✓ Incredible sightseeing including, strolling around the tranquil capital Hanoi, overnight cruise in Halong Bay, walking the famous spots in Hoi An Old Town, including Japanese Bridge, the Chinese Temple and Phung Hung Old House. Discover Saigon city’s highlights plus experience the 250-km underground tunnels of Cu Chi tunnels and venture to Cambodia to visit Angkor Wat and Phnom Penh
✓ Superb accommodation in 4-5 star hotels
✓ Overnight on board a luxury cruise on Halong Bay on board the Scarlet Pearl.
✓ Breakfast daily, 4 lunches & 1 dinner
✓ Local English speaking guides in Vietnam
✓ Air-conditioned transportation throughout
✓ All entrance and sightseeing fees as mentioned in the program
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 to the airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel for check-in. The rest of your day is at lesiure to explore the beautiful ancient capital city before a big day of touring tomorrow.
Today, you will travel by coach through the rich farm land 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, especially if you are into photography. Enjoy a morning cup of coffee or tea, before setting out to explore nearby islands. Return to the junk for breakfast then take advantage of the sundeck and admire the amazing rock formations of Halong Bay. Your driver will meet you at the Halong jetty then drive back to Hanoi in the afternoon.
This morning, we take a city tour of Hanoi and will explore attractions such as the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, taking photos outside Ho Chi Minh Complex (Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda) and Tran Quoc Pagoda, one of the oldest pagodas in Vietnam. Then we take a 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.
In the morning, you will explore Hoi An on foot, 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 to link them with the Chinese quarters. Over the centuries the ornamentation has remained relatively faithful to the original Japanese design. The French flattened out the roadway for cars, but the original arched shape was restored in 1986. Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure to wander through the town or relax at one of the many cafés along the picturesque Thu Bon River.
You will be picked up at your hotel for a 40-kilometre drive to My Son Sanctuary, a World Heritage Site. Upon arrival, get ready to stand astounded by the abandoned and partially ruined Hindu temples constructed by the kings of Champa. We will journey back to Hoi An in the late morning then embark on a cruise down the poetic Thu Bon River. Enjoy the idyllic and scenic view along the river’s banks before stopping by a famous traditional ceramic village, Thanh Ha Pottery Village. Have fun experiencing the villagers’ daily life.
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.
In the afternoon, you will be transferred to Da Nang airport to fly to Saigon. On arrival at Saigon airport, you’ll be picked up by a guide and taken to check in at the hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.
On arrival at the Ba Na mountain foot, we’ll travel by cable car up to the Marseille station. Get out and take a short walk to the Golden Bridge – you will feel like walking on the clouds. Just newly opened to the public in early June 2018 the bridge which was built in the midst of the forest stands out in yellow. Noteworthy, this unique architecture with the bridge image supported by grey hands, creates a beautiful scenery surprise. Afterwards, we’ll walk further to a romantic flower garden – Le Jardin D’Amour. The 9 gardens are 9 interesting stories in 9 unique architectural styles. . Finally, we’ll catch the cable car downhill and then transfer to Hoi An. Includes transfer to and from your hotel.
After breakfast, we continue on to Cu Chi Tunnels. During the Vietnam War, guerrilla fighters built a labyrinth of narrow tunnels, using them to hide in 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. Afternoon you will have a half day tour of Ho Chi Minh City with highlights such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, Post Office, War Remnant Museum and soaking up the atmosphere at Ben Thanh market, one of Ho Chi Minh’s liveliest areas.
Enjoy a day of leisure to explore Ho Chi Minh City or partake in the two optional tours.
Today you will take a flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival at the airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore this vibrant city.
Start your Mekong Delta exploring to Ben Tre Province to embark on board cruise on Ben Tre river (one of tributaries of Mekong river, sight-seeing lively activities along river as fishing, water transferring). Visit one of plenty of coconut processing workshops located along canal. Turn on natural scissors creeks where they look smaller and smaller to go to village and take a walk to family workshop making sleep mats and enjoying some fruits and tea. Continue taking a motor cart (xe lôi) or cycle riding under tree shades, pass by green rice fields and vegetable plains to be able to touch on really life and find out about tropical culture from Peasants. Lunch is served at the restaurant riverside. Afternoon, you take rowing-boat along water palm creek and boat back to Hung Vuong Pier, where your transport is waiting back to Saigon.
