| Day: |
Description: |
| 1 |
SAIGON (HO CHI MINH CITY):
Arrive in Saigon. |
| 2 |
MEKONG DELTA HOMESTAY:
We head south to the Mekong Delta and spend the day exploring the area by boat and on foot. Tonight we are guests of a local family. |
| 3 |
MEKONG DELTA - SAIGON:
This morning we visit an authentic floating market before returning to Saigon. |
| 4 |
SAIGON - WHALE ISLAND:
Morning walking tour of this amazing city. Afternoon flight to Nha Trang and transfer to the idyllic Whale Island. |
| 5 |
WHALE ISLAND:
A relaxing free day to swim, laze on pristine beaches or go snorkelling amidst lovely coral gardens. |
| 6 |
HOI AN:
Today we drive to Nha Trang for a short flight to Danang then transfer to the wonderful ancient trading town of Hoi An. |
| 7 |
HOI AN:
We enjoy a guided tour, after which the rest of the day is free to wander the streets for yourself. |
| 8 |
HUE:
Drive along the coast via Ocean Cloud Pass, the geographical divide between north and south Vietnam. Arrive in Hue and enjoy an afternoon cruise along the Perfume River to the Heavenly Lady Pagoda and the tomb of the Nguyen Emperor Minh Mang. |
| 9 |
HUE:
Morning tour of the UNESCO World Heritage listed Imperial City. In the late afternoon we transfer to the airport for a short flight to Hanoi. |
| 10 |
HANOI - HALONG BAY:
We head out to Halong Bay where we board the exquisite ‘Jewel of the Bay’ sampan. This traditional-style boat is lavishly furnished with private cabins, sun deck and a dining room where you will experience mouth-watering cuisine. We carry sea kayaks on board so you can take to the sea amidst the towering karst peaks or swim in secluded bays. |
| 11 |
HANOI:
After breakfast we leave Halong Bay and head to Hanoi where we have a walking tour of the old city before boarding our overnight train to the beautiful hill-station of Sapa. |
| 12 |
SAPA:
A short drive through breathtaking scenery takes us to Sapa town. Afternoon excursion by road and on foot to remote outlying villages - home to some of Vietnam’s most colourful ethnic minorities. |
| 13 |
SAPA:
Time to relax. This afternoon we drive to Lao Cai for the sleeper train back to Hanoi. |
| 14 |
HANOI:
Arrive and transfer to our hotel. Rest of the day is free. |
| 15 |
HANOI:
Tour ends. |
"I have just returned from an amazing 3 weeks in Vietnam and Cambodia!! Managed to navigate Siem Reap, and the temples on my own, but I cannot say enough about my Imaginative Traveller tour of Vietnam, 'Beyond the Ho Chi Minh Trail'!
From the start this was my top pick. Though it is only 15 days in length, it encompasses so much of what travellers to Vietnam want to see. From Saigon to a guesthouse stay in the Mekong Delta, right up to Sa Pa with it's stunning scenery and colourfully dressed hilltribe minorities. In between you'll visit Whale Island, incredible Hoi An, Hue, Hanoi, and even spend a night on Halong Bay."
