Description

From south to north, Vietnam is a kaleidoscope of wonderful people and picturesque landscapes. Imagine learning the mysteries of the Viet Minh in Ho Chi Minh City or exploring the beautiful lakes and boulevards of Hanoi - and what better way to get to know the locals than to be their guests on a Mekong Delta homestay? Experience historical temples, visit Vietnam's spectacular coastline, enjoy delicious banquets and explore lively cities - all with a touch of comfort - on this 15-day Classic Vietnam tour.

Highlights

• Get caught up in the bustle of Ho Chi Minh City.
• Float across sparkling waters on a Halong Bay tour.
• Learn about local life on a Mekong homestay.
• Walk along unspoilt beaches in Nha Trang.
• Visit the Old Quarter of Hanoi for a spot of shopping.
• Discover imperial Vietnam in Hue.
• Descend into the tight confines of the Cu Chi Tunnels.
• Watch a traditional water puppet performance in Hanoi.
• Feast on mouth-watering Vietnamese cuisine.

Itinerary

Day 1 Ho Chi Minh City

Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is an exciting and dynamic city brimming with street vendors, cyclos, temples, shops and colonial architecture.

Day 2 Mekong Delta

The Mekong Delta is the lifeblood of South-East Asia, and this fertile region within Vietnam is a maze of canals brimming with life, markets and tropical foods.

Days 3-4 Ho Chi Minh City

With countless food stalls, restaurants, museums and markets, the busy streets of Ho Chi Minh City have something for everyone to enjoy.

Days 5-6 Nha Trang

Once referred to as the 'Cannes of the Orient', Nha Trang's sandy palm-lined beach and island-dotted bay still make an idyllic picture, and a cosmopolitan feel prevails in the town itself.

Days 7-9 Hoi An

With lantern-lit streets, vibrant markets, skilled tailors, artisan shops, ancient houses, colourful temples and beautiful smiles, Hoi An is a Vietnamese wonderland.

Days 10-11 Hue

As the former imperial capital of Vietnam, Hue holds the treasures of Vietnam's royal past and is a curious mix of bustling streets and tranquil settings.

Day 12 Hanoi

Hanoi is famous for its tranquil lake settings, French-colonial architecture, ancient temples, delectable cuisine and as the resting place of the revered former leader, Ho Chi Minh.

Day 13 Halong Bay

Halong Bay is a place of surreal beauty, with ethereal limestone islands jutting out of jade waters and atmospheric caves and grottoes carved out by time.

Days 14-15 Hanoi

With a vibrant Old Quarter to explore, delicious food to discover and a city where ancient meets modern with ease, no wonder Hanoi is a favourite with travellers.

Group Size

Maximum of 12 travellers per group

Accommodation

Homestay, Hotel, Overnight boat, Overnight sleeper train

Transport

Boat, Overnight sleeper train, Plane, Private vehicle

Important notes

1. A single supplement is available on this trip2. An airport arrival transfer is included. Please provide your flight details at the time of bookingHUE AIRPORT CLOSURE: March 2013 The Hue airport will be closed for approximately 8 months. For departures during this period we will be using the Danang airport for the flight to Hanoi. It is a 3hr transfer from Hue city to Danang airport.