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Peregrine Travel Centre

Vietnam Discovery

Vietnam Discovery

From $ 1,295 AUD

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Description

Trace Vietnam’s eastern coastline on this 12-day adventure, seeing the country from south to north and discovering the many natural and historical wonders along the way. Kick off your journey with the modern chaos of Ho Chi Minh City and finish up in old-world Hanoi. Be surrounded by tumultuous history, architectural charm, vibrant colours, delicious food and inspiring scenery along the way. Explore the streets of Ho Chi Minh City, immerse yourself in the charm of Hoi An, kayak through the beautiful karsts of Lan Ha Bay and delight your senses with street food in Hanoi.

Trip Name
Vietnam Discovery
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
12
Capacity
18
Highlights
  • Spend your days on Cat Ba Island relaxing on tiny beaches, hiking through verdant jungle and kayaking around karst-studded Lan Ha Bay. It’s just like Ha Long, but with fewer tourists!
  • Explore the 36 streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, as well as the Dong Xuan Market and Hoan Kiem Lake, taking in the unique mixture of French and Buddhist architecture.
  • Wander the charming streets of Hoi An’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed ancient town, then opt to pedal past rice fields and through small villages on a guided bicycle tour of the surrounding countryside.
  • Visit Vun Art, an organisation providing people with disabilities with job training and employment opportunities. Learn how the artisans recycle old silk scraps to create handicrafts.
  • Try local specialties like banh mi, pho and egg coffee – your expert local leader will have plenty of suggestions on where to find the best local food.

