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colonial vietnam southbound

Elegant hotels and knowledgeable private guides set this trip apart from the pack. Tour the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, traverse the historic streets of Hoi An, travel back in time in Hue and look for traces of French-colonial rule in charming Hanoi. A short coastal sojourn and a serene night on board a traditional boat in Halong Bay break up this exceptional journey into the past.

Itinerary

Day 1 Hanoi

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is a charming city famous for its beautiful lakes, shaded boulevards and verdant public parks. The city centre is an architectural museum piece, its blocks of ochre buildings retaining the air of a provincial French town of the 1930s.

Day 2 Halong Bay Cruise

Jump aboard a traditional wooden junk and cruise the magnificent bay. Spend a serene night on the boat amongst the thousands of limestone karsts. Visit a ceramics village for the opportunity to buy traditional blue and white pottery en route to Hanoi. The charming capital is famous for beautiful lakes, shaded boulevards and lush public parks.

Days 4-5 Hue

Founded as a royal city in 1687, Hue is the gateway to the treasures of Vietnam's royal past. This quiet city is widely known for the magnificent architecture of its citadels, palaces, royal tombs, pagodas and temples built under the Nguyen dynasty. A full day private sightseeing tour includes a boat trip on the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda and visit the Imperial Citadel.

Days 6-7 Hoi An

You travel to Hoi An via the Hai Van Pass, an incredibly scenic stretch of highway with spectacular views of Lang Co Beach. Hoi An is a charming small town easily explored by foot. Much of Hoi An looks exactly as it did a century ago and a walking tour includes the Japanese Covered Bridge, fish markets and traditional wooden buildings.

Days 8-9 Beach Break

Indulge in a luxurious beach break on the central Vietnamese coast at Nha Trang, Quy Nhon or Hoi An. There are five wonderful options to choose from.

Day 10 Ho Chi Minh City

From ancient pagodas to the former Presidential Palace and Chinatown markets, you'll find plenty of contrast and history in this fabulous capital.

Day 11 Cu Chi Tunnels

The Cu Chi tunnels played a vital part in the American war. Today the remaining tunnels have become a major tourist attraction giving the visitor a unique experience and feel for what underground life in the American war was like.