Vietnam - Culture & Multi Activity

  Vietnam

Dates: Private Departures only

Description: This trip has it all, we show you the main sights from north to south as well as give you a deep insight into ethnic culture plus a taste of adventure - trekking and kayaking.

Discover the excitement and charm of Vietnam as we explore the country by land, sea, river and air. From trekking in the country's mountainous north and staying with ethnic people in their own homes, to kayaking amid the stunning backdrop of Ha Long Bay. We visit the country's cultural heartland in Hue and Hoi An before heading south to the lush flood plains of the Mekong Delta.

Highlights: Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Hanoi - At Hanoi Airport our guide will accompany you to your hotel. Rest and recover. No meals.

Day 2 Hanoi - City tour including Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum and a walking tour of Hanoi's vibrant Old Quarter. In the afternoon we visit the Temple of Literature and the impressive Museum of Ethnology. (B).

Day 3 Mai Chau Trek - Depart Hanoi for Mai Chau and begin the hike. The verdant and rugged mountain scenery combined with the colourful local people makes this an unforgettable experience, with trekking and culture combined. We stay overnight as the guests of a H'mong family in a traditional long house. (B, L, D).

Day 4 Mai Chau Trek - Today we are trekking well and truly off the beaten track as we trek through tropical rain forest, using local tracks and passing fields as we descend into the Mai Chau Valley. The trek usually takes around 7 hours and is quite steep in places. Overnight with a Thai family in a stilt house. (B, L, D).

Day 5 Mai Chau - Hanoi - We trek for a couple of hours passing through several more Thai hamlets on the valley before we return to Hanoi. (B, L).

Day 6 Hanoi - Ha Long Bay - Kayaking We leave the capital for Ha Long Bay. We explore the secluded bays and beaches by kayak. We overnight on board our boat. (B, L, D).

Day 7 Ha Long Bay - Hanoi We spend the morning kayaking in the bay before returning to Hanoi. In the evening we board the famous Reunification Express for our southbound train to Hue. (B, L).

Day 8 Hue - We arrive in Vietnam's former capital in the morning. We then have a guided tour of the Citadel, containing the Imperial City and the Forbidden Purple City. (B).

Day 9 Hue - Hoi An - This morning we have a dragon boat cruise down The Perfume River visiting Royal Tombs enroute. Later we drive up the spectacular Hai Van Pass and down to Hoi An. (B).

Day 10 Hoi An - Morning orientation tour of Hoi An's historic old quarter. The remainder of the day is free. (B).

Day 11 Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City - We transfer to Danang airport for the flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). In the afternoon we have a tour of the city's most famous sights. (B).

Day 12 Ho Chi Minh City, Cu Chi, Tay Ninh - In the morning we have an excursion to the famous Cu Chi tunnels followed by the Cao Dai temple at Tay Ninh. (B, L).

Day 13 Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta - This morning we travel by road to the heart of the Mekong Delta. We take a boat around the tributaries of the mighty Mekong River to give us a proper perspective of life on the river. We stay in a local home. (B, L, D).

Day 14 Mekong Delta, Ho Chi Minh City - We return to Saigon in the afternoon where the remainder of the day is free. In the evening we have a farewell dinner. (B, D).

Day 15 Depart Ho Chi Minh City. The tour finishes after breakfast. There will be a transfer waiting to take you to the airport for your departure flight. (B).

Dates: Every Saturday

Cost in US$: 1340

Participants Travel to Vietnam Independently

Post Services Include:

• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Nepal Kingdom Foundation & Muirs Tours's Mission Statement: The Nepal Kingdom Foundation was established in 1982 to develop community spirit and preserve the culture and traditions of the Nepalese people in the UK. In 1999 the objectives were extended to include development projects in Nepal to help the needy of one of the world's poorest countries. The not-for-profit tour operation - Muirs Tours was set up in July 1999 by the Nepal Kingdom Foundation as a means of raising funds for use in projects in Nepal and the Nepalese Community in the UK. From the outset Muirs Tours planned to provide trips to other places outside of Nepal and support to other charities. It currently supports the WWF, the John Muir Trust, Tourism Concern, Survival International, the Tibetan Government in exile, the American Indian Heritage Foundation as well as the Nepal Kingdom Foundation.

Year Founded: 1982 & 1999