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 and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , 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 with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you do arrive early, head out to see the ancient pagodas and cathedrals near the former Presidential Palace, the historic Dong Khoi Street and the chaotic markets of Ben Thanh and Cholon (Chinatown). After your meeting tonight, why not head out with your new fellow travellers for an optional dinner and tuck into some delicious local cuisine.
Day 2 - Ho Chi Minh City
Get to know the streets of Ho Chi Minh City with your leader on an orientation walk this morning. You’ll check out some of the city’s highlights, like the Saigon Post Office and the War Remnants Museum, which holds sobering stories of the 20-year-long Vietnam War. The rest of the day is free for you to choose your own adventure. Maybe visit the Reunification Palace, watch the A O Show (a circus performance with a distinctive bamboo set design) at the Saigon Opera House or explore the vibrant local food scene.
Day 3 - Ho Chi Minh City to Hoi An
Today is a free day for you to choose from the optional activities on offer. There’s the option to go on a tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels – this former Viet Cong stronghold provides an insight into the resourcefulness and tenacity of the Vietnamese people, as well as underground life during the Vietnam War. Or, you could go on a day trip to the Mekong Delta. If you opt into this day trip, you’ll board a private boat to Ben Tre to visit the coconut gardens and stop at a local home to sample some tropical fruits and coconut jams. You’ll then paddle along the delta in sampans (small rowing boats) and go on a tuk-tuk tour of the local villages to learn about rural life. The day trip also includes a lunch of regional specialties at a restaurant in the heart of the delta. This evening, you’ll board an overnight train to Danang.
Day 4 - Hoi An
Arrive in Da Nang by train and travel by minibus to Hoi An – a UNESCO World Heritage site that continues to undergo restoration work today. It was a major trading port with the West between the 15th and 19th centuries. Today, parts of Hoi An look exactly as they did more than a century ago. Your leader will take you on a sightseeing walk through the Old Town to visit some of the city's major attractions. A sightseeing pass is included in your trip, so you can visit a selection of the major sights. Hoi An is also a great spot for shopping, so head down to the markets and street stalls to browse paintings, woodwork, ceramics and lanterns. Don’t miss the excellent local cuisine – you could book yourself in for a cooking class to take some culinary secrets home with you. Most local guided tours include a trip to the local food markets, and some take you on a short boat journey along the Thu Bon River. Let your local leader know what you'd like to see and they will be able to recommend some activities to suit your interests.
Day 5 - Hoi An
Wake up for a free day to do as you please. This is a great opportunity to take a trip out to the My Son temples – a UNESCO World Heritage site constructed between the 4th and 14th centuries that reflects the rich cultural traditions of the Cham civilisation. In the afternoon, maybe hire a bike for a ride through the countryside near Hoi An. There's no better way to explore this peaceful area than on two wheels – you’ll see places few tourists get the chance to visit and the green rice paddies and small creeks will give you a true insight into rural life in Vietnam. Otherwise, you could spend today relaxing on An Bang or Cua Dai Beach.
Day 6 - Hue
Bid farewell to Hoi An this morning and make the drive to Hue. You’ll be travelling on the incredible Hai Van Pass, through lush mountains and past scenic lookouts, and there’ll be some good places for a photo stop. When you arrive in Hue, head out with your leader for an orientation walk, then the afternoon is free for you to explore. Hue was once Vietnam’s imperial capital and has a curious mix of bustling streets and tranquil enclaves. Maybe visit the Dong Ba Market, which sells everything imaginable and is a great place to spend some time browsing. Hue is renowned for its cuisine, with some delicious dishes originating from this region, including bun bo Hue (Hue’s delicious take on pho) and banh khoai (a filled turmeric crepe) – it’s time to give your tastebuds a workout!
Day 7 - Hue to Hanoi
Enjoy a free day in Hue. Maybe visit the Imperial Citadel which includes the Forbidden Purple City that was almost completely destroyed during the Vietnam War. The gaping holes left by bombs give you an idea of how much destruction occurred in this country. If you'd rather take to the water, hop on a dragon boat cruise along the Perfume River and then visit Thien Mu Pagoda – the unofficial symbol of Hue. Here, you’ll see an active Buddhist monastery dating back to 1601 and a car belonging to the monk who tragically set himself alight in public to protest the treatment of Buddhists. You might also opt to visit the royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, with its central lake set amid a grove of frangipani and pine trees. This evening, take another overnight train, bound for Hanoi.
