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Classic Vietnam

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Classic Vietnam

Was From $ 3,695 AUD
Now From $ 2,706 AUD
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Description

From south to north, Vietnam is a kaleidoscope of welcoming locals,
varied cuisine and diverse landscapes. Unlock the mysteries of the
Viet Minh in Ho Chi Minh City, explore the beautiful lakes and
boulevards of Hanoi, mingle with the locals while staying at a
Mekong Delta guesthouse, float to sleep on a traditional junk boat in
Halong Bay, and eat breakfast the local way in Hue. Experience
historical temples, laze on the spectacular coastline, gorge on
delicious banquets and explore lively cities – all with a touch of
comfort – on this 15-day Classic Vietnam adventure.

Trip Name
Classic Vietnam
Last Updated
2024-09-02
Days
15
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Experience living like a local with a night in a locally run guesthouse in the Mekong Delta, with friendly hosts and delicious homecooked meals.
  • Discover the bustling centres of Hanoi, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City – these diverse cities are a fascinating mix of ancient culture and new-age cityscapes, and you’ll get the chance to visit all the most iconic spots.
  • Feast on the mouth-watering, fresh delights of Vietnam. From slurping traditional bun bo Hue and digging into a vegetarian feast at a local nunnery, to enjoying a home-cooked lunch with locals in Ninh Binh – the food of Vietnam is definitely a highlight!
  • Spend a night on a traditional junk sailing boat in UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay, surrounded by limestone karsts and turquoise waters.
  • Visit Save Vietnam Wildlife, an Intrepid Foundation supported NGO focusing on the rescue, rehabilitation and release of Vietnam's endangered wildlife.
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll learn about our Intrepid Foundation partner, Save Vietnam's Wildlife. Donations help them provide support for endangered wildlife and protect critical animal habitats in Vietnam. Intrepid will double your impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Ho Chi Minh City
Xin chao! Welcome to Vietnam. Your adventure begins in Ho Chi Minh City – a French-infused city with a frenetic atmosphere. If you arrive early, maybe head to Pham Ngu Lao Street to see the local open-air market or visit Vinh Nghiem Pagoda. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight, where you’ll meet your local leader and fellow travellers. After your meeting, make your way out for dinner as a group for the fresh flavours and rich sauces that make up the delicious Vietnamese cuisine.
Day 2 - Ho Chi Minh City
After breakfast this morning, you’ll head out of town to explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, which make up part of a larger war museum outside Ho Chi Minh. This former Viet Cong stronghold provides an insight into the resourcefulness and tenacity of the Vietnamese people and offers a glimpse of what life was like during the war. Like an underground maze that stretches over 120 km, the tunnels are complete with trapdoors, living areas, kitchens, storage facilities, armoury, hospitals and command centres. Your trip through history doesn’t stop there, you’ll head back to Ho Chi Minh City to discover the War Remnants Museum where you’ll see old military equipment including an F5A fighter and a UH1-Huey helicopter. In the afternoon, you’ll be free to explore the city at your leisure. Perhaps gather some of your newfound travel buddies and explore Notre Dame, the Post Office or Reunification Palace.
Day 3 - Mekong Delta
This morning you’ll wave goodbye to Ho Chi Minh City for the night and travel south by private bus to Ben Tre. When you arrive, you’ll board a small traditional boat and explore the intricate waterways of the Mekong Delta. The delta is known as ‘the rice bowl of Vietnam’ for its abundance of rice paddies, fruit and flower orchards. During the boat trip, you’ll stop to sample some of the fresh tropical fruit and visit a selection of cottage industries in the area. Then, you’ll get your first taste of Vietnamese hospitality and tuck into a home-cooked Vietnamese-style lunch at a local family home. Then, around sunset, you’ll make your way to your guesthouse to spend the night with the locals and enjoy another wonderful meal featuring regional specialties.
