Vietnam Explorer - 22 days

Drifters Price: £527.25

RRP: £555.00

Trip Code: INTVE22

Local Payment: USD$300.00

Day 1 Ho Chi Minh City

You and your fellow travellers will be arriving at all times from around the world today, so there are no arranged activities.Your leader will organise a pre-trip meeting for the early evening followed by an optional group dinner. Look for a welcome note at reception in the joining point hotel explaining where to meet. For those who arrive early, there is sightseeing information on the notice board in reception. Hotel check-in time is 12 noon.

Note that your group leader will collect the local payment (USD300) in cash at the group meeting on day 1. Please bring new USD bills/notes in large denominations.

Days 2-4 Mekong Delta

We leave Ho Chi Minh City in the morning and head into the Mekong Delta, arriving at the border town of Chau Doc (approx. 8 hours). We have a full day to explore this busy little town and get out into the hinterland to visit Khmer villages. We may also visit Sam Mountain for views over the Cambodian delta region. In the morning of day 3 we board our boats to commence our adventure into the watery world of the Delta. Relax in a hammock and watch the river traffic as we head to Cantho. This evening we are the privileged guests of a local family who prepare a special dinner of local Mekong specialties, a great way to finish the day.The day in the Delta starts early and we awaken to the sound of boats chugging down the canals to the market. We have time to uncover the thriving industries of the Delta's commercial centre, and marvel at the blend of architectural styles offered in Cantho city.

Day 5 Ho Chi Minh City

Leaving the Delta behind we head back to Ho Chi Minh City.(approximately 4 hours driving time). Our hotel in Saigon is located close to Ben Thanh Market and the city's main shopping district, so there is much for you to explore and discover during your free afternoon.

This evening we catch the overnight sleeper train to Nha Trang ( a journey time of approximately 7 hours)

Days 6-7 Nha Trang

It's time to relax on our boat trip amongst the islands. We take to basket boats and visit a fishing village, snorkel in the turquoise waters, enjoy a seafood buffet prepared by the crew, laze in deck chairs and can enjoy a massage. There is plenty of free time for you to enjoy the beautiful beach and perhaps sample Nha Trang's famous nightlife.

Days 8-10 Central Highlands

A long travelling day takes us from the beaches of Nha Trang deep into the central highlands. First stop is at Buon Ma Thuot, the major town in this region, We drive the remaining 80kms to the rural village of Namka before trekking the final 6kms to our home for the night . Our homestay is in the village of Buon Rai, which is an Ede minority village. Our accommodation in a traditional stilt house is very simple but comfortable.

Be prepared for an early start the next morning as the village comes to life. Later in the morning we trek through evergreen forest to the lovely Buon Triet lake. The trek is 18kms across rice paddies and through spectacular evergreen forest. We are picked up by a paddle boat for a ride across this beautiful lake before enjoying an afternoon swim. This evening is spent in Jantu Village where our hosts belong to the M'Nong minority.

On day 10 we take private transport back to Buon Ma Thuot. This evening is spent at a hotel in Buon Ma Thuot where you can sample the delights of a hot shower!

Days 11-13 Hoi An

This morning early morningthere is plenty to do. Visit Buon Ma Thuot's busy regional market, visit the Ethnology Museum to learn more about the minorities who have been our hosts for the past couple of nights or simply relax with a cup of locally produced coffee.

We fly to Danang at midday (approx. 1 hour) where we will transfer to Hoi An. Hoi An is a firm favourite with Intrepid travellers and why wouldn't it be? Boasting quaint architecture, fantastic food and a wonderful market, the only hard decision is where to spend your time! Hoi An is just a cycle ride from wonderful beaches and paddy fields just made to photograph. Try the regional delicacies, shop for modern art or have some clothes whipped up by one of the town's many tailors.

Days 14-15 Hue

Departing Hoi An, we stop briefly at Marble Mountains and China Beach, before crossing the dramatic Hai Van Pass to the picturesque fishing village of Lang Co (approx. 2 hours). The afternoon brings us to the former Imperial Capital of Hue (approx. 2 hours). Here we visit the Citadel, and enjoy a bike ride to one of the Nguyen Emperors' tombs and the stately Thien Mu Pagoda. There is also time to enjoy the slower pace of this tranquil university town.

Days 16 Dong Hoi

Today we drive to Dong Hoi town, enroute we will visit the former De Militarized Zone area including the Vinh Moc tunnel, perhaps the most authentic examples of underground living in all of Vietnam.

Day 17-18 Ninh Binh

An early morning start to visit the fascinating Phong Nha caves. These World Hertitage listed caves are little known gem! Remarkable for its thousands of metres of underground passageways and river caves, we enjoy a boat ride through the largest and most beautiful caves in Vietnam. The midday train to Ninh Binh is the different ways of seeing the beautiful of Vietnam in style. (approx. 7 hours).

We have a full day to explore Ninh Binh and this sleepy town's hinterland. Limestone karsts thrust upward from immaculate paddy fields and the scenery rivals Yangshuo and Guilin in China. Today we visit the ancient capital at Hoa Lu by bicycle.

Days 19-20 Halong Bay

We drive to stunning Halong Bay before boarding our boat to cruise around amongst the limestone karsts, visit caves and go for a swim. Lunch, dinner and breakfast is included, as we should be able to stay overnight on the boat, weather permitting. On the morning of day 20 we enjoy a kayak around the bay, before returning to Hanoi in the afternoon.

Days 21-22 Hanoi

Our final days are spent in Hanoi. We visit the mausoleum complex of Ho Chi Minh, including the one pillar pagoda and Ho Chi Minh museum. . There is also plenty of time to explore the streets, hit the markets or check out the many museums before we enjoy our final night dinner.

You may depart any time on day 22.

Book this holiday On-line now.

Make a booking on-line with Drifters, Simply make a selection from the available dates in the dropdown box and click book now.

Great Drifters Deals.

We currently have the following great specials available for the following dates. Click buy now to book this trip.

Departure

Return

Special Price

Enquiries ?

Still not satisfied and need to know more ? Please feel free to call, email or come in and see us anytime, We would love to hear from you!