The beauty of Vietnam is in the majestic limestone pinnacles of Halong Bay, in the hallmarks of French colonial splendour in its cities - Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, in the traditional floating markets of the Mekong Delta. See all this and much more on this 13 day journey through the country.
Day 1 - London/Hanoi
Arrive in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, and check in to the Hotel Sofitel Metropole for your two night stay. Today you will enjoy a one hour tour by cyclo, a chauffeur-pedalled tricycle, through Hanoi's Old Quarter, also known as "36 streets".
Day 2 - Hanoi
After breakfast, hit the streets of Hanoi for a half day street food tour with American chef/culinary instructor and food writer, Daniel Hoyer. Visit a local market within the city to learn about and taste some of the ingredients used in the local cuisine and to watch the buying and selling rituals of a Vietnamese market. This afternoon discover Hanoi's landmarks - your first stop will be Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, as well as his private residence from 1954 until 1969, surrounded by lovely peaceful gardens. In the same complex you will see the One Pillar Pagoda, founded by King Ly Thai To in 1049.
Day 3 - Hanoi/Halong
After breakfast transfer to Halong Bay - famous for its emerald waters, limestone outcrops, echoing caves and hidden bays. Cruise by rock formations with such names as Sail, Dog and Dinh Huong (incense pot). As the sun sets over the bay a Sumptuous Seafood Setdinner is served on board.
Day 4 - Halong/Hanoi/Hue
Today you cruise through Halong Bay passing beautiful spots like Trong (Drum), Trinh Nu (Virgin) and Me Cung Caves and Coc Ngoi (Toad) Islet. After you disembark you are transferred to Hanoi airport for your flight to Hue. En route to the airport visit Thanh Chuong Palace, the home and studio of Thanh Chuong who is one of the most celebrated painters in Vietnam today.
Day 5 - Hue
This morning visit the city's vibrant Dong Ba Market to see it's abundance of fresh produce. Visit the Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue's best-known religious site. You continue to visit the Imperial Citadel, from where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945. Continue your tour to the elaborate mausoleums of Emperors Tu Duc and Khai Dinh.
Day 6 - Hue/Danang/Hoi An
Leave Hue by road for Hoi An via thescenic fishing village of Lang Co and the Pass of Ocean Clouds. Stop in Danang to visit beautiful Non Nuoc Beach and the Cham Museum containing the finest collection of Cham sculpture in the world. The rest of the day is free at leisure to enjoy the surroundings of the stunning Nam Hai Hotel.
Day 7 - Hoi An
This morning is at leisure, relax on the private beach or by the resort pool or perhaps rent a bicycle to ride into Hoi An. This afternoon explore Hoi An, its architecture and relaxed lifestyle have changed little over the years. Take a leisurely walking tour of the ancient town centre and visit the sites of former merchants' homes, a 400 year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, and a Chinese Communal Hall.
Day 8 - Hoi An/Tra Que Village/Hoi An
Today ride a bicycle to a local farm in Tra Que Village. Take a trip around the vegetable garden and join the farmers in preparing the land and fertilising it with seaweed. After farming activities you will be shown how to prepare the tam huu, a local delicacy you can enjoy before the ride back to Hoi An.
Day 9 - Hoi An/Danang/Ho Chi Minh City/Can Tho
Transfer to the airport for Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, drive south to the Mekong Delta a 3-hours drive to Can Tho. The Mekong Delta stretches over an area of 39,000 sq km and at its heart is the city of Can Tho.
Day 10 - Can Tho/Chau Doc
Wake up early for a breakfast cruise to the colorful Cai Rang floating market which bustles with wholesalers on big boats. After disembarking take a 30-minute biking tour through the countryside of Can Tho. Following your visit to Cai Rang and Can Tho depart for the 3-hour drive to Chau Doc for an overnight stay.
Day 11 - Chau Doc/Ho Chi Minh City
After breakfast visit Chau Doc's local market which overlooks the confluence of three rivers, later take a boat to Chau Giang District. You'll visit a beautiful Khmer temple and later visit the floating houses that double as catfish farms, now a huge industry for the country. After the visit return to Ho Chi Minh City (7-hours drive) via My Hiep, in the heart of the Mekong Delta. Here embark on a tour to Xeo Quit cruising through a tributary of the Mekong River.
Day 12 - Ho Chi Minh City
In the morning, depart for the Cu Chi Tunnels. Originally built by the Viet Minh in the 1940's, this incredible network of tunnels once stretched for 210 miles and contained extensive Viet Cong infrastructure. There is an opportunity to meet a veteran who lived in the tunnels to gain a deep insight and personal account of the wartime era. In the afternoon take a visit vibrant Saigon including the Reunification Hall, formerly known as the Presidential Palace. Your tour also includes the Old Post Office, the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Jade Emperor Pagoda.
Day 13 - Ho Chi Minh City/London
This morning, transfer to Chinatown (Cholon) to visit Thien Hau Temple and stop at Binh Tay Market - the central market for the city and one of its liveliest and most colorful areas. Transfer to airport for departure flight back to London. Alternatively you may like to extend your stay in Cambodia, Laos or Thailand.
At A&K all of our journeys are individually tailored to suit your needs and timescale. As a guide, this 13 day suggested journey in Vietnam will cost from £2,995 per person based on two adults sharing with flights from the UK and subject to availability.
This is my first booking with A & K and the whole experiance was outstanding. I would say it was 110%.
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