18 Days - Vietnam Train Odyssey

The complete Vietnam Discovery tour by train, including a Halong Bay Cruise and great hotels. For those looking to get a handle on this long thin country, there is no better way than travelling by train. You'll be on the same route as the famous 'reunification express' though thankfully, not in the same carriages! It is a really fun experience as well as an interesting one. The train is not at a European level in most places, so talk to our consultants if you are concerned about quality and you may like to do some sections by vehicle or plane. As well as the great train journey, there is plenty of time scheduled for seeing the sites with guided tours in all the places you visit as well as time for relaxing and independent exploration. The complete Vietnam Discovery tour by train, including a Halong Bay Cruise and great hotels. For those looking to get a handle on this long thin country, there is no better way than travelling by train. You'll be on the same route as the famous 'reunification express' though thankfully, not in the same carriages! It is a really fun experience as well as an interesting one. The train is not at a European level in most places, so talk to our consultants if you are concerned about quality and you may like to do some sections by vehicle or plane.

18 Days - Vietnam Train Odyssey 1

DAYS 1 & 2 - HANOI
Transfer to your Hanoi hotel where you enjoy an orientation tour of this wonderful city. The next day is free for you to explore a city where just wandering about really pays off! In the evening you transfer to the railway station and board the overnight train to Sapa.

DAYS 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7 - SAPA AND HALONG BAY
Your overnight sleeper cabin is on the Fanxipan Express and on arrival in Lao Cai first thing you transfer to your base for the next 2 days, Topas Eco Lodge. From here you can trek into valleys and explore the way of life of the ethnic minorities and generally soak up the peaceful atmosphere.
After the next overnight train journey back to Hanoi, your guide and driver will be at the station ready for your early start to Halong Bay. Since the train arrives early there will be a stop for breakfast en route. Late morning you board The Bai Tho boat for your overnight cruise on Halong Bay. The cruise finishes at lunch time the following day and on departure your guide and driver take you onwards to Hanoi train station for your next overnight train, the first leg of the Reunification Express route down to Hue.

DAYS 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 & 13 HUE & HOI AN
On arrival in Hue transfer to your resort. The rest of the day is free.
The next morning you visit the Imperial Citadel and Pagoda. You have plenty of free time to explore Hue and sample the food at the famous hawker stands.
Day 9 is a highlight of the scenic journey. The route over Cloudy Pass to Hoi An has magnificent views. This journey can be taken by train or car depending on how train times work out on any given day.
On arrival in Hoi An you transfer to your accommodation. Here you have 3 days to relax or to enjoy the town. Hoi An is a great place to explore with pretty lantern lined streets and excellent restaurants. We recommend catching the colourful morning markets or taking a cookery course here. Hoi An is famous for its tailors who will copy or design clothes, prices are fantastic and the range of fabric is endless.

DAYS 13, 14 & 15 NHA TRANG
From Hoi An down to Nha Trang is a day train taking around 9 hours. Today you really get to see a lot of the landscape of Vietnam from the train.
Youll be met on arrival in Nha Trang and transfer to your beach hotel. The next day is then spent exploring the islands just off shore from Nha Trang by boat. Some are inhabited and you have the opportunity to stop at some. Lunch is provided.
On Day 13 youll board your final overnight train for the last leg of the Reunification Express route down to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).

DAYS 15, 16, 17 & 18 - SAIGON
Arrive in Saigon early morning, the rest of your day is free. The following day you have a tour to explore this great city and the infamous Cu Chi Tunnels. Your last full day in Vietnam is spent visiting the Mekong Delta. Known as the breadbasket of Vietnam, life is conducted around the waterways. Tonight is your last night in Vietnam but depending on your flight time there may be time for some last minute shopping before your flight home tomorrow. We would be delighted to adjust this tour in any way you like - please talk to one of our expert consultants.

Inclusions:
- All accommodation (breakfast included)
- Private guided transfers and tours as listed (some tours include lunch and Halong Bay includes lunch and dinner)
- A 4 berth train cabin between 2 on all overnight train journeys.
- All taxes and surcharges

Private Holidays off beaten paths in Vietnam

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