Compare Highlights of Vietnam by Exodus Travels vs Culinary tour of Vietnam by Audley Travel
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 10 days | 14 days |
| Price From | $ 1,830 | $ 5,721 |
| Price Per Day | $ 183 | $ 409 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Private guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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| Countries Visited | ||
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| Flights & Transport | No | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | All breakfasts, three lunches and two dinners are included. Thanks to the tropical climate, the long coast and the gigantic range of mountains, Vietnam is blessed with a variety of culinary offerings and consequently maintains a reputation as one of the healthiest cuisines in the world that still packs a punch. Vietnamese food relies on fresh fish, vegetables, rice and a myriad of verdant herbs and spices; lemongrass, ginger, basil and lime all play an important role. The Chinese and French influence is felt throughout the country where you are just as likely to be offered a banh mi (stuffed baguette) as you are a hot bowl of pho (noodle soup). Also seek out the national drinks: Vietnamese coffee is served iced and sweet with condensed milk, and beer hoi (local beer, brewed daily) is served on most street corners in the north out of large plastic jugs that are perfect for sharing. Food is cheap in Vietnam and you can generally avoid the spicier food if you wish. Western food is readily available almost everywhere. Vegetarian food is widely available; however, the offering will be fairly similar in most places. Please advise at time of booking if you have any dietary requirements. | N/A |
| Description |
This highlight-packed trip encapsulates the magic of Vietnam: the conservative north, imperial cities, majestic coastlines, idyllic countryside, sky-scraping mountains, and the effervescent life of Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta. Along the way, we see an outgoing culture, where so much happens in the streets: eating, washing, socialising, buying, selling and impromptu games. This intriguing parade of Vietnamese daily life may leave us with our strongest memories, as much as the superb landscapes and amazing cuisine.Discover a magical land of paddies and pagodas, mountains and metropolises, caves, coasts and countryside |
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Day 1 Start Hanoi
Depending on your arrival time, you might like to start exploring this fascinating city by strolling the broad tree-lined avenues dating from the French period. There is a faded colonial charm where baguettes and good coffee are sold from doorways of grand buildings from a past era. There is a welcome briefing this evening with your leader followed by a welcome dinner at KOTO, a social enterprise that trains and employs underprivileged young people. The delicious food provides a fitting welcome to Vietnam and a chance to bond with your group. Accommodation: May De Ville Trendy Hotel & Spa (or similar)
Day 2 To Ha Long Bay; cruise among limestone formations; overnight on boat
We have an early start for the approximate four-hour journey to Ha Long Bay, where roughly 3,000 limestone peaks rise from the emerald sea. Here we board a boat, navigate this amazing karst scenery and enjoy a seafood lunch. We stay overnight in twin-share cabins with private bathrooms. Accommodation: Overnight boat
Day 3 Transfer back to Hanoi; overnight train to Dong Hoi
We continue to cruise around Ha Long Bay this morning before returning to port. We then drive back to Hanoi where we have a bit of free time to explore. You might like to join the local people by pulling up a plastic stool and sampling one of the many street food offerings; the bun cha (barbecued pork with rice noodles and fresh herbs) is particularly good. Late afternoon, we transfer to the train station to board our overnight train to Dong Hoi, 310mi (500km) south of Hanoi. Accommodation: Overnight train
Day 4 Discover the caves of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
Arriving at Dong Hoi at sunrise, we take a short transfer to our hotel to freshen up and have breakfast. We then journey (approximately one hour) to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. Designated a Unesco World Heritage site in 2003, it is home to the oldest karst mountains in Asia, plus hundreds of cave systems and spectacular underground rivers. We first visit Phong Nha cave by boat. After, we stop for lunch before discovering the Thien Duong cave, known locally as Paradise Cave. This was only discovered in 2005 by scientists from the British Cave Research Association with the help of a local man who had heard the mountains ‘whistling’ while farming. In the afternoon, we return to our hotel in Dong Hoi, where we have time to relax and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Accommodation: Sam Quang Binh Hotel (or similar)
Day 5 To Hue via the war tunnels of Vinh Moc
For early risers, there is an optional visit to the Dong Hoi Fish Market, where buyers and sellers haggle over baskets brimming with the latest catch. We then journey to Hue after breakfast, stopping en route at the Vinh Moc war tunnels. Less well-known than the Cu Chi tunnels in the south, these were predominantly used as bomb shelters during the Vietnam War. Village life carried on underground: children went to school, hospitals were established and films were even played using power from a generator. We next stop at the Hien Luong Bridge which crosses the Ben Hai River, which formed part of the border between North and South Vietnam from 1954 until reunification in 1975. We arrive in Hue mid-afternoon with free time before an optional group dinner. Accommodation: Park View Hotel (or similar)
Day 6 Hue city tour; transfer to Hoi An
It is said that Hue is the cultural and historical centre of Vietnam, and there is plenty to see. The most outstanding sight is the Imperial Citadel, which has walls 6mi (9.5km) long; inside are the palaces and halls of the Mandarins, and the remains of the Forbidden Purple City, where only the emperor, his eunuchs and concubines were allowed. The Forbidden Purple City was almost totally destroyed during the Vietnam War's Tet Offensive, but the foliage-covered ruins are still atmospheric and the gaping bomb holes reveal the destruction wreaked upon the country. This morning, we visit the Imperial Citadel and the Thien Mu Pagoda. The pagoda was a centre for anti-government protest in the early 1960s and houses the Austin car that transported monk Thich Quang Duc to Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City) in 1963 where he burned himself in protest against the president. The photograph of his self-immolation was printed in newspapers around the world. After lunch, we leave for Hoi An via the spectacular Hai Van Pass, 12mi (19km) of road winds up and over the fortress of mountains providing breath-taking views of the coast. Accommodation: Hoi An Sincerity Hotel & Spa (or similar)
Day 7 Walking tour of Hoi An; free time to explore the market
This morning includes a walking tour of Hoi An, the original European trading port in Vietnam dating to the mid-16th century. It is now a living museum with attractive wooden merchant's houses and pagoda-style temples with Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese and European architectural influences. It is also a marvellous place to wander around and enjoy the thriving riverside market and shops selling silk clothes. This afternoon is free. One popular option is to jump on a bike for a ride through the countryside past local markets, schools and villages before continuing to Cua Dai beach (3mi/5km). Accommodation: Hoi An Sincerity Hotel & Spa (or similar)
Day 8 Fly to Ho Chi Minh City; visit main sites
We drive to Da Nang and then fly to Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), an exciting and absorbing city where scooters pack the streets and temples stand by modern developments. Devastated by the Vietnam War, it is now a bustling free-market city where anything goes. We include a visit to the Ben Thanh Market, Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral and War Remnants Museum. The museum has an interesting photographic record of the Vietnam/American War but some images are very graphic. Accommodation: Huong Sen Hotel (or similar)
Day 9 Day trip to Mekong Delta
Journeying out of the city, we head to the lush countryside that is the Mekong Delta for a day tour. Known as the rice bowl of Vietnam, this region produces most of the country’s fruit, sugarcane and coconuts. We take a boat along the many tributaries and stop to see cottage industries along the way. We journey by sampan, a traditional low-riding wooden boat still used by the local people as the main form of transport. After sampling some of the local produce, we return to Ho Chi Minh City where your leader will organise an optional farewell group dinner. Accommodation: Huong Sen Hotel (or similar)
Day 10 End Ho Chi Minh City
Our Vietnam exploration ends today after breakfast. However, if you’re not quite ready for the adventure to stop, speak to your sales representative about our extension to Angkor in Cambodia, probably the standout archaeological site in Southeast Asia.
Day 1 : International outbound flight
Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Hanoi.
Day 2 : Ky Son
Upon arrival in Hanoi you will be greeted by an Audley representative and transferred to the rural village of Ky Son where you will be staying for the next couple of days.Once known for growing poppies used in the opium trade, Ky Son is now a flourishing farming community with age old traditions contrasting with modern irrigation systems.
Day 3 : Ky Son
Today will be spent venturing out into the village where you will have the opportunity to meet the locals and learn about traditional farming practices. A leisurely cycle ride through the countryside is nicely rewarded back at Moon Garden where a herbal foot massage and home cooked meal await.
Day 4 : Mai Chau
After breakfast you will journey out to the beautiful Mai Chau Valley. Here emerald mountains tower above acres of rice paddies and ethnic minority villages dot the foothills. While staying in Mai chau you will have the chance to sample some ethnic Thai cuisine, share a glass of rice wine and learn about the local cultures.
