Essence of Vietnam

8 days
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4.7/5 Excellent
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Small Group Tour
Spend a week in Vietnam discovering the highlights and traditions of this colourful country. This short adventure enables us to sample the Old World charm in this pocket of Asia that was part of the former French Indochina. But equally as evocative are the oriental influences that stem from a historic mix of Asian traders, settlers and indigenous people that ...

Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy

Highlights

    • Experience the highlights and traditions of this colourful country in this short but comprehensive trip
    • Visit the cities of ho chi minh city (saigon) and hanoi to uncover the vibrant mix of influences, from the french to asian traders, settlers and indigenous peoples, that make this a unique pocket of asia
    • Sail down the thu bon river and watch the sunset over hanoi, a city rich in ancient and recent history
    • Take an overnight cruise on halong bay and discover this place of famed beauty while enjoying a candle-lit dinner on deck
    • Discover the traditional arts of vietnam with a special visit to the home of a seventh generation water puppet master
    • This trip brings you the country’s finest moments while also leaving plenty of time for hidden treats and quiet surprises

What's this trip about?

    Spend a week in Vietnam discovering the highlights and traditions of this colourful country. This short adventure enables us to sample the Old World charm in this pocket of Asia that was part of the former French Indochina. But equally as evocative are the oriental influences that stem from a historic mix of Asian traders, settlers and indigenous people that have made this part of the world a cornerstone for empires and colonies. By visiting cities like Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and Hanoi, we uncover that vibrant mix of the various major influences. By stopping in Hoi An and Halong Bay, we discover places of eternal beauty that have also played their part in Vietnam's history. It’s not hard to see why Vietnam is such a popular travel destination. This quick trip travels from exciting, full-on Ho Chi Minh City to the historical treasure-trove of Hoi An, then on to enchanting Hanoi and the thrilling natural wonders of Halong Bay. In between, there is still much to discover – this trip distils the country’s finest moments, with plenty of time for hidden treats and quiet surprises.

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Details

Itinerary focusOperator does not provide
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 16 people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityHo Chi Minh City
End CityHanoi

Travel Themes

  • Cultural

Destinations

Activities

  • Culture

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 16

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Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Ho Chi Minh City

Welcome to Vietnam and Ho Chi Minh City. You will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel. There will be a Welcome Meeting at 6pm on Day 1 where insurance details and next of kin information will be collected. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in ...

Day 2 Ho Chi Minh City

This morning you will head out of the city to the nearby Cu Chi Tunnels. Cu Chi is the name of the district that covers the extensive network (approximately 200 kilometres) of underground tunnels dug by the Viet Minh and later expanded by the Viet Cong. The tunnels co...

Day 3 Hoi An

This morning you will leave Ho Chi Minh City and fly (approximately 1 hour) north to Danang. You will have the chance to enjoy some spectacular scenery on the drive (approximately 1 hour) including the sensational Marble Mountains. The five peaks, limestone with marbl...

Day 4 Hoi An

This morning you will take a tour of the unique town of Hoi An, influenced over the years by myriad traders from various cultures. Originally a busy Cham Port, the town also has Chinese influences scattered about, with pagodas and assembly halls found down the streets...

Day 5 Hanoi

Today you will transfer (approximately 45 minutes) to the airport for a morning flight (approximately 1 hour) to the capital Hanoi. After arrival and a brief stop at the hotel you will take a guided half-day tour of the city. Enchanting Hanoi stands in contrast to its...

Day 6 Halong Bay

Today you will leave Hanoi and drive north (approximately 4 hours) to the famous Halong Bay. You can leave your luggage behind at the Hanoi hotel and pack an overnight bag for staying on the boat. Halong Bay is listed as a World Heritage site and is one of Vietnam’s m...

Day 7 Hanoi

After breakfast at Halong Bay, return by bus to Hanoi (approximately 3.5 hours). This afternoon you will enjoy a unique Peregrine experience when you sit down to a water-puppet performance hosted by a local family. Artist Phan Thanh Liem’s father and grandfather were ...

