CHOPSTICKS & COCONUTS FAMILY HOLIDAY

Itinerary

• Flight Inclusive itinerary
• Land Only itinerary

Day 1

We depart London for Hanoi.

Day 2

We arrive in Hanoi in the morning. Those not flying with the group will need to meet us at the start hotel this morning but please check for a message from your guide at reception. This rest of the day is free to recover from the flight or stroll amongst broad tree-lined avenues dating from the French period. In the evening there is a group get together and you will have your first opportunity to practice your chopsticks skills.

Day 3

This morning we take a city tour, which will include a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum area to see his "House on Stilts" and visit the One Pillar Pagoda. We'll also visit the Temple of Literature and the Hoa Lo Prison (also known as the 'Hanoi Hilton'). Afterwards we enjoy a cyclo (bicycle taxi) ride through the Old Quarter, the "36 Streets" where each street is home to shops sell particular products - e.g. 'silk street', 'gold street', 'paper street' and 'naff souvenir street'. The remainder of the day is at leisure to stroll around the Hoan Kiem Lake, stopping for a coffee or ice cream at one of the many cafes surrounding it. In the evening we enjoy a performance of Hanoi's famous water puppets.

Day 4

We make an early start for the journey to Halong Bay (about 3.5 hours). This is one of the most beautiful sights in South East Asia with roughly 3,000 limestone peaks rising directly from the clear emerald sea. We cruise amongst this amazing scenery, stopping to swim in the sea if the weather permits. We have the chance to go kayaking in the bay and we enjoy a seafood lunch on board. In the late afternoon we watch the sun go down and enjoy another lovely meal before overnighting on the boat.

Day 5

This morning we enjoy some further cruising and kayaking around the bay. After lunch we return to Hanoi by vehicle.

Day 6

This morning we transfer to the airport and fly to Danang. On arrival we drive the short distance to Marble Mountain. We explore the caves and temples situated in the mountain and climb to the top for views over China Beach.
We then drive on to the World Heritage site of Hoi An, the original European trading port in Vietnam dating back to the mid-sixteenth century. It is now a living museum, with attractive wooden merchant's houses and pagoda-style temples with Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese and European architectural influences. It is also a marvellous place to wander around and enjoy the thriving riverside market. We take a walking tour of the old town and visit the Japanese Bridge and Chinese Assembly Hall.
Hoi An also has plenty of 'silk shops' offering tailor made garments at unbelievably low prices. For best results you should put your order in early and have a good idea (possibly a picture or a sample) of what
you want.
In the evening we join an informal cooking class where you will learn how to make some of Hoi An's speciality dishes and even participate in rolling your own spring rolls!

Day 7

This morning we jump on local bikes for a ride through the countryside past local markets, schools and villages before continuing on to the beach. The afternoon is dedicated to time at the beach for swimming, or you can take an optional boat trip on the river or relax around the hotel swimming pool.

Day 8

This morning we transfer to Danang airport and fly to the lively resort of Nha Trang. In the afternoon we visit the Thap Ba Hot Springs where you can bathe in the mineral mud before washing it all off (if you wish) in the natural hot springs.

Day 9

We take to the sea in a fishing boat for a trip around the islands. This is a wonderful experience offering stunning views of the mountainous coastline that lies to the north of Nha Trang and an opportunity to eat some of the freshest seafood available. We'll also stop at Hon Mieu Island to visit the aquarium and take a ride on a traditional circular basket fishing boat known as a 'coracle' Those not fancying the boat trip can relax on the beach, by the pool, have a massage or go snorkelling.

Day 10

The morning is free for your own exploration or relaxation. In the afternoon we fly to Saigon, officially known as Ho Chi Minh City. This is an exciting and absorbing city where scooters pack the streets and temples stand defiantly alongside modern developments. Devastated by the Vietnam War, it is now a bustling free market city where anything goes.

Day 11

In the morning we wander around the city visiting the Saigon River, Ben Thanh market, Reunification Hall and Notre Dame Cathedral. Alternatively a short cyclo ride will take you to the War Museum with an interesting photographic record of the Vietnam/American War. Some of the images may be unsuitable for smaller children.
In the afternoon we visit the excellent Dam Sen Water Park to allow the kids to let their hair down!

Day 12

This morning we drive to Cai Be in the Mekong Delta (about 3.5hours). The Mekong, known as 'the rice bowl of Vietnam', produces much of Vietnam's fruit, sugar cane and coconuts. We spend some time at Cai Be from where we begin a Mekong River boat trip passing a floating market and visiting typical riverside villages where we learn about some of the local products for which the Mekong Delta is famous – e.g. popped rice, rice paper & coconut candy. After lunch in a local restaurant we continue our journey passing some magnificent countryside and stopping at some small cottage industries. The evening is tranquil as we have dinner at Binh Hoa Phuoc Island and enjoy some 'Delta' hospitality. We spend the night sleeping communally at a homestay in the village. Bedding, a mosquito net and a small towel are provided.

Day 13

This morning we take a walk through the fruit orchards and navigate our way through the small canals in a traditional wooden sampan. Later we rejoin our boat to rendezvous with our vehicle for the journey back to Saigon.

Day 14

In the morning we visit the famous Cu Chi Tunnels. The tunnels at Cu Chi were used by the guerrillas as living quarters and escape routes during the Vietnam War. Although originally very narrow, some parts have been widened for the tourists and we have the opportunity to explore parts of the system. Claustrophobes may prefer to stay outside in the sunshine before we return to Saigon. The afternoon is free.

Day 15

The day is free to relax or for individual sightseeing. Our hotel is in the heart of this incredible city. In the evening we transfer to the airport for the flight to London. (Day rooms only will be held at a hotel on this day). The trip ends for those on Land only arrangements on the morning of day 15.

Day 16

Arrive London.