Vietnam in Two Weeks

Day 1:Arrive Ho Chi Minh City
The bustling city of Ho Chi Minh is the former capital of South Vietnam. Formerly known as Saigon until the end of the Vietnam War (around 1975) and the infamous ‘Fall of Saigon”,the city was then renamed after North Vietnam’s illustrious and revered leader Ho Chi Minh. Originally a small fishing village, it is now the most important economic centre in Vietnam and is the largest city in the country.Today is free to arrive at your leisure. We recommend arriving early or booking pre tour accommodation to enjoy all Ho Chi Minh city has to offer. Spend hours wandering and haggling in Ben Thanh Market or visit the beautiful Opera House and Notre Dame Cathedral.Learn about the sobering stories of the Vietnam War in the War Remnants Museum, or get a glimpse of the art scene at the City Museum of Fine Arts. There are plenty of lesser known museums dotted around the city, including the South Vietnamese Women Museum which provides interesting insight into the role women played during and after the war.For something a little unique, check out the cafe apartments on Nguyen Hue Walking Street. Originally serving as residence for government officials, the apartments were then sold to local workers after the Fall of Saigon. As tourism developed, tenants began renting out or transforming the tiny apartments into various businesses - cafes, boutiques, tattoo studios and restaurants. What results is a miss match of colours, signs and spaces which make for a wonderful place to explore and grab a local coffee.
Accommodation:1 night(s) in hotels at La Felix Hotel or similar . Room upgrade available on this day.

Day 2:Hoi An
Today we will take a short flight to Hoi An.Hoi An is widely considered one of the most colourful and beautiful towns in Vietnam. Largely spared of damage during the Vietnamese conflict, the old trading port of Hoi An is a UNESCO Heritage town offering an amazing central old town with small friendly streets dotted with an abundance of family run shops, restaurants and coffee shops. Whether you want to stop for a nice cheap beer while watching the sun set over the river or splash out on an incredible seafood supper, Hoi An has it all within walking distance.This afternoon we will enjoy a short orientation of the area followed by a bike tour of the nearby paddy fields and beach.
Accommodation:1 night(s) in hotels . Room upgrade available on this day.
Meals:1 Breakfast(s)

Day 3:Hoi An
Today is free to soak up more of the beauty of Hoi An. One of the biggest highlights are the many tailors found around every corner. If you love clothes and want something special or unique Hoi An is the perfect place. Take a photo in to show the tailors or pick an outfit from the brochures and have it ready the next day.Hoi An is also known for offering some incredible local cooking classes. Visit the markets on a local tour and learn the secrets behind the classic Vietnamese spring roll or one of the many other delicacies.
Accommodation:1 night(s) in hotels at Hai Yen Hotel or similar . Room upgrade available on this day.
Meals:1 Breakfast(s)

Day 4:Hue via the Hai Van Pass and Da Nang's Marble Mountains
This morning we get picked up and driven to Da Nang's Marble Mountains which are made out of limestone and marble. Following this we drive towards Vietnam's ancient Capital City, Hue. On route we will also stop to enjoy the spectacular views from the Hai Van Pass, the longest and highest mountain pass road in Vietnam. Upon reaching the Imperial City, we will tour the forbidden citadel which was only for the emperors and those closest to them, with severe punishments if you were caught trespassing. Time permitting, you can also take a trip down the Perfume River to visit the tombs of Vietnam's ancient Emperors.
Accommodation:1 night(s) in hotels at The Times Hotel or similar . Room upgrade available on this day.
Meals:1 Breakfast(s)

Day 5:Fly to Hanoi
A short flight takes us to colourful Hanoi.Hanoi offers a beguiling combination of tranquillity and chaos, from the elegance of its crumbling colonial architecture and tree-lined boulevards, to the boisterous cacophony of street vendors and motorcycles. Much can be absorbed of daily life by wandering the streets of the old quarter, tasting local market food, and people-watching. For the culture buffs there are museums, temples and tombs which offer insight into a city rich in history and character.
Accommodation:1 night(s) in hotels at Hanoi House or similar . Room upgrade available on this day.
Meals:1 Breakfast(s)

