Days 1-2: South Africa to Saigon
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: Saigon
Begin sightseeing today 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. We also visit Cholon, the Chinatown of Saigon, where we drive past the huge Binh Tay wholesale market and visit 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.
Day 4-5: Saigon to My Tho/Can Tho to Saigon
During the next two days explore the Mekong Delta, known as the 'rice bowl' of Vietnam. Take various boat trips amongst the smaller tributaries to visit local floating markets, villages, home industries and plantations before staying overnight in Can Tho. On the second day continue our explorations before returning to Saigon.
Day 6: Saigon – Cu Chi Tunnels
Today we have an in depth look at the determination and ingenuity of the Vietnamese when we explore the famous Cu Chi tunnels. Then continue to Tay Ninh to experience the midday service at the head temple of the unique Cao Dai religion before returning to Saigon.
Day 7: Saigon to Dalat
This morning we drive North to Dalat.
Day 8: Dalat
Today visit Lat Village, where numerous ethnic groups live and the Lake of Sighs.
Day 9: Dalat to Nha Trang
We travel by coach to Nha Trang, the capital of Khanh Hoa Province. Upon arrival commence cruising around the islands off Nha Trang visiting the Tri Nguyen Aquarium, Tam Island and a local fishing village.
Day 10: Nha Trang to Qui Nhon
Continue North along Highway One to Qui Nhon stopping en route at the Cham PoWe say goodbye to Nha Trang and continue journeying north along Highway One. Because of the distance to Hoi An we spend a night at Qui Nhon, the capital of Binh Dinh Province. En route to Qui Nhon stop at the Cham Po Nagar Towers, ruins from the Hindu Kingdom of Champa, which ruled this part of Vietnam from the late 2nd Century through to 1471, after which the Vietnamese captured the Champa capital, Cha Ban.
Day 11: Qui Nhon to Hoi An
Leaving Qui Nhon stop at Son My to pay homage to the victims of the My Lai massacre before continuing on to the UNESCO listed town of Hoi An. A former merchant trading port, Hoi An is a mixture of Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese and French architecture and is a real treasure of Vietnam.
Day 12: Hoi An
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.
Day 13: Hoi An
Today is free to visit the tailors for which this town is known and soak up the charming atmosphere of Hoi An at one of the many riverside cafes along the Thu Bon River.
Day 14: Hoi An to Hue
Leaving Hoi An visit Marble Mountains and China Beach before continuing over the Hai Van Pass to 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. 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. This afternoon take a cyclo ride to the Imperial Citadel, continue by coach to Thien Mu pagoda and enjoy a relaxing boat trip on the Perfume River. This evening partake in a cooking class focusing on select local dishes and cuisine originally designed for the Royal Courts of Hue.
Day 15: Hue to Hanoi
This morning visit Tu Duc Tomb and Khai Dinh Royal Tomb, before boarding our Vietnam Airlines flight to Hanoi. This evening enjoy a performance of the famous Water Puppets, a specialty of the north.
Day 16: Hanoi City Tour
Hanoi 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 today includes visits to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (closed Sep-Dec), Stilt House and Museum, One Pillar Pagoda, Temple of Literature, drive around Hoan Kiem Lake and enjoy a walking tour of the Old Quarter and its markets.
Day 17: Hanoi - Halong Bay
Today travel to the area that is regarded as the ‘Jewel in the Crown’ of Vietnam - Halong Bay. Cruise through spectacular scenery whilst enjoying our seafood meal onboard. After the cruise travel back to Hanoi through the striking rural countryside of the Red River Delta.
Day 18: Depart Hanoi
Transfer to the airport to board your flight 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 South Africa
Arrive home this morning.
Halong Bay and Hanoi Extension (3D/2N) - (1N Halong Bay junk + 1N Hanoi group htl)
Day 17: Hanoi - Halong Bay
You may choose to leave the group today and travel to Halong Bay where you will spend the night on a junk boat.
Day 18: Hanoi
Continue cruising around the islands this morning before returning to Hanoi this afternoon.
Day 19: Depart Hanoi
Transfer to the airport to board your flight 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 20: Arrive South Africa
Arrive home this morning.
