Join one of our Small Group Journeys to Vietnam and get to know this beautiful country, from the highlights to the backstreets. Whether you are cruising Hanoi’s Old Quarter via cyclo, cruising down the Mekong River on a sampan, or enjoying some amazing fresh seafood, barbequed right at your table in Nha Trang, Vietnam has something to offer every traveller.
From the dynamic thrust of Saigon to the timeless landscapes and villages of the countryside, Vietnam is a country of seemingly endless diversity. Similarly, Vietnamese culture echoes this sentiment. The contrast of foreign influences, wars and colonisation with distinctive local customs are proof of this. Our Vietnam Discovery is a journey of contrasts aimed to showcase the diversity and complexity of this enchanting nation. From bustling Saigon to orchards in the Mekong Delta; from mountains in Dalat to tropical beaches of Nha Trang; from enchanting Hoi An to historical Hanoi and finally, majestic Halong Bay. Throughout this journey we experience Vietnamese hospitality at its best, with our selection of splendid hotel choices along the way. Feel the history within Saigon’s landmark Caravelle and Hanoi’s Sofitel Metropole hotels. Experience colonial grandeur at the Sofitel Dalat Palace. Soak up seaside splendour at Nha Trang’s Ana Mandara Resort, complete with your own private beach on the shores of the South China Sea. Each hotel is a reflection of its natural environment. This, coupled with high standards of service and comfort, makes each destination a unique experience.
Arrive in Saigon and get to know the sites and sounds of Vietnam’s most exciting destination. 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.
Day 4 ~ Dalat
Dalat
Explore the Central Highlands’ beautiful French hill station, Dalat. Here you will meet the local hilltribe people and discover a fascinating market – one of the most picturesque in the country. The cooler climate in Dalat means you can enjoy a relaxing stroll around the central lake. Visit the summer residence of the last emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty, Bao Dai, before heading to the coast.
Days 5 - 6 ~ Nha Trang
Hoi An fish market
Drive to Nha Trang, the country’s premiere beach destination, for some sunny relaxation time. A fresh seafood lunch is served on board your boat trip around the islands off Nha Trang; take a swim, do some snorkelling or just enjoy your seaside surrounds.
Days 7 - 8 ~ Hoi An
Halong Bay
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 ambient 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 9 - 10 ~ Hue
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 11 - 14 ~ Hanoi & 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 14.
Checklist & How we Travel
Inclusions:
13 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 Vietnam Discovery 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 Vietnam Discovery 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 colonial Sofitel Dalat Palace, the boutique Ana Mandara in Nha Trang, the riverside Life Resort in Hoi An and at 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. Q: What kinds of transport are used on the Vietnam Discovery? 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 road journey is six hours between Dalat and Nha Trang. The trip from Hanoi to Halong Bay is 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!
