North/South Compact- 12 days

Hanoi - Ha Long/ Cat Ba - Hue - Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh City

This trip is for the traveler with limited time, who wants to experience as much of the country as possible and visit the most popular destinations. By flying or traveling on the overnight train on certain sections we are able to maximize the places you visit.
Highlights include the capital city of Hanoi, the starting point for the tour, with its fascinating Old Quarter, sometimes known as the "36 streets of 36 wares" and the French quarter with some classic examples of French colonial architecture. The wonders of Ha Long Bay, now listed as a World Heritage site are not to be missed. While here we are able to relax on a boat while cruising the pristine emerald waters, and enjoy a fresh local seafood lunch served on board.
While in Hue, the old Imperial City in the 18th and 19th centuries, we cycle around to some of the old emperors tombs and pagodas, enjoy a cruise on the Perfume River and visit the Imperial Citadel.
In the picturesque port town of Hoi An, there is plenty of time to discover the delights of this ancient trading town that was once the end of the famous silk route. From the 16th century the Dutch, Portuguese, Japanese, Chinese and Arabs came here to trade for high grade silks, spices and ceramics, many of which are still produced in the area.
Flying to the vibrant Ho Chi Minh City, you will visit the amazing Cu Chi Tunnels, Tay Ninh and tour the city with its street markets, sidewalk cafes, sleek new pubs, pagodas and museums before the tour finishes.
We use 3 star level hotels on this tour but they can be upgraded to deluxe upon request.

Day 1: Arrive Hanoi.
Day 2: Hanoi
Day 3: Ha Long Bay & Cat Ba Island
Day 4: Hanoi
Day 5: Hanoi - Hue (overnight sleeper train)
Day 6-7: Hue
Day 8-9: Hoi An
Day 10-11: Danang - Ho Chi Minh City (Fly)
Day 12: Depart Ho Chi Minh City

Trip summary

Hanoi - Mai Chau - Ninh Binh & Hoa Lu - Hue - Bach Ma National Park - Danang - Nha Trang - Dalat - Saigon

This newly developed trip has replaced what was our "Off the Beaten Track" trip. Covering capital cities, ancient, old and new, treks into Ethnic Minority tribes, thickly forested national parks, golden beaches and mountain hideaways makes this a truly diverse trip.
Starting in Hanoi we travel west to the Hoa Binh province and the Mai Chau Valley. We spend two days trekking in this region which include two nights as guests of some of the local ethnic minority people in their traditional stilt houses. From here we drive south over roads rarely traveled by foreign visitors to the ancient capital of Hoa Lu. This area is often referred to as the Halong Bay on land and after marveling at this geographic wonder we board the Reunification Express for the overnight journey to the old imperial capital of Hue. A day and one night is spent in Hue visiting the old citadel and royal tombs before making our way up into the spectacular Back Ma National Park for one night. Leaving the rainforest highland behind us we drive south to Danang where we spend one night before flying to the golden beaches of Nha Trang. There will be ample opportunities to relax and soak up the sun as we enjoy a boat cruise around the islands.
Leaving the coastal lowlands behind us we pass through country that was once the domain of the ancient Cham civilization that ruled southern Vietnam and parts of Cambodia between the 2nd and 13th centuries. Before climbing into the southern central highlands we visit the Po Klong Garai Cham Tower that has endured the test of time, weathering and war since the 13th century. Reaching Dalat, once known as the "City of Eternal Spring" we will have time to visit a monk who is fluent in six languages; inspect the summer palace of Vietnam's last emperor, Bao Dai; the indescribable crazy house and a Lat minority village.
From Dalat we continue south to the vibrant and thriving metropolis of Vietnam's largest city, Saigon. To finish up the trip there will be a tour of Saigon's highlights and a farewell dinner before your transfer to the airport the following day for you flight out of Vietnam.

