What's Included
- Accommodation: 16 nights hotels, hostels, guesthouses & homestays, 1 night on junk, 2 overnight trains, 1 overnight bus
- Meals: Some breakfasts, meals on Halong Bay junk
- Excursions: Angkor Wat, Cu Chi tunnels.
- Transport: Local public buses, minibuses, trains, taxis, boats, on foot
- Group size: average 8-12, max 18. Due to the modular system of our tours some passengers may join or leave the tour at different times.
- Age: Recommended 18 - 60, recommended max 70.
- Staff: Tucan Travel tour leader, local guides
What's Excluded
- Local payment
- International flights and departure tax
- Tipping kitty: allow up to US$15 per person per week.
- Pre and post tour accommodation
- Visas, travel insurance (compulsory), personal items, other tips.
- Airport transfers
- Spending money – allow at least US$25-30 per day to cover meals, snacks, drinks, limited souvenirs, laundry, entrance fees and any extras (see the relevant country dossier for advice on how to carry your funds). Please note that this does not cover optional excursions.
- Optional excursions - Please see our optional excursions guide for a comprehensive list of optional activities and excursions available on this tour.
Brief Overview
We take in classic Vietnamese cities, coastal delights and cosmopolitan cultures. Unwind on Vietnam’s pristine beaches, be captivated by the famous Angkor Wat and indulge in authentic Thai cuisine. Immerse yourself in the different ways of life that exist throughout these beautiful countries.
This is an Adventure Tour. Learn about our Travel Styles.
This tour also operates in the reverse direction, click here for more dates
Itinerary
Day 1 to 1
Arrive Hanoi -
Day 1 is simply an arrival day with no pre-organised activities, so you will have free time to relax and see some of the sights. Hanoi is the capital of the Socialist Republic and is dominated by colonial buildings and tree-lined boulevards. The city boasts a convoluted yet elegant history which is characterised by its ‘chameleon of names' – the city has changed names many times throughout history. In terms of recent history, the French withdrew their forces in 1954 and ever since foreign investment and property has developed substantially.
In Hanoi, exploring on your own is relatively easy on foot or by bike. Many travellers believe the true appeal and essence of Hanoi is discovered wandering the streets, tasting local market food, observing the local way of life, and taking in the architecture and surrounds.
Day 2 to 5
Halong Bay - Hanoi - Hue
We depart Hanoi and drive to Halong Bay. The area is surrounded by spectacular beaches and is, naturally, renowned for its delicious seafood! We will arrive around midday and board our junk boat for a cruise, (lunch included). On our cruise we will visit the famous caves and then find a secluded spot for swimming, kayaking and sunbaking.
Halong Bay (Bay of Descending Dragons) is renowned for its limestone karsts. The bay consists of a dense cluster of just under 2,000 limestone monolithic islands, each topped with thick jungle vegetation, which rise dramatically from the ocean. Several of these islands are hollow and contain large caves, and on our cruise we will be able to explore these caves filled with stalactites and stalagmites. Dinner will be followed by the option of a spot of night fishing if you're still awake!
Local legend describing the origin of the bay claims that the gods sent a family of dragons to defend the land when locals were fighting neighbouring invaders (thus the name ‘Bay of Descending Dragons'). When the dragons came down on Halong Bay they began spitting out jewels, which turned into the various islands that are scattered around the bay, linking together and forming a barrier against invaders. Halong Bay was kept safe and free from impending warriors from then on.
In the morning we will continue to cruise around the bay to find more secluded areas to either swim or kayak in. In the early afternoon we will depart the majestic Halong Bay and travel back to Hanoi for some more free time. If you haven't seen a water puppet show yet, make it your business to do so at our stop this time as it is our last visit to Hanoi!
We board our overnight train trip to Hue. Once the capital of Vietnam (during the Nguen Dynasty in 1802-1945), Hue is situated on the banks of the Huong Giang or Perfume River. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a bustling, lively place with many things to see and do. Hue is renowned for its monuments temples, pagodas and architecture. The Imperial City, often likened to the Forbidden City in Beijing (and sometimes referred to as the Forbidden City as well), is well worth a visit. Hue also offers many Buddhist pagodas and markets to explore if you just feel like soaking up the lively atmosphere.
