Vietnam

Small Group Programs to Vietnam 2010

This is not for everyone.

You will only do this if you want to be totally exhausted at the end of your trip - by fun, lots of walking, lugging your back packs all over, overnight trains, small hotels, and with a group of 11 to 16 or maximum 24 other like minded international travelers. These programs offer great value.

Please note that itineraries here are only a sample of what is available. We work with many well established operators and will carefully match your travel dates, interest, and preference to the most appropriate group. Please contact us for more information.

If you prefer to move at your own pace, or want more upscale accommodations or private guides, please contact us for independent programs.

The Reunification Express
15 days Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City from 1140.00
Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue, Hoi An, Nha Trang, Ho Chi Minh City
Embrace the vibrancy of Vietnam. The Reunification Express is a vital lifeline between north and south Vietnam. Along its path we experience the many scenic, historical, cultural and culinary highlights of this marvelous country. Most meals not included.

Itinerary
Days 1-3	Hanoi - Halong Bay	From the whirlwind of colour and activity that is Hanoi, we step into the tranquility of Halong Bay to cruise amid the incredible limestone peaks, investigate the caves hidden amongst the karsts and dine on local seafood.
Day 4	Hanoi - Overnight Train	Ho Chi Minh is Vietnam's most honoured ancestor. A visit to his mausoleum, stilt house and museum are undertaken with due solemnity before boarding the southbound Reunification Express.
Days 5-6	Hue	The pace of life is slow and tranquility prevails in Hue, the former Imperial capital. Explore the Imperial Citadel, tombs of the Nguyen Emperors, the bustling Dong Ba market, Hue Cathedral and sample Hue's culinary specialities.
Days 7-9	Hoi An	The train south leads through coastal rice paddies and fishing villages taking the scenic coastal path around the spectacular Hai Van Pass to Danang and a short drive south. Once a bustling river port, Hoi An is a place to relax among riverside cafes and excellent shopping.
Days 10-12	Nha Trang	Board the Reunification Express for the beach side city of Nha Trang. A full day's boat cruise, complete with seafood buffet, is a highlight for most Intrepid travellers.
Days 13-15	Ho Chi Minh City	Prepare for sensory overload as we roam the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City by cyclo. The former VC stronghold, the Cu Chi tunnels, provides a valuable insight into the tenacity and resourcefulness of the Vietnamese people.

The Spirit of Vietnam - Northbound
10 days Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) to Hanoi or vice-versa from 920.00
Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hue, Halong Bay
Discover the spirit of Vietnam. From vibrant Ho Chi Minh City and the charms of Hoi An, to the atmospheric Imperial capital of Hue, effervescent Hanoi and the natural wonders of Halong Bay. This is the perfect introduction to the major highlights of this wonderful country. Most meals and flights HCMC-Danang/ Hui-Hanoi not included.

Itinerary
Days 1-2	Ho Chi Minh City	Colourful, noisy and most definitely exciting. Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), one of the most vibrant cities in Indochina and to the underground mysteries of the Cu Chi Tunnels.
Days 3-4	Hoi An	A rich architectural fusion of Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese and French influence, Hoi An is an old trading port intent on maintaining its connections with traditional and modern crafts with cafes, restaurants and tailor shops piled high with silks.
Days 5-7	Hue	Once the Imperial capital, Hue's incredible history is almost tangible. Explore the citadel, tombs of the Nguyen Emperors, the seemingly timeless Buddhist pagodas or buy incense on the roadside and cruise the Perfume River.
Day 8	Halong Bay	Dramatic limestone karst peaks rise from the waters of Halong Bay and swirling mists often add to the sense of mystery which, according to legend, was created as a dragon descended into the sea.
Days 9-10	Hanoi	Hanoi, the delightful capital of Vietnam, offers endless adventures. Try wandering the shops and markets of the Old Quarter, relaxing by the city's lakes, visiting Ho Chi Minh in his stark mausoleum or sampling delicious street food.

