Tour
Itinerary
Day 1: SYDNEY –
HO CHI MINH CITY (L,D)
On arrival in Vietnam, we check into our hotel in District
1 of Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Sai Gon. After
freshening up, we will go to a local restaurant for
dinner.
Day 2: HO CHI MINH CITY
- MUI NE (B,L,D)
We will arise early to visit 23/9 Park where people
will be going about their morning exercise. After breakfast
we will travel to Cholon to visit Binh Tay market and
Thien Hau Pagoda, a 150 year old Chinese Temple. We
then travel north to Mui Ne. In the evening we will
photograph Mui Ne boat harbour at sunset, which with
its bevy of fishing boats, is particularly scenic.
Day 3: MUI NE (B,D)
We will arise early to photograph the local fisherman
returning to the beach with their catch. You are then
free to explore and photograph at your leisure or just
relax on the beach. In the afternoon, we will visit
Phu Hai Orphanage before enjoying the late afternoon
light at Phan Thiet Boat Harbour.
Day 4: MUI NE –
DA LAT (B,L,D)
We will arise early and travel to the white sand dunes
for the sunrise. After breakfast, we will head north
to Phan Rang/Thap Cham to visit Po Klong Garai, a group
of Cham towers from the 13th century. We will have lunch
before continuing our journey to Da Lat, stopping briefly
at the top of Ngoan Muc Pass. Stops will be provided
along the way to photograph the interesting villages
that we pass.
Day 5: DA LAT (B,L,D)
Today we visit Da Lat Railway Station, regarded as
the most beautiful in Indochina, where we will enjoy
a short train ride to Chua Linh Phuoc Pagoda. After
spending some time exploring the Pagoda and surrounding
village we will make our way to Truc Lam Zen Monastery.
In the afternoon we visit Lat village prior to transferring
by jeep to the summit of Lang Biang mountain. On our
return journey we will visit XQ embroidery village.
After dinner we will walk around Da Lat to do some night
photography.
Day 6: DA LAT –
LAK LAKE (B,L,D)
We will arise early to photograph Central Market before
commencing our journey to Lak Lake, stopping on the
way to visit a silk worm factory at Nam Ban Town. After
lunch we will continue to Jun, a M’nong ethnic
minority village next to Lak Lake where we will photograph
the sunset over Lak Lake.
Day 7: LAK LAKE –
BUON MA THUOT (B,L,D)
We will arise early to photograph the local fisherman
with their unique method of fishing. After breakfast
we will enjoy a leisurely elephant ride to a minority
village before commencing our journey to Buon Ma Thuot,
stopping to photograph a church that was destroyed during
the war. Once we reach Buon Ma Thuot, we make our way
to Dray Sap/Dray Nur Waterfalls where we will having
a relaxing afternoon exploring the area at our leisure.
We return to Buon Ma Thuot for the night.
Day 8: BUON MA THUOT
– NHA TRANG (B,L,D)
Today we make our way back to the coast. During our
journey we will pass many villages, offering numerous
photographic opportunities. On reaching the coast, the
mountainous villages are replaced by coastal fishing
villages. On arrival in Nha Trang, you are free to explore
or relax at your leisure.
Day 9: NHA TRANG (B,L,D)
We will arise early to photograph fishing boats returning
from sea at sunrise on Xom Bong Bridge over the Cai
River. After breakfast we enjoy a relaxing day on the
water as we cruise around the islands off the coast.
There will be plenty of time for swimming and snorkelling
on some of the coral reefs that surround these islands
as well as generally lazing around on the deck of the
boat. Local seafood will be served for lunch. Late afternoon
we will visit a traditional Vietnamese country house
before enjoy a leisurely cruise along the Cai River
finishing up at Xom Bong Bridge, where we will visit
Po Ngar Cham Towers at sunset.
Day 10: NHA TRANG –
HOI AN (B,L,D)
We will arise early to make our way to the airport
for our flight to Da Nang. Once we have checked out
of Da Nang airport, we will commence our journey to
Hoi An, stopping briefly at Marble Mountain and the
Non Nuoc stone fine art village. On arrival at Hoi An,
we will check into our hotel. After lunch we enjoy a
walking tour of Hoi An, visiting ancient homes, pagodas
and the Japanese Bridge. After dinner you are free to
explore and photograph Hoi An at night, with its beautiful
lanterns.
Day 11: HOI AN (B,D)
We will arise early and enjoy a boat trip up Thu Bon
River and around Hoi An markets near Duong Hoang Van
Thu Dock. After breakfast, you are free to explore the
town at your leisure or for those who are interested;
a cooking class will be offered to give you a much deserved
break from photography. Late afternoon we will enjoy
photographing local school girls wearing their traditional
white school uniforms (Ao Dai) before photographing
the sunset over Hoi An.
Day 12: HOI AN –
HUE (B,L,D)
We will walk to Cam Nam Bridge and photograph the sunrise
with boats travelling up and down the Thu Bon River.
There will also be an opportunity to photograph a local
fisherman attending his fishing net. After breakfast,
we travel to My Son, a world heritage series of ruins
remaining from the Champa Kingdom which flourished from
the 400AD to 1200AD. We will then commence our journey
to Hue, where we will check into our hotel.
Day 13: HUE (B,L,D)
Today we will take a Dragon Boat trip to Thien Mu Pagoda
followed by a visit to Minh Mang’s Tomb. We then
return to Hue for lunch before visiting Tu Duc's Tomb
and a handicraft village where incense sticks and Vietnamese
hats are made. Late afternoon we will travel to Vong
Canh Hill to photograph the Perfume River during sunset.
Day 14: HUE – HA
NOI (B,L,D)
This morning we will depart very early to visit Thuan
An to photograph a wet markets and fishing village.
