Join Director of Adventurous Women ® ™, Sue Hile ...
as she shares her favourite Vietnam experiences with you!
Introducing - "The Best of Vietnam"
Day 1 2nd March Hanoi
On arrival in Hanoi you are met by a local representative and transferred to your hotel. In the evening, you will meet your Australian Tour Manager, Sue Hile and your Local Vietnamese Tour Leader, who will then provide the group with a pre-trip briefing. Until your meeting we encourage you to get out and discover the delights on offer in Hanoi. Vietnam's capital is a quiet, contradiction of its southern counterpart, Saigon. Its relaxed ambience is a joy, with exploration best on foot or bicycle. The shopping is fun and the many lakes and parks provide enjoyable escapes. Make sure that you take a hotel business card so that you will be able to find your way back to the hotel. Please note that your tour leader will collect your travel insurance details at the meeting, so please bring your documents with you, along with your passport. The meeting is generally followed by an optional group meal out at one of Hanoi's fantastic eating spots.
Day 2 3rd March Mai Chau
We will leave some luggage behind at our hotel before heading southwest of Hanoi to Hoa Binh province. This area is home to many hill tribe people whom we have a chance to meet. We also have the chance to walk though some of the countryside, which is quite spectacular. The walking is not too strenuous; however, some physical preparation will enable you to appreciate it a bit more, as the terrain can be a bit hilly. Anyone of reasonable fitness should have no problems. After a short walk in the afternoon we arrive in the hill tribe village near Mai Chau, where we will stay overnight in a local longhouse. The accommodation is simple and dormitory-style, but friendly and communal, with basic washing and toilet facilities provided.
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Day 3 4th March Mai Chau
After breakfast, we take a short drive before setting off on a full day's trek from Sam Khoe village through bamboo forests, undulating hillsides and paddy fields. We will pass through villages, home to various ethnic minorities, all friendly and welcoming. As we return to our longhouse accommodation of the previous night, we need only carry a daypack and camera for the walk.
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Day 4 5th March Hanoi
We bid farewell to our friends in Mai Chau and drive back to Hanoi. After lunch we take a guided half-day tour of Hanoi, visiting the major sights, including the Temple of Literature, One Pillar Pagoda, and paying homage to Vietnam's most famous revolutionary - Ho Chi Minh.
Meals included: 1 breakfast,
Day 5 6th March Halong Bay
This morning we take a scenic drive from Hanoi to Halong Bay, we continue by road to the coast, where we are confronted by spectacularly formed islands and craggy limestone outcrops jutting out of the bay. We board a traditional Sailing Boat, known as a “Junk” where we enjoy a welcome drink followed by a sumptuous seafood lunch (non-seafood is available on request), before continuing on to explore the bay. We visit one of the spectacular caves in the area, there is also a chance to paddle a kayak (optional cost) into areas where the larger boats cannot go, or you may choose to enjoy a swim or simply relax. We have plenty of leisure time to absorb the surrounds on the upper deck before dinner and weather permitting, the views at sunset are incredible. We stay on board the “Junk” overnight on a twin share basis (no single supplement applies on the boat, due to limited cabin numbers).
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Day 6 7th March Hanoi
Mid-morning we disembark from our boat and drive back to Hanoi, where we enjoy a free afternoon in the nation’s capital. Both, your Tour Manager and Local Tour Leader will be available to go through some optional activities, otherwise just take a stroll through the old quarter of Hanoi and soak up the atmosphere of a bygone era. A walk around Hoan Kiem Lake is a great way of seeing how a great deal of the life of this city revolves around this pretty body of water. Visit Ngoc Son Temple and learn about the legend of the giant golden tortoise, which had once inhabited the lake. Perhaps indulge in an afternoon tea at the Metropole Hotel or attend a performance of the unique Water Puppets (optional cost). After the show, meet with your Tour Manager, Sue and she’ll take you to ‘bia hoi corner’ where you can try the local brew, while taking in the atmosphere of the busy streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Bia Hoi is a draft beer that is brewed daily and usually drunk by locals sitting on small plastic stools.
