Grand Vietnam Explorer

Blessed by a stunning scenic beauty, but scarred by its fascinating and turbulent history, Vietnam is an astounding country to visit with a multitude of sights to explore.

Essential Experiences:
· Enjoy a junk cruise on Halong Bay
· Visit historic Hue
· Explore Saigon and the Mekong Delta

The Tour: Our Vietnam Grand Tour travels from the north to the south, offering an in-depth insight into the country, visiting many key highlights but also allowing time to genuinely experience the country, its culture, history and cuisine. Longer and more extensive than our Discover Vietnam tour, both tours cover the same itinerary in northern Vietnam but rather than flying straight down to Saigon, this tour travels through South Vietnam, stopping for time to relax and explore at the beach resort of Nha Trang and visting the beautiful town of Dalat, situated in the cooler hills away from the coast.

Accommodation: With its burgeoning economy, Vietnam has an increasing number of excellent hotels throughout but prices, especially in the main cities, can be expensive. On this tour we have chosen properties that offer good standards and excellent value for money.

» Day 1 to Day 2: LONDON TO HANOI

Overnight flight from London to Hanoi. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

» Day 3: HANOI

Embark upon a full day city tour of Hanoi including the One-Pillar Pagoda, Temple of Literature and History Museum. We'll then explore the Old Quarter on cyclos (tricycles with a seat up front for the passenger) before a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show. (B)

» Day 4 to Day 5: HALONG BAY CRUISE

Transfer 100 miles east to the beautiful Halong Bay where we embark upon our 2 night cruise aboard a traditional style junk. Sail amid the spectacular scenery visiting some of the islands and stopping off for the opportunity to swim or fish. (B,L,D)

» Day 6: HALONG BAY TO HOI AN

Transfer to a small bamboo boat to visit Luon cave before returning to the mainland. Transfer back to Hanoi for the onward flight to Danang, from where we transfer to Hoi An for the next 2 nights. (B,L)

» Day 7: HOI AN This morning, we include a half day trip to My Son, the former capital and religious centre of the Champa Kingdom where some of the ruins date back as far as the 7th century. In the afternoon we explore the delightful town of Hoi An. (B)

» Day 8: HUE

Full day trip to explore the historic city of Hue, including a cruise on the Perfume River, visit to the Imperial Citadel and Thien Mu Pagoda. (B,L)

» Day 9: HOI AN TO NHA TRANG

Transfer to Da Nang airport for the onward flight to Nha Trang, Vietnam's best known beach resort famous for its white sandy beaches and excellent seafood restaurants. (B)

» Day 10: NHA TRANG

Enjoy an introductory tour of the area visiting Long Son Pagoda, the Institute of Oceanography and the Po Nagar Cham Tower, a sacred Hindu site dating back from the 2nd century AD. (B)

» Day 11: NHA TRANG

A day at leisure to enjoy the relaxing setting. (B)

» Day 12: NHA TRANG TO DALAT

Depart by road for Dalat. This cool mountain resort is renowned for its lakes, waterfalls and verdant forests. Upon arrival check in at the hotel and then take a train ride on the old locomotive train to Trai Mat, including visits to Linh Phuoc Pagoda, Bao Dai Palace and Datanla waterfall. (B)

» Day 13: DALAT

Visit the Ethnic Museum, home to a display of artefacts and traditional costumes from the local hill tribe communities. We then take a spectacular ride by cable car to visit Truc Lam Pagoda and Tuyen Lam lake. Afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the peaceful mountain setting. (B)

» Day 14: DALAT TO SAIGON

Continue overland to Saigon (now officially known as Ho Chi Minh City) and check in at hotel. Remainder of the day at leisure. (B)

» Day 15: SAIGON

Full day tour to introduce you to this dynamic city, including the History Museum, the former Presidential Palace, Central Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral. In the afternoon visit a lacquerware workshop, Thien Hau Pagoda, China Town and Ben Thanh market. (B)

» Day 16: MEKONG DELTA

Travel by coach to Cai Be, where we take a boat trip along the Mekong River to view the daily life of local people who work and live on the waterways of the Mekong Delta. The trip includes a visit to the floating market at Cai Be and to a family-run business producing rice paper and Vietnamese style corn flakes. Enjoy lunch at a local house set amongst fruit orchards and bonsai trees, accompanied by a performance of traditional Vietnamese music. (B,L)

» Day 17: TAY NINH AND CU CHI TUNNELS

Travel out from the city to visit Tay Ninh church, centre of the Caodaism religion which combines Buddhism, Christianity, Taoism and Confucianism. After lunch continue to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, an amazing complex of underground tunnels used during the Vietnam war. Some 75 miles of the complex have been preserved by the government of Vietnam, and turned into a war memorial park. Our excursion allows us to enter this once secretive complex of tunnels - a testament to Vietnamese ingenuity. (B,L)

» Day 18: SAIGON TO LONDON

Return flight to London or choose from our optional extensions. (B)