South Vietnam History TripThis trip offers a unique insight into the terrible realities of war and gives a chance to learn about the experiences of those on both sides who fought in the war and lived through it. Visiting many important historical sites, learning about this history and seeing the progress to modern day Vietnam.

Discover. Learn. Adventure.

Included• International Flights • Comprehensive travel insurance • Project funds and management • All meals • Unlimited drinking water • All accommodation mentioned in the itinerary • Entrance fees for all sights mentioned in the

itinerary • All transfers mentioned in the program in

private air conditioned vehicles • Local Expedition Leader • Tips for Guides • 24 hour support throughout expedition

Not Included• Tourist visa • Vaccinations • Spending money • Additional drinks • Personal equipment

South Vietnam History TripHighlights• Visit important historical sights. • Learn about the horrific realities of war in this era. • Learn about war propaganda. • Learn about the aftermath and effects of war. • 1 day cycle around

Weather Being a long country with a large difference in Latitude, there can be stark differences in temperature between the North and South during the winter season; however, for the most part the weather is hot and sunny. That said Vietnam also has scattered and unpredictable rain, especially during the wet season in May to September. The rains, which tend to be concentrated in the late afternoons, provide welcome relief to the heat. In general, Vietnam has a tropical, climate with average annual temperatures ranging from 22°c to 30°c.

About Vietnam A long, skinny country curled around the west of the South China Sea, Vietnam has 3,450km of coastline and a central spine of mountains, including the highest peak in mainland Southeast Asia, Mount Fansipan. The narrow band of lowland deserts and steep mountains in the centre give way to broad expanses of river deltas in the north and south. Having begun its journey in Tibet, the Mekong River divides into nine tributaries and feeds the agricultural region of the Mekong Delta. Meanwhile, the Red River Delta is the economic centre of the northern region notably known for farming and villages specialising in producing handicrafts.

Day 1: Saigon arrival Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat airport we will transfer you to your hotel to settle in relax. In the evening, we enjoy a welcome Vietnamese dinner in one of Saigon’s top restaurants. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 2: Retracing the Past War History Tour After breakfast we will visit a shrine outside of the US Consulate, then continue to the former CIA building. You’ll then head to the rooftop café of the Rex hotel for a drink and to enjoy the view and visit the Reunification Palace for a guided tour of the former headquarters of the South Vietnamese Government. Drive to the former residence of the US Ambassador of South Vietnam in the early 1960s and to a historic venue for a late lunch of “pho” (noodle soup). The afternoon will be spent admiring Saigon’s historic landmarks including the Notre Dame Cathedral and a visit to the War Remnants Museum for a vivid insight of the American war through the local’s eyes. Have dinner at a local restaurant then transfer back the hotel.

Day 3: Cu Chi Tunnels Tour and Wildlife at riskVisit the Cu Chi tunnels with a Viet Cong veteran who used to live there, to better understand the tunnels’ history, life in the tunnels and the Vietnamese’s resilience during the combats. Have lunch at a local restaurant then head to Wildlife at Risk (WAR) which is dedicated to protecting the biodiversity of Vietnam. WAR has an Animal Rescue Station just 10-minute drive from the Cu Chi tunnels. If you are interested in sustainable tourism or environmental conservation, a visit to WAR headquarters is a must. Transfer back to the hotel and enjoy dinner.

Day 4: Biking to Mekong deltaLeave the bustle of the big city behind as you depart from Saigon, heading south towards the Mekong Delta. Upon arrival at Tan An town, start your cycling trip through quiet back roads. Ride over paved laneways and dirt paths passing orchards, rice fields, tiny villages, wooden bridges, and canals. The highlight of these quiet roads is to witness the colourful daily life and connect with friendly people along narrow country lanes. Take some time with the young children who will always try to outdo one another while posing in front of your camera! End the tour at a local restaurant for lunch where you can enjoy some Mekong Delta specialties before returning to Saigon. Dinner at local restaurant.

Cycling distance: Approx. 47 kmDifficulty: Moderate

Day 5: Saigon – Ba Ria – Vung TauAfter breakfast, depart for a 2-hour drive towards Ba Ria – Vung Tau. Drive past the impressive VC Memorial, the former US /Australian wartime airbase on the way to Ba Ria. Lunch is en route at a local restaurant. Visit a village in Hoa Long where rice paper is still produced by hand. There is an opportunity to interact with the locals to get a glimpse of their daily life. Then travel onto Long Phuoc to visit a former wartime tunnel complex. Drive to Vung Tau. Head up to Radar Hill where you are able to orientate yourself with a fantastