Transat Discoveries recently introduced travel agents from across Canada to the Purely Vietnam tour on an 11-day familiarization trip. The group started out in the northern city of Hanoi and travelled overland through Ninh Binh and Vinh to Hue and Hoi An.  Agents then flew to Ho Chi Minh City where the tour ended.

Highlights of the trip included a city tour of Hanoi that showcased its Chinese and Vietnamese architecture, and included visits to the amazing Old Quarter, the One Pillar Pagoda and the Temple of Literature. Agents then set off for Halong Bay and an overnight cruise that gave them a perfect view of the jutting limestone rock formations that dot the seascape.  From there, the group made its way to the less travelled area of Ninh Binh or “Inner Halong” where agents were able to travel along the laneways of a local village in an ox-driven cart. It was definitely one of the highlights of the trip. Later, the agents travelled down slow winding waterways through rice fields set against a backdrop of limestone cliffs. From Vinh, they travelled by boat to Phong Nha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to the oldest limestone caves in Southeast Asia.

The group then made its way south for a stay at a beach resort in Dong Hoi. From there, they moved on to Hue for a city tour that included a visit to the Imperial City, built in the fashion of the Imperial City of Beijing.  Another highlight was a rickshaw ride through the streets of Hue.  From Hue, the agents travelled over the Ocean Cloud pass, enjoying its sweeping views of the coastline, to charming Hoi An, where they enjoyed exploring and shopping in the Central Market with its quaint shops and old world charm.

The tour concluded in Ho Chi Minh City, previously known as Saigon, where the group enjoyed a city tour and a farewell cruise along the Saigon River.

Transat Discoveries is a specialized tour operator that provides a perfect blend of leisure and culture. Since 1986, Transat Discoveries has been organizing specialized holiday packages to over 30 destinations. Transat Discoveries fulfils holiday dreams in Mediterranean, European, South American, African and Asian destinations every year.
Website: www.transatdiscoveries.com
Reservations: 1 855-300-3866