Exploratory Tour of Vietnam

Sample itinerary

10 days from A$2880 *

Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Reunification Express, Hue, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City, Cu Chi Tunnels, Mekong Delta

This 10-day tour of Vietnam is specifically designed for students wishing to experience all Vietnam has to offer. The trip includes visits to all the country’s main cities and attractions, with a large component of the tour concerned with the cultural, historical and geographical understanding of this fascinating region and a look into the rapid changes it is currently undergoing. The itinerary also includes rural excursions to remote provincial towns and villages, Tay Ninh on the Cambodian border, historical Hoi An the intriguing Mekong Delta region and magnificent Ha Long Bay.

Whilst the trip is essentially an educational tour designed to be both enlightening and educationally beneficial, it is also intended to be highly enjoyable, providing students with a fulfilling introduction to one of the most beautiful and friendly countries in Southeast Asia.

Your group leader

Your group leader is probably the person who most influences the success of your trip. Thus Tailor Made Vietnam chooses to employ professionals who have lead groups of people throughout all areas of Vietnam for several years. They speak fluent Vietnamese so you can communicate with the people you meet. Your group leader will also provide you with insights into the country and will guide and assist you constantly ensuring your trip is safe and successful.

Itinerary

This itinerary is correct at the time of printing. From time to time there may be slight changes due to uncontrollable circumstances. Your group leader will advise you of any changes at the initial group meeting.

Day 1 Arrive Hanoi Our group leader will greet you upon arrival at Hanoi International Airport and escort you to your hotel. Following this, we will run through the itinerary and answer any questions you may have and then venture out to explore Hanoi and enjoy our first taste of authentic Vietnamese food at a nearby local restaurant. Following this we will enjoy a performance by Hanoi’s famous water puppet troupe.

Day 2 Hanoi / Ha Long Bay This morning we will depart Hanoi for the 160km journey to the coast and magnificent Ha Long Bay. Arriving before lunchtime we will jump straight on our private boat to go cruising in this secluded bay with its 3000 limestone peaks enjoying the views as our local guide explains the legends, myths and changes Ha Long Bay has undergone since becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. This afternoon we will have the opportunity to visit spectacular caves, swim and kayak, visit secluded beaches and dine on a delicious seafood lunch. In the evening we will check in to our centrally located hotel before heading out to dinner at one of the town’s numerous ocean front restaurants.

Day 3 Hanoi We will return to Hanoi early this morning, stopping on route to visit a ceramics making village to observe the labour intensive process of ceramic production in Hai Duong province. After arriving back in Hanoi shortly before midday we will have lunch before taking to the streets of Hanoi to explore some of the city’s must-see sights. We delve into the Old Quarter wandering through narrow lanes packed with every imaginable variety of foodstuff, fake designer clothes, CD’s and electronic item. N.B. Embassy visit Option: Whilst in Hanoi there will be the opportunity to visit the Australian Embassy to meet with some diplomatic staff and gain an insight into the role of Australian diplomatic missions in building relationships with foreign countries such as Vietnam. If teachers wish this to be included in the itinerary, please contact our office for further information as to arranging this component.

Day 4 Hanoi / Reunification Express This morning we will visit the city’s French Quarter and the Ho Chi Minh Museum and Mausoleum of which no tour of Hanoi would be complete. Here we will learn about Vietnam's struggle for independence and the division of Vietnam into two separate states. Later we will stop for lunch at KOTO restaurant, a non-profit organisation established to support Vietnamese street kids to find employment and break their poverty cycle. Here we will learn about the charity established and the hurdles it faces daily. There will be a short time this afternoon for another look around the city’s Old Quarter before dinner before the late evening when we board the overnight Reunification Express train heading south. In the comfort of 4-berth sleepers we will pass through the former Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) on our way to the cultural capital city of Vietnam, Hue.

Day 5 Hue Arriving in Hue mid-morning, we will check into our hotel before setting out to explore the city at a leisurely pace by bicycle (or cyclo). Our first stop will be the moated ruins of the Imperial Citadel. Laid out by Chinese and sustained occupation by the French and the Americans, the Imperial Citadel is surrounded by 2.5km long wall and encircled by a large moat. Entered through any of ten fortified gates each with their own bridge across the moat, the Citadel includes the Forbidden Purple city that was exclusively reserved for the Emperor. After exploring this extensive complex, we break for lunch and then visit a local neighborhood market where our visit will not go unnoticed. Although Hue has sustained much damage from natural disasters and wars, the city and most of the architecture remain. As a capital city, Hue is relatively young since the Nguyen dynasty only ended some 70 years ago (1802-1945). Of the ancient capitals in Vietnam, Hue is the only one that still has the intact appearance of a complex of the monarchic capital consisting of walls, palaces, and royal tombs. Consequently, Hue is among Vietnam's most valued national treasure in terms of history and heritage. In the evening we enjoy a delicious meal and a performance of traditional Vietnamese music performed on our own private boat on the Fragrant River.

