General Information

Duration: 8 Days/7 Nights
Start/End: Hanoi/Hanoi
Tour Route: Hanoi – Dong Ngac Cultural Village – Hoa Lu – Tam Coc – Halong Bay – Sapa – Hanoi
Tour Customizable: Absolutely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Hanoi (D)
Day 2: Dong Ngac Cultural Village with bike – ½ Day (B, L, D)
Day 3: Hoa Lu – Tam Coc – Van Long (B, L, D)
Day 4: Van Long – Ninh Binh – Halong Bay (B, L, D)
Day 5: Halong – Hanoi – Sapa (B, L)
Day 6: Sapa – Cat Cat – Y Linh Ho – Ta Van Homestay (B, L, D)
Day 7: Ta Van – Giang Ta Chai – Su Pan – Lao Cai (B, L, D)
Day 8: Hanoi departure (B)

Full Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Hanoi (D)

Upon arrival in Hanoi, teacher and students will be greeted then transferred to hotel. After a short rest, we enjoy a 1-hour cyclo tour of the French inspired "old quarter". We will then sit down to enjoy a performance of the city’s famous Water Puppets. After the show, we will have welcome dinner at a fine local restaurant in town.

Day 2: Dong Ngac Cultural Village with bike – ½ Day (B, L, D)

Today we travel to Dong Ngac Cultural Village, which is, located about 15km from Hanoi center. This is an ancient village and a Cultural Heritage Site in honor of its educated and heroic people recognized by the kings of Vietnam.  Here we embark on an interesting market tour, experience the bustling market and local life as the host; try to  purchase all the ingredients which we need to cook for our lunch today with the help of tour guides. After that, we transfer to the traditional house for welcome drink and leaving all stuffs we had bought at local market.

Take our bikes and venture deeper into the village: Visit Dong Ngac Communal House, the grounds and architecture of which are built in the shape of a dragon, the oldest house in the village belongs to the Do family and is more than 300 years old and Nguyen family with a house given by the King. Back to the traditional house, it is time for our private cooking demonstration. After watching our host then practice ourselves and then the best part of all, try our dishes! After all our efforts we can reward ourselves and rest back into some reclining chairs in the fragrant retreat of our host’s village garden. All too soon, it is mid-afternoon and time to say good bye to our new friends back to Hanoi.

Day 3: Hoa Lu – Tam Coc – Van Long (B, L, D) (B, L, D)

The Hoa Lu Tam Coc is a popular tourist destination in the North of Vietnam, nearby the city of Ninh Binh. Tam Coc means three caves, which is along the Ngo Dong River which beginning at the village of Van Lam and proceeding through a scenic landscape dominated by rice fields and karst towers. The route includes floating through three natural caves (Hang Cả, Hang Hai, and Hang Ba), the largest of which is 125m long with its ceiling about 2m high above the water. The boats are typically rowed by one or two local women who also sell embroidered goods.

Hoa Lu was Vietnam’s capital city in the 10th and 11th centuries. The area is one of rice fields broken by picturesque limestone mountains, and is approximately 90 km south of Hanoi.  It features several dozen monuments, including King Dinh and King Le Temple & Tombs….

Morning, we meet tour guide and driver at 8h00 then travel to the Southward of Hanoi to Ninh Binh province. We first visit Hoa Lu ancient capital then stop at a local restaurant for lunch. After lunch, we take sampan along the Ngo Dong River to visit three caves Hang Ca, Hang Hai and Hang Ba (Tam Coc). In the afternoon, we will drive 6 Km to Van Long and check in a resort that located by Van Long Nature Reserve where we will spend the night.

Day 4: Van Long – Ninh Binh – Halong Bay (B, L, D)

Today we set off to the ‘Jewel in the Crown of Vietnam’; Halong Bay. Arriving before lunch we will board our boat and then set sail, cruising amongst thousands of extraordinary limestone karst formations. Halong Bay was voted one of ‘The New 7 Wonders of Nature’ in 2011, and once here you will know why it was included in this group.

On arrival in Halong, we will embark on V’Spirit Classic Cruise followed by a short cruise briefing. We will then savor a delectable lunch while V’Spirit Classic cruises among the limestone islands. In the mid-afternoon, we will kayak among the hidden areas of the bay, around the Bo Nau Cave area before going back to the V’Spirit Classic and continue cruising to Soi Sim Island. Go swimming and relaxing at the beach of Soi Sim or climb up to the top of the island for a panorama view of Halong Bay.

In the evening, we will cruise back to the main boat for a shower before having dinner and spend the night onboard.

