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Experience Vietnam from north and south
The day is free to recover from the flight or stroll amongst broad tree-lined avenues dating from the French period. There is a faded colonial charm where baguettes and good coffee are sold from doorways of grand buildings of a past era. There will be a welcome briefing this evening with your leader followed by an optional dinner at a local restaurant, where your children will have their first opportunity to practice their chopsticks skills. *May De Ville City Centre Hotel or similar*
This morning we take a city tour, which will include a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum area to see his 'House on Stilts' and visit the One Pillar Pagoda. We'll also visit the Temple of Literature and the Hoa Lo Prison (also known as the 'Hanoi Hilton'). Afterwards we enjoy a cyclo (bicycle taxi) ride through the Old Quarter, with its '36 Streets' where each street is home to shops sell particular products - e.g. 'silk street', 'gold street', 'paper street' and 'souvenir street'. The remainder of the day is at leisure to stroll around the Hoan Kiem Lake, stopping for a coffee or ice cream at one of the many cafes surrounding it. In the evening there is the option to enjoy a performance of Hanoi's famous water puppets. *May De Ville City Centre Hotel or similar*
We make an early start for the approximate 4 hour journey to Halong Bay. This is one of the most stunningly beautiful sights in South East Asia with roughly 3,000 limestone peaks rising directly from the clear emerald sea. We cruise amongst this amazing karst scenery, stopping to have a go at kayaking, allowing us to get to places inaccessible by boat (weather permitting), and enjoy a seafood lunch on board. In the late afternoon we watch the sun go down and enjoy another lovely meal before overnighting on the boat in twin share cabins with en suite facilities. *Overnight Boat*
We continue to cruise around Halong Bay this morning before returning to port. We then drive back to Hanoi, and transfer to the train station and board the Reunification Express for the overnight train ride to Da Nang, over 600km to the south. *Overnight Train*
This morning on arrival in Da Nang we drive the short distance to Marble Mountain where we explore the large caves which were used by the Viet Cong as a hospital base during the war. From the mountain peak, there are fantastic views over My Khe Beach and the surrounding countryside leading on to Hoi An. We then drive on to the World Heritage site of Hoi An, the original European trading port in Vietnam dating back to the mid-16th century. It is now a living museum, with attractive wooden merchant's houses and pagoda-style temples with Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese and European architectural influences. It is also a marvellous place to wander around and enjoy the thriving riverside market. We take a walking tour of the old town and visit the Japanese Bridge and Chinese Assembly Hall. *Hoian River Green Boutique or similar*
This morning we jump on bikes for a ride on quiet roads through the countryside past local markets, schools and villages before continuing on to Cua Dai beach (5 km). Please note that we are able to provide child sized bikes for those children who are 120cm and taller. Children riding their own bikes must be aged 7 upwards, for smaller children there will be the option of riding on the back of their parents bike in a child seat or saddle. The afternoon is dedicated to free time at the beach for swimming, or you can take an optional boat trip on the river or relax back in town. In the evening we join an informal cooking class where adults and children alike will learn how to make some of Hoi An's speciality dishes and even participate in rolling your own spring rolls! *Hoian River Green Boutique or similar*
This morning we transfer to Da Nang airport and fly to the Cam Ranh airport in Nha Trang. We then transfer (approx. 3 hours) to the tropical island retreat of Whale Island. With just one guesthouse on the island and accommodation in beach bungalows, this really is a chance to unwind and relax or while away the rest of the day swimming in the sea. *Whale Island Resort or similar*
We will join a boat trip in the morning for a spot of snorkelling and swimming before a seafood lunch is served. In the afternoon there is the option to visit a local fishing village, see the Whale temple or walk around the island to the viewpoint for a 360 degree view of the stunning mountainous coastline and the surrounding coves and white sand beaches. *Whale Island Resort or similar*
Depending on flight schedules, there may be time for one last dip in the sea before transferring to the airport for our flight to Saigon, officially known as Ho Chi Minh City. This is an exciting and absorbing city where scooters pack the streets and temples stand defiantly alongside modern developments. Devastated by the Vietnam War, it is now a bustling free market city where anything goes. *Huong Sen Hotel or similar*
In the morning we visit the famous Cu Chi Tunnels used by the Viet Cong during the war the network covers 3 levels and approximately 240km of tunnels. The tunnels were used by the guerrillas as living quarters and escape routes during the Vietnam War. Although originally very narrow, some parts have been widened for the tourists and we have the opportunity to explore parts of the system. Claustrophobes may prefer to stay outside in the sunshine before we return to Saigon. In the afternoon we wander around the city visiting the Saigon River, Ben Thanh market, Reunification Hall and Notre Dame Cathedral. *Huong Sen Hotel or similar*
This morning we drive to Cai Be in the Mekong Delta (approx. 2.5 hours). The Mekong, known as 'the rice bowl of Vietnam', produces much of Vietnam's fruit, sugar cane and coconuts. We spend some time at Cai Be from where we begin a Mekong River boat trip passing a floating market and visiting typical riverside villages where we learn about some of the local products for which the Mekong Delta is famous - e.g. popped rice, rice paper & coconut candy. Cai Be floating market is becoming less crowded and smaller as fruit trading is mostly now done by trucks due to the bridge being built. However, this is still a great opportunity to see a local market and the trade being conducted traditionally on a smaller scale. After lunch we continue our journey passing some magnificent countryside and stopping at some small cottage industries. The evening is tranquil as we have dinner on an Island and enjoy some 'Delta' hospitality. We spend the night sleeping at a simple guesthouse built in the style of a local house. Bedding, a mosquito net and a small towel are provided. *Homestay*
This morning we take a walk through the fruit orchards and navigate our way through the small canals in a traditional wooden sampan. Later we rejoin our boat to rendezvous with our vehicle for the journey back to Saigon via a little visited Cao Dai temple used by devotees of this strange indigenous religion, which fuses all the great religions of east and west. *Huong Sen Hotel or similar*
Today we visit the excellent Dam Sen Water Park with its slides and rides to allow the kids to let their hair down! *Huong Sen Hotel or similar*
* 10 nights hotels, all en suite, 1 night boat, 1 night homestay, night
sleeper train
* 13 days sightseeing, boat trips, kayaking and exploration
* Travel by private minibus, boat, bike, train and 2 internal flights
12 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 3 dinners are included.
Thanks to the tropical climate, the long coast and the gigantic range of
mountains, Vietnam is blessed with numerous varieties of culinary offerings
and consequently maintains its reputation as one of the healthiest cuisines
in the world that still packs a punch with delicious, fresh and fiery
flavours.
Vietnamese food relies on fresh fish, vegetables, rice and a whole myriad of
verdant herbs and spices; lemongrass, ginger, basil and lime all play an
important role in the cuisine. The Chinese and French influence is felt
throughout the country where you are just as likely to be offered a Banh Mi
(stuffed baguette) as you are a hot steaming bowl of Pho (noodle soup).
Each dish is prepared with the Asian principle of Wu Xing in mind (the five
elements); meaning that the perfect combination of spicy, sour, bitter, salty
and sweet is the ultimate aim. Be sure to also seek out the national
beverages; Vietnamese coffee is served iced and sweet with condensed milk, a
real sugar and caffeine hit, and beer hoi (local beer, brewed daily) is
served on most street corners in the North out of large plastic jugs that are
perfect for sharing.
Food is cheap in Vietnam and you can generally avoid the spicier food if you
wish. Western food is readily available almost everywhere, with the exception
of the night in the Mekong Delta.
Vegetarian food is widely available, however the offering will be fairly
similar in most places. Please advise at time of booking if you have any
dietary requirements.
* 10 nights hotels, all en suite, 1 night boat, 1 night homestay, night
sleeper train
* 13 days sightseeing, boat trips, kayaking and exploration
* Travel by private minibus, boat, bike, train and 2 internal flights
Activity Level: 3 (Moderate)
Designed for 13-16 year olds, also suitable for 9-12 year olds.
Our family activity levels are aimed at children in the primary or
‘Designed for’ age group. We are confident it is also suitable for those
in the ‘Also for’ age range, however please note if your child is in this
secondary category they may find it a little easier. Please see the family
activity levels on our website for further information. When grading our
trips we consider multiple factors, such as the pace, the level of activity
involved, the amount of time a family will spend travelling and the weather
is an important factor too.
This holiday is designed so that you can see the best parts of Vietnam using
a mixture of private buses, boats and flights. There is a lot to see in the
time you are there, but it is paced so that it doesn't feel too rushed.
Travel time is kept to a minimum in general but there are a few longer
drives. There is plenty of time for sightseeing and the trip has numerous
stops where we spend two or more nights.
Whilst choosing this trip please note that some of the accommodation will be
basic but is clean and tidy. The swimming pools may not be up to western
standards.
Locals and other Asian tourists may want to take photos of themselves with
your children particularly if they are young, blonde and have blue eyes. You
should be prepared for them to do this without asking permission first. You
should also be prepared for lots of traffic in the bigger cities like Hanoi
and Saigon, where you will have to relearn crossing the street, as things
like zebra crossings are not used as they are in the west.
