Vietnam Heritage: Hanoi to Danang

A fascinating journey exploring Northern and Central Vietnam – areas particularly rich in World Heritage Sites: dramatic Halong Bay, fabulous former imperial capital of Hue, the charming old port town of Hoi An and the ancient ruined city of My Son, but as usual we’ll explore some of the lesser known highlights such as the picturesque Pu Luong National Park, the ethnic Tai village of Mai Chau and the spectacular caves of Trang An. A stay on a secluded, unspoilt island in the South China Sea is also available should you wish to extend your tour.

Day 1
Depart London

Day 2
Morning arrival in Hanoi, check-in to a downtown hotel and afternoon free to relax or explore the area before an evening trip to see the City’s unique water-puppet show.

Day 3
Day tour of this beautiful old city with it’s French colonial ambience: lakes, parks and temples and a stroll through the bustling backstreets of the old quarter.

Day 4
Explore the incredible scenery of World Heritage Halong Bay by boat on a day cruise through the dramatic limestone scenery. Evening return to Hanoi.

Day 5
Leaving the capital we’ll head into the scenic mountainous region of Hoa Binh Province where we’ll continue along forest trails by 4WD to Pu Luong – one of Vietnam’s remotest and most spectacular national parks. Afternoon jungle hike to discover the regions amazing flora and fauna and overnight in the ethnic White Tai village of Mai Chau.

Day 6
Scenic drive through the lush paddy fields and jagged limestone escarpments of this region, sometimes known as the ‘Halong of the rice fields’, to the remarkable cave system of the Trang An Grottoes. Rowing boats will take us through the labyrinth of caves, tunnels and emerald streams for a fascinating visit before continuing to Ninh Binh Town to board the night sleeper train for Dong Ha.

Day 7
Morning arrival at Dong Ha and a chance to discover the country’s more recent history with a day trip to the infamous DMZ, (demilitarized zone), to visit some of the key sites of the Vietnam War, including the Vietcong tunnels at Vinh Moc, Hien Luong Bridge on the 17th parallel, which marked the border between former South and North Vietnam, and Khe Sanh Combat Base – scene of some of the most intense fighting of the war. Overnight in Hue.

Day 8
Time to check out the numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites of this historic city and former imperial capital: morning cruise by ‘dragon boat’ along the Perfume River to visit some of the majestic tombs of the former emperors and afternoon walk around the ancient Citadel.

Day 9
Short, scenic drive to nearby Hoi An Town with stop-offs on the way at mountainous Bach Ma National Park and the beautiful and spectacular beach at Lang Co.

Day 10
Well-preserved and charming, World Heritage site Hoi An was one of SE Asia’s most important ports during the 17th – 19th centuries. A half-day tour of the old town and waterfront area and a free afternoon to discover the picturesque old streets at your leisure or bicycle down to the nearby beach for a dip or massage.

Day 11
Morning relaxing or a visit to the bustling silk market with an afternoon trip to the atmospheric ruined temples of ancient My Son City – Vietnam’s most important site of the former Cham Empire. The city was occupied from the 4th to 13th centuries before succumbing to its powerful Khmer and Vietnamese neighbours.

Day 12
Time to explore some of the sites of the Danang region with a visit to the famous China Beach, Marble Mountain and the fascinating Cham Museum before an evening departure for London, via Saigon.*

Day 13
Arrival in London

*Note: from Danang a 3 day, 3 night island extension is available to the unspoilt Whale Island.

Notes:
this tour if offered with or without return flights from London. Persons not wishing to take up the flight option will join the tour on day 2 in Hanoi and depart in Saigon on day 12.

Suggestions: add a 3 day/3 night extension to relax at a beach resort on unspoilt Whale Island.

Vietnam Heritage: Hanoi to Danang

Give us a call Call us on Skype with any further questions. What to bring Item Is it required? Comments Bags etc Day pack/small pack Required 15 – 20 litre sized is ideal. Rucksack/Backpack Required Sheet sleeping-bag/sleeping-bag liner Not required Sleeping bag Not required Clothing Hat Required Cheaply available in Vietnam. Light hiking boots or sandals Required Light waterproofs Required Lightweight cotton clothes Required Sandals or flip flops for the beach Required useful for the Whale Island extension Swimming costume Required Some hotels have pools. Medicines etc Anti malaria drugs Up to you If you are considering taking them or wish for further information consult a specialist. Basic medical kit Up to you Tour leaders will carry one and you will never be far away from a pharmacy so basic is the operative word. Mosquito repellent Required Containing DEET. Use sparingly please - DEET is not a very eco friendly chemical! Sun-block Required Water purification tablets Not required Miscellaneous Guide book Up to you Please bear in mind that even the most recent copy is still a minimum of 1 year out of date. Mosquito net Not required Torch/flashlight Required Papers and Money Passport Required Valid for at least 6 months after date of arrival Travellers cheques Required ATMs are to be found in all major towns. US$ (cash) Required US$ are widely accepted in Vietnam Vietnamese currency Required Vietnamese currency is not available outside of Vietnam Visas (Vietnam) Required A 30-day tourist visa must be obtained before arrival. You can apply for one yourself at your nearest Vietnamese Embassy or obtain a visa on arrival document from various internet suppliers including www.vietnam-visa.com. Visas Thailand Not required Although your flight is via Bangkok, a Thai visa will not be required unless you are planning a stop-over in Thailand, in which case a 30 day visa is issued free of charge upon arrival.

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