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Vietnam cultural holiday

country:Vietnam
location:North Vietnam, South Vietnam 
trip type: A small group adventure
departures:Departs 2 - 5 Sundays a month throughout the year
price:From £995 (17 days) excluding flights. We can arrange flights from the UK
vouchers:Gift vouchers can be used with this holiday
 
the amazing things you'll be doing
There will never be a better time to experience the emergence of Vietnam. We start in bustling Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) and head for the tranquil hill station of Dalat. In the old port town of Hoi An, Portuguese, Chinese and Japanese influences from bygone eras are reflected in the charming architecture. It's also an ideal place for shopping or having a silk outfit tailored. At Hue, we visit the crumbling ruins of the Purple Forbidden City and explore an elaborate tomb of one of the former emperors. A trip on the famous Reunification Express takes us to delightful Hanoi, before we complete our journey at Halong Bay with a cruise amongst 3000 limestone pinnacles.

You can also start your Vietnam experience two days earlier and visit the bustling and colourful Mekong Delta. See 'Itinerary Variation' in the Detailed Itinerary for further information.
day-by-day itinerary
Day 1:(Sun) Arrive in Saigon and transfer to hotel.
Day 2-3:Visit Cu Chi tunnels. Free day to explore Saigon.
Day 4-5:Drive to Dalat. Optional visit to tribal villages.
Day 6:Drive to Nha Trang.
Day 7:Full day boat cruise around islands, with swimming and snorkelling.
Day 8:Drive through Vietnamese countryside to Quy Nhon.
Day 9-10:Stop at My Lai, then drive to Hoi An. Walking tour of Old Town and free day to explore.
Day 11-12:Drive to Hue via Marble Mountain and China Beach. Visit Citadel and Forbidden Purple City, Perfume River cruise. Overnight train to Hanoi.
Day 13-14:Explore Hanoi, including city tour and lunch at KOTO restaurant.
Day 15-16:Drive to Halong Bay. Boat cruise on bay, staying onboard overnight. Return to Hanoi.
Day 17:Trip ends in Hanoi this morning (Tue).
small group adventure holiday
Typically you will be sharing your experiences with between 4-20 like minded travellers (depending on the trip, operator and how many others are booked on the trip) and you'll have a group leader with you. Whether you are travelling alone or with friends its good value, and a great way to meet new people! While itineraries are pre-planned there is some flexibility and you'll have plenty of privacy. This trip will appeal to travellers of all ages who enjoy meeting new people as well as seeing new places.
highly commended
This tourism business was Highly Commended in our 2007 Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards - the largest awards of their kind in the world, and organised by responsibletravel.com in association with The Times, World Travel Market and Geographical Magazine, of the Royal Geographical Society.

Since 2004, the Awards has recognised individuals, companies and organisations in travel making a big commitment to the culture and economies of local communities and helping to conserve biodiversity.
how this holiday makes a difference
Beautiful scenery on Vietnam holidaySee Vietnam through the eyes of a local, as your Vietnamese tour leader gives you a first-hand insight into the colourful and diverse tapestry that makes up this unique country. Wandering around historic towns and visiting pagodas gives travellers an awareness of these important cultural relics and the importance of them being preserved and protected, so that future generations can continue to appreciate them. A prime example is the old trading port town of Hoi An, which has a timeless feel about it that is sure to make any visitor feel as though they have been transported back to bygone era.

The concept of tourism in Vietnam is fairly recent when compared to other countries in Asia and to support programs there, this operator is training their tour leaders on a variety of issues, from environmental awareness to First Aid. This not only assists in the conduct of a tour but also provides leaders with important life skills.

They are involved in assisting a number of community projects in Vietnam aimed at bettering the standard of living for many of the local people. One of these causes is the Loreto Vietnam-Australia Project, based in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), which provides shelter for street kids and has also established a school for the blind. A highlight of this trip is enjoying lunch at the KOTO restaurant in Hanoi. KOTO stands for 'Know One, Teach One' and is based around a restaurant that was established to provide vocational training and experience in the hospitality industry to underprivileged youths. The food there is delicious!

As part of our responsible travel policy we also employ local leaders and actively avoid international hotel chains, preferring to give our patronage to authentic, centrally-located and owner-managed establishments whenever possible. Our locally born and raised leaders are great fun and will be a great part of your holiday because of their intimate knowledge of the sights, culture and customs, history and language of their homeland. Once you have traveled with a local leader you will understand that there is no better way!

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