Highlights of Vietnam Tour

Highlights of Vietnam Itinerary

Day 1 - London Heathrow/Hanoi
Overnight Thai Airways flight via Bangkok.

Day 2 - Hanoi
You are met in Hanoi and transferred to your hotel.
Hotel: Shoman Hotel (RO)

Day 3 - Hanoi
Visit Ba Dinh Square where silent sentries guard the mausoleum where Ho Chi Minh lies in state (closed every Friday & Monday &October/November). See the simple cottage where Uncle Ho lived and worked and visit the nearby museum. After lunch, explore Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple and, if time permits, stroll around the old French quarter before attending a traditional water puppetry show.
Hotel: Shoman Hotel (B,L,D)

Day 4 - Hanoi / Halong
Early pick up for the two hour drive to Halong Bay. Halong Bay, listed as a World Heritage Area of outstanding natural beauty, means “dragon descending to the sea“, for its picturesque seascape of more than 1,500 limestone islets rising from the sea. Enjoy a relaxing boat trip with fresh seafood lunch prepared and served on board. Late afternoon transfer back to Hanoi.
Hotel: Shoman Hotel (B,L,D)

Day 5 - Hanoi / Hue
Early morning visit to the Temple of Literature, followed by a cyclo tour through the old quarter of Hanoi. Transfer to Hanoi Airport for the flight to Hue (ticketed locally), royal city of the 13 Nguyen dynasties. Enjoy a tour of the Imperial Citadel and a boat trip on the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda.
Hotel: Huong Giang Hotel. (B,D)

Day 6 - Hue/Danang/Hoi An
After breakfast, visit the striking royal tombs of Tu Duc and Khai Dinh.
Overland transfer to Danang via the spectacular Hai Van (“Cloudy Pass”) and Marble Mountains. Proceed to the riverside town of Hoi An and transfer to your hotel.
Hotel: Hoi An Beach Resort (B,L)

Day 7 - Hoi An
This morning explore Hoi An, a world heritage site and florid trading town on the Silk Route since the 16th century. We visit a traditional house, the Japanese covered bridge as well as the Hoi An fish and produce market. Enjoy a boat trip along Thu Bon River to see the local life along the banks of the river before lunch. In the afternoon drive to the archeological site of My Son, the longest continuous occupation for religious purposes within Southeast Asia, now a large complex of mystical ruins.
Hotel: Hoi An Beach Resort (B,L)

Day 8 - Hoi An / Danang / Hoi Chi Minh
Early morning transfer to Danang airport for onward flight to Ho Chi Minh City (ticketed locally). Orientation tour on arrival to include the Opera House, Notre Dame Cathedral and Dong Khoi street. After lunch visit Cholon (China town) and Ben Thanh Market.
Hotel: Rex Hotel (B,L)

Day 9 - Ho Chi Minh City / Cu Chi Tunnels / Ho Chi Minh City
Journey out of the city centre to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, built first as a defence against the French, and later expanded during the American war. See secret trapdoors, underground kitchens, living areas and meeting rooms. Note: Your guide will advise you the length and level of difficulty of each tunnel before entering (some are easily accessible by stairs). Return to Saigon for afternoon visit to Presidential Palace and the History Museum. Rest of day at leisure.
Hotel: Rex Hotel (B,L)

Day 10 - Ho Chi Minh City / Cu Chi Tunnels /Ho Chi Minh City
Morning at leisure before departure to airport for Thai Airways flight to Heathrow via Bangkok.
Hotel: Rex Hotel (B)

Inclusions

• ■ English speaking local guide or driver/guide
• ■ All entrance fees as appropriate
• ■ Air-conditioned transportation
• ■ Internal flights Hanoi to Hue and Danang to Ho Chi Minh City
• ■ Meals included as detailed: Breakfast (B) Lunch (L) Dinner (D) No meals (RO). Most meals are taken in local restaurants

Please note:
Local conditions can and do change, sometimes at short notice and it is possible that we may be advised to change the programme or running of any excursions or tour, including accommodation, sometimes without prior notification. Local domestic airport taxes are not included and are payable locally (approx £10 each segment).

Please be aware 2009 itineraries may vary slightly to the 2010 itinerary shown. Please contact reservations for more information. Prices can increase or decrease, you will be quoted the up to date price at the time of booking.

The Angkor Circuit - from £459 Why not add our three day Cambodia tour around Siem Reap. Experience the awesome ruins of the once mighty Khmer empire at Angkor; an ancient city of temples and palaces built between the 9th and 13th centuries, spreading across more than 75 square miles of jungle. Please call for details.