Day 1: Arrive Hanoi
Day 2: Hanoi
Day 3: Hanoi - Mai Chau
Day 4: Mai Chau hill tribe trek
Day 5: Mai Chau - Ninh Binh
Day 6: Hoa Lu (overnight train)
Day 7: Hue
Day 8: Hue - Bach Ma National Park
Day 9: Bach Ma National Park - Danang
Day 10: Danang - Nha Trang
Day 11: Nha Trang
Day 12: Nha Trang - Dalat
Day 13: Dalat
Day 14: Dalat - Saigon
Day 15: Saigon
Day 16: Depart Saigon

Trip summary

Hanoi - Ha Long Bay & Cat Ba Island - Hue - Hoi An - Nha Trang - Ho Chi Minh City

This trip, a revised version of the old Reunification Express tour, takes you from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City in just ten days. Travel between the major highlights is covered by domestic flights where possible to maximize your touring days and to reduce the traveling time. This tour covers the entire essential must see destinations in the country.
From the nations capital you will head to the wonders of the World Heritage listed Ha Long Bay, where we cruise the crystalline emerald waters on our private boat and finishing on Cat Ba Island, where we overnight. Returning to Hanoi for a brief stopover we continue onto the old imperial capital of Hue. This quiet provincial city is ideal for cycling around and visiting some of the many old royal tombs and pagodas. The picturesque port town of Hoi An, a favorite with many travelers, is our next stop. There is plenty of time to discover what Hoi An has to offer, whether it be visiting one of the many pagodas or spending time in the silk shops having a new wardrobe tailored. You may prefer cycling to the beach about 6 kilometers away, or maybe exploring the waterways with the local women rowing you in their small boats, visiting the boat yards and ceramic villages. One thing is certain, you will not get bored in this town.
Boarding another flight we move onto the popular beach city of Nha Trang. While in Nha Trang you will have a day cruising around the islands off the coast, visiting a local fishing village, swimming and snorkeling on some of the coral reefs that surround these islands. A sumptuous fresh, seafood lunch will be served on board to satisfy those hunger pains. After arriving back in port there will be free time to shower, change and relax atone of the many beach font restaurants. Our next leg will be the short flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) where we will visit the Cu Chi Tunnels. This amazing network of tunnels stretched for over 250 kilometers and is three levels deep, gives the visitor a unique experience and a feel of underground life during the American war. Back in Ho Chi Minh City, there will be free time to catch up on that last minute shopping before dining in style for the last meal together.

Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi.
Day 2: Ha Long Bay & Cat Ba Island
Day 3: Hanoi
Day 4: Hue
Day 5: Hue - Hoi An
Day 6: Hoi An
Day 7-8: Nha Trang
Day 9: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Day 10: Depart Ho Chi Minh City

Trip summary

Viet Nam Border to Border- 22 Days


Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Delta - Nha Trang - Hoi An - Hue - Hanoi - Sapa -Ha Long Bay - Hai Phong

This is our most comprehensive trip in Vietnam. Recently redesigned to include the northern hill town of Sapa, it is ideal for people who have more time to spare and gives a insight into the diverse cultures, landscapes and climates that pervade this amazing country. Starting in Ho Chi Minh City we cover the city's highlights before continuing into the fertile and productive Mekong Delta. From the western boundary where the mighty Mekong River flows out of Cambodia to the very heart of the delta we discover a lifestyle that centers around aqua culture and agriculture. Journeying from the delta to the white sands and the blue ocean of Nha Trang we encounter evidence of the ancient Cham civilization, idyllic island paradises and lazy days on the water. From Nha Trang a short flight will take us to Danang and a visit to the five peaks of the marble mountains said to represent the five elements of the universe before arriving at the World Heritage listed town of Hoi An which will be our base for the next four days. While here we will discover a rich trading history that dates back to the 16th century and the legacy that the Chinese, Japanese, Dutch, Portuguese and Arab traders left with their passing. A short trip to My Son will be included in our Hoi An stopover. My Son was the former capital of the Cham civilization and is one of best preserved and remaining structures of these lost people.
From Hoi An we make our to Hue. This city served as the imperial capital for the Nguyen dynasty, the last to rule in Vietnam. Being the former capital Hue is surrounded by the tombs of emperors past. Cruising the Perfume River, visiting some of the royal tombs, the Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City gives you a good insight of the feudal times that helped to shape this country's history. Another short flight takes us to the modern day capital of Hanoi. With it's many lakes, parks, tree lined boulevards and French colonial architecture, Hanoi has a heart and soul that can rarely be found in other cities. After a tour of the highlights in Hanoi we journey into the remote mountainous north west to the township of Sapa. Built in 1922 by the French, Sapa sits in the shadow of Mt. Fansipan Vietnam's highest peak. You will be able to enjoy a close interaction with some of Vietnam's friendly ethnic minority people and walk around some of the most stunning scenery Vietnam has to offer. Moving back to Hanoi for a brief stopover we then travel to the fourth and final World Heritage site on this tour, Halong Bay. The beauty of this amazing bay has captured the imagination and creative talents of poets, authors, film makers and photographers from around the globe. We will spend the best part of a day cruising the emerald waters, swimming and feasting on fresh local seafood before driving to Hai Phong for the night. From Hai Phong we once again find ourselves back in Hanoi for one last night before bidding farewell to Vietnam, it's cultural diversity and the ever present friendly smiles and warm nature of it's people.

