Escorted Tours 2022-23

activities of the vendors of the floating markets who live along these Mekong canals. Stop to witness the Mekong Delta’s largest floating market of Cai Rang, a sight to behold where a bustling cluster of merchants compete with each other to sell fresh produce to local traders and tourists. After enjoying lunch at a local restaurant, transfer to the airport in Can Tho for your flight to Hanoi, where you will have an evening at leisure to settle in. Day 6: Hanoi B/L/D A full-day tour of Hanoi begins by weaving through the charming courtyards and gardens of the ancient Temple of Literature, followed by a visit to the ornate Presidential Palace, a distinctive edifice, strikingly recognisable by its mustard façade. Next, observe the iconic One Pillar Pagoda, designed to resemble a lotus flower which is a Buddhist symbol of enlightenment, before taking a short drive out of the city centre to take part in a local authentic cooking demonstration; sampling traditional flavours and spices often associated with Vietnamese cuisine, enjoy your tantalising creation for lunch. The afternoon continues with an enlightening visit to the National History Museum to discover an assortment of ancient artefacts from imperial Vietnam, before briefly stopping at the Hanoi Opera House to capture the grandeur which exudes this imposing colonial structure. Conclude today’s walking tour as you navigate the swarming market stalls of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, before enjoying an evening at a charming Water Puppet Show, a tradition which originated from local rice paddy farmers over 1,000 years ago. Day 7: Hanoi to Ha Long Bay B/L/D This memorable day takes you to the awe-inspiring Ha long Bay where you will explore these tranquil islands on a luxury cruise boat, passing local towns and intricate limestone formations along the way. Embark on a small rowing boat on a tour of Vung Vieng, a scenic floating village in the heart Ha long Bay’s spellbinding emerald waters. Join today’s Vietnamese cooking demonstration which takes place atop the sun deck, where a seafood dinner follows this evening. Retire to your cabin for tonight’s stay upon beautiful Ha long Bay. Day 8: Ha Long Bay to Hanoi BR/D Awake to the rising sun’s glistening reflection from the centre of Ha long Bay and begin your day with some calming Tai Chi. Later, snake through the bay’s labyrinth of towering limestone islands peppered across this magnificent landscape on your way back to the mainland and travel back to Hanoi for a local dinner and overnight stay. Day 9: Hanoi to the UK B Transfer to the airport for your overnight return flight, or continue to your chosen extension. Extend your tour Temple of Cambodia experience, 4 nights, 4 H from £469 Hoi An beach stay, 4 nights, 4 H B&B from £329 or 5 H Half Board from £459 Hanoi city stay, 2 nights, 4 H B&B from £129 Phuket beach stay*, 4 nights, B&B 4 H from £799 or 5 H from £889 Bali beach stay*, 4 nights, B&B 4 H from £589 or 5 H from £699 *Due to flight schedules an extra night in Vietnam is required, extending your tour by one night. Tour includes • All meals daily • 4 H accommodation: Saigon-Golden Central Hotel, Can Tho- Ninh Kieu 2, Hanoi-Sunway Hotel, Ha Long Bay-Victory Cruise • Flights from London Heathrow with Vietnam Airlines Tour pace: Intermediate No Single Supplement Rooms available with no single supplement. Once sold, single supplement starts from £369 Hanoi Tran Quoc Pagoda, Hanoi Departures & from prices 14 Sep 22 £1,489 10 May 23 £1,559 5 Oct 22 £1,549 24 May 23 £1,559 26 Oct 22 £1,549 31 May 23 £1,469 9 Nov 22 £1,599 7 Jun 23 £1,399 23 Nov 22 £1,619 5 Jul 23 £1,469 11 Jan 23 £1,619 9 Aug 23 £1,689 25 Jan 23 £1,869 30 Aug 23 £1,559 1 Feb 23 £1,719 13 Sep 23 £1,559 15 Feb 23 £1,619 4 Oct 23 £1,619 8 Mar 23 £1,619 25 Oct 23 £1,619 5 Apr 23 £1,699 8 Nov 23 £1,619 26 Apr 23 £1,599 22 Nov 23 £1,689 • Solo Group departures available 8 Jun 22, 14 Sep 22, 11 Jan 23, 7 & 14 Jun 23, 6 & 13 Sep 23 from £1,529 Ha Long Bay Saigon 49 Hundreds more escorted tours are available on our website www.mercuryholidays.co.uk Southeast Asia