Day 6 to 7
Hoi An
We depart Hue and drive south to Hoi An. The drive takes us across the Marble Mountains and via the scenic Hai van Pass. There are stunning views to take in of the surrounding coastline and rice paddies. We have free time in Hoi An to explore the handicrafts, ceramics and fabrics that are sold at an abundance of markets. Hoi An is renowned for tailoring; pack your favourite item of clothing and get it copied here! If you're all shopped-out, you might enjoy relaxing on the serene coastal beaches with some local cuisine.
Day 8 to 10
Hoi An - Nha Trang
We take an overnight bus to Nha Trang this beachside city is a popular destination for many travellers and is brimming with restaurants, bars and nightlife. You can choose to relax and swim in the surrounding crystal clear waters, or maybe take a cruise around the islands with a seafood lunch. We then get back on the overnight train to Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 11 to 12
Ho Chi Minh City
We arrive in Ho Chi Minh City in the early morning and have the rest of the day free to explore. Ho Chi Minh City was known as Saigon until the end of the Vietnam War (around 1975). Originally a small fishing village, Ho Chi Minh City is now the most important economic centre in Vietnam and is the largest city in the country.
Traffic in the city is fairly hectic at the best of times. Getting around is relatively easy by taxi or motorbike taxi, although drivers may not always speak English. Bus is the only form of public transport and motorbikes rule the road; there are around 3 million motorbikes cruising around the streets of Ho Chi Minh City!
If you're interested in the history of the Vietnam War make sure you visit the War Remnants Museum and the Reunification Hall. Or if you're in the mood to haggle for a bargain, don't miss Ho Chi Minh's largest market, the Ben Thanh Market. You can buy everything from cosmetics to live ducks here! There are also numerous food stalls at this market, and at the popular Night Market nearby. The food in Ho Chi Minh is some of the best and most diverse in all of Vietnam so make sure you eat well during your stay! There are also many bars and clubs to spend your evening in.
Day 12 to 13
Mekong Delta - Ho Chi Minh City
This morning we travel to the heart of the Mekong Delta, visiting Cao Dai temple along the way. We will take a boat trip around the tributaries of the mighty Mekong River which provides an insight into a real perspective of Delta life. We will also visit a local handicraft village and you will have the opportunity to purchase souvenirs to support the local community. We will stay with a local family overnight. The accommodation on the Mekong Delta has no showers and no hot water. You will be staying in home stays along with other members of your group. We take an early cruise on a traditional sampan to visit the famous floating markets. We will return to Ho Chi Minh City in the late afternoon and spend another night here.
Day 14 to 15
Phnom Penh
We travel by bus to Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia. This bustling city has a turbulent past which you can learn about if you choose to visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (a former torture centre) and the Choueng Ek Memorial at the site of the Killing Fields.
Phnom Penh has many other attractions, and there is some free time to explore the Russian Market and National Museum. You could also take a stroll along the river's famous Sisowath Quay and enjoy a coffee or cocktail at one of the many cafes while observing the bustling river traffic. You may wish to take a tuk-tuk ride around Phnom Penh (a tuk-tuk is a motorbike-taxi with an enclosed passenger cabin that can fit around 4 people).
Day 16 to 18
Siem Reap
We take a bus to Siem Reap, which is our base for exploring the famous temples of the Angkor area. There are over one thousand temples here, ranging from small ruins to the famous Angkor Wat, said to be the world's largest single religious monument. Angkor Wat pays homage to the Hindu god Vishnu and has a dazzling array of beautiful ornate carvings.
The Angkor area attracts over one million visitors annually. The many ceremonial structures and temples here were built between the 9th and 13th centuries by the Khmer Empire that spanned a period of approximately 600 years. These temples are some of the most famous in the world and take up an area of approximately 160 sq km. You'll have the opportunity to tour the temples with a local guide or explore at your leisure. There are superb photographic opportunities here at most times of the day so make sure your camera batteries are fully charged and ready to go! Tuk-tuks provide a convenient form of transport around the area here, and you can hire a tuk-tuk and driver for the day if you wish. The Angkor area (in and around the Ta Prohm temple) was the site where the film Tomb Raider starring Angelina Jolie was filmed.
