Itinerary

Days 1 - 3 ~ Saigon & Mekong Delta

Cruising the Mekong

Arrive in Saigon get to know the sites and sounds of Vietnam’s most exciting city. A walking tour past some of the iconic sites in District One, such as the Opera House and Hotel de Ville, will help you get acquainted with Ho Chi Minh City. Take a day-trip out to the lush waterways of the Mekong Delta, where you will experience the ‘rice basket’ of this fertile region, and travel to the Cu Chi Tunnels and learn about the tenacity and resilience of the Vietnamese.

Days 4 - 5 ~ Hoi An

Emporer Tu Duc's tomb

Enjoy the architecture, local delicacies and friendly locals that make Hoi An a true Vietnam highlight. Visit her tailors and galleries, relax at the beach or take part in a cooking demonstration. An atmospheric boat trip down the Thu Bon River will bring you to the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ancient Town. Early risers should pack plenty of film; you will be mesmerised by the sights and sounds of this fishing town’s early morning market as boats arrive from the sea.

Days 6 - 7 ~ Hue

Hoi An

Drive north to Vietnam’s former imperial capital and wander the last empire’s Forbidden City, the Citadel, as well as tombs of the Nguyen Emperors and the banks of the Perfume River. The journey itself is part of the appeal; travel over Hai Van Pass for spectacular views of the mountains, the sea and lush rice paddies.

Days 8 - 10 ~ Hanoi & Halong Bay

Halong Bay

Fly to Hanoi and take a cyclo ride through the Old Quarter, the best way to get to know the ancient laneways and local people. Discover historic Ba Dinh Square and take time at Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and Museum, and the One Pillar Pagoda. Spend a magical afternoon cruising Halong Bay, where you will enjoy a seafood lunch and a swim (weather permitting). Depart on day 10.

Checklist & How we Travel

Inclusions:

• 9 nights hotel accommodation,
• Flights as specified,
• All road transport by air-conditioned vehicles,
• All sightseeing as specified (including entrance fees),
•  Western tour leader based on a minimum of seven travellers,
• Local English-speaking guides throughout,
• Arrival and departure transfers,
• Breakfast daily and two lunches.

GETTING AROUND: To be advised

WHERE WE STAY: To be advised.

WHAT WE EAT: To be advised.

Tour Q&A

Q: I’ve never travelled on a group tour before. Is group travel for me?
A: Our deluxe Small Group Journeys are not conventional group tours. You will be travelling with a maximum of 15 travellers, staying in some of Asia’s finest and most atmospheric hotels whilst immersing yourself in the culture and everyday lives of the people. They are designed to provide you with a good balance of personal discovery and group activity with like-minded travellers – and an enjoyable, memorable holiday. We shun mass tourism and all of its trappings – and we believe our signature style of travel will appeal to those who want a total experience of their chosen destination.

Q: Who will I be travelling with?
A: Our travellers are of all ages and from all walks of life. What they share is a true passion for travel in Asia – a desire to savour the cuisine, meet the people and connect with the lives and cultures of these extraordinary places. Most travel to Asia from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Q: How fit do I have to be to join the tour?
A: The Highlights of Vietnam is graded Easy and is suitable for travellers with an average level of fitness and mobility. All travellers on our deluxe Small Group Journeys must complete a Fitness Form, which can be downloaded by clicking here. Be sure to pack a positive attitude and a desire to experience Asia and her people first hand. Download the tour dossier for comprehensive information on the Highlights of Vietnam deluxe journey. Click here for full description of journey grading.

Q: What happens if I’m a single traveller?
A: Our groups are a combination of single travellers, couples and friends. Single travellers must pay a supplement for a single room on our deluxe Small Group Journeys. Whether travelling alone or with a companion, you will go home with a true sense of the country you have visited and, quite possibly, a brand new set of friends.

Q: Can I bring the kids?    
A: The minimum age on all our deluxe Small Group Journeys is 12 years old. For families with younger children, we can create a tailormade and well-paced trip to suit your needs and requirements. The sites, sounds, smells and adventures that Asia has to offer make it an ideal destination for family travel. Click here  to see some of our suggested tailormade family itineraries – designed to give your family a true experience of the essence of Asia.

