About Vietnam

Vietnam has over 3,450 kms of coastline, pristine sandy beaches, awe inspiring Mountain ranges and a vast array of cultural diversity.

From the industrious Ho Chi Min City to the lay back lifestyle on the floating markets of the Mekong Delta, Vietnam will stimulate your senses every way you turn. Add to this picturesque central Vietnam, and Ha Long Bay in the North, this fascinating country will provide the Wild Spirit traveller with an amazing journey which is continually enhanced by the friendliness of the local people.

Vietnam has over 80 million people with more than 50 ethnic groups. The official language is Vietnamese but many people speak French, Chinese, English and Russian. The religious groups include Buddhism, Christianity, Caodaism, Muslim and Taoists.

The landscape is varied with the North offering breathtaking scenery in the Sapa highlands and spectacular seascapes in the Ha Long Bay area. In the center is the world heritage sites of Hoi An and Hue, and in the South the green fields of the fertile Mekong Delta. Water buffalos, rice fields, colourful markets, pushbikes, scooters, women dressed in the traditional Ao Dai and much, much more makes Vietnam a special place for any traveller.

Hanoi, built in the seventh century, is the capital of Vietnam. The fascinating streets of the old French Quarter provide wonderful eating places and magnificent architecture. Hanoi also houses the mausoleum of Vietnam’s most revered former leader, Ho Chi Minh.

The Vietnamese people have embraced the past and look forward to the future; it is a young country with over 65% of its inhabitants being under the age of 30.   Wild Spirit will provide you with a journey that will encapsulate the Vietnam experience and provide you with everlasting memories.

Facts and Figures

Population                   82 million and rising

Unit of currency          “Dong”;           1 Australian dollar =~15,000 VND

Average Temperature  (CELCIUS)   

HANOI      J (18), F(19), M(22), A(26), M(30),J(32), J(32), A(31), S(31) O(27) N(24) D(21)

HCMC       J(31), F(32), M(33), A(33), M(33), J(31), J(31), A(31), S(31),O(30),N(30),D(30)

Average High rainfall

HANOI  Jan(34mm),  Mar (200mm), June (300mm), Sept(300mm),Dec (30mm)

HCMC   Jan(10mm),  Mar (1mm), June (300mm), Sept (340mm), Dec ( 5mm) 

About our Tour

Wild Spirit Adventures  and Kokoda Spirit will provide you the opportunity to discover fascinating Vietnam whilst revisiting some of the most important areas of Australian involvement in Vietnam. In particular, Baria, and the battle site at Long Tan. We have gained direct knowledge about the campaign from Allen May and Doug Fabian.

(6 RAR, D Company, 11 Platoon, 66-67) and can offer an experience no other company can. See our “Battle of Long Tan” section.

The tour begins in Saigon, where we have plenty of opportunity to taste the wide variety of cuisines and wander through the various market places. Saigon, known better as Ho Chi Minh City, is a vibrant, bustling place where traditional culture and western influence meets.

We visit the Cu Chi tunnels; the former stronghold of the Viet Cong. Approximately 250kms of tunnel stretch from just outside Ho Chi Minh City to the Cambodian border. Parts of the complex are several stories deep and contain hospitals, kitchens, command centres and weapons factories. There is an opportunity to crawl through some of the original tunnel complex and if you like, fire an AK47 or M16 at the nearby shooting range.

We travel to the Mekong delta and cruise leisurely through the many interconnecting canals. We experience the rural lifestyle of these amazing people whilst visiting the

We board a high speed ferry which will take us to Vung Tau, a beautiful coastal village and the headquarters of the Australian contingent during the Vietnam War. Vung Tau, a well known sea-side town used by the Australian task force as a retreat from the pressures of war, is now a bustling city offering a variety of restaurants, eating houses, markets and beaches, giving you the opportunity to explore and relax as you desire.

After our stay in the south, we take a domestic flight to Danang and visit the historical township of Hoi An. A shopping mecca for those inclined; otherwise a beautiful coastal village that offers white sandy beaches in an idyllic setting. There is ample time here to wander through narrow laneways full of stalls and markets.

The group then takes our bus back to Hanoi to board our flight back home. Many people decide to stay on and take one of the many options that Wild Spirit Adventures can facilitate. This may include a side trip to Sapa for trekking, a visit Angkor Wat in Cambodia or maybe a cycle tour through central Vietnam.

Please note that many options are available to Wild Spirit Adventurers/Kokoda Spirit for those with a little more time. We can assist you in organising an extended itinerary following the completion of the tour.

Day 1:  Hochiminh city and arrival

Arrive at Tan San Nhat airport - Hochiminh city. We are met by our tour guide & driver and transferred to the hotel. Overnight at our hotel in HCMC.