Day 5: Halong – Hanoi – Sapa (B, L)

Wake up early in the morning and start your day with Tai Chi exercises or a photo hunt before having breakfast. After that, we will explore the amazing Sung Sot Cave – the nicest cave in Halong Bay. After that, we will return to the boat, freshen up and check out of our cabin. Continue our cruise exploring the Bay, passing Ba Hang fishing village, Dog Islet, and more. While heading back to the harbor, watch the cooking demonstration before enjoying a traditional Vietnamese lunch. We will disembark at round noon and find our car is waiting and take us back to Hanoi.

We will have time for refresh and dinner in a local restaurant before our car takes us to Hanoi Railway Station to board the overnight train to Sapa.

Day 6: Sapa – Cat Cat – Y Linh Ho – Ta Van Homestay (B, L, D)

Arrival at Lao Cai Station in the early morning, students and teacher will be welcomed by our local guide and transfer to Sapa. On arrival, we will have breakfast in a nice restaurant in the town centre and leave luggage at the hotel.

After that, we will sneak through the market, and leave the busy town behind. After a couple of minutes, we will follow a road going downhill to Cat Cat village. We will stop by a waterfall and a hydroelectric station for a while before you trek on a dirt trail through rice paddy terraces. We will also enjoy spectacular scenery while walking along a narrow river. We eventually arrive in Y Linh Ho village of Black Hmong minority, where we can take a rest while lunch are served nearby the river.

After lunch, we head to Muong Hoa valley. We will pass through Lao Chai village of Black Hmong minority and then Tavan village of Giay minority by following a very popular trekking route. We will spend the night in local house of Giay minority. We will be able to take a walk to enjoy the valley view as well as swim in the river nearby.

Approx: 5 hours walking/ 1-hour lunch.

Day 7: Ta Van – Giang Ta Chai – Su Pan – Lao Cai (B, L, D)

Once we get energy for our last day trek by having a delicious breakfast, we leave for Giang Ta Chai village of Red Dao minority. We will trek through bamboo forest, which belongs to Hoang Lien National Park. On the way, we will pass by a waterfall where we will have time to take a rest and enjoy the surroundings. We will find a nice place to enjoy lunch.

After lunch, we continue toward Su Pan, a small village located by the road. Here we start our journey back to Sapa by car and have free time for shower and relax before our car arrives to take us back to Lao Cai Station in good time to board the overnight train back to Hanoi.

Approx: 1-hour driving/ 3 hours walking/ 1-hour lunch.

Day 8: Hanoi departure (B)

Arriving in Hanoi in the early morning, we will be met and driven to our hotel for early check in and breakfast. Our time will be free until our driver arrives to take us to Noi Bai airport in good time for departure flight. Tour ends.

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General Information

Duration: 9 Days/8 Nights
Start/End: Hanoi/Hanoi (or Ho Chi Minh City)
Tour Route: Hanoi – Duong Lam Ancient Village – Halong – Hue – Danang – Hoi An – My Son Sanctuary
Tour Customizable: Absolutely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Hanoi (D)
Day 2: Explore the Capital Hanoi (B, L, D)
Day 3: Hanoi – Duong Lam Ancient Village (B, L, D)
Day 4: Hanoi – Halong (B, L, D)
Day 5: Halong – Hanoi – Hue (B, L, D)
Day 6: Hue’s Riverboat and Royal Tombs (B, L, D)
Day 7: Hue – Danang – Hoi An – Walking tour (B, L, D)
Day 8: Hoi An – My Son Sanctuary (B, L)
Day 9: Hoi An – Danang – Hanoi (or Ho Chi Minh City) departure (B)

Full Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Hanoi (D)

Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, teacher and students will be greeted then transferred to hotel. After a short rest, we enjoy a 1-hour cyclo tour of the French inspired "old quarter". We will then sit down to enjoy a performance of the city’s famous Water Puppets. After the show, we will have welcome dinner at a fine local restaurant in town.

Day 2: Explore the Capital Hanoi (B, L, D)

Today we will venture out to explore Hanoi. First up we will visit the famous Hoang Thanh Thang Long (Imperial Citadel of Thang Long) – a cultural complex comprising the Royal enclosure, which was first built in the Ly Dynasty in the 19^th century. We will then visit the nearly Flag Tower of Hanoi – a symbols of the city with 33.4 height. The flag tower was used as a military post during French war and now located in the Military History Museum. After visiting the museum, we will visit the Temple of Literature, which originally built as a temple to Confucius.

After lunch, we visit the Museum of Ethnology, which is widely acknowledged as the best in the country and has an extensive display dedicated to Vietnam's 54 Ethnic minority peoples. We will finish our day with a visit to the St. Joseph’s Cathedral – European neo-Gothic with plenty of up-market shops and restaurants nearby. We will spend the night in Hanoi.

