DAY 1: Arrive in HANOI
On arrival you will be met and transferred to the Hotel for rest and morning tea. This afternoon you will have a brief but important introductory Vietnamese lesson followed by a welcome dinner. Overnight in Hanoi (D)
DAY 2: HANOI CITY TOUR
Today you will enjoy a guided tour of the city, taking in the main highlights (B,L)
DAY 3: HANOI - MAI CHAU
This morning we drive to Mai Chau area which is about 3 – 4 hour drive west of Hanoi. On arrival in Mai Chau town we have a chance to meet some locals and learn about rice growing and how important it is in Vietnamese culture and economy, before spending the night in our traditional homestay. (B,L,D)
DAY 4: MAI CHAU
Today we get up early and prepare the celebration of donating a water buffalo to the village elder. In the afternoon we will continue our trek to another village which is home to the Black Hmong. We will overnight in this village in a traditional house (B, L, D)
DAY 5: MAI CHAU
We spend the day trekking from this village to the village of Van Village which is home to the white Thai people. We will pass paddy fields and have the opportunity to learn about Vietnamese rural life in this relatively untouched area. We will enjoy lunch back in Van Village before driving back to Hanoi.
DAY 6: HANOI
Today we will have the opportunity of understanding about the illegal wildlife trade in Hanoi. Participate in a grassroots wildlife protection survey. Meet with a Wildlife Crime team and learn about their efforts to bring an end to the illegal trade of wildlife in Vietnam. Following preparation, join staff in an actual undercover survey of restaurants and other business establishments to document crimes. Lunch will be offered during the survey in Hanoi (at a wildlife friendly establishment). (B,L,D)
DAY 7: HANOI TO HA LONG BAY KAYAKING
This morning we depart Hanoi for Ha Long Bay, approximately three hours away past the Red Delta. En route we have a short stop at the Sao Do center, run for handicapped children. Upon arrival at Ha Long Bay we will be met by our crew and transferred to our junk. After lunch on boat our captain will find a secluded spot where you can swim in the clear water of the bay, soak up the sun on the top deck or try your hand at some kayaking. Later in the afternoon we also have the chance to explore some of the limestone caves dotted around the bay. Overnight onboard. (B, L, D)
DAY 8: HA LONG BAY KAYAKING
Rising to the tranquil beauty of the bay we have time for an early morning dip in the emerald waters before breakfast. This morning we will spend 2 – 3 hours kayaking in the bay whilst helping the environment by picking up any rubbish that we see. There will be a price for the person with the most rubbish in their kayak at the end!. After lunch onboard, we head back towards the main harbour and go back to Hanoi. This evening after dinner we will attend a performance at Hanoi's famous water puppet theatre. (B, L, D)
DAY 9: HUE
In the morning we will transfer to the airport for our flight to Hue. On arrival in Hue, we will be met and transferred to the Dong Da Hotel. Being the ancient capital, Hue is surrounded with tombs of past emperors and today we will visit some of them. Today we will visit the Citadel and Forbidden Purple City and the riverside Dong Ba market. In the afternoon we visit one of the Royal Tombs and the Thien Mu Pagoda. (B, L, D)
DAY 10: HOI AN
We depart Hue early in an air-conditioned bus and head south to the old trading city of Hoi An. We stop along the way at Lang Co beach, for refreshments, then onto the Hai Van pass, where we stop to take in the stunning views north over Lang Co beach and south over Danang city. Continuing on, we arrive in Hoi An by lunchtime and check into our hotel.
The afternoon will be spent at leisure. (B, L, D)
DAY 11: HOI AN
Today will be action packed as you board your boats and help WWF clean up Hoi An River. It is a great day to spend on the water, helping the community and interacting with the local fishermen. By people seeing your presence we hope you can be shining examples and the community will understand about the importance of the environment. In the evening we will enjoy dinner on the beach as a reward! (B,L,D).
DAY 12: HOI AN – HO CHI MINH CITY
In the morning wed depart for Danang and visit the Cham Museum, the famed China Beach, and Marble Mountain before meeting up with our one-hour flight to Ho Chi Minh City. On arrival in HCMC we have a quick orientation tour of the city. You will enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in HCMC (B,L,D)
DAY 13: CU CHI TUNNELS
Travel to Cu Chi Tunnels – a massive system of tunnels combining to form an underground city during the American/Vietnam War.
DAY 14: MEKONG DELTA
Today you will drive to the Mekong Delta and spend the day on a boat visiting the floating markets and seeing how many of the traditional produce here are made. It is an exciting day out and a great way to finish your holiday in Vietnam. In the evening you will enjoy a welcome dinner in Saigon.
DAY 15: HCMC
In the morning visit an orphanage and spend time playing games with the children.
Afternoon at leisure in HCMC until your flight home (B)
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