Overview
Itinerary
Fly to Saigon, Vietnam's most evocative and largest city. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture. (D)
This morning, contemplate the struggles of guerrilla warfare at the famous Cu Chi Tunnels before returning to Saigon. This exuberant city is driving Vietnam forward into the modern world, but it is also a treasure trove of fascinating heritage. See the colonial Notre Dame Cathedral and visit the Central Post Office, the Reunification Palace, and the chilling War Remnants Museum. (B/L/D)
Journey to Ben Tre to take a cruise on the Mekong. Paddle through the maze of palm-lined canals and get a glimpse of daily life on the Mekong Delta. Enjoy a lunch of typical Mekong dishes and make a stop at Vinh Trang Pagoda en route back to Saigon. (B/L/D)
Fly to Danang and transfer to Hoi An.
This afternoon take a walking tour of this charming town – a wonderfully laidback and wilfully traditional place, whose streets are a delight to wander. Visit an old merchant's house, Quan Cong Temple, the elaborate Japanese Bridge and the bustling market. (B/L/D)
Head out into the countryside to Tra Que, a small farming community that supplies many hotels and restaurants in the area with vegetables and herbs. Here you can enjoy the lush green countryside and stroll through the gardens to see the farmers at work.
Later spend the afternoon at leisure back in Hoi An. (B/L/D)
Leave Hoi An for Hue, taking a scenic route over the Hai Van Pass. The epitome of Vietnam's dynastic past, Hue is a dignified and scholarly city. Visit the imposing Imperial Citadel and Forbidden Purple City. The magnificent centrepiece of the Royal Empire, the citadel was extensively damaged during the Vietnam War. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Royal Tomb of Minh Mang, a complex of 40 monuments set in surroundings of gardens and pools. Continue to the old Thien Mu Pagoda before taking a cruise on the Perfume River. (B/L/D)
This morning, fly 1 hour and 20 minutes to the charming city of Hanoi, where the afternoon is at leisure. (B/L/D)
Sightseeing today includes a wander through the Ho Chi Minh Quarter, where you'll visit Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum (closed at certain times of year) and the Stilt House set in the gardens of the Presidential Palace. Also visit One Pillar Pagoda and the Confucian Temple of Literature. End the day's explorations with a cyclo tour through the Old Quarter and enjoy a flavourful Vietnamese coffee at a café overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake. (B/L/D)
Board a traditional sailing ship on Halong Bay and cruise out into its tranquil waters. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and a vision of awe-inspiring beauty, it's easy to see why it is one of Vietnam's most beloved destinations. Enjoy excursions such as kayaking or exploring island caves this afternoon. Tonight, relax and enjoy Christmas dinner - Vietnamese style! The festive meal is served on Christmas Eve in Vietnam thanks to French influences left over from the colonial period. Enjoy the celebrations with newfound friends and your National Ecort as the stars glimmer over the bay. (B/L/D)
Begin a Christmas Day like no other – watching the sun rise over Halong Bay. Sail into Lan Ha Bay – Halong's equally beautiful but lesser-known twin! Far fewer cruise ships are permitted to operate in Lan Ha Bay, thanks to its protected status as part of Cat Ba National Park. Enjoy the Halong experience without the crowds. Today, choose from included activities such as kayaking at Ho Ba Ham (Three Tunnel Lake). Here, limestone tunnels connect three peaceful lakes within the bay – an extraordinary place where time seems to stand still. Alternatively, join a tour of Cua Van Fishing Village, a colourful floating village inhabited by multiple generations of fishermen and their families.
This evening, enjoy a drinks reception on deck, exclusively for Wendy Wu Tours travellers. (B/L/D)
Fly to Australia, arriving home the same or following day. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Experience Saigon's edgy and evocative blend of past and present
- Discover the legendary Cu Chi tunnel network used by the Viet Cong
- Catch a glimpse of rural Vietnam in Tra Que village
- Delve into Vietnam's dynastic past in imperial Hue
- Soak up the charms of Vietnam's fast-paced yet graceful capital Hanoi
- Drift on emerald waters amongst the picturesque peaks of Halong Bay
- International flights and current taxes (excluded if a land only option is selected)
- Domestic transportation
- Touring with guides and entrance fees
- 4 star accommodation
- Visa fees for Australian passport holders
- 11 Breakfasts, 10 Lunches, 11 Dinners
- Your accommodation is selected for convenience of location, comfort or character, and can range from a business hotel in one city to a family run guesthouse in a smaller town. In more remote areas, accommodation may be of a lower standard and may not have all western amenities.
- Hotels are generally rated as local three to four-star standard, but please note that there is no international classification system for hotels and differences in facilities and quality do exist between Australia and Southeast Asia. All group tour hotels have private western bathroom facilities, air conditioning, TV and telephone. Plumbing and electricity supplies can be erratic and quite often the power in hotel rooms is turned off while guests are out of the room.
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- Flight Inclusive rates only: These include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Correct as of 1 June 2022. Please note supplements may apply if lead in economy rates are not available.
- Customary tipping amount of approximately US$80pp (AU$116pp) is paid locally in Vietnam.
- Depending on airline schedules, you may depart and/or arrive on Day 2. Extra nights' accommodation (pre or post tour) or stopovers may be required at an additional cost.
- Flight Inclusive rates only: Based on departures from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide & Perth. Departures from other cities and flight upgrades available on request.
Everything is taken care of including your flights, accommodation, sightseeing and entrance fees listed on your itinerary and all your meals. Read more
Wendy Wu include return international economy-class flights from Australia as part of their fully inclusive tours. Upgrades are available too! Read more
On all of our tours you will be escorted by a dedicated National Escort, tasked with the responsibility to keep you safe, happy, entertained and inspired. Read more
Brochure
Wendy Wu India (2024-25)
Availability
Prices include air taxes and fuel surcharges, this amount is correct at time of brochure release and subject to change. Note air supplement may apply depending on airline availability and departure city. The majority of departures above will proceed or are guaranteed to depart (based on a minimum of 10 passengers). We will outline the status of your departure date in your quote along with all applicable discounts and specials.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Wendy Wu. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Wendy Wu. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