Remarks:

• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is not opened on every Monday & Friday.
• Museum of Ethnology is closed on every Monday.
• The Museum can be moved to your favourite museum in Hanoi.

Day 3: Hanoi – Duong Lam Ancient Village (B, L, D)

Duong Lam Ancient Village is the first ancient village recognised as a national relic by the Ministry of Culture and Information in Vietnam. It has a history of about 1,200 years with many houses dating back up to 400 years. One special thing about the village is that most of the buildings here are made of laterite and mud, two materials that are abundant in the area. Laterite is used on house walls, gates, wells, temple walls, and so forth. The mud is taken from ponds. Apart from its historical and tourism values, Duong Lam ancient village is an important place for scientists to study resident communities in ancient agriculture. The village gate, banyan, well, communal house are important factors in classifying Duong Lam ancient village.

This morning, we meet tour guide and driver at the lobby of the hotel and transfer 60km to the west of Hanoi to visit Duong Lam Ancient village. On arrival, we will walk along the tine ancient alleys, meet and talk over a cup of green tea with the local in the ancient house. We will then visit Mong Phu Temple, the only hamlet whose original village entrance gate remains intact.

After lunch in a local house with traditional Vietnamese food, we will cycle to Mia Pagoda which was built in 15th Century containing 287 statues of different sizes; Ngo Quyen& Phung Hung Temples the two National Heroes of Vietnam. In the late afternoon, we will transfer back to our hotel in Hanoi where we will spend the night.

Day 4: Hanoi – Halong (B, L, D)

Today we set off to the ‘Jewel in the Crown of Vietnam’; Halong Bay. Arriving before lunch we will board our boat and then set sail, cruising amongst thousands of extraordinary limestone karst formations. Halong Bay was voted one of ‘The New 7 Wonders of Nature’ in 2011, and once here you will know why it was included in this group.

On arrival in Halong, we will embark on V’Spirit Classic Cruise followed by a short cruise briefing. We will then savor a delectable lunch while V’Spirit Classic cruises among the limestone islands. In the mid-afternoon, we will kayak among the hidden areas of the bay, around the Bo Nau Cave area before going back to the V’Spirit Classic and continue cruising to Soi Sim Island. Go swimming and relaxing at the beach of Soi Sim or climb up to the top of the island for a panorama view of Halong Bay.

In the evening, we will cruise back to the main boat for a shower before having dinner and spend the night onboard.

Day 5: Halong – Hanoi – Hue (B, L, D)

Wake up early in the morning and start your day with Tai Chi exercises or a photo hunt before having breakfast. After that, we will explore the amazing Sung Sot Cave – the nicest cave in Halong Bay. After that, we will return to the boat, freshen up and check out of your cabin. Continue your cruise exploring the Bay, passing Ba Hang fishing village, Dog Islet, and more. While heading back to the habor, watch the cooking demonstration before enjoying a traditional Vietnamese lunch. We will disembark at round noon and find your car is waiting and take you back to Noi Bai airport in Hanoi for an evening flight to Hue. On arrival, students and teachers will be welcomed by our guide and transfer to the hotel in Hue where we will spend the night.

Day 6: Hue’s Riverboat and Royal Tombs (B, L, D)

Hue is known as an ancient Capital city of many original historical vestiges. There are more than 100 architectural works to be extremely reflected the life of Emperors and Mandarins under Nguyen’s reign. Situated in the middle of hills on the Southern Bank of Perfume River are very beautiful tombs of Nguyen Kings.

After breakfast at hotel, students and teach will board the Dragon Boat on the romantic Perfume River heading out for the countryside. Being the ancient capital, Hue is surrounded with ancient tombs of emperors past, and a visit to the most beautiful tombs will be on the itinerary for today. The charming Lady Pagoda (Thien Mu Pagoda) will be the first stop of the day. We will enjoy a great view on the Perfume River and surrounding area. Thien Mu Pagoda is considered the symbol of Hue, and of Buddhism in Vietnam. From here, we rejoin our van and go visit King Khai Dinh's Tomb.

In the afternoon, we visit the Imperial Citadel and one of city’s ‘garden houses’ and then return to our hotel to freshen-up. In the evening, we will have dinner in the pleasant surroundings and a comfortable atmosphere of another of the garden houses. We spend the night in Hue.

Day 7: Hue – Danang – Hoi An – Walking tour (B, L, D)

After breakfast at the hotel, we travel by vehicle to Hoi An along scenic highway 1A. Along the way, we will stop to contemplate the stunning views North, to Lang Co Beach and South to Danang city.

