Vietnam
Expedition
Hanoi to Saigon Overland
20 days/ 19 nights
A 3 weeks trip from North to South combines essential sites and hidden places: from the capital Hanoi via World Heritage Hue and the charming old port of Hoi An, to Saigon and a 3 days exploration of the scenic Mekong Delta region. Including a stay on a secluded island resort, trekking in remote Yok Yon National Park and a homestay in a minority 'montagnard' village.
Tour Highlights: Hanoi, Hoi An, Ruins of My Son, Yok Yon National Park, Royal Tombs of Hue, DMZ Tour, Snorkeling in the South China Sea, Trekking in the Central Highlands, Mekong Delta and Saigon
Day 1: Departure from your Point of Origin.
Day 2: Arrival in Hanoi, check-in to a downtown hotel and free afternoon to wander or relax before an evening trip to see the City's unique water-puppet show.
Day 3: Day tour of this beautiful old city with its French colonial ambience: lakes, parks and temples and a stroll through the bustling backstreets of the old quarter before an evening sleeper train south to Hue.
Day 4: Early morning arrival in the ancient Imperial capital of Hue, check-in to our centrally located hotel and a leisurely cruise by 'dragon boat' along the Perfume River to visit some of the majestic tombs of the former emperors. Afternoon at leisure to relax or wander the streets and old fortified citadel of Hue.
Day 5: More recent history with a day trip to the infamous DMZ, (demilitarized zone), to visit some of the key sites of the Vietnam War, including the Vietcong tunnels at Vinh Moc, Hien Luong Bridge on the 17th parallel, which marked the border between former South and North Vietnam and Khe Sanh Combat Base – scene of some of the most intense fighting of the war.
Day 6: Short drive to nearby Hoi An Town with stop-offs on the way at mountainous Bach Ma National Park and the beautiful and spectacular beach at Lang Co.
Day 7: Well-preserved and charming, the World Heritage Site Hoi An was one of SE Asia's most important ports during the 17th – 19th centuries. A half-day tour of the old town and waterfront area and a free afternoon to roam the beautiful old streets at your leisure or bicycle down to the beach for a dip or massage.
Day 8: Morning at leisure - relax or visit the bustling silk market and an afternoon trip to the atmospheric ruins of My Son – Vietnam's most important Cham site. The city was occupied from the 4th to 13th centuries before succumbing to it's powerful Khmer and Vietnamese neighbors.
Day 9: Transfer to Danang to visit the City's fascinating Cham Museum before an afternoon flight south to Nha Trang. From here we'll continue by speedboat to the secluded 'Whale Island' for accommodation in a beach side resort.
Day 10: A half day snorkeling trip to discover some of the varied, local marine flora and fauna with plenty of time for relaxation or an exploration of the island for the energetic.
Day 11: At leisure on the island. Note: an inexpensive diving option can be arranged for anyone interested.
Day 12: Time to leave the island and head over the Central Highlands to the scenic area of Lak Lake where, for our first night, we'll stay as guests of a M'Nong family in a local 'Montagnard' tribal village.
Day 13: Day spent exploring the area and visiting some of the still very traditional minority villages - overnight in the nearby provincial capital of Buon Me Thuot.
Day 14: On to Yok Yon National Park. Situated along the Cambodian border, this remote and rarely visited region is Vietnam's largest conservation area and home to no less than 17 globally endangered species. Forest trek and overnight in Park chalets.
Day 15: A morning hike and boat trip down the Serepok River, (said to be the setting for the fictional movie 'Apocalypse Now'), with a late afternoon flight from Buon Me Thuot to our next stop - Saigon.
Day 16: Morning tour of Cholon, the city's Chinatown district, with the afternoon to explore shop or sit in a cafe and watch the non-stop spectacle of the City's traffic!
Day 17: Our 3 day exploration of the picturesque Mekong Delta begins with a journey south to Can Tho via the former Vietcong stronghold Xe Quit.
Day 18: Experience the traditional culture and lifestyles of this beautiful region with visits to villages, floating markets and a home stay with a local family on one of the Delta's myriad islands.
Day 19: Morning on the island with an afternoon return to Saigon completing our Delta program.
Day 20:
Time to relax, last minute shopping or an optional excursion to the famous
Cu Chi tunnels for the energetic. Departure for your onward flight.
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