Christmas in Vietnam

Monday 15 December

Depart New Zealand and fly to Saigon.

Tuesday 16 December

Arrive in Saigon where you will be met at the airport in the arrival hall by your Local Guide or National Escort. Together with all other group members who may be arriving at a similar time, you will transfer 45 minutes to your hotel.

The rest of the day is at leisure until this evening’s welcome briefing.

Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City) – The exuberant city of Saigon is driving Vietnam forward into the modern world but is also a treasure trove of fascinating heritage. During the 1960s and early 1970s, there were many different subcurrents of emotion in response to the American occupation. Today, the old mixes seamlessly with the new.

Wednesday 17 December

Discover the story of the Viet Cong at the Cu Chi Tunnels. These cramped tunnels were central to some of the Vietnam War’s strategic operations, including the famous 1968 Tet Offensive. Hear about their use by VC soldiers during combat, and learn about their role as underground hospitals, food and weapon caches and living quarters.

You will also see recreations of some of the infamous bamboo traps of the VC. If you choose, you can also crouch or crawl through a short section of the tunnels.

This afternoon, explore modern day Saigon and its heady mix of local culture and colonial French influences. See the Reunification Palace and Notre Dame Cathedral, visit the impressive Central Post Office, and spend some time at the poignant War Remnants Museum, which displays military equipment, photographs and artefacts of the Vietnam War from 1961-1975. This museum can be emotional; you will have time to explore independently.

Thursday 18 December

Drive two and a half hours down to the picturesque province of Ben Tre, situated along the mighty Mekong. This area is known as the ‘Rice Basket of Vietnam’, because its rich and fertile lands produce huge amounts of rice, coconuts, vegetables and tropical fruit.

Spend the day cruising and exploring, travelling by motorised, wooden boats between the islands and changing to smaller, paddleboats in the canals. Sightseeing involves hopping on and off these boats. There may be unsteady and slippery surfaces, sometimes without handrails or assistance. Return to Saigon this afternoon.

Friday 19 December

Fly 1 hour and 15 minutes to Danang and transfer to the charming town of Hoi An, which wins the hearts of all its visitors through its atmospheric, lantern-lined streets.

This afternoon, enjoy a walking tour of Hoi An's narrow ancient streets. Visit one of the town's oldest homes, built by a merchant family over 200 years ago and still owned by their descendants.

You will also visit the traditional Hoi An Market, the Quan Cong Chinese Temple and the Japanese Covered Bridge.

You may also wish to visit one of Hoi An’s famous 24-hour tailors or sandal-makers, who are famous for creating custom pieces overnight – they can even deliver them to your hotel.

Saturday 20 December

This morning, visit a local community farming project just outside of Hoi An – Tra Que village, where the community has come together to create a large vegetable farm. Learn the traditional methods the farmers use to plant, fertilise and harvest the crop, then try your hand at raking the ground and sowing seeds.

The remainder of the afternoon is free at your leisure to explore the ancient town, or perhaps go to the beach.

Sunday 21 December

Drive approximately 4 hours to Hue; a journey that will take you over the famously scenic Hai Van Pass. Hue is considered a scholarly city, and the embodiment of Vietnam’s dynamic imperial era.

Upon arrival, explore the Royal Tomb of Emperor Minh Mang; the beautiful complex comprises of almost 40 monuments and is surrounded by gardens and pools.

Later, visit the Imperial Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City, heavily influenced by the Forbidden City in China. Continue by road to Thien Mu Pagoda and take a cruise on the Perfume River.

Monday 22 December

This morning, fly 1 hour and 20 minutes to the charming city of Hanoi. The afternoon is at leisure to explore this historic capital.

Tuesday 23 December

This morning, we delve into the story of Ho Chi Minh, the ‘father of Vietnam’. Visit the Ho Chi Minh Quarter, passing Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum en route to the One Pillar Pagoda. Visit the Humble House on Stilts, Ho Chi Minh’s simple house in the grounds of the Presidential Palace.

Next, drive to the serene Temple of Literature: Hanoi’s first university, now a temple to figures like Confucius. Later, experience an exhilarating cyclo ride through Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Each cyclo takes one passenger and is operated by a cycle driver behind the carriage. This afternoon, you will also have the opportunity to taste some traditional egg coffee – a Hanoi specialty!

Wednesday 24 December

Travel to Halong and embark on an unforgettable adventure – a two-night cruise out to the far-most corners of the bay. Settle in with lunch on board and enjoy the passing scenery as you journey out into the waters.

This afternoon, enjoy the included activities on offer, such as swimming and sunbathing at Trinh Nu Beach, or exploring Trinh Nu Cave. End the day on deck with a drink in hand, watching as the sun sets over the bay.

Tonight, relax and enjoy Christmas dinner - Vietnamese style! The festive meal is served on Christmas Eve in Vietnam as a result of French influences left over from the Indochina period. Enjoy the celebrations with newfound friends and your National Escort as the stars glimmer over the bay.

You will need to pack a smaller overnight bag for your trip to Halong Bay. Main luggage will be left in safe storage at the hotel in Hanoi and picked up your return.

Please note: Weather conditions may delay the departure time of your cruise, or in extreme cases your cruise may be cancelled. This is rare, but such delays may not be known until your group’s arrival in Halong Bay. If your cruise is cancelled after your arrival in Halong Bay, you will have lunch in Halong City and return to Hanoi. If notification of the cruise cancellation is given prior to your departure for Halong Bay an alternative day trip will be arranged to Hoa Lu and Tam Coc or ‘Halong Bay on Land’, an area located approximately 2 hours from Hanoi.

Thursday 25 December

Begin a Christmas Day like no other – with sunrise over Halong Bay. Set sail into Lan Ha Bay – Halong’s equally beautiful but quieter, lesser-known twin!

Today, choose from included activities such as kayaking at Ho Ba Ham (Three Tunnel Lake). Here, limestone tunnels connect three peaceful lakes within the bay – an extraordinary place where time seems to stand still. Alternatively, join a boat tour of Cua Van Fishing Village, a colourful floating village inhabited by multiple generations of fishermen and their families. Exact excursions will be known on board based on current weather and sailing conditions.

Later, enjoy a relaxed Christmas cocktail reception before dinner on board.

Friday 26 December

Begin the morning with a choice of activities – a revitalising Tai Chi session on deck at sunrise, or an early morning adventure to Sung Sot Cave! This vast grotto has two impressive chambers filled with stalactites and stalagmites and is one of the biggest and most beautiful caves in Halong Bay.

Return to the ship and enjoy brunch on board as you sail back to the embarkation point. Drive back to Hanoi, where the rest of the day is at leisure before this evening’s farewell dinner and The Quintessence of Tonkin show, a famously artistic open-air performance celebrating the rich history of northern Vietnam.

Saturday 27 December

Transfer from the hotel to the airport, according to the departure time of your onward flight. Any time before your flight is at leisure to enjoy the city.

Sunday 28 December

Welcome home!