Day 8 Hanoi

Your Vietnamese adventure will come to an end after breakfast this morning. A transfer to the airport is not included; however, your tour leader will be on hand to advise you as to the options available.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $1,377
Price per day$172
Last Updated: 8/2/2018

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Peregrine Adventures.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Peregrine Adventures

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It’s been more than 36 years since our first small group set out to discover Nepal. It’s this heritage and our reputation that keeps travellers coming back time and time again.

We appeal to the well-travelled, discerning traveller. The one who chooses value over price, and wants to immerse themselves in a place instead of just ticking landmarks off a bucket list. The type of person who would rather stay in a family run B&B built in a 16th century Venetian convent than a forgettable hotel. We’re for travellers who want inclusions along the way instead of fiddling around for loose change.

Almost 20 years ago, Peregrine led an industry revolution by solely employing locally born leaders. This innovative approach gives our travellers a deeper insight into the countries they visit. Doorways are opened and a true understanding of the place is fostered.

At Peregrine, we travel in intimate groups and take the time to get under the skin of a destination. Of course we all want to see the Taj Mahal in India. But imagine then heading to a remote Rajasthani village and learning about rural life while in the company of locals. Seeing the famous sites is a must, but it’s often the memory of wandering through a small village or sharing dinner with a local family that will leave a lasting impact.

We promise to share our knowledge and expertise with you, and ensure you will come home with stories you will tell for years to come.

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Immersive experiences that prioritize value, authenticity and adventure over luxury touches for older travelers.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Comfortable hotel (6 nights),Boat (1 night)

Transportation & Flights

Boat,Plane,Private vehicle,

Transportation & flights

Boat,Plane,Private vehicle
Guides
All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. We endeavour to provide the services of an experienced leader however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders. Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you were interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your leader can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. When travelling on a trip, you won't be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24 hour emergency contact number has been seen by your leader. If you have credit card insurance your group leader will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country.
Visa requirements
As a general rule most countries expect that your passport has a minimum of 6 months validity remaining. Please ensure the name on your passport matches the name on your booking and airline tickets. Your passport details are required to complete your booking. Your consultant will contact you when this is required. Take a copy of the main passport pages and other important documents with you, and leave another copy at home with family or friends. Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important that you check for the latest information. Please visit the relevant consular website of the country or countries you’re visiting for detailed and up-to-date visa information specific to your nationality. Your consultant will also be happy to point you in the right direction with acquiring visas. Visas can take several weeks to process, so familiarise yourself with any requirements as soon as you have booked your trip to allow for processing time. VIETNAM VISA: Some nationalities are exempt from visas for a stay of a maximum of 15 days, including British, German, French, Spanish and Italian citizens travelling to Vietnam (for all purposes). This exemption period is currently effective until 30 June 2018, and is based upon meeting all conditions prescribed by Vietnamese laws. If you are planning on staying in Vietnam for longer than 15 days you will need to obtain a visa extension in advance (please contact your relevant Consulate or Embassy). Please also check requirements if you plan to re-enter Vietnam. An eVisa is available for some nationalities including passport holders from Australia (from 2018) France, Ireland, Italy, Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States of America, valid for a single entry of a maximum of 30 days stay in Vietnam. For information on obtaining an eVisa visit the immigration website: https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/ Evisas take up to 3 days to be processed. You will need a clear electronic copy of your passport data page and passport photo, and to make a non-refundable payment as outlined on the immigration website. Keep the customs and immigration form you receive on arrival, as you need it to complete exit formalities on departure. If your visa application asks for a point of contact, please write: Peregrine Adventures 5th floor HiPT Building, 152 Thuy Khue Street, Thuy Khue, Tay Ho, Hanoi, Ph +84 4 3715 0996. Most nationalities do not require a letter of invitation for Vietnam but if you do need one, please contact your sales agent for more information.
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information

Finish point

  • Hong Ngoc Dynastie Hotel
  • 34 Hang Manh,
  • Hoan Kiem
  • Hanoi
  • VIETNAM
  • Phone: +84 438285053
  • Fax: +84 38285054

Alternate Finish point

  • For trips departing on the following dates, use this finish point.
  • 28 Feb 2018 (PACL180228)
  • Lan Vien Hotel Hanoi
  • 37A Ly Thuong Kiet St
  • Hanoi
  • VIETNAM
  • Phone: 84 437228888
  • Fax: 84 437606060
Trip ID
peregrine-PACL

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