On arrival in Danang, we will have a brief visit at Cham Museum – the houses of the most complete collection if Cham Artifacts anywhere in the world; China Beach – where the American named and used to have their Rest and Relaxation; and the Marble Mountain – the five elements of the Universe (water, wood, air, fire and earth). We will arrive in Hoi An in the afternoon and check in our hotel.

In the afternoon, we will start our walking tour around the ancient town to visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, the Pottery Museum, Tan Ky old house, the Cantonese congregation, the silk street of Hoi An, the temples and pagodas of Chinese appearance. We will spend the night in Hoi An.

Day 8: Hoi An – My Son Sanctuary (B, L)

My Son, located 69 km southwest of Danang, was an imperial city during the Cham dynasty, and 75km far from Hoi An. My Son is the former capital of the ancient Cham civilization that ruled Central Vietnam from the second to the thirteenth century. Their religion was primarily derived from Indian Hinduism. My Son is considered to be one of the best-preserved Cham structures in Vietnam. The complex is comprised of seventy Hindu-like towers and temples dating from the second century. My Son Sanctuary is a large complex of religious relics that comprises more than 70 architectural works. They include temples and towers that connect to each other with complicated red brick designs. The main component of the Cham architectural design is the tower, built to reflect the divinity of the king.

We are picked-up at hotel at 8AM by local tour guide and driver then depart for the ancient Cham ruins of My Son. Once there, we visit the Tra Kieu capital which was the former administration center of Champa Kingdom. Discover the majestic ancient ruins at My Son including ancient towers which were built from the fourth century. In the afternoon, we will return to Hoi An and have the rest of the day free at leisure. We can laze on the beach, wander around the street or shopping. We stay another night in Hoi An.

Day 9: Hoi An – Danang – Hanoi (or Ho Chi Minh City) departure (B)

Time will be free until our car and guides arrives at the hotel to take us to the airport in Danang for a domestic flight to Hanoi (or Ho Chi Minh City) in good time to connect your departure flight. Tour ends.

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General Information

Duration: 11 Days/10 Nights
Start/End: Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City
Tour Route: Hanoi – Halong – Danang – Hoi An – Hue – Ho Chi Minh City
Tour Customizable: Absolutely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Hanoi (D)
Day 2: Hanoi City & Art Class (B, L, D)
Day 3: Wood carving village – Pottery Village – Food Tour (B, L, D)
Day 4: Hanoi – Halong (B, L, D)
Day 5: Halong – Hanoi – Danang – Hoi An (B, L)
Day 6: Walking tour & Cooking Class (B, L, D)
Day 7: Farming & Fishing Eco tour – Lantern making tour (B, L, D)
Day 8: Hoi An – Transfer to Hue - city tour & boat trip (B, L, D)
Day 9: Hue – Saigon – Cu Chi Tunnels (B, L, D)
Day 10: Saigon city (B, L, D)
Day 11: Saigon departure (B)

Full Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Hanoi (D)

Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, teacher and students will be greeted then transferred to hotel. After a short rest, we enjoy a 1-hour cyclo tour of the French inspired "old quarter". We will then sit down to enjoy a performance of the city’s famous Water Puppets. After the show, we will have welcome dinner at a fine local restaurant in town.

Day 2: Retracing Vietnam War History (B, L, D)

Today we will venture out to explore Hanoi.  First up we will drive to the Ho Chi Minh complex where we will spend time at Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum, his former stilt-house, the Presidential Palace, the Ho Chi Minh Museum and One Pillar Pagoda.  After that, we will visit Fine Art Museum, Green Palm gallery, Propaganda art shop.

After lunch, we join an art class. Firstly, we stop at Nguyen Art Gallery, have a short talk with Art Collector then we move to the Temple of Literature for our art course. We will spend the night in Hanoi.

Day 3: Wood carving village – Pottery Village – Food Tour (B, L, D)

This morning, we join our food tour. We will not have breakfast at hotel then we have many opportunities to taste Vietnamese food such as: Beef/chicken noodle, banh xeo, banh cuon, bun cha, spring rolls, café sua da, Vietnamese tea and many food gifts of Vietnamese people.

After that, we travel to Southwest of Hanoi to visit Canh Nau Wood Carving village. It’s 30km from Hanoi. Here, we listen to the history of the village, come to visit the handicrafts and sculptures. In the afternoon, we visit Bat Trang Ceramic village where we can visit and do the pottery by ourselves. In the late afternoon, we will transfer back to Hanoi for overnight accommodation.

Day 4: Hanoi – Halong (B, L, D)

Today we set off to the ‘Jewel in the Crown of Vietnam’; Halong Bay. Arriving before lunch we will board our boat and then set sail, cruising amongst thousands of extraordinary limestone karst formations. Halong Bay was voted one of ‘The New 7 Wonders of Nature’ in 2011, and once here you will know why it was included in this group.

