Spirit of Vietnam
Overview
Itinerary
Arrive in Hanoi and check in to the Grand Mercure Hotel for a 2-night stay. Visit the Temple of Literature, which is dedicated to Confucius, and the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum to see national artwork across the ages. Take a cyclo ride through the bustling Old Quarter, then attend your welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
This morning, visit Ba Dinh Square for a walk outside Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum and to visit his residence, continuing to the One Pillar Pagoda. Meet a former North Vietnamese Army pilot for insights into the war, followed by lunch at KOTO restaurant, which trains underprivileged youths. Then visit the Vietnam Military History Museum in its newer, larger venue. There is an optional evening excursion to a water puppet show*.
Enjoy a cruise on Halong Bay, a beautiful karst-strewn inlet within the Gulf of Tonkin. Stay overnight onboard the Indochine Premium (or similar).
Continue your cruise in Halong Bay this morning. Disembark after brunch and drive to the airport to fly to Hue. Upon arrival, transfer to Pilgrimage Village Resort & Spa for 2 nights.
Morning visit to Hue citadel, which encompasses the numerous pavilions, temples and courtyards of the former Imperial City, including the Purple Forbidden City. Lunch today is at a restored royal home of the Nguyen dynasty. Continue to Thien Mu Pagoda, then take a short cruise on the Perfume River back to the city centre. In the afternoon, visit the tombs of the Nguyen emperors Tu Duc and Khai Dinh.
Enjoy a morning at leisure then drive over the spectacular Hai Van Pass (weather permitting) to Hoi An. Visit the Museum of Cham Sculpture in Danang en route. Stay 3 nights at the beachfront Boutique Hoi An Resort.
Tour the ruined temple of My Son, then have lunch at Streets International restaurant, a social enterprise that aims to develop sustainable programmes for street children. In the afternoon, take a walking tour of the former trading port of Hoi An, which shows its historic Chinese, Japanese and European influences.
Day at leisure. Optional activities include cookery classes at a local restaurant, and a cycle tour of nearby villages*.
Transfer to the airport and fly to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, drive though the southern Vietnamese countryside and visit the historic Cu Chi Tunnels. Stay 2 nights at Grand Hotel Saigon.
Full-day exploration of the Mekong Delta, including a trip to Cai Be, a boat ride exploring the smaller channels, and walking in the countryside. Farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Tour ends in Ho Chi Minh City.
Trip Inclusions
- Meet with a former North Vietnamese Army (NVA) pilot
- Cruise the waters of Halong Bay amid karst mountains
- Meal at a restored royal home of the Nguyen dynasty in Hue
- Full-day exploration of the Mekong delta's waterways
- Small group size - average 14 people (max 18)
- 4 & 5 star accommodation
- Flexible - extensions available
- Internal flights
- Transfers in air-conditioned vehicles
- Experienced local tour manager
- 10 breakfasts, 7 lunches & 3 dinners
- Guided sightseeing & entrance fees
- Welcome & farewell dinners
- Porterage at hotels
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
Operator
Cox & Kings groups rarely exceed 18 guests, and ninety percent of journeys have at least one guaranteed departure date, letting you plan with peace of mind.
Cox & Kings tours feature deep, authentic local experiences that reveal hidden truths and cultural secrets about each destination.
Cox & Kings partners with charming hotels that are comfortable and capture the essence of their surroundings, whether it’s a historic, characterful building, or an ideally placed location.
All Cox & Kings tours are guided and supported by experienced locals, who use their knowledge and on-the-ground relationships to improve and deepen the travel experience.
Dates & Pricing
AUD
Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Enquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Cox & Kings. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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