Vietnam Panorama

Our most popular tour travels overland from the south to central Vietnam and allows you to appreciate Vietnam’s stunning scenery as it unfolds before your eyes. Saigon is a city that did not escape the wrath of war; explore this history at the War Remnants Museum and the Cu Chi Tunnels. Experience life as a local; spend the night with a Vietnamese family in the Mekong Delta. Discover beautiful Dalat, an old French hill station. Relax as you cruise around the islands off the coast of Nha Trang and soak up the atmosphere in the picturesque town of Hoi An.

Travel over the spectacular Hai Van Pass to Hue where you explore the history of past emperors. Fly to Hanoi, where the streets of the Old Quarter are alive and bustling, then travel to Halong Bay for a relaxing cruise around the limestone islets. This tour offers a panoramic insight into a magnificent country; you will not be disappointed.

TOUR ITINERARY

DAYS 1-2: SOUTH AFRICA

Fly overnight with Cathay Pacific to Saigon for a two-night stay.

 

DAY 3: SAIGON

Enjoy a city tour of Saigon today. Visit the Reunification Palace, War Remnants Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, Cholon (Chinatown), Binh Tay Wholesale Market and Thien Hau Pagoda. After stopping at Ben Thanh Market for some shopping, the remainder of the day is free at your leisure.

 

DAY 4: SAIGON TO MEKONG DELTA - CAN THO

Travel south to the ‘Rice Basket of Vietnam’ - the Mekong Delta. Take a boat trip along the river and through canals stopping to explore the area, visiting Thoi Son Island and Vinh Trang Pagoda. We spend the evening in the Mekong Delta province of Can Tho.

 

DAY 5: MEKONG DELTA TO SAIGON

Today we continue our explorations along the Mekong River including a visit to Cai Rang Floating Markets before returning to Saigon.

 

DAY 6: SAIGON - CU CHI & TAY NINH

This morning we explore the famous Cu Chi Tunnels led by a Cu Chi War Veteran who lived in the tunnels for years during the Vietnam War. You will have the chance to climb through them, if you are feeling brave! We then head further west to Tay Ninh, where we experience the midday service at the head temple of the unique Cao Dai religion before returning to Saigon.

 

DAY 7: SAIGON TO DALAT

Today we drive north to Dalat, stopping en route at ‘Chicken Village’ where the Koho minority group live.

 

DAY 8: DALAT

Visit Domain de Marie Church, Da Thien flower and vegetable garden hamlet to learn about traditional gardening methods, followed by an embroidery shop. After lunch visit the former railway station and take an open-air train ride to Trai Mat Hamlet. Drive to the Museum of Lam Dong and end  the day at Dalat Market.

DAY 9: DALAT TO NHA TRANG

Travel through the breathtaking Ngoan Muc Pass to Nha Trang today. Upon arrival we cruise around the nearby islands visiting the Tri Nguyen Aquarium, Tam Island and a local fishing village.

 

DAY 10: NHA TRANG TO QUI NHON

We continue driving north today along Highway One to Qui Nhon, stopping en route at the Dam Market and Cham Po Nagar Towers.

 

DAY 11: QUI NHON TO HOI AN

Leaving Qui Nhon this morning we stop at Son My to pay homage to the victims of the My Lai Massacre before continuing to the town of Hoi An. This afternoon is free at your leisure; perhaps use the time to visit one of the many tailors in the town to have some clothing made.

 

DAY 12: HOI AN

Enjoy a walking tour of Hoi An, visiting the Japanese Covered Bridge, a local Chinese temple, Hoi An Market and an old merchant’s home, where descendents of the original merchant still reside.

 

DAY 13: HOI AN

Today is free to visit the tailors or soak up the charming atmosphere of Hoi An at one of the many riverside cafés along the Thu Bon River.

 

DAY 14: HOI AN TO HUE

Leaving Hoi An, we visit Marble Mountains and China Beach before continuing over the Hai Van Pass to Hue. Take a cyclo ride to the Imperial Citadel and continue by coach to Thien Mu Pagoda from where we enjoy a boat trip on the Perfume River. This evening we partake in a cooking class focusing on select local dishes and cuisine.

 

DAY 15: HUE TO HANOI

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage listed Royal Tombs of Tu Duc and Khai Dinh this morning, before flying to Hanoi. This evening enjoy a performance of the famous Water Puppets, a specialty of the north.

 

DAY 16: HANOI

Our city tour today includes Ho Chi Minh Quarter, where we see the Humble House on Stilts and One Pillar Pagoda. Afterwards we drive to the Temple of Literature and Hoan Kiem Lake. Later enjoy a walking tour of Hanoi’s bustling Old Quarter.

 

DAY 17: HANOI - HALONG BAY

This morning we travel to the area that is regarded as the ‘Jewel in the Crown of Vietnam’ - Halong Bay. Relax as we cruise through spectacular scenery, including limestone islets and emerald waters. We enjoy lunch onboard before we return to Hanoi this afternoon.

 

DAY 18: DEPART HANOI

Enjoy a last minute shopping spree before boarding our overnight flight to South Africa.

 

DAY 19: ARRIVE SOUTH AFRICA

Arrive home this morning.

Halong Bay & Hanoi extension:

DAY 17: HANOI TO HALONG BAY

Travel to Halong Bay where you may choose to leave the group and spend the night onboard a junk boat.

DAY 18: HALONG BAY TO HANOI

Continue cruising around the islets this morning before returning to Hanoi this afternoon.

DAY 19: DEPART HANOI

Enjoy a full day at leisure before boarding your overnight flight to South Africa.

DAY 20: ARRIVE SOUTH AFRICA

Arrive home this morning.

 

 

Price Guide

Travel Info

Country Info

Inclusions

Exclusions

Images from Vietnam Panorama