 (Superior room at Liberty 4 hotel)

Day 2: Hochimhin city - Cu Chi tunnels (B/L/_)

Breakfast at the hotel. Depart for Cu Chi to visit the underground tunnels. In the afternoon, we take a sightseeing tour of the Reunification Palace, which was the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until end of April 1975. We continue on to the French colonial structures including the Notre Dame cathedral, the Old Central Post Office, and a tour of the War Remnants Museum. We end the city tour with Ben Thanh market, where anything and everything is for sale. Overnight at our hotel in HCMC.

Day 3: HCMC - My Tho - Ben Tre - Can Tho (B/L/_)

Breakfast at the hotel. Depart for My tho. Take a leisurely boat ride through the Bao Dinh natural canal which is bordered by rows of traditional stilt houses and fruit plantations. Visit the My Tho wholesale fruit market. Proceed to Tortoise island. Lunch served in the heart of the orchard. We then take a boat ride through the Tan Thach natural canal in Ben Tre, cruising under the shadows of the water coconut trees before visiting a family business which epitomizes the idyllic rural lifestyle. After an easy stroll through the fruit plantation on Thoi Son Island, we take a rowing boat along the creeks before returning to My Tho by motor boat. Proceed to Can Tho. Transfer by motor boat to a small village in Cai Rang district. Check into your riverside cottage. In the afternoon, we have the opportunity to go cycling or stroll around the village to experience the rural lifestyle of the Mekong Delta people. Join a family as they prepare dinner for us. This evening we will enjoy traditional folk music with your neighbours. Overnight in your riverside cottage.

Day 4: Phong Dien - Cai Rang - Hochiminh city (B/L/_) 

After breakfast, we take the morning boat trip to visit the Phong Dien floating market which is at its busiest at this time of day. We continue to follow the small channel system and visit a rice noodle making village. We visit a second floating market (Cai Rang) before breaking for lunch. We return to Ho Chi Minh City via Vinh Long to visit the local snake market.  Overnight at our hotel in HCMC.

Day 6: Hochiminh city - Vung tau (B/L/_)

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Saigon river side for express boat to Vung Tau (9: 00 - 10: 15). Pick up a transfer to the hotel. Transfer to the hotel. Free day at your leisure to stroll around this beautiful coastal town. Overnight at our hotel in Vung Tau. (Deluxe room at the Rex hotel)

Day 7: Vung Tau - Long Tan - Vung Tau (B/L/_)

Breakfast at the hotel. Today we visit the Long Tan Cross, (site of a major battle site where 18 young Australians lost their lives; see our section “battle of Long Tan”) and the Horse Shoe before moving onto Long Phuoc Tunnels. We hold a small service to recognise the sacrifice of the Australians at this time. After lunch, we visit Nui Dat (SAS Hill) before returning to Vung Tau.  Overnight in Vung Tau.

Day 8: Vung Tau (B/_/_)

Breakfast at the hotel. Free day in Vung tau to sightsee or hire a scooter and visit the many coastal attractions. Overnight in Vung Tau.

Day 9: Vung Tau - HCMC - Danang (B/_/_)

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Vung Tau jetty for boarding to Ho Chi Minh City on the express boat (8: 00 - 9: 00). Pick up at the Saigon river, transfer to Tan San Nhat airport for boarding to Danang on flight VN 324 (11: 20 - 12: 30). Pick up and transfer to Hoi An ancient town.  Hoi An is renowned for its clothes and textiles shopping. It is also one of the quietest towns in Vietnam as cars are not allowed in the main streets. Overnight at our hotel in Hoi An. (Deluxe room at the Sea & Sun hotel)

Day 10:  Hoi An - My Son - Hoi An (B/L/_ )

Breakfast at the hotel. Following an early start with the morning market, we depart for My Son to visit the Cham Holy land which is World heritage listed. We have the chance for evening stroll around the town, visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, the Pottery Museum, Tan Ky old house, the Cantonese congregation, the silk street of Hoi An, the temples and Chinese pagodas. . Overnight at our hotel in Hoi An.

Day 11:  Hoi An (B/_/_)

Breakfast at the hotel. Today is a free day for you to just relax on the beach, take a bike ride or wander through Hoi An for some final shopping. Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 12: Hoi An - Danang - Hanoi (B/_/_)

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Danang airport for boarding Hanoi on flight VN 314 (14: 20 - 15: 30 ). Pick up and transfer to the hotel. Transfer to our hotel in the city centre. Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and lies on the red river, about 100 kms from its mouth. Hanoi boasts beautiful architecture, traditional restaurants and great markets.