On arrival in Halong, we will embark on V’Spirit Classic Cruise followed by a short cruise briefing. We will then savor a delectable lunch while V’Spirit Classic cruises among the limestone islands. In the mid-afternoon, we will kayak among the hidden areas of the bay, around the Bo Nau Cave area before going back to the V’Spirit Classic and continue cruising to Soi Sim Island. Go swimming and relaxing at the beach of Soi Sim or climb up to the top of the island for a panorama view of Halong Bay.

In the evening, we will cruise back to the main boat for a shower before having dinner and spend the night onboard.

Day 5: Halong – Hanoi – Danang – Hoi An (B, L)

Wake up early in the morning and start your day with Tai Chi exercises or a photo hunt before having breakfast. After that, we will explore the amazing Sung Sot Cave – the nicest cave in Halong Bay. After that, we will return to the boat, freshen up and check out of your cabin. Continue your cruise exploring the Bay, passing Ba Hang fishing village, Dog Islet, and more. While heading back to the habor, watch the cooking demonstration before enjoying a traditional Vietnamese lunch. We will disembark at round noon and find your car is waiting and take you back to Noi Bai airport in Hanoi for an evening flight to Danang. On arrival, students and teachers will be greeted and transferred to our hotel in Hoi An where we will spend the night.

Day 6: Walking tour & Cooking Class (B, L, D)

In the morning, we have walking tour around the ancient town to visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, the Pottery Museum, Tan Ky old house, the Cantonese congregation, the silk street of Hoi An, the temples and pagodas of Chinese appearance.

Later this afternoon we commence our cooking class at the Red Bridge Cooking School.  The cooking lesson runs for about 2 hours with each dish first being demonstrated by the Red Bridge’s master Chef before we prepare the same dish ourselves. Included in the class is a brief introduction to Vietnamese food carving and plate decoration. After the lesson, we will sit down and enjoy what we have just prepared for dinner.

Day 7: Farming & Fishing Eco tour – Lantern making tour (B, L, D)

We have an early start this morning as we head off to our Farming & Fishing Life Eco Tour. Today we get a personal insight into the local farming communities. We set about joining the farmers in preparing their land for sowing, helping to fertilize the garden using seaweed from the local river and watering it in using huge tin cans strapped to our backs. Following this, we will begin our leisurely cycling tour through the countryside witnessing local Vietnamese rural life first hand. Late morning we will board our Hoi An Eco-tour boat for a river cruise. Here we will meet and witness local fishermen working their craft, before enjoying a hands-on experience of traditional net fishing. We then transfer to a Vietnamese bamboo basket boat for a quick race and ride down a coconut palm lined waterway. Lunch today, is on board our boat which is prepared using vegetables picked earlier at the Village.

After lunch we have short lantern making tour. We will get to take lantern home with us (which is just as well if we are a bit clumsy with the bionic glue they use to apply the silk to the frame). Be warned though, that the lanterns we make in these classes are just tealight sized, which is good for luggage, but they look a bit, well, crap really.

Day 8: Hoi An – Transfer to Hue - city tour & boat trip (B, L, D)

This morning, we transfer northward to Hue. Along the way we will stop to contemplate the stunning views North, to Lang Co Beach. In Hue, we board the Dragon Boat on the romantic Perfume River heading out for the countryside. Being the ancient capital, Hue is surrounded with ancient tombs of emperors past, and a visit to the most beautiful tombs will be on the itinerary for today. The charming Lady Pagoda (Thien Mu Pagoda) will be the first stop of the day. We will enjoy a great view on the Perfume River and surrounding area. Thien Mu Pagoda is considered the symbol of Hue, and of Buddhism in Vietnam.

After lunch, we visit King Khai Dinh's Tomb and King Tu Duc's Tomb. We will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to visit Hue Imperial City – the home of Vietnam’s last royal Dynasty, and then we go to Dong Ba Market to see the daily life of local people. We will spend the night in Hue.

Day 9: Hue – Saigon – Cu Chi Tunnels (B, L, D)

Today we take morning flight to Saigon where we visit Cu Chi tunnel in the afternoon. We will set off for the Cu Chi tunnel system; a complex maze once home to Communist guerrillas in their wars against the Japanese, French, Americans (and Australians). Before entering the tunnels, we will watch a short introductory video (a great example of propaganda and one which History students could analyse particularly with respect to perspective, reliability and usefulness) and then explore Cu Chi. Also on display are various mantraps, the remains of an American tank as well as numerous bomb craters created by 500lb bombs dropped by B52 bombers. Later afternoon we head back to Saigon. We spend the night in Saigon.

