Embrace & digest the sheer excitement of Vietnam in this compact and yet all-encompassing 15 day trip. As you travel through Vietnam, look forward to passionately enjoying this beautiful destination. Much of the long distance travel will be aboard the Reunification Express.

The construction of this rail link between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (originally named Transindochinois) commenced in 1899 and was completed in 1936, yet, for most of this century the service has been out of action due to various wars.

In 1975 the re-establishment of the rail link between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City became a critical project as a symbol of unity for all Vietnamese, hence the name Reunification Express. This trip is far more than just a rail journey though. You spend around 30 hours on the train.

The rest of the time is spent exploring this wonderful country, staying in a great mix of small hotels. The itinerary is carefully balanced exploring stately Hanoi and the natural wonder of Halong Bay, majestic Hue, relaxing Hoi An, the beaches and islands of Nha Trang and the dynamic and vibrant city of Ho Chi Minh. This is one of our most popular soft adventure ideas for South-East Asia. 

Day 2. Halong Bay. From Hanoi, travel to Halong Bay. On arrival in Halong Bay, board a traditional junk boat and go cruising amongst the karsts, while enjoying a seafood lunch served onboard. Overnight in Halong Bay.

Halong Bay is often called Vietnam's eighth wonder of the world and once visited, it is hard to dispute that claim. 3000 spectacular limestone outcroppings, cliffs, arches and coves compete for space in an area that is without doubt the most outstandingly naturally beautiful in the country - an incomparable coastal scenery. BL

Days 3 - 4. Hanoi. After breakfast we leave for Hanoi. Lunch at a local restaurant in Hanoi before checking into hotel. Afternoon is free at your leisure, and then this evening you will be transferred by cyclo (pedi-cab) to see the traditional water puppets show. On Day 4, your tours in Hanoi includes Ba Dinh Square, the Ho Chi Minh Museum and the One Pillar Pagoda. Lunch at a local restaurant, and afternoon visit Opera House, Hoan Kiem Lake and the Temple of Literature. Then take the streets on foot for a walking tour of the Ancient Quarter or 36 Streets District. On night 4 we board the Reunification Express for the first time, traveling in soft sleeper compartments which are simple but comfortable, taking the overnight journey to Hue.

Days 5-6. Hue. Arriving in Hue, you will be transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon, you will visit the Imperial Citadel, modeled after the Forbidden City in Beijing, and Dong Ba market. On day 6 a full day tour of Hue, combining the Perfume River cruise with the Thien Mu Pagoda. Lunch at a local restaurant, and afternoon visits to Tu Duc and Khai Dinh's Tombs. Overnight in Hue for 2 nights. D&BL

Days 7 - 8. Hoi An. We travel by car for this spectacular section of this journey over the Hai Van Pass. We may stop off at the wonderfully photogenic fishing village at Lang Co before crossing the mountain and dropping down to Danang en route to the ancient town of Hoi An. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and then check into your hotel. This afternoon, you will be taken on a guided tour of Hoi An Town. Overnight in Hoi An or Danang for 2 nights.

Day 8. is free on your own to explore Hoi An or just simply relax. Hoi An is one of the best places to do your souvenir shopping, especially if you're looking for t-shirts, paintings or ceramics. For those interested in getting clothes tailored, this is the place. Bring a photo or picture of the suit, dress or whatever you want made. You'll be able to find many a tailor in Hoi An, all stocking Vietnamese and Japanese silk, cashmere and cotton fabrics to choose from. Make sure you try some of the local culinary specialties Hoi An is famous for, like Cao Lau or White Rose. BL&B

Days 9 -11. Nha Trang. It's with reluctance that we leave Hoi An and return to Danang to catch the train to Nha Trang. After a long day on the train with fantastic views of the countryside we reach the swaying palms, golden sands and blue waters of Nha Trang. Relax! Upon arrival at Nha Trang train station, you will be transferred to your hotel for 2 nights. On Day 10, we spend a day cruising the beautiful off-shore islands of Nha Trang, with time for swimming, and snorkeling. We visit an island village off the coast and anchor off a deserted beach for a delicious lunch. Day 11 is a free day to explore the sights of Nha Trang or just relaxing on the beach. In the evening, we board the Reunification Express for Saigon. BL&B

Day 12. Reunification Express. Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh (Saigon), visit the former Presidential Palace, the History Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Dong Khoi street. After lunch you are free to explore Saigon or go shopping on Dong Khoi street. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh for 3 nights. BL

Days 13-14. Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City). Depart Saigon this morning for the opportunity to witness the Viet Cong hold out – the Cu Chi tunnels. Some of the tunnel entrances have been widened to accommodate foreigners. Return to Saigon for lunch and the rest of the day is at leisure. The next day, travel to the Mekong Delta for a full day tour. You will board a motorized sampan cruising the Mekong's waterways. After lunch, return to Saigon. Tonight enjoy a farewell dinner at Maxim's Nam An Restaurant. BL&BLD

Days 15. Depart Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City). Transfer to the airport for your departure flight to your next destination.

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