VIETNAM - Itinerary Ideas
- Introduction |
- Destinations & Hotels |
- Info & facts |
- Itinerary Ideas |
- Oasis Highlights |
- Price Guide |
- Themes
All travel arrangements are on a PRIVATE, individual basis to offer complete freedom of choice. You will not be expected to share travel arrangements with other people unless otherwise stated. The itineraries below are designed to give you a flavour of what is possible and can be tailor-made to suit your preferences. If you have specific interests or travel specifications please call us on 1300 720 443 to discuss your individual requirements.
Classic Vietnam - 15 days
This itinerary is perfect for the first time visitor to Vietnam, incorporating the highlights, as well as one or two off beat Oasis ideas. The trip begins in the north visiting the colonial capital, Hanoi, before taking a train see the hilltribe peoples in Sapa. After returning to Hanoi head out to Halong Bay and spend an exotic night on board a traditional junk. Traveling to the central regions, you spend time exploring both Hue and Hoi An. A short flight takes you on to historic Saigon where you will spend a few days exploring the city and the canals and backwaters of the Mekong Delta.
Day 1:
Fly from Australia to Hanoi. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Day 2:
Arrive in Hanoi and spend a day exploring the sights on a cyclo (a local style bicycle taxi) with your guide. Learn more »
Indochina Travelled - 24 days
This comprehensive itinerary takes in the three countries that comprise the Indochina region: Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia. The highlights of the trip include Luang Prabang, the spiritual capital of Laos, Vietnam’s historic cities and stunning Halong Bay as well as the imposing temples of Angkor in Cambodia, a great finale to any trip!
Day 1:
Fly from Australia to Bangkok and on to Chiang Rai in northern Thailand. From here transfer to the “Golden Triangle” near the Lao border
Day 2:
Free day to relax and explore the surrounding area. Learn more »
Gastro and Cycling tour of Vietnam
This very specialised tour is an example of how Oasis can tailor make an itinerary that fits your requirements. This actual itinerary was prepared for a client who wanted to enjoy a moderate amount of cycling and to learn Vietnamese cooking skills along the way. Oasis can prepare similar itineraries with walking tours, motorbike tours or even kayaking tours. just let your consultant know your requirements and leave the rest to us!!!
Day 1:
Arrive Ho Chi Minh City (D)
Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City and transfer to your hotel with some city sightseeing en route. Dinner at Indochine Restaurant offers the first opportunity to try some of the delicious local specialties. The cuisine of the south uses many herbs and spices and has been influenced by Cambodia, Thailand and India amongst others. Curries using coconut milk are an example of this influence. The south also has a wide selection of tropical fruits and vegetables that are not available in the cooler north.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City. Learn more »
Classic Vietnam - 15 days
This itinerary is perfect for the first time visitor to Vietnam, taking in all the highlights, as well as one or two unusual Oasis twists. The trip starts in the north visiting the colonial capital, Hanoi, before taking a train into the Tonkinese Alps. After returning to Hanoi head out to Halong Bay and spend a romantic night on board a traditional junk. Travelling to the central regions, you spend time exploring both Hue and Hoi An. A short flight takes you on to historic Saigon where you will spend a few days exploring the city and the backwaters of the Mekong Delta.
Day 1:
Fly from Australia to Hanoi. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Day 2:
Arrive in Hanoi and spend a day exploring the sights on a cyclo (a local style bicycle taxi) with your guide.
Days 3-5:
Take the overnight train to Sapa, high in the Tonkinese Alps, and spend two full days taking short walks in the mountains to meet the colourful local hilltribe villagers.
Day 6:
Return to Hanoi on the daytime train and admire the stunning scenery en-route.
Day 7:
Morning drive to Halong City to board a traditional junk for an overnight stay on the spectacular Halong Bay.
Days 8-9:
After further exploration of the bay on the junk. Return to Hanoi in time for the flight to Hue, where you will spend the next day discovering the tombs of emperors past along the banks of the exotic Perfume River.
Day 10:
Take the scenic drive over the Hai Van Pass to Hoi An stopping at the Marble Mountains. Afternoon walking tour exploring the old town.
Days 11-12:
Two days at leisure to discover all that this wonderful old port, with its tailors shops, cafes, art galleries and nearby beach, has to offer.
Day 13:
Fly to Saigon and visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, where the Viet Cong developed underground cities complete with hospitals and schools.
Day 14:
Head into the Mekong Delta, via the backwaters of Binh Hoa Phouc Island.
Day 15:
Morning breakfast cruise to Cai Rang floating market. After lunch, return to Saigon for the flight back to Australia.
EXTENSIONS
Add a few days at one of the boutique resorts near Phan Thiet on the stunning Mui Ne Peninsula onto the end of your tour. Just a few hours drive from Saigon, some time on these beautiful beaches provides the perfect way to relax.
Alternatively, a short flight from Saigon will take you to Siem Reap in Cambodia, the gateway town to the majestic temples of Angkor; allow at least two full days to explore the magnificent ruins; the prefect finale to any trip to Southeast Asia.
Indochina Travelled - 24 days
This comprehensive itinerary takes in the three countries that comprise the Indochina region: Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia. The highlights of the trip include Luang Prabang, the spiritual capital of Laos, Vietnam’s historic cities and stunning Halong Bay as well as the imposing temples of Angkor in Cambodia, a great finale to any trip!
Day 1:
Fly from Australia to Bangkok and on to Chiang Rai in northern Thailand. From here transfer to the “Golden Triangle” near the Lao border
Day 2:
Free day to relax and explore the surrounding area.
Days 3-4:
Two-day river journey down the Mekong to Luang Prabang. You will over night in a charming guesthouse in the small town of Pakbeng.
Days 5-6:
Two days exploring the many colourful temples and nearby waterfalls around Luang Prabang.
Days 7-8:
Fly to Vientiane and spend a day exploring this riverside capital.
Day 9:
Morning flight to Hanoi and drive immediately to stunning Halong Bay to board the junk for your overnight stay.
Days 10-11:
After sailing in the morning, return to Hanoi, where you have a couple of days visiting its sights and excellent museums.
Days 12-13:
Take a short flight to historic Hue to spend the next day on the Perfume River visiting the citadel, temples and mysterious tombs of emperors past.
Days 14-16:
Take the scenic drive over the Hai Van Pass to Hoi An stopping at the Marble Mountains en-route, where you have two days to discover the wonderful old port town and its nearby beach.
Day 17:
Fly to Saigon and visit the infamous Cu Chi Tunnels where the Viet Cong developed a network of underground cities that incorporated hospitals schools.
Day 18:
Head into the Mekong Delta, exploring the backwaters en-route to Can Tho.
Day 19:
Breakfast cruise on the Mekong River, before heading to Chau Doc, deep in the Delta region on the Cambodian border where in the afternoon you can visit Sam Mountain .
Day 20:
Cross the border into Cambodia and journey by river to Phnom Penh. An afternoon spent visiting the sights of the city.
Day 21-23:
Fly to Siem Reap and spend the next two days with your knowledgeable guide exploring the majestic ruins and temples of ancient Angkor.
Day 24:
Fly back to Australia, via Bangkok.
EXTENSIONS
When flying back from Angkor via Bangkok why not add a week at one of Thailand’s fantastic beaches or Spa retreats. Please discuss with you consultant as the weather in the beach areas of Thailand differs according to the season. You can also refer to the Thailand section of our website.
Gastro and Cycling tour of Vietnam
This very specialised tour is an example of how Oasis can tailor make an itinerary that fits your requirements. This actual itinerary was prepared for a client who wanted to enjoy a moderate amount of cycling and to learn Vietnamese cooking skills along the way. Oasis can prepare similar itineraries with walking tours, motorbike tours or even kayaking tours. just let your consultant know your requirements and leave the rest to us!!!
Day 1:
Arrive Ho Chi Minh City (D)
Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City and transfer to your hotel with some city sightseeing en route. Dinner at Indochine Restaurant offers the first opportunity to try some of the delicious local specialties. The cuisine of the south uses many herbs and spices and has been influenced by Cambodia, Thailand and India amongst others. Curries using coconut milk are an example of this influence. The south also has a wide selection of tropical fruits and vegetables that are not available in the cooler north.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 2:
Ho Chi Minh City- Cu Chi - Vinh Long (BLD)
Transfer from Saigon to Cu Chi, unload the bikes and enjoy a warm up 30km cycle on the quiet country road to Cu Chi tunnels. The famous tunnels were more than 250 kms long and three levels deep and were an important factor in the Viet Cong victory over the Americans as they allowed the Viet Cong to control the large rural area around Saigon. After Cu Chi, ride to Trang Bang before hitting the main road and picking up the shuttle to Cai Be in the Mekong Delta.
Tonight stay in a local home stay run by a retired couple who live in a typical Mekong Delta Vietnamese house, with airy rooms and outdoor kitchen. (B, L, D)
Day 3:
Cai Be - Ho Chi Minh City (B,L)
From Cai Be enjoy a boat journey out to one of the Mekong Deltas many islands, where you will cycle along narrow country lanes, easy dirt tracks and trails. It is here that the cycling at its most glorious; through tiny orchards where you will witness colourful life along the riverside, passing picturesque delta homes and cross numerous wooden bridges. Cross a narrow canal on a local sampan, before finishing at the main ferry for the boat trip across the expansive Co Chien River. Your vehicle will pick up in Vinh Long and transfer back to Saigon.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City. (B,L)
Day 4:
Ho Chi Minh City (B,L)
After breakfast transfer to the Vietnam Cookery Centre for a morning cookery class to learn the secrets of preparing some of Vietnam’s best-loved dishes. Before the lesson you will visit the central market with the chef to learn about the various herbs and ingredients used in Vietnamese cuisine. Preparation of typical dishes is demonstrated by the centre’s professional chef before participants prepare their own. At the end of the morning participants enjoy their self prepared lunch. Each participant receives a manual and certificate on completion of the course.
