Trails of Vietnam

Begin your adventure in Hanoi, a city where an unstoppable energy thrives

alongside traditional Vietnamese culture and a colonial charm permeates the

broad tree-lined boulevards, most noticeably from the faded French

architecture.



Whether you’re buying baguettes and inexpensive coffee from the grand

doorways of a past era, drifting alongside Hoan Kiem Lake or roaming the

animated streets, Hanoi offers a delicious first taste of Vietnamese culture.

Even crossing one of many manic roads serves as a memorable experience!



This evening there will be a welcome briefing with your leader followed by an

optional group dinner at a local restaurant.

This morning we transfer (approx. 4 hours) to Hoa Binh Province. Travelling

up and over the Truong Son Mountain Range affords lush green views, serving

as the perfect precursor of the scenery for the following days. We journey to

the peaceful Sung Village, the home of approximately 70 Dzao Tien ethnic

minority/hill-tribe families.



Upon arrival, we will be served lunch cooked by a local family before heading

off on an afternoon trek where we will learn about traditional agriculture

and also visit a limestone cave and an ancient tea plantation. We will spend

the night staying with a family and have the chance learn more about rural

life in this beautiful part of the country. 

By now the beeping and bustling of Hanoi will be a faint memory, and the day

is spent delving deeper into this slice of rural paradise. After an early

breakfast, we start our trek. Walking for approximately 5 hours we will pass

through a picturesque valley made of quilt-like rice terraces, palms and

small villages. We’re also rewarded with fantastic views of the Da

Reservoir and its turquoise waters. We will arrive in the village of Da Bia

in time for lunch served by a Muong family that we will be staying with.

There will be some time near the end of the day free for those who might like

to swim in the reservoir or choose to hire a kayak and explore a little

further. 

A short walk this morning will take us to the reservoir where we will board a

private boat for our journey (approx. 1-1.5hrs) to Thung Nai harbour. We’ll

stop for lunch and if time permitting, have the option of visiting the Muong

ethnic minority museum to learn a little more about one the main ethnic

groups of the area.



On return, our city tour of Hanoi introduces the many layers of Vietnamese

culture and history. Sites include Hoa Lo, the Temple of Literature, and the

Old Quarter, the centuries-old soul of Hanoi. Stepping into this commercial

labyrinth is not as confusing as it first may seem, but only once you realise

that it’s ‘36 streets’ indicate the type of products sold. So why not

take a turn down Silk Street, Souvenir Street or even Gold Street? The

remainder of the afternoon/early evening is free, perhaps to enjoy the view

from a lakeside café. If you wish to opt for an optional activity, your tour

leader can arrange a viewing of the famous water puppets, an art form dating

back to the 11th century where folktale and legends are playfully recounted

among the sounds of wooden bells, bamboo flutes and cymbals.

After an early start, we transfer (approx. 4 hours) to Halong Bay where a

boat awaits us, ready to cruise along the legendary Halong Bay, otherwise

known as ‘where the dragon descends into the sea’. Legend has it that

Halong Bay’s islands were formed by a dragon’s plunge into the waters.

Carving crevasses on its way, the dragon left what is now roughly 3000

exquisitely eroded limestone peaks rising from emerald waters. Soak up the

enigmatic atmosphere this karst scenery creates, before kayaking to places

inaccessible by boat (weather permitting). A sea food lunch is served on

board, and the evening is yours to unwind upon tranquil waters. The night is

spent in twin share cabins with en suite facilities.

As the boat continues to cruise along the majestic peaks, there will be new

opportunities to immerse ourselves in Halong Bay’s mystical quality. After

returning to port, we will transfer to the train station in Hanoi and board

the Reunification Express for the overnight train ride to Hue (approx. 13

hours). The overnight train journey is a great way to travel like the locals

and really experience Vietnam.

Arrive in the morning in the cultural and historical centre of Vietnam, Hue.

Brimming with charisma, Hue has impacted several poets in its time and serves

as a reminder of Vietnam’s imperial glories. Today we take a bus transfer

to the Imperial Citadel and Thien Mu Pagoda to peep into the life of Nguyen

emperors. With walls six miles in length, the Imperial Citadel is the most

outstanding sight in town. We will explore the palaces, halls of the

Mandarins and the remains of the Forbidden Purple City, once only open to the

emperor, his eunuchs, and of course his concubines.



The rest of the afternoon is free for you to relax and enjoy at leisure.

This morning after breakfast, we take a transfer by bus to visit Emperor Tu

Duc's Mausoleum. Standing amidst a lake and a boundless pine forest, this

tomb is deemed the most extravagant mausoleum of the great Nguyen Emperors

and one of the most beautiful pieces of royal architecture in Vietnam. 



