11 Day Highlights Of Vietnam With Mekong Extension
This tour includes return international airfares. See the Fine Print section for further details.
This tour features a combination of escorted and independent travel. Part of your journey will be enjoyed as a group experience, led by expert tour leaders or local guides. The remainder is self-guided—whether by rail, cruise, or overland—allowing you the freedom to travel between destinations independently and explore at your own pace.
This tour is categorised as 3 out of 5
Balanced exploration with walking tours: Our most popular style, this tour offers a good mix of planned activities and free time. Expect moderate daily walking tours, so pack comfortable shoes.
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
These tours allow you to experience the destination with a comfortable sized group. You will travel with between a maximum of 26-30 other guests depending on your selected tour. Please see the Important Information on your selected tour for exact group size. Enjoy features such as a wide range of included sightseeing, comfortable accommodation and a range of optional activities to choose from to best suit your travel style.
✓ Return international airfares included with Bamboo Airlines or Vietnam Airlines
✓ Comfortable group tour, with no more than 30 travellers
✓ Incredible sightseeing including exploring the vibrant capital Hanoi, historic Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City, an overnight cruise in UNESCO-listed Halong Bay, iconic sights like Tran Quoc Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex and the famous Cu Chi Tunnels before finishing with an overnight Mekong River cruise
✓ 7 nights in central 4-star accommodation
✓ Breakfast daily, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
✓ Overnight cruise on a deluxe, 4-star traditional junk boat on Halong Bay, including all meals
✓ Overnight Mekong River cruise on a deluxe, 4-star boat, including all meals
✓ Professional, English-speaking tour guides in each destination
✓ Comfortable, dedicated transportation throughout
✓ In-depth sightseeing and entrance fees as per the itinerary
✓ Airport transfers included on the first and last day of tour
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.
Chao mung! Or welcome to Vietnam.
Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for check-in. The rest of your day is at leisure to explore the beautiful ancient capital city before a big day of touring tomorrow.
Check in: Passengers 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 hotels discretion.
Some flights may depart the night before and fly overnight, to arrive on Day 1
After breakfast, join a city tour of Hanoi and explore the city’s main attractions such as the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, Ho Chi Minh Complex (Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda) and Tran Quoc Pagoda - one of the oldest pagodas in Vietnam. After a morning of sightseeing, visit a local food outlet and learn how Australian beef is imported and sold to Vietnamese customers. Lunch today is included.
2024 itinerary amendment
Please note for 2024 departures you will travel to Halong Bay for the evening of day 2, returning to Hanoi by road on day three. Touring of Hanoi is on day 4 prior to the afternoon flight to Danang.
AUSTRALIAN PREMIUM BEEF WITH A VIETNAMESE TWIST DINNER
Visit a local restaurant where talented chefs combine Australian premium beef and Vietnamese ingredients into a local experience locals can’t have enough of. Pair your meal with a Dalat red wine for a memorable evening full of Vietnamese flavours.
Today, you will travel by coach through the rich farmland of the Red River Delta to arrive at Halong Bay. Designated a World Heritage site in 1994, Halong Bay’s spectacular scatter of islands, dotted with wind- and wave-eroded grottoes, is a vision of ethereal beauty.
Upon arrival you will board a 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.
Awake early and participate in Tai Chi on the top deck or simply relax and enjoy the sunrise over the bay’s towering islands, a sight not to be missed! Enjoy a morning cup of coffee or tea, before setting out to explore nearby islands by rowboat. Return to the junk for breakfast then take advantage of the sundeck and admire the amazing rock formations of Halong Bay. Enjoy a light lunch before heading back to shore. Your driver will then meet you at the Halong jetty for your drive back to Hanoi in time for the short flight to Da Nang.
Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the UNESCO World Heritage listed town of Hoi An. As an important trading route during the 15th to 19th centuries, Hoi An is now a unique blend of culture, cuisine and architecture. Step back in time as you wander the narrow streets of this charming former trading port, with its ancient covered bridges and temples.
Today, enjoy a day of leisure to explore Hoi An or join an optional tour.
Golden Bridge Tour
This morning you’ll be collected from the hotel and transferred to the Ba Na mountains. Travel by cable car to the Marseille station before a short walk to the Golden Bridge. Supported by two giant ‘stone’ hands, the Golden Bridge offers superb views.
Next, walk to the Le Jardin D’Amour - 9 gardens with 9 stories in 9 styles. Continue to the Linh Ung Pagoda to admire its sophisticated architecture together with a 27m high Shakyamuni statue. Finally, catch the cable car downhill and transfer back to Hoi An.
This morning, explore Hoi An on a walking tour, visiting an old merchant’s home, Hoi An Market, a local Chinese temple and the Japanese Covered Bridge. The bridge was first constructed here in the 1590s by the Japanese community.
Over the centuries its style has remained faithful to the original Japanese design. The French flattened the roadway for cars, but the original arched shape was restored in 1986. After lunch, enjoy some free time before a transfer to Da Nang airport for the flight to Ho Chi Minh. On arrival at Saigon airport, you’ll be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel.
This morning, continue to Cu Chi Tunnels. During the Vietnam War, guerrilla fighters built a labyrinth of narrow tunnels, using them to hide during bombing raids and to stage surprise attacks. Today, the remaining tunnels have become a major tourist attraction, giving visitors a unique understanding of what life was like during the Vietnam War. Later this afternoon, embark on a tour of Ho Chi Minh City (formerly known as Saigon). Visit highlights such as the Post Office, the War Remnant Museum, photograph the Notre Dame Cathedral and soak up the atmosphere at Ben Thanh market, one of Ho Chi Minh’s liveliest areas.
