+44 (0)20 8741 7390 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 off the well-worn tourist trail and into the tribal highlands of Central Vietnam. Beginning in Hanoi you will enjoy some time exploring Vietnam s bustling capital, with its traditional puppet theatres and revolutionary zeal, before heading off to cruise amongst the stunning World Heritage landscapes of Halong Bay. 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. After a chance to kick back and relax on the sands of China Beach you then head into the lush Central Highlands, to experience tribal life, coffee and the tranquil waters of Lak Lake, before journey s end sees you enjoying the contrasting distractions of Saigon and the Mekong River, where floating markets, fish farms and the infamous Cu Chi Tunnels await you. HIGHLIGHTS: Join the local's in paying homage to the hero of the Revolution, Uncle Ho Cruise through the dramatic karst and limestone grotto's of Halong Bay Visit the palace of Vietnam's last Emperor in Imperial Hue Kick back for some R&R on 'China Beach' in the ancient town of Hoi An Experience tribal life and visit coffee plantations in the Central Highlands TOUR INCLUDES: 1 regional and 3 internal flights 12 nights 4 star hotel accommodation 13 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 2 dinners Accompanied by an experienced English speaking local guide on private basis Private driver & vehicle, normally a saloon car for one or two people 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 the traditional Vietnamese water puppet show. DAY 2: HANOI - HALONG BAY - HANOI Leaving the capital drive east to the Gulf of Tonkin and magnificent Halong Bay. Board a private junk and cruise among the 3,000 limestone islands, stopping to explore several caves and grottoes. A fresh sea food lunch is served on board. Return to Hanoi for the night. (B,L) DAY 3: HANOI - HUE Full day guided tour including Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum and Presidential Palace, Temple of Literature and Fine Arts Museum. This afternoon spend some time in a 'cyclo' being pedalled around the streets of the Old Quarter. Later in the day fly to Hue. (B) DAY 4: HUE Morning tour of this charming city of taking in the magnificent Imperial Citadel and Royal Relics Museum. This afternoon cruise down the Perfume River on a long tailed dragon boat, visiting the splendid Thien Mu Pagoda and Monastery. (B) DAY 5: HUE - DANANG - HOI AN Driving south along one of Asia's most scenic roads, with spectacular coastal panoramas of Danang Bay, descend into the ancient Cham kingdom. Visit the Cham Museum in Danang and Marble Mountain before arriving in Hoi An. Afternoon at leisure. (B)
DAY 6: HOI AN The day is left for you to discover this lovely market town at your own pace. Alternatively relax on Hoi An golden beaches and swim in the South China Sea. (B) DAY 7: HOI AN - DANANG - PLEIKU Fly to Pleiku. Situated in the lush scenery of the Central Highlands this little visited town is the perfect base from which to discover remote ethnic peoples. This afternoon visit MangYang district and Roong house in Dektu village. (B,D) DAY 8: PLEIKU - LAK LAKE Today drive to Pleiphun - a Jarai village and one of the two main ethnic minorities living in Gialai province. Next visit Bien Ho Lake, an ancient volcanic crater, and Minh Thanh pagoda with its hundreds of statues made from jack fruit wood, before arriving at Lak Lake where you stay in a stilted house overlooking the lake. (B,L,D) DAY 9: LAK LAKE - BUON MA THUOT - HO CHI MINH CITY Today visit Bao Dai's villa, home of the last Emperor of Nguyen Dynasty and Jun village. Visit M'lieng village and take a dugout canoe ride on the lake. Early this evening fly to Ho Chi Minh City. (B,L) DAY 10: HO CHI MINH CITY With your guide enjoy a full day tour of the city's historic landmarks, including the American Embassy. Later head out of the city, through the rice paddies, and visit the Cu Chi tunnels - an incredible underground tunnel network where over 10,000 Viet Cong troops lived and fought during the Vietnam War. (B) DAY 11: 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. Lunch will be at a local home on Vinh Long Island, then continue by road to Can Tho, stopping at small villages and temples along the way. (B,L)
DAY 12: CAN THO - CAI RANG - CHAU DOC Discover the endless waterways of the Mekong River by boat. Arrive at the colourful Cai Rang floating market with hundreds of boats laden with fruits, vegetables and fish. This afternoon transfer by car to Chau Doc, a bustling river town where you stay overnight. (B) DAY 13: CHAU DOC - HO CHI MINH CITY After breakfast take a boat to visit fish farms where fish are bred in wooden cages suspended under floating houses on the river. This afternoon drive overland to Ho Chi Minh City airport for the short flight to Bangkok where our services will end before your international flight. (B)
ACCOMMODATION BUON ME THUOT DAKRUCO HOTEL Just three kilometres from the centre of Buon Ma Thuot and six kilometres from the airport, the 4-star Dakruco Hotel is the first international standard hotel in the city. Its 120 modern and inviting rooms come with air conditioning, wireless internet access, satellite TVs and mini bars, whilst the hotel can also boast an outdoor swimming pool and fitness room, a restaurant and poolside snack bar and outdoor tennis courts. CAN THO (MEKONG DELTA) VICTORIA CAN THO RESORT In the heart of the Mekong Delta, the four star Victoria Can Tho Resort is a splendid colonial style hotel set in magnificent gardens on the banks of the Hau River. The comfortable bedrooms are luxuriously decorated and the restaurant serves authentic Vietnamese cuisine of the highest standard. Impressive leisure facilities include tennis courts, a pool and a health spa. This is the ideal location from which to explore the Mekong Delta. 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. 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. KON TUM INDOCHINE HOTEL Located in the heart of Kon Tum, the Indochine Hotel sits beside the banks of the Dakbla River, overlooking the surrounding mountains and rice fields. A choice of standard, superior and deluxe rooms come with pleasant balcony views of the river or the city and all come with televisions, internet connection, in-room refreshments and private bathrooms. The hotel also features a swimming pool and fitness centre, with steam room and sauna and a choice of three restaurants serving an array of Asian and western cuisine. MAI CHAU MAI CHAU LODGE With a dramatic setting amongst bright green rice paddies, and dramatic limestone karsts, this small lodge offers 15 deluxe rooms and 1 junior suite with modern amenities and fabulous views of the surrounding nature. There is an atmospheric bar and restaurant where you can enjoy international and Vietnamese cuisine and when you done with kayaking, hiking or cycling the surrounding areas, you can unwind in the steam room and sauna before dipping in the refreshing swimming pool. NINH BINH TAM COC GARDEN Tam Coc Garden is set on the outskirts in Ninh Binh where spectacular limestone outcrops sweep up from serene rice paddies. Waterway, bamboo hedges, fruit trees and vegetable garden form natural environment which inspire tranquillity and relaxation. This small characterful hotel is made up of eight stone bungalows, each housing two comfortable ensuite rooms with masses of local charm. There is also a wonderful pool overlooking Tam Coc's famous outcrops and a good local restaurant.
PLEIKU HOANG ANH GIA LAI HOTEL Centrally located, the 4-star Hoang Anh Gia Lai sits in the heart of downtown Pleiku. With a choice of 117 rooms and suites, it is situated just seven kilometres from the airport and a few minutes walk from many of Pleiku s major highlights. Rooms come equipped with cable TV, air conditioning, WiFi and private bathrooms and the hotel also features a fitness centre and sauna, indoor tennis courts and a restaurant that serves a choice of western and Asian cuisine throughout the day. Wild Frontiers Adventure Travel Ltd Tel +44 (0)20 8741 7390 Fax +44 (0) 20 8741 3610 Email info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website wildfrontierstravel.com