Trip code: VISV
Trip Highlights
- Explore the evocative Old Quarter of Hanoi
- Sail Halong Bay
- Ride the famed Reunification Express
- Visit imperial Hue
- Step back in time in Hoi An
- Dive into the sparkling waters of the South China Sea
- Explore Ho Chi Minh City by cyclo
Trip Summary
See full itineraryTravel from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City on one of the most fascinating train journeys on earth - aboard the Reunification Express. Out of service for most of the 20th century due to war, the re-establishment of the rail link in 1975 symbolised unity between the Vietnamese people. This trip is far more than just an ordinary rail journey.
Chugging along, there's plenty of stops to explore stately Hanoi, the natural wonder of Halong Bay, majestic Hue, charming Hoi An, the beaches and islands of Nha Trang and dynamic Ho Chi Minh City. Experience the scenic, historical, cultural and culinary highlights of this marvellous country. 'All aboard' for a ride you'll never forget!
When do I want to go?
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| Dates of Departures | Duration | Price (Land Only) | Trip Status | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
What will I be doing?
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Day 1 to 4 (4 Days)
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Days 5 to 6 (2 Days)
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Days 7 to 9 (2 Days)
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Days 10 to 15 (5 Days)
Day 1 to 4: 4 Days
Next LegDestination info
The Socialist Republic of Vietnam is the 13th most populous country in the world and is one of the ‘next eleven’ economies. Despite its troubled past, Vietnam is also a pretty country and has its share of beautiful and tranquil coastline. A French colonial possession from the mid-1800s until shortly after the end of WWII, it is not surprising that lots of the architecture has a French look, especially in the big cities. Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City look in places like Paris.
- Location: Hanoi to Halong Bay
Days 1-2 Hanoi
Get lost in the whirl of colour, commotion and horn-blowing traffic. Visit the father of modern Vietnam's mausoleum and end the day at a water-puppet show.
Days 3-4 Halong Bay
Have breakfast with the kids at the Blue Dragon Charity before leaving the frenetic pace of city life behind to Halong Bay. Swim among the soaring karsts, shimmy into limestone caves and be rocked to sleep by the boat bobbing on the water. Returning to Hanoi, travel overnight on the Reunification Express, bound for Hue.
Destination info
The Socialist Republic of Vietnam is the 13th most populous country in the world and is one of the ‘next eleven’ economies. Despite its troubled past, Vietnam is also a pretty country and has its share of beautiful and tranquil coastline. A French colonial possession from the mid-1800s until shortly after the end of WWII, it is not surprising that lots of the architecture has a French look, especially in the big cities. Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City look in places like Paris.
- Location: Hue
Days 5-6 Hue
Imagine the opulence of imperial Vietnam within the Thai Hoa Palace, see the scars of former wars in the Forbidden Purple City or discover the legacy left behind by the fussy Emperor Tu Duc's tomb. Relax aboard a Perfume River cruise.
Destination info
The Socialist Republic of Vietnam is the 13th most populous country in the world and is one of the ‘next eleven’ economies. Despite its troubled past, Vietnam is also a pretty country and has its share of beautiful and tranquil coastline. A French colonial possession from the mid-1800s until shortly after the end of WWII, it is not surprising that lots of the architecture has a French look, especially in the big cities. Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City look in places like Paris.
- Location: Hoi An
Days 7-9 Hoi An
Travel through coastal rice paddies to the fishing village of Lang Co before heading into the mountains and crossing the breathtaking Hai Van Pass. Take a step back in time in the ancient streetscapes of Hoi An. Here there are centuries-old family homes to explore, the wonderful Japanese Covered Bridge to wander across and bowls of mouth-watering cao lau to try.
Previous Leg
Days 10 to 15: 5 Days
Destination info
The Socialist Republic of Vietnam is the 13th most populous country in the world and is one of the ‘next eleven’ economies. Despite its troubled past, Vietnam is also a pretty country and has its share of beautiful and tranquil coastline. A French colonial possession from the mid-1800s until shortly after the end of WWII, it is not surprising that lots of the architecture has a French look, especially in the big cities. Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City look in places like Paris.
- Location: Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh City
Days 10-12 Nha Trang
Devour a delicious seafood lunch, float in basket boats, then dive into the sparkling waters of the South China Sea.
Days 13-15 Ho Chi Minh City
Enjoy a relaxed cyclo tour through the city. Later, take a rowboat along the Mekong Delta. Learn the secrets of longan honey from a family of beekeepers, gain insight into rural Vietnamese life on a village visit before ending the adventure back in the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City.
Trip Notes Download
To get a detailed PDF of information for this trip including full itinerary, country guides and travel advice on visas, money, insurance and the local weather, download our trip notes. By doing so you’ll also be kept updated on all the latest news, offers and stories on this particular trip. Happy reading!
What's included?
- Activities and entrance fees as stated in the itinerary
- Halong Bay boat trip
- Accommodation
- 12 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 1 Dinner
- 24 hour emergency support
- Services of tour leader throughout the trip
What's not included?
- All flights
- Travel insurance
- Visas
- All other meals
- Airport transfers
- Drinks
- Optional excursions
- Items of a personal nature including spending money
- Tips and gratuities
Additional Information & FAQs
Minimum age
Minimum age 18 years. These trips can and do attract a variety of ages and customers will be of different nationalities too. It's all about having a passion for travel which is age-less!
Accommodation
Hotels (11 nts), overnight sailing junk (1 nt), overnight trains (2 nts)
The style of accommodation described in the day to day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.
Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multi share basis. Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we are arriving prior to normal check in time. However this is not always possible which means we will not be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination.
Meals
While travelling with us you will experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. On our camping trips we often cook the region's specialties so you don't miss out. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat generally not all meals are included in the trip price.
This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though.
The meals included are; 12 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 1 Dinner. Please note that breakfasts are often simple (eggs, bread, jam and coffee/tea would be most common). Allow USD $250 for meals not included
Advice & Safety
Throughout your programmes you will have the support and guidance of the programme co-ordinator and team. You will be provided with competent assistance and help with any questions or advice you may need during your stay.
You will be assigned a personal travel advisor who will co-ordinate your programme with you. Feel free to contact them at any time before you go, or when you are on your travels.
In addition, you will have access to a 24 hour emergency contact number so you can contact one of our UK staff at any time should you need to.
What will I see in Vietnam?
16 photos
What other travelers thought
I've done this trip
Write reviewAmy Allwood - May 2013
How would you rate your overall experience?
Give us up to 10 words that sum up your experience: for example - "Great experience, made new friends, totally unforgettable!"
Incredible and beautiful country filled with amazing experiences - loved it.
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What were the highlights of your trip?
The cooking class, the beautiful scenery and the early morning bike ride!
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
- WATER. It is so unbelievably hot, you need to remember to keep hydrated even when you're too busy looking at amazing things to think about such boring things as water. - Just give things a go - Getting up at 4am for a bike ride might seem unnecessary but it's an amazing experience for several reasons! The food might look odd, but lots of my fondest memories involve some of that amazing food! - Prepare yourself - if you're not happy in water but know you'd like to be able to swim in the sea, have lessons before you go so you can really enjoy the experience whilst you're there (this is what I did and I'm so glad I did!)- don't let little things frighten you off!
Is there anything else you would have liked to have added to your itinerary?
No, everything was organised really well. The time available to do our own thing was valuable and generally just right - there wasn't quite enough time in Saigon but then I'm not sure how much time would be enough!
Any other comments?
Hung Was Lovely, Really Made The Trip Excellent.
Would you travel with our company again?
yes
Would you recommend us?
Yes
