Vietnam Revealed

When you wake to a beautiful sunrise over a sleepy fishing village far off the beaten path, you will discover the real Vietnam. Our Vietnam Revealed journey gives you the chance to really explore the country’s diverse landscapes, people and cuisine. Take time to discover the quiet Quy Nhon, the cultural melting pot of Hoi An, the Art Deco architecture in the Central Highlands, and the vibrant (yet completely different) cities of Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) and Hanoi. By going it mostly overland you have the opportunity to experience roadside markets, travel at a leisurely pace and get to know the locals along the way. The quality of accommodations is a real highlight of this trip with centrally located hotels, three or four-star or best available with private, western style bathrooms, air conditioning and swimming pools. Rural areas are less developed than the big cities, which means facilities and services may be more basic.

This trip is suitable for travelers with an average level of fitness and independent mobility. Expect lots of walking and you may need to carry your bags from time to time. The tour involves plenty of walking, over uneven surfaces and climbing stairs, in the heat. There is one domestic flight and there are also rides on small boats. You will need to be able to board and disembark boats independently, sometimes between muddy or slippery banks. There are several long road journeys (up to six hours) on occasionally rough roads. While accommodation is three to four-star or best available, this is not ‘sanitized’ travel; by day you will walk through markets and villages, meet local people, and sample local food.

Vietnam Revealed can be enjoyed at any time of the year with the best months being October through March. In general, North Vietnam experiences two seasons, summer and winter. Summers are dry and warm, averaging 25 – 33 degrees Celsius (77 - 91 degrees Fahrenheit). Winters (October to March) can be cool with temperatures in Hanoi averaging 10 – 20 degrees Celsius (50 - 68 degrees Fahrenheit) in January. Some winter months experience a light, drizzling rain. In Central and South Vietnam, the dry season runs from November to May. Temperatures average between 22 – 30 degrees Celsius (72 - 86 degrees Fahrenheit). The wet season is characterized by brief showers late in the afternoon with temperatures from 25 - 33 degrees Celsius (77 - 91 degrees Fahrenheit).

 

Day 01 - Hanoi
Upon arrival in Hanoi you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Meet your tour for welcome drinks and a tour briefing.

Overnight PRESTIGE HOTEL or similar. (No meals)

Day 02 - Hanoi to Halong Bay
Spend a magical night onboard your private boat in Halong Bay.

OVERNIGHT BOAT (B)

Day 03 - Halong Bay to Hanoi
Disembark this afternoon and drive back to Hanoi. In the evening discover the Old Quarter on a cyclo tour, before a theatrical water puppet performance.

Overnight PRESTIGE HOTEL or similar. (B)

Day 04 - Hanoi to Hue
Explore Hanoi with visits to historic Ba Dinh Square, the infamous Hoa Lo (Hanoi Hilton) Prison and the Temple of Literature, before boarding your flight south to Hue.

Overnight HUONG GIANG or similar (B)

Day 05 - Hue
Wander the last empire’s Forbidden City - the Citadel, visit the famous Thien Mu Pagoda.

Overnight HUONG GIANG or similar. (B)

Day 06 - Hue
Explore the ancient imperial capital’s tombs and visit the workers of Spiral Foundation. Later, take a cyclo tour of this historic city.

Overnight HUONG GIANG or similar. (B)

Day 07 - Hue to Hoi An
Drive south along the dramatic Hai Van Pass to the enchanting ancient town of Hoi An. Stop along the way at the Marble Mountains and China Beach. The old town’s architecture, delicacies and friendly local people make her a Vietnam highlight.

Overnight HOI AN HISTORICAL or similar. (B)

Day 08 - Hoi An
Enjoy a tour of the market with local students from ‘Streets’ organization. Learn to cook at a traditional Vietnamese cooking school or experience life as a “Local for a Day” (half-day tours, one included).

Overnight HOI AN HISTORICAL or similar. (B)

Day 09 - Hoi An
In the morning, you will learn about the local fishing industry at a nearby rural village then the remainder of the day is at leisure. You can choose to explore the countryside further by bicycle, or visit Hoi An’s tailors, galleries and nearby beach.