Day 4 - Ho Chi Minh City
Enjoy more of the Mekong Delta’s finest fruits over breakfast this morning and then hit the road back to Ho Chi Minh City where you’ll arrive in the late afternoon. Then, you’re free to explore at your own pace. Maybe go in search of the best food with some of your fellow travellers – your group leader will know where to go for meals of any budget. Then, you might like to check out one of the city’s vibrant rooftop bars.
Day 5 - Hoi An
This morning, you’ll take a short flight to Danang, then you’ll make your way to your next stop in Hoi An. When you arrive, shake off your morning of travel and dig into a traditional Vietnamese lunch to welcome you to the city – try the mi quang or cao lau noodles that Central Vietnam is famed for. After lunch, your leader will take you on an orientation walk around the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town. The city was a major trading port with the west during the 16th and 17th-centuries, and has various architectural influences from Europe, China and Japan. Today, the city is being restored and looks much like it did over a century ago. You'll see Chinese temples, Japanese pagodas, French-inspired houses, wooden shops and old canals during your walk. After, you may like to wander Hoi An Market and the street stalls selling paintings, woodwork, ceramics, lanterns and much more.
Day 6 - Hoi An
Enjoy a free day to explore Hoi An and all it has to offer. You could rent a bicycle and take a trip out to the nearby Cua Dai Beach. Or, maybe book into an Urban Adventure, like Hoi An Boat & Bike, which offers a guided tour of the area, including a countryside bike ride and a sunset cruise along the Thu Bon River. Vietnam is, of course, known for its delicious food, and Hoi An is no exception. To unlock the flavours of Hoi An's vibrant Old Town on the Hoi An Food Adventure.
Day 7 - Hoi An
Today is another free day in this historic haven. If you can muster an early rise this morning, head to the local produce market to watch the animated shoppers haggling over fresh fish, spices and vegetables. Otherwise, if you’d like, your leader can help you arrange an optional Vietnamese cooking class, or a visit to the ruins of My Son – Vietnam's most important Cham site. Set in a verdant valley, surrounded by hills and overlooked by the massive Cat's Tooth Mountain, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed temples here reflect the cultural traditions of the Cham civilisation that flourished in this region between the 4th and 12th-century.
Day 8 - Hue
Continue your journey north today and drive over the spectacular Hai Van Pass – an incredibly scenic and mountainous stretch of highway with views of Lang Co Beach. Make a stop at beautiful Lang Co to buy yourself some lunch. In the afternoon, you’ll arrive in Hue – Vietnam’s former Imperial capital. Here you’ll take a step into the past as you visit the Imperial Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City. As the name suggests, The Forbidden Purple City was once reserved only for the personal use of the emperor and his concubines. It was almost entirely destroyed by bomb blasts during the war and now serves as a reminder of centuries past – the crumbling palaces tell a fascinating story if you look carefully. After a little time to explore, the evening will be at your leisure to relax and simply enjoy this poetic place.
Day 9 - Hue
After a local breakfast of bun bo hue (spiced beef noodle soup) it’s time to really delve into the historical highlights of Hue. You’ll stop off at the Thien Mu Pagoda and get the chance to see an active Buddhist monastery dating back to 1601. Your adventures will work up an appetite, so you’ll be treated to a delicious vegetarian feast at a local nunnery for lunch. Make one final stop at the royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, with its lake, frangipani and pine trees. After a big day of exploring the sights, the evening is yours to enjoy as you wish. Be sure to ask your leader which of Hue’s favourites you should seek out for dinner – it’s not known as Vietnam’s culinary capital for nothing!
Day 10 - Hanoi
After breakfast today, you’ll take a flight from Hue to Vietnam’s charming capital of Hanoi. When you arrive, head out for a delicious lunch at KOTO restaurant – an Intrepid Foundation supported program that teaches disadvantaged youth hospitality skills. After lunch, take a half-day tour of Hanoi that captures the beauty and the history of the laidback, tree-lined capital. You’ll visit major sights including the Temple of Literature and One Pillar Pagoda. You’ll also pass by Hoan Kiem Lake and enter the ’36 Streets’ of the historic Old Quarter – a series of interwoven lanes and roads that historically sell a certain product in each street. Silk, bamboo, ceramics, kitchen products – and upwards of 32 more!
