1-877-725-6674 This is a journey that not only encompasses some of the main highlights of this most diverse and enchanting of countries, but also one that takes you into the Mekong Delta district of South Vietnam. Beginning in Hanoi you will enjoy some time exploring Vietnam s bustling capital, with its traditional Vietnamese architecture and revolutionary zeal, before heading off to cruise amongst the stunning World Heritage landscapes of Halong Bay on a deluxe Junk. Flying on to Hue, you then visit the imperial palace of Vietnam s last emperor, before a drive along one of Asia s most scenic roads brings you to Hoi An for a silk weaving and fishing village tour. The next stop is Ho Chi Minh City where the infamous Cu Chi Tunnels and superb street food await you. Then head along the Mekong River to the floating markets and quaint villages of Can Tho. Spend some time exploring the wonders of Tra Su Nature Reserve around Chau Doc before returning to Ho Chi Minh, where the journey ends. HIGHLIGHTS: See the infamous Cu Chi tunnels in Ho Chi Minh City Cruise through the dramatic karst and limestone grotto's of Halong Bay Visit the palace of Vietnam's last Emperor in Imperial Hue Pick mulberry leaves for silkworms in the ancient town of Hoi An Experience the bustle of activity at Cai Be floating market TOUR INCLUDES: 2 domestic flights 10 nights in three star accomodation and 1 night in Deluxe Junk Cruise 11 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 2 dinners Accompanied by an experienced English speaking local guide on private basis Private driver & vehicle Sightseeing programme including all entrance fees Private guided transfers to and from all airports *Please note the prices shown are per person and based on two persons sharing a twin or double room
ITINERARY DAY 1: HANOI Arrive in Hanoi and transfer to your hotel. A free afternoon to stroll around the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake that centres this unusual city. This evening enjoy a welcome dinner at a restaurant with your guide. (D) DAY 2: HANOI Today enjoy a full day guided tour of Hanoi. Start at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum with its guards in bleached-white uniforms, and the Presidential Palace. Also visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university, founded in 1070 by Emperor Ly Thanh Tong, is a fine illustration of traditional Vietnamese architecture. Ninth century stone sculptures and contemporary paintings adorn the Fine Arts museum, showing another view of the balance between Vietnam's past and present. This afternoon you will be pedalled on a 'cyclo' around the Old Quarter where 36 streets of traders and craftsmen date back 2000 years. (B) DAY 3: HANOI - HALONG Leaving the capital drive east to the Gulf of Tonkin and magnificent Halong Bay. Board your deluxe junk and enjoy a fresh sea food lunch is served on board. In mid-afternoon visit the mysterious Tien Ong Cave with an entrance said to resemble the shape of frog's mouth. Next, cruise to the Cua Van area, once a thriving fishing village. Head back to the boat, participate in a cooking demonstration with the chef or enjoy sunset on the top deck before dinner. (B,L,D) DAY 4: HALONG - HANOI - HUE Rise early and greet the day with a refreshing Tai Chi demonstration on the upper deck. Then the junk will stop in the bay for an early morning swim. The junk will then continue to Hanoi as you enjoy breakfast. Disembark and visit a local village to witness the local life of Northern countryside on your way to the airport. Early evening fly to Hue where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. (B) DAY 5: HUE Begin your sightseeing with a short cyclo ride to the Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO listed site, for a guided tour. Then another short cyclo ride will take you to your halfhour boat trip on the picturesque Perfume River to visit Thien Mu pagoda, Hue's best-preserved religious monument. In the afternoon you will drive out to the elaborate Royal Tombs of Tu Duc and Khai Dinh to admire these great and elaborate structures, built centuries ago. Transfer back to your hotel with an optional stop en route at an incense stick making house. (B)
