Itinerary: Vietnam Long Tan Tour 2012

Day 1 Saturday 11^th August

AUSTRALIA-HO CHI MINH CITY (SAIGON) (D)

On arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, the locals still refer to it as Saigon; you are met at the airport and transferred to your central city hotel. After freshening up you are taken on a walking orientation tour of this vibrant city. This evening there is a group welcome dinner. Overnight Saigon

Day 2 Sunday 12^th                                                                    

SAIGON CITY TOUR (B)

This morning you drive around this large and chaotic former capital and visit some of the city’s landmarks. Which include the Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral, built by the French in 1877, former Presidential Palace, War Remnants Museum, Cholon, and Ben Thanh Market, which is popular with tourists and has a large range of goods, including souvenirs for sale.  Your afternoon is at leisure to continue shopping, sightseeing or to laze by the pool.   Overnight Saigon

Day 3 Monday 13^th

CU CHI TUNNELS-SAIGON (B L)

This morning you travel northwest to Cu Chi to visit the former underground VC village. After watching a video filmed by the Vietnamese during the American war, you view and explore the widened tourist tunnel systems. Those who are slim fit and daring might like to crawl along one of the original tunnels. You then visit the firing range; those prepared to pay approximately AU $1.00 a round will be given a choice of weapons to fire, including the M60 and AK47. Lunch is alongside the picturesque river and you return to Saigon early afternoon. Overnight Saigon

Day 4 Tuesday 14^th

MEKONG DELTA-SAIGON (B L)

After breakfast you take a scenic drive south to the Mekong Delta and Ben Tre. On arrival you board your private boat and travel the tributaries to one of the more spectacular Islands. After exploring the Island on a horse drawn cart you stop for refreshments and then board an oared Sampan and travel along the peaceful canals under the shadows of the water coconut trees. (Those with mobility problems will not board the Sampan but will instead be transferred direct to our private boat) Lunch is at the spectacular Mekong restaurant, before making the return journey to Saigon. Overnight Saigon

Day 5 Wednesday 15^th

VUNG TAU (B L)

This morning you journey south by hydrofoil to Vung Tau.  After booking into your hotel you take a tour of this seaside resort and visit the White Villa, the former area known as “Flags” , the magnificent beach located across the road from where the Peter Badcoe club once stood and the VC Memorial located where 1 ALSG once was.  After lunch you board a cable car for a scenic ride to the top of the "Big Hill" which was formerly known as Radar Hill.  It provides visitors with a panoramic view of Vung Tau and its beaches.  The remainder of your day is free to laze by the pool, or continue your sightseeing.   Overnight Vung Tau.  May we suggest a smaller suitcase or overnight bag for the trip to Vung Tau, your larger suitcase can be left safely at your hotel in Saigon.

Day 6 Thursday 16^th

BARIA - LONG HAIS - VUNG TAU (B L)

After visiting the fishing village along the sea front, you travel northeast to the township of Baria.   You then travel along the South China Sea coast to the Minh Dam Secret Zone and after visiting the local VC war museum you climb to the apex of the Long Hais, for spectacular views of the surrounding area.  A boxed picnic lunch is provided and you return to Vung Tau mid afternoon.   Overnight Vung Tau

Day 7 Friday 17^th

NUI DAT- LONG PHOUC - HOA LONG - VUNG TAU (B L)

After breakfast you travel north to Nui Dat passing what is left of the Horseshoe on the way. The Horseshoe was mined several years ago and only the shell remains. Whilst few remnants remain of the former Task Force Base, plenty of time is allowed to explore the area and visit the local school, which is situated at the end of what was once Luscombe Airstrip.  After visiting the township of Hoa Long, you lunch at the Long Phuoc Tunnels and then make your way back to Vung Tau.   A boxed picnic lunch is provided.  Overnight Vung Tau

Day 8 Saturday 18^th August

LONG TAN DAY

LONG TAN - VUNG TAU (B)

This morning is at leisure and this afternoon you travel to the Long Tan service.  For those who wish to purchase and lay a wreath please inform your Australian guide before leaving Saigon.  Overnight Vung Tau

Day 9 Sunday 19^th

BINH BA-SAIGON (B)

This morning you make your way back to Saigon via the village of Binh Ba. A refreshment stop is made on the way and you should be back in the city of Saigon by lunch time. As this is your last day in Saigon, your afternoon is free. Any visit to Vietnam should include a massage, whether it be head, neck & shoulders, full body or foot, they all come highly recommended so spoil yourself ladies and gentlemen, you will leave the salon feeling years younger. Overnight Saigon

Day 10 Monday 20^th

SAIGON-AUSTRALIA(B)

For those not travelling north, sadly your journey ends and you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home.