Day 10: Saigon city (B, L, D)

After breakfast, we meet tour guide and driver for our tour of this vibrant city. First stop the Reunification Palace (the former Presidential Palace of the President of South of Vietnam), and then spend time at the War Remnants Museum where we will see countless artifacts, photographs and pictures documenting the tragic Vietnam War. Before stop for lunch, we stop at the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Post Office for photos shooting…

In the afternoon, we visit some galleries such at Apricot Gallery, Lotus Art Gallery, Le Xuan Art Gallery. To finish the day we will have a great time trying to snap up a bargain at the Ben Thanh Markets. Dinner and overnight accommodation will be in Saigon.

Day 11: Saigon departure (B)

Time will be free until our car arrives to take students and teachers to Tan Son Nhat airport in good time to board the departure flight. Tour ends.

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General Information

Duration: 7 Days/6 Nights
Start/End: Ho Chi Minh City/ Ho Chi Minh City
Tour Route: Saigon – Cu Chi Tunnels – Long Tan Nui Dat Old Battlefields – Mekong Delta – Saigon
Tour Customizable: Absolutely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Saigon arrival (D)
Day 2: Retracing Vietnam War History (B, L, D)
Day 3: Cu Chi Tunnels Tour and Wildlife at risk (B, L, D)
Day 4: Saigon – Ba Ria Vung Tau – Old Battle Fields (B, L, D)
Day 5: Vung Tau Sea Town – Saigon (B, L, D)
Day 6: Saigon – Biking in Mekong Delta (B, L, D)
Day 7: Saigon departure (B)

Full Itinerary

Day 1:Saigon arrival (D)

On arrival at Tan Son Nhat airport in Saigon, students and leaders will be welcomed by our guide and driver. We then drive to our hotel for checking in. The rest of the day will be free. In the evening, we enjoy a welcome Vietnamese dinner in a nice local restaurant. Dinner and overnight in Saigon.

Day 2: Retracing Vietnam War History (B, L, D)

After breakfast at hotel, students and teachers will visit to the shrine outside of the US Consulate then continue to the former CIA building (outside visit only), where helicopters evacuated the remaining US citizens in 1975. We then move to the visit the Reunification Palace, the former headquarters of the South Vietnamese Government and residence of the presidents. Our next visit is the Thich Quang Duc Monument. Thich Quang Duc was a Vietnamese Mahayana Buddhist monk who burned himself to death at a busy Saigon road intersection on 11 June 1963 to anti the war.

We then drive to a historic venue for a late lunch of “pho” (noodle soup) at Pho Binh restaurant which used to be the headquarters of Viet Cong Commanders where they gathered to plan for the 1968 Tet Offensive. Take a walk upstairs to learn more about the history through the family’s photo collection. Then sit down and enjoy the traditional taste of pho downstairs.

In the afternoon, we will visit Saigon’s historic landmarks including the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office. Both are architecture masterpiece of Saigon. Further, drive to visit the War Remnants Museum for a vivid insight of the American war through the local’s eyes (not for squeamish, sorry as some pictures as very graphic). We finish our day with a relax time at the Roof Top’s Café at Rex Hotel, a familiar landmark for Americans during the Vietnam War. Enjoy your drinks (at your own expenses) and the panoramic view of the lively streets of Saigon. Dinner and overnight in Saigon.

Day 3: Cu Chi Tunnels Tour and Wildlife at risk (B, L, D)

After breakfast at hotel, we will drive to visit the famous Cu Chi Tunnels. At its height, the tunnel system stretched over 250 KM from Saigon to the Cambodian border and was three levels deep. The network included innumerable trap doors, specially constructed living areas, storage facilities, weapons factories, field hospitals, command centers and kitchens. Today the remaining tunnels have become a major tourist attraction giving the visitor a unique experience and a feel of what underground life during the U.S.-Vietnam American must have been like.

After lunch in a local restaurant, we will Wildlife at Risk (WAR), which is around 10-minute drive from Cu Chi Tunnels, a biodiversity protection in Vietnam by combating the illegal wildlife trade, raising environmental awareness, protecting endangered species and their habitats. We can support the centre by donating money or purchase something at their Gift shop, all the money will go straight to the above purposes. Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the afternoon, dinner and overnight in our hotel.

Day 4: Saigon – Ba Ria Vung Tau – Old Battle Fields (B, L, D)

Today, we will drive from Saigon to the impressive VC Memorial, the former US/Australian wartime airbase in Ba Ria Vung Tau. We will first visit a village in Hoa Long where rice paper is still produced by hand. There is an opportunity to interact with the locals to get a glimpse of their daily life. Then travel onto Long Phuoc to visit a former wartime tunnel complex.

