Trip name: Reunification Express (from Hanoi to Saigon)

Trip code: VRS (Vietnam Reunification Southbound)

Trip style: Basic

Start: Every Saturday

Duration: 13 days

Trip level: moderate

Group size: from 1 person and above

Price: US$ 395/person. Single supplement: +US$ 100

(this price is valid until 31^st Dec, 2009)

Trip includsive:

-          Accomodation bases on twin share basis for 10 nights in Hotels with air-con and en-suite bath-room. Check-in and check-out time usually @ 12.00pm (Double upon request). All hotel are subject to change depend on availability

-          Breakfasts come along with 10 nights in Hotels

-          Transports as indicated in Trip Note. O/night bus to Hue (Sleeper bunk), soft seat on the train from Da Nang to Nha Trang, Soft-sleeper for the Train from Nha Trang to Sai Gon. Bus Hue to Hoi An

-          English Speaking Guide on day trips

Trip Exclusive:

-          Travel Insurance (compulsory)

-          Meals, drinks

-          Personal expenses

-          Entrance fees and permits

Note: This trip can be combined with Ha Long Bay or Sa Pa tour. Please enquire for the options

Highlight: Explore the evocative Old Quarter of Hanoi, Ride the famed Reunification Express, Visit imperial Hue, Embark on a shopping spree in Hoi An, Swim in the South China Sea, Explore Saigon by cyclo, check out the “Iron Land” of Cu Chi.

Brief Itinerary:

Day 1: Hanoi – Arrival

Day 2: Hanoi – City tour

Day 3: Hue

Day 4: Hue – Motorbike tour

Day 5: Hoi An

Day 6: Hoi An

Day 7: Hoi An

Day 8: Hoi An – Nha Trang

Day 9: Nha Trang – Boat Trip

Day 10: Nha Trang – Sai Gon

Day 11: Saigon

Day 12: Saigon – Cu Chi tunnel

Day 13: Departure

Trip Note:

Day 1-2: Hanoi

You can arrive at any time on day 1 as there are no activities planned until the important welcome meeting. VietTravel Mate Staff will leave a note at reception telling you where and when this important meeting will take place. Please ask a member of reception for this information. The meeting will be followed by an optional group dinner.

On day 2, we set out to explore Hanoi, one of favourite cities. We visit the Ho Chi Minh Complex,  his mausolium, house on stilts, one pillar pagoda and the museum. In the afternoon, there is free time to venture into the Old Quarter, stroll the city's tree-lined boulevards or enjoy the tranquillity of the lakes. In the evening, you can attend a performance of traditional water puppetry.

Our hotel in Hanoi is centrally located near the historic Temple of Literature and has modern twin and double rooms, ensuite bathrooms and air conditioning.

In the evning of day 2, you’ll be pick up on the sleeper bus for the night journey to Hue

Day 3-4: Hue

We arrive in Hue early this morning, another World Heritage site. The pace of life is slow and tranquillity prevails in this former imperial capital of Vietnam. Here you can visit the Imperial Citadel, one of the Nguyen emperors' tombs, the famed Thien Mu Pagoda, and also enjoy a dragon boat cruise on the Perfume River. With 2 full days here, there is time to explore the city's many other Buddhist pagodas, outlying handicraft villages and the busy Dong Ba Market. Enjoying a coffee at one of the atmospheric riverside coffee shops at sunset is also an experience not to be missed.

On the day 4, Our Easy Riders will take you on his beloved motor bike around the unbeaten track of the city and her countryside, visiting one of very few Covered Bridge, watching conical hat making, enjoying the fantastic view from the Bunker Hill, stoping at the Tu Duc Mausolium. After lunch somewhere on the way, you’ll continue to visit the Tiger Arena (may be the only one in South East Asia) then back to the hotel.

Our lovely hotel in Hue is located in a quiet yet centrally located street, and has spacious rooms with ensuite bathrooms and air conditioning.

Day 5-6-7: Hoi An

Travelling by bus, we leave Hue and head south through coastal rice paddies and  the fishing village of Lang Co, before taking the scenic mountainous route over the spectacular Hai Van Pass. In the afternoon, we arrive at the one-time major river port of Hoi An (about 4 hours' driving time)

Recently declared a World Heritage site, Hoi An is being beautifully restored and preserved. It's also a shopping mecca, with much to browse and buy. Choose from original paintings, handcrafted woodwork, ceramics, embroidery, lanterns and more. Hoi An has also become famous for its tailoring and there is a huge variety of fabrics to choose from. Simply bring along your favourite article of clothing or just a photo of what you want and you'll be pleasantly surprised at how quickly and accurately it's copied. Be sure also to indulge in the local cuisine - seafood is a specialty - and relax on the beaches. For attractions further afield, it's possible to take a day trip to My Son, the ancient city of the Champa. Sitting in the shadow of Cat's Tooth Mountain, this cluster of enigmatic ruins features intricately carved towers, tombs and religious tablets.

Our accommodation in Hoi An is located near all the attractions of Hoi An Ancient Town and has lovely twin and double rooms with private facilities and air conditioning. The hotel also has a restaurant and swimming pool.

Day 8-9-10: Nha Trang

Boarding the Reunification Express, we marvel at the breathtaking scenery we pass on our journey to the beachside city of Nha Trang. And although long, it's an interesting journey - a chance to check out the stunning countryside as well as to befriend local travellers (approx. 10 hours).

A highlight for most travellers on this trip is our boat cruise in Nha Trang. Complete with seafood lunch, the cruise also offers the opportunity to swim in the warm, turquoise waters of the South China Sea. For those who rise early, an experience not to be missed is early morning exercise - tai chi - on the beachfront. Very much a resort town, Nha Trang boasts restaurants featuring a fabulous range of cuisines, as well as a variety of bars and nightlife.

For our two nights in Nha Trang we stay in a centrally located hotel which has comfortable twin and double rooms, air conditioning.
On the evening of day 10 we re-board the train for our final overnight journey to Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 11-12 - 13: Ho Chi Minh City (former Sai Gon)

We have an early arrival in the economic hub of Ho Chi Minh City. Our hotel is located close to the huge, historic Ben Thanh Market and the city's main shopping district, so there is much for you to discover on your own this morning.

On the morning of the Day 12, you’ll be picked up at your hotel for a haft day excursion to the famous Cu Chi tunnels, which is 70 kilometers North West of down town Ho Chi Minh City

The Cu Chi Tunnel system had been created long time back, from 1948 to assist Viet Minh in the combat with French then it was continuing built over 25 years later. Cu Chi tunnels was an underground city with living areas, kitchens, storage, weapons factories, field hospitals, command centers. In places, it was housed up to 10,000 people who virtually lived underground for years... During the American War the entire area of Cu Chi was designated a free fire zone and was heavily bombarded. From 1988, two sections of tunnels have been open for visitors
Back to HCMC around 1.00pm, you'll also have a chance to try some local specialties for lunch, and the afternoon may be for last-minute shopping and sightseeing before the next day’s departure.
Our final nights in Ho Chi Minh City are spent in a new hotel conveniently located near the bustling Pham Ngu Lao area.
There are no activities planned for day 13 and you are able to depart the hotel at any time. Check out time from the hotel is at 12 noon. If you are departing later, you can arrange luggage storage at the hotel.

Detail Itinerary