Asia Brochure 2023

70 Vietnam

71 Vietnam

Clockwise from left: Hanoi Old Quarter; Lan Ha Bay; Thu Bon River cruise

Clockwise from top left: Hai Van Pass to Hue; Mekong Delta; Phuoc An Hoi Quan Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh City

Days 1-2: Experience the attractions of Vietnam’s historic capital, from a traditional water puppet show to a walking tour of the Old Quarter. Visit the home and museum of President Ho Chi Minh, see the 11th-century Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, and taste delicious dishes at acclaimed local restaurants for lunch and dinner each day. Days 3-4: Spend a night aboard the Indochine Cruise ship on Lan Ha Bay. Join a cooking lesson with the ship’s chef and practise Tai Chi on the sundeck before exploring the Dark and Bright grotto in a bamboo sampan, then visit the cathedral-like inner sanctum of Trung Trang Cave. Day 5: Leave the north behind and spend time in historic Hoi An. Gather ingredients at the bustling local market in the Ancient Town before experiencing a slower side of life on a tranquil Thu Bon River cruise. Later, take your ingredients to a celebrated cooking school and learn to create some of the region’s best-known dishes in the company of a local chef. Days 6-7: Traverse the Hai Van Pass to Hue, Vietnam’s capital until 1945. Over the next two days, you’ll practise

traditional calligraphy with a master artist, join the residents of an authentic ancient house for dinner, visit the heavily fortified Imperial Citadel, and cruise past emperors’ mausoleums on the Perfume River. Days 8-9: Discover Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s largest metropolis. Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, which helped guerilla fighters battle French and American forces. Visit museums of history and art among landmarks, from the Reunification Palace and Notre Dame Cathedral to the Saigon Central Post Office and Jade Emperor Pagoda. Day 10: Get to know the countryside of Southern Vietnam when you tour the Mekong Delta on bikes and by sampan cruise. See small factories, brickmakers, salt refineries, coconut workshops, and orchards. Celebrate your trip with a fresh seafood lunch by the river bank before heading back to the city for a farewell dinner. Day 11: Enjoy a final breakfast in Ho Chi Minh City before beginning your journey home or onward Myanmar

travel. Perhaps add time in Cambodia for a more complete South Asian adventure, or take a city break in Hong Kong to finish your trip.

RECOMMENDED

Best time to go Departure dates are 22 March 2024, 20 September 2024, and 15 November 2024, with more to be confirmed. While group tour dates change yearly and are set once confirmed, private tour dates are flexible.

ESCORTED TOUR CULTURE EXPLORE

Explore from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City via Hoi An and Hue. Travel by land, air, and boat as you visit ancient landmarks, vibrant markets, and serene countryside. Float overnight on Lan Ha Bay, tread underground in the Cu Chi Tunnels, and sail gracefully along rivers past royal tombs and traditional workshops. Enjoy exclusive experiences at every step as passionate locals guide you across Vietnam. HIGHLIGHTS OF VIETNAM (11 DAYS) Hanoi | Hoi An | Hue | Ho Chi Minh City | Mekong Delta

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