Reunification Express – Hanoi to Saigon
Tour Itinerary
Starts Hanoi & ends HCMC (Saigon)
Hopping on and off the ‘Reunification Express’ sleeper train, journey from Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam commonly referred to as the ‘Paris of the Orient’, all the way to metropolitan Saigon. Stay overnight onboard a traditional junk in UNESCO world heritage listed Halong Bay, volunteer teaching English in the countryside, explore the Mekong Delta and ‘shop till you drop’ or relax on sandy beaches in quaint Hoi An. The perfect way to experience Vietnam’s highlights whilst lending a hand.
Day 1 Hanoi
Arrive and transfer to the hotel. Walking tour of the old town in the afternoon. Evening group meeting (B).
Day 2 Halong Bay – Overnight on Boat
Today we drive to Halong City and embark on a traditional junk cruise around Halong Bay, where we also visit a limestone cave. Option of Kayaking (LD) Approx 3hrs drive.
Day 3 Hanoi
After breakfast we’ll be transferred back to Hanoi. Free afternoon (B)
We will be spending the next four days in the countryside north west of Hanoi, where modern capitalization has still not entered the lives of the locals. This provides a fantastic opportunity to experience the traditions of the local ethnic minority villagers and help the kids at school by sharing your language skills. Accommodation will be basic at a local family house (BLD) All meals included.
Day 8
Drive back to Hanoi in the afternoon, evening board re-unification express sleeper train to Hue. (B) Approx 12hrs ride.
Day 9 Hue
Arrive into Hue in the morning and after checking into the hotel you have the option to travel by boat along the Perfume River and visit Tien Mu Pagoda and the tombs of famous Nguyen Emperors.
Day 10 Hue- Hoi An
After breakfast enjoy a guided tour of the famous Citadel and then continue our drive to Hoi An, traveling through famous Lang Co beach and over Hai Van Pass. Upon arrival in Hoi An enjoy a walking tour of the old town (B) Approx 4hrs drive.
Day 11 Hoi An
Free day to get a wardrobe of clothes tailor made, relax at a café by the river front or hire a bicycle and venture out to the countryside or beach (B).
Day 12 Hoi An- Overnight train
Free morning to enjoy this beautiful town and beaches. We will then be transferred to Danang to continue the journey on the overnight reunification express train to Saigon (B). Approx 16hrs journey.
Day 13 Ho Chi Minh City
After checking into the hotel in the morning, you will embark on a walking tour of the city, visiting the old Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral, Re-unification Palace, War Museum and the vibrant Ben Thanh market.
Day 14 Ho Chi Minh City
Free day to explore the local market, Chinatown, or perhaps the famous Cu Chi tunnel and Cao Dai temple. Tour leader will advise you the best way to fill your free day (B).
Day 15 Mekong Delta (Chau Doc)
Today we will continue the drive to Chau Doc. In the afternoon we take a small boat to explore and learn something about typical daily life in the Mekong. You can watch the sunset or wander through the local market in the evening (B). Approx 3 hrs ride.
Day 16 Ho Chi Minh City:
Drive back to Ho Chi Minh City, tour ends on arrival (B).
Note: Minimum donation of 1US$ a day per person is required during the volunteer days
Note: Please note, for placements involving children, we may request a Federal Police criminal background certificate from your country. This is to protect both the volunteers and the children we seek to assist.
TOUR COST
All Tours are subject to an Acceptance Payment/Deposit of £200.
Cost per person on twin share basis as per itinerary
Please ask for confirmation of the current Tour Cost
Price Indication: US$ 1498
Single supplement: US$ 1227
Local payment: US $ 300
Reunification Express to Saigon Departure Dates:
2010 – Please ask for revised dates
Payment.
1. On acceptance – £200 per person, Acceptance Payment/Deposit (non refundable) by bank transfer or cheque payable to “S W & M Miller”.
Your Contract for all tour arrangements is directly with our Partner Company in Vietnam to whom payment for the tour is made.
2. Eight weeks prior to arrival in Vietnam or on Acceptance – 50% payable in US $, by Credit Card or International Bank Transfer, direct to Vietnam/Thailand
3. On arrival in Vietnam– 50% payable, in US $, by Credit Card or Cash.
Please Note: A credit card charge may apply in certain countries.
Cancellation Charges
35 days prior to arrival a cancellation fee of US$200 per person will be applicable.
30 days notice of cancellation a fee of 25% of the total amount will be applicable.
25 days notice of cancellation a fee of 50% of the total amount will be applicable
Less than 25 days notice incurs the full amount.
Acceptance Payment non refundable
Inclusions:
Maximum group size: 15
Minimum group size: 4
Airport transfer to Hotel on day 1
Service of experienced Local leaders
Transport: Private Van/Coach, Sleeper train
Accommodation: (all the accommodation are based on Twin share)
Simple hotels- 8Nights
Sleeper air-conditioned train-2Nights
Boat- 1 Night
Home-stay- 4 Nights
Exclusions:
All the Entrance fees during sightseeing days or on Optional visit
Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
Visa and visa costs
Insurance (compulsory)
Personal expenditures
Tips and other costs not mentioned in the itinerary.
Police Background check or similar official document from home country