We then drive to the former 1^st Australian Task Force Base at Nui Dat, which is now just a clearing surrounded by rubber plantations. Continue to visit other historic landmarks including Long Tan battlefield and the Long Tan Memorial Cross, located in the tranquil surrounds of the rubber plantations. Take a moment to reflect on the Battle of Long Tan in 1966, arguably the most famous battle fought by the Australian Army during the Vietnam War. Finish our tour with a visit to Horseshoe Hill, a strategic observation outpost established by the Australian forces. Nowadays, visitors are not allowed to access it, but it is possible to see from a far.

Drive to Vung Tau, we will head up to Radar Hill where we are able to orientate ourself with a fantastic overview of the city and the coast. Continue driving down to Bai Sau beach, the longest of the peninsula's beaches. Spend time walking along the beachside area, adjacent to the former Australian wartime base (nothing remains today). Dinner and overnight in Vung Tau.

Day 5: Vung Tau Sea Town – Saigon (B, L, D)

Today, we will explore this small exciting sea-town. We will first visit the spectacular Jesus Statue for a morning panoramic view of the city and shoreline. Built in 1972, this statue is standing in Nui Nho (Nho Mount) with 32 metres high and 18.3 metres long arms. Take nearly 900 steps to the top; we will enjoy a breathtaking view of Vung Tau City. When we go down, get ourselves relaxed by a cool drink offered by our tour guide before transferring to our next visit – Niet Ban Tinh Xa (Nirvana Pagoda). Nirvana Pagoda or Lying Buddha Pagoda (12m Buddha made of marble) was built in 1969 and is one of the biggest pagodas in the city. When we get here, please try to drum the giant bronze bell in the upper level for a good luck. The next place in our itinerary is White Palace, which used as summer palace of the last Emperor of Vietnam, Bao Dai.

After lunch in a local restaurant, we will visit the Lighthouse, which offers a panoramic view of the whole city. The peak where the Lighthouse is located is around 170 metres above sea level and usually praised as the most interesting site in Vung Tau with shades of high trees on both side. In the mid-afternoon, we will return to Saigon. In the evening, we enjoy the farewell dinner at nice local restaurant. Overnight in Saigon.

Day 6: Saigon – Biking in Mekong Delta (B, L, D)

After breakfast at hotel, we will drive south towards the Mekong Delta. This will be a good chance for us to take pictures of fish, shrimps, prawns, crabs, snakes, rice-field rats, tropical fruits, vegetable...On arrival, we will cruise in the Cai Be Floating Market and stop at some cottage industries making pop-rice, coconut candy and rice-paper. We will also visit some nursery gardens, bonsai garden or fruit orchard. Our guide will take us to go around the village and stop at brick kiln and pottery factory.

Arrive in our local home at around lunch; we will enjoy our delicious lunch with typical Mekong Delta dishes. After lunch, we will take our bike and ride for an hour around the An Binh Islet in the village road and get closer to the daily life of the local people. Back to our homestay for a cool drink before getting in our car to drive back to Saigon. Dinner and overnight in Saigon.

Day 7: Saigon departure (B)

Time will be free until our car arrives at the hotel to take us to the airport in good time to board our departure flight. Trip ends

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General Information

Duration: 6 Days/5 Nights
Start/End: Ho Chi Minh City/Ho Chi Minh City
Tour Route: Ho Chi Minh City – Long Tan – Nui Dat – Vung Tau – Cao Dai Temple – Cu Chi – Ho Chi Minh City
Tour Customizable: Absolutely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City arrival (D)
Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City Orientation (B, L, D)
Day 3: Ho Chi Minh City – Long Tan – Nui Dat – Vung Tau (B, L, D)
Day 4: Vung Tau Sea town – Ho Chi Minh City (B, L, D)
Day 5: Ho Chi Minh City – Cao Dai Temple – Cu Chi Tunnels (B, L, D)
Day 6: Ho Chi Minh City Departure (B)

Full Itinerary

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City arrival (D)

Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, teacher and students will be greeted then transferred to hotel. After a short rest, we will take one-hour cyclo ride around the tree-lined boulevard of this hustle and bustle city. We will finish our day with an 1-hour Water Puppet show in Golden Dragon Theatre before having a Welcome dinner in a restaurant in the city centre. After dinner, our car will drop us at hotel for overnight accommodation.

Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City Orientation (B, L, D)

After breakfast at hotel, we will visit the Reunification Palace, which is one of the most important buildings in the city. Here on April 30, 1975, what the Vietnamese refer to as the ‘American War' officially ended when tank number 843 of the North Vietnamese Army crashed through the gates of what was, at the time, the residence of the President of the Republic of Vietnam. You will call in at the War Remnants Museum or formerly known as the Museum of American War Crimes, this is a poignant display of the futility of war. The courtyard outside contains the spoils of war, namely rusting jets, tanks and cannons captured from the American military machine. You will then visit Notre Dame Cathedral and Old Post Office. Built between 1877 and 1883 this is one of the best examples of classical French colonial architecture. Remarkably, every stone used in its creation was shipped from France to Vietnam. Her two 40m towers, topped with iron spires dominate the city's skyline. The Old Post Office is another example of French colonial architecture and is also the country's largest post office.

The rest of the day will be free for shopping at Ben Thanh Market, this bustling and well-organized market is very popular with tourists, primarily due to its central location. It has a wide selection of goods ranging from fake Nike shoes to beautiful silk Ao Dai. We will end the tour in the afternoon and spend the night at the hotel. We will spend the night in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 3: Ho Chi Minh City – Long Tan – Nui Dat – Vung Tau (B, L, D)

After breakfast at hotel, our car will drive us to Vung Tau then to Ba Ria. On arrival, we will visit Ba Ria Orphanage where we will donate some gifts for the children. We will then visit Long Phuoc Tunnels. The tunnel is 1.1 kilometres long with a clean and winding track inside before continue going to Nui Dat and an artillery area on the right. We will also visit Long Tan Memorial Cross which is established in 1969 by the 6RAR. We will take photos beside the cross on which the bronze plaque is hung.

After lunch in a local restaurant in Ba Ria, we will visit Minh Dam secret zone where diggers deployed on operations in 1968 and have short break time in Long Hai Beach for team activities and check in our hotel in Vung Tau where we will spend the night.

Day 4: Vung Tau Sea town – Ho Chi Minh City (B, L, D)

Today, we will have a nearly full day exploring this small exciting sea-town. We will first visit the spectacular Jesus Statue for a morning panoramic view of the city and shoreline. Built in 1972, this statue is standing in Nui Nho (Nho Mount) with 32 metres high and 18.3 metres long arms. Take nearly 900 steps to the top; we will enjoy a breathtaking view of Vung Tau City. When we go down, get ourselves relaxed by a cool drink offered by our tour guide before transferring to our next visit – Niet Ban Tinh Xa (Nirvana Pagoda). Nirvana Pagoda or Lying Buddha Pagoda (12m Buddha made of marble) was built in 1969 and is one of the biggest pagodas in the city. When you get here, please try to drum the giant bronze bell in the upper level for a good luck. The next place in our itinerary is White Palace, which used as summer palace of the last Emperor of Vietnam, Bao Dai.

After lunch in a local restaurant with seafood mainly, we will continue to visit Whale Temple, which worship to the remains of a whale washed up on the Vung Tau beach over 100 years ago. We will then visit the Lighthouse, which offers a panoramic view of the whole city. The peak where the Lighthouse is located is around 170 metres above sea level and usually praised as the most interesting site in Vung Tau with shades of high trees on both side. In the afternoon, we will be driven back to Ho Chi Minh City where we will spend the night.

ay 5: Ho Chi Minh City – Cao Dai Temple – Cu Chi Tunnels (B, L, D)

This morning we take a drive to Cao Dai Temple in Tay Ninh to observe the midday service. Tay Ninh, near the Cambodian border, is home to the unique Cao Dai sect, whose patron saints include Joan of Arc, Victor Hugo and Winston Churchill to name a few. The religion is a hybrid of Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism and Christianity. The Cao Dai Temple at Tay Ninh has been described as a Walt Disney fantasia of the East. The temple's exterior is decorated with multi-colored dragons of all shapes and sizes competing for space with a number of Buddhist symbols. Above the main entrance is the all-seeing holy eye, the symbol of the Cao Dai sect. The interior is just as engaging as statues of Jesus Christ, Buddha and the Hindu god, Brahma, stand side by side.

After lunch, we will head to the Cu Chi tunnels, otherwise known as the "Iron Triangle" or "Iron Land". On our way there, we will drive through pleasant countryside; rubber plantations and rice paddies. Before entering the tunnels, we will see a short introductory video showing how they were constructed, followed by an exploration of the maze of tunnels, some of which have been widened to allow tourist access. Also on display are various mantraps and the remains of an American tank as well as numerous bomb craters made by 500lb bombs dropped by B52 bombers. After that we transfer back to Ho Chi Minh city for overnight accommodation.

Day 6: Ho Chi Minh City Departure (B)

Time will be free until our car arrives at the hotel to take us to the airport in good time to board our departure flight. Trip ends.

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