DAY 6: HUE - DANANG - HOI AN Driving south along one of Asia's most scenic roads, with spectacular coastal panoramas at every turn, you cross the impressive Hai Van Pass and descend to the ancient Cham Kingdom. Stop in Danang, renowned for its extraordinary architecture and sculpture to visit the Cham Museum. Continue to the Marble Mountains - a cluster of 5 marble and limestone mountains which rise dramatically - where it is possible to reach one of the summits before arriving in Hoi An. (B) DAY 7: HOI AN The rivers and waterways around Hoi An were not only instrumental during its history as a famed port city, they are also vital to the villagers who depend on fishing for their livelihood. Depart for a local fishing village and spend some time learning about the way of life here. Board a local river boat and try your hand at casting the Vietnamese fishing nets before learning the art of paddling the Vietnamese round basket boats. This afternoon, experience a Hoi An silk making tour, visiting the Hoi An Silk Center to help harvest mulberry leaves for the silkworms and have a custom made outfit made for you by the talented tailors. (B) DAY 8: HOI AN - DANANG - HO CHI MINH CITY Following a free morning in this lovely market town, you will be transferred to Danang for your flight to Saigon or Ho Chi Minh City. Experience an evening strolling its vibrant streets while sampling some of its legendary street food. Your foodie guide will help you discover some of the best street food gems including bread, rice flour crepes, grilled banana and fresh frilled seafood. Return to your hotel in the late evening. (B) DAY 9: HO CHI MINH CITY Once the scene of countless battles during war time, Cu Chi is now famous for its rubber plantations and rice paddies. Drive northwest to the ingenious Cu Chi tunnels, an immense network of connecting underground tunnels used by the Viet Cong during combat. Then drive to the home of a former VC soldier (now a farmer) where you will join him and his family for a home cooked meal before listening to his stories of life during and after the war. Return to the city for a tour of the historic landmarks including the Notre Dame Cathedral, the former Presidential Palace and the War Remnants Museum. (B,L)
DAY 10: HO CHI MINH CITY - CAI BE - CAN THO Drive to Cai Be and board your motor boat for a leisurely trip along the Mekong River. Enjoy the colourful spectacle of life along the river and the Cai Be floating market which has been transformed their way of trading over the years. Shore excursions showcase how Mekong Delta products are used in the making of rice paper, roof thatching, fish sauce and soya sauce. Lunch will be at a local home on An Binh Island in Vinh Long, then continue by road to Can Tho, stopping at small villages and temples along the way. (B,L) DAY 11: CAN THO - CHAU DOC Rise early and board a local boat to explore the famed Cai Rang floating market, where dozens of boats laden with fruits, vegetables and fish from all over the Delta jostle for trade. Then check out of your hotel to and drive 3 hours northwest towards your hotel in Chau Doc. In the late afternoon, we drive to Tra Su Nature Reserve, home to many unique water birds and colonies of bats, best explored by rowing sampan. On the way, you will visit a Khmer village and witness how all parts of the palm tree are used by ethnic Cambodians to make palm juice, palm sugar and more. (B,L) DAY 12: CHAU DOC - HO CHI MINH CITY After breakfast, travel in a motor boat along the Chau Doc River and visit floating fish farms and local houses. We will stop at Muslim Cham village, inhabited by descendants of the Kingdom of Champa, an impressive empire from the 7th to 18th centuries. Disembark at Ho Chi Minh City and transfer to the airport for your onward flight late in the evening. (B,L)
ACCOMMODATION CHAU DOC VICTORIA CHAU DOC HOTEL Near the Cambodian border, Chau Doc is a bustling river town, and the Victoria Hotel, a low-rise French colonial style building, is in the perfect location to watch life on the waterway as it is situated right on the banks of the Bassac River. The rooms have been designed with modern Asian influences and combine traditional Vietnamese handicraft with the comfort of an international four star hotel. There is a restaurant with inviting open river views, offering international and Vietnamese cuisine and leisure facilities include a swimming pool, fitness centre and health spa offering aromatherapy massages. 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. HANOI LA SIESTA HOTEL HANOI A peaceful hotel with a homely feel, The La Siesta hotel is the newest member of the Hanoi Elegance hotel Group. Set apart from the rest of our other properties, it embodies pure luxury. Promising a warm welcome and personal service superbly located on old Ma May Street, it is in easy reach of Hanoi s evocative Hoan Kiem lake and major attractions. The latest gem is both modern in style as well as embodying the hidden charm of Hanoi s old quarter. The hotel has 50 spacious bedrooms, including Suites and Duplex rooms. Other facilities include a spa, gym, movie room and for Vietnam s authentic cuisine the Red Bean Restaurant is located on the ground floor. 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 Tel 1-877-725-6674 Email info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website wildfrontierstravel.com