Off the Beaten Path of Vietnam

9 Days from US$2,274 per person

PRIVATE TOUR - NOT A JOIN-IN TOUR



Returning to Vietnam, or just want to see somewhere that no-one else has been? Skip Halong Bay for the on-land Limestone Karsts of Ninh Binh and Tam Coc, and forgo the central regions for the twisting, winding canals of the mangrove forests in the Mekong Delta.

ITINERARY DETAILS

day 1Arrive in Hanoi, where you will be met by your expert guide and taken to your hotel. Stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, considered the city's physical and symbolic center, and witness the daily routines of the residents.

day 2Take in the highlights of the city, including the atmospheric streets of the Old Quarter, Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum and the Temple of Literature. In the evening, take your seat for the Water Puppet Showat Thang Long Theatre and enjoy the unique folk art that has been practiced and perfected for over 1000 years. (B)

day 3Head out by road to the province of Ninh Binh, the 'Halong Bay on Land'. Cycle across rice fields and between Limestone Karst towers to the ancient capital of Hoa Lu. (B)

day 4Explore the Van Long Wetland Reserve, home to mammals, birds and reptiles. Known localy as Waveless Bay, take a boat across the lagoon and enjoy the caves of Ninh Binh. In the afternoon vist the Phat Diem Cathedral, a very different style from Europe. (B)

day 5Drive through the Red River scenery to Hanoi Airport, before flying down to Can Tho, in the heart of the Mekong Delta. (B,)

day 6Visit the Cai Reng floating Market, The Ong Temple and explore side-canals through a mixture of walking, cycling and taking local boats. Through the day we learn about Vietnamese Mahayana Buddhism, and enjoy tea with locals. (B)

day 7Rise early to start the journey through the Mekong Delta towards Saigon/Ho Chi Minh City.

We arrive in the afternoon, before exploring the backstreets of Saigon at night the local way, with a Back of the Bike street food tour! Sample exotic edibles from the local vendors, progressing from one venue to the next with your guide, a knowledgeable local University student. (B, D)

day 8Start the day with a tour of Old Saigon's streets and its iconic buildings, including the Opera House, Central Post Office and Thien Hau Pagoda. Visit sites from wartime Saigon, starting at the Reunification Palace, the site of the symbolic ending of the war in 1975, before visiting the emotive War Remnant's Museum which offers the perspective of the war from Vietnamese eyes. (B)

day 9Start the day with a morning at leisure, and a chance to explore local shops and markets for local products, before your private transfer to the airport for your outbound flight. (B)







TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

  • Hanoi's Old Quarter
  • Explore the 'Halong Bay' on Land
  • Cycling Between Limestone Karsts in Ninh Binh
  • See traditional life of the Mekong Delta
  • Visit floating markets of Cai Reng
  • Evening Street food tour by motorbike in Saigon
  • Tour wartime Saigon, including War Remnants Museum

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

HOTELS

Hanoi: La Siesta Classic

Ninh Binh: Emeralda Resort

Can Tho: Nam Bo Boutique

Saigon: Liberty Saigon Riverside


Low Season: $2,274 per person
01 April - 30 Sep

High Season: $2,302 per person
01 Oct - 31 Mar

Peak Season surcharges may apply

Prices are in US dollars and are based on 2 people sharing a room

HOTELS

Hanoi: Sofitel Legend Metropole

Ninh Binh: Tam Coc Garden

Can Tho: Azerai Can Tho

Saigon: Park Hyatt


Low Season: $2,991 per person
01 April - 30 Sep

High Season: $3,112 per person
01 Oct - 31 Mar

Peak Season surcharges may apply

Prices are in US dollars and are based on 2 people sharing a room

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