Compare Chopsticks & Coconuts Family Holiday by Exodus Travels vs Solo - Vietnamese Discovery by Titan Travel
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 14 days | 17 days |
| Price From | $ 2,715 | $ 3,887 |
| Price Per Day | $ 194 | $ 229 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | This trip includes 12 breakfasts, two lunches and three dinners. Thanks to the tropical climate, the long coast and gigantic range of mountains, Vietnam is blessed with numerous varieties of culinary offerings and maintains a reputation as one of the healthiest, tastiest cuisines in the world. 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 in the cuisine. 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). Be sure to seek out the national beverages: Vietnamese coffee is served iced and sweet with condensed milk (a real sugar and caffeine hit) 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, with the exception of the night in the Mekong Delta. Vegetarian food is widely available; however, the offering will be fairly similar in most places. Please advise at the time of booking if you have any dietary requirements. | N/A |
| Description |
From the spectacular limestone seascape of Ha Long Bay to the frenetic streets of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam is a country of contrasts and surprises. The cities are an assault on the senses: noisy, colourful, aromatic and totally absorbing. We tour Hanoi by cyclo and have the option to see a traditional water puppet show. We have quieter time too, snorkelling at Whale Island, exploring the fascinating Mekong Delta by boat and cycling past green paddy fields near Hoi An. We also have the chance to enjoy the superb Vietnamese cuisine and master our chopstick skills.Enjoy a family adventure from north to south Vietnam |
This 17-day itinerary includes two rail journeys on a route known by many as the historic Reunification Express, stopping in Nha Trang to see Vietnam’s largest statue of Buddha and view life in a fishing village. We have also extended our time at Vietnam’s most iconic natural sight - Halong Bay - with a magical overnight cruise on a traditional vessel for an unforgettable opportunity to sleep amid the thousands of towering limestone pillars. Travelling by coach, train and boat, this small-group itinerary offers time in bustling cities, opportunities to experience traditional rural life and meet with local villagers, visit serene temples, witness incredible natural highlights and delve into its past with excursions that include the vast Cu Chi Tunnels, to truly encompass all that Vietnam is. |
Day 1 Start Hanoi
The day is free to recover from the flight or stroll among broad tree-lined avenues dating from the French period. There is a faded colonial charm to Hanoi, where baguettes and good coffee are sold from doorways of grand buildings from a past era. There will be a welcome briefing with your leader this evening, followed by an optional dinner at a local restaurant, where your children will have their first opportunity to master their chopstick skills. Accommodation: May De Ville Trendy Hotel & Spa (or similar)
Day 2 Morning tour of Hanoi including a cyclo tour around the Old Quarter; afternoon free. Evening at a water puppet show
We take a city tour this morning, which will include a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum area to see his stilt house and visit the One Pillar Pagoda. We'll also visit the Temple of Literature and the Hoa Lo Prison (also known as the Hanoi Hilton). After, we take a cyclo (bicycle taxi) through the Old Quarter, which is home to the 36 Streets, each named for the products sold on it, such as Silk Street, Gold Street and Paper Street. The remainder of the day is at leisure. We recommend strolling around Hoan Kiem Lake, stopping for a coffee or ice cream at one of the many waterside cafes. In the evening, there is the option to enjoy a water puppet performance, a classic Hanoi experience. Accommodation: May De Ville Trendy Hotel & Spa (or similar)
Day 3 To Ha Long Bay; cruise/kayak among spectacular limestone formations; dinner and sleep on boat
We start early for the approximate four-hour journey to Ha Long Bay, where 3,000 limestone peaks rise from the emerald waters. We cruise among this amazing karst scenery, stopping to kayak (weather permitting) in places inaccessible by the larger boat, before a seafood lunch. In the late afternoon, we watch the sunset and enjoy another lovely meal before a night on the boat in twin-share cabins. Accommodation: Overnight boat
Day 4 Cruise then return to Hanoi; fly to Da Nang; short transfer to Hoi An
We continue to cruise around Ha Long Bay this morning before returning to port. We then drive back to Hanoi, and transfer to the airport for a flight to Da Nang (approximately 1hr 30min). Upon arrival, we take a transfer (approximately 45 minutes) and check into our hotel in Hoi An and relax. Accommodation: Hoi An Sincerity Hotel & Spa (or similar)
Day 5 Morning walking tour of Hoi An; free afternoon followed by an evening cooking class