Meals included: 1 breakfast
Day 7 8th March Hanoi
Today you have a Free Day to spend at your own leisure. If you’re an early riser, we suggest taking a refreshing morning walk around the Hoan Kiem Lake to watch the locals practising Tai Chi and aerobics in the gentle dawn light….a very soothing experience! After breakfast, your Tour Manager, Sue can suggest several options on how to spend your day of leisure, including a great Spa if it’s relaxation and pampering your after, or alternatively Hanoi is a great place to grab yourself a bargain, if shopping is your thing! This evening we re-group for a fabulous dining experience, as we ‘Dine for a Cause’ at Koto Restaurant. Koto (Know One, Train One), is a Non Profit Organisation, providing disadvantaged youths with the opportunity to improve their lives through developing skills and confidence.
Meals included: 1 breakfast
Day 8 9th March Hanoi - Overnight Train
Full free day in Hanoi, before we board the Reunification Express in the evening, for our overnight train journey down to Hue. (N.B: This is a local train and conditions on board are generally quite basic. Also, breakfast tomorrow is not always available on the train, so it is recommended that you purchase some breakfast supplies before boarding in Hanoi).
Meals included: 1 breakfast
Day 9 10th March Hue
We reach Hue in the early morning, where our time is free to explore this ancient splendor. Hue is touted as one of the most romantic cities in Vietnam, a place to lose your sense of time! You can use your time to explore part of Hue’s massive walled citadel and the Forbidden Purple Palace enclosed within (optional - cost approx US$4). The palace’s splendid ‘Ngo Mon’ gate gives a little insight into the destruction that has taken place inside, at the hands of various occupying forces. The bloody ‘Battle of Hue’ during the 1968 Tet Offensive, all but finished it off, but skilled Vietnamese craftsmen, with the help of UNESCO and other non-government organisations are hard at work restoring and rebuilding what remains. Sadly it can never be returned to it’s former glory, but it’s still a fascinating insight into Imperial Vietnam.
This afternoon, we will take a half day city tour, including 2 tombs & Thien Mu Pagoda, by private mini van/bus. This evening, your Tour Manager, Sue takes you to one of her favourite restaurants in Hue, where you will sample the fusion between traditional French & Vietnamese cuisine.
Day 10 11th March Hoi An
This morning we have an enjoyable four-hour drive to Hoi An, through a region of Vietnam that’s blessed with magnificent rural and coastal scenery. Shortly after passing through pretty Lang Co Beach, Highway 1 begins its winding ascent through Hai Van Pass or, ‘Pass of the Ocean Clouds’. On the other side we drive through the busy streets of Danang and pass by the massive former US airbase that was, in 1968, the busiest airport in the world with all manner of aircraft coming and going in support of South Vietnam’s war effort.
The ancient and historic town of Hoi An was for three centuries one of the most important ports in Central Vietnam, visited by sailing ships from all over the world seeking trade in silk, ceramics, spice etc. In the late 19th Century, the Tu Bon River, linking the port to the open sea, began to silt up and became unnavigable to large vessels. Trade moved up the coast to Tourane, now modern day Danang, and Hoi An went back to being a sleepy little fishing and rice farming community.
Today however, the tranquillity and charm of Hoian, coupled with its low tiled houses, make it one of the most delightful places to visit in Vietnam. A walking tour takes us to see a historic house (formerly home to a prominent trader), the Japanese Covered Bridge, a Chinese assembly hall and a museum.
Meals included: 1 breakfast
Day 11 12th March Hoi An
Free Day in Hoi An at your leisure. We can provide many options for you to fill your day if you wish, perhaps a Village Cycle Tour or Cooking Class? You may like to walk or hire a bicycle and meander through the streets of this pretty place at your own pace, to explore the many sights, smells and sensations on offer. Also Hoi An is famous for it’s quality silk and tailoring, so during your free time, you may like to organise to have some clothing made, as well. Your Tour Manager can assist you with the names of recommended Tailor’s.
Meals included: 1 breakfast
Day 12 13th March Hoi An
We have provided you with another Free Day in Hoi An, as this is a certainly a place we believe you could easily spend a few days. Also, if you're having garments made, today is the day for final fittings and pick up.