Day 6 & 7 Hoi An This morning we take a spectacular bus ride over the Hai Van Pass on route to the former silk route trading town of Hoi An. Hoi An is a true highlight of our journey with some of the country’s most historical architecture, delicious food and friendly people. This town was declared a World Heritage Site in 1998 and serves as a model town for students interested in the development of sustainable tourism. Hoi An is an ideal place for independent exploration and features a beautiful beach overlooking the South China Sea only a short bike ride from town. Our days spent in Hoi An will allow for students to enjoy a great variety of activities including the opportunity to enjoy an authentic cooking class (optional), walking and cycling tours of the area as well as visits to silk making and handicraft production factories. Whist in Hoi An we will also travel into the surrounding hinterland for excursions to China Beach and Marble Mountain.

Day 8 Ho Chi Minh City A short morning flight today will bring us to dynamic Ho Chi Minh City, the powerhouse of the south and a place of fascinating contrasts - something we will appreciate this afternoon as we tour the city in the comfort of cyclos. We will journey into Ho Chi Minh City’s own China Town with its bustling street life, ancient pagodas and huge local markets. We take time to visit the War Remnants Museum and learn about the Vietnam War from a northern perspective. In the afternoon there will be time to shop and wander around the central area of the city, escorted by our tour leader/local guide, before dinner tonight at one of the city’s best local restaurants.

Day 9 Cu Chi Tunnels We depart early this morning to visit the infamous Cu Chi Tunnels, once home to the communist guerillas in their struggle against the French and Americans. It is this area of south Vietnam that witnessed the fiercest fighting during the American conflict and was also subject to extensive air defoliation program, the results of which can still be observed in the area today. Following this we will journey further on to Tay Ninh province on the Cambodia border where we will we visit the colourful Thanh That Cao Dai Temple. Here we will witness the chanting and praying from the balcony of the temple while our guide explains the history and significance of the Cao Dai religion in this province. Arriving back in Ho Chi Minh City in the afternoon, there will be a final opportunity this afternoon for exploring the city’s central shopping areas. This afternoon’s activities may include a refreshing trip to the Saigon Water Park, or a number of other recreational activities depending on teacher’s requirements.

Day 10 Depart Ho Chi Minh City Today is departure day. Your group leader will take care of all your flight re-confirmations, escort you to Ho Chi Minh City Airport and waves you farewell.

Summary

Grading: Easy. Anyone with reasonable fitness should be able to take part. There are no real physical difficulties. You will be expected to carry your own luggage throughout the trip but only for short distances.
Accommodation: Student accommodation is on a twin/triple share basis. Teacher accommodation is on a twin share basis. All hotels are clean and comfortable, with air-conditioning. Soft sleeper train 1 night – (4-berth soft-sleepers with air-con) 1 night homestay
Hotels used: Golden Key Hotel (Hanoi), Hai Long Hotel (Ha Long Bay), Cua Dai Hotel (Hoi An) No. 5 Hotel (Hue), Bong Sen 2 Hotel (Ho Chi Minh City)
Transport: Modern air-conditioned bus, boat, plane, cyclo/ bicycle, train
Meals included: All meals included
Group size: 2 teachers, 20 students
Tour start date: departs on demand

Inclusions

International return economy airfares and taxes with Singapore/Thai Airlines
All accommodation and transport including 1 internal flight on route
Domestic departure taxes and transfers
Tailor Made Vietnam Group Leader throughout the tour
Local English speaking guide when required
All sightseeing and entrance fees for museums, attractions and sights as described in the itinerary
All meals
Complimentary pre departure meetings with staff, teachers and students to discuss trip details, itinerary at your school or venue of your choice

Exclusions

Drinks (except water at meals)
Vietnam departure tax (US$14)
Travel insurance

Tour price (10 days)

Total cost (land tour, international flights, Vietnam visas and all Australian taxes) based on 20+ students and 2 complimentary trips for 2 teachers:

Total…………………….... $2880*

Optional costs

Travel insurance: $100 pp. (approx.)
Vietnam Visa: $70 pp

* N.B. the cost of airfares to Vietnam can vary significantly depending on the travelling season and carrier used. Generally Speaking, Tailor Made Vietnam prefers to use Singapore Airlines or Thai Airways as we have found these airlines offer the most reliable service, best connections to Vietnam and the most competitive prices. If you would prefer to use a different carrier to travel, please let us know.