Spirit of Vietnam Northbound - Overland Trip

1 ½ weeks: Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi (IN-VSQ)

See the sights of Ho Chi Minh City from a cyclo, Delve into the underground world of Viet Minh guerillas, Embark on a shopping spree in Hoi An, Peer into Vietnam\'s imperial past in Hue, Experience the magic of Halong Bay, Relax with a hot Vietnamese coffee at a Hanoi cafe

Discover the spirit of Vietnam as we travel from south to north, taking in all the attractions in between. From the fast-paced excitement of Ho Chi Minh City, to the ancient streets of Hoi An, the history-soaked monuments of Hue and the undeniable charm of Hanoi, experience beautiful landscapes, delicious cuisine and the renowned friendliness of the Vietnamese people. Top it all off with an overnight cruise on mystical Halong Bay and you won\'t want to leave.

Accommodation

Hotels (7 nts), sailing junk (1 nt) overnight train (1 nt)

Kitty Notes

Allow USD $180 for meals not included.

Itineraries

Days 1-2 Ho Chi Minh City

Soak up the endless electric energy of Ho Chi Minh City from above with a cocktail at a rooftop bar or get right in the middle of it slurping steaming pho at a street stall. Delve into an underground world of guerilla warfare in the incredible Cu Chi Tunnels.

Days 3-4 Hoi An

Lined with centuries-old temples, crumbling houses and gilded community halls, the streets of Hoi An offer plenty of sights to discover. The many art galleries, shops and cafes are also a great way to while away time.

Days 5-6 Hue

Head up into the clouds, driving over the Hai Van Pass, en route to the regal city of Hue. Sense the spirits of the Nguyen dynasty amid the intricate tombs, ruined palaces and weathered pagodas within the crumbling citadel walls. There's also a chance to eat like the emperors once did, sampling royal rice cakes in one of the many riverfront restaurants.

Day 7 Hanoi

Rub shoulders with sombre groups of local Vietnamese in Ba Dinh Square, all here to pay respects to the country's revolutionary leader, embalmed and displayed in a glass case in an imposing mausoleum. Afterwards, discover exotic smells and intriguing sights in the evocative Old Quarter.

Day 8 Halong Bay

Thousands of towering limestone peaks form a stunning backdrop for a relaxing overnight boat trip over Halong Bay's deep green waters.

Days 9-10 Hanoi

Back in the capital there's time for a cyclo ride past old French-style mansions, to peruse silk shops in Pho Hang Gai or to relax with a ca phe sua da (iced coffee with condensed milk) in an atmospheric cafe.

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