This tour is escorted by local city guides in each location. The local guides will join you during included activities and local representatives will assist with transfer arrangements. Another portion is self-guided, whether conducted by rail, cruise or land, and you will travel between destinations on your own, with free time to explore at your own pace.
This tour is conducted at a medium-fast pace. Some long travel days may be required to complete this itinerary and you will typically spend two nights at each destination, with some one night stays required. This trip includes a mix of sightseeing and free time to explore at your own pace. You will be required to move about unassisted, including getting on and off vehicles, walking up and down stairs and some activities will be conducted on uneven or steep terrain. You will be required to handle your own luggage.
These tours are our proudest creations. They have been crafted for Inspiring Vacations travellers exclusively, with personal and unique experiences in mind. Please see the Important Information on your selected tour for exact group size. Enjoy features such as hand-picked accommodation, a sampling of the region’s best culinary delights, and a range of optional activities to choose from to best suit your travel style.
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Xin Chao! Welcome to Vietnam.
Upon arrival at the airport, please make your way to your hotel. Pre-book an arrival transfer with Inspiring Vacations, or a local taxi is available and costs around $A25-$A30 (paid in local currency Vietnamese Dong).
Please join the rest of your group for an important welcome meeting at 6pm tonight. After the meeting, head out on a walking tour to taste the best of Hanoi’s amazing street food scene, maybe washed down with a ‘bia hoi’. Sample delicious Vietnamese cuisine as you stroll through hidden laneways, bustling markets and Hanoi’s charming old quarter. The rest of your day is at leisure to explore this beautiful ancient capital city before a big day of touring tomorrow.
Check in: Travellers will be arriving at various times throughout the day. If you arrive prior to standard check-in time (generally 3pm), you are welcome to leave your luggage with hotel reception and enjoy the hotel facilities, or explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotel’s discretion.
Today, you will travel through the farmland of the Red River Delta to Halong Bay. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994, Halong Bay’s spectacular scatter of islands, dotted with wind and wave-eroded grottoes, is a vision of beauty.
Upon arrival, board the ship to visit the thousands of limestone islands filled with caves of all shapes and sizes. The sails of junks and sampans gliding along the clear and emerald waters of the bay form a magnificent scene that blends into the sky. You will also have the opportunity to visit some of the hidden grottoes beneath the towering cliffs.
Enjoy an early morning bout of Tai Chi on deck or just relax and enjoy the sunrise over the bay, a sight not to be missed! Enjoy breakfast, then take advantage of the sundeck and admire the amazing rock formations of Halong Bay. Your driver will meet you at the jetty for your drive back to Hanoi. There are day-use rooms booked to freshen up and relax, before transferring to Hanoi Station for the overnight train to Hue.
Note
Sleeper trains typically have four or six berth compartments with bench seats that convert into sleeping bunks. A sheet, pillow and blanket are provided, although some travellers prefer to bring their own sheet. Depending on the configuration of the group, you may have to share with people of different genders or passengers who aren’t part of the group. Your guide will coordinate and give further information during your trip. Most trains have a dining carriage serving simple food, but we recommend that you stock up on snacks and drinks before departure. The train departs Hanoi around 10:30pm, arriving into Hue at midday the next day.
Your train arrives in Hue around noon today. First up, a visit to the Imperial Citadel – the home of Vietnam's last royal dynasty, the Nguyen Dynasty (1802–1945). Next it's on to the Hue Royal Antiquities Museum, a collection of ornaments from the Nguyen Dynasty. Maybe try a tasty salt coffee afterwards, a delicious local treat made with Vietnamese drip coffee, fermented salt and condensed milk.
Head back to the hotel this afternoon for a well earned rest.
Enjoy a night of sumptuous dining within a replica 19th-century Hue residence. Enjoy your host’s enthusiasm and warmth as you’re welcomed to enjoy beautifully presented food, including some of Hue’s specialties. Set amongst lotus ponds and pavilions, the garden provides visitors with an authentic, peaceful and historic journey.
Start your city tour today at the Thanh Toan bridge – designated a national monument in 1990, this rustic sight not only offers shade on sunny days but also displays a unique architectural style.
Next, head to Hue’s craft village where locals make sticks of incense. It's a great opportunity to understand more about local life and customs.
Visit Vong Canh Hill, where you can enjoy views of Hue, especially King Nguyen’s tombs.