After breakfast, we enjoy a walking tour of Hoi An old town; a World Heritage site and the original European trading port in Vietnam. It is now a living museum, with attractive wooden merchant houses and pagoda-style temples with Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese and European architectural influences. The afternoon is free for you to discover this marvellous place and enjoy the thriving riverside market. In the evening, we join an informal cooking class where adults and children will learn how to make some Hoi An speciality dishes and even create spring rolls. Accommodation: Hoi An Sincerity Hotel & Spa (or similar)
Day 6 Cycle through countryside; free afternoon before taking an overnight train to Nha Trang
This morning, we jump on bikes for a ride on quiet roads through the countryside past markets, schools and villages before continuing to Cua Dai beach (3mi/5km). Please note, we can provide bikes for children who are 3ft 9.5in (1.2m) and taller. The afternoon is dedicated to free time at the beach for swimming, or you can take an optional boat trip on the river or relax back in town. Later this evening, we transfer (approximately 45 minutes) to Da Nang train station, where we board an overnight train to Nha Trang. The group will have use of day rooms at our Hoi An hotel until 6pm, which can be used to freshen up before the overnight train. Accommodation: Overnight train
Day 7 Arrive in Nha Trang; transfer to Whale Island, free time to swim in the turquoise sea
This morning, upon arrival in Nha Trang, we have breakfast and then transfer (approximately three hours) to the tropical retreat of Whale Island. With just one guesthouse on the island and beach bungalow accommodation, this really is a chance to unwind in paradise. Accommodation: Whale Island Resort (or similar)
Day 8 Cruise around islands with seafood lunch and snorkelling
We join a morning boat trip to snorkel and swim before a seafood lunch. In the afternoon, there is the option to visit a local fishing village, see the whale temple, or walk around the island to a viewpoint for a 360-degree panorama of the mountainous coastline, surrounding coves and white-sand beaches. Accommodation: Whale Island Resort (or similar)
Day 9 Fly to Ho Chi Minh City
We may have time for one last sea swim (depending on flight schedules) before transferring to the airport for our flight to Ho Chi Minh City, previously known as Saigon. This is an exciting and absorbing metropolis, where scooters rule the streets and old temples stand alongside modern developments. Accommodation: Huong Sen Hotel (or similar)
Day 10 Excursion to the Cu Chi tunnels; afternoon tour of Ho Chi Minh City with visits to Reunification Palace and Ben Thanh market
We visit the Cu Chi tunnels in the morning, which were used by the Viet Cong as living quarters and escape routes during the Vietnam War. Originally very narrow, some parts have been widened for tourists, allowing us to explore some of the extensive system. People with claustrophobia may prefer to stay outside in the sunshine before we return to Ho Chi Minh City. In the afternoon, we wander around the city visiting the Saigon River, Ben Thanh market, Reunification Hall and Notre Dame Cathedral. Accommodation: Huong Sen Hotel (or similar)
Day 11 Explore the Mekong Delta by boat, visiting a floating market and villages; overnight in homestay guesthouse
This morning, we drive to Cai Be in the Mekong Delta (approximately 2hr 30min). The Mekong, known as the Rice Bowl of Vietnam, produces much of the fruit, sugarcane and coconuts in Vietnam. We spend time at Cai Be, where we begin a Mekong River boat trip passing a floating market and visiting typical riverside villages, where we learn about some of the local products, including popped rice, rice paper and coconut candy. Cai Be floating market is now less crowded and smaller; however, this is still a great opportunity to see local trade in action. We continue our journey after lunch, passing magnificent countryside and stopping at cottage industries. The evening is tranquil as we have dinner on an island and enjoy Delta hospitality. We spend the night sleeping at a simple guesthouse built in the style of a local house. Bedding, a mosquito net and a small towel are provided. Accommodation: Homestay
Day 12 Morning walk through orchards and traditional sampan ride; return to Ho Chi Minh City
This morning, we walk through orchards and navigate small canals in a traditional wooden sampan. Later, we rejoin our boat to rendezvous with our vehicle for the journey back to Ho Chi Minh City via a little-visited Cao Dai temple used by devotees of this indigenous religion, which fuses all the great religions of east and west. Accommodation: Huong Sen Hotel (or similar)
Day 13 Free day in Ho Chi Minh City or optional visit to Dam Sen Water Park
Today is a free day to explore Ho Chi Minh City at leisure or do some souvenir shopping. Alternatively, there is the option (additional cost, payable locally) to visit the excellent Dam Sen Water Park, which has slides and rides. Your leader will advise further during the trip for those who wish to do this optional activity. Accommodation: Huong Sen Hotel (or similar)
Day 14 End Ho Chi Minh City
This family adventure draws to a close after breakfast. However, if you’d like a little more time to explore this buzzing city, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
Day 1 London - In flight
Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home, for your journey to London Heathrow Airport for a scheduled Vietnam Airlines flight to Ho Chi Minh City, which may touch down in Frankfurt.
