Day 1 - 2 Hanoi
Arriving in Hanoi, you will be transferred to your hotel. The next morning, take an escorted walking tour from Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum to Uncle Ho’s former residence and the House of Stilts before visiting Hanoi’s oldest structure, the One Pillar Pagoda. See Hanoi’s ancient Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first educational institute, and the infamous Hanoi Hilton. Explore Hanoi’s fascinating Old Quarter and enjoy a local specialty dinner and an evening water puppet performance. (B/L/D)
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Day 3 Halong Bay
After breakfast, sit back and enjoy your first view of the northern countryside as we drive to Halong Bay, one of the world’s greatest natural wonders. Sail among thousands of limestone islands rising mystically from the water, explore caves and grottos and swim or relax on the beach. Enjoy an overnight stay on a traditional junk boat. (B/L/D)
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Day 4 Halong Bay / Sapa
Enjoy a seafood lunch on board before disembarking at Hanoi railway station for an overnight soft sleeper train to Sapa. (B/L/D)
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Day 5 Sapa
Arriving in Sapa in the morning, enjoy breakfast at the hotel and spend the rest of the day at your own leisure. (B/L/D)
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Day 6 Sapa
Explore the Ta Van valley with spectacular views of cascading rice fields. See different villages of minority ethnic groups, go bargain shopping at the local Vietnamese markets and learn about tribal agriculture. (B/L/D)
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Day 7 Sapa / Hanoi
After exploring the charming town of Sapa, you will be transferred to the railway station for an overnight sleeper train back to Hanoi. (B)
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Day 8 Hanoi / Hoi An
Arriving in Hanoi, you will be transferred to the airport for the flight to Danang and then to your hotel in Hoi An. Enjoy a relaxing private walking tour of the ancient harbour town of Hoi An. Marvel at ancient merchants’ houses, a Hokkien Temple and the unique Japanese Covered Bridge before shopping at the bustling riverside market. (B/L/D)
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Day 9 Hoi An
Explore the ancient harbour city of Hoi An at your own leisure. Enjoy the wonderful cuisine at local cafés, hire a bike to explore local streets or buy some handmade clothes. Hoi An has nearly 100 silk shops offering same-day services for tailor-made clothes at incredibly low prices. (B)
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Day 10 Hue
Enjoy a scenic drive over the stunning Hai Van Pass to Hoi An. Feast your eyes on magnificent coastal and rural scenery and see the beautiful Marble Mountain on the way. Hop on a dragon boat to cruise the romantic Perfume River to one of Hue’s most beautiful landmarks, the Thien Mu Pagoda, with its iconic tiered tower, and visit the vast and ornate tombs of Vietnam’s last imperial dynasties. In the afternoon, enjoy a morning cyclo ride to the impressive remains of the walled Citadel and the Forbidden Purple Palace before indulging in a local specialty dinner. (B/L/D)
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Day 11 Hue / Nha Trang
Travel to the coastal city of Nha Trang, located at the mouth of a beautiful bay with a huge sweeping beach. Relax on an island boat, cruise around the nearby islands, visit a local fishing village and indulge in a sumptuous seafood meal before swimming in the sparkling South China Sea. (B/L/D)
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Day 12 Nha Trang
Spend time in Nha Trang at your own leisure. Relax on the beautiful beaches, swim or explore the boulevard. (B)
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Day 13 Nha Trang / Saigon
After a flight to Saigon, explore the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, an amazing underground network of tunnels which stretches over hundreds of kilometres. You’ll have the opportunity to crawl in a section of the tunnels to learn how the brave men and women of Cu Chi built underground hospitals, kitchens and meeting rooms during their struggle for a unified Vietnam. Enjoy a dinner cruise along the Saigon River. (B/L/D)
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Day 14 Mekong Delta
Explore the lush countryside of the Mekong Delta, the “rice bowl” of Vietnam. Cruising through the canals, rivers and backwaters, you’ll learn about the daily lives of the local people. Taste exotic fruits along the way and learn how to make delicious coconut candy, sample a Mekong specialty lunch, walk on the island’s trails and go on a sampan ride through some of the small creeks and canals. In the afternoon, enjoy a private walking tour of Saigon’s historic Dong Khoi Street and see the Reunification Palace, War Remnants Museum and Gustav Eiffel designed Central Post Office. Enjoy a farewell dinner as part of your tour package. (B/L/D)
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Day 15 - 16 Hanoi / Australia
You will be transferred to the airport on day 15, arriving in Australia on day 16. (B)
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