Day 11 - Ninh Binh
You’ll depart Hanoi for the UNESCO protected Ninh Binh this morning. A naturally beautiful area, often referred to as ‘Ha Long Bay on land’, with its winding river etched between towering limestone mountains. When you arrive, you’ll head straight for the lush Cuc Phuong National Park, to Save Vietnam’s Wildlife – a non-for-profit organisation focusing on the rescue, rehabilitation and release of wildlife. A veterinarian will guide you through the park, teaching you about their conservation project and how they protect endangered species like pangolins, monkeys, otters and leopard cats that are at risk. SVW is one of the newest Intrepid Foundation supported projects in Vietnam. Then, you’ll be welcomed into a local home for a traditional Vietnamese lunch. Meet the family who live here and enjoy dishes like grilled beef wrapped with guise leaves, spring rolls and fried fish with tomato sauce. Top off the day in this scenic spot with a visit to the Dinh and Le Temples, which were built in the 10th century and dedicated to two of the former emperors of Vietnam.
Day 12 - Ninh Binh
Wake up without an alarm today as you’ve got a free morning to explore. Maybe head to the Hang Mua Cave for sunrise, where you can take photos at the gorgeous lotus field and hike to the viewpoint, which offers a 360-degree view of Ninh Binh. Then, get ready for a fun, action-packed afternoon in the Thung Nham ecotourism zone, just outside of Ninh Binh. First, you’ll take a traditional rowboat to discover the largest natural bird garden in northern Vietnam. Float peacefully along the calm waters as you’re surrounded by towering mountains, lush greenery and, of course, a mass of beautiful birds. Then, you’ll explore the cave system that features But Cave and Tien Ca Cave. From here, your journey will take you to spiritual sights that include the thousand-year-old banyan tree, Gii Dai Temple and Linh Than Mieu. Unwind as you explore the Thung Nham flower paradise, nursery and vegetable garden.
Day 13 - Halong Bay
Travel by private minibus to the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage site of Ha Long Bay. This is one of Vietnam’s most beautiful places – a bay of emerald waters dotted with sandstone islands and caves. Here, you’ll go on a cruise to explore Surprise Cave and the surrounding rock formations, and in the warmer months, you can go kayaking or opt for a swim at Ti Top Island. You’ll spend the night on a traditional cruising boat, under the moon and stars of a clear night sky. The sailing junk (traditional sailing boat) has twin-share cabins with air-conditioning and private facilities. There's also a dining room and bar where you’ll have all your meals, including a fresh seafood lunch and dinner. For sunset, maybe grab a drink at the bar and head out on the deck with your travel buddies for a gorgeous night!
Day 14 - Hanoi
If you’re an early riser, maybe set an alarm this morning and soak up the scenery of Ha Long Bay from your floating accommodation at sunrise. Take in the turquoise waters one last time before hitting the road for Hanoi. Along the way, you’ll stop at Dong Trieu Factory to watch locals creating ceramic art pieces. When you arrive in Hanoi, you’ll head out for a traditional water-puppet performance hosted by a local family, who are experts in this art form. Tonight, gather as a group and tuck into dinner together, maybe trying the traditional cha ca la vong (a fish dish filled with fresh herbs and noodles). Enjoy this evening with your group as you reminisce on the highlights of your Vietnam adventure.
