Vietnam & the Mekong Grand Journey

HANOI ARRIVAL 

Upon arrival into Hanoi, be met by your guide who will transfer you to your hotel.

Please note:
- Estimated distance from hotels in the Old Quarter to the airport or v.v: ~25-30km
Estimated driving time: ~30mins - 40mins.
- International arrivals: Please proceed through immigration and customs, and make your way to the exterior arrivals area, using the exit indicated for your flight on the arrivals marquee (either exit A1 or A2). Our representative will be waiting here for you holding a Pick-up sign. He will then escort you to your vehicle to take you to your hotel.

Hotel: Flower Garden Hanoi Hotel (Deluxe) or similar

Discover the rich history and vibrant culture of Hanoi on a guided walking tour through the Old Quarter.

Starting at the iconic Ngoc Son Temple, where you'll learn about the city's and Vietnam's fascinating past, you'll then explore the bustling 36 Old Quarter streets, visiting an ancient house that reflects traditional architecture. The journey continues through a lively local market, offering a true taste of daily life in Hanoi before we pause for a coffee break at one of the city's charming coffee shops. Finally, the tour concludes at the historic Long Bien Bridge station, a testament to Hanoi's enduring heritage.

Please note: Meet at the Red Huc Bridge where your Vivu Guide will greet you: Húc Bridge Hàng Tr?ng, Hoàn Ki?m, Hanoi. Any entrance fees are at your own expense. The route may vary on the day. The tour starts at 8.30 AM and finishes at noon. Transport is not included.

Hotel: Flower Garden Hanoi Hotel (Deluxe) or similar

Your journey begins with a transfer to Halong Bay, a spectacle of nature's beauty, renowned for its emerald waters and thousands of towering limestone islands topped by rainforests. Upon boarding, you're greeted with a welcome drink, marking the start of your unforgettable cruise. As you set sail, a buffet lunch at the onboard restaurant showcases local flavours against the backdrop of the bay's iconic karst landscapes.

In the afternoon, Ti Top Island awaits, offering a choice between a refreshing swim or a hike up the mountain for a panoramic vista of Halong Bay. The day doesn't end there; enjoy French-style crêpes on the sundeck, partake in kayaking, or engage in various onboard activities, all while basking in the bay's beauty. The evening brings canapés on the sundeck and a sumptuous dinner at the restaurant, followed by optional squid fishing for those intrigued by the nocturnal marine life.

Please note:
- Estimated pick-up time: 09.00AM
- Estimated distance from Hanoi to Halong: ~180km - Estimated duration: 2.5hrs

Hotel: Emeraude Classic Cruise Halong (ROH 2D1N) or similar

Awaken to the serenity of Halong Bay, starting your morning with an invigorating yoga session as the sun rises.

The day begins with the ship's tranquil ambience, offering tea, coffee, and cakes, setting the stage for a morning yoga class on the deck, surrounded by the calm waters and limestone cliffs. Our exploration leads us to Sung Sot Cave, a grand cavern within the bay, where a guided tour reveals the natural splendour and geological wonders that have formed over millennia.

As the cruise makes its way back, enjoy a leisurely brunch in the restaurant, providing one last opportunity to take in the iconic sights of Halong Bay. The scenic return journey is the perfect conclusion to your exploration. Return to Hanoi train station. Overnight train from Hanoi to Hue, 4 berths per cabin.

Please Note: The itinerary is subject to change or cancellation based on weather conditions. Kayak hire is available at an additional charge. Drinks are not included with meals.

Overnight train from Hanoi to Hue (04 berth wooden shared cabins)

On arrival into Hue, meet your guide and transfer by vehicle to your hotel.

Check-in time: 14:00

Please note: Estimated distance from the airport to hotels in city center or vice versa: around 15km - 20 km - Estimated driving time: 30 - 45 minutes
Discover the heart of Hue through a vibrant morning exploring bustling markets, enjoying a traditional Royal White Lotus tea tasting, and diving into the art of making royal Nguyen dynasty dishes.

We begin our exploration at the lively Dong Ba Market, a sensory feast of fresh produce, aromatic spices, and the hustle of daily life. Then, journey through Hue's historic streets by cyclo, absorbing the city's ancient charm. At an esteemed teahouse, enjoy a Royal White Lotus tea, a ritual steeped in Nguyen dynasty traditions. The adventure continues at a secluded garden restaurant, where you’ll craft and savour traditional Hue "cakes", celebrated by culinary explorers like Anthony Bourdain. This immersive experience concludes with a delightful lunch amidst the tranquillity of a garden, sampling the cuisine you’ve helped prepare.