Day 8 - Cat Ba
Arrive in Hanoi at about 5 am, then take a bus followed by a ferry to Cat Ba Island. When you arrive, you’ll begin exploring the stunning waters of Lan Ha Bay. Located in the greater Ha Long Bay area, Lan Ha Bay is one of Vietnam’s most scenic spots, where limestone islands and caves rise from emerald waters. You’ll have a free afternoon to explore at your own pace – maybe get active on a hike or go for a dip at one of the beaches. You’ll have a free evening to relax and soak up the peaceful island vibes.
Day 9 - Cat Ba
Enjoy a full day of relaxing with a boat trip on the beautiful Lan Ha Bay. Cruise past limestone islets and tuck into a delicious lunch on board before taking to the water in kayaks for an unforgettable adventure.
Day 10 - Hanoi
Make the journey to Hanoi today. On the way, you’ll stop to visit Intrepid Foundation partner Vun Art – a local organisation providing people with disabilities with job training and employment opportunities. See how the artisans produce tote bags and art pieces from the discarded silk that comes from Van Phuc Silk Village. Then, continue to Hanoi, arriving in the mid-afternoon. Go on a walking tour with your leader in the Old Town to get your bearings, then the rest of the day is free.
Day 11 - Hanoi
Explore Hanoi at your own pace with a full free day today. You might like to visit the former residence of Vietnam’s most famous revolutionary – Ho Chi Minh – or go on a daytrip to Ninh Binh, a small city in the Red River Delta of northern Vietnam, popular for its natural beauty. Chat to your leader about how you’d like to spend the day – they’ll be ready with some excellent recommendations.
Day 12 - Hanoi
There are no further activities planned for today and your trip comes to an end. With so much to see and do in Hanoi, it’s highly recommended you extend your stay – just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
Day 13 - Cat Ba
Enjoy a full day of relaxing with a boat trip on the beautiful Lan Ha Bay. Cruise past limestone islets and tuck in to a delicious onboard lunch before taking to the water in kayaks for an unforgettable adventure.
Day 14 - Hanoi
Rise and shine! Perhaps start your morning with a refreshing swim or a Vietnamese coffee (or both). Make sure you soak up as much sun and sand as possible, because this afternoon it's back to Hanoi by ferry and bus. Tonight, you may want to head out for an optional dinner with your fellow travellers, sharing some memories and laughs over a local meal and beer.
Day 15 - Hanoi
There are no activities planned for today and you’re able to depart the accommodation at any time after check-out. With so much to see and do in Hanoi, we recommend that you spend an extra day or two here, and we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
14-08-202628-08-2026AUD $ 1,725-
25-09-202609-10-2026AUD $ 1,610-
23-10-202606-11-2026AUD $ 1,725-
20-11-202604-12-2026AUD $ 1,695-
25-12-202608-01-2027AUD $ 1,725-
02-01-202713-01-2027AUD $ 1,335-
16-01-202727-01-2027AUD $ 1,335-
30-01-202710-02-2027AUD $ 1,335-
06-02-202717-02-2027AUD $ 1,295-
20-02-202703-03-2027AUD $ 1,295-
06-03-202717-03-2027AUD $ 1,335-
20-03-202731-03-2027AUD $ 1,335-
27-03-202707-04-2027AUD $ 1,335-
10-04-202721-04-2027AUD $ 1,335-
24-04-202705-05-2027AUD $ 1,335-
08-05-202719-05-2027AUD $ 1,295-
05-06-202716-06-2027AUD $ 1,295-
03-07-202714-07-2027AUD $ 1,295-
24-07-202704-08-2027AUD $ 1,295-
14-08-202725-08-2027AUD $ 1,295-
04-09-202715-09-2027AUD $ 1,295-
25-09-202706-10-2027AUD $ 1,295-
09-10-202720-10-2027AUD $ 1,295-
23-10-202703-11-2027AUD $ 1,295-
06-11-202717-11-2027AUD $ 1,335-
20-11-202701-12-2027AUD $ 1,335-
04-12-202715-12-2027AUD $ 1,295-
11-12-202722-12-2027AUD $ 1,295-
18-12-202729-12-2027AUD $ 1,335-
25-12-202705-01-2028AUD $ 1,335-
01-01-202812-01-2028AUD $ 1,400-
15-01-202826-01-2028AUD $ 1,400-
29-01-202809-02-2028AUD $ 1,400-
05-02-202816-02-2028AUD $ 1,360-
19-02-202801-03-2028AUD $ 1,360-
04-03-202815-03-2028AUD $ 1,360-
18-03-202829-03-2028AUD $ 1,400-
25-03-202805-04-2028AUD $ 1,400-
08-04-202819-04-2028AUD $ 1,400-
22-04-202803-05-2028AUD $ 1,400-
06-05-202817-05-2028AUD $ 1,360-
03-06-202814-06-2028AUD $ 1,360-
01-07-202812-07-2028AUD $ 1,360-
22-07-202802-08-2028AUD $ 1,360-
12-08-202823-08-2028AUD $ 1,360-
02-09-202813-09-2028AUD $ 1,360-
23-09-202804-10-2028AUD $ 1,360-
07-10-202818-10-2028AUD $ 1,360-
21-10-202801-11-2028AUD $ 1,360-
04-11-202815-11-2028AUD $ 1,400-
18-11-202829-11-2028AUD $ 1,400-
02-12-202813-12-2028AUD $ 1,360-
09-12-202820-12-2028AUD $ 1,360-
16-12-202827-12-2028AUD $ 1,400-
23-12-202803-01-2029AUD $ 1,400-

Accommodation

Hotel (9 nights), Overnight sleeper train (2 nights)

Transport

Boat, Overnight Train, Private Minibus, Taxi

Map

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