Day 13: Hanoi city tour (B / L / _)

After we have breakfast at the hotel we visit the Ho Chi Minh Complex, containing Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh's stilt house and One Pillar Pagoda. Lunch today is at a local restaurant. This afternoon our tour takes us to the Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son temple, Tran Quoc pagoda and Quan Thanh temple. We then take a Cyclo ride around the old quarter streets from Hang Dau to Hang Gai. Tonight we have the opportunity to view a traditional water puppet show overnight at our hotel in Hanoi. (Deluxe room at the Nam Hai hotel)

Day 14: Hanoi - Halong (B / L / D)

Breakfast at the hotel. Today we depart for Halong through the Red River Delta. After a transfer to the “Dragon's Pearl” we enjoy a welcome drink and a splendid lunch of local seafood. We begin a 4-hour cruise of the bay through the amazing limestone karsts before taking a walk through Sung Sot, the "Amazing Cave". There is ample time for swimming and sunbathing (weather permitting), as the Dragon's Pearl anchors for a night in the Bay. Tonight we enjoy a wonderful sunset dinner in the beautiful restaurant before retiring to the comfort of your cabin.

Day 15: Halong - Hanoi (Brunch)

Early risers can enjoy an energising swim in the cool, calm, quiet of the overnight anchorage. A buffet brunch is served from 07:30 to 09:30. The cruise then continues, passing more interesting formations such as Titot and Soi Sim Beaches, Ngon Tay (Finger) islet, Thien Nga (Swan) islet and Ga Choi (Fighting Cocks) islet on the return to Halong City. Disembark at Halong Tourist Wharf for the return to Hanoi.  Overnight at our chosen hotel in Hanoi.

Day 16: Hanoi - Departure (B/_/_) 

Breakfast at the hotel. Free for shopping until transfer to Noi Bai airport for departure.

Equipment and clothing list

WILD SPIRIT/KOKODA SPIRIT; FAQS VIETNAM

What is the accommodation like?

Hotel accommodation is generally 4 stars with quite modern facilities including internet access. A single supplement room is available at an additional cost. If you have chosen a tour involving a home stay, the accommodation is in village homes which are basic thatched roofed structures with outside toilets. Whilst on the “junk”

(Boat) in Ha Long Bay, accommodation will be in below deck cabins.

What type of food do we eat?

The tour cost includes continental style or buffet breakfasts. Alternative breakfast meals may be purchased at a very low cost. Remaining meals are purchased at selected cafes or restaurants. Meals in Vietnam are very cheap and are a culinary delight. Check out the itinerary to see which meals are included. B=Breakfast, L=Lunch & D=Dinner

What happens in an emergency?

Minor injuries will be treated by Wild Spirit leaders. More serious injuries will be referred to a doctor / hospital. Travel insurance is compulsory and should cover medical emergencies.  Kokoda Spirit guides and leaders carry all emergency service contacts during the tour.

Does my mobile phone work?

Yes, provided you have organised with your provider to initiate International roaming.

How dangerous is Vietnam?

Like all developing countries, Vietnam has its fair share of robberies and theft. All travellers should exercise caution when travelling around areas known for bars and nightclubs. Alcohol is often the precursor for someone ending up where they shouldn’t. Vietnamese people however, would be amongst the friendliest people Wild Spirit/Kokoda Spirit deal with.

What about Diseases?

All travellers should visit their doctor and receive appropriate vaccinations. Aids are a major problem and those so inclined should exercise extreme caution and follow safe sex guidelines. Hygiene is important in negating the onset of many travellers’ problems and simple precautions like washing hands prior to eating will help greatly decrease your exposure to water borne bugs. Your personal first aid kit should contain the necessary gastro relief drugs and you should consult your travel doctor for professional advice.

Can I drink the water?

Wild Spirit Adventures/Kokoda Spirit recommends bottled water in Vietnam. Is it easy to purchase and reasonably inexpensive.

What about the shopping? 

Vietnam is renowned for its great shopping. You can buy almost anything here although you should be aware of the many imitations on the market. In Hoi An, 24 hrs is all it takes to have a suit or dress tailor made. If you wish something copied, it is just a matter of leaving it with the many tailors. Theres an endless supply of war surplus although most of it is reproduction.

Why choose Wild Spirit Adventures/Kokoda Spirit

There are many companies running trip to Vietnam. We believe we offer a professional service and a great value for money tour that has something for everyone. Our local reputation is excellent and our in country operators are well established and professional. Our company respects the culture and the people of all countries we visit and treat them as we would like to be treated. We research all of our destinations thoroughly before taking client groups into the many countries in which we operate.

Our leaders are all experienced in the countries in which they lead and we ensure all of our local guides have English speaking skills.

What happens if Wild Spirit Adventures/Kokoda Spirit cancels my tour once I have paid all my money?

See tour cancellation in our “Terms and Conditions” section.

What if I have more questions?

Wild Spirit/Kokoda Spirit staffs are more than happy to answer any of your questions. Please contact us via the phone numbers listed on our website or email us your enquiry.

Options are available.