Vietnam has an interesting and varied history, some of which hinges on conflicts the country has suffered under. This Vietnam holiday aims to visit key historical sites to provide an insight into the clashes along with allowing plenty of time for general exploration of the country. Visits on the tour will include the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, a network of tunnels inhabited, often for prolonged periods, by the Viet Cong during the American conflict plus a stop at the nearby Ba Den battlefield site - take a cable car to the top of the mountain for panoramic views. Explore the DMZ, once the dividing line between northern and southern forces where ruins of American military bases still exist and spend time at the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City which provides a truly fascinating photographic timeline of the American conflict and makes for a moving and worthwhile visit.
Land Ho Chi Minh City and drive to the Liberty Central Saigon Centre Hotel.
Today enjoy an orientation tour of this bustling city. Visit the historic post office building and the Notre Dame Cathedral.Also visit the Saigon History Museum and the moving War Remnants Museum which contains a fascinating 'tour' in pictures of the French and American conflicts. (B)
This morning depart the city and head to the Cu Chi Tunnels, the famous network of tunnels dug by hand and inhabited by as many as 10,000 Vietcong troops during the American War. Enjoy lunch in Cu Chi and depart to the Ba Den battlefield site, close to the end of the Ho Chi Minh trail across the border in Cambodia. There is an opportunity to take a cable car to the summit of Nui Ba Den for impressive views of the surrounding area. Return to the city. (B,L)
Today drive to visit some French barracks which still remain and further explore the area around Kon Tum which was once a violent battle ground between the North Vietnamese Army and the 4th Division along the Ho Chi Minh and Sihanouk trails. Explore Dak To and Charlie Hill before returning to the hotel. (B,L)
Today's tour includes an external visit to Camp Halloway, limited to the outskirts due to its military base nature, and exploration of adjacent hill tribe villages inhabited by the Jarai people. Depart for Quy Nhon Town, with a stop at Dektu, a village located across the Mang Yang Pass. Upon arrival in An Khe, observe the presence of the First Air Cavalry and other military units. Quy Nhon Town, formerly a supply depot for the first Log Command, is the final destination. After hotel check-in, the rest of the day can be spent unwinding at one of Vietnam's top beaches. (B,L)
An early start today. Drive north to Hoi An passing the Phu Cat Airbase. Traverse the Tra Bon River valley to see Bong Son, Mo Duc, Phuoc Loc and Duc Pho. Drive on via the Animate Mountains and continue to the Chu Lai Airbase. Watch the work of the Sky hawks which played key roles in the American War. Check into the Anantara Hoi An Resort. (B,L)
Free day at leisure to relax or explore this historic merchant town. (B)
Free day at leisure to relax or explore this historic merchant town. (B)
This morning enjoy a short walking tour of Hoi An. Visit the Japanese Bridge and the Chinese Assembly Halls and stroll around the riverside market. After lunch, head further north to Hue stopping en-route to visit the Marble Mountains and the long stretch of China Beach which was a popular R&R point for US Marines. Drive over the Hai Van Pass with impressive views and pass Camp Eagle. Arrive in Hue and check into Saigon Morin Hotel. (B,L)
Depart early morning and drive to the Demilitarised Zone or DMZ. This narrow strip of land running between the Vietnam-Laos border was once the wartime boundary between North and South Vietnam and the site of ferocious fighting. Visit some of the DMZ’s best-known combat sites such as the Citadel of Quang Tri, the Hien Luong Bridge and the Vinh Moc Tunnels. After lunch visit Khe Sanh, the site of a landmark 1968 battle before returning to Hue. (B,L)
Today visit the Imperial Citadel and the Purple Forbidden City which was damaged badly during the 1968 Tet Offensive.Late morning fly to Hanoi and transfer to the Silk Path Hanoi Hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the day to explore the city at your own pace. (B)
This morning start a city tour of Hanoi. Start from the Botanical Gardens observing this 'green lung' of the city before heading on a zig-zag path through back alleys to a small lake which is the final resting place of a US B-52 bomber shot down in 1972. Continue to colourful Hoang Hoa Tham Street, home to numerous flower vendors and explore a small, local market before a break for tea in a high quality tea shop. This afternoon enjoy lunch followed by a visit to the Temple of Literature before ending the day at Hoa Lo Prison, more famously known as the Hanoi Hilton. The prison housed US POW's during the Vietnam War and despite being largely demolished in the early 1990's the gatehouse remains as a small and interesting museum. (B,L)
After breakfast depart Hanoi and drive to Halong Bay. Board the traditional junk boat and enjoy lunch while cruising through secluded Bai Tu Long Bay. Visit ancient caves and go sea kayaking and swimming. Return to the junk and enjoy a sunset drink before dinner onboard. (B,L,D)
This morning continue to cruise through the Bay and visit a floating fishing village to learn about their daily life. Return to Halong port and drive back to Hanoi for the evening at leisure. (B,L)
Today is at leisure until returning to the airport and flying back to the UK. (B)
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