Vietnam Express

Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi to Ha Long Bay - Traditional Vietnamese Junk (B, L, D)

At around 8 am we will start our journey to Halong Bay and arrive at around midday to board a traditional junk for an overnight cruise. Halong Bay is widely considered to be one of the natural wonders of the world. Thousands of towering pillars of sea and wind-carved limestone karst make the bay an unforgettable sight. After lunch, explore some of the huge limestone caves dotted around the bay and visit a floating fishing village. Then the captain will find a secluded spot where you can swim, soak up the sun on the top deck, or try your hand at kayaking. In the evening enjoy a seafood feast for dinner. Overnight Junk: Jewel of the Bay (or similar)

Day 2: Ha Long Bay to Hanoi - Accommodation: (B, L)

Enjoy an early morning swim, followed by breakfast as you cruise through more spectacular scenery. In the afternoon drive back to Hanoi, where you will have one more evening to sample its fabulous cuisine and explore the Old Quarter. Overnight Maison D'Hanoi Hanova Hotel (or similar)

Day 3: Hanoi to Hue - Accommodation: (B, L)

In the morning transfer to Hanoi's Noi Ba airport and fly to the former Imperial Capital of Hue. This beautiful city is rich in history, culture and ancient temples. Spend the day exploring the Citadel, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage site, before relaxing on a Sunset Cruise on the Perfume River. Overnight Park View Hotel (or similar)

Day 4: Hue to Hoi An- Accommodation: (B, L)

This morning we drive south to Hoi An along a beautiful stretch of coastline. This scenic route climbs over the Pass of Ocean Clouds before dropping down to the wonderfully photogenic fishing village of Lang Co. On arrival in Hoi An, enjoy a walking tour of this charming traditional town now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site: visit the ancient town centre to visit former merchants' houses, the 400 year-old Japanese Covered Bridge and the colourful market. Evening at leisure. Overnight Hoi An Historic Hotel (or similar)

Day 5: Hoi An - Accommodation: (B)

Spend the day at leisure: time on the beach or have clothes made by one of the expert, inexpensive tailors Hoi An is famous for. Hoi An was a major Asian trading port in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries and its picturesque architecture and relaxed lifestyle has changed little over the years. If you like to cook, you can spend a fabulous day exploring the local produce market with an expert chef who will teach you the secrets of Vietnamese cuisine. Overnight Hoi An Historic Hotel (or similar)

Day 6: Hoi An to Saigon - Accommodation: (B, L)

Drive to Danang and then fly to Ho Chi Minh City and spend the afternoon on a guided tour of the highlights of this bustling, cosmopolitan city. Afternoon city tour includes The Reunification Palace (former Presidential Palace), Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral, Lam Son Square, Ben Thanh Market, Thien Hau pagoda, The Museum of HCM. In the evening, you may like to enjoy a fun cooking class or take a cruise down the Saigon River, complete with local entertainment and a fantastic traditional and international buffet dinner. Overnight Catina Saigon Hotel (or similar)

Reunification Palace: This is one of the most important buildings in the city. Here on April 30th 1975 the ‘American War’ officially ended when tank number 843 of the North Vietnamese Army crashed through the gates of what was, at the time the residence of the President of the Republic of Vietnam.

War Remnants Museum: Formerly known as the Museum of American War Crimes, this is a poignant display of the futility of war. Some of the black and white photography in the ‘Requiem’ exhibit is particularly touching, dedicated to both foreign and Vietnamese journalists and photographers who perished during the conflict. The courtyard outside contains the spoils of war, namely rusting jets, tanks and cannons captured from the American military machine.

Notre Dame Cathedral and Old Post Office: Built between 1877 and 1883 this is one of the best examples of classical French colonial architecture. Remarkably every stone used in its creation was shipped from France to Vietnam. Her two 40m towers, topped with iron spires dominate the city’s skyline. The Old Post Office is another example of French colonial architecture and is also the country’s largest post office.

Day 7: Saigon - Cu Chi Tunnels - Accommodation: (B, L)

Enjoy a morning drive through typical southern Vietnamese countryside to Tay Ninh Province in the west of Vietnam. At Tay Ninh visit the incredible Cao Dai Temple then in the afternoon visit the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, an underground tunnel network constructed by Vietnamese resistance fighters during the long struggle for independence. Return to Ho Chi Minh City approximately 5pm. Evening at leisure. Overnight Catina Saigon Hotel (or similar)

Tay Ninh, near the Cambodian border, is home to the unique Cao Dai sect. The religion is a hybrid of Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism and Christianity. TheCao Dai Temple at Tay Ninh has been described as a Walt Disney fantasia of the East. The temple’s exterior is decorated with multi-colour dragons of all shapes and sizes. Above the main entrance is the all-seeing holy eye, the symbol of the Cao Dai sect. The interior is just as engaging as statues of Jesus Christ, Buddha and the Hindu god, Brahma, stand side by side.

Following lunch we will drive to the Cu Chi Tunnels. At its height the tunnel system stretched over 250km. from Saigon to the Cambodian border and was three levels deep. The network included innumerable trap doors, specially constructed living areas, storage facilities, weapons factories, field hospitals, command centres and kitchens. Today the remaining tunnels have become a major tourist attraction giving the visitor a unique experience and a feel of what underground life in the American/Vietnam war must have been like. The tunnels have been widened for our benefit (otherwise we would not be able to enter them!) For those interested there's even the opportunity to fire off rounds from an AK47 or MK16 at the nearby rifle range. Allegedly the old wooden targets were made to resemble US Marines!

Day 8: Saigon (B)

Your tour will end after breakfast. If you are leaving Saigon today, you will have an airport transfer arranged for you.