North Extension

Day 10 Monday 20^th

DANANG - HOI AN (B)

This morning you board your flight north to Danang, which is located in central Vietnam.  You are met at the airport and then driven the short distance south to the former trading port of Hoi An, which still retains the feel of centuries past.  After booking into your hotel you take a walking tour along the narrow streets and cross the 400 year old Japanese covered bridge and visit ancient houses, galleries and a silk tailor shop. Experience has taught us that most travellers will spend the afternoon in the tailor shops getting measured for suits, shirts, blouses, dresses etc. The remainder can continue to explore this historic township full of shops and galleries or return to the hotel and relax around the magnificent pool. This evening you might like to dine out in one of the many river side restaurants.  Overnight Hoi An

Day 11 Tuesday 21^st

HOI AN - DANANG (B L)

This morning you drive north to Danang, Vietnam's 4th largest city and visit the unique Marble Mountains.  Providing the weather and your fitness allows you can at your pace make the long climb to the top and enter Huyen Khong cave.  You will be rewarded with magnificent views of Danang, the surrounding mountains and China Beach.  Those unable to make the climb can visit the marble factory to watch the workers create the statues which are available for sale.  Next you visit the Cham Museum with its artifacts dating from the 7th to the 15th centuries.  After lunch you take a tour of this sea port city and visit the original China Beach.  Danang was home to the greatest concentration of US military personnel during the Vietnam War.   Overnight Hoi An

Day 12 Wednesday 22^nd

HOI AN -  DANANG - LANG CO BEACH - HUE (B L)

Mid morning your farewell Hoi An and travel north across the stunning Hai Van Pass, stopping at Lang Co Beach for lunch.  After lunch you continue your journey north to the former capital Hue arriving mid afternoon.  The Imperial City of Hue is straddled by the Perfume River and was the capital of Vietnam during the reign of the Nguyen Dynasty, the last dynasty in Vietnam.  After booking into your hotel your time is at leisure to explore this historical city.   Overnight Hue

Day 13 Thursday 23^rd

HUE CITY TOUR (B)

After breakfast you visit the ancient Citadel, which is situated on the northern bank of the Perfume River.  The Royal complex is a world heritage site and is a remarkable piece of architecture, square in shape, 10 km in circumference, 6 m high and 21 m thick with 10 entrances and 24 watch towers.  After time for lunch you board a Dragon boat for a scenic cruise along the Perfume River to the Thien Mu Pagoda.  On your return to the city you visit the bustling markets.  Overnight Hue

Day 14 Friday 24^th

HUE - HANOI (B)

This morning you transfer to the airport for your flight north to Hanoi. After booking into your hotel you travel to Hoan Kiem Lake (Lake of the Restored Sword) and board a Cyclo for a fun ride around the outskirts of the Old Quarter. Hanoi’s lively Old Quarter comprises 36 streets packed with shops selling all kinds of goods, each street named for its primary products sold and where for centuries peddlers have traded their wares. The remainder of your day is at leisure to explore this historic city with its blend of French, Chinese and Vietnamese architecture. This evening you attend the world popular water puppet show.  Overnight Hanoi

Day 15 Saturday 25^th

HANOI CITY TOUR (B)

This morning you tour the city and visit several landmarks, including, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the former Presidential Palace, the modest stilt house of President Ho Chi Minh(Nha Bac Ho), One Pillar Pagoda, built in 1049,  the Army Museum and former POW Prison “the Hanoi Hilton”. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax, catch up on the laundry, or continue your sightseeing.  

Overnight Hanoi

Day 16 Sunday 26^th

HALONG CITY-HALONG BAY(B L D)

After breakfast you depart for Halong City and on arrival board your private boat for an overnight stay on Halong Bay. You will cruise amongst the rocky limestone Islands of natures wonder and disembark to visit the Thien Cung Cave which is one of the more spectacular grottoes. Bring your swimming gear; the boat will anchor in the calm waters of this scenic wonderland allowing you to swim in safety and privacy.  May we suggest an overnight bag for the trip to Halong Bay; your other belongings can be left safely at your hotel in Hanoi. Overnight Halong Bay

Day 17 Monday 27^th

HALONG CITY-HANOI (B L)

After disembarking from the boat you board the bus for the return journey to Hanoi, stopping en route for a refreshment stop. After booking into your hotel your afternoon is at leisure to complete any last minute shopping, you might even consider a relaxing massage, to rid yourself of any aches or pains.

This evening there is a farewell dinner. Overnight Hanoi

Day 18 Tuesday 28^th

HANOI-AUSTRALIA (B)

Sadly your tour comes to an end and you are transferred to the airport for your flight home.  For clients that wish to do more sightseeing in Asia or other countries we will provide options for this.

Ask us about our extensions to Sapa, Loas, Cambodia and any other Asian destination.  Make the most of your travels whilst you are in the area.

NB: (B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (D) Dinner

Tour Includes

• Domestic flights within Vietnam as per itinerary
• Accommodation at 4 & 5 star hotels
• All sightseeing as per itinerary
• Lunches and Dinner as per the itinerary
• Private A/C Modern Bus with cold bottled water and face towels whilst traveling
• Hydrofoil
• Private boats where indicated
• Australian Vietnam Veteran war historian
• Local English speaking guide.
• All entrance fees and permits.
• Battle Tours information kit, quality polo shirt, cap or bucket hat, stubby holder and passport wallet

Not Included

• International flights (we can arrange at the best possible price)
• Vietnam Visa (we can provide)
• Travel Insurance (we can provide)
• Gratuities to local guides
• Personal expenses including phone calls and laundry

Pricing
$ 1995 per person twin share – 10 days south only
$ 700 single sup

$ 2995 per person twin share – 18 days south and north
$ 1255 single sup

Additional nights
Saigon
$90 pp twin share
$170 single supplement

Hanoi
$90 pp twin share
$60 single supplement