Day 15 - Hanoi
With no activities planned for today, your adventure comes to an end after breakfast. If you would like to spend some more time in Hanoi, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
12-12-202426-12-2024AUD $ 2,706-
14-12-202428-12-2024AUD $ 3,319-
19-12-202402-01-2025AUD $ 3,411-
21-12-202404-01-2025AUD $ 4,260-
26-12-202409-01-2025AUD $ 3,380-
28-12-202411-01-2025AUD $ 4,110-
04-01-202518-01-2025AUD $ 3,770-
09-01-202523-01-2025AUD $ 3,234-
11-01-202525-01-2025AUD $ 3,170-
16-01-202530-01-2025AUD $ 3,204-
18-01-202501-02-2025AUD $ 3,141-
20-01-202503-02-2025AUD $ 3,141-
23-01-202506-02-2025AUD $ 3,204-
25-01-202508-02-2025AUD $ 3,141-
01-02-202515-02-2025AUD $ 3,264-
03-02-202517-02-2025AUD $ 3,392-
06-02-202520-02-2025AUD $ 3,362-
08-02-202522-02-2025AUD $ 3,655-
10-02-202524-02-2025AUD $ 3,264-
13-02-202527-02-2025AUD $ 3,264-
15-02-202501-03-2025AUD $ 3,264-
17-02-202503-03-2025AUD $ 3,328-
20-02-202506-03-2025AUD $ 3,426-
22-02-202508-03-2025AUD $ 3,264-
24-02-202510-03-2025AUD $ 3,298-
27-02-202513-03-2025AUD $ 3,328-
01-03-202515-03-2025AUD $ 3,562-
06-03-202520-03-2025AUD $ 3,460-
08-03-202522-03-2025AUD $ 3,528-
11-03-202525-03-2025AUD $ 3,392-
13-03-202527-03-2025AUD $ 3,392-
15-03-202529-03-2025AUD $ 3,392-
20-03-202503-04-2025AUD $ 3,392-
22-03-202505-04-2025AUD $ 3,392-
24-03-202507-04-2025AUD $ 3,392-
27-03-202510-04-2025AUD $ 3,392-
29-03-202512-04-2025AUD $ 3,392-
31-03-202514-04-2025AUD $ 3,392-
03-04-202517-04-2025AUD $ 3,392-
05-04-202519-04-2025AUD $ 3,426-
08-04-202522-04-2025AUD $ 3,392-
10-04-202524-04-2025AUD $ 3,392-
12-04-202526-04-2025AUD $ 3,392-
14-04-202528-04-2025AUD $ 3,494-
17-04-202501-05-2025AUD $ 3,392-
19-04-202503-05-2025AUD $ 3,392-
21-04-202505-05-2025AUD $ 3,392-
24-04-202508-05-2025AUD $ 3,264-
26-04-202510-05-2025AUD $ 3,264-
28-04-202512-05-2025AUD $ 3,264-
01-05-202515-05-2025AUD $ 3,141-
05-05-202519-05-2025AUD $ 3,141-
10-05-202524-05-2025AUD $ 3,141-
17-05-202531-05-2025AUD $ 3,141-
24-05-202507-06-2025AUD $ 3,141-
31-05-202514-06-2025AUD $ 3,141-
07-06-202521-06-2025AUD $ 3,141-
14-06-202528-06-2025AUD $ 3,141-
21-06-202505-07-2025AUD $ 3,141-
28-06-202512-07-2025AUD $ 3,141-
05-07-202519-07-2025AUD $ 3,141-
12-07-202526-07-2025AUD $ 3,141-
19-07-202502-08-2025AUD $ 3,141-
26-07-202509-08-2025AUD $ 3,141-
02-08-202516-08-2025AUD $ 3,141-
09-08-202523-08-2025AUD $ 3,141-
16-08-202530-08-2025AUD $ 3,141-
23-08-202506-09-2025AUD $ 3,141-