Hotels, Boat, Guesthouse & Sleeper Train
During the tour you will spend 10 nights in comfortable hotels (all rooms en
suite), 1 night on a boat in twin share cabins (en suite), 1 night standard
guesthouse to experience some 'Mekong Delta' hospitality, sleeping 1-3 a room
(depending on group size), next to a local house and 1 night sleeper train,
soft-bed berths. All the hotels are centrally located.
Our 2 night stay on Whale Island is regarded as an absolute highlight for
many however it is basic. You will stay in bamboo thatched bungalows each
with mosquito nets, fans and en-suite bathrooms. The simplicity of island
life really makes it idyllic but you should be prepared for it to be a bit
different to the hotels used for the rest of the trip.
During this trip we spend one night on the sleeper train, the best way to
travel long distances with the locals! The journey between Hanoi and Da Nang
is quite comfortable although despite being first class, it is still
primitive. You will be in a 4 man cabin, (ocassionally 6 depending on season)
and bedding is provided, although some travellers prefer to bring their own
sleeping sheet. On occasion, passengers of different genders will be required
to share a compartment and there will be occasions where you'll be sharing
with local travellers or travellers who are not part of your group. Most
trains have a dining carriage but people generally stock up on snacks before
the journey.
We have endeavoured to select hotels for their location as well as character,
and use the best available accommodation in each area visited. There will
have en-suite facilities, reliable electricity and water supply, good service
and some added amenities.
Most hotels have swimming pools but the homestay in the Mekong Delta does
not. There are opportunities to swim at beaches in Hoi An and on Whale
Island.
*Single Accommodation*
There may be instances when you specifically want a single room. Perhaps a
grandparent needs one, or parents of a family of three or five want to ensure
they get a bit of space! Single supplements are available upon request (see
price details below). Please advise as time of booking. A single room is
available on hotel nights only.
*Additional Accommodation*
Is available in Hanoi and Saigon before and after your trip. Please ask for
prices. Due to high demand for rooms there is a chance it may be in a
different hotel to the start/end hotel of your trip. Please ask your sales
consultant if you wish to book extra nights.
Locally qualified Vietnamese English-speaking leaders will lead all groups.
Local guides may be used at various sights.
12 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 3 dinners are included.
Thanks to the tropical climate, the long coast and the gigantic range of
mountains, Vietnam is blessed with numerous varieties of culinary offerings
and consequently maintains its reputation as one of the healthiest cuisines
in the world that still packs a punch with delicious, fresh and fiery
flavours.
Vietnamese food relies on fresh fish, vegetables, rice and a whole myriad of
verdant herbs and spices; lemongrass, ginger, basil and lime all play an
important role in the cuisine. The Chinese and French influence is felt
throughout the country where you are just as likely to be offered a Banh Mi
(stuffed baguette) as you are a hot steaming bowl of Pho (noodle soup).
Each dish is prepared with the Asian principle of Wu Xing in mind (the five
elements); meaning that the perfect combination of spicy, sour, bitter, salty
and sweet is the ultimate aim. Be sure to also seek out the national
beverages; Vietnamese coffee is served iced and sweet with condensed milk, a
real sugar and caffeine hit, and beer hoi (local beer, brewed daily) is
served on most street corners in the North out of large plastic jugs that are
perfect for sharing.
Food is cheap in Vietnam and you can generally avoid the spicier food if you
wish. Western food is readily available almost everywhere, with the exception
of the night in the Mekong Delta.
Vegetarian food is widely available, however the offering will be fairly
similar in most places. Please advise at time of booking if you have any
dietary requirements.
We use a private minibus or coach, which will be comfortable, usually with
air-conditioning. Most of the driving days are not long, usually no more than
three to four hours. Road conditions are generally good and improving all the
time in Vietnam. However progress can be slow in the main cities due to
traffic. There are two domestic flights, all bookings on flights are made in
economy class.
*Tet Holiday Period (Vietnamese New Year)*
During the Tet holiday period, 21-30 January 2020 and 10-17 February 2021,
and two weeks either side of Tet, our itinerary is subject to minor change as
despite booking hotels and trains in advance, rooms and seats are difficult
to obtain during this busy festive period when people are travelling home to
celebrate with their families. It is unlikely that changes will occur and if
they do it is likely we will just need to use alternative accommodation.
*Travelling flight inclusive from London: 16 days*
The group flight from London is an overnight flight departing the day before
Day 1 of the itinerary.
*Flights from London*
We normally use the scheduled services of Malaysian Airlines (depending on
availability). As flight timings and schedules change regularly we recommend
you call one of our specialist sales staff or your agent to confirm
up‐to‐date timings. Please note timings may change at a later date and
cannot be confirmed until approximately two weeks before
departure. Internal flights during the trip are with a local airline.
