HIGHLIGHTS: TOUR INCLUDES: +44 (0)

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1 +44 (0) A country of astonishing beauty and resilience, Vietnam is a destination that has risen in spectacular fash-ion from the ashes of one of the bloodiest and most contentious conflicts of the last century. Fed by the waters of the Mekong, its classic landscapes are enhanced by the wonderful additions of a charmingly hospitable people, some of the finest cuisine in the world and two of Southeast Asia s most exciting cit-ies. This comprehensive 12-day journey through the country s cultural and scenic landmarks includes a chance to explore the iconic treasures of Hanoi and Saigon, cruise through the stunning limestones vistas of Halong Bay and take a street food tour of the country s bustling and lively capital. In the old imperial capital of Hué you ll be able to visit the tombs of the Nguyen emperors, before mov-ing on to the old trading port of Hoi An, where you can explore its galleries and narrow streets on foot. A cruise through the riverside communities of the Mekong Delta then presents us with one of the quintes-sential Vietnam experiences, before ending the journey in the infamous tunnels of Cu Chi. HIGHLIGHTS: Take a street food tour of Hanoi and explore the city s fascinating heritage Join the locals at the Ho Chi Minh memorial Cruise through spectacular Halong Bay aboard a traditional junk Discover the historic charms of Hue and Hoi An Explore life along the Mekong Delta by boat, sampan and bicycle TOUR INCLUDES: 2 internal flights 10 nights four star hotel accommodation 1 night aboard the Halong Ginger Junk boat 10 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 1 dinner Private guided sightseeing Private driver and vehicle Sightseeing programme including all entrance fees Private guided transfers to and from all airports

2 *Please note the prices shown are per person and based on two persons sharing a twin or double room

3 ITINERARY DAY 1: HANOI Arrive in Hanoi and transfer to your hotel with your local guide. Afternoon at leisure to wander through the old quarter and this evening enjoy the traditional Vietnamese water puppet show. This evening there is the option to take in a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show. DAY 2: HANOI This morning join a local chef on a street food tour of the Vietnamese capital. You'll spend time sampling bowls of steaming noodles and exploring the food markets. Your culinary tour will end at one of the city's most atmospheric restaurants, designed to look just like a food market. This afternoon enjoy a guided tour of the city takes in the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Presidential Palace, as well as the Temple of Literature and Hanoi's Fine Arts Museum. (B, L) DAY 3: HANOI - HALONG BAY Today head east to Halong Bay, without doubt one of the most breathtakingly beautiful landscapes any-where in Southeast Asia. Board your junk boat and spend the day cruising among the 3,000 limestone islands, stopping to swim and explore. Overnight in the Halong Ginger junk boat. (B,L,D) DAY 4: HALONG BAY - HANOI - HUE Start the day with a Tai Chi class on the upper deck of the boat, before a morning's cruise around the bay to Ti Top Island. Arriving back at the jetty this morning, you drive back to Hanoi for the evening Reunification Express train to Hue, Vietnam's old capital. Overnight on the sleeper train. (B) DAY 5: HUE Arrive in Hue, located in central Vietnam. This afternoon board a traditional long tailed dragon boat and head down the Perfume River to visit the splendid Thien Mu Pagoda and Monastery.

4 DAY 6: HUE A full day's guided tour of the city by cyclo (rickshaw) and car takes in the magnificent setting of the Citadel and the city's Royal Relics Museum, as well as a visit out of town to one of the exquisitely de-signed Royal Garden Tombs, including the Tomb of TuDuc. (B) DAY 7: HUE - DANANG - HOI AN Driving south along winding mountain roads with spectacular coastal panoramas, cross the Hai Van Pass and enter the ancient Cham kingdom. There is a chance to visit the Cham Museum in Danang before arriving in Hoi An around midday (B) DAY 8: HOI AN Once a busy international trading port Hoi An is without doubt one of Vietnam's treasures. Now a small market town it is a centre of silk painting and the choice is yours whether you wander the streets looking at the painted houses, fish markets or relax on Hoi An's golden beaches and swim in the South China Sea. (B) DAY 9: HOI AN The day is left free, you could join a cookery class at the Mango, where you can learn how to prepare and cook some of the country's most famous dishes under the expert tuition of chef, Duc Mango. Another option is to take a day trip out to the fabulous Cham temple ruins at My Son, one of the country's most revered religious settings.(b) DAY 10: HOI AN - DANANG - HO CHI MINH CITY Drive to Danang airport and then fly to Ho Chi Minh City. In the afternoon go with your guide on a tour of the city's historic landmarks, including the American Embassy, Presidential Palace, and War Museum. (B)

