Walk with the Locals, A Vietnam Experience

18 days visiting

• Saigon
• Dalat
• Nha Trang
• Hoi An
• Hue
• Hanoi
• Mai Chau
• Ninh Binh
• Halong

From $3564 AUD pp (2 pax)

Day 1 Saigon
Arrival in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City)
Upon clearing Customs and Immigration, your guide will present you with a welcome packet including all necessary documentation and vouchers and all contact information of your guide and local offices.
Transfer by air conditioned vehicle
Walking tour through downtown (Half day)
So much of Saigon is best seen by foot. Our street-by-street investigation will take us through scenes of urban life and buzzing markets, including one that specialises in unusual army surplus goods. We’ll pass by the City Hall and other colonial buildings. In the Fine Arts Museum we’ll learn more about the past, present and future of the arts movement in Vietnam. We’ll end in the iconic Ben Thanh Market with its unmistakable clock tower. Today’s Highlights: Walking tour, Fine Arts Museum, market – Overnight in Saigon

Day 2 Saigon (Breakfast: Hotel / Dinner: Nha Hang Ngon )
Excursion to Cu Chi Tunnels
We’re going underground
deep into the Cu Chi Tunnels! These hand-dug tunnels changed the course of the Vietnam War. The well-camouflaged entrance holes lead into a network of incredibly narrow tunnels that stretch for over 200 kilometres connecting command posts, hospitals and shelters. We’ll learn about the life of the Vietcong and venture into some of the tunnels. The deadly, bamboo-spiked booby traps are another must-see. Today’s Highlights: Cu Chi Tunnnels
Sightseeing in Saigon
Ever-vibrant, ever-changing
this is the buzzing city of Saigon, where sleek skyscrapers loom over incense-infused temples and motorcycles rule the roads. There’s classic European-style landmarks; ancient temples and traditional buildings; as well as stark reminders of a recent more turbulent past.
Visit Central Post Office
The Central Post Office is a French-style building with a glass canopy and iron frame right next to the Notre Dame Cathedral. The structure was built between 1886 and 1891 and is by far the largest post office in Vietnam.
Visit the Reunification Palace
Reunification Palace, the Independence Palace of the South Vietnamese president, was stormed by tanks on the 30th April 1975, signifying the fall of South Vietnam. It has been preserved in its original state.
Visit the Jade Emperor Pagoda (Ngoc Hoang Pagoda or Phuoc Hai Tu Temple)
Jade Emperor Pagoda is one of the must see of Saigon. Built in 1909 by the city’s Chinese population, the architecture is a reflection of Cantonese temples. You can find the Buddhism and Taoism are inextricably linked here; the décor is inspired by many myths and Buddhism stories.
Hidden Saigon at Night
We’ll experience at night at the opera – the Saigon Opera House, built by the French in 1898. We’ll watch a fascinating and energetic cultural show that blends contemporary dance with traditional folk music and breathtaking acrobatics. After the show we’ll sit outside among the locals to sample authentic Vietnamese street food. The evening ends in a hidden coffee shop to listen to local musicians performing Vietnamese and Western songs. Today’s Highlights: Cultural show at Saigon Opera House, streetfood, local bar – Overnight in Saigon

Day 3 Saigon (Breakfast: Hotel / Lunch: Home-hosted lunch in Ben Tre )
Pedal and Paddle in Ben Tre
We could end up feeling fruity as we cruise the Mekong River Islands! This area may be Vietnam’s -rice bowl’ but fruit orchards and coconut groves also thrive here. We’ll stop to see all the different uses for coconuts. A bicycle ride will bring us to the home of local antique collector, Uncle Six, who will show us how he climbs the coconut trees using just his bare hands. We can even try if we want! A rowing boat will take us along the water palm creek giving us a glimpse of daily life on the delta. Lunch will be an assortment of delicious dishes cooked by one of the locals of the Mekong Delta. Today’s Highlights: Ben Tre by boat and bicycl – Overnight in Saigon

Day 4 Saigon – Dalat (Breakfast: Hotel )
By vehicle from Saigon to Dalat
– Overnight in Dalat

Day 5 Dalat (Breakfast: Hotel )
Trekking excursion to mysterious Lang Biang mountain
With just our walking shoes, we plan to conquer Lang Bian Mountain today! We’ll then visit Do Lat village, Love Valley and Dalat Railway station. Today’s Highlights: Walk up Lang Bian Mountai – Overnight in Dalat