Day 1: Arrive Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).
Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City
Day 3: Ho Chi Minh City - Chau Doc
Day 4: Chau Doc - Can Tho
Day 5: Can Tho - Vinh Long
Day 6: Vinh Long - Ho Chi Minh City
Day 7: Ho Chi Minh City - Nah Trang
Day 8: Nha Trang
Day 9: Nha Trang - Hoi An
Day 10: Hoi An
Day 11: My Son
Day 12: Hoi An - Hue
Day 13: Hue
Day 14: Hue - Hanoi
Day 15: Hanoi - Sapa
Day 16: Sapa
Day 17: Sapa
Day 18: Sapa - Hanoi
Day 19: Hanoi - Ha Long City
Day 20: Halong Bay - Hai Phong
Day 21: Hai Phong - Hanoi
Day 22: Depart Hanoi

Trip summary

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This trip to the north west highland of Mai Chau and the beautiful Ha Long Bay offers a balance of cultural and physical activities. From trekking to camping and sea kayaking, this is all adventure with a minimal amount of creature comforts. This will go unnoticed though, as the trip is set amongst some of northern Vietnams most stunning natural landscape. We depart Hanoi and head west towards Hoa Binh Province where we climb towards the H'mong village of Sa Linh. From here we will start our trek to the village of Hang Kia, a 2.5 hour walk away. Our hosts for this evening will be the H'mong minority people. In sampling these peoples hospitality, we find out a little more of their lives and cultures with a cultural exchange following the evening meal. Tonights accommodation will probably be a little more rustic than you would be used to. From Hang Kia we will set off on a 7 hour trek to Van village, inhabited by the White Thai people. Our equally hospitable hosts for this evening, will treat us to a fine meal, stories of life in their village and share their home brewed rice wine with us. Day three and the pace will be fairly relaxed as we spend the morning strolling around the surrounding villages before a 3 hour walk to the village of Xo (pronounced Soh ). Arriving at our new hosts residence around mid to late afternoon, there will be an opportunity to freshen up at the communal well before the sun sets. From Xo to Lac village, it is a five hour walk where we will be reunited with our mini-bus for the four hour drive back to Hanoi for the night before continuing out to Ha Long Bay. We will collect our Kayaking and camping gear following an afternoon cruise to Cat Ba Island, and proceed to our beach camp for the night. The second nights camping will be at a different beach location, paddling there in our kayaks. Following two nights camping and exploring Ha Long Bay, we will return to Hanoi via the ferry to Hai Phong and then drive to the capital.

Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi.
Day 2: Hanoi - Mai Chau
Day 3: Hill tribe trek
Day 4: Hill tribe trek
Day 5: Mai Chau-Hanoi
Day 6: Hanoi - Cat Ba Island
Day 7: Cat Ba Island - Nam Cat Beach
Day 8: Nam Cat Beach - Hanoi
Day 9: Depart Hanoi

Trip summary

Note: Alternative itinerary for days' 6 to 8
This itinerary will not be run in winter when the weather is not conducive to Kayaking and camping.

The alternative itinerary starts on day six in Hanoi with a city tour in the morning and then driving to Ha Long City for the night. Day seven will be a full day boat cruise, spending the evening on Cat Ba Island and returning to Hanoi on Day eight.

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