Days 1-3 Hanoi
You and your fellow travellers will be arriving at all times from around the
world today, so there are no arranged activities.Your leader will organise a
pre-trip meeting for the early evening. This will be followed by an optional
group dinner. Look for a welcome note at reception in the joining point
hotel explaining where to meet. For those who arrive early, there is
sightseeing information on the notice board in reception. Note that hotel
check-in time is 12 noon.
On day 2 we enjoy a visit Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum and House On Stilts.
The rest of the afternoon is free to wander along tree-lined avenues and
around pagoda-studded lakes. In the early evening we take you on a
cyclo ride into the old quarter, where we sample traditional northern fare.
After dinner we attend a performance of Vietnam's famous Water Puppets
and, if you like, maybe stop for an ice cream and coffee on the lake.
On the morning of day 3, we enjoy a cooking class at KOTO's. Take the chance
to learn the intricacies of Vietnamese cooking at this unique training
restaurant designed to teach hospitality skills to disadvantaged youth.
The afternoon brings us into Hanoi's Old Quarter. There are great shopping
opportunities in the Old Quarter - silk, silver and embroidery are among the
best buys. Galleries abound, boasting original works featuring artists from
all over Vietnam.
Days 4-5 Hue
This morning we bid goodbye to one of our favourite cities and transfer to
Noi Bai Airport for the short flight (approx. 1 hour) to the old Imperial capital
of Hue. Boarding cyclos, we visit the bustling Dong Ba markets before
enjoying a short cruise and dinner on the Perfume River - a great way to
relax
after a busy day.
Day 5 is spent touring the remarkable tombs of the Nguyen Emperors and the
imposing Citadel. In the evening we learn some of the secrets of Hue's
exceptional cuisine, before sitting down to a royal banquet consisting of
12 dishes, accompanied by traditional folk music and singing.
Days 6-8 Hoi An
We travel by air-conditioned bus for the spectacular journey over the Hai Van
Pass through Danang to Hoi An. We tour this newly declared World Heritage
Site and introduce you to the rich multicultural history of this once thriving
merchant town and river port. While in Hoi An, we head to the market
for a discovery tour of the local produce and ingredients. A cooking lesson is
also on the menu and you will have the opportunity to roll up your sleeves,
chop, dice, stir and sample the spoils of your labour. There is also
plenty of free time to visit the art galleries, explore the network of
heritage streets, visit the tailor shop for a new wardrobe, or just relax.
Days 9-10 Nha Trang
We have time this morning for a final bowl of delicious Cao Lau noodles, and
any last minute alterations at the tailors, before we board our flight south
(approx. 1 hour).
Nha Trang, once referred to as the 'Cannes of the Orient', greets us with
swaying palms, golden sands and deep blue waters. Although Nha Trang is
fast developing as a popular beachside resort, local fare still abounds. We
take a sunset cyclo tour and guide you to a cooking lesson with a difference,
where you can sample true southern coastal cuisine. Day 10 is spent
on a converted fishing boat, cruising through the islands, swimming,
enjoying an incredible seafood banquet prepared on board and just relaxing
in a deck chair.
Days 11-12 Dalat
Leaving the golden sands behind, we travel by air-conditioned bus through
magnificent rural scenery. On the way we stop at Poklon Garai Cham towers
(approx. 1 hour) where we ponder a past great civilization over our picnic
lunch. As we climb into the mountains of the South Central Highlands, the
air becomes cooler, signaling our approach to the former French Colonial hill
station of Dalat (approx. 4 hours). Arriving in the mid-afternoon there is
time to relax or explore the winding streets and cobbled paths. This evening
we enjoy a superb dinner at Trong Dong restaurant, regarded by many as
the home of the best food in Vietnam. On day 12, our morning is filled with
discoveries as we visit Emperor Bao Dai's Summer Palace, the extraordinary
oddball architecture of 'Hang Nga', the gardens and Zen Buddhist paintings
at Lam Ty Nghi Pagoda and the colourfully vibrant central market.
As we head to Dalat Airport in the afternoon, we stop at the 'Chicken Village'
where Chill, Cham and Khor minorities live side by side, producing
magnificent silk and cotton weavings. Boarding our final short flight (approx.
1 hour), we arrive into the bustling economic hub of Ho Chi Minh City.
Quite a contrast to her more sedate northern counterpart, you will
find the food to be spicier, sweeter and more varied with an abundance of
great restaurants to choose from for our evening meal.
Day 13 Mekong Delta
Leaving the tooting and honking of traffic behind, we travel south to Cai Be
(approx. 3 hours), where we board our waiting boats to cross the upper
Mekong River and explore its intricate waterways. This is our introduction
to a different world where life depends on the river. We visit a fruit orchard
where we sample tropical fruit and enjoy a simple lunch before continuing
on to visit some local cottage industries. Around sunset we make our way up
one of the many canals to our tranquil homestay, where we feast on Mekong
Delta specialties prepared by our hosts.
Days 14-15 Ho Chi Minh City
Activity starts early in the Mekong Delta,and after breakfast we visit the busy
Cai Be floating market before re-boarding our bus to arrive in Ho Chi Minh City
by lunch time. A cyclo tour takes us to some of the more famous landmarks,
including a sobering visit to the War Remnants Museum. There is still
time for shopping and further sightseeing before our 'last supper' at one of
the city's finest restaurants.
You are free to depart at any time on day 15.
Travel Style
Variety in places visited, activities undertaken, people met and even the
accommodation and transport we use. Something new and different every
day. Some meals and activities are included, while there is also
lots of free time to explore and do your own thing.
Group Size
12 maximum
Accomodation
Tourist class hotels (13 nights), simple homestay (1 night)
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