Day 6 Dalat – Phan Rang – Nha Trang (Breakfast: Hotel )
By vehicle from Dalat to Phan Rang
Visit Po Klong Giarai Towers (Phan Rang
Thap Cham)
Visit Po Klong Giarai Cham Towers, four brick towers that were constructed at the end of the 13th century, during the reign of the Cham monarch, Jaya Simhavarman III. They were built as Hindu temples and stand on the top of a crumbly granite hill.
Sightseeing in Phan Rang with visit Nui Chua National Park and Thai An village
Prickly pear, spikey cacti, twisting trees, huge boulders – this is the wildly beautiful landscape of the Nui Chua National Park. We’ll make a short trek through the area to take advantage of all the photo opportunities. In Thai An village we’ll visit a garlic farm and a vineyard to find out how grapes thrive in this hot dry weather. Today’s Highlights: Trek in Nui Chua National Park, vineyard, Thai An village
By vehicle from Phan Rang to Nha Trang
– Overnight in Nha Trang

Day 7 Nha Trang (Breakfast: Hotel )
Excursion by boat to Mieu island and walking on fishing village
Let’s go for a spin – on a round basket boat! We’ll take a boat over to Mieu Island where we’ll experience a ride in a traditional basket boat still used by Vietnamese fishermen. We’ll also fit in a visit to the National Oceanographic Institute. Today’s Highlights: Mieu Island, National Oceanographic Institute
Visit the Oceanographic Institute
– Overnight in Nha Trang

Day 8 Nha Trang – Cam Ranh Bay – Danang – Hoi An (Breakfast: Hotel )
Transfer from Nha Trang to Cam Ranh Airport
Flight from Cam Ranh Bay to Danang
By vehicle from Danang airport to Hoi An
Walking tour around Hoi An
Hoi An is a picturesque riverside town south of Danang. Known as Faifo to early western traders, it was one of South East Asia’s major international ports during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Now, this beautifully preserved historic city is best seen on foot. See the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge – the first bridge on this site was constructed in 1593 by the Japanese community of Hoi An to link the town with the Chinese quarters across the stream. The bridge was provided with a roof so it could be used as a shelter from rain and sun. Visit the nearby Sa Huynh Museum, which contains exhibitions from the earliest period of Hoi An’s history.
Stroll to the Tran Family Chapel, a house for worshipping ancestors that was built about 200 years ago with donations from family members. The Tran family traces its origins to China and moved to Vietnam around 1700. The architecture of the building reflects the influence of Chinese and Japanese styles. Visit the Phuoc Kien Assembly Hall, a Chinese pagoda built around 1690 and then restored and enlarged in 1900. It is typical of the Chinese clans that were established in the Hoi An area. The temple is dedicated to Thien Hau Thanh Mau (Goddess of the Sea and Protector of Sailors and Fishermen). Finally, visit a lantern making workshop, one of many in Hoi An. The framework for the lanterns is made beforehand and clients can observe locals adorning silk cloth on the lantern – Overnight in Hoi An

Day 9 Hoi An (Breakfast: Hotel )
Excursion to My Son with boat trip on the Thu Bon River
Set in a beautiful valley, surrounded by springs, mountains and dense jungle we’ll find the ruins of My Son. As we explore, we’ll hear the fascinating stories and history behind these abandoned Hindu temples. Dating back to the 4th century, they are Vietnam’s most extensive Cham remains. On the way back, we’ll relax with a boat trip along the Tu Bon River to visit craft villages and take in the unspoiled countryside. Today’s Highlights: My Son, boat trip, pottery village, woodcarving village – Overnight in Hoi An

