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A comprehensive north to south exploration
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. This evening there will be a welcome briefing followed by an optional group dinner at a local restaurant. *May de Ville City Centre Hotel or similar*
In Hanoi we take a sightseeing tour of the city that includes a visit to the Temple of Literature; the site of the oldest university in Vietnam with over 2000 graduates, Hoa Lo Prison & the Old Quarter of the city with its '36 Streets' where each street is home to shops selling particular products - e.g. 'silk street', 'gold street', 'paper street' and 'tourist souvenir street'. Another stop is the grounds of the Presidential Palace where Ho Chi Minh refused to live in the grand structure for symbolic reasons. We visit his traditional Vietnamese stilt house here. 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 approximately 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 and enjoy a seafood lunch on board. We overnight on board 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 Hue, 688km to the south. *Overnight Train*
Arriving mid-morning in Hue we transfer to our hotel. Hue claims to be the cultural and historical centre of Vietnam, and there is plenty to see. The most outstanding sight is the Imperial Citadel with walls six miles in length. Inside are the palaces and halls of the Mandarins, and the remains of the Forbidden Purple City, where only the emperor, his eunuchs and concubines were allowed. The Forbidden Purple City was almost totally destroyed during the Vietnam War's Tet Offensive, but the foliage-covered ruins are still atmospheric and the gaping holes left by bombs give an idea of the destruction wreaked upon the country during the war. This afternoon we visit the Imperial Citadel and the famous Thien Mu Pagoda. The pagoda was a centre for anti-government protest in the early 1960's and it houses the Austin car that transported a monk, Thich Quang Duc, to Saigon in 1963 where he burned himself in protest against the president. The photograph of his self-immolation was printed in newspapers all around the world. *Park View Hotel or similar*
This morning after breakfast we visit the mausoleum of Tu Duc, one of the most extravagant mausoleums of the great Nguyen emperors who ruled Vietnam from Hue between 1802 and 1945. Heading back to Hue, the afternoon is then free to further explore and get to know this historical centre or to simply relax by the riverside and absorb the local sights. *Park View Hotel or similar*
Leaving Hue, our 130km journey drives through the beautiful peninsula of Lang Co between the crystal waters of a lagoon and the Eastern Sea, and then passes over the spectacular Hai Van pass ('Pass of the Ocean Clouds') where the views are stunning. In Da Nang we stop for lunch before we visit and climb 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 where we spend the next three nights. *Le Pavillon Hoi An Boutique or similar*
This morning will include a walking tour 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 and great silk clothes shopping. This afternoon is free, one popular option is to jump on a bike for a ride through the countryside past local markets, schools and villages before continuing on to Cua Dai beach (5 km). *Le Pavillon Hoi An Boutique or similar*
This morning we will visit My Son, the Cham civilisation's spiritual home, where Cham kings were buried as early as the 4th century. Although wartime bombing has destroyed much of the site, there are a number of interesting stone towers and sanctuaries. Upon returning to Hoi An the rest of the afternoon is free to carry on enjoying this historic town. *Le Pavillon Hoi An Boutique or similar*
We drive to Da Nang and then fly to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), 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. This afternoon's walking city tour includes a visit to the Ben Thanh Market, Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral and War Remnants Museum. The Museum has an interesting photographic record of the Vietnam/American War. Please be aware that some images at the museum are very graphic. *Huong Sen Hotel or similar*
Today we leave the city behind us and head north to visit the infamous Cu Chi tunnels. Used by the Viet Cong during the war, the network covers 3 levels and approximately 240km of tunnels. Traditionally these were very narrow but some areas have been widened to allow tourists to explore the system. Claustrophobes may prefer to stay outside in the sunshine! In the afternoon we return to Saigon and the rest of the day is free for individual exploration. *Huong Sen Hotel or similar*
In the morning we drive to Vinh Long (approx. 2.5-3 hrs) in the Mekong Delta, known as the 'rice bowl' of Vietnam. This region produces most of Vietnam's fruit, sugar cane and coconuts. We take a boat trip on the mighty Mekong River to Cai Be. Recently, 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. En route we pass many orchards and friendly locals also travelling by boat. We stop to see some small cottage industries such as rice paper and coconut candy, getting a chance to sample the local produce along the way. The evening is tranquil as we have dinner on an Island and enjoy some 'Delta' hospitality. We spend the night sleeping at a simple homestay guesthouse built in the style of a local house. Bedding, a mosquito net and a small towel are provided. *Mekong Homestay Guesthouse*
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*
* 10 nights comfortable hotels
* 1 night boat with twin share cabins
* 1 night standard guesthouse homestay to experience 'Mekong Delta'
hospitality
* 1 night sleeper train, soft-bed berths
* Group normally 5 to 16, plus leader
12 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 2 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 comfortable hotels
* 1 night boat with twin share cabins
* 1 night standard guesthouse homestay to experience 'Mekong Delta'
hospitality
* 1 night sleeper train, soft-bed berths
* Group normally 5 to 16, plus leader
*This trip is rated Activity Level 2- Leisurely/Moderate*
This is a busy itinerary that visits the main highlights of Vietnam. We
travel by private minibus and we take one internal flight to allow you to
experience as much as possible of this beautiful and diverse country in a
short space of time. The weather can be hot and humid and cold in the winter
months in the north around Hanoi and Halong Bay. Please be advised some of
the days can be fairly long and tiring, with long travel days.