Day 2 Ho Chi Minh City
Following an early morning arrival into Ho Chi Minh City we transfer to the Renaissance Riverside Hotel (4T+). An early check-in has been arranged to allow time to relax and refresh before we start exploring the city formerly known as Saigon. This afternoon we head to the former Presidential Palace. In 1975, a soldier ran into the building to unfurl a VC flag from the balcony, symbolising the transfer of power from General Minh. This landmark is now a museum of meeting rooms and reception rooms, the president’s living quarters, and a fascinating war room and telecommunications centre. We then take a stroll to the major colonial sights of the city, including the Opera House and the Old Saigon Post Office, designed by Gustave Eiffel.
Day 3 Ho Chi Minh City
We leave the old capital behind, and drive through scenes of rice paddies and villagers drying noodles by the roadside as we head to the Cu Chi district. The famous Cu Chi Tunnels are an incredible underground network, constructed by Vietnamese resistance fighters (Viet Cong) during both the French and American wars to house troops, transport and supplies. Our visit highlights what life would have been like as a communist guerrilla, seeing living quarters and typical meals, and rifles, booby traps and command centres. After lunch at a local restaurant, we return to our hotel for some time at leisure. This evening we take in views of the city as we enjoy a dinner cruise on the Saigon River.
Day 4 Ho Chi Minh City - Cai Be
We depart for Cai Be, on the Mekong Delta. This town relies on the network of rivers and canals to produce rice, as well as using it as a highway for vessels distributing agricultural products. We take a boat trip to see the local trading boats and visit some home factories that produce rice paste, rice popcorn and coconut candy. We continue along meandering tributaries to evergreen islands, and take a short walk through a local village and fruit gardens to a preserved ‘Mandarin’ house, built centuries ago. The owner will serve an appetising Vietnamese lunch before we continue to Tan Phong Island, where we take a rowing boat through the canals. We then continue to our hotel, the Mekong Riverside Resort (3T).
Day 5 Cai Be - Ho Chi Minh City - Nha Trang
We return to Ho Chi Minh City to board the North-South Railway (known as the ‘Reunification Express’) for a 7.5-hour journey through towns and rice fields to Nha Trang. Upon arrival in Nha Trang this evening, we transfer to our hotel, the Novotel (4T).
Day 6 Nha Trang
We take a tour of this seaside city, including Hon Chong, a quiet fishing village with a bay of karsts like a mini Halong Bay; and the Po Nagar Cham Towers. The four surviving towers are still actively used for worship by Cham, Chinese and Vietnamese Buddhists. We also visit the Long Son Pagoda with its enormous white Buddha statue, and the Oceanographic Museum, which displays the local marine environment, including reef sharks, turtles and sea horses. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before an afternoon at leisure.
Day 7 Nha Trang - Danang - Hoi An
Enjoy a morning at leisure before we make our way back to the station for a train to Danang. We arrive in Danang late tonight, and transfer to Hoi An and our hotel, the Hoi An Resort (3T+).
Day 8 Hoi An
Learn about rural life in Tra Que Village. We visit a farm and help the farmers prepare the land, fertilising it with seaweed, raking, sowing and picking crops. Afterwards we see how to prepare tam huu - paperless spring rolls, and try this irresistible delicacy. We return to Hoi An for lunch at a local restaurant before a walking tour of the ancient town centre. We visit former merchants’ houses, a Chinese communal hall, the colourful market and the beautiful little 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge.
