Trip grading – ADVENTUROUS Suitable for travellers with above-average levels of fitness and mobility. Prepare for some long road journeys, basic facilities at your home-stay and plenty of walking.

What's included (27 days) – 23 nights hotel accommodation, 1 overnight train (soft sleeper four-berth shared cabin), 1 overnight home-stay and 1 overnight boat trip, all road transport by air-conditioned vehicles, all sightseeing as specified (excluding entrance fees), Western tour leader based on a minimum of seven travellers, local English-speaking guides throughout, arrival and departure transfers, breakfast daily, five lunches and three dinners.

Tour Leader: Travel Indochina tour leader based on a minimum of 7 people.

Maximum group size: 15

Prices from AU$4,345

Itinerary

Your Journey starts Hanoi, ends Saigon

Days 1 – 6 – Sapa Arrive in Hanoi and take the overnight train to Sapa. Spend a few days in this charming town and the unsurpassed surrounding landscapes. The market in Sapa is world-famous for its diversity; pore over unique handicrafts and hilltribe fabrics and jewellery. Your ambient ecolodge offers earth-friendly accommodation with stunning mountain valleys at your doorstep. Return to Hanoi by train.
Hotels: Chau Long, Topas Ecolodge, Hoa Binh

Days 7 – 11 – Hanoi & Halong Bay Arrive in Hanoi where you will discover the Old Quarter by cyclo and historic Ba Dinh Square. Spend a night aboard your private boat on Halong Bay, and cruise the peaceful waters in awe of this beautiful landscape. A water puppets performance, a visit to the Temple of Literature and free time to relax by Hoan Kiem Lake back in Hanoi await.
Hotel: Hoa Binh

Days 12 – 13 – Mai Chau Drive through the mountains to Mai Chau Valley. This picturesque destination is off the beaten path; interact with the local people and gain amazing insight by staying with a hospitable hilltribe at their longhouse. The surroundings are absolutely stunning; enjoy a walk through the valley to learn more about the agriculture of the region.
Hotel: Guest House

Days 14 – 15 – Reunification Express, Phong Nha & Dong Hoi After getting to know the Old Quarter in Hanoi by cyclo, an exciting overnight train journey will whisk you down the coast to the Phong Nha Caves, a natural wonder. Drive onwards to your luxury beach resort in Dong Hoi.
Hotel: Sunspa

Days 16 – 18 – Hue & Hoi An Vietnam’s former imperial capital is home to the last empire’s Forbidden City, the Citadel, as well as tombs of the Nguyen Emperors. Drive along beautiful Hai Van Pass to get to 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.
Hotels: Huong Giang, Ancient House Resort

Days 19 – 20 – Nha Trang Fly 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.
Hotel: Que Huong

Days 21 – 23 – 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, as well.
Hotel: Novotel Dalat

Days 24 – 25 – Saigon Drive to Saigon, 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. Travel to the Cu Chi Tunnels and learn about the tenacity and resilience of the Vietnamese. You will have free time to spend at the markets, discovering delicious little restaurants or watching river traffic chug along the Saigon River from one of the several famous hotel rooftop bars.
Hotel: Royal Pearl

Days 26 – 27 – Mekong Delta Drive to the heart of the Mekong, Can Tho, and see the famed floating markets. This fertile region is known as the ‘rice basket’ of Vietnam, and is where most of the country’s produce and rice is produced. Your luxurious hotel makes for an excellent home-base. Return to Saigon. Depart on day 22 (day 27 for Sapa travellers).
Hotel: Victoria Can Tho

Dates

Duration – 27 days.