Vietnam & The Reunification Express

Your travel itinerary

Days 1-2
Arrive in Hanoi, Vietnam's vibrant capital. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

Day 3
Hanoi Old Quarter by Cyclo
Begin your day at the Ethnology Museum, with its mesmerising displays exploring the country's 54 ethnic minority groups. In its grounds are a range of full-size replica longhouses demonstrating traditional ways of life in rural Vietnam. After lunch, cross the Red Bridge over Hoan Kiem Lake to visit Ngoc Son Temple before embarking on a cyclo tour of Hanoi's Old Quarter. Wrap up your day with a foodie tour as you embark on a culinary whirlwind adventure through the city, tasting some of Vietnam's specialty dishes!

Day 4
Explore Hanoi
Explore the sights of Hanoi by foot on today's walking tour. Begin in the Ho Chi Minh Quarter, where you will gain an insight into the Vietnamese War before visiting the Humble House on Stilts, the residence of Ho Chi Minh in the grounds of the Presidential Palace, and his Mausoleum. After lunch, visit the One Pillar Pagoda and serene Temple of Literature, Hanoi's first university.

Day 5
Halong Bay Cruise
Drive two and a half hours to Halong Bay, where you will embark on an unforgettable two-night cruise through this famously beautiful seascape. Enjoy lunch onboard as you cruise out into the bay, stopping to anchor for an afternoon of activities such as kayaking, swimming, or relaxing on an island beach. Sightseeing may include visiting underground caves on the islands, which require climbing up and down steps inside and outside of the caves. End the day on deck with a drink in hand to watch the sunset, followed by a freshly prepared dinner, before retiring to your cabin for the night.

Day 6
Halong Bay Cruise
Rise early to enjoy a Tai Chi lesson on deck as the sun rises, and admire the changing seascapes as you continue deeper into the bay. Visit floating villages, hidden caves and sandy beaches before another night on board.

Day 7
Overnight Train from Hanoi to Hue
Cruise back to port, stopping en route to visit one of the bay's impressive caves. Disembark after an early lunch and prepare to board your overnight train to Hue as you make your first journey on the iconic Reunification Express.

Day 8
Imperial Hue
Disembark the Reunification Express as you arrive in Hue this morning. The epitome of Vietnam's dynastic past, Hue is a dignified and scholarly city. Visit the imposing Imperial Citadel and Forbidden Purple City. The magnificent centrepiece of the Royal Empire, the citadel was extensively damaged during the Vietnam War. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Royal Tomb of Minh Mang, a complex of 40 monuments set in surroundings of gardens and pools. Continue to the old Thien Mu Pagoda before taking a cruise on the Perfume River.

Day 9
Reunification Express from Hue to Danang
Hop back on board the Reunification Express in Hue and take a scenic 3 hour journey south to Danang, where you will then transfer by road to charming Hoi An, a wonderfully laidback and traditional ancient city. This afternoon, venture out of Hoi An to Tra Que, a small farming community that supplies many hotels and restaurants in the area with vegetables and herbs. Here you can enjoy the lush green countryside and stroll through the gardens to see the farmers at work.

Day 10
Explore Hoi An
Head out on a walking tour of the Old Town, visiting the Chua Ong Chinese Pagoda, a 200-year-old merchant house, and the Japanese Covered Bridge. Stop by the Hoi An Folklore Museum for an insight into the local life before enjoying the rest of the afternoon at leisure to explore Hoi An.

Day 11
Fly to Saigon
Transfer to Danang and board your 1 hour and 30-minute flight to Saigon, Vietnam's bustling southern city. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure as you start to soak up the vibrant atmosphere before an exciting performance of the A O show this evening, showcasing the talented local circus performers, dancers, athletes and artists.

Day 12
Discover Saigon
Discover the reality of guerrilla warfare at the Cu Chi Tunnels, which were central to the Viet Cong's military operations, including the Tet Offensive. For a truly authentic insight into the war, meet a Vietnamese veteran and hear his story. This afternoon, explore the city's heady mix of local culture and colonial influences, admiring major landmarks like the Notre-Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office before spending time at the poignant War Remnants Museum.

Day 13
Explore the Mekong Delta
Journey to My Tho to take a cruise on the Mekong. Paddle through the maze of palmlined canals and get a glimpse of daily life on the Mekong Delta. Enjoy a lunch of typical Mekong dishes. Make a stop at Vinh Trang Pagoda en route back to Saigon.

Day 14-15
Depart Saigon
Transfer to the airport to fly back to the New Zealand, arriving the same or following day.

Inclusions

• International flights and taxes
• Domestic transportation
• Accommodation and all meals
• Touring and entrance fees
• Expert English-speaking guides

Cost

*This is a cash price. Credit cards will incur a 1.5% fee. *Itinerary and costs subject to change, airline and fuel charges and currency fluctuations prior to final payment.

Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance is recommended. Please feel free to contact us for a quote.

Terms and Conditions

* Terms and Conditions apply. Please please ask one of our travel consultants for full details.