Please Note: The tour starts at 08:30 AM and finishes at 1:00 PM. The culinary session involves pork and shellfish. This tour is not operated on Tet Holiday and on September 4th.

Hotel: Emm Hue Hotel (Deluxe) or similar

Transfer by road to Hoi An, south of Hue. Your journey will take you over the scenic Hai Van Pass, the most scenic stretch of coastal road in Vietnam. Upon arrival the resort, free day at your leisure or join in our optional excursions.

- Estimated driving distance: ~130km - Estimated driving distance: 3hrs


Hotel: Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort & Spa (Superior River View)

Be met by your guide and transfer by road to the airport for your onward flight. Upon arrival, your guide will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel.

Please note:
- Estimated distance from hotels in city center to the airport or v.v: ~8km - Estimated duration: 40 mins
Set off on a comprehensive exploration of Saigon's most iconic sights, delving into its rich history, architectural marvels, and poignant war memories, all in one day.

Begin with the serene Vinh Nghiem Pagoda, showcasing Vietnam's spiritual heritage, before moving to the impactful War Remnants Museum, offering a stark look at the Vietnam War's brutal realities. The tour progresses to the Reunification Palace, a symbol of the war's end, and then on to the elegant French colonial architecture of the Central Post Office and the Saigon Opera House. This journey through time offers a profound understanding of Saigon's past and present.

Please Note: Tour pick-up at 8:00 AM or 1:30 PM, finishing at noon or 5:30 PM. The Notre Dame Cathedral is under renovation.

Hotel: Emm Saigon Hotel (Superior) or similar

Optional Tour: CU CHI TUNNEL HALF DAY PRIVATE TOUR
Delve into Vietnam's wartime history with a profound visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels, an underground network that played a crucial role during the War, offering a glimpse into the ingenuity and resilience of the Viet Cong.

The journey from Ho Chi Minh City to the Cu Chi district provides a scenic transition from urban sprawl to countryside tranquillity. At the tunnels, experience the narrow passageways first-hand and learn about the resourceful living conditions, traps, and warfare strategies that defined guerrilla tactics. A documentary provides context to the immense challenges faced during the conflict, making this visit an essential part of understanding Vietnam's contemporary history.

Please Note: Tour starts at 8:00 AM or 1:30 PM, and finishes at 1:00 PM or 6:30 PM.

Your guide will meet you at your hotel and transfer you (request to change drop off location to AmaWaterways meeting point)

ARRIVE

• My Tho-EMBARKATION
• My Tho-Welcome Dinner
• My Tho-DEPART

ARRIVE

• Cai Be-Local boat ride
• Cai Be-Visit local workshops OR Local workshops and active walking tour to historic Kiet House
• Cai Be-DEPART

ARRIVE

• Safford-Local boat ride to Sa Dec
• Safford-Visit to local market and temple OR Visit local market and "Lover's House"
• Safford-DEPART

ARRIVE

• Tan Chau-Trishaw ride to craftsmen’s workshops
• Tan Chau- OR Trishaw ride to craftmen’s workshops and active walking tour to Evergreen Island OR Tra Su Forest and Sanctuary*
• Tan Chau-DEPART

ARRIVE

• -**You will need this information for your visa applications:
  Exit Point from Vietnam: Vinh Xuong
  Entry point to Cambodia: Phnom Penh
• -Border Crossing from Vietnam to Cambodia
• -DEPART

ARRIVE

• Phnom Penh-Royal Palace and National Museum OR Royal Palace and Central Market
• Phnom Penh-Killing Fields and Genocide Museum
• Phnom Penh-DEPART

ARRIVE

• Phnom Penh-Tuk tuk tour
• Phnom Penh-DEPART

ARRIVE

• -Visit a Silk Village and local school
• -DEPART

ARRIVE

• Atka-Walking tour
• Atka-DEPART

ARRIVE

• Port Clarence-Wat Nokor OR Phnom Pros and Phnom Srei “Twin Mountains” visit

DISEMBARKATION

• Port Clarence-DEPART

ARRIVE

• Siem Reap-Transfer to Siem Reap