Vietnam is a country that has lived through wars, colonialism, communism and now capitalism. This educational tour is packed with great experiences. From impressive Ha Long Bay to the Mekong Delta, Vietnam is a country full of life and culture. Alongside the magnificent mountains and tranquil rice fields, students studying the Vietnam War can discover the sites described in their text books.
Destination: Hanoi, Hue, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh
Tour Highlights:
Included:
Terms & Conditions:
Please be advised that this is an ‘example’ of a schedule and that the activities and hotels shown may be variable dependent upon dates, weather, special requests and other factors. Itineraries will be confirmed prior to travel.
Day 1
Depart Australia
Day 2
Arrive in Hanoi. On arrival meet your Tour Director and board your coach for transfer to the hotel.
In the evening see a Traditional Puppet Show. The tradition of water puppet theatre stems from a time when rice paddy fields were flooded and villagers would create entertainment by standing in the waist-deep water with the puppets performing over the water. Performances are accompanied by a Vietnamese orchestra playing traditional music using drums, wooden bells, horns, bamboo flutes and cymbals.
Day 3
After breakfast transfer from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay. Board your private boat and then set sail, cruising amongst thousands of extraordinary limestone karst formations. Halong Bay was voted one of ‘The New 7 Wonders of Nature’ in 2011, and apart from enjoying the stunning sites and caves, you will have the opportunity to kayak and go for a swim.
In the evening return back to your hotel in Hanoi.
Overnight in Hanoi
Day 4
After breakfast you will take a part in a guided city tour of Hanoi. You will visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, the Temple of Literature and the Fine Arts Museum. The One Pillar Pagoda was built in the 11th century in dedication to Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara or Buddha of Compassion, it is reminiscent of a lotus blossom rising from a pond.
Later in the afternoon take a Bicycle ride in Hanoi and visit the French Quarter.
Tonight depart from Hanoi Train Station for Hue.
Overnight train.
Day 5
Arrive in Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. You will explore Hue’s massive walled citadel and the Forbidden Purple Palace that is enclosed within it.
In the afternoon visit the Dong Ba Market, which offers locally made goods, fresh produce and some tasty street food. This is a good place to try the delicacies that Emperor Nguyen used to feast on.
Overnight in Hue.
Day 6
After breakfast jump on board a Dragon Boat and enjoy a cruise up the Perfume River and visit the Thien Mu pagoda. Thien Mu Pagoda was originally founded in 1601 by Nguyen Hoang, governor of Thuan Hoa province. Over the centuries its buildings have been destroyed and rebuilt several times.
You will go on a bicycle tour, cycling out to one of the royal tombs such as the tomb of Emperor Tu Duc (one of the most excellent remaining examples of its kind),
Overnight in Hue.
Day 7
In the morning continue your trip along the coast to Hoi Anby private bus. Once in Hoi An, your leader will take you on a walking tour of this unique town which has been influenced over the years by Europe, China, Vietnam and Japan. The town was a major trading port from the 17th century onwards, and its old-school flavour is written all over its architecture.
In the afternoon continue your guided walking tour of Hoi An. View a fascinating combination of Vietnamese traditional characters with Chinese and Japanese influence. There is plenty to see in this delightful town, such as the famous Japanese Covered Bridges; the Pottery Museum; the 200-year-old Tamky House; the Chua Ong Pagoda and much more.
Overnight in Hoi An.
Day 8
In the morning you will visit Hoi An Market. Experience the amazing sights, sounds and aromas of this busy market. You will have the opportunity to interact with the local sellers and learn about all the ingredients to be used in the cooking lesson later.
Tonight you will take a part in a cooking class. A professional chef will first demonstrate each dish before you prepare the same dish yourselves. Included in the class is a brief introduction to Vietnamese food carving (plate decoration).
Overnight in Hoi An.
Day 9
After breakfast board your coach and transfer to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon).
On arrival your tour director will take you on a walking tour of Ho Chi Minh City. The tour includes a visit tothe Reunification Palace (the former Presidential Palace of South of Vietnam), the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Post Office. Admire the many beautiful French colonial buildings along the way.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.
Day 10
Today you will visit the amazing Cu Chi Tunnel, an underground network and Tay Ninh Headquarters for the Cao Dai Sect. The Vietnamese are proud of their resolve in their prolonged history of struggle against invading armies, and the story of the people of Cu Chi is indicative of that spirit. The residents of Cu Chi took their war underground, literally, developing a network of tunnels that, at its height, stretched as far as Cambodia and included meeting rooms, kitchens, and triage areas.
Return to Ho Chi Minh City for an afternoon tour of the city, where daily life plays out on the streets and the dynamic atmosphere is a fascinating blend of old and new, East and West. You will visit the War Remnants Museum. This illuminating museum features equipment and vehicles from the Vietnam War, and here you can gain a deeper understanding of how the Vietnamese view the war.
Enjoy a free evening exploring the food stalls at Cho Ben Thanh market.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.
Day 11
After breakfast, board your private coach and travel to Mekong Delta, where you’ll see what life is like beyond the urban centre. Mekong River winds its way from Tibet, through China, Burma, Laos, Cambodia, and finally into Vietnam. An incredibly fertile region, the Mekong Delta’s prime industry is food production, producing approximately half of Vietnam’s total agricultural output. Local life for villages in the area revolves around the rivers and canals that make up the delta, so much so that people are more likely to transport by river than road. You will visit a fish farm to gain an insight into one of the cottage industries in the region. Next is a visit to an island with lush tropical gardens where you will have a chance to sample tropical fruit.
Afterwards continue to another island in the Mekong Delta and learn more about another cottage industry, coconut candy. Your local guide will take you to a factory and explain the process of making the sweet. As you wander down the Mekong, you will have a chance to visit local villages in the area and learn more about the traditional lifestyles, culture, and customs of people who call the Delta their home.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.
Day 12
After breakfast board your private coach and transfer to the airport for your return flight.
Day 13
Arrive home.
