"Vietnam Garden Tour"
19 Days package price from just £1,725 per person.
Day 1 - UK Departure
Depart the UK with international flight to Saigon.
Day 2 - Welcome to Saigon, Vietnam
Warm welcome upon arrival in Saigon. Remainder of the day at leisure with a welcome dinner in the evening. (D)
Day 3 - Saigon
Drive through typical southern Vietnamese countryside to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, an incredible underground tunnel network constructed by Vietnamese resistance fighters during the long struggle for independence. Continue to Tay Ninh and witness the noon service by adherent of Caodai Sect., one of the strangest religions in the world. Return to Saigon and see the China Town with its bustling markets and elaborate pagodas. (B)
Day 4 - Saigon to Can Tho
Depart Saigon for the watery world of the Mekong Delta, just a couple of hours by road from the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City's streets. Take a boat trip along narrow waterways overhung with dense vegetation. Visit and try exotic fruits in one of the many orchards. Sample local delicacies like Elephant's Ear Fish, Rice Ball, Spring Rolls etc., at Sau Giao House. Relax in the canopy of fruit trees before transfer to Can Tho. Later we will spin around the vibrant Ninh Kieu Quay in the city to see more of river life. (B/L)
Day 5 - Can Tho to Saigon
An early start this morning to explore by boat the fascinating floating markets at Cai Rang, a must see experience for visitors to the delta. The owner of a garden typical of the region will greet and provide us more knowledge of Mekong Delta horticulture. Travel back to Saigon with a lunch stop on the way. A half-day city tour of dynamic Saigon to see the former Presidential Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, Old Saigon Post Office, Old US Embassy, Dong Khoi glitzy boulevard follows. (B/L)
Day 6 - Saigon to Dalat
Travel by road up into the central highlands passing through rubber and teak plantations and then tea and coffee farming. Our destination is Dalat, the cooler weather retreat for the French. Lunch at Bao Loc and a chance to stop at a tea and coffee tasting house en route. Arriving in Dalat in the afternoon, we pay a visit to the summer palace of last Emperor of Vietnam - Bao Dai, the Crazy House of Hang Nga, an artist famous for her eccentric works, and the romantic Xuan Huong Lake. (B/L)
Day 7 - Dalat
We tour around Dalat to see the Flower Market, Domaine de Marie monastery and Tuyen Lam Lake. Going up to the flowery Truc Lam Pagoda and then riding the cable car down we will pay a visit to some local families garnering their support from flowers and vegetables. (B)
Day 8 - Dalat - Nha Trang
We leave Dalat to travel back to the coast via incredibly fertile vegetable farming land, descending the Ngoan Muc Pass with amazing views to the coastal plains and on to Phan Rang. We visit the ancient Cham Towers of Po Klong Garai and have a lunch break. Then we follow the coast passing Cam Ranh Bay and up to our overnight stop at Nha Trang. (B/L)
Day 9 - Nha Trang
Today we will take a boat and sail around on Nha Trang Bay to visit sea weed & lobster farms, them some of the nearby islands. There are opportunities to swim and snorkel in the clear warm waters. After a fresh seafood lunch aboard you return to shore for a short afternoon city tour including the Po Nagar Cham Towers, Long Son Pagoda with its enormous white Buddha statue and the lively Dam Market. (B)
Day 10 - Nha Trang to Hoian
Fly to Hoian in the morning and settle in to your luxury accommodation at a beautiful seaside resort. This afternoon visit Hoian, a major Asian trading port in the 17th and 18th centuries whose architecture and relaxed lifestyle has changed little over the years. Take a walking tour of the ancient town centre to visit the former merchants' homes, the 400 year-old Japanese Covered Bridge and the colourful market. Ample selection of good bargains in various shops can be had. (B)
Day 11 - Hoian
Start the morning with a very easy bicycle ride to nearby Tra Que village. Walk around the market gardens and see traditional farming methods and an abundance of fresh herbs and vegetables being grown. Some of us might do some planting of vegetables and afterwards be treated to a small cooking demonstration followed by lunch. Return to Hoian with the rest of the day free to relax and enjoy this delightful small town. (B)
Day 12 - Hoian
This morning we cycle country roads and enjoy beautiful views of rice paddies, water buffalos, bamboo bridges and rural daily activities. We call at a typical fishing village to learn about local fishing way of life. We can even take part in fishing on the river, using round net, castnet, rowing circular coracles etc. Taste rural fare then explore the beautiful canals densely fringed by coconut palms. Rest of the day at leisure from 5:00 PM. (B)
Day 13 - Hoian to Hue
Depart Hoi An for Hue, stopping at Marble Mountain, where we visit a marble factory and climb the mountain. Afterwards we travel north over the stunning Hai Van Pass to the Imperial Capital, Hue. After lunch we take a boat trip on the romantically named Perfume River to visit Hue's best-known religious site, Thien Mu Pagoda, followed by Dong Ba Market, famous for selling the best conical hats in Vietnam. (B)
Day 14 - Hue
Visit the Imperial Citadel, from where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945, and then the mausoleum of former emperor Tu Duc, in a tranquil setting of gardens and lakes. Afternoon time is totally for the gardens once belonging to the royalty. Sample a Royal Dinner with Hue musicians at a local restaurant to conclude the day. (B/D)
Day 15 - Hue to Hanoi
Take the short flight early this afternoon from Hue to Hanoi. Rest of the day is free to relax or explore this fascinating city with our guide. (B)
Day 16 - Hanoi
This morning we take a city tour that includes Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum, the One Pillar Pagoda and the Temple of Literature. You will see the elegant French Colonial architecture and the tree lined boulevards of this vibrant and bustling city. After time to relax in the afternoon gather at the hotel to drive to the Water Puppet Theatre - a 'must see' show of traditional Vietnamese puppet wizardry! We follow this with a cyclo tour of the Old Quarter and then dine at the unique Seasons of Hanoi - a culinary highlight of your tour. (B/D)
NOTE: Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum closes from September to November for annual maintenance. Emperor Tours will organize the visit outside.
Day 17 - Hanoi / Halong Bay
This morning we have an early start to Halong Bay. Enjoy the journey through the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta and the scenery of rice fields, water buffalo and everyday Vietnamese village life. Arrive in Halong and board a private junk for a cruise on the emerald green waters of Halong Bay, among the 3,000 spectacular limestone islands. Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch whilst cruising amongst the islets. Dinner and overnight aboard. (B/L/D)
Day 18 - Halong Bay / Hanoi
Wake up to the sunrise this morning and enjoy coffee and a wholesome breakfast on deck whilst we continue cruising to other majestic islands. Get ashore about noontime, say “See Again” to Halong and return to Hanoi. (Brunch)
Day 19 - Hanoi Departure
Free time this morning before transfer to the airport for our departure flight. (B)
19 Days Package Price from just £1,725 per person (single supplement £715)
Price includes:
- 4* Hotel accommodation in city centre;
- Vietnam Visa (for limited period);
- Meals: daily breakfast at hotel and others as mentioned in itinerary;
- Sightseeing excursions with English speaking guides;
- All road transportation in private air-con car or minibus;
- Entrance fees;
- Domestic flights;
- Boat trip as mentioned in sights;
- Government tax and service charge;
- International departure tax;
- Luggage handling and drinking water.
Price excludes:
- International flights (flight prices vary depending on time of year and airline - Emperor Tours will discuss and book the best option for you at time of booking);
- Personal expense such as laundry or drinks during meals etc.;
- Optional visits;
- Travel insurance (can be arranged, please ask for details);
- Tips to guides and drivers
