Tel: +44 (0) 1 664 434 590

Vietnam

Bangkok, a city of contrasts, modern high rise standing next to glittering temple spires. This is where we begin our journey. Our 2 nights here will enable us to adjust to the time difference while we explore the Grand Palace & have lunch in a gracious old Thai home. We will be able to meander through the wonderous markets of the most historic quarters of Bangkok after which we will relax with a one hour foot massage.  

Its a short flight to Hanoi - a city of beguiling boulevards and architechture, peaceful parks and pagodas. We will walk in the old quarter, take in the markets and the lake of the restored sword in the centre of the city. Our time here is short as we board our luxurious elegant 'junk' (elegant junk - quite funny that !)  for an overnight cruise through Halong Bay. Famed for its 3000 spectacular chalk and limestone outcrops, cliffs arches and coves it is considered Vietnam's own eigth wonder.

Hue and Hoi An form the countries formost cultural, religeous and educational centres. Linked by the dramatic Hai Van Pass it is best described as a restored open-air museum and UNESCO World Heritage Site, we will discover the intricasies of this area by cyclo tour savouring the international character of the region's history. We wil also  take in the citadel Kinh Thanh, the Forbidden Purple City built for the personal use of the emperor. Thien Mu Pagoda a centre of Buddhist adherence and scene of the famous burning monk of 1963 as well as the emperor's tombs. We will have plenty of free time to explore this fascinating area and for both nights we have arranged to have dinner in the Ancient Hue Restaurant and while serenely cruising the perfume river aboard a dragon style platform boat. We can also arrange an optional morning cookery lesson including food market shopping learning about the foods, choosing the best and freshest ingredients returning to cook and then taste most of the dishes... or a bicycle tour into the countryside, this unique glimpse into the rural lives of the villagers is a sight very few other visitors will see, offering a unique insight into rural life and a chance to experience the backbone of Vietnams rural culture.

South to HoChi Minh City (formerly Saigon) A city who's heart beats with a palpable energy, day and night, a city that is almost indiscribable and completely unforgettable. Not so much of a city however than a small province with rural regions making up the majority of ther land area.  Oue experience here will take in the city of Saigon but also take us out into the Mekong Delta.  Here we get a winding introduction to life on the river. We visit the large floating market at Cai Be the upper reaches of the river through a maze of tributaries and fruit plantations. here we will sample the local fruit served in the shade of a local farmers home. Our delta journey continues to the bustling market town of Phung Hiep at the conflux of eight rivers and we will also take a trip into a little visited area of the delta to see one of its most spectacular temples the Khamer monastery. A learning centre for young monks.

Once back in Saigon we explore our tour concludes with a morning visit to the CuChi Tunnels built first as a defense against the French and expanded during the American war. It was from here the Vietnamese waged their guerrilla warfare and you will marvel at heir inginuity and resilience.  

Our last day is one of relaxation prior to our flight departure at 21.15.

Travel Details

Departs: 02nd November 2010 

Cost : £2499 per person  (based on twin share)

single supp £540

Booking and Enquiries

For booking enquiries, or to find out more, call us on +44 (1) 664 434 590, or make an enquiry via our contact us page.