Day 19 to 20
Bangkok
We travel by bus from Siem Reap to Thailand's capital, Bangkok. We will arrive late in the afternoon and you will have the night and following day free to enjoy this crazy, chaotic city!
Bangkok is the gateway to South East Asia for most travellers. International backpackers come and go and the streets are always buzzing and full of life. No visit to Bangkok is complete without a visit to Khao San Road, the famous strip filled with markets, stalls and neon lights. From people watching to shopping, and nightlife to food and drink, this is the place to be on a night out in Bangkok. If you're feeling adventurous you might wish to try a fried insect or two! As an alternative, the Patpong area is Bangkok's most notorious nightlife area. Exotic bars, clubs, neon lights, and night markets abound and you may be able to see some interesting stage shows if you so desire!
Bangkok also boasts hundreds of Wats (temples), with Wat Arun being the main one visited by most travellers. The Grand Palace is also a popular attraction, and for something different you can cruise along the Chao Phraya River and through the canals. Bangkok once had an elaborate network of canals and was given the nickname, ‘Venice of the East', and although some of them have been filled in and converted to streets, many still exist today.
Day 21 to 21
Depart Bangkok
Our tour concludes on day 21.
Important note: The itinerary listed above is to be used as a guide only. Occasionally we may need to update this document and it may be different to the information printed in our current brochure. Tour leaders may need to make adjustments due to unforeseen circumstances during the tour. It is very important that you visit our website and review a copy of this dossier as close as possible to your departure date in case of changes that may affect your plans. Any last minute changes may also be posted in the latest news section of our website.
Pre and Post Tour Accommodation
Very little time is spent in the starting and finishing cities and you will need to allow a few days at the beginning or end of your tour if you want to explore them further. For details of pre and post tour accommodation bookings (which should be made at the time of your tour booking) please refer to our website or contact our reservations team.
About Adventure Tours
Adventure Tours travel by public transport wherever possible in order to offer travellers plenty of opportunities to meet local people and learn about their cultures, while experiencing the destination in a more authentic way. Adventure Tours stay in an interesting variety of accommodation depending on the destination and comfort levels may vary. This hands-on travel style means that you will need to pack light as you will carry your own bags. Adventure Tours will bring you into contact with cultures and experiences that contrast dramatically with those at home and therefore a sense of humour and patience is essential.
Don’t forget that Tucan Travel also offers five other travel styles: Discovery Tours offer the convenience, flexibility and security of a private vehicle and Comfort Hotels; Overland Expeditions have a high percentage of camping, travel on custom-built overland vehicles and suit those who love the great outdoors; Budget Expeditions are great value tours for 18 to 35s which offer travellers the ability to choose their optional excursions to suit their personality and budget; Independent Travel packages offer personalised itineraries in a range of destinations around the world, including hotels, transfers, guided tours, and longer holiday packages such as treks, stopovers and language schools, with flexible travel days. Expedition Cruises give you the chance to explore the remote natural beauty of the Amazon rainforest, Galapagos Islands, Patagonia, Arctic Circle and Antarctica on purpose-built vessels. Please note: Not all travel styles will be available in all destinations.
Local Payment
The cost of all Tucan Travel tours includes a compulsory local payment which is in addition to the tour price paid to your travel consultant. The local payment MUST be paid to your tour leader in full US dollars cash at the pre-departure meeting on the first day of your tour. The local payment is administered by tour leaders and no refunds can be made for any unused services or if you decide to leave the tour early.
Tipping Kitty
In South East Asia we operate a compulsory tipping kitty system to save you money and embarrassment in countries where tipping is a way of life and where requests for tips can be infuriatingly persistent. Each member of the group contributes to the kitty (approx US$15 per person per week) and this is then used to pay tips to any people who provide services to the group as a whole e.g. guides, porters, drivers, housekeeping staff in hotels etc. The tour leader administers these tips.
