TASTE of VIETNAM 2024
Per person sharing
Embarking on an 8-day Taste of Vietnam tour in 2024 promises a rich tapestry of experiences, blending Vietnam's diverse geography and culture. Your journey commences in Hanoi, the vibrant capital that seamlessly weaves together Chinese, South-eastern Asian, and French architectural influences. The Old Quarter, with its streets organized by trade, provides a fascinating glimpse into the city's historical and cultural evolution.
From Hanoi, the adventure unfolds in the enchanting Ha Long Bay. A leisurely overnight cruise offers a unique perspective of the bay's breathtaking landscapes, featuring thousands of limestone karsts rising dramatically from the emerald waters.
The climax of your journey awaits in Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon). Here, a highlight is the exploration of the Cu Chi Tunnels, an intricate network employed by soldiers during the Vietnam War to move stealthily and evade enemy detection. The firsthand encounter with this historical site offers a profound understanding of wartime strategies.
The following day introduces you to the vibrant energy of floating markets, where you'll immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere alongside hundreds of sellers. Boarding smaller boats, your journey continues to Tan Phong Island, where you'll have the unique opportunity to participate in a cookery class. This hands-on experience will not only deepen your appreciation for Vietnamese cuisine but also leave you with lasting memories.
As your 8-day Taste of Vietnam tour comes to a close, you'll return to Ho Chi Minh City filled with unforgettable moments and a newfound appreciation for the country's rich history, diverse landscapes, and vibrant culture. Vietnam's unique blend of tradition and modernity, coupled with its warm hospitality, makes it a must-visit destination for any travel enthusiast.
Start City: Hanoi
End City: Ho Chi Ming (Saigon)
Duration: 8 Days – 7 Nights
Departure: Daily
Tour basis: Private guided tour
At a glance
| HANOI | 3 nights | ||
| HA LONG | 1 Night's cruising | ||
| SAIGON | 3 nights | ||
| CAI BE | 1 night Home Stay | ||
| Meals | 7 Breakfasts, 1 Brunch, 2 Lunches and 2 Dinners | ||
| Other | All relevant transfers and transportation in AC vehicle | ||
| Domestic Airfare (subject to change) | |||
| Tours with English speaking guide & entrance fees |
Highlights
Tour Highlights
Hanoi: Take a ride on a Xich Lo through the Old Quarter and take in the sites of the infamous Hanoi Hilton Prison
Ha Long: Board your cruise for an unforgettable 24hrs journey through its emerald waters and limestone islands
Saigon: You are taken on a city tour followed by a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels. Explore the floating markets and the Mekong Delta
Quick Contact
Itinerary
Arrive Hanoi
- Welcome to Vietnam, your holiday has started
- Meet with our representative for transfer to your hotel
- The Remainder of the day is free
Hanoi (B)
- Hanoi is well known for its history, architecture, charm, tranquility and cuisine. Our first visit is to the most and well-respected sites of Ho Chi Minh Complex and Ba Dinh Square. This is an important point of pilgrimage for many Vietnamese. The area surrounding the Complex is a traffic-free zone filled with botanical gardens, monuments, memorials and pagodas. It includes the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Ho Chi Minh's Stilt House, the presidential palace, Ho Chi Minh Museum and One Pillar Pagoda.
- Continue to the 11th Century Temple of Literature, Hanoi's first University.
- In the afternoon, take a 25-minute drive to the Ethnology Museum, providing insightful glimpses into the Country's lengthy history.
- End the day with a walk through Hanoi's Old Quarter and make sure you stop for a cup of Vietnamese coffee or a local snack
Hanoi - Ha Long (B/L/D)
- Ha Long Bay is one of the most enchanting and memorable experiences in Vietnam. The postcard pictures you so often see of Ha Long Bay will become a memory to last a lifetime.
- We leave the city behind and drive through the Red River Delta to Ha Long Bay ( +- 3.5 hours)
The beautiful countryside that awaits you will take you through local farming life and villages, providing us plenty of opportunities to stop and capture some spectacular photographs.
