Vietnam Explorer group Tour

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A version of this tour is available for independent travellers, Ref VE18INBT

TRIP PROFILE.

Our trip takes us from the capital Hanoi with its faded colonial charm, and to the world heritage site of Halong Bay. It continues to the ancient Imperial city of Hue and the famous battlefields of the DMZ to the old trading town of Hoi An, before continuing to the coastal resort of Nha Trang. It then takes you into the mountains of the central highlands and the hill station of Dalat before exploring the rainforests at Nam Ciet Tien National Park. Eventually reaching Ho Chi Minh City. We use a combination of different types of transport, including trains and boats. This tours covers all the main sites of Vietnam at a comfortable pace with plenty of time to explore the towns, historical sites, markets and to relax.

DAY 1: Mid-day departure with Thai International Airways from London, Heathrow.
DAY 2: Connecting flight from Bangkok to Hanoi and transfer to the hotel which is located near the old quarter of the city. The afternoon is free to stroll around the small backstreets of the old quarter. In the evening we will watch a performance of Vietnamese water-puppetry before dinner. This art is unique to Vietnam.

DAY 3: All day to explore this beautiful old city to include Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum and museum and the Temple of Literature.
DAY 4: Leave Hanoi and travel to Haiphong. After lunch we will board our private boat to Cat Ba island. Over night in Cat Ba town.
DAY 5: Early in the morning we board our private boat for a journey around Halong Bay. After a fresh seafood lunch cooked on board, we return to the main land.
DAY 6: Morning free. After lunch drive back to Hanoi for the Reunification Express in the afternoon for the overnight journey to Hue.
DAY 7: Leave in the early morning for a boat trip on the Perfume River stopping to visit the majestic Emperors Tombs before returning to the city. The afternoon is spent visiting the Imperial City.
DAY 8: Tour the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ), scene of some of the fiercest fighting of the Vietnam War. Visit Khe Sanh, Ho Chi Minh Trail, the tunnels of Vinh Moc, The Rock Pile and the Hien Luong Bridge.
DAY 9: Today we will drive to Hoi An. The drive is not a particularly long, but it will take up most of the day as there are a number of interesting places to stop. We first drive to Lang Co beach before climbing up into Bach Ma National Park. Then onto Danang and visit the 'Cham Museum' then continuing to the Marble Mountain before reaching Hoi An.
DAY 10: Morning visit My Son; This is Vietnam's most important Cham site. Sadly the area was involved in heavy fighting during the war so most of the temples are destroyed, however a fascinating place to visit . We return to Hoi An for lunch. Afternoon explore the town.

DAY 11: Depart Hoi An for the long drive south to Nha Trang.
DAY 12: Morning is spent exploring the main sights. The afternoon is free to relax on the beach.
DAY 13: The day can be spent exploring some of the islands by boat. A fresh sea food lunch is served on board as we drift through clear turquoise seas among the small islands.
DAY 14: Departing Nha Trang and climb into the hills. Stopping on route we visit a Cham tower, one of the finest in Vietnam before continuing on to Dalat.
DAY 15: The morning is spent driving around the old French quarter with its colonial villas and flower gardens before the drive to Nam Cat Tien National Park.
DAY 16: Morning trek along forest trails with plenty of opportunities to see many varieties of bird life and if we are lucky the chance of a larger mammal. Afternoon travel by road to Ho Chi Minh City.
DAY 17: Travel to the Cu Chi Tunnels and take a guided tour to see how the guerrillas fought and lived in the incredibly harsh and cramped conditions. After lunch we travel to Tay Ninh and the Cao Dai temple. Return to Ho Chi Minh where we will take a evening cruise on the Saigon River and take dinner.
DAY 18 & 19 2 day, 1 night trip to the fascinating Mekong Delta: floating markets and stilt houses, lush landscapes and every day life of the area's farmers and fishermen
DAY 20: The morning is available for alittle last minute shopping before departure. Change flights in Bangkok.
DAY 21: Arrive early morning at London, Heathrow airport.

Click here for full details in trip dossier VE21

DEPARTURE DATES AND PRICES

	Duration	Price	Flight ex-London
9th August- 29th August	21days	£1225	£650
6th September- 26th September	21days	£1100	£600
4th October- 24th October	21days	£1100	£600
8th November- 28th November	21days	£1100	£600
20th December- 9th January	21days	£1125	£700
7th Feb - 27th February	21days	£1100	£600
Single supplement:		£250.00

For currency conversions, click here: XE.com Personal Currency Assistant

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

· Economy class return flights with Thai International airlines (will be booked separately, see main box).
· UK Air Passenger Duty Tax
· Accommodation as specified (tax and service charges are also included as is breakfast)
· Services of a Western tour leader throughout
· Local guide throughout
· Private air-conditioned vehicles in each location
· Private (group) transfers to and from airports and train stations
· Entrance fees to museums, etc., permits, etc.
· Breakfasts & Dinners
· The services of our local staff in Vietnam

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE
· Items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks, tips, etc.
· Visas
· Airport transfers on arrival and departure if you are not arriving on our standard flights (supplement payable).
· Airport taxes payable locally on each departure

ACCOMMODATION. The accommodation on this trip is a mixture of good quality private hotels (mostly 2 to 3- star). We also spend one night on the sleeper train, which is quite comfortable, though despite being first class is still slightly primitive. The hotels have air conditioning and we will normally have twin rooms with private facilities. In general, the hotels we use are of a good standard, and will be clean and comfortable with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, minibar and TV.

FOOD. All breakfasts (e.g. bread, eggs or fruit and tea or coffee) are included as are all Dinners which are taken as a group and arranged in good local restaurants were a variety of Vietnam dishes can be tried. Lunches are on a daily kitty of £4. Main meals include rice. There is always enough food and we eat lots of fruits and vegetables. Drinking water, fruits and snacks are always available in our escort vehicle. Other drinks are not included in price, but widely available at local restaurants and shops along the way.

EXTRA EXPENSES. Lunch (see above): Visa £40. Departure tax: currently US$7. There are also a number of entry fees not included in the price: as it is hard to say what people would like to visit . There will also be a kitty to cover soft drinks, mineral water and snacks for consumption whilst travelling , though this is unlikely to cost more than about £20 for the trip.

GROUP, STAFF & SUPPORT. The group size will be between 6 and 14. All groups will be accompanied by an experienced English guide, plus a local guide and where applicable a local driver. All your luggage and personal belongings will be carried in the vehicle.