Q: What are the visa requirements?
A: To enter Vietnam you will require a passport (with at least 6 months remaining validity) and a tourist visa.  This visa must be obtained prior to arrival. A combined entry/exit and baggage declaration form will be issued to you prior to arrival and one section of this must be retained until your departure from Vietnam. Please ensure this paper is kept in a safe place while you are in Vietnam.

Q: What kinds of hotels will I be staying in?
A: We stay in a selection of some of the most beautiful and atmospheric hotels in Vietnam. Stay in the historic Caravelle and Sofitel Metropole Hotels in Saigon and Hanoi, the riverside Life Resort in Hoi An and the elegant Morin in Hue. These are not just places to rest your head at the end of a day of exploration. We choose our accommodation on the basis that they too represent the essence of Asia. Our deluxe accommodation will become a real part of your experience, and you are sure to be impressed. Our combination of atmospheric accommodation with cultural engagement will give you a truly memorable holiday experience.

Q: Who will accompany our group?
A: You will be escorted by one of our expert Western tour leaders (minimum seven travellers) as well as an English-speaking local guide – a combination which gives you the highest level of service possible. Our local guides are uniquely placed to share personal insights that simply can’t be provided by outsiders or guidebooks. Our Western leaders call Asia home and have a network of friends and experiences to share with you. They are also able to fully appreciate your interests and needs and ensure these are being met. You will be inspired by their enthusiasm and passion for the region. We believe our combination of local and Western tour leaders provides for the best travel experience. The feedback from our travellers over the years confirms the same.

Q: Are arrival and departure transfers included?
A: Arrival and departure transfers are included in the price of the tour. Upon arrival at Saigon airport you will be met by one of our Essence of Asia representatives and transferred to your hotel. If you require a transfer outside these days you will need to book and pay for additional transfers.

Q: What kinds of transport are used on the Highlights of Vietnam?
A: For road journeys and inner-city touring, air-conditioned cars, mini-buses, or coasters are used. These vehicles are modern, well-maintained, safe vehicles – ideal for small group travel. The longest drive is between Hanoi and Halong Bay, around three and a half hours each way. There are also several domestic flights within Vietnam.

Q: Are entrance fees included in the tour cost?
A: Yes, entrance fees are included in the cost of all of our deluxe Small Group Journeys.

Q: What type of restaurants and food will be available on tour?
A: Vietnamese cuisine is diverse and tasty with a fascinating fusion of traditional Vietnamese, Chinese and French influences. Sampling the variety of food on offer is a pure delight and one of the many highlights of a visit to the country. We choose to eat at quality restaurants – serving a selection of seafood, chicken, beef, pork and vegetable dishes. In the major cities there is a generous array of international cuisine, while in most provincial areas the choice is more limited. Vegetarians will find a good selection of fresh foods available. Breakfast is included each day and is usually a mix of Western buffet and continental style. We do not include all meals in your tour cost, giving you the freedom to taste the delicious array of cuisine on offer. Our group leaders have a wealth of knowledge of restaurants from the mainstream to the unusual. Some of the best culinary experiences are found in local eateries, old stalwarts and brand new innovative establishments not found in guidebooks. Let us share them with you.

Q: How much money will I spend per day touring?
A: Approximately $12US per person for day-to-day living. Vietnam offers great value for your money. For around $12US you will be able to buy lunch and dinner at good local restaurants, as well as refreshments during the day. Western restaurants will cost more.

Q: How is your company different to others offering small group travel?
A: We don’t know of any company that offers the combination of well thought out itineraries, atmospheric accommodation, insightful Western and local leaders and value for money. We have had a base in the region for over 13 years ensuring that we keep abreast of the changes in the region and can offer 24-hour support to our travellers. If you’re shopping around, ask about your accommodation, transport and the tour leaders and guides who will take care of you during your journey. Check to see how many nights you will spend in each city. Rather than rushing through a destination, we believe that spending quality time in each place enhances your overall experience. We don’t cut any corners!