Overnight HOI AN HISTORICAL or similar. (B)

Day 10 - Hoi An to Quy Nhon
Coastal Quy Nhon offers you a taste of the rural countryside. Stop along the way at My Lai.

Overnight SAIGON QUY NHON HOTEL or similar. (B)

Day 11 - Quy Nhon to Nha Trang

Visit the local Humanities Center for a taste of local life. In Nha Trang you will experience one of Vietnam’s premiere beach destinations.

Overnight NOVOTEL NHA TRANG or similar. (B)

Day 12 - Nha Trang
Enjoy a leisurely boat trip around the islands off Nha Trang, with lunch, a swim and a chance to snorkel.

Overnight NOVOTEL NHA TRANG or similar. (B)

Day 13 - Nha Trang to Dalat
Drive up to Vietnam’s temperate Central Highlands and discover peaceful Dalat, a French hill station untouched by war and home to hill tribe minority groups.

Overnight SAIGON DALAT HOTEL or similar. (B)

Day 14 - Dalat
Discover a fascinating market, the faded grandeur of the Summer Palace of Bao Dai, last emperor of Vietnam, and a beautiful Zen Pagoda.

Overnight SAIGON DALAT HOTEL or similar. (B)

Day 15 - Dalat to Saigon
Fly south to Saigon, Vietnam’s most exciting city.

Overnight PALACE HOTEL or similar. (B)

Day 16 - Saigon
See the bustling market streets and old temples of Saigon’s ‘Chinatown’ a tour of this city.

Overnight PALACE HOTEL or similar. (B)

Day 17 -Mekong Delta/Saigon

Travel south to the ‘ricebowl’ of Vietnam – the famous Mekong Delta.

Overnight PALACE HOTEL or similar. (B)

Day 18 - Con Dao
Transfer to airport for flight to Con Dao island. Experience a peaceful slice of Vietnam in history-rich, idyllic Con Dao.

Overnight CON DAO RESORT or similar. (B)

Day 19 - Con Dao
Day at leisure to explore, rest, swim and shop.

Overnight CON DAO RESORT or similar. (B)

Day 20 - Final Departure
Today you will be transferred to the airport for your onward journey. (B)

Per person Price (2012)

2 person: $6,025 USD per person
3 - 5 persons: $4,8950 USD per person
6 - 9 persons: $3,775 USD per person person  
10 or more persons: $3,165 USD per person

Single Supplement: $1,000 USD

Group discount available

Price includes:

• All airport transfers
• 19 nights accommodation
• One overnight stay on boat
• One domestic flight
• Breakfast daily
• All transfers and road transport in modern, air-conditioned vehicles
• All sightseeing as specified including entrance fees.

Price does not include:

• Your international airfare
• Vietnam Visa
• Meals not indicated in the itinerary
• Beverages
• Tips and gratuities
• Travel insurance (Required)
• Other expenses of a personal nature

Daily private departures available for two or more participants. Group discounts available.

Step 1: Contact Us
Contact us at 1-888-586-7750 or email to confirm availability for your preferred travel dates.

Step 2: Send Deposit and Registration Information
Make a copy of the photo page of your passport. If your trip involves a trek in Nepal, email or send us a passport-sized color photo. Mail a check for $500 per person for Nepal Treks or $1,000 for other journeys (non-refundable deposit), passport copy, photo and completed reservation form.

Our mailing address is:
Grand Asian Journeys
PO Box 608
Indianola, WA 98342
USA

Once we receive your payment and documents we will send you additional details of your trip including travel details, VISA information, packing list, specific trip information and insurance options.

If you are traveling to Bhutan, we are required to book your airfare so an additional payment will be required. Contact us for details.

Cancelation Policy

If you cancel:

• More than 60 days prior to departure; deposit is forfeited, the remainder is refunded
• 60 to 30 days prior to departure, 50% of tour cost subject to refund
• No refunds will be provided for any unused services or cancellations made within 30 days prior to departure