Premier Vietnam

  • Vietnam is a nation that perhaps can only be explained by stories. And surrounded by the limestone karsts of Halong Bay, or the improbable splendour of the Hanoi Opera House or the hospitable reflections of a Buddhist monk in Hue, it’s easy to understand why. The landmarks, history and people of this country are so utterly unique as to render the usual reference points redundant. Liberating themselves from the Chinese in the first millennium, and from the French, Japanese and Americans in the second, the Vietnamese have a prevailing sense of self. Timeless food, religion and courtesy are the order of the day here. Yet the symbols of colonial culture remain, co~opted and repurposed in a typically efficient manner.

    Exceptional Experiences

    • Discover the power of indigenous herbs and remedies at the Vietnamese Traditional Medicine Museum, Ho Chi Minh City
    • Visit the Viet Cong’s tunnels at Cu Chi
    • Create your own pho at the famed Red Bridge Cooking School
    • Enjoy a spiritual discussion with Buddhist monks in Hue
    • See the wonderful Halong Bay in a five~star luxury junk

    Itinerary

    • Days 1 & 2 Ho Chi Minh City

      On arrival, you’re met and transferred to the Hotel Majestic in the heart of the city. In the evening, meet your leader and companions at Vietnam’s premier French restaurant, Le Bordeaux.

      On the morning of Day 2, you have a choice of either travelling by road or boat to the Cu Chi Tunnels, the war~winning lifelines of the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese.

      Hotel Majestic
    • Day 3 Ho Chi Minh City ~ Hoi An

      Your morning stroll through Chinatown takes you to the Thien Hau Pagoda, then to the Vietnamese Traditional Medicine Museum and Binh Tay Market. Time for your first (and perhaps definitive) pho for lunch. Fly north to Danang and transfer to Hoi An where the afternoon is yours to enjoy.

      Life Resort
    • Days 4 & 5 Hoi An

      On the Thu Bon River, this beautiful port city reveals its 17th century French, Portuguese and Japanese influences during a morning walking tour. Take a countryside bicycle tour in the afternoon, or discover the city on your own.

      The next day’s cooking class at the famous Red Bridge Cooking School reveals some secrets of Vietnamese cuisine.

      Life Resort
    • Days 6 & 7 Hue

      Travel to the ancient capital by road, dissected by the delightfully named Perfume River. Cycle tour through the streets, and see why the Citadel and Forbidden Purple City are World Heritage listed by UNESCO. Travel along the river to Emperor Tu Duc’s tomb, enjoy an introduction to Vietnamese calligraphy and hold a discourse with a local monk about Buddhism.

      Le Residence
    • Day 8 Hanoi

      You fly north to the capital Hanoi where you can discover the famous sites of Ho Chi Minh’s House, One Pillar Pagoda and the Temple of Literature. Dine at Madame Hien’s and in the evening enjoy a performance of the famous water puppets.

      Sofitel Legend Metropole
    • Days 9 & 10 Halong Bay

      Depart Hanoi for the famous Halong Bay. The level of luxury you enjoy on the Violet Junk, styled after 1930s Indochine is something to behold.

      On Day 10 you transfer to a small private boat to discover the bay’s most untouched beaches, tunnels and caves. Return to the Violet Junk for the night.

      Violet Junk
    • Day 11 Hanoi

      Return to Hanoi where you have free time to explore, relax or design your own itinerary. Your leader will provide ideas and options. Enjoy your final dinner at the fine dining establishment of Club Opera Novel.

      Sofitel Legend Metropole
    • Day 12 Hanoi

      In the morning you’re transferred to the airport to bid farewell to Vietnam.

      Hotels listed are subject to availability.
View trip notes

  • Premier Vietnam

    Getting there and away

    This tour starts in Ho Chi Minh and ends in Hanoi. You will arrive at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) and depart from Noi Bai International Airport (HAN).

    If you'd like help with booking your flights or any onward journeys, please visit the Contact Us page.

  • Phuong Tran, Vietnam

    It's easy to see why meeting Phuong is a highlight for many of our Vietnam travellers. With many years experience as a leader, Phuong's infectious and enthusiastic nature means you'll Vietnam from a local's perspective. Phuong has a reputation as one of the best pool players in the company, so be careful before you challenge him to a game!  

    “Food is at the heart of Vietnamese life and there's no better way to appreciate this than hunkering down with the locals for a meal. I like to take my travellers to a variety of places to showcase the diversity of Vietnamese cuisine. Whether it be a bowl of traditional Pho noodle soup for breakfast in Saigon or eating northern specialties at a restored French colonial mansion in Hanoi, the unique flavours of our delicious food will be something you will always remember.”

  • Le Bordeaux, Saigon, Vietnam

    This restaurant is like a quiet haven in the middle of bustling downtown Saigon. It has an intimate atmosphere that captures the French colonial influence in Vietnam with its old world charm. You'll enjoy a classically elegant experience that is heavily influenced from the South West of France.

  • Stuart Lyall, Destination Manager, South East Asia

    "To get inside this wonderful country, its past and its future, you need to see it through the eyes of the local proud Vietnamese. Whether it be the chef leading a cooking class or a monk talking about Buddhism, or even a former KOTO student proud of the opportunity he or she has been given. Through any of these people you will feel a sense of pride as they talk about their country and their people. And that is the real insight."

Inclusions

Discover more about pricing, accommodation and what's on offer for each Peregrine Reserve tour.

What's included in the cost
  • Airport meet and greet service
  • Reserve leader
  • Entrance fees to all sites listed in itinerary
  • Additional local guides at some sites
  • Quality transport
  • Most or all meals
  •  Snacks, bottled water and tips along the way
  • Quality accommodation
  • Domestic flights where indicated
  • Park fees and permits
Not included in the cost
  • International flights
  • Visas
  • Airport taxes
  • Laundry

Visit the Contact us page for help with booking flights and extra accommodation, or organising visas, transfers and insurance.

Prices

The price of your journey will vary depending on whether you wish to book a group departure, or take a private journey.

Group price:
AU $6895

Private Journeys

Please note, the prices for private journeys will depend on how many people you wish to travel with. Please contact one of our consultants for further information.

Click here to view booking conditions

Price from:
AU $6895

Essentials

12 Days
Breakfast daily, 4 lunches, 9 dinners

Scheduled Departures

  • 05 Oct 13 - 16 Oct 13
  • 02 Nov 13 - 13 Nov 13
  • 30 Nov 13 - 11 Dec 13
  • 28 Dec 13 - 08 Jan 14
  • 25 Jan 14 - 05 Feb 14
  • 22 Feb 14 - 05 Mar 14
  • 22 Mar 14 - 02 Apr 14
  • 19 Apr 14 - 30 Apr 14

Private Journeys

Private Group Travel departures are available daily on request
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