After breakfast we visit the Imperial Citadel where
Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945, with numerous
attractions such as the Flag Tower, Noon Gate, Nine
Dynastic Urns, Nine Holy Cannons, Thai Hoa Palace, and
Forbidden Purple City. After lunch we make our way to
the airport for our flight to Ha Noi. In the evening
we will be entertained by the world famous Thang Long
Water Puppet Show.
Day 15: HA NOI –
LAO CAI (B,D)
We will arise early to go to Hoan Kiem Lake where we
will photograph early risers meditating, doing tai chi,
exercising and playing badminton. You are then free
to relax or explore Hanoi at your leisure. Late afternoon
visit a local Bia Hoi restaurant to try the locally
brewed draft beer before enjoying a relaxing cyclo ride
around the old quarter of Ha Noi. After dinner we board
our overnight train to Lao Cai.
Day 16: LAO CAI –
MUONG HUM MARKETS – SA PA (B,L,D)
After breakfast we will commence our journey to the
remote Muong Hum markets. Here we will see Red Dao,
Ha Nhi and other colourful ethnic minorities buying
and selling local produce. Afterwards we make our way
to Sa Pa where the afternoon is free to explore at your
leisure. In the evening we travel to Tram Ton Pass (Heaven’s
Gate) for the sunset.
Day 17: SA PA (B,L,D)
Today we will trek down the mountain to Ta Van village.
Along the way we will photograph the magnificent terraced
rice fields and local minority people going about their
day-to-day activities. After an enjoyable lunch in the
village you are free to explore the village and walk
around and photograph the local minority people and
terraced landscape at your leisure. Tonight our accommodation
will be a home stay in Ta Van village.
Note: For travellers who are unable to do this
trek, an alternative program will be available including
transport to Ta Van village or additional night accommodation
in Sa Pa.
Day 18: SA PA –
HA NOI (B,D)
This morning we will arise early to photograph the
sunrise over terraced rice fields and minority people
commencing their daily activities. After breakfast,
we commence our day by walking through the villages
and terraced rice fields, making our way back to the
main road and transport. We will return to Sa Pa where
we will have some free time to explore the town. Late
afternoon we commence our return journey to Lao Cai
for dinner. After dinner we will board the overnight
train to Ha Noi.
Day 19: HA NOI –
NINH BINH (B,L,D)
On arrival in Hanoi, we will freshen up and have breakfast
at a local restaurant. After breakfast, we will travel
to West Lake where we will visit Tran Quoc Pagoda and
Quan Thanh Temple. We then enjoy a 2 hour walking tour
in the old quarter, photographing the shops, street
life and people going about their day-to-day activities.
After lunch we commence our journey south to Van Long
before enjoying a boat trip through Kenh Ga Floating
Village.
Day 20: NINH BINH –
HA LONG BAY (B,L,D)
This morning we will enjoy a 2 hour boat cruise through
Van Long Nature Reserve boasting breathtaking scenery.
The boats will float through mountains with intriguing
names such as Meo Cao (scratching cat), Co Tien (lady
fairy), Mo Coi (orphan) and Hon Sach (book); each of
these names are rooted in old Vietnamese legends and
folk tales. We will then commence our journey to Ha
Long City, stopping at Thai Binh for lunch. Stops will
be provided along the way to photograph rural life.
Day 21: HA LONG BAY (B,L,D)
We will arise early to photograph the sunrise and visit
the local fish market. After breakfast we board our
private boat for a relaxing day cruising around Ha Long
Bay. We will visit Hang Dau Go (Grotto of the Wooden
Stakes) and photograph the bay and floating villages.
In the afternoon, we will climb up to the peak of Ti
Top Island for a panoramic view of Ha Long bay before
enjoying a seafood lunch on the boat. We will then be
transferred to Cat Ba Town by bus where we will have
time to photograph the sunset over the harbour.
Day 22: HA LONG BAY -
HA NOI (B,L,D)
This morning we will enjoy and photograph Cat Ba Harbour
in the splendid morning light. After breakfast, we transferred
back to our boat for our journey back to Ha Long City,
once again enjoy the magnificent scenery of Ha Long
Bay. We then start our journey back to Hanoi. At night
will be entertained by a traditional Ca Tru show.
Day 23: HA NOI - HO CHI
MINH CITY - SYDNEY (B,L)
After breakfast, we explore the local streets with
a model, taking advantage of the morning light. We then
make our way to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's
first University dating back to 1070 AD. Our model will
once again accompany us whilst we explore the gardens
and architecture. We then proceed to a local restaurant
for lunch. After lunch we make our way to the airport
for our return flights to Ho Chi Minh City and Sydney. |
Details
• Duration: 23 days total, 22 in
Vietnam.
• Departing:
Saturday 19th March 2011
Saturday 24th March 2012
Saturday 23rd March 2013
• Because of the special nature
of this tour, the number of participants will be limited
to approximately 14.
• Price: AU$5649 per person twin share as of July 2011.
• We will make every effort to match
up single travellers who wish to travel at twin share
rates. For anyone requiring a single room, there will
be an additional charge of AU$580.
Included
Return airfare from Sydney to Ho Chi Minh City, three
domestic flights within Vietnam, an experienced Australian
tour leader, local Vietnamese tour guides, arrival/departure
transfers, in country ground transport by private air-conditioned
vehicle with driver, private boat cruises as indicated
in itinerary, overnight train, meals as specified in
itinerary (B/L/D), drinking water, clean twin share
accommodation (3 star or best available in isolated
areas) plus taxes and admission fees.
Not included
Departure taxes if required, visas, personal travel
insurance, meals not indicated in program, additional
beverages such as soft drinks and alcohol, activities
during free time, items of personal nature, tips and
gratuities, excess baggage fee. |