Hotels, Boat, Homestay Guesthouse & Sleeper Train
You will spend 10 nights in comfortable hotels, 1 night aboard a boat with
shared cabins and 1 night will be spent in a homestay guesthouse. All hotels
and twin shared cabins on the boat have en suite facilities. All of the
hotels have either fans or air conditioning.
En suite facilities are not available on the night at the homestay guesthouse
in the Mekong Delta or the overnight sleeper train journey.
During the overnight sleeper train journey, you will be accommodated
in soft-bed berths (usually 4 passengers to a berth). Vietnamese trains are
safe to travel on but we recommend that you keep valuables with you at all
times. Snacks are often offered on board (at an additional cost). Whilst most
trains have western-style facilities, some train services are also equipped
with squat toilets.
Please be advised that the accommodation listed in each location on the day
to day itinerary are the standard hotels used. However, there may be some
departures where groups stay at similar hotels of the same standard and
quality.
Single supplements are available (on request) and only available for 10
nights of the trip (hotel nights). Please advise the sales team at the time
of booking if you would like to request a single supplement.
Your group will be led by a local leader throughout the tour.
12 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 2 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.
Throughout the tour we use a private coach/mini-bus, usually with
air-conditioning. Road conditions are generally good and improving all the
time in Vietnam. However progress can be slow in the main cities due to
traffic.
The train journeys are normally on time, but you may experience delays and
departure times can change without notice. Boats are used at various points
in the itinerary; these are nearly always private, and vary from converted
trawlers to small riverboats.
* Tet Holiday Period (Vietnamese New Year)*
During the Tet holiday period, 10-17 February 2021 and 31 January- 4 February
2022 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.
*Travelling land only: 14 days starting in Hanoi and ending in Saigon*
Your trip normally starts at our accommodation in Hanoi in the 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.
If you go to Cambodia for the Angkor Wat extension, the weather will be hot
and humid all year round. The dry season is late October to May and the
monsoon is normally between May and October; though there is an obvious
transitional time between those settled periods.
The dry season is as it sounds, with hot days and generally clear skies,
though you can expect the odd shower. The monsoon is characterised by short,
sharp bursts of rain and is generally overcast all day though this does not
detract from the enjoyment of the place; you just need to take an umbrella or
buy a cheap local poncho!
* 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.
* 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 will be plenty of opportunities to get laundry done locally at a very
affordable price so fine to pack light.
Internal flights in the destination country are subject to a weight limit of
20kg.
As advice about luggage allowances for both hand and hold luggage is subject
to change, we suggest you check the airline's website for the latest
information prior to your departure.
* Lightweight sleeping bag for the overnight train if you are travelling
during the winter months
You will need about 225‐275GBP/300‐360USD for all other meals, which will
allow you to eat well. Apart from the food, you should allow money to cover
drinks (more if you 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 costs locally.
*Hanoi*
Water puppets 4GBP/6USD
*Hoi An*
Tu Bon River boat trip 5GBP/7USD depending upon numbers
Tipping is at your discretion, but is customary in Vietnam. In order to take
the hassle out of tipping, the leader will suggest you contribute to a
tipping kitty of approx 28GBP/36USD per person. This is used by the leader to
tip drivers, staff at hotels, on boats etc. but it is not used at
restaurants.
In addition (entirely at your discretion), a tip for the leader at the end of
the trip is greatly appreciated if you are happy with the service you have
received. As a guideline we recommend a contribution of 2-4GBP/3-6USD per
day for your leader.
* 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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