Afternoon city tour of Ho Chi Minh City, still called Saigon by many locals - this takes in the former Presidential Palace, the Notre Dame Cathedral, Old Saigon Post Office, the History Museum, visit to a lacquer ware factory, Thien Hau Pagoda and Binh Tay Market in the city’s bustling Chinatown.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 5:
Ho Chi Minh City-Danang-Hoi An (B)
After breakfast transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport for the short flight to Danang. On arrival in Danang transfer to Hoi An, a major Asian trading port in the 17th and 18th centuries whose architecture and relaxed lifestyle has changed little over the years. Check into hotel. Afternoon at leisure.
Overnight in Hoi An.
Day 6:
Hoi An (B,L)
After breakfast take to the bikes for a ride into Hoi An and the villages of surrounding countryside. Cycle a short distance to the lovely village of Thuan Tinh, set among rice fields and coconut groves. Stop at the strawberry garden and meet local villagers, have tea and perhaps buy some homemade strawberry wine. Continue into Hoi An town to visit some of the wonderful ancient World Heritage listed buildings. Cycle to Thanh Ha ceramic village and here take the one hour boat journey up the river back to Hoi An town and lunch. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to relax at the beach.
Overnight in Hoi An.
Day 7:
Hoi An (B)
After an early breakfast transfer to Miss Vy’s School of Cooking where visitors from all over the globe have learned Miss Vy’s traditional family recipes. This cooking course lasts most of the day and includes shopping for ingredients at the Hoi An’s central market before returning to the school by cyclo to learn how they are prepared. Once the meals are prepared you can enjoy the dishes you have spent the day mastering. Evening is at leisure.
Overnight in Hoi An.
Day 8:
Hoi An-Hue (B,L)
Today head north again for the cycle ride to Hue. The route passes over the spectacular Hai Van pass (‘Pass of the Ocean Clouds’) and then continues to the historic city of Hue. Cycle via Lang Co beach and conquer a couple of 2km passes before hitting a beautiful coastal road.
Overnight in Hue.
Day 9 - Hue (B)
Free at leisure.
Overnight in Hue.
Day 10:
Hue (B,L)
Today cycle a back road loop of Hue through lush countryside on a mix of footpaths and quiet country lanes and then from the hotel to the Imperial Citadel. After exploring the ruins of this wonderful monument, ride out through backstreets and out along the banks of the Perfume River to Thien Mu pagoda. Continue to Ming Manh mausoleum and loop back across the perfume river to Hue via the mausoleum of Khai Dinh.
Overnight in Hue.
Day 11:
Hue - Hanoi (B)
After breakfast transfer to Hue Airport for the flight to Hanoi, the present day capital of Vietnam. Food in the north of Vietnam has a strong Chinese influence with stir-fried dishes and less spicy food than the south. Specialties of Hanoi include a noodle and meat soup called Pho and a marinated fish dish called Cha Ca. Optional for your own lunch there is a chance to try Cha Caat a Hanoi institution, at the famed the Cha Ca Hanoi Restaurant. In the afternoon visit the Temple of Literature and take a short sightseeing tour to see the Lake of the Restored Sword and the Old Quarter.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 12:
Hanoi (B,L)
After breakfast, join a special cooking class at the Sofitel Metropole Hanoi Hotel. The course starts with a walk, accompanied by the chef of the hotel’s Spices Garden Restaurant, to the local market where participants get a chance to learn all about Vietnamese ingredients. A cooking demonstration follows in the kitchen and everyone has the opportunity to play an active part. After the class lunch is served in the Spices Garden Vietnamese Restaurant where you can sample all the different dishes prepared during the demonstration. In the afternoon visit the Hoa Sua Cooking School for disadvantaged students. In the evening watch a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 13:
Hanoi-Halong Bay (B,L,D)
After breakfast leave Hanoi by road for Halong Bay. Enjoy the journey through the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta and the scenery of the rice fields, water buffalo and everyday Vietnamese village life. Arrive in Halong and board your traditional junk. While cruising along the stunning waters sample the regions fresh seafood. Visit the newly discovered Surprise Grotto and on the next island see the yawning mouth of Bo Nau Cave. Watch the sunset over the bay while enjoying a scrumptious dinner.
Overnight on board the junk.
Day 14:
Halong Bay-Hanoi (B,L)
Wake up to fresh coffee and a wholesome breakfast before sailing back to Halong City. En route sail among the 3,000 limestone islands that make up this UNESCO World Heritage Site and take in Halong Bay’s magnificent views. Enjoy another delicious seafood lunch on board the junk. Transfer back to Hanoi by road and transfer to hotel on arrival.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 15 – Depart Hanoi (B)
Departure day. At leisure until transfer to Noi Bai Airport for onward flight.
