Vietnam & the Reunification Express
Vietnam & the Reunification Express
Vietnam & the Reunification Express
14 Days Starting in Hanoi, Vietnam and ending in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Visiting: Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue, Danang, Hoi An, Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta
Tour operator:
Tour code:
2590
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
12 - 28
Age range:
12-99
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Vietnam with the "Vietnam & the Reunification Express" tour. Begin your adventure in Hanoi, exploring its vibrant culture and historical sites like the Ethnology Museum and Ho Chi Minh Quarter. Experience the enchanting beauty of Halong Bay on a two-night cruise, complete with activities like kayaking and cave exploration. Travel on the iconic Reunification Express to Hue, where you'll delve into Vietnam's dynastic past at the Imperial Citadel and Royal Tomb of Minh Mang. Discover the charm of Hoi An and the bustling energy of Saigon, with highlights including the Cu Chi Tunnels and a cruise on the Mekong Delta. This tour offers a perfect blend of cultural immersion, historical exploration, and breathtaking landscapes, providing a comprehensive experience of Vietnam's rich heritage and natural beauty.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 - 2 : Days 1-2: Fly Overnight To Hanoi
Location: Hanoi
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Fly overnight to Hanoi, Vietnam's vibrant capital. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
Day 3: Hanoi Old Quarter By Cyclo
Location: Hanoi
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Begin your day at the Ethnology Museum, with its mesmerising displays exploring the country's 54 ethnic minority groups. In its grounds are a range of full-size replica longhouses demonstrating traditional ways of life in rural Vietnam. After lunch, cross the Red Bridge over Hoan Kiem Lake to visit Ngoc Son Temple before embarking on a cyclo tour of Hanoi's Old Quarter. Wrap up your day with a foodie tour as you embark on a culinary whirlwind adventure through the city, tasting some of Vietnam's specialty dishes!
Day 4: Explore Hanoi
Location: Hanoi
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore the sights of Hanoi by foot on today's walking tour. Begin in the Ho Chi Minh Quarter, where you will gain an insight into the Vietnamese War before visiting the Humble House on Stilts, the residence of Ho Chi Minh in the grounds of the Presidential Palace, and his Mausoleum. After lunch, visit the One Pillar Pagoda and serene Temple of Literature, Hanoi's first university.
Day 5: Halong Bay Cruise
Location: Halong Bay
Accommodation Name: cruise
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive 2 and a half hours to Halong Bay, where you will embark on an unforgettable two-night cruise through this famously beautiful seascape. Enjoy lunch onboard as you cruise out into the bay, stopping to anchor for an afternoon of activities such as kayaking, swimming, or relaxing on an island beach. Sightseeing may include visiting underground caves on the islands, which require climbing up and down steps inside and outside of the caves. End the day on deck with a drink in hand to watch the sunset, followed by a freshly prepared dinner, before retiring to your cabin for the night.
Day 6: Halong Bay Cruise
Location: Halong Bay
Accommodation Name: cruise
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Rise early to enjoy a Tai Chi lesson on deck as the sun rises, and admire the changing seascapes as you continue deeper into the bay. Visit floating villages, hidden caves and sandy beaches before another night on board.
Day 7: Overnight Train From Hanoi To Hue
Location: Hanoi
Accommodation Name: overnight train
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cruise back to port, stopping en route to visit one of the bay's impressive caves. Disembark after an early lunch and prepare to board your overnight train to Hue as you make your first journey on the iconic Reunification Express.
Day 8: Imperial Hue
Location: Hue
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Disembark the Reunification Express as you arrive in Hue this morning. The epitome of Vietnam's dynastic past, Hue is a dignified and scholarly city. Visit the imposing Imperial Citadel and Forbidden Purple City. The magnificent centrepiece of the Royal Empire, the citadel was extensively damaged during the Vietnam War. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Royal Tomb of Minh Mang, a complex of 40 monuments set in surroundings of gardens and pools. Continue to the old Thien Mu Pagoda before taking a cruise on the Perfume River.
Day 9: Reunification Express From Hue To Danang
Location: Danang
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hop back on board the Reunification Express in Hue and take a scenic 3 hour journey south to Danang, where you will then transfer by road to charming Hoi An, a wonderfully laidback and traditional ancient city. This afternoon, venture out of Hoi An to Tra Que, a small farming community that supplies many hotels and restaurants in the area with vegetables and herbs. Here you can enjoy the lush green countryside and stroll through the gardens to see the farmers at work.