Day 9 Hoi An
The former capital and religious centre of the Champa Kingdom is our destination this morning. My Son’s skyline is shaped by dozens of red brick towers and sanctuaries dating from between the 7th and 13th centuries. We tour the temples, get an insight into Cham culture, and learn how even this remote site was not immune to bombing during the Vietnam War. On our way back to Hoi An, we stop to visit Tra Kieu, formerly known as Simhapura or the Lion Citadel, the capital of Champa between the 4th and 8th centuries. Some of the finest sculptures in Danang’s Cham Museum originated from here.
Day 10 Hoi An - Danang - Hue
Journey first to Danang to visit the Cham Museum, which contains the world’s finest collection of Cham sculptures, then drive over the dramatic Pass of Ocean Clouds, where forts, pillboxes and defensive walls mark the former national frontier. The road drops down to the coast, and the wonderfully photogenic fishing village of Lang Co. We have some time here for lunch before we visit the Mausoleum of Tu Duc. The tomb was used as a palace retreat before becoming the Emperors’ resting place. We also visit Tu Hieu Pagoda, a serene Buddhist haven which still shelters 70 monks, and Khai Dinh’s Tomb which is grandiose, yet traditional Vietnamese in design, with a unique European touch. We head into Hue and check in to the Indochine Palace (4T+).
Day 11 Hue
We start our tour of Hue at the Imperial Citadel, modelled on Beijing’s sprawling Forbidden City, from where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled from 1802 to 1945. The French and American wars destroyed a large portion, but UNESCO is assisting with its restoration. We then take a boat trip on the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda. The 21m-tall tower at the centre of the pagoda was constructed to fulfil an old woman’s prophecy of prosperity. Enjoy a stroll through the Dong Ba market, the biggest commercial centre of Thua Thien Hue Province, before lunch at a local restaurant. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Day 12 Hue - Hanoi
Early this morning we transfer to the airport for our flight to Hanoi. We check in to the Lapis Hotel (4T) before we visit Hoa Lo. This huge prison held anti-colonial revolutionaries and prisoners of war in often cramped, inhumane conditions. Our next stop is the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, constructed in 1070. Later, we drive to Hoan Kiem Lake and take a walking tour of Hanoi’s Old Quarter. This bustling area of narrow streets and alleys is home to thousands of small businesses and shopkeepers.
Day 13 Hanoi - Halong Bay
Travel to Halong Bay, where we board the Indochina Sails (4T). Our overnight cruise begins as we take lunch on board this modern, yet traditional vessel. In the afternoon, enjoy activities or just relax as we sail amongst the thousands of forest-topped pillars that fill the bay. Towards the end of the day the boat sets anchor for the night among these towering karst formations.
Day 14 Halong Bay - Hanoi
Wake early for an unforgettable sunrise, and enjoy breakfast as we cruise slowly back towards port. We disembark and make our way back to the Lapis Hotel (4T) in Hanoi, stopping for lunch en route. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Day 15 Hanoi
Today’s excursion starts at the monumental marble mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh, the historic figure and father of modern Vietnam. We then visit his home from 1954-1969, a simple wooden house; and the One Pillar Pagoda, an important symbol of Hanoi founded by King Ly Thai To in 1049. We continue to West Lake and Tran Quoc, one of the oldest Buddhist pagodas in Hanoi; and the nearby Toaist temple of Quan Thanh, which dates from the Ly Dynasty. If time permits, we also visit the ancient Hanoi Citadel, an intriguing relic with many artefacts dating as far back as the 6th century. Spend the afternoon at leisure, before we finish our day with a Water Puppet Show. This uniquely northern Vietnamese art form depicts scenes from rural life and episodes of national history.
Day 16 Hanoi - In flight
The majority of the day is free before our late evening transfer to Hanoi Airport for a scheduled Vietnam Airlines flight to London, which may touch down in Frankfurt.
Day 17 London
Arrival at London Heathrow Airport where you will be met and guided to your Titan vehicle, for the journey home.