Day 6:Halong Bay
Today we depart Hanoi for the mystical Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the highlights of Vietnam. We travel by minibus for four hours to reach the towering limestone islands and beautiful waters. We board a traditional junk boat where we will stay overnight.Halong translates to Bay of the Descending Dragons and local legend describes a great dragon soaring down from the mountains, gouging out the valleys and spitting jewels which transformed into the various islands. Staying on the boat in the heart of the bay means we have time to explore the caves, go swimming and soak up the beauty and tranquillity of the area.Tonight we are treated to a local dinner aboard the boat followed by a spot of night fishing!Please Note Your main luggage will be stored in the Hanoi hotel and you will need an overnight bag for this excursion.
Accommodation:1 night(s) on Halong Bay Junkboat . No single room upgrade available.
Meals:1 Breakfast(s), 1 Lunch(es), 1 Dinner(s)

Day 7:Hanoi
This morning we will do some final exploring of Halong Bay before returning to Hanoi. Take the morning to get in some more swimming or relaxing on the boat, and enjoy lunch on board before we get a private minibus back to the city, arriving back early evening.Tonight you are free to take in the sounds and smells of the Old Quarter, enjoy some street food and have a drink in one of the many bars dotted around the area.
Accommodation:1 night(s) in hotels at Hanoi House or similar . Room upgrade available on this day.
Meals:1 Breakfast(s), 1 Lunch(es)

Day 8:Hanoi
Today is free to enjoy as you please. Discover Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, the Presidential Palace, the Stilt House and the famous 1-Pillar Pagoda. You can also visit “coffee street” in the old quarter for a ca phe sua da (a milky iced coffee) for a caffeine fix, grab some hearty bowls of Pho from the street vendors selling delicious Vietnamese street food or cross the red Huc Bridge to visit Jade Island where the Ngoc Son Temple (Temple of Jade Mountain) stands.
Accommodation:1 night(s) in hotels at Hanoi House or similar . Room upgrade available on this day.
Meals:1 Breakfast(s)

Day 9:Fly to Ho Chi Minh City
Today we will fly to Ho Chi Minh City. After check-in you will have the remainder of the day free to explore more of the city at your leisure.
Accommodation:1 night(s) in hotels at La Felix Hotel or similar . Room upgrade available on this day.
Meals:1 Breakfast(s)

Day 10:Mekong Delta
Today is a full day trip to the Mekong Delta. The Delta is a central part of life in southern Vietnam, with agriculture, trading and markets all everyday practises. The unique ecosystems and communities here make it unlike anywhere else in the world. We will enjoy a cruise along the river, stopping off at markets to enjoy the local produce and soak up the atmosphere. After our day exploring the Delta we will return to Ho Chi Minh City where you can enjoy a free evening.
Accommodation:1 night(s) in hotels at La Felix Hotel or similar . Room upgrade available on this day.
Meals:1 Breakfast(s)

Day 11:Ho Chi Minh City
Today we will visit the Cu Chi Tunnels. This network of tunnels was home to around 10,000 people who lived underground for several years during the war. It has living rooms, kitchens, hospitals, weapon factories, storage facilities and command centres. At its largest the tunnel system stretched over 250 kilometres from Saigon to the Cambodian border and was three levels deep. Today the remaining tunnels have become a major tourist attraction giving visitors a unique experience and a feel of what underground life during the Vietnam/American war must have been like.After the tour we will return to Ho Chi Minh City. As your tour ends tomorrow, make sure you tick off all the highlights you wish to see!
Accommodation:1 night(s) in hotels at La Felix Hotel or similar . Room upgrade available on this day.
Meals:1 Breakfast(s)

Day 12:Depart Ho Chi Minh City
Your adventure of a lifetime comes to an end today. If you have a late flight or have lengthened your stay by adding post tour accommodation you will have more time to explore the sights.Your adventure of a lifetime comes to an end today. If you have a late flight or have lengthened your stay by adding post tour accommodation you will have more time to explore the sights.
Meals:1 Breakfast(s)