Day 1
Depart on your scheduled flight to Ho Chi Minh city, better known as Saigon.
Day 2
Arrive in Saigon. Transfer to your hotel for a four night stay.
Day 3
Saigon is a city of amazing contrasts. Evidence of former French colonisation still remains and this, combined with the culture of the predominantly Buddhist population and the booming free-market economy makes for a memorable stay.
Included tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels, an amazing series of underground passages. First constructed in the 1940’s by the peasant army fighting the French, they were later extended by Viet Cong rebels and used as a base from where guerrilla attacks could be launched against American forces. Learn about these tunnels, with their well-hidden entrances, before seeing for yourself the cramped spaces those soldiers survived in.
Included afternoon tour of the city, visiting the former Presidential Palace, now Reunification Hall, the Museum of Vietnamese History, where you’ll see an unusual water puppetry performance, Notre Dame Cathedral, built by French Colonists in the 19th Century and the Dong Khoi shopping street, formerly known as Rue Catinat. You’ll be taken to visit Jade Emperor Pagoda, arguably the best pagoda or temple in Saigon. It may not seem anything special on the outside, but on the inside you’ll understand why it gets such praise, with its beautiful and ornate decoration.
Days 4 & 5
These two days are free for you to explore this amazing city yourself. You will find plenty to see and do. Why not take the optional excursion along the waterways of the Mekong Delta? This full day trip including a motorised sampan ride is a unique experience that will give you a wonderful insight into life along the river bank. You will pass through fruit plantations and winding tributaries and see how life here is totally focused on the water.
Day 6
Today you leave the bustling city of Saigon behind you and take a short flight to Danang. From here you will transfer to your hotel in the picturesque, ancient riverside town of Hoi An for a five night stay.
Relax and enjoy the beach, or visit the historic Old Town. The Japanese Covered Bridge is one of the highlights of Hoi An. Built in the 16th century it is the only bridge of its kind to have a pagoda attached. The Old Town is also home to a number of museums and the Quan Cong Temple.
Day 7
Included morning walking tour of Hoi An. This town shows signs of its trading past, with a mixture of French, Japanese, Indian and Chinese buildings.
Days 8 to 10
At leisure to explore at your own pace or just relax. A range of optional activities will be available including visits to Danang, China Beach and the ancient ruins of My Son. There will also be the opportunity to take a three hour cycle tour through typical countryside and local villages.
Day 11
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Saigon and the onward connection to the UK.
Day 12
Arrival in the UK.