Day 10: Explore Hoi An
Location: Hoi An
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Head out on a walking tour of the Old Town, visiting the Chua Ong Chinese Pagoda, a 200-year-old merchant house, and the Japanese Covered Bridge. Stop by the Hoi An Folklore Museum for an insight into the local life before enjoying the rest of the afternoon at leisure to explore Hoi An.
Day 11: Fly To Saigon
Location: Saigon
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer to Danang and board your 1 hour and 30-minute flight to Saigon, Vietnam's bustling southern city. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure as you start to soak up the vibrant atmosphere before an exciting performance of the A O show this evening, showcasing the talented local circus performers, dancers, athletes and artists.
Day 12: Discover Saigon
Location: Ho Chi Minh City
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Discover the reality of guerrilla warfare at the Cu Chi Tunnels, which were central to the Viet Cong's military operations, including the Tet Offensive. For a truly authentic insight into the war, meet a Vietnamese veteran and hear his story. This afternoon, explore the city's heady mix of local culture and colonial influences, admiring major landmarks like the Notre-Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office before spending time at the poignant War Remnants Museum.
Day 13: Explore The Mekong Delta
Location: Mekong Delta
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Journey to My Tho to take a cruise on the Mekong. Paddle through the maze of palmlined canals and get a glimpse of daily life on the Mekong Delta. Enjoy a lunch of typical Mekong dishes. Make a stop at Vinh Trang Pagoda en route back to Saigon.
Day 14: Depart Saigon
Location: Ho Chi Minh City
Meals Included: Breakfast
Transfer to the airport to fly back to the UK, arriving the same or following day.
What's Included
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Meals
The tour includes meals such as breakfast, lunch, and dinner on various days of the itinerary.
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Accommodation
Accommodation is provided during the tour, including a two-night cruise on Halong Bay.
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Transportation
Transportation includes flights, overnight train journeys, and transfers between locations.
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Guided Tours
Guided tours are included, such as a cyclo tour of Hanoi's Old Quarter and a walking tour of Hoi An.
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Cultural Experiences
Cultural experiences such as a Tai Chi lesson on deck, a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels, and a performance of the A O show in Saigon are included.
What's Not Included
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International Flights
International flights to and from Vietnam are not included in the tour package.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and beverages are not included.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees for entry into Vietnam are not included in the tour package.
Mode of Transport
Transportation includes an overnight flight to Hanoi, a two-night cruise in Halong Bay, and journeys on the iconic Reunification Express train, including an overnight train from Hanoi to Hue.
Accommodation
Le Jardin Haute Couture, Hanoi
Combining Vietnamese elegance with contemporary style, Le Jardin Haute Couture is a light, airy oasis in the heart of Hanoi. Guests can take advantage of the the Six Senses spa, swim in the rooftop pool, or enjoy a drink in the hotel's excellent 12th-floor sky bar.
Bhaya Classic
Aboard a traditional-style junk, refurbished in 2015, a Bhaya Classic cruise offers a convivial atmosphere and classic oriental style. There is a sundeck for admiring the scenery and a spa and jacuzzi for relaxing whilst the restaurant serves freshly prepared Vietnamese and international cuisine. Onboard activities as you cruise include Tai Chi and cooking classes. Cabins are cosy and comfortable with big windows for beautiful views, a fridge and a bathroom with walk in shower.
EMM Hotel
Well-located in Hue' s city centre, the Emm Hotel is a contemporary, comfortable hotel. It has gardens and a swimming pool and 2 restaurant options, serving authentic Hue dishes, Vietnamese food and international fare too. Bedrooms have large windows (some also have balconies), a bathroom with shower, television, minibar and kettle. You are also provided with slipper and a bathrobe.
Silkotel
A stone's throw from the pedestrianised Old Town, Silkotel Hoi An offers 92 elegant rooms close to to the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge. With a reputation for some of the best service staff in Hoi An, Silkotel's facilities include an indulgent spa, an in-house restaurant and an outdoor swimming pool with adjacent pool bar.
Muong Thanh Saigon Centre
Muong Thanh Saigon Centre Hotel is situated in District 1. Rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV and have a private bathroom fitted with a bath or shower. For your comfort, you will find bath robes, slippers and a hairdryer. Guests can enjoy the on-site bar, indoor swimming pool and free WiFi.
