vietnam backpacker explorer southbound

600 North Colony Road | Tower Square Plaza | Wallingford, CT 06492

Toll free: 1-888-291-0999 | Phone: 203-949-9990 | Fax: 203-949-0094 | Email: cttravel@cttravel.com | www.cttravel.com

Intrepid Travel

Vietnam

vietnam backpacker explorer southbound

14 days Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

Experience the beauty of Halong Bay, Explore the evocative Old Quarter of Hanoi, Delve into Vietnam's royal past in Hue, Get a tan on the sun-drenched beaches of Nha Trang, Be spellbound by the vibrant streets of Saigon

If exploring Vietnam without the stress of backpacking sounds appealing, then this is the trip of your dreams! With all accommodation and transport taken care of, this trip is designed so you know how long you have at each destination and how much it will cost, but how you choose to spend your days is completely up to you. Enjoy the freedom to disappear with guidebook in hand and discover Vietnam independently without being herded like cattle, like so many package tours tend to do. With stops at all major cities, dramatic Halong Bay, tranquil Hoi An and the idyllic beaches of Nha Trang, you'll gain tremendous insight into this incredibly country, while enjoying ample opportunities to get to know the locals you travel alongside on the many train journeys across the lush, green countryside.

Physical Rating: 2
Culture Shock Rating: 2
Accommodation: Tourist class hotels (10 nts), overnight trains (2 nts), private air-conditioned cabin on board sailing junk (1 nt).
Transportation: Car or minivan, train, boat. Roundtrip airport to hotel transfers are included - transfers must be arranged in advance so please forward us the flight numbers and times at least 14 days prior to departure.
Trip Style: Intrepid Independent
Group Size: Maximum of 12 travellers per group
Budget: Allow USD $250 for meals not included.

Call (888) 291-0999 for more information or to book today! Mention code 6069805

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel

Duration

14 Days

Escorted

Escorted - Yes

Itinerary

Day	Destination	Description
Day 1	Hanoi	Vietnam's charming capital is filled with contrasts, with as many racy cars and motorbikes as there are shady European-style boulevards. The city centre is a collection of elegant colonial French and Buddhist-influenced buildings and the hotel is right in the heart of the Old Quarter, the best place to shop for exquisite silks and source a perfect hand-tailored outfit.
Day 2	Halong Bay overnight cruise	Dotted with dramatic limestone peaks, pristine beaches and emerald lagoons, Halong Bay is simply breathtaking. The comfortable cruise boat - complete with air-conditioned ensuite cabins, bar and cheery crew - take us past magnificent scenery and there are ample opportunities to swim, sunbake or kayak. Drop anchor in the evening and dine on delicious seafood before turning in for a night on the water.
Day 3	Halong Bay - return to Hanoi	Rising to the tranquil beauty of the bay, there's time for an early morning dip followed by breakfast. The cruise continues around the bay, pausing at secluded lagoons for more swimming or kayaking, before returning to harbour.
Day 4	Hanoi to Hue	There's time to explore before stocking up on fresh baguettes, cheese and fruit for the overnight journey on the famous Reunification Express.
Day 5	Hue	The gateway to Vietnam's royal past, Hue is widely known for its citadels, palaces, royal tombs, pagodas and temples built under the Nguyen dynasty.
Day 6	Hue	The best way to see the Royal Tombs is on a hired bicycle. There's also the riverside Cho Dong Ba to explore, a colourful market brimming with locally-made products and gastronomic delights.
Day 7	Hue to Hoi An via Hai Van Pass	Travel along the incredibly scenic Hai Van Pass to Hoi An, stopping en route at the tranquil Long Co fishing village, idyllic China Beach and the majestic Marble Mountains.
Day 8	Hoi An	Wander into wonderfully diverse old homes decorated with carved doors, priceless antique furniture and peaceful courtyards or wake early to watch locals haggle over fresh produce at the morning market.
Day 9	- Hoi An to Nha Trang	Chug along the railroad to Nha Trang, passing rice paddies that stretch as far as the eye can see.
Day 10	Nha Trang	Get a tan on the lovely beaches of Nha Trang, snorkel the surrounding islands or inspect the crumbling remains of the ancient Cham Towers.
Day 11	Nha Trang	Spend another day soaking up the sun, sitting at one of the many beachfront restaurants or immersing yourself in the sights and smells of Cho Dam, the town's central market.
Day 12	Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)	Get caught up in the crowded, atmospheric streets of Saigon - slurp a bowl of pho at a market stall alongside breakfasting locals, shop on historic Dong Khoi Street or hail a cyclo for a leisurely tour of the city.
Days 13-14	Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)	Take time to tantalise the senses in the Ben Thanh Market, where everything from fresh produce to electronics to souvenirs can be browsed, bargained for and bought, or travel to the Cu Chi Tunnels for some insight into the American War.

Disclaimer

* The prices listed are based on the costs and exchange rates current at the time of printing/posting. Intrepid reserves the right to alter these prices at any time. For trips departing between 01 January 2007 and 31 December 2007, the land price of your trip is guaranteed when you have paid in full. For trips departing beyond 31 December 2007, prices are indicative only. The itineraries and dates online and in our printed brochures are applicable from 01 January 2007 until 31 December 2007. Beyond 31 December 2007 dates and itineraries are indicative only and are subject to change. All information is accurate to the best of our knowledge at time of printing/posting, but please note that changes to our trips (which can be significant) can and do occur. Intrepid will make every effort to keep you informed of any changes, but cannot be held liable for any alterations made to the published itineraries. Please refer to our website for the most recent update to any trip. Please note that these conditions apply to Intrepid group trips only. Variations may apply for Intrepid Independent trips. Loss of monies paid applies to all cancelled reservations. The date of trip cancellation is the date on which the written cancellation is received by Intrepid. Please ask your Travel Agent about our full Booking and Cancellation Conditions.