These tombs are the peak of Nguyen Dynasty architecture. Remaining in each brick and each tile is the spirit of a dynasty with antique values that have been preserved for nearly two hundred years.
Take a visit to Thien Mu pagoda, the oldest pagoda in Hue city.
Finally, stop at Kim Long village, the home of high mandarins and members of the royal family for many centuries. The architecture of the houses and also the cultural life of its inhabitants reflects this.
This morning, depart for Hoi An via the scenic Hai Van Pass. Enjoy the spectacular panorama of the central coastline from the summit. Stop off at Lang Co to stretch your legs on the white sands of this peaceful beach.
Once you arrive in Hoi An, enjoy a walk around the ancient town centre. As the national trading center of the 16th century, Hoi An is home to beautiful ancient streets and houses. Stroll around the unusual cobblestone streets.
This leisurely walk offers a great chance to view houses built in Chinese, Japanese, French and European architectural styles. There are some incredible places that you should not miss when visiting Hoi An, including the 100-year-old Japanese Bridge, the Phuc Kien Hall and the local fish market. You also have a chance to stop at a tailor for handmade clothes. Return to the hotel to relax, or continue discovering the town on your own.
Today is a free day to explore more of Hoi An.
Your guide will take you out to lunch at a local restaurant to enjoy a special dish of Hoi An – Cao Lầu. Cao Lầu means “high storey” in English. Cao Lau doesn't taste like other Vietnamese dishes, as it was often served to foreign visitors. No one knows who invented this dish and, until now, the origin of Cao Lau is still a mystery.
On this guided tour of approximately two hours, travel to My Son sanctuary, comprising many Champa temples, in a valley roughly two kilometres wide and surrounded by two mountain ranges. It was the site of religious ceremonies of kings of the Champa Dynasty and was also a burial place of Champa royals and national heroes. The My Son temple complex is one of the foremost Hindu temple complexes in Southeast Asia and is the most renowned heritage site of this nature in Vietnam.
Experience the iconic Hoi An Memories show. The show features more than 500 performers in colorful costumes accompanied by music to create a high-tech show that explores the history of Hoi An. Round-trip transportation is provided from your hotel, which makes it easy to relax and enjoy the evening’s activities.
Pre dinner drinks and tasting platter are included in the per person cost.
Time: 7:30pm
Duration: approximately 3 hours
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the short flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel to check in.
Next up, enjoy a half-day walking city tour to visit Ho Chi Minh’s famed Opera House, standing magnificently at the heart of the City. The building stands as one of the most impressive sights in Saigon – both night and day.
Walk to the Central Post office to meet Ngo, a public letter writer with 27 years service under his belt. The last letter writer in the city, Ngo was recognized by the Vietnamese Guinness Book of Records as the man who has spent the most time writing letters for those unable to write for themselves.
Continue your tour spotting French Colonial architectural gems including Notre Dame Cathedral and Independence Palace, also known at the Reunification Palace. Built on the site of the former Norodom Palace, the Independence Palace is a widely known landmark of Ho Chi Minh City and was designed by architect Ngo Viet Thu.
This morning, leave the city behind for a scenic journey towards the mighty Mekong. On arrival at My Tho, visit Vinh Trang pagoda and take a leisurely boat ride along the Mekong River, viewing stilt houses, fruit plantations and fishing villages as you meander along.
Proceed to Tortoise Islet, where lunch is served in an orchard garden. Next, a boat ride to An Khanh, a less touristy attraction in Ben Tre. Enjoy cruising by hand-rowed sampan under the shade of coconut trees along natural canals. Enjoy seasonal fruit and honey tea to the sound of Southern Vietnamese folk music, performed by local musicians.
Visit a family business epitomising an idyllic rural lifestyle, taste delicious coconut candy and observe pastoral life as you roam through fruit plantations and villages.
Later this afternoon, drive back to Ho Chi Minh City, where your last evening in Vietnam is free to explore at your own pace, or join in an optional street food tour
Departs approximately 5:30pm, for three hours. Get right down to the soul of this food city. Non-stop culinary decadence! Eat your way through Saigon (aka Ho Chi Minh City) the way locals do and indulge in the dishes that have made Southern Vietnamese cuisine famous. Mingle with locals over Saigonese coffee and street beer while experiencing Saigon’s history and multiculturalism through its food. Explore hidden alleys and get off the beaten track to see Saigon in a way few tourists do. See Saigon as the sun goes down, revealing a vibrant (and delicious) night scene. Return to the hotel by walking, or our tour guide will help you take a taxi.
