Vietnam Discovery Tour (16 nights)

Included in this package are: all internal flights as noted in this itinerary,  transfers, coach touring, local expert tour guide as well as your Australian host, all accommodation, breakfasts, dinners, entrance fees where indicated, boat fees:
only $1790.00 p/p t/s. Single supplement: US$335. p/p**

**PLEASE NOTE SINGLE SUPPLEMENT WILL HAVE TO BE PAID IF A SUITABLE PARTNER CANNOT BE FOUND, REGARDLESS OF ANY TOUR. PLEASE CHECK WITH US BEFORE BOOKING

Hotels are advised upon confirmation of booking and receipt of deposit.
If you would like to include your air travel, we can offer special international fares from Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane.


Vietnam, a country made famous sadly by war, has a unique and rich civilisation, spectacular scenery and highly cultural, cordial people eager to welcome you and help you discover their fascinating country. While no doubt a long history of wars continues to weigh heavily on the consciousness of all who can remember the years of fighting, the Vietnam of today is a country at peace. You will be overwhelmed by the sublime beauty of the countryside, its people, the tastes and smells of its flavourful and delicate cuisine, and you will be impressed by the level of tourist facilities.


Highlights of our Tour to Vietnam:
2 nights Hanoi
1 night Halong Bay with Cruise
visit D.M.Z & Vinh Moc Tunnels
2 nights historic Hue
2 nights Hoi An
2 night Nha Trang with Cruise
2 nights Mui Ne Beach on the South China Sea
Long Tan Battlefield and Memorial
4 nights Saigon with visits to
Cu Chi Tunnels, Mekong Delta & free shopping day


Optional Stopover Available
In Bangkok, Thailand when flying with Thai Airlines.
Either can be booked traveling to or upon the return from Vietnam.
For more information, contact our office.


TOUR V ITINERARY (itinerary as at 12-05-05)
The itinerary will follow along these lines, (subject to change if conditions warrant)

Day 1. Sydney to Hanoi

We depart Sydney for Hanoi, arriving the morning of Day 2.

Day 2. Explore Hanoi

Arrive early morning & are meet & greeted by our local guide & transfer to the hotel. After lunch we show you the sights of Hanoi. Hanoi is a city with a rich cultural heritage and is often called "the Paris of the Orient" because of the French colonial architecture. Our hotel is situated very close to Hoan Kiem Lake and within walking distance to the bustling old quarter, known to the French as the "Cite Indigene". We show you Ho Tay (West Lake) Pagoda and give you a brief city tour before taking you on an afternoon cyclo tour of the old French Quarters, you then have free time to wander around the old city. In the evening we visit the world famous Water Puppet Theatre. Overnight Hanoi

Day 3. Cruise on Halong Bay

We depart Hanoi early for a visit to magnificent Halong Bay, with its 3,000 plus islands rising from the clear emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin, scenery made famous in the French film Indochine. A Lunch cruise amongst the island wonders including a visit to one of the many spectacular Grottoes & caves in this area, with lunch on board, that awaits us. Afternoon free to explore this beautiful location. Overnight Post Office Hotel Halong Bay.

Day 4. Halong Bay to Hanoi

Today we leave Halong Bay & head back to the city of Hanoi. In the afternoon we visit
Ho Chi Minh Tomb, spend the afternoon walking around the palaces & beautiful gardens. Rest of the afternoon is free time. Overnight at the Guoman Hotel

Day 5. Halong to Hue The Imperial City

Today we take a morning flight from Hanoi to Hue - the old imperial capital of Vietnam. Hue has become a National Treasure in only the last ten years when the local government realised the tourism potential of these formerly considered: politically incorrect monuments to the former dynasty. Hue was declared an UNESCO World Heritage Site, and restoration work continues. Today we visit the Imperial City citadel built from 1804 – 1833. A splendid example of the former Nguyen dynasty and a national treasure. Among the remains of the Citadel are many notable pagodas. Overnight in Hue at the Century Hotel.

Day 6. Thien Mu Pagoda

This morning we depart for Quang Tri, this area used to be the border province when Vietnam was divided into two parts, in 1954 the Northern part was occupied by Communist and the Southern one was Capitalist. Visit Vinh Moc Tunnel, the bomb shelter of the villagers in the Northern side, by passing Hien Luong Bridge and Ben Hai River which were the natural border between North and South, commonly known as DMZ. We head back to Hue for Overnight stay.