Road to Angkor
9 days Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) to Bangkok or vice-versa from 970.00
Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phnom Penh, temples of Angkor
Experience the wonders of Cambodia with a glimpse into Thailand and Vietnam. Explore the ancient Angkor temple complex, learn of Cambodia's intriguing history, and experience the dynamic energy of Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City. Most meals and flights Phnom Pen- Siem Reap are not included.

Itinerary
Day 1	Ho Chi Minh City	Ho Chi Minh City's network of markets and shops are tempting to explore, as are the colourful temples, central boulevards and French colonial buildings.
Day 2	Chao Doc	Through lush rural countryside we travel by bus to the border and Mekong Delta town of Chao Doc.
Days 3-4	Phnom Penh	Phnom Penh reveals the darker side of Cambodia's history at the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields while the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and markets are a brighter aspect of this fascinating city.
Days 5-7	Angkor Wat	From Siem Reap we explore Angkor, the magnificent remains of the ancient Khmer Empire. Stunning Angkor Wat and jungle-covered Ta Prohm are unforgettable sights.
Days 8-9	Bangkok	A full day's drive crosses the border into Thailand as we travel to the metropolis of Bangkok. A traditional massage and wonderful Thai food will be all the revival we need to head out and explore this energetic city.

Best of Vietnam and Cambodia - Southbound
18 days Hanoi to Bangkok from 1790.00
Halong Bay, Hue, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phnom Penh, Angkor temples
Journey into the heart and soul of Indochina. Incense burning before compassionate Buddhas in the cave shrines of Halong Bay, serene lichen-covered pagodas of imperial Hue, bustling temples of Saigon's chinatown on the banks of the Mekong and amid the ruins of ancient Angkor. This is a trip of cultural, historical and scenic diversity.Most meals and flights Hanoi-Hui, Danang-HCMC, Phnom Penh-Siem Reap not included.

Itinerary
Day 1	Hanoi	Exotic, exhilarating Hanoi offers a wealth of possibilities. Explore its pulsating streets and markets, discover history at Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum and the infamous Hanoi Hilton or feel its spirit in the many active temples.
Days 2-3	Halong Bay	Discover the wonders of Halong Bay's 3000 limestone karst islands, explore hidden caves, swim in crystal clear waters and indulge in a feast of succulent seafood.
Days 4-5	Hue	Situated on the banks of the Perfume River, the tranquil city of Hue was once the Imperial capital of Vietnam. Explore the imposing citadel, tranquil tombs of long dead emperors, serene pagodas and quiet riverside cafes.
Days 6-7	Hoi An	The Marble Mountains, dramatic passes, picturesque fishing villages and stunning beaches define the route to the World Heritage site of Hoi An, rich in historical architecture, art galleries, restaurants and excellent shopping.
Days 8-10	Ho Chi Minh City	Travel by cyclo through the streets of Saigon and crawl through the tunnels of Cu Chi to experience the constricted life of the infamous Viet Cong. Two contrasting worlds reveal the heart and history of southern Vietnam.
Day 11	Mekong Delta	A last glimpse of rural Vietnam as we travel to the small Mekong Delta town of Chao Doc.
Days 12-13	Phnom Penh	Phnom Penh is a city of contrast and change. Elegant cafes along riverside Sisowath Quay, dusty, unpaved back streets, resplendent Royal Palace and the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum - a stark reminder of a brutal past.
Days 14-16	Angkor Wat	Witness the splendour of Angkor Wat's towers at dawn. Walk amid gigantic benevolent faces of the Bayon. Clamber over twisting tree roots at Ta Prohm and wonder at the delicate carvings of Banteay Srei.
Days 17-18	Bangkok	We have a long drive across the border into Thailand and onto bustling Bangkok, arriving in time for a revitalising traditional Thai massage, some great Thai food and a Singha (Thai beer) or two.

