Highlights Of Vietnam (Special Departure)

Day 1 / 3 April 2010
Adelaide – Kuala Lumpur
Departing Adelaide with Malaysia Airlines at 3.00pm, you arrive into Kuala Lumpur at 9.00pm.
Overnight at the Pan Pacific Airport Hotel, Kuala Lumpur.

Day 2 / 4 April 2010
Kuala Lumpur - Saigon
Departing Kuala Lumpur with Malaysia Airlines at 9.05am, you arrive into Saigon at 10.00am.
Arrive Saigon. On arrival into Saigon you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. You will meet your tour leader this afternoon for a pre trip briefing followed by a city sightseeing tour of Vietnam visiting the Reunification Palace, War Remnants Museum and Notre Dame Cathedral.

Day 3 / 5 April 2010
Saigon
We have a free day in Saigon today for optional sightseeing. You may wish to take a full day tour to the Mekong Delta.
Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 4 / 6 April 2010
Saigon
We visit the Cu Chi Tunnels this morning. Cu Chi is actually the name of the district that covers an extensive underground network (approximately 200 kilometres) of tunnels dug initially by the Viet Minh and later expanded by the Viet Cong. The tunnels contained hospitals, plus accommodation and schools, and were used extensively for refuge and storage and also utilised as a military base for the Viet Cong close to Saigon. The 1968 Tet Offensive was launched from Cu Chi with surprising effect. A section of the tunnels has been widened to allow tourists to get a feel for what the life underground must have been like. We have free afternoon to explore Saigon. You may choose to get around by cyclo, which is the local version of a trishaw. The going rate is approximately 50,000 VND per hour but make sure you negotiate a price before setting out. Take time out to relax in one of the cafes on the tree-lined boulevards or enjoy a drink in the Continental Hotel, the meeting place for journalists during the Vietnam War.
Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 5 / 7 April 2010
Danang - Marble Mountain - Hoi An
We depart Saigon and fly to Danang, where we enjoy some sightseeing en route to Hoi An. China Beach, enjoyed as an 'R & R' spot during the Vietnam War, lies against a backdrop of the sensational Marble Mountains. The five peaks, which are actually limestone with marble outcrops, are also seen to epitomise the five elements: fire, water, earth, wood and metal. The history of the mountains is a rich one. They were once used by the Champas for religious purposes, but in more recent times became a haven for the Viet Cong, with their clear view of the Danang air base - at one time the busiest airport in the world. We arrive in Hoi An in the afternoon and settle in for our three-night stay in this historical ‘oasis’.
Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 6 / 8 April 2010
Hoi An
Hoi An was originally a Cham port town, but has been influenced down the centuries by a myriad of traders from various cultures. There is a distinctly Chinese appearance with pagodas and assembly halls scattered along the small streets. Hoi An was once a bustling port in centuries gone by, before the river silted up. Today it is a delightful backwater town with an air of liveliness about it. The tranquility and charm of Hoi An, coupled with its low tiled houses, makes it one of the most delightful places to visit in Vietnam. It is a constant favourite of our travellers and staff. A cyclo tour takes us to see a historic house (formerly home to a prominent trader), the Japanese Covered Bridge, a Chinese assembly hall and a museum. The afternoon is free to make the most of delightful Hoi An and its surrounding areas.
The market is a good place to buy silk that can be made up into fine garments, all within a day. Close to town there is a nice beach, which can be reached easily by bicycle.
Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 7 / 9 April 2010
Hoi An
Today we learn about Vietnamese cooking. We meet our local chef for a guided tour through the markets in Hoi An, where we assist with buying (and haggling for!) food for our culinary adventure. After walking down to the pier, we enjoy a boat cruise on the Tu Bon River to the Red Bridge Restaurant, where our chef will show us how to prepare some of the exotic local dishes. We have another free afternoon.
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch

Day 8 / 10 April 2010
Hanoi
We are transferred to Danang airport for a morning flight to the capital. Hanoi is one of Asia's most enchanting cities. This northern capital is a quiet, contradiction of its southern counterpart. Its relaxed ambience is a joy, with exploration best on foot or bicycle. The shopping is fun and the many lakes and parks provide enjoyable escapes.  We take a guided half-day tour of Hanoi by cyclo, visiting the major sights, including the Temple of Literature, One Pillar Pagoda, and paying a homage to Vietnam's most famous revolutionary, Ho Chi Minh. The rest of the afternoon is free, but as you are heading up north, we highly recommend that you catch a taxi out to visit the excellent Museum of Ethnology, situated on the outskirts of town.
Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 9 / 11 April 2010
Hanoi
We have some free time this morning to make our own discoveries, before heading out to lunch at the KOTO café – an amazing project aimed at providing vocational training and experience in the hospitality industry for underprivileged young people. All the staff you meet at this café have come from poor backgrounds. This evening we travel on an eight-hour overnight sleeper-class train journey up towards the Chinese border in the remote north of Vietnam. Expect to encounter more basic conditions as we travel away from Hanoi.
Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 10 / 12 April 2010
Sapa
On arrival in Lao Cai, we transfer to the hilltown of Sapa. The mountainous terrain of the Tonkinese Alps provides a stark contrast to the low-lying Red River Delta region. The road conditions are basic in this frontier region and the travel can be a little bit arduous. Sapa was founded in the early years of the 20th Century as a retreat for the French administrators, when the heat of the plains became unbearable. With an altitude of over 1000 metres above sea level, there are warm days and cool evenings. As well as being inhabited by local Vietnamese, Sapa is also inhabited by the Red Dzao and Black Hmong people, most of whom are vendors always on the lookout for customers! We take a short trek near Sapa this afternoon.

Day 11 / 13 April 2010
Sapa
Our trek into this mountainous region today begins as we depart Sapa and pass through many different hill tribe villages. On our journey we will have the opportunity to meet some of the local people. The Black Hmong, Tay, Red Dzao and Sa Pho are some of the minority groups who have settled in this remote region. We trek through this forested region to a Red Dzao village called Giang Ta Chay, where we have lunch and then return to Sapa in the late afternoon.
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch

Day 12 / 14 April 2010
Sapa - Hanoi
We have a free morning to explore the township of Sapa. Returning to Lao Cai this afternoon, we catch the overnight sleeper train for an eight-hour journey back to Hanoi.
Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 13 / 15 April 2010
Halong Bay
Arriving back in Hanoi, we transfer to our private vehicle for a three-hour drive to Halong Bay, truly one of Vietnam's most impressive scenic sights. Views of sailing junks navigating past over 3000 limestone islands and rocky outcrops jutting out of the bay are nothing short of spectacular. We travel to Bai Chay (Halong City West) where we board a boat for an exploration of the bay, enjoying a seafood lunch and dinner (non-seafood also available), as well as spending a night on board. We visit one cave in the area and, in the warmer months, there is a chance to enjoy a swim. Conditions may be somewhat more communal compared to staying in a hotel, however it is a wonderful experience to be spending a night on the bay – weather permitting, the views at sunset are incredible. Bedding and towels are provided. All boats used by Peregrine have twin-share cabins with en suite facilities and air-conditioning. There may also be the chance to do some kayaking (optional and extra cost involved) on Halong Bay.  Accommodation on the Halong Bay cruise is on a twin-share basis, due to the small number of rooms available on the boats. If you have paid a single supplement, please note that this does not cover the cruise.
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

Day 14 / 16 April 2010
Hanoi
In the morning we sail back to the port, where we disembark and drive back to Hanoi. Arriving back in the capital, we have free time to wander around and enjoy some of the city’s other attractions. Perhaps afternoon tea at the Metropole Hotel?
Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 15 / 17 April 2010
Hanoi – Tour ends
The tour ends after breakfast. You will be transferred to the airport to board your onward flight home.  You depart Hanoi with Malaysia Airlines at 2.10pm and arrive in Kuala Lumpur at 6.40pm.  Depart Kuala Lumpur at 9.50pm and arrive in Adelaide at 6.15am on the 26th of April
Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 16 / 18 April 2010
You arrive back into Adelaide at 6.15am