30-08-202513-09-2025AUD $ 3,141-
06-09-202520-09-2025AUD $ 3,141-
11-09-202525-09-2025AUD $ 3,141-
13-09-202527-09-2025AUD $ 3,141-
20-09-202504-10-2025AUD $ 3,141-
25-09-202509-10-2025AUD $ 3,141-
27-09-202511-10-2025AUD $ 3,141-
02-10-202516-10-2025AUD $ 3,264-
04-10-202518-10-2025AUD $ 3,264-
06-10-202520-10-2025AUD $ 3,264-
11-10-202525-10-2025AUD $ 3,264-
16-10-202530-10-2025AUD $ 3,264-
18-10-202501-11-2025AUD $ 3,264-
20-10-202503-11-2025AUD $ 3,264-
25-10-202508-11-2025AUD $ 3,264-
30-10-202513-11-2025AUD $ 3,264-
01-11-202515-11-2025AUD $ 3,392-
06-11-202520-11-2025AUD $ 3,392-
08-11-202522-11-2025AUD $ 3,392-
10-11-202524-11-2025AUD $ 3,392-
13-11-202527-11-2025AUD $ 3,392-
15-11-202529-11-2025AUD $ 3,392-
17-11-202501-12-2025AUD $ 3,392-
20-11-202504-12-2025AUD $ 3,392-
22-11-202506-12-2025AUD $ 3,392-
24-11-202508-12-2025AUD $ 3,392-
27-11-202511-12-2025AUD $ 3,392-
29-11-202513-12-2025AUD $ 3,392-
01-12-202515-12-2025AUD $ 3,264-
06-12-202520-12-2025AUD $ 3,264-
11-12-202525-12-2025AUD $ 3,264-
13-12-202527-12-2025AUD $ 3,264-
15-12-202529-12-2025AUD $ 3,840-
18-12-202501-01-2026AUD $ 3,840-
20-12-202503-01-2026AUD $ 3,840-
25-12-202508-01-2026AUD $ 3,840-
27-12-202510-01-2026AUD $ 3,840-
30-12-202513-01-2026AUD $ 3,840-
01-01-202615-01-2026AUD $ 3,880-
03-01-202617-01-2026AUD $ 3,880-
08-01-202622-01-2026AUD $ 3,880-
10-01-202624-01-2026AUD $ 3,880-
15-01-202629-01-2026AUD $ 3,880-
17-01-202631-01-2026AUD $ 3,880-
19-01-202602-02-2026AUD $ 3,880-
22-01-202605-02-2026AUD $ 3,880-
24-01-202607-02-2026AUD $ 3,880-
26-01-202609-02-2026AUD $ 3,880-
31-01-202614-02-2026AUD $ 3,880-
02-02-202616-02-2026AUD $ 3,880-
05-02-202619-02-2026AUD $ 3,880-
07-02-202621-02-2026AUD $ 3,880-
09-02-202623-02-2026AUD $ 3,880-
10-02-202624-02-2026AUD $ 4,030-
12-02-202626-02-2026AUD $ 4,030-
14-02-202628-02-2026AUD $ 4,030-
16-02-202602-03-2026AUD $ 4,030-
19-02-202605-03-2026AUD $ 4,030-
21-02-202607-03-2026AUD $ 4,030-
23-02-202609-03-2026AUD $ 4,030-
24-02-202610-03-2026AUD $ 4,030-
26-02-202612-03-2026AUD $ 4,030-
28-02-202614-03-2026AUD $ 4,030-
02-03-202616-03-2026AUD $ 4,190-
05-03-202619-03-2026AUD $ 4,190-
07-03-202621-03-2026AUD $ 4,190-
10-03-202624-03-2026AUD $ 4,190-
12-03-202626-03-2026AUD $ 4,190-
13-03-202627-03-2026AUD $ 4,190-
14-03-202628-03-2026AUD $ 4,190-
16-03-202630-03-2026AUD $ 4,190-
17-03-202631-03-2026AUD $ 4,190-
19-03-202602-04-2026AUD $ 4,190-
21-03-202604-04-2026AUD $ 4,190-
23-03-202606-04-2026AUD $ 4,190-