There are no activities planned for today and you will be free at leisure until your flight time. Organize a taxi to the airport (approx $A20-$30, paid in local currency Vietnamese Dong) or you can pre-book a departure transfer with Inspiring Vacations.
This product requires full payment upfront to secure your booking.
Once you have created your booking you will be directed to your invoice to choose your preferred payment method.
This package is sold as land only, however you do have the option of adding domestic & international airfares to your booking. Simply click on’ book now’, and under upgrades , you will be asked “Would you like us to contact you around our flight service?”. By selecting this option Inspiring Vacations will contact you to discuss adding flights to your chosen destination. We can then assist with turning your booking into a flight inclusive package.
Upon completing the purchase of your package and fulfilling the following booking requirements, you will be granted access to our flight portal via your Traveller Hub.
Once these criteria have been met, access will be made available to you via Traveller Hub to book your flights via our flight portal.
The following requests are able to be processed through the online flight portal:
The online flight portal is unable to process the following requests and you must book these yourself independently:
Online check-in
Some airlines may not permit online check-in where flights have been booked by a travel company. Where unavailable to do so online, you will be required to check-in at the airport. Inspiring Vacations cannot check-in online on behalf of our customers.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorised as a”3"
3 – Moderate Tour: A good level of fitness and mobility is required, as this tour includes a moderate level of physical activity and is considered a medium-fast paced tour. You should be able to walk up and down stairs, get on and off the coach and able to walk reasonable distances of approximately 2 kilometres per day or more with ease. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. While tipping is not customary, it's of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many destinations.
You may also consider tipping your tour leader and driver for outstanding service throughout your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, however, any changes are beyond our control.
Single Supplement
Single supplement is $374.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price.
Triple Share
Not available.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling.
We have partnered with nib to offer our customers competitive rates for their travel insurance. You can book Comprehensive or Essentials cover for your domestic, international or multi-trip journeys simply by clicking HERE.
Note that Inspiring Vacations cannot provide advice with regards to any insurance product.
Visa & Passport information
It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return.
Most countries passport holders require a visa to enter Vietnam.
You will need to arrange your Visas for travel to Vietnam closer to departure. Please note, we don't recommend applying for the e-visa until around 30-45 days prior to your departure.
Visa's are easiest to complete online and take approximately 72 hours to confirm.
You will be able to obtain your e-visa when you have your flight documents indicating your date of entry into Vietnam. Remaining tour documentation, including hotel details, will be sent 4 weeks prior to departure.
Please note the e-visa is limited to 30 days validity from the date of arrival and is only valid for 3 months from date of issue.
You must make sure that the same travel document that was used for applying online is used for entering into Vietnam.
Visit https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/ to apply for an e-visa.
Information required:
Once approved, please ensure that you travel with the following documentation as they are required to present to customs upon arrival into the country:
Please note that these details are subject to change without notice. We recommend visiting https://smartraveller.gov.au for up to date information in terms of entry requirements.
Group Size
Maximum of 16 people
Children
Children must be 5 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.
Tour Style
To meet the needs of various types of travelers, we choose to operate various types of tours, and depending on your selected package will mean different services are provided throughout your trip. The following descriptions of each tour style we hope will ensure that each traveller has appropriate expectations before they start their travels:
Overnight Sleeper Train
Sleeper trains typically have four or six berth compartments with bench seats that convert into sleeping bunks. A sheet, pillow and blanket are provided, although some travelers prefer to bring their own sleeping sheet. Depending on the configuration of the group, you may have to share with people of different genders or passengers who aren’t part of the group. Your leader will coordinate and give further information on the trip. Most trains have a dining carriage serving simple food, but we recommend that you stock up on snacks and drinks before departure.
To enhance your journey, we are offering guests a choice of the following optional activities (prices are per person):
Optional tours can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add Optional Tours, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance. If you choose not to select them at this time, you can choose to add them later by logging in to your Account online.
Please note that you must select your Optional Tours no later than 70 days before departure, after which you will be required to purchase them on tour. Please keep in mind that anything purchased on-tour is subject to availability and prices may vary as you will be paying in local currency. We appreciate your understanding.
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Pre Tour Accommodation
Post Tour Accommodation
Arrival and departure airport transfers
Your transfer may be shared with other Inspiring Vacations customers.
Please select the number of extra nights required in the 'Additional Nights Accommodation' field when making your purchase. The additional cost for these arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.
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