Bright Star Travel | Vietnam at a Glance

From $3,199 – 12 Days, Fully Inclusive from selected Australian cities

This introductory tour covers the essentials of Vietnam in one compact programme.

The fascinating city of Saigon will leave a mark on your soul as you explore its many historic landmarks. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage listed town of Hoi An; this charming town offers wonderful architecture characterised by a harmonious blend of Vietnamese, Chinese and Japanese influences. Take a cyclo to the Imperial Citadel in Hue and enjoy a boat trip on the Perfume River.

Discover Hanoi, a charming city renowned for its wide boulevards lined with trees and magnificent French villas. A tour to Vietnam would not be complete without a visit to beautiful Halong Bay, where you spend a relaxing day cruising its emerald waters.

This tour will allow you to experience Vietnam’s history, culture and people, leaving you with many wonderful memories.

Tour itinerary

DAY 1: AUSTRALIA TO SAIGON

Fly with Vietnam Airlines to Saigon for a four night stay.

DAY 2: SAIGON

Visit the Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office to view the French Colonial architecture. Continue to the Reunification Palace and War Remnants Museum. End the day at the lively Ben Thanh Market.

DAY 3: SAIGON – MEKONG DELTA

Travel to Ben Tre in the Mekong Delta. Explore the river by boat, passing stilt houses and fish farms. Paddle through palm-lined canals in sampans and walk through villages, where you can sample local tea. Later this afternoon you will return to Saigon.

DAY 4: SAIGON – CU CHI & TAY NINH

This morning explore the amazing network of the Cu Chi Tunnels, which once housed entire underground villages during the American War in Vietnam. Later you will travel to Tay Ninh to experience the midday service at the colourful head temple of the unique Cao Dai religion.

DAY 5: SAIGON TO HOI AN

Fly to Danang and transfer to Hoi An, stopping at Marble Mountains en route. An important trading route during the 15th to 19th centuries, Hoi An displays a unique blend of culture, cuisine and architecture.

Day 6: Hoi An

Tour Hoi An on foot, visiting an old merchant’s home, the Japanese Covered Bridge, Hoi An Market and a local Chinese temple. Enjoy the afternoon free at your leisure to wander through the town or relax at one of the many cafés along the picturesque Thu Bon River.

Day 7: Hoi An to Hue

View the scenic Hai Van Pass before entering the Hai Van Tunnel and continuing the drive to Hue. Take a cyclo to the Imperial Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City. Continue to Thien Mu Pagoda and cruise along the Perfume River.

Day 8: Hue to Hanoi

This morning visit the UNESCO World Heritage listed Royal Tomb of Minh Mang before flying to Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam.

Day 9: Hanoi

Visit Ho Chi Minh Complex to see Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum (closed Sep-Dec), Humble House on Stilts and One Pillar Pagoda. Continue to the serene Temple of Literature. Later, enjoy an afternoon walking tour of Hanoi’s bustling Old Quarter. This evening watch a performance of the Water Puppets.

DAY 10: HANOI – HALONG BAY

Early this morning you will travel to the ‘Jewel in the Crown of Vietnam’, Halong Bay. Board a junk boat for a relaxing cruise through the emerald waters and around the limestone islets of the Gulf of Tonkin. After lunch on board you will travel back to Hanoi.

DAY 11: DEPART HANOI

This morning is free at your leisure before you are transferred to Hanoi airport to board your overnight flight to Australia.

DAY 12: ARRIVE AUSTRALIA

Arrive home today.

Laos extension

DAY 11: HANOI TO LUANG PRABANG

Transfer to Hanoi Airport for your flight to Luang Prabang, Laos. Tour the city by tuk-tuk, visiting Wat Visoun, Wat Xieng Thong, Wat Sene and the National Museum. (L,D)

DAY 12: LUANG PRABANG

This morning travel to Kuangsi Waterfalls. Later, visit Ock Pop Tok Weaving Centre before returning to Luang Prabang. This afternoon climb Phousi Hill to view the sunset. (B,L,D)

DAY 13: LUANG PRABANG

Cruise along the Mekong River to the Pak Ou Caves. Afterwards, stop at Thin Hong and Ban Xang Khong villages. (B,L,D)

DAY 14: LUANG PRABANG TO VIENTIANE

Rise early to view the Buddhist ceremony of Takbat and visit the local market before flying to Vientiane. This evening enjoy a traditional music and dance performance. (B,L,D)

DAY 15: DEPART VIENTIANE

Visit Thongkhankham Market, Wat Si Saket, That Luang Stupa, Patuxai Victory Monument and Wat Phra Keo. This afternoon you will be transferred to Vientiane airport for your overnight flight to Australia (via Saigon). (B)

DAY 16: ARRIVE AUSTRALIA

Arrive home today.

Price guide

From $3,199 per person	12 Days Fully Inclusive Twin Share,
	Departing Sydney and Melbourne, Flying Vietnam Airlines
From Price Includes	Tour cost $2,760, Airline Fuel Surcharge $362 & Tipping $76 (Subject to change with Tipping payable on arrival in Vietnam. See Booking Conditions)
From $3,319 per person	Departing Brisbane, Adelaide and Canberra, Flying Vietnam Airlines
From Price Includes	Tour cost $2,880, Airline Fuel Surcharge $362 & Tipping $76 (Subject to change with Tipping payable on arrival in Vietnam. See Booking Conditions)
From $3,590per person	Departing Perth, Flying Singapore Airlines (SQ Fuel Surcharge $405)
From $490	Single Hotel Room Option
From $2,259	Land Only including Tipping

Depart Australia	Return Australia	Twin Share Price AUD$
2014
2-Apr	13-Apr	$3,329
9-Apr	20-Apr	$3,329
16-Apr	27-Apr	$3,329
23-Apr	4-May	$3,329
7-May	18-May	$3,329
21-May	1-Jun	$3,329
18-Jun	29-Jun	$3,199
25-Jun	6-Jul	$3,199
16-Jul	27-Jul	$3,199
13-Aug	24-Aug	$3,199
3-Sep	14-Sep	$3,329
17-Sep	28-Sep	$3,329
24-Sep	5-Oct	$3,329
1-Oct	12-Oct	$3,359
15-Oct	26-Oct	$3,359
29-Oct	9-Nov	$3,359
12-Nov	23-Nov	$3,359
26-Nov	7-Dec	$3,359
2015
7-Jan	18-Jan	$3,879
4-Feb	15-Feb	$3,459
25-Feb	8-Mar	$3,459
4-Mar	15-Mar	$3,459
11-Mar	22-Mar	$3,459
18-Mar	29-Mar	$3,459
25-Mar	5-Apr	$3,459
1-Apr	12-Apr	$3,499
8-Apr	19-Apr	$3,499
15-Apr	26-Apr	$3,499
22-Apr	3-May	$3,499
6-May	17-May	$3,499
20-May	31-May	$3,499

Prices are for departures from Sydney and Melbourne, please contact reservations for all other departure cities.

Important Note: Prices include Vietnam Airlines Fuel surcharges and Tipping of $438 (correct as at Dec 13 and subject to change). Please note the Tipping amount of USD70 (AU76) is payable on arrival in Vietnam.

LAOS Extension

+ Add from $930 per person (twin share)

+ Add from $1,635 (single traveller)

Tipping for this extension is at your own discretion.

Note: A visa is required for travel to Laos. This cost is not included in the Laos Extension pricing above.

Though status is regularly updated, availability above is indicative only, not live and hence does not guarantee that space is available on your selected tour. Booking early is the only way to ensure availability of your selected departure date.