Meals included: 1 breakfast
Day 13 14th March Ho Chi Minh City
We depart Hoi An for Danang, where we board our flight to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City). Saigon is the largest city in Vietnam and the nation's economic capital. We have a free afternoon to take optional excursions, pampering, shopping, people (or manic traffic watching). In the evening, as our journey comes to an end, we celebrate by taking you on the ‘ULTIMATE ADVENTURE’, where we experience the local nightlife and street food of Saigon. This adventure is part night excursion, part street/local food adventure - not to be missed!
Meals included: 1 breakfast
Day 14 15th March Ho Chi Minh City
Your trip concludes this morning after breakfast where you will be transferred to the airport for departure flight, unless you are joining us on our Mekong Delta & Cambodia 6 day Tour.
Meals included: 1 breakfast
Cost Per Person based on Twin Share:
Adventurous Women ® ™ Financial Member - AU$2590.00
General Public - AU$2690.00
Inclusions:
Accommodation: 9 nights hotel, 2 nights longhouse, 1 o/n boat cruise, 1 o/n train.
Meals: 12 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
Tours and transfers by public bus, private minivan/bus
Train tix Hanoi-Hue and flight Danang - Saigon
Admission fees where applicable
Services of Adventurous Women ® ™ Tour Manager & English Speaking Local Leader throughout
Return Airport Transfers (based on group)
Day use room in Hanoi on Day 8 and Hue on Day 9
Ultimate Adventure Night Tour - Saigon
Guided trek to Xa Linh & Xam Khoe - Mai Chau
Half day city tour incl. HCM House, One Pillar Pagoda, Temple of Literature - Hanoi
Halong Bay overnight boat cruise with meals & visit to Halong Bay Cave
Half day city tour incl 2 tombs, Thien Mu Pagoda - Hue
Walking Tour - Hoi An
Service charges & tax
Not Included:
International Arrival and Departure Flights, Airport Tax
Vietnam entry visa
Meals, drinks & services not mentioned in the itinerary
Tips for leader, guide & driver
Expenditure of a personal nature
NO PRINCESS POLICY - This tour by it's very nature is not designed for the 5 Star Traveller. It is for the girl who has an 'adventurous spirit' and is looking for a unique and rewarding 'experience' (Once in a Lifetime)! You should be able to adopt a "Go With The Flow" attitude, after-all we are in a foreign country and things don't always go to plan...this will help you chill out and therefore get the best out of your holiday. You will also need to be mobile without assistance - some of the sights require you to be on your feet, navigating steps and uneven surfaces at times. We also have a couple of walks as part of this tour - these walks can be achieved by anyone with a general level of fitness, but again mobility is the key, as with all of our tours.
To make a booking, please click on the "Book Now" Button Below, fill out your details and submit. Once we have your booking, we will provide you with a Tax Invoice for your deposit, which will secure your place on our tour.
This tour by it's very nature is not designed for the 5 Star Traveller. It is for the girl who has an 'adventurous spirit' and is looking for a unique and rewarding experience (Once in a Lifetime)! You should be able to adopt a "Go With The Flow" attitude, after-all we are in a foreign country and things don't always go to plan...this will help you chill out and therefore get the best out of your holiday. You will also need to be mobile without assistance - some of the sights require you to be on your feet, navigating steps and uneven surfaces at times. We also have a couple of walks as part of this tour - these walks can be achieved by anyone with a general level of fitness, but again mobility is the key, as with all of our tours. Notice of cancellation must be in writing, with an email as an acceptable form of communication, directly to Adventurous Women with the following conditions:
Each of our Tour Operators/Service Providers have their own booking conditions & cancellation policy over and above those of Adventurous Women's booking conditions, please ensure you request them and read them carefully.
Adventurous Women's Cancellation Policy can be viewed at the bottom of this website under the heading 'Cancellation Policy'. Please ensure you read it carefully, as by paying your deposit, you acknowledge that you accept this cancellation policy, over and above that of our Service Providers.
No refund is available after departure of a tour has commenced.