Day 7. Hue, Danang & on to Hoi An

Today we drive to Hoi An travelling via the famous Hai Van Pass to Danang, often referred to as the Saigon of the North. Danang is Vietnam’s fourth largest city and marks the northern limits of Vietnam’s tropical zone. We visit China Beach (made famous by the American TV series and a favourite R&R spot for American soldiers during the war) and Marble Mountain, which was from the 2nd to the 10th century the heartland of the kingdom of Champa. We explore the ancient sites of the Kingdom of Champa, which flourished form the 2nd of the 15th centuries. Champa became Indianised through commercial relations with India: the Chams adopted Hinduism, employed Sanskrit as a sacred language and borrowed from Indian art. A visit to a Champa Museum Hoi An. Overnight Hoi An Hotel.


Day 8. Hoi An Day

Hoi An was once a bustling trading port and was the first place in Vietnam to be exposed to Christianity by visiting missionaries. It is a beautiful old city, which once served as a French administration centre and is a showpiece of Vietnamese and colonial architecture. Today it is a tailor’s paradise and is an excellent spot for shopping and the tailors will make up excellent clothes quickly and cheaply for you: shirts, trousers, suits, and pyjamas being tailor-made in hours. A delightful afternoon cruise will complete your day. Overnight Hoi An.


Day 9. Danang to Nha Trang

We take a morning flight from Hoi An to Nha Trang, a coastal city and a popular R & R spot for American GI’s during the war, with a population of 315,000 and beautiful beaches. The clear turquoise waters around Nha Trang make for excellent fishing, snorkeling and scuba diving. Enjoy a cruise around the islands & a visit to one of the islands in a traditional fishing boat. . Stay at Saigon Yasaka Hotel.

Day 10. Free day in Nha Trang

Today is a day of relaxation. Free time to sleep in, shop, walk along the beach or even go for a swim in the ocean. Stay Saigon Yasaka Hotel.

Day 11. Nha Trang to Phan Thiet

We descend down from Nha Trang to the coastal resort of Phan Thiet, traditionally known for its fish sauce industry and some amazing old Cham towers dotted along the road. We visit the very popular and beautifully scenic Mui Ne Beach on the South China Sea for a two-night stay. Overnight at the lovely Bamboo Village situated right on the beach, two nights. The resort boasts two resort class swimming pool as well and you are sure to enjoy the restaurant and bar which overlooks the South China Sea, a memorable stopover. Stay at Bamboo Village.


Day 12. R&R Day

We've reached our halfway point and after a morning visit to the enormous sand dunes along this beautiful coastline you'll have the afternoon at leisure to enjoy the facilities of the Bamboo Village Resort.


Day 13. Battlefields Day

Today we head to the Long Tan battlefields to pay our respects to the soldiers of the 6th Battalion RAR who lost their lives fighting in the old rubber plantations on 18th August 1966. We visit the Memorial Cross-, which marks the site, paying our respect to the fallen. We continue into Saigon visiting on the way an orphanage who welcomes your support & gifts. You'll get a chance to meet some of the children and you'll be overwhelmed by their spirit and charm. Bring along some school supplies or Aussie souvenirs if you like to give to the children. Arrive in this bustling city the largest in Vietnam with a population of 10-15 million. Saigon was the capital of former South Vietnam and site of the last evacuations from the American Embassy at the end of the war. It was renamed Ho Chi Minh City after the Communist victory in 1975. It is a vibrant, bustling city stretching over an area of 2029 square km, full of motorbikes and pushbikes, so be careful crossing the road! French influence is still present in the many restaurants, as this city was captured by the French in 1859, becoming the capital of the French Colony of Indochina. We take you on a city tour, visiting the Chinese quarter of Cholon, the Presidential Palace (once the centre of power for the French and South Vietnamese Government) (optional), beautiful Notre Dame Cathedral, the War Remnants Museum, and finally a Pagoda; home of worship for monks. Overnight for four nights, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Stay at Rex Hotel.