Following this, a 130km drive to Da Nang will pass through the beautiful

peninsula of Lang Co, situated between the crystal waters of a lagoon and the

Eastern Sea, as well as the awe-inspiring Hai Van pass, known as the ‘Pass

of the Ocean Clouds’. Once in Da Nang, climb the Marble Mountains and

uncover the large caves used by the Viet Cong as a hospital base during the

war. Rewarding views stretching over My Khe beach and the surrounding

countryside will be waiting for you once you reach the mountain peak, the

latter of which makes up our next home for 2 nights, Hoi An.

Embrace the sleepy ambience seeping through Hoi An on our walking tour

(approx. 3-4 hrs) of  Vietnam’s original European trading port town dating

back to the mid-16th century. Often described as a living museum, Hoi An

boasts more than just grace and atmosphere. Wooden merchant houses and

pagoda-style temples line the streets, architecturally reflecting the

Japanese, Chinese and European influences on the town.



The afternoon is free to enjoy what many call their favourite town in

Vietnam, and it’s easy to see why. Take a boat trip on the Thu Bon River,

relax by the riverside, meander around the thriving riverside markets, or

indulge in shops famous for their silk. Alternatively, why not hire a bike

and make your way through Hoi An’s pretty countryside towards Cua Dai

beach, past markets, schools and villages (5km). There may also be the option

to spend the afternoon kayaking through the coconut-palm lined canals in Cam

Thanh village for those keen. 

(Walking tour approx 3-4 hrs)

Transfer to Da Nang airport and fly to Saigon (approx. 70 mins), a city full

of chaotic thrills.  Please be aware that as Saigon is located in the south,

it is likely to be much warmer and humid than the north of the country.



Upon arrival into Saigon, a 1.5 hr drive will then take us to the Cu Chi

tunnels. Crawl through the infamous and intricate system of tunnels and

experience the spirit of guerrilla warfare! Used by the Viet Cong during the

war for its escape routes as well as living quarters, the network covers 3

levels and approximately 240km of tunnels. Although they were traditionally

very narrow, they have now been widened to allow an extensive exploration of

the system. Even so, claustrophobes should feel free to bask outside in the

sunshine if they do not wish to take part! 

Arrive in the small market town of My Tho after a 1.5 hr drive. After hopping

onto our bikes we will follow the Mekong River through quiet back roads

towards Cai Be (approx. 30 km). Known as the ‘rice bowl’ of Vietnam, the

Mekong Delta produces the majority of Vietnam’s tropical fruits, some of

which you will have a chance to sample, as well as sugar cane and coconuts.

Transfer back to Can Tho to relax and soak up the atmosphere of this quiet

riverside town, or explore the maze of backstreets and wide boulevards.

Early start for a boat trip along the Bassac River towards Cai Rang, the

largest and liveliest floating market in the Delta. Float through a maze of

boats, rife with fruits, vegetables and plants and watch the techniques

locals use to make a living. One includes attaching their produce on to long

poles and hanging them above the boat, enabling them to showcase their items

to buyers from all angles and distances. Since you’ll be witnessing

authentic trading in full swing, there will be countless opportunities for

you to capture traditional scenes on camera.



Afterwards, we cycle to Vinh Long through rural villages and scenic

landscapes (approx. 40 km). Reaching the end of the day, we will be

transferred by motor boat to an island in the middle of the Mekong River for

overnight at a simple homestay guesthouse built in the style of a local

house. Bedding, a mosquito net and a small towel are provided.

Cruise by boat along the Cai Be Floating Market and stop to visit small

cottage industries manufacturing local products such as popped rice, sweets,

pancakes and wine. Recently, Cai Be floating market is becoming less crowded

and smaller as fruit trading is mostly now done by trucks due to the bridge

being built. However, this is still a great opportunity to see a local market

and the trade being conducted traditionally on a smaller scale.



Return to Saigon, a city once devastated by the Vietnam War, and now a

bustling free market city. A combination of old and new diversifies the city

with temples standing defiantly among zooming scooters and modern

developments. The Reunification Palace is one of the stops on our city tour,

famous for its 1960s architecture and slightly garish appeal as much as its

association with the fall of Saigon in 1975. Another stop is the War Remnants

Museum, housing a vivid collection outlining the horrors of modern history

and warfare and effects on innocent civilians. Be aware that these records of

the Vietnam War are often very graphic and distressing.



Heading to the romantic Catholic Notre Dame Cathedral throws yet another

light on Saigon.

For land only clients, the tour ends this morning after breakfast.