay Pacific Airlines. Upon arrival we will be met by our Vietnamese National Escort and transferred to our hotel.
Day 3: SaigonBegin sightseeing around Vietnam’s largest and busiest city by visiting the former Presidential Palace, War Remnants Museum, the imposing Notre Dame Cathedral built between 1886-1890 and the French style central Post Office. Also visit Cholon the Chinatown of Saigon where we see the huge Binh Tay wholesale market and the beautiful Thien Hau Pagoda dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea. After stopping at Ben Thanh Markets for some shopping the remainder of the day is at leisure.
Days 4-5: Saigon to Mekong Delta (home stay in Vinh Long) to SaigonOver the next two days explore the Mekong Delta first hand. Visit a family run coconut candy factory and the Cai Be floating market. Travelling by various types of boats in and around the Vinh Long province we stop at local farmer’s houses to enjoy authentic Vietnamese hospitality. This includes a local music show and a visit to a fruit plantation where we can sample the many varieties grown in the Mekong Delta. Travel by boat to visit various traditional businesses in Vinh Long. Our overnight stop is a local farmer’s house. In the evening, participate in cooking the evening meal. The next morning continue exploring the area before returning to Saigon.
Day 6: Saigon - Cu Chi TunnelsToday we have an in depth look at the determination and ingenuity of the Vietnamese when we explore the famous Cu Chi tunnels. Continue to Tay Ninh to experience the midday service at the head temple of the unique Cao Dai religion.
Day 7: Saigon to Nha TrangThis morning board a Vietnam Airlines flight to Nha Trang, the capital of Khanh Hoa Province. The afternoon is free to stroll along the beach of this seaside city.
Day 8: Nha TrangSpend an enjoyable day cruising around the islands off Nha Trang visiting the Tri Nguyen Aquarium, Tam Island and a local fishing village. There will be a chance to cool off with a swim in the waters of the South China Sea.
Day 9: Nha Trang to Hoi An via DanangToday board our early morning Vietnam Airlines flight to Danang and transfer to the UNESCO listed town of Hoi An via Marble Mountain and China Beach. A former merchant trading port, Hoi An is a mixture of Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese and French architecture and is a real treasure of Vietnam.
Days 10-11: Hoi AnThis morning undertake a walking tour of the old centre of Hoi An. Visit an old merchant home still lived in by descendents of the original merchant, the Japanese Bridge, Hoi An market, a local Chinese pagoda and assembly hall. The following day visit the Cham ruins at My Son.
Day 12: Hoi An to HueLeaving Hoi An we drive over Hai Van Pass to arrive at Hue. Hue was Vietnam’s ‘Imperial Capital’, the former home to the Nguyen Dynasty that ruled over the country from 1802 until the last emperor abdicated in 1945. To this end, a visit to Hue wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Imperial Citadel which was modelled on the Forbidden City in Beijing. The Citadel was the centre piece of the royal empire, a massive moated palace that was extensively damaged during the Vietnam War. Later this afternoon visit Tu Duc tomb. This evening, partake in a cooking class focusing on select local dishes and cuisine designed for the Royal Courts of Hue.
Day 13: Hue to HanoiTake a cruise on the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda and visit the tomb of Khai Dinh. We then board the Vietnam Airlines flight to Hanoi. Later this afternoon visit the Ethnology Museum.
Day 14: HanoiHanoi is a charming and richly historic city of lakes, shaded boulevards and public parks. It is the capital of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and some have called it the 'Paris of the Orient'. Its centre is an architectural museum piece, with its blocks of ochre buildings retaining the air of a provincial French town of the 1930s. Our city tour includes visits to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (closed Sep-Dec), Stilt House and Museum, One Pillar Pagoda and drive around Hoan Kiem Lake.
Day 15: HanoiSpend a relaxing day touring the historical sites of the city, including a walking tour of the Old Quarter, a visit to Dong Xuan Market and the Temple of Literature. The remainder of the day is at leisure. This evening enjoy a performance of the famous Water Puppets, a specialty of the north.
Days 16-17: Overnight Junk Boat CruiseTravel to the area that is regarded as the ‘Jewel in the Crown’ of Vietnam - Halong Bay, and commence our cruise around the thousands of Karst Islands on our junk boat. Spend the night onboard relaxing and watching the sunset over Halong Bay. The following day continue our cruise around the islands before returning to the wharf and driving back to Hanoi through the striking rural countryside of the Red River Delta.
Day 18: Depart HanoiTransfer to the airport for your flight back to South Africa.
Due to an early flight schedule from Hanoi, the connecting time will be approximately 8 hours in Hong Kong. For those not wanting to spend this time at the airport a Hong Kong day tour can be arranged at an additional cost.
Day 19: Arrive JohannesburgArrive home this morning.
Sapa ExtensionDay 17: Hanoi to SapaTransfer to the train station this evening and board the overnight sleeper train to Sapa.
Days 18-20: SapaSapa, which is surrounded by breathtaking mountain ranges, is the home of many ethnic minorities. Over the next three days we explore the surrounding local area including the local Saturday Markets, different minority villages, spectacular valleys and fine examples of tribal agriculture. Each day there will be 5-6 hours walking to reach the ethnic tribal villages. On the third night we board our overnight sleeper train for the return journey to Hanoi.
Day 21: HanoiArrive early this morning and transfer to the hotel for breakfast and day use. Enjoy a shopping spree and transfer back to hotel.
Overnight in Hanoi. An additional overnight has been arranged for SA members due to flight schedules (please note that dinner is not included).
(Australian & New Zealand tour members depart today).
Days 22-23: Depart HanoiTransfer to the airport for your flight back to South Africa.
Due to an early flight schedule from Hanoi, the connecting time will be approximately 8 hours in Hong Kong. For those not wanting to spend this time at the airport a Hong Kong day tour can be arranged at an additional cost.
Arrive home the next morning.
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Price Guide
*Sightseeing may be affected by public holiday closures due to Tet New Year celebrations
Important notice: Passengers who would like to share on the group portion and want to have a single room (pay a single supplement) on the extension, will need to pay the single supplement amount on the group portion as well as we can’t offer half and half.
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