Experiences
Hanoi Cyclo Tour
Explore the vibrant streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter by cyclo, stopping off at a café to sample a traditionally-made, local speciality, egg coffee.
The A O Show
Enjoy Saigon's most extraordinary production, the A O Show! This breathtaking performance showcases the beauty and cultural richness of Vietnamese rural life.
Meet a Vietnam War Veteran
Gain a personal and authentic perspective on history as you meet a Vietnamese war veteran at the Cu Chi Tunnels. Their stories will offer a unique insight into the past.
Check out our Q&As
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What can I expect to see and do in Hanoi on this tour?
In Hanoi, you will visit the Ethnology Museum to learn about Vietnam's ethnic minority groups, explore the Ho Chi Minh Quarter, and see the Humble House on Stilts and Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum. You'll also visit the One Pillar Pagoda and the Temple of Literature. Additionally, you'll enjoy a cyclo tour of the Old Quarter and a culinary tour to taste local specialty dishes.
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What activities are included during the Halong Bay cruise?
During the Halong Bay cruise, you can participate in activities such as kayaking, swimming, or relaxing on an island beach. You will also have the opportunity to visit underground caves and enjoy a Tai Chi lesson on deck at sunrise. The cruise includes visits to floating villages, hidden caves, and sandy beaches.
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What historical sites will be visited in Hue?
In Hue, you will visit the Imperial Citadel and Forbidden Purple City, which are significant historical sites from Vietnam's dynastic past. You will also explore the UNESCO World Heritage Royal Tomb of Minh Mang and the Thien Mu Pagoda.
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What is the Reunification Express and how is it part of the tour?
The Reunification Express is a train service in Vietnam, and on this tour, you will take an overnight train from Hanoi to Hue and a scenic train journey from Hue to Danang. It offers a unique way to travel through Vietnam and experience the country's landscapes.
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What cultural experiences are included in Saigon?
In Saigon, you will visit the Cu Chi Tunnels to learn about guerrilla warfare and meet a Vietnamese veteran. You will also explore the city's mix of local culture and colonial influences, visiting landmarks like the Notre-Dame Cathedral and the War Remnants Museum. Additionally, you will attend a performance of the A O show, featuring local circus performers, dancers, and artists.
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What will I experience on the Mekong Delta excursion?
On the Mekong Delta excursion, you will take a cruise on the Mekong River, paddle through palm-lined canals, and observe daily life in the delta. You will enjoy a lunch of typical Mekong dishes and visit the Vinh Trang Pagoda on the way back to Saigon.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If, after our confirmation invoice has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, we will endeavour to make these changes, but it may not always be possible. Any changes to confirmed bookings need to be sent to us in writing via your travel agent. Please refer to our booking conditions for further information and fees.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Customers booking to travel solo can choose our ‘Happy to Share’ option, which may enable them to share a twin room with other solo customers of the same gender who also request Happy to Share, thus avoiding the need to pay single room supplements. Note that ‘Happy to Share’ requests can be received when you make your booking with us but will not be confirmed until your final payment due date.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your Final Travel Documents are usually sent to you 2-3 weeks prior to your departure. Your travel pack will include your tour itinerary, hotel details, flight e-tickets and a travel guide. If you have booked with a travel agent, your tickets will be dispatched to your travel agent unless we have been otherwise informed.
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Will I be travelling with passengers from other countries?
Our passengers generally enjoy the mixture of British, Australian and American clients on tour. Occasionally we are joined by English-speaking passengers from other countries.
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What is 'Happy to Share'?
Customers booking to travel solo can choose our ‘Happy to Share’ option, which may enable them to share a twin room with other solo customers of the same gender who also request Happy to Share, thus avoiding the need to pay single room supplements. Note that ‘Happy to Share’ requests can be received when you make your booking with us but will not be confirmed until your final payment due date. If a share partner is found, the Single Supplement will be removed from your booking. If a share partner is not found, the Single Supplement will remain and is payable with your final balance in line with our normal booking conditions. Either way, our Operations Team will contact you around 75 days before departure to let you know whether a share partner has been found or not. We regret that Happy to Share requests cannot be accepted within 75 days of departure. Wendy Wu Tours reserves the right to change or withdraw this arrangement at any time.
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Do you allow children on your tours?
We allow children 12 years and over on our group tours. We recommend that families with children of any age take advantage of our private or tailormade tours. This will give you more flexibility while on tour.
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Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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