Pre Departure Meeting
The address of your joining hotel can be found on your joining letter and tour voucher. On arrival you should look for a Tucan Travel information sheet on the hotel notice board where you will find details of the pre-departure meeting. The tour leader will normally hold the pre-departure meeting on the afternoon of day 1 (assuming that all clients have arrived by then). Your tour leader will give a briefing about the tour, outline the plan for the next few days, answer any questions and collect your local payment and tipping kitty in full in US$ cash. Then there may be an option for everyone to go out for dinner and drinks to start to get to know one another. Please note that you will need to bring the following important items to the pre departure meeting:
1. Passport (including any necessary visas) – original document and a photocopy.
2. Vaccination certificates (e.g. Yellow Fever, if required)
3. Travel voucher
4. Travel insurance policy
5. Local payment
Tour Personnel
Adventure Tours use a variety of different styles of leadership. On this tour you will have a combination of Tucan Travel tour leader, Tucan Travel reps, local guides and local reps. The Tucan Travel tour leader accompanies your tour while Tucan Travel reps will escort you at times when your tour leader may not be available. Local guides will lead your included and optional excursions, and local reps are local business people also responsible for occasional meet and greet and transfers.
If you feel that any of the Tucan Travel personnel, including tour leaders, drivers or local reps have exceeded your expectations during your tour, tipping is appreciated but is not obligatory.
Degree of Difficulty/Fitness
Adventure Tours suit people who are fit and active. Although no experience is required there are many walks between bus/train terminals and hotels and travellers must be able to carry their own luggage over various terrains as well as lift up luggage onto the tops of buses!
Roads in Cambodia
These tours all use a combination of public and private bus services between Bangkok and Siem Reap. This stretch is notorious for being bumpy and as the roads are unpaved, changes to the quality of the road can be quite dramatic during the rainy season (May-September). For most people this is the adventure that they travel to Cambodia for, as the scenery is beautiful, but for anyone who wishes to fly this is an option that can be arranged by the tour leader. In the event that the roads are simply impassable in the wet season, the only option will be to fly; this is a last resort. The price from Bangkok to Siem Reap is approximately £137 (subject to change).
Pre-departure Information
Once you have booked your tour, your travel consultant will provide you with our Asia & Russia pre departure information booklet to help you prepare for your trip (if you do not receive this, please ask your agent for a copy or you can download it from our website). It is very important that you read this document before you travel for valuable info on the local payment, travel documents, insurance and health, money and budgeting, packing, joining your tour and life on the road, accommodation, transportation, crew and food details.
Country Dossiers
This tour dossier is designed to be read in conjunction with our country dossiers which you can download from our website or obtain from your booking agent. The country dossiers contain essential information about visas, arrival transfers, spending money and costs, taxes and tips, climate, local food etc.
What you need to bring
The Asia & Russia pre departure information booklet includes an extensive luggage checklist. However you will need to make sure you bring a towel and torch.
We recommend that you bring along a sleeping sheet or sleeping bag liner for your comfort and hygiene during Vietnam train journeys.
You must be prepared to carry your own bags at all times. We therefore strongly urge you to limit your luggage to a maximum of 10-14 kgs. Please see the relevant country dossier and pre departure information booklet for further information about luggage requirements and what to pack.
Transfers
Airport transfers in joining and departing cities are not included but can be booked through Tucan Travel at an additional cost. Transfer prices are listed on our website. If you would prefer to make your own way to and from your hotel, you can find details on public transport and taxis in the joining letter for this tour.
Accommodation
The accommodation on the Mekong Delta has no showers and no hot water. You will be staying in home stays along with other members of your group.
We use inexpensive hotels, hostels and guesthouses which are basic but clean and centrally located. All rooms are on a share basis, normally twin or triples. Some rooms will have private bathrooms but many will not, a shared bathroom down the hall will be quite common! A word of advice here; most hotel services are very good, however on occasions you may find there is no hot water. Of course your crew will try to sort out any problems but bear in mind that things don't always work out, so please try to keep a cool head and go with the flow – it is all part of the experience of travelling in Asia!
Hotel check-in times
Please note: hotels are only able to give out rooms no earlier than12 noon after the previous night's occupants have checked out. It is only then that we can have our pre-booked rooms for our check-in. Please note that you are also supposed to check out by 12 noon on the day of your departure.
Transport
On Adventure Tours our goal is to offer you as much variety as possible while meeting the local people. On this tour we use a combination of private and public vehicles - trains and sleeper trains, taxis, boats, minibuses, sampan and junk boats.
