Escorted Tours 2023-2024

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 on to your chosen extension. Temple of Literature, Hanoi Cai Rang floating market Saigon Cambodia Meal plan: All meals daily Accommodation: Saigon, 4 H Golden Central Hotel Can Tho, 4 H Ninh Kieu 2 Hotel Hanoi, 4 H Sunway Hotel Ha Long Bay, Victory Cruise Flights: London Heathrow to Vietnam with Vietnam Airlines Tour pace: Intermediate Extend your tour Temples of Cambodia experience, 5 nights, 4 H from £669 Hoi An beach stay, 5 nights, 5 H B&B from £459 Private Tour Upgrade Upgrade to a private tour to include your own guide and transport, plus your choice of departure date from £319 Departures & from prices 4 Apr 23 £2,249 13 Feb 24 £2,099 25 Apr 23 £1,899 5 Mar 24 £2,099 9 May 23 £1,799 2 Apr 24 £2,299 23 May 23 £1,799 23 Apr 24 £1,999 30 May 23 £1,699 7 May 24 £1,989 6 Jun 23 £1,599 21 May 24 £1,899 4 Jul 23 £1,799 28 May 24 £1,799 8 Aug 23 £1,999 4 Jun 24 £1,699 29 Aug 23 £1,899 2 Jul 24 £1,989 12 Sep 23 £1,899 6 Aug 24 £2,039 3 Oct 23 £1,999 27 Aug 24 £1,989 24 Oct 23 £1,999 10 Sep 24 £1,989 7 Nov 23 £1,999 1 Oct 24 £1,989 21 Nov 23 £1,999 22 Oct 24 £1,989 9 Jan 24 £2,099 5 Nov 24 £1,989 23 Jan 24 £2,099 19 Nov 24 £2,049 30 Jan 24 £2,299 • Solo Group departures available 6 Jun 23, 13 Jun 23, 5 Sep 23, 12 Sep 23, 9 Jan 24, 4 Jun 24, 11 Jun 24, 3 Sep 24 and 10 Sep 24 from £1,599 • Tipping paid locally $61 • A single supplement starts from just £469 59 Hundreds more escorted tours are available on our website www.mercuryholidays.co.uk East Asia