Itinerary - 6 Night Holiday by Rail

Day 1

Arrive in Saigon

Arrive into Saigon and transfer to the Renaissance Riverside Hotel Saigon where you will spend 1 night.

The rest of your day is yours to discover this vibrant, buzzing city. Saigon (or Ho Chi Minh City) is the largest city in Vietnam with a huge range of architecture, museums, entertainment and nightlife to discover. Visit one of the city's historical museums or head to the Saigon Zoo and Botanic Gardens, one of the oldest zoos in the world.

In the evening, try a traditional water puppet show before getting your first taste of authentic Vietnamese food with a French colonial twist in one of Saigon's many restaurants.

Day 2

Saigon - Danang

Check out of the hotel this morning and take a tour of Saigon. Learn the history of famous sights including the former President's Palace, the Old Saigon Post Office and the colonial Notre Dame Cathedral before heading out of the city to see the Cu Chi Tunnels. These tunnels were carved out during WWII and further expanded during the Vietnam War to protect Vietcong members and their families. The huge network of tunnels remains largely untouched with a few areas widened out for easier access by visiting tourists.

Return to Saigon and board the famous Reunification Express, bound for Danang.

Day 3

Hoi An

Arrive this morning into Danang and have a short rest stop before visiting the Museum of Cham Sculpture. This fascinating museum holds the world's only collection dedicated entirely to this era and was founded in 1915.

After this visit, head by car towards Hoi An, passing by the Marble Mountains on the way. The Marble Mountains are five limestone hills named in Vietnamese after the five elements - water, wood, fire, earth and metal. They are famous for their caves and for being the home of many Buddhist sanctuaries.

On arrival in Hoi An, check in for an overnight stay in the Life Heritage Resort Hoi An before taking a short city tour.

Day 4

Thu Bon River Tour and Hue

After breakfast this morning, transfer to the boat pier in Hoi An for a cruise down the picturesque Thu Bon River. Watch local life pass by and make visits to a ship building yard and a conical hat making village.

Return to your hotel and then transfer back to Danang Station for an afternoon service to Hue. Arrive into Hue 2 and a half hours later and transfer to the La Residence Hotel & Spa Hue for an overnight stay.

Enjoy an evening at leisure in this historic city.

Day 5

Hue - Hanoi

This morning, take a cruise along the stunning scenery of the Perfume River, named because of the seasonal fall of blossoms into the water from orchards upstream of Hue.
Visit the 16th century Thien Mu Pagoda, built on the orders of the first Nguyen Lords and then enjoy a guided tour of the imposing, UNESCO World Heritage listed Imperial City, home of the Nguyen Imperial Family in the days when Hue was the Vietnamese capital.

Your last visit today will be to the Tomb of Khai Dinh, a mausoleum built in the 1930s in a blend of Eastern and Western architectural styles.

In the evening, transfer to Hue station for your overnight train journey aboard the Reunification Express to Hanoi.

Day 6

Hanoi

Arrive very early this morning into Hanoi and check in at the Melia Hotel Hanoi where you will spend your last night in Vietnam.

Meet your local tour guide at the hotel after breakfast and enjoy a full day city tour starting at the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university which was built in the 11th century. Other highlights of the tour include the fascinating Ethnological Museum, the West Lake and the Ngoc Temple (Temple of the Jade Mountain) on peaceful Lake Hoan Kiem.

Day 7

Depart Hanoi

Enjoy a morning at leisure in Hanoi for shopping or some more sightseeing before transferring to Noi Airport for your onward journey.