Be sure to keep an eye out for the amazing things the locals load onto their motorbikes!! - On-route, we make a stop at one of our favorite organizations in Vietnam, Hong Ngoc Humanities centre in Sao Do Town. This wonderful establishment has been set up to provide skill and employment to people from small villages throughout the north of Vietnam, creating jobs and providing accommodation to disadvantaged people. You have the opportunity to purchase some exquisite local handicrafts and wares or just watch and admire the amazing and intricate workmanship involved in the production.
- Arriving in Ha Long Bay, we board our boat and enjoy a spectacular seafood lunch as we sail off into Dragon Bay, gazing at the breathtaking karst formations within the bay.
- After lunch, free time to relax and admire the beauty of the Bay as we cruise through hundreds of formations.
- Throughout our cruise today, you will have the opportunity to disembark the boat and explore Sung Sot Cave, where you will learn how karsts were formed in this area millions of years ago.
- During the afternoon, you will be invited to a cooking demonstration.
- Continue cruising the bay until the late afternoon, before setting anchor for the night.
- Once anchored, there’s plenty of time for swimming or just relaxing to admire the scenery before settling into another scrumptious meal.
- After dinner, why not head to the top deck and enjoy a relaxing drink whilst admiring the peaceful ambiance and gazing at the millions of stars.
Inclusions
- Return flights from Johannesburg on Qatar Airways (Specific & limited seats)
- Meet and assist on arrival and departure by our local representative
- Transfer and intercity transportation as per itinerary in AC vehicle
- Domestic Airfares (subject to conditions)
- Accommodation in double/twin rooms at selected hotels
- Meals: as mentioned
- Local English Guide
- Entrance fees
Exclusions
- Personal expenses, meals and drinks unless otherwise specified
- Travel insurance
- Vietnam Visa fee
- Tips
- Services not stated in the itinerary
- Rates are subject to exchange fluctuations, increases in airfares and departure/fuel levies
Validity
- Rate valid for travel between 01 MAY to 31 May 2024
Contact us for any other date of travel required
Country information
Best time to travel to Vietnam
A good time to travel to Vietnam is spring (February to April and again in Autumn (August to October)
Overall, Vietnam enjoys a mild tropical or subtropical climate and aside from a few months a year in the high northern region you'll never need to worry about packing cold-weather gear.
But do bring an umbrella, especially if visiting from July to November, Vietnam's stormiest month
Vietnam Culture and Greetings
When interacting with a Vietnamese, be sensitive to Vietnam’s history. The person you may talk to may have experienced the struggles of the Vietnam War. Thirty years on many Vietnamese still have physical and mental health problems from the war. Approach any topic regarding this with sensitivity and sympathy.
Objects should be passed, given or received with both hands together. Vietnamese people are generally punctual and expect the same standard from others. The Vietnamese are accustomed to shaking hands. Some Vietnamese might use two hands to shake by resting the left hand on top of the grasp with the other person's hand. Bowing the head while shaking hands indicates respect
Drinks & Food
Vietnamese food is always served fresh and flavourful. You will find lost of fish dishes, cooked with fresh herbs and vegetables. Local cuisine is healthy and light
Discover your environment
Driving is on the right-hand side of the road. Taxis are plentiful and can be flagged down on the street. Make sure the taxi has a meter set before starting your journey. Hiring a bike (Wearing a helmet is a must) for the day is popular and is still Vietnam’s most popular transportation mode, together with motorbikes. Express long-distance trains will take you comfortably between cities
Tipping
Tipping is very customary, especially in the most important tourist areas. It is appreciated y the receiver as salaries are on the low side and tipping makes up a sizeable side to monthly earning
Local interesting meals:
Drinking an egg-coffee is a must
Pho: Noodle soup usually with meat
Nem: Spring rolls with pork, noodles, egg and mushroom wrapped in rice paper
Banh bao: Steamed dumplings stuffed with onions, pork and other ingredients
Banh MI: French baguette with pickled daikon and carrot, chilli, coriander, cucumber and various cold meats
Lau: Vietnamese hot pot
Bia hoi: Fresh beer produced daily and served cold in local bars and very refreshing (Low in alcohol)