*Travelling land only: 14 days starting in Hanoi, ending in Saigon*
Your trip normally starts at our accommodation in Hanoi during the late
afternoon of Day 1 of the itinerary. Details of how to reach the start point
are provided in the Final Joining Instructions ‐ sent approximately two
weeks before departure.
Free transfers are only applicable if booked in advance directly through
Exodus before a trip commences.
The weather will be hot and humid throughout with temperatures during the day
usually between 28ºC and 34ºC. It is only a little cooler at nights.
There is quite a range of seasons between the north and the south: the south
up to Hue has a distinct dry season between December to April and then a
rainy season from May to November when it tends to come in short heavy bursts
with bright sunshine in between. Hanoi is cool in autumn, and even gets
chilly between November and February (with a drizzly rain).
There is no ideal time to visit Vietnam; it is quite pleasant at any time of
year, though due to the shape of the country it is unlikely that the weather
will ever be perfect for the entire duration of any trip.
Please be aware that the boat trip on Halong Bay can be subject to short
notice change if certain adverse weather conditions develop during your trip.
These could occur all year round, but especially in monsoon season (from
October to April). Boat trips on Halong Bay are governed by the local
authorities who are authorised to make such appropriate safety decisions. If
your Halong Bay trip is affected by adverse weather, this could either result
in a reduced excursion on Halong Bay for your group, or less likely, the need
to re-arrange the itinerary if it is not possible at all to go out on Halong
Bay. Whilst this is not a frequent occurrence, our local team and leaders are
well equipped to handle such situations and have long offered appropriate
options to groups in the instances where this may occur.
* Casual clothes. As it is generally hot and humid, light cotton clothing
is recommended for most of the trip, though it will be cold in Hanoi
between November and early March and you should bring a warm jacket,
woolly hat, and trousers if you are travelling at that time. Please
remember that you will be expected to cover your legs and arms (to the
elbow) during visits to some temples and palaces. Sandals are useful as
they are cooler and are easier to take off when visiting temples.
* Torch/flashlight
* Sun cream, sun hat, sunglasses & swimming costume will be well used
* Bike helmet: these will be available locally however we can't guarantee
the quality and fit so please pack your own if you'd rather be confident
in the standard and comfort of the helmets.
* A first aid kit is carried on each trip, but you should bring your own
first aid kit with diarrhoea treatment, painkillers, rehydration sachets,
plasters and a blister treatment kit.
* Insect repellent is also highly recommended. Repellent containing DEET is
thought to be highly effective.
* You may wish to pack a bag that can be used as an overnight bag. For the
night in Halong Bay and the Mekong Delta you will be required to leave
your main bag behind at the previous hotel for the night.
* Warm clothes/layers for the overnight train journey, especially in the
cooler months.
* Refillable water bottle (1-2 litre capacity)
There are laundry facilities at the bigger hotels we stay at or cheaper
laundry facilities close to some hotels.
Internal flights in the destination country are subject to a weight limit of
20kg.
* A money belt
* Lightweight waterproof jacket or an umbrella, or a poncho can be bought
cheaply locally
* Rash vests or swim suits that are like shortie wetsuits as they can
protect children from the sun
You will need about GBP 225-275/USD 300-360 for all other meals, which will
allow you to eat well. Apart from the food, you should allow money to cover
soft drinks (more for the adults who like a beer/alcohol) and souvenirs.
*Optional Excursions*
There are a number of optional activities, which if you wish, your leader can
help arrange for you and advise of during the trip.
*Hoi An* Tu Bon River boat trip GBP 5/USD 8
This is entirely at your own discretion, but we suggest that you some funds
for tips for the local guides and staff. In Vietnam, with the increase in
tourism, tipping has become customary. The local staff will probably expect
some gratuity and we suggest you allow for this. The leader will suggest to
the group that they donate a sum of GBP 33/USD 43 per person towards a kitty
on arrival. This money is then used for tipping of local guides, hotel
porters, drivers etc. It is basically to ensure that the hassle is taken out
of various activities for you. If you do not wish to contribute to a central
pool for tips you are of course free to do so.
If you feel that your leader has performed well over the course of your trip,
you may want to show your appreciation of their services. The sum you choose
to give is entirely personal, but as a guide, 2-4GBP/3-6USD per person per
day would be a reasonable starting point. The 'tipping kitty' explained above
is entirely separate from any contribution to the tour leader. Our local
staff are paid well and fairly for their work with Exodus.
* Travel insurance
* Single accommodation (available on request)
* Visas or vaccinations
Ved skriftlig aksept av vårt tilbud bekrefter du/dere at våre betingelser er både lest og forstått og at evt kansellerings gebyrer kan tilkomme ved en evt. avbestilling av reisen.
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