Spend a full day discovering the mystical Angkor temples. Your day starts with a visit to Angkor Wat, then we will visit the ancient Ta Prohm Monastery.
In the afternoon, visit Angkor Thom (the Great City) beginning by the south gate and the famous Bayon of the 12th and 13th centuries. Then, journey to the Elephant Terrace and the raised Leper King Terrace, built in the 12th century and which features many beautifully sculptured Apsaras.
Enjoy your leisure time this morning before your journey by bus to Phnom Penh.
Late in the morning, check out your hotel and then we will drive you to Phnom Penh Capital. Watch as the Cambodian countryside passes by and the unique modes of transport local people use to carry their wares. On arrival in Phnom Penh we check-in to the hotel where the rest of the evening is at leisure. Why not stroll the riverside or have a drink at the famous Foreign Correspondent Club.
This morning we take in everything Phnom Penh has to offer: The Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, Independence Monument and Wat Ounalom. Afterwards, enjoy shopping for unique souvenirs at Central Market.
Later, discover the place where journalists camped on the eve of the Khmer Rouge takeover followed by the exciting ghostly building. Touring to Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a former school served as Khmer Rouge prison before heading to the Choeung Ek Killing Field and learn about the atrocities that took place here. Finally, taste some Khmer snacks while learning how the bloody history still haunts Cambodian lives.
Hop on a boat to Tonle Sap Lake, and as yet bypassed by mass tourism. All the houses are on stilts offering an exceptional natural environment with breathtaking views of floodplains, rice fields and water vistas as far as the eye can see. You have a chance to take a look at crocodiles raised by a family and see how Vietnamese people live on the largest freshwater lake in South East Asia. Then we return to the hotel for a relaxing afternoon.
Today you will be transported to Phnom Penh airport for your flight to home. We hope you have had a truly inspiring vacation.
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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.
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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 “4”:
4 – Lively Tour: This is considered a fast-paced tour. In order to explore as much as possible, this tour may require early starts and long travel days. One to two nights at one destination is standard. While some free time may be scheduled, most sightseeing is included throughout this tour. 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. To ensure this trip is right for you, 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 aid, then this tour is not suitable.
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. Tipping is not compulsory on your trip, but they can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry. If you feel that your guide and driver have done an impeccable job, you can choose to give a gratuity, but this is entirely your decision.
For the services of your guide, it is suggested that you budget for AUD$10 per person, per day. Tipping of your driver is also appreciated and we would suggest AUD$5 per person, per day.
As this particular tour does not collect a ‘kitty’, it is entirely up to the individual whether or not you would like to tip locals for the services of things like taxis or when dining at restaurants. In these cases, we suggest you allow 10-20% of the value of the service as a tip. Again, it is not compulsory and entirely up to the individual.
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 $1,438 per person in addition to the twin-share price.
Triple share
Not available.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required to protect yourself against the unexpected.
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 to Australia.
Australian passport holders will 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:
You may require a double entry visa for Vietnam if your flights home from Cambodia come via Vietnam.
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. Visas should not be applied for until you receive your final documentation.
Cambodia;
Australian passport holders can obtain a tourist visa on arrival for stays of less than 30 days.
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
6 to a maximum of 30 travellers
Trip Style - Partially Escorted
A portion of this tour runs as a group tour where you will be escorted by an expert tour leader. Another portion is self -guided. We have arranged transportation in most cases and day tours for you to see the destination. Enjoy the time and flexibility to linger longer or pick up the pace and see as much as possible. The choice is yours
Children
Children must be 2 years old or over and share a room with parents at all times. Children are the same price as adults.
Tour Length
The total length of the tour in days includes time spent inflight and is subject to change, depending on the flight schedule. Please refer to the day-by-day itinerary for the time spent in your destination(s).
Click HERE for more information on weather in Vietnam.
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