24-03-202607-04-2026AUD $ 4,190-
26-03-202609-04-2026AUD $ 4,190-
28-03-202611-04-2026AUD $ 4,190-
30-03-202613-04-2026AUD $ 4,190-
02-04-202616-04-2026AUD $ 4,190-
04-04-202618-04-2026AUD $ 4,190-
07-04-202621-04-2026AUD $ 4,190-
09-04-202623-04-2026AUD $ 4,190-
11-04-202625-04-2026AUD $ 4,190-
13-04-202627-04-2026AUD $ 4,190-
14-04-202628-04-2026AUD $ 4,190-
16-04-202630-04-2026AUD $ 4,190-
18-04-202602-05-2026AUD $ 4,190-
20-04-202604-05-2026AUD $ 4,190-
23-04-202607-05-2026AUD $ 4,190-
25-04-202609-05-2026AUD $ 4,190-
27-04-202611-05-2026AUD $ 4,190-
28-04-202612-05-2026AUD $ 4,190-
30-04-202614-05-2026AUD $ 4,190-
02-05-202616-05-2026AUD $ 4,030-
09-05-202623-05-2026AUD $ 4,030-
16-05-202630-05-2026AUD $ 3,880-
23-05-202606-06-2026AUD $ 3,880-
30-05-202613-06-2026AUD $ 3,880-
06-06-202620-06-2026AUD $ 3,880-
20-06-202604-07-2026AUD $ 3,880-
27-06-202611-07-2026AUD $ 3,880-
04-07-202618-07-2026AUD $ 3,880-
11-07-202625-07-2026AUD $ 3,880-
18-07-202601-08-2026AUD $ 3,880-
25-07-202608-08-2026AUD $ 3,880-
01-08-202615-08-2026AUD $ 3,880-
08-08-202622-08-2026AUD $ 3,880-
15-08-202629-08-2026AUD $ 3,880-
22-08-202605-09-2026AUD $ 3,880-
29-08-202612-09-2026AUD $ 3,880-
05-09-202619-09-2026AUD $ 3,880-
10-09-202624-09-2026AUD $ 3,880-
12-09-202626-09-2026AUD $ 3,880-
19-09-202603-10-2026AUD $ 3,880-
24-09-202608-10-2026AUD $ 3,880-
26-09-202610-10-2026AUD $ 3,880-
01-10-202615-10-2026AUD $ 4,030-
03-10-202617-10-2026AUD $ 4,030-
05-10-202619-10-2026AUD $ 4,030-
10-10-202624-10-2026AUD $ 4,030-
15-10-202629-10-2026AUD $ 4,030-
17-10-202631-10-2026AUD $ 4,030-
19-10-202602-11-2026AUD $ 4,030-
24-10-202607-11-2026AUD $ 4,030-
29-10-202612-11-2026AUD $ 4,030-
31-10-202614-11-2026AUD $ 4,030-
05-11-202619-11-2026AUD $ 4,190-
07-11-202621-11-2026AUD $ 4,190-
09-11-202623-11-2026AUD $ 4,190-
14-11-202628-11-2026AUD $ 4,190-
19-11-202603-12-2026AUD $ 4,190-
21-11-202605-12-2026AUD $ 4,030-
23-11-202607-12-2026AUD $ 4,030-
26-11-202610-12-2026AUD $ 4,030-
28-11-202612-12-2026AUD $ 4,030-
30-11-202614-12-2026AUD $ 4,030-
05-12-202619-12-2026AUD $ 4,030-
10-12-202624-12-2026AUD $ 4,030-
12-12-202626-12-2026AUD $ 4,030-
14-12-202628-12-2026AUD $ 4,030-
17-12-202631-12-2026AUD $ 4,030-
19-12-202602-01-2027AUD $ 4,030-
24-12-202607-01-2027AUD $ 4,030-
26-12-202609-01-2027AUD $ 4,030-
31-12-202614-01-2027AUD $ 4,030-

Accommodation

Guesthouse (1 night),Hotel (12 nights),Overnight boat (1 night)

Transport

Boat,Plane,Private vehicle,Taxi

Map