The overnight trains are basic but well equipped. We travel in open cabins in either an upper or lower berth. The journey will begin with seats and then in the early evening someone will come round and make up the 'bed bunks'. All bedding is provided (sheet, pillow and blanket) however, you may wish to bring along a sleeping sheet or sleeping bag liner for Vietnam train journeys for your comfort and hygene. Food is available onboard but it is a good idea to stock up on snacks before your journey. There are normally two basic toilets for each open cabin - one western and one squat. Some trains will be ventilated by fans and some will be air conditioned.
Meals
Some meals are included. Breakfasts will range from simple to more extravagant, if you tend to get hungry before lunch you may wish to purchase fruit or snacks. All other meals, extra snacks and drinks on the tour are at your own expense. Please see the relevant country dossier for more information about the local food.
Tour Highlights (entrance fees not included)
- Discover Hanoi by bicycle (optional) and taste delicious local market foods
- Take a junk boat cruise (included) and see the famous caves of Halong Bay
- Visit the UNESCO World Heritage city of Hue, renowned for its monuments temples, pagodas and architecture.
- We stop by Hoi An for a spot of shopping, new suit anyone?
- Relax and swim in the crystal clear waters of Nha Trang's beaches
- Haggle for a bargain in the Ben Thanh Markek of Ho Chi Minh city
- Take a boat trip around the Mighty Mekong River's tributaries and visit a handicraft village
- Visit the Tuol Sleng Genoicide Museum of Phnom Penh, the Russian Market or bomb about on a tuk-tuk ride.
- From Siem Reap you can visit the famous temples of the Angkor area including the famous Angkor Wat.(included)
- Enjoy the hectic Electric City known as Bangkok. Visit Khao San Road or the rather more ‘exotic' area of Patpong. You could even try a fried insect or two. (Grand Palace excursion included)
Day to Day Itinerary and Meals
Day 1- Arrive Hanoi
Day 2- Halong Bay B,L,D
Day 3- Hanoi B
Day 4- Hanoi B
Day 5- Hue
Day 6- Hoi An B
Day 7- Hoi An
Day 8- Hoi An - Nha Trang
Day 9- Nha Trang
Day 10- Nha Trang
Day 11- Ho Chi Minh City
Day 12- Mekong Delta B
Day 13- Mekong Delta – Ho Chi Minh City B
Day 14- Phnom Penh B
Day 15- Phnom Penh
Day 16- Siem Reap
Day 17- Siem Reap
Day 18- Siem Reap
Day 19- Bangkok
Day 20- Bangkok
Day 21- Depart Bangkok
(B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D - Dinner included)
Please note the day to day itinerary above is given as a GUIDELINE ONLY.
Optional Excursions
Choose as many or as few optional excursions as you like! Your tour leader will be able to make recommendations and bookings in advance for most of these extras so you have more flexibility and control over your trip. Visit www.tucantravel.com and download our optional excursions guide for details.
Responsible Travel Tips
At Tucan Travel we are serious about our responsibility to care for the environment and people that we visit. Here are a few tips to help you to enjoy your tour while minimising your impact and enhancing your travelling experience. Learn more about our responsible travel policy at www.tucantravel.com.
- Carbon offset your Tucan Travel tour and flights. Check out our website for details about how you can go about this www.tucantravel.com
- Bring your own metal water bottle. Fill up at restaurants or treat your own water on tour instead of buying lots of plastic bottles. Bear in mind that there may not be recycling facilities available at some destinations.
- Cut out plastic – remove and recycle the packaging of new travel gear before you pack, and bring a light cotton or string bag for your shopping so you can politely refuse plastic bags at shops and markets.
- Please don’t offer gifts to children as it encourages begging and promotes a culture of dependency. If possible, contribute money or supplies to a local school or community organisation – talk to your tour leader about the options available.
- Learn a bit of the local language before you travel. Being able to say even a few words like hello, please and thank you will help you to connect with people in a positive way and really enhance your personal experience. Bring a phrase book on tour and keep practising to improve your confidence. You will also find some good language tips in the country dossier(s).
Feedback
At the end of your tour we would greatly appreciate it if you could take the time to complete a questionnaire about your experiences. The tour leader will give you a paper copy and an electronic version can be found on our website. We take feedback very seriously as it allows us to maintain and improve the very high standards we expect from our road crew, local operators, hoteliers, transportation and office staff, among others. We also use this information to improve our itineraries and optional excursions on offer. Thank you in advance for your help with this.
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