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The Reunification Express
Trip Valid:
01/01/2008 to 31/12/2008
Duration:
15 days (Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City)
Highlights:
Explore the evocative Old Quarter of Hanoi, Sail Halong Bay, 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, Take a rowboat along the Mekong
Trip Code:
VSR
Guarantee:
Departure is guaranteed
Group Size:
Minimum 1, Maximum 12
Price:
USD $865
*(plus local payment USD $200)
pricing for United States: change country
Extras:
view 2008 airport transfers and pre- & post-trip accommodation prices
Travel from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City on one of the most fascinating train journeys on earth. The Reunification Express is a vital lifeline between north and south Vietnam and chugging along the railway, you'll get to experience the scenic, historical, cultural and culinary highlights of this marvellous country. All aboard for a ride you'll never forget!
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meals included:
12 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 1 Dinner
transport: Overnight train, minibus, boat, cyclo, walking
accommodation: Hotels (11 nts), boat (1 nt), overnight trains (2 nts)
budget: Allow USD $220 for meals not included.
departs: Every Mon, Wed & Sat
Days 1-2 Hanoi
Get lost in the colour and chaos of the country's capital, exploring the Old Quarter's labyrinthine streets or soaking up the spirituality of the many temples before wandering past monuments dedicated to 'Uncle Ho', the father of modern Vietnam. Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, his stilt house and museum for an insight into this fascinating historic figure. Have a chuckle at a traditional water puppet performance in the evening.
Days 3-4 Halong Bay
Leave the frenetic pace of city life behind for a lazy cruise on the glimmering waters of Halong Bay. Swim amongst the soaring karsts, shimmy into limestone caves and fall asleep on board beneath a blanket of stars. Returning to Hanoi, stop off at a workshop to see locals working on the traditional art of ceramics. Why not grab a steaming bowl of pho from the Old Quarter? Later, board the historic Reunification Express for the overnight journey to Hue.
Days 5-6 Hue
Imagine the opulence of imperial Vietnam within the Thai Hoa Palace, see the scars of former wars in the Forbidden Purple City or discover the legacy left behind by the fussy Emperor Tu Duc at the food stalls in the Dong Ba Market. Enjoy a dragon boat cruise on the Perfume River, and why not stop in at an atmospheric riverside cafe at sunset for a romantic experience not to be missed?
Days 7-9 Hoi An
Travel south through coastal rice paddies to the fishing village of Lang Co before heading into the mountains and crossing the spectacular Hai Van Pass. Take a step back in time in the ancient streetscapes of Hoi An. Recently declared a World Heritage site, this charming town is beautifully restored and preserved and there is much to do and see. There's centuries old family homes to explore, the wonderful Japanese Covered Bridge to wander across and bowls of mouth-watering cao lao to try.
Days 10-12 Nha Trang
Back on board the Reunification Express, watch the beautiful countryside roll by en route to charming Nha Trang by the sea. Jump into sparkling turquoise waters, take part in tai chi or indulge in the fantastic array of cuisines on offer. Enjoy a boat cruise on the South China sea, feasting on fresh seafood at lunchtime and doing lots of swimming. In the evenings, Nha Trang has a whole host of bars to choose from if the mood takes you.
Days 13-15 Ho Chi Minh City
Enjoy a relaxed cyclo tour past the main sights of Ho Chi Minh City, including a visit to the War Remnants Museum. Take a rowboat down the Mekong River, cruising past the four beautiful islets of Dragon, Unicorn, Tortoise and Phoenix and calling in on a local family of beekeepers who make honey from longan flowers. A visit to an off-the-beaten-track village offers some insight into rural Vietnamese life, a real contrast to city living. Back in Ho Chi Minh City, there's time for some last-minute souvenir shopping or sightseeing before a final dinner.
| start date | finish date | places available | bookings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sat 10 May 08 | Sat 24 May 08 | bookings closed | |
| Wed 14 May 08 | Wed 28 May 08 | bookings closed | |
| Sat 17 May 08 | Sat 31 May 08 | bookings closed | |
| Wed 21 May 08 | Wed 04 Jun 08 | 2 | late request |
| Sat 24 May 08 | Sat 07 Jun 08 | 5 | book now |
| Wed 28 May 08 | Wed 11 Jun 08 | 4 | book now |
| Sat 31 May 08 | Sat 14 Jun 08 | 5 | book now |
| Mon 02 Jun 08 | Mon 16 Jun 08 | 7+ |
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20% off! |
| Wed 04 Jun 08 | Wed 18 Jun 08 | 4 | book now |
| Sat 07 Jun 08 | Sat 21 Jun 08 | bookings closed | |
| Wed 11 Jun 08 | Wed 25 Jun 08 | bookings closed | |
| Sat 14 Jun 08 | Sat 28 Jun 08 | 3 | book now |
| Wed 18 Jun 08 | Wed 02 Jul 08 | 7 | book now |
| Sat 21 Jun 08 | Sat 05 Jul 08 | 3 | book now |
| Wed 25 Jun 08 | Wed 09 Jul 08 | bookings closed | |
| Sat 28 Jun 08 | Sat 12 Jul 08 | 1 | book now |
| Wed 02 Jul 08 | Wed 16 Jul 08 | bookings closed | |
| Sat 05 Jul 08 | Sat 19 Jul 08 | bookings closed | |
| Mon 07 Jul 08 | Mon 21 Jul 08 | 7+ | book now |
| Wed 09 Jul 08 | Wed 23 Jul 08 | 4 | book now |
| Sat 12 Jul 08 | Sat 26 Jul 08 | 1 | book now |
| Wed 16 Jul 08 | Wed 30 Jul 08 | 7+ | book now |
| Sat 19 Jul 08 | Sat 02 Aug 08 | bookings closed | |
| Mon 21 Jul 08 | Mon 04 Aug 08 | 7+ | book now |
| Wed 23 Jul 08 | Wed 06 Aug 08 | 2 | book now |
| Sat 26 Jul 08 | Sat 09 Aug 08 | 7+ | book now |
| Mon 28 Jul 08 | Mon 11 Aug 08 | 6 | book now |
| Wed 30 Jul 08 | Wed 13 Aug 08 | 7+ | book now |
| Sat 02 Aug 08 | Sat 16 Aug 08 | 7+ | book now |
| Mon 04 Aug 08 | Mon 18 Aug 08 | 7+ | book now |
| Wed 06 Aug 08 | Wed 20 Aug 08 | 7+ | book now |
| Sat 09 Aug 08 | Sat 23 Aug 08 | 7+ | book now |
| Mon 11 Aug 08 | Mon 25 Aug 08 | 7+ | book now |
| Wed 13 Aug 08 | Wed 27 Aug 08 | 7+ | book now |
| Sat 16 Aug 08 | Sat 30 Aug 08 | 7+ | book now |
| Mon 18 Aug 08 | Mon 01 Sep 08 | 7+ | book now |
| Wed 20 Aug 08 | Wed 03 Sep 08 | 7+ | book now |
| Sat 23 Aug 08 | Sat 06 Sep 08 | 7+ | book now |
| Mon 25 Aug 08 | Mon 08 Sep 08 | 7+ | book now |
| Wed 27 Aug 08 | Wed 10 Sep 08 | 7+ | book now |
| Sat 30 Aug 08 | Sat 13 Sep 08 | 7+ |