Vietnam Family Adventure
15 days Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City from 1440.00
Halong Bay, Hue, Hoi An, Nha Trang
Diverse, beautiful and lots of fun. Vietnam is a great place for a family adventure. Journey together from Hanoi to historic Hue and Hoi An, each set in beautiful surrounds. On to the beaches of Nha Trang and the modern metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City. This is a trip for the whole family to be entertained by people, bargains, history, colour, culture and lots, lots more. Most meals and flights in country not included.

Itinerary
Days 1-2	Hanoi	Join in the madness and mayhem that fills Hanoi with colour and life. Explore the Old Quarter where narrow lanes offer traditional puppets, painted T-shirts, silver jewellery, watches, shoes and kitchen supplies.
Days 3-4	Halong Bay	Cruise the incredible limestone peaks of World Heritage listed Halong Bay. Explore caves, swim, eat and spend an unforgettable night sleeping on board our boat.
Days 5-6	Hue	Hue is a former Imperial capital with a wonderfully tranquil atmosphere. Explore the imposing citadel and the emperors' tombs for a taste of the old world and take a dragon boat trip on the Perfume River.
Days 7-9	Hoi An	Enjoy fantastic coastal scenery, fishing villages, famous China Beach and the heritage town of Hoi An. There is feasting and shopping, a busy morning fish market, traditional architecture, beaches and lovely rural surrounds.
Days 10-12	Nha Trang	Beachside days at Nha Trang include cruising the turquoise waters and exploring the pirate ship aquarium at Hon Mieu island. Go on to spend an afternoon lazing and swimming at our own private beach.
Days 13-15	Ho Chi Minh City	Prepare for sensory overload as we roam the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City by cyclo. Then cool off at Saigon Water Park, a fantastic water play ground on the riverbank.

Cycle Vietnam
15 days Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City from $1565.00
Ninh Binh, Hue, Hoi An, South Central Coast, Dalat
Thirty million Vietnamese cannot be wrong - handle bar height is the best view of Vietnam! Cycling through rice paddies and little travelled backroads is a perfect way to discover this country's landscapes and people. Most meals are not included.

Itinerary
Days 1-2	Hanoi	Warm up the muscles and the reflexes on a ride around the tree-lined streets of Hanoi, Vietnam's vibrant capital.
Days 3-4	Ninh Binh - Hue	It's back roads all the way to Ninh Binh, surrounded by towering limestone karsts. There's time for a ride to Hoa Lu, an ancient capital and an excursion to the Endangered Primate Rescue Centre at Cuc Phuong National Park.
Day 5	Hue	The imperial capital of Hue is set amidst incredible surrounds. Quiet, wooded lanes lead to ancient tombs and otherworldly pagodas along the Perfume River and across vast expanses of emerald rice fields.
Days 6-8	Hoi An	It's a mountainous day of spectacular views as we conquer the Hai Van (Sea Cloud). En-route we pass through laid-back Hoi An, a wonderful place to rest with restaurants, heritage architecture, art galleries, tailors and a beach nearby.
Days 9-10	Quang Ngai - Qui Nhon	We drive and cycle through picturesque rural countryside to Quang Ngai and the moving memorial at the site of the My Lai massacre. Then it's striking coastal scenery all the way to the seaport town of Qui Nhon.
Day 11	Nha Trang	We continue riding beside the South China Sea to the resort town of Nha Trang. Here we can unwind in local mineral baths or keep up the pace and enjoy the nightlife.
Days 12-13	Dalat	It's up again through the Ngoan Muc Pass into the central highlands where tea and coffee flourish. A delightful city, Dalat, is a perfect base for exploring the surrounding forests, beautiful gardens and picturesque waterfalls.
Days 14-15	Ho Chi Minh City	Time for one last riding splurge - an exciting downhill stint through the winding Bao Loc Pass to where our bus awaits to help us along the final leg into Ho Chi Minh City where we enjoy our final dinner together.