5 DAY 11: HO CHI MINH CITY - MEKONG DELTA - HO CHI MINH CITY The fertile landscapes of the Mekong Delta provide one of the country's quintessential experiences. Driving south out of the city we head first for the town of My Tho, where we join our Mango Cruise along the waters of the An Hoa River. Visiting coconut factories and fruit farms, you'll then transfer to a small sampan to explore the small channels that radiate through the Delta. A bike ride to My Long then provides a chance to pay a visit to Mr Sau Tuong, a former Viet Cong soldier who spent two years fighting the Khmer Rouge. Cruising on to Ben Tre you'll then return to Saigon by car. (B,L) DAY 12: HO CHI MINH CITY This morning drive out through beautiful countryside of classic rice paddies to the Cu Chi Tunnels. This extraordinary underground network was a command base for over 10,000 Viet Cong troops. After returning to Ho Chi Minh City. (B)

6 ACCOMMODATION HALONG BAY HALONG JASMINE JUNK This unique river cruise offers you the perfect way to explore the waters of Halong Bay in comfort and elegance. Board Jasmine, one of the three traditional wooden junks known as the Three Sisters and sail down the bay taking in the mysterious and beautiful setting. With its own character, Jasmine has a sophisticated yet traditional décor with both the interior and exterior covered in polished wood, and the private rooms have a charming and luxurious feel with en suite bathrooms, air conditioning and beautiful views. Enjoy the early morning sun with some tai chi, try your hand at kayaking or simply cosy down with a drink or a book and enjoy the tranquillity as you drift along the river. HO CHI MINH CITY MAJESTIC HOTEL Opened in 1925, the charming Majestic Hotel is a four star hotel that enjoys one of the city's finest locations in the centre of Ho Chi Minh City, overlooking the Saigon River. Within walking distance of the beautiful Opera House, Reunification Palace or Notre Dame Cathedral, this fine four star hotel embodies old world charm, impeccable elegance and the classic French tradition of original colonial architecture. The 175 rooms and suites offer both splendour and comfort and are fully equipped with modern facilities. With various eateries on offer the Majestic has a particular reputation for gourmet dining. Leisure facilities include swimming pool, fitness centre and spa. The hotel has recently has a full renovation but remains true to its heritage roots and has plenty of local character. HOI AN HOI AN CHIC Situated 4 Km from the Old Quarter of Hoi An, Hoi An Chic is a boutique retreat for those who want the basics done right - a good night's sleep on a comfortable bed, a good breakfast, great connectivity and all the necessities for a relaxed stay. The ideal place to bring home unforgettable travel experience amidst the fascinating landscape of the pastoral paddy fields. HUE PILGRIMAGE VILLAGE BOUTIQUE RESORT & SPA The Pilgrimage Village is a four-star boutique hotel located in a rustic village setting in the countryside of Hue, just four kilometres from the centre of the city. Designed in Kingpost architecture, the interior harmoniously blends traditional and colonial styles. The fifty spacious rooms and suites are tastefully decorated and fully equipped with modern facilities, and they all offer garden or countryside views. Hue specialities in Vietnamese and Western cuisines can be sampled at the sophisticated Junrei restaurant. Leisure facilities include swimming pool, spa and fitness centre. Wild Frontiers Adventure Travel Ltd

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