STAGE 1 TOUR
Sun 14 Aug: Australia to Saigon
Depart Sydney or Melbourne and fly to Saigon with Vietnam Airlines then transfer to the centrally located Duxton Hotel for a three night stay.
Mon 15 Aug: Saigon
A morning city tour of dynamic Saigon takes in the former Presidential Palace, War Museum, the Old Post Office and a walk around the outside of Notre Dame Cathedral. In the afternoon, drive out to Cu Chi to explore the amazing tunnel network. (B,L)
Tue 16 Aug: Mekong Delta Excursion
Full day trip to the watery world of My Tho in the Mekong Delta. Take a boat trip along narrow waterways overhung with dense vegetation and try exotic fruits in one of many orchards; a fascinating glimpse of life in this region. (B,L)
Wed 17 Aug: Saigon – Nui Dat – Vung Tau
Depart Saigon and travel by road to the site of the former Nui Dat Task Force base. Little remains of the vast camp except the columns of the main gate. The former runway is now a wide street in the local village and what was the heli-pad is now a soccer field. A kindergarten established by Australian veterans is nearby. Later, drive past the location of the Horseshoe (access not permitted these days due to industrial mining activity) and visit Minh Dam (no longer the ‘Secret Zone’). Continue on into Vung Tau, the coastal town that was home to many Aussie army and air force units including our hueys and the Caribous of Wallaby Airlines. The town has changed significantly, however the large antenna is still visible on ‘Radar Hill’. Stay two nights at the Grand Hotel . (B,L,D)
Thu 18 Aug: Long Tan Battle Field Memorial
Travel to the Long Tan Memorial Cross to join with many others for a memorial service to mark 50 years since the fateful battle. After reflecting at Long Tan, return to Vung Tau. Remainder of the day is at leisure. (B)
Fri 19 Aug: Vung Tau – Saigon – Exit
For those returning home at this point, check out at midday and transfer back to Saigon. After dinner at a local restaurant, transfer to the airport for your overnight flight home. (D)
STAGE 2 TOUR
Fri 19 Aug: Vung Tau – Phan Rang via Long Hai Hills
Travel to Phan Rang via the Long Hai Hills. Phan Rang is one of the few places in Vietnam where you won’t see lush, green rice paddies. Instead there is sandy soil supporting only scrubby plants. Despite its appearance, Phan Rang is rich in historical attractions. During the war, it was home to the Canberra bombers of 2 SQN RAAF – we will seek a high vantage point overlooking the airfield. Stay overnight at the Bau Truc Resort just outside Phan Rang. (B)
Sat 20 Aug: Phan Rang – Dalat
Visit well preserved pagodas and temples before leaving Phan Rang for Dalat. Stay two nights at the Dalat Du Parc Hotel. (B)
Sun 21 Aug: Dalat
Full day tour of Dalat today including the markets, Van Tham Hamlet, Elephant waterfall and an afternoon open air train ride to Trai Mat hamlet. (B,L)
Mon 22 Aug: Dalat – Danang – Hoi An
Fly to Danang then transfer to the historic town of Hoi An. Our guide will give a brief introduction to the town then the rest of the day is free to shop or visit one of the many local tailors. Stay four nights at the Hoi An Historic Hotel. (B)
Tue 23 Aug: Hoi An
Day is at leisure to enjoy the ambience of this lovely town today. (B)
Wed 24 Aug: My Son & My Lai Excursion
A 1.5 hour drive will bring you to My Son where there are ruins of the former Cham dynasty. Drive another 2 hours to My Lai. See a life-size memorial of the horrific war atrocities which took place one day in 1968. See how My Lai has changed since and is moving on from its past. Return to Hoi An. (B)
Thu 25 Aug: Hue Excursion
Visit the ancient capital of Hue today. Visit the Citadel, Thein Mu Pagoda and Khai Dinh Royal Tomb then return to Hoi An via the Hai Van tunnel. (B,L)
Fri 26 Aug: Hoi An – Danang – Exit
For those returning home today, transfer to Danang Airport. If flying with Vietnam Airlines, fly Danang to Saigon and connect with your flight home.
STAGE 3 TOUR
Fri 26 Aug: Hoi An – Danang – Hanoi
Morning at leisure. Transfer to Danang airport for an afternoon flight to Hanoi. Stay two nights at the Boss Legend. (B)
Sat 27 Aug: Hanoi
With ochre-coloured colonial buildings, tree-lined boulevards and scenic lakes, Hanoi is full of charm. Start your tour at the historic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum where the preserved body of “Uncle Ho” resides. Visit One Pillar Pagoda, the Temple of Literature and the Airforce Museum, one of the larger museums in Vietnam which displays a number of planes, helicopters and anti-aircraft equipment outside as well as indoor exhibitions on other war memorabilia and weapons. Also visit Hun Tiep Lake to see the remains of a B-52 bomber that was shot down in the Christmas air raids of 1972. (B)
Sun 28 Aug: Hanoi – Halong Bay
Travel to Halong to board our boat for a cruise among the rocky limestone islands in the emerald waters of Halong Bay. Lunch and dinner are served on board. Stay two nights on the Glory Legend cruise boat in en-suite cabins. (B,L,D)
Mon 29 Aug: Halong Bay
Wake early this morning to partake in a Tai Chi class on the sundeck or sit back and relax as you watch the bay’s beautiful landscape pass by. Transfer to a smaller boat to visit Three Peach Beach, a pristine natural beach lapped by turquoise water. Weather permitting, kayak through an amazing tunnel curved under a limestone mountain. Cruise on to Dong Tien Cave known for its veranda caves and stalactites. (B,L,D)
Tue 30 Aug: Halong Bay – Hanoi
Cruise to Sung Sot Cave and walk the 100 steps to the cave entrance. After brunch back on board, disembark and travel back to Hanoi. After time to refresh, be ready in the lobby at 1800 for our farewell dinner at Wild Rice Restaurant. Stay overnight at the Boss Legend. (B)
Wed 31 Aug: Depart Hanoi
Time at leisure before transferring to the airport for the overnight flight home. (B)
Thu 01 Sep: Arrive Australia