Today is a free day to explore more of Ho Chi Minh City or join an optional excursion.
DINNER ON SAIGON RIVER CRUISE
Dinner on Saigon River Cruise offers an opportunity to witness another side of Saigon.. Hop on your wooden barge and sail down the river. Feel the gentle breeze caressing your skin and enjoy a lovely dinner accompanied by the traditional music and dance performances.
Embark on a cruise on the Ben Tre River visiting local brickworks, a local coconut processing workshop and village to witness traditional handicrafts. Continue taking a motor cart (xe lôi) or cycling through the green rice fields and vegetable plains. Lunch is served at a riverside restaurant. In the afternoon, sail back to Hung Vuong Pier for your return to the city.
After breakfast this morning, you’ll be collected from the hotel lobby for the journey of around three hours to Can Tho. On arrival enjoy a refreshing welcome drink and be introduced to your ship for the evening. Depart downstream along the Hau River where you will enjoy lunch on board. Turning into the Nicolai canal, towards the Mang Thit River, enjoying the scenery of rice fields, sugar cane fields and local life along this busy river. By mid-afternoon, the Bassac anchors for a visit onshore. Take a refreshing walk and discover the peaceful life of the delta's countryside.
Once back on board, relax on deck for the afternoon and enjoy a sunset drink at the bar. Set anchor downstream of Tra On for the evening.
Wake up early to watch the sunrise along the riverbank. Continue past Tra On and on towards Can Tho. Enjoy breakfast and look forward to a relaxing morning of sailing.
Arrive in Cần Thơ where you will transfer onto a local boat to visit the Cai Rang floating market and a local noodle factory, learning the secrets of this Vietnamese staple. Back on board, continue along the river and back towards your starting point at Ninh Kieu pier. Disembark and drive back to Ho Chi Minh airport for your flight home.
Arrive home today. We hope you've been inspired.
Overnight cruise on a deluxe, 4-star traditional junk boat on Halong Ba
Inspiring Vacations has been globally recognized and awarded for its handling of COVID-19 during the pandemic. The safety and well-being of our guests are our highest concern during this time of uncertainty, and we are continuously monitoring the evolving COVID-19 situation.
We have adopted the advice of the WHO to ensure all customers can travel with the knowledge of how to travel safely and with confidence.
Australian owned and operated
We are proudly 100% Australian-owned and now operating across Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and Canada. Our head office is located in Melbourne, Victoria, with offices around the globe to provide you with 24/7 support while you travel. When you book with Inspiring Vacations, you'll receive the support of travel professionals who are committed to the mission of inspiring people everywhere to experience the world.
Cooling off period
If you change your mind within 7 days of making your booking online, you can request a refund of your initial deposit payment as part of our cooling-off period. Once your purchase date falls outside of the 7-day period, our standard terms and conditions will apply.
Please ensure that any request to cancel your booking is received via email to [email protected], including the reason for cancellation.
Book now and secure your package with only a $99.00 deposit per person. You will then be invoiced for final payment 7 days after your initial booking.
Please click 'Book Now' and proceed to the payment page. The total due will be reflected accordingly.
Booking Process
This package includes international airfares or has the option of adding international airfares to your booking when selecting your departure city.
If international airfares are included this will be stated in the ‘Inclusions’ section
Alternatively, if international airfares can be added to your booking you will be able to select your departure city after clicking ‘Book Now’ and a cost will be stated next to your selected departure city. This cost will then be added to your booking and flights will be added to your booking.
Conditions of flights for this package bookable by Inspiring Vacations:
Baggage
Included baggage differs based on your country of origin. Included baggage will be as per the following:
Country of Origin |
Carry-on Baggage |
Checked Baggage |
Australia |
7kgs |
20kgs |
New Zealand |
7kgs |
20kgs |
United States of America |
15lbs |
45lbs |
Canada |
15lbs |
45lbs |
India |
7kgs |
20kgs |
United Kingdom |
7kgs |
20kgs |
Baggage allowances provided by the airline might differ to the values stated above. However limitations are required due to transport storage restrictions on your selected tour or package.
Flight requests, amendments or preferences
We understand customers may wish to request changes to their included airfares. If you wish to fly with a certain airline, land at a certain time or change your flight in other ways we will gladly provide you with a personalised quote tailored to your specific requirements.
To make a flight request, please click ‘Book Now’ and select Would you like us to contact you around our flight service? By selecting this option you will be sent a request form after completing your purchase to make your request.
We would be more than happy to provide you with a quote for the following requests:
We are currently unable to provide a quote for the following requests:
If we can’t fulfill your request and you still wish to proceed with the booking, please select Land Only (excluding UK customers). This will allow you to travel on the land portion of the package without the included airfares. You will then be able to arrange your own flights separately.
FAQs
For more frequently asked questions please view our FAQs section.
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.
This package is sold as land only, however you do have the option of adding 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 assist with flying the airline of your choice to turn your booking into a flight inclusive package.
We would be more than happy to provide you with a quote for the following requests:
We are currently unable to provide a quote for the following requests:
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.
COVID-19
Due to COVID there maybe disruptions to standard operating schedules of particular components of this itinerary. Should a component be effected a substitute will be confirmed prior to departure.
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”
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. Suggested amount for your guide, 500Y per person per day. 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 $1,194.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price.
Triple Share
Not available.
Tour Length
The total length of the tour in days includes time spent in flight and is subject to change depending on the flight schedule, please refer to the day by day itinerary for the time spent on land.
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.
Visas may be required.
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.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation including e-tickets and hotel details will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
Group Size
15-30 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:
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.
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