Day 10 Hoi An – Hue (Breakfast: Hotel )
By vehicle from Hoi An to Hue
Drive from Hoi An to Hue along scenic mountain roads with spectacular views over the coastline. Highlights along the way include the dramatic Hai Van Pass, the high dividing line between the climate zones of North and South Vietnam; Lang Co, a lovely stretch of beach curving outwards between a clear blue lagoon and the East Vietnam Sea; and the large coastal city of Danang.
Visit the Imperial Tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh
Khai Dinh was the last monument of the Nguyen dynasty and was constructed between 1920 and 1931. It sits magnificently on the slopes of Chau E Mountain in Chau Chau Village. It has a long staircase flanked by dragons. There are ceiling murals and ceramic frescoes.
Visit the Imperial Tomb of Emperor Minh Mang
Minh Mang is a complex built in 1840 by King Minh Mang that is known for its magnificent architecture, military statuaries and elaborate decorations. It is perhaps the most beautiful of Hue’s pagodas and tombs.
Visit the Imperial Citadel
Located in the heart of Hue is the Imperial Citadel, a vast complex built in the early 19th century and modelled after the Forbidden City of Peking. The original walls stretched for 10 km and were surrounded by a wide moat. Today, most of the buildings have been destroyed due to bombing during the Vietnam-American War, but the monuments that remain provide a fascinating glimpse into the court life of the Nguyen Dynasty. Approach the city past the striking Flag Tower, where a giant Vietnamese flag waves proudly overhead, to the imposing Ngo Mon Gate, the main entrance to the Imperial Enclosure. Enter into an area of spacious courtyards and serene lotus ponds, and visit Dien Tho Residence (Dien Tho palace) where the Queen mother lived, visit Thai Hoa Palace, the magnificently decorated reception hall, the Halls of the Mandarins, and the original Nine Dynastic Urns, among other sites, including a visit to the Hue Royal Antiquities Museum. – Overnight in Hue

Day 11 Hue – Hanoi (Breakfast: Hotel )
Transfer by air conditioned vehicle
Flight from Hue to Hanoi
Transfer by air conditioned vehicle
Sightseeing in Hanoi
There’s no arguing
Hanoi has to be the coolest city in Vietnam. And no, we’re not just referring to the climate. This chaotic, colourful, motorbike-clogged, 1,000-year-old city is a delicious mix of East and West. Hanoi clings on tightly to its heritage which can be seen in the Old Quarter and the many historic buildings and monuments. There’s centuries-old pagodas, picturesque lakes and parks, as well as museums and prominent colonial buildings.
Visit the Temple of Literature
The Temple of Literature has a peaceful series of walled courtyards and graceful gateways, and this monument is one of the best-preserved examples of traditional Vietnamese architecture. Founded in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius, this was also the site of Vietnam’s first university. In one courtyard, giant stone tortoises bear stele on their backs, listing the accomplishments of graduating scholars.
Walk the Rail Tracks of Hanoi
From Phung Hung Street we will start our exploration on foot. We will walk towards Long Bien train station, cross the bridge and take the stairs down onto the urban island. There’s time for a well-earned rest and to visit the orchards. After crossing the bridge, we can either transfer by car or walk to Gia Lam train station. Train tickets in hand, we will board the train to cross over the bridge to the other side of Hanoi. This is a local train full of atmosphere, and we will be riding with the locals in the hard seater wagon. On week days the train will stop at Long Bien, while on Saturday and Sunday it will stop at Hanoi Station. – Overnight in Hanoi

Day 12 Hanoi (Breakfast: Hotel / Dinner: Meals incl. in itinerary (Vietnam) )
Sightseeing around Hanoi city centre with electric cart (possible to make some quick stops
few minutes en route to take photo)
There’s no arguing
Hanoi has to be the coolest city in Vietnam. And no, we’re not just referring to the climate. This chaotic, colourful, motorbike-clogged, 1,000-year-old city is a delicious mix of East and West. Hanoi clings on tightly to its heritage, best seen in the Old Quarter
a maze of narrow alleyways that date back to the 13th century. There’s picturesque lakes and parks, as well as museums and prominent colonial buildings. We’ll go green and explore by electric cart with lots of stops to take photos. Today’s Highlights: Electric cart ride through the highlights of the city
Visit a Water Puppet Show
See a Water Puppet Show, a fantastic art form originating in northern Vietnam, best seen in Hanoi.
Hanoi Street Eats and Market Visit
Visit the bustling Chau Long market located just off Truc Bach Lake. Walk along the narrow and busy passageways through crowds of stalls displaying a variety of unusual groceries and foodstuffs. Take some photos next to the colourful spices and vegetables. Venture into the exotic section to find kicking frogs, eels and silkworms. Feel the energy in the air as the locals barter and haggle for the ingredients for that evening’s meal. Follow the crowds to find some interesting street food stalls. Try tasty muscovy duck or chicken vermicelli. Continue your culinary exploration with some creative variations of the popular “pho”. Finally rest your legs at an old caf� that has been handed down through the generations. Sip a delicious cup of aromatic coffee made with the family’s special brewing technique. – Overnight in Hanoi

