Beyond the Ho Chi Minh Trail Tour

We travel from the fascinating labyrinth of the Mekong Delta, where we stay with a local family, to the old French hill-station of Sapa, nestled high in the magnificent mountains of the north. We explore hilltribe villages and local markets, cruise amidst the spectacular scenery of Halong Bay, and visit the country’s best known cities and ancient sites.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Maximum Group Size: 15
Arrival Transfer: Airport transfer to hotel day 1
Fully Escorted: By Imaginative Traveller tour leader, services of local guides
Transport: Private air conditioned minibus / coach, local boat, overnight train, plane
Flights: Saigon to Nha Trang, Nha Trang to Danang and Hue to Hanoi
Activities: Cruise on Halong Bay, light hiking to ethnic minority villages, Mekong Delta cruise & homestay, optional cycling in Hue
Accommodation: 8 nights tourist class hotels, 2 nights Whale Island, 1 night homestay, 1 night Halong Bay cruise boat, 2 overnight trains (soft sleeper)
Meals: As per itinerary. B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner
Entrance Fees: Included for all sites listed as part of the itinerary
Local Payment: Must be paid in cash on day 1 of your tour

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

• Stay as a guest of a local family in the Mekong Delta
• Idyllic Whale Island
• Spectacular hill-station of Sapa
• Explore colourful mountain villages on foot
• Overnight in beautiful Halong Bay

BRIEF ITINERARY

Day 2, MEKONG DELTA HOMESTAY: We head south to the Mekong Delta and spend the day exploring the area by boat and on foot. Tonight we are guests of a local family. (BLD)

Day 3, MEKONG DELTA - SAIGON: This morning we visit an authentic floating market before returning to Saigon. (B)

Day 4, SAIGON - WHALE ISLAND: Morning walking tour of this amazing city. Afternoon flight to Nha Trang and transfer to the idyllic Whale Island. (BD)

Day 5, WHALE ISLAND: A relaxing free day to swim, laze on pristine beaches or go snorkelling amidst lovely coral gardens. (BLD)

Day 6, HOI AN: Today we drive to Nha Trang for a short flight to Danang then transfer to the wonderful ancient trading town of Hoi An. (B)

Day 7, HOI AN: We enjoy a guided tour, after which the rest of the day is free to wander the streets for yourself. (BD)

Day 8, HUE: Drive along the coast via Ocean Cloud Pass, the geographical divide between north and south Vietnam. Arrive in Hue and enjoy an afternoon cruise along the Perfume River to the Heavenly Lady Pagoda and the tomb of the Nguyen Emperor Minh Mang. (B)

Day 9, HUE: Morning tour of the UNESCO World Heritage listed Imperial City. In the late afternoon we transfer to the airport for a short flight to Hanoi. (BD)

Day 10, HANOI - HALONG BAY: We head out to Halong Bay where we board the exquisite ‘Jewel of the Bay’ sampan. This traditional-style boat is lavishly furnished with private cabins, sun deck and a dining room where you will experience mouth-watering cuisine. We carry sea kayaks on board so you can take to the sea amidst the towering karst peaks or swim in secluded bays. (BLD)

Day 11, HANOI: After breakfast we leave Halong Bay and head to Hanoi where we have a walking tour of the old city before boarding our overnight train to the beautiful hill-station of Sapa. (B)

Day 12, SAPA: A short drive through breathtaking scenery takes us to Sapa town. Afternoon excursion by road and on foot to remote outlying villages - home to some of Vietnam’s most colourful ethnic minorities. (BD)

Day 13, SAPA: Time to relax. This afternoon we drive to Lao Cai for the sleeper train back to Hanoi. (B)

Day 14, HANOI: Arrive and transfer to our hotel. Rest of the day is free. (BD)

Day 15, HANOI: Tour ends. (B)

DEPARTURE DATES

TRAVEL STYLE

You love to experience the culture and tradition of a destination but with a level of comfort and organisation that won't test your endurance. Explore without roughing it.

Maximum Group Size - 15: You love to experience the culture and tradition of a destination but with a level of inclusions, comfort and organisation that won't test your endurance. You enjoy the freedom of using privately charted vehicles but also understand that sometimes the best way to go is 'local'. Whether a seasoned or a first time traveller, you love to explore without roughing it.
Tour Extensions: Traveller-class Extension tours are non-group tours, available on request.
Included: All accommodation (usually in comfortable tourist class hotels on a twin share basis), transportation, many meals, and all entrance fees as included in the itinerary.
Single Supplement: (applicable to single travellers who wish to have their own room) Usually available and usually not compulsory (check your specific tour for details). Please note: Single supplements do not apply on all boats, overnight train journeys and whilst camping.[Read more about Imaginative Traveller travel styles]