Day 14. Discover Cholon and the Cu Chi Tunnels

A morning visit to the fascinating Cu Chi Tunnels famous for the Viet Cong's remarkable and legendary tunnel network of over 250 kms which all but broke the backbone of the American forces during the Vietnam War. Begun in the late 40's, they encompass 25 years of digging and construction, and enabled the Viet Cong guerilla fighters to transport supplies and to mount surprise attacks against their enemies and escape undetected, all the way to Saigon. Evening boat cruise to Binh Quoi Tourist Village for Vietnamese wedding show & dinner. Overnight Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).

Day 15. The Mekong Delta

The Mekong River is one of the world's great rivers and its delta is one of the world's largest. My Tho is the first major city in the Delta after departing Saigon. We will cross the mighty Mekong to Ben Tre Island, then travel in boats along winding canals which will give a great opportunity to capture the atmosphere of Delta life. The islands off My Tho boast an orchard and craft factory. We visit local villages and enjoy their hospitality coupled with a delightful lunch. Dinner at your leisure to explore the many fantastic restaurants. Overnight Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).

Day 16. Shopping In Saigon

Today is a day of relaxation. Free time to shop until you drop or run out of money or simply explore this beautiful & bustling City. Maybe even a visit to the Continental Hotel & relive the movie “The Quite American”. Tonight we have our farewell dinner.  Overnight REX Hotel Saigon.

Day 17. Our Flight Home

Last minute shopping before boarding our evening flight from Saigon.

Day 18.

Early arrival home to your Australian destination after a wonderful tour of Vietnam.

Phone us on 03 6231 3844 to book today.

Optional Extra - check out this wonderful deal (see directly below).

2. Temples of Angkor Tour (5 day tour with optional-extra tour to Cambodia)

Angkor Wat being one of the Ancient wonders of the world shows its grandeur & beauty; justifying its reputation in a monumental scale. Our adventure commences the moment we arrive at Sien Reap airport. The splendour of Angkor combined with the ecological marvel of Lake Tonle Sap will make a wonderful stay.
Approx. $600.00 p/p t/s.


Day 1. Arrive Sien Reap

We take a morning flight into Sien Reap with Vietnam Air arriving at 12:45pm. We meet our guide & transfer to your Hotel. The township of Sien Reap is our base for exploring the world famous temples of the Ancient city Angkor Wat, which was the capital of the powerful Khmer Empire from 802 AD to 1350 AD. We drive to the archaeological area to visit the south gate of Angkor Thom; famous for its series of colossal human faces carved into stone. At 1700 we walk to Bakheng Hill for a view of the spectacular sunset over these monuments. Stay Borei Angkor Hotel

Day 2. Explore Angkor Wat

Today we continue our tour to Angkor Wat the most famous of all temples, we visit the Bayon Temple unique for its 54 towers with over 200 smiling faces; Royal enclosure elephant terrace; temple of Ta Prohm, a masterpiece reclaimed by the powerful forces of nature. The grand circuit touring includes Preah Khan, Krol Ko, east Mebon & many other monuments. Early finish enabling time to relax via the pool prior to dinner.
Stay Borei Angkor Hotel.

Day 3. Temple Tours

Today we head out of town & explore some outlying sights including the Preah Dark Village. We then visit the intricately carved & well preserved Temple of Banteay Samre; the River of 1000 Lingas; Banteay Samre Temple with its impressive relief sets depicting scenes of Vishunu. With time permitting we further explore around the ground circuit; allowing sufficient time for strolling around the town. Buffet dinner with traditional dance show.
Stay Borei Angkor Hotel.

Day 4. Sein Reap - cruise

After breakfast (subject to seasonal conditions & lake capacity) we embark on a short cruise on Tonle Sap Lake, Cambodia’s biggest & natural lake to visit floating village & see locals in local environment. We return to city to visit Les Artisan DAngkor centre: a co operative established to develop local artisan culture. We say goodbye to Cambodia on our afternoon flight to connect with our overseas connecting flight.

Day 5. Arrive Home

Early morning arrival at our destination.

Tour includes: air fare Saigon return: subject to flying “Vietnam Airlines”, Sien Reap, lunch (4), dinners (3), dance show, local guide, transfers, coach touring, boat trip, Ankgor Wat 2 day pass, accommodation (3 nights) (group rate only), F.I.T. – slight variance on group rate.

NOT included: Visa fee US$20, departure tax US$12 Vietnam & departure tax US$15 Cambodia & tips.


Ask us for more details on this wonderful Vietnam Tour Itinerary