Day 13 Hanoi – Mai Chau (Breakfast: Hotel )
By vehicle from Hanoi to Mai Chau with sightseeing at Thay and Tay Phuong Pagodas
On our road trip to Mai Chau, we’ll stop at Thay Pagoda,set among spectacular limestone outcrops. In the middle of the lake, a small stage mysteriously floats. This is where the ancient ritual of water puppet shows are performed on holidays. We’ll continue to Tay Phuong Pagoda, which sits on a hill that resembles a buffalo. Today’s Highlights: Thay Pagoda, Tay Phuong Pagoda
Sightseeing in Mai Hich village
A world away from the bustle of the towns and cities, the minority villages in the stunning Mai Chau Valley are friendly and quiet. They’re home to the White Thai, whose women are masterful weavers. We’ll walk to Mai Hich village set along a scenic stream. Today’s Highlights: Mai Hich
Enjoy bamboo rafting experience in Mai Hich village (Mai Chau)
Enjoy floating lazily along the Xia River on a makeshift raft, soaking up the scenery as you float amongst tumbling rice terraces and beautiful landscape. – Overnight in Mai Chau

Day 14 Mai Chau (Breakfast: Hotel )
Excursion to Pa Co, Xa Linh and Hang Kia villages
Moung, Dzao and H’mong are just some of the ethnic hilltribes we’ll find today. We’ll visit communes and villages to get a unique insight into how the different tribal groups live and work. Today’s Highlights: Hang Kia, Pa Co, Xa Linh
Sightseeing in Mai Chau (including Buoc, Lac & Pomcoong)
A world away from the bustle of the towns and cities, the minority villages in the stunning Mai Chau Valley are friendly and quiet. They’re home to the White Thai, whose women are masterful weavers. We’ll visit several of these villages to see traditional stilt houses surrounded by rice fields, rivers and streams. Today’s Highlights: Buoc, Poom Coong and Lac village – Overnight in Mai Chau

Day 15 Mai Chau – Cuc Phuong National Park – Ninh Binh (Breakfast: Hotel )
By vehicle from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh
Excursion to the cave of prehistoric man in Cuc Phuong National Park
Teeming with creatures great and small – Cuc Phuong National Park is home to an extraordinary variety of rare birds, reptiles, insects and animals including the endangered clouded leopard and Delacour’s langour. So keep your eyes peeled and cameras at the ready. We’ll also visit a cave where ancient tombs have been discovered. Today’s Highlights: Cuc Phuong National Par – Overnight in Ninh Binh

Day 16 Ninh Binh – Halong (Breakfast: Hotel )
Excursion to Hoa Lu Citadel
Set among incredible scenery is the ancient Hoa Lu Citadel
the first capital of Vietnam. We’ll visit the temples surrounded by lotus ponds and karst formations. Today’s Highlights: Hoa Lu
Excursion to Van Long wetlands with boat trip
The only way to explore the tranquil reserve of the Van Long Wetlands is by a small rowing boat. We’ll get up close to spectacular limestone karsts and glide through emerald green rice fields. The area is home to many birds and the rare Delacour’s Langour, so keep your cameras ready. Today’s Highlights: Boat trip through Van Long
By vehicle from Ninh Binh to Halong
– Overnight in Halong

Day 17 Halong (Breakfast: Hotel / Lunch: Meals incl. in itinerary (Vietnam) )
Transfer to/from Tuan Chau Marina Port
Excursion by boat through Halong Bay including lunch
Halong Bay was formed by dragons who used their tails to gouge out valleys and crevasses, and spat out jewels that turned into islands. Or so the Vietnamese believe. Whether true or not, this is an otherworldly landscape. On a traditional wooden junk we’ll drift through a fairyland of sheer limestone islands that rise from the emerald water. We’ll pass by unique rock formations and discover caves in the rocks. At a floating village we’ll see pearl fisheries and fishermen casting their nets. Today’s Highlights: Boat trip through Halong Bay, Surprise Cave, Titov Island
Sightseeing in Hon Gai
In the local market we’ll rub shoulders with the locals as we browse the stalls to see different types of seafood for sale. Then, we’ll take a walk around the town to see various temples dedicated to famous generals from the Tran dynasty. Today’s Highlights: Long Tien Pagoda, Tran Quoc Nghien Temple, local marke – Overnight in Halong

Day 18 Halong (Breakfast: Hotel )
By vehicle from Halong to Noi Bai Airport