Day 5 : Mai Chau
Spend a full day in Mai Chau where you can enjoy a guided walking or cycling tour of the area. The morning will be spent visiting local homes, farms and factories before relaxing at your hotel in the afternoon.This evening you can enjoy a cold local beer while watching the sun fade over the horizon.
Day 6 : Hanoi
From peaceful Mai Chau you will travel to Vietnam's capital, Hanoi. Here the pace of life changes and ox carts are replaced with scooters.While in Hanoi you will have a chance to learn a little about the city's origins, recent history and most importantly its grasp on the country's food scene.This afternoon you will join a local blogger for a fascinating street food tour of Hanoi. You will negotiate narrow alley ways, peruse market stalls and question your taste buds while being treated to a wealth of knowledge from your guide.This evening you may want to sample one of Hanoi's many wonderful restaurants (we have a few favourites that we can highly recommend). One dish to watch out for is Bun Cha, which is thought to have originated in Hanoi.
Day 7 : Hanoi
An early rise today to sample the country's staple breakfast, the hugely popular beef noodle dish, Pho. This will be sampled at a local cafe which has been around for many years serving the people from Hanoi their favourite dish. Beforehand you will enjoy a short tour around the city taking in the flag raising ceremony at HCM Square, botanical gardens and bustling markets.Afterwards your guide will introduce you to some of the city's most well known sites before returning to your hotel for a well earned rest.
Day 8 : Halong City
An early rise today as you are collected from your hotel and taken to Halong bay, a journey of about three hours. Upon arrival you will have time to sample a sweet (but strong) Vietnamese coffee before boarding your Junk boat.After settling in to your cabin you will sail out to the bay through a maze of islands and inlets. A freshly prepared seafood lunch can be enjoyed before journeying ashore to one of the bay's most beautiful vantage points.The afternoon can be spent exploring the area by kayak or simply relaxing on-board.Before retiring to bed enjoy a sundowner on the top deck.
Day 9 : Hoi An
This morning you will begin your journey back to the mainland passing remnants of a vast fishing trade that once ruled the waters.Upon arriving back in Halong City you will be met by your guide and transferred to Hanoi Airport in time for your evening flight to Danang. On the way you will have time to visit a rural community famed for its water puppetry and also stop for lunch at a local restaurant.Upon arrival in Danang you will be greeted by an Audley representative and transferred the short distance along the coast to Hoi An.The UNESCO recognised Hoi An was once a busy port linking merchant trade from the north and south of the country. Chinese and Japanese architecture is evident throughout and such is its diversity the town now boasts some of the country's most interesting and delicious cuisine.
Day 10 : Hoi An
Today you will head out on the water in traditional bucket boats to experience the everyday life of a Vietnamese fisherman. Explore local fishing communities before trying your hand at catching your own. A fresh seafood lunch will be served on-board afterwards.The afternoon is free to explore or relax at your own leisure.This evening you may want to try one of the town's many riverside restaurants and sample local specialities such as White Rose dumplings or Cau Lau noodles.
Day 11 : Hoi An
This morning you will join a local chef for a tour around Hoi An's markets before taking a boat to the renowned Red Bridge cooking school. Here under the guidance of a Vietnamese chef you will learn to marry local ingredients together and create a number of select dishes frequented in the country's cuisine. The fresh herbs used in Hoi An's cooking are renowned for bringing to life many dishes.The afternoon is free to explore or relax at your own leisure.
Day 12 : Saigon
After breakfast you will be collected from your hotel and taken to the airport in time for your afternoon flight to Saigon.Upon arrival in Saigon you will be met by your guide and taken to your hotel.Saigon is modern, vibrant and daring, especially when it comes to its food and the next couple of days will act as a fitting end to your Vietnamese culinary adventure.This evening you will join a small group of food enthusiasts for a city Vespa tour. Your driver will whisk you through the streets of Saigon's outer lying districts stopping off at a number of street vendors, intimate music venues and atmospheric bars giving you a unique and fascinating perspective of local life.
Day 13 : Saigon
Today you will venture out on to the streets of Saigon visiting many of the major sights including the Notre Dame cathedral, War Remnants Museum and Old Post Office.This evening you may want to dine in one of the city's many fine restaurants. We can recommend a few of our favourite options.
Day 14 : International return flight
Today is free to explore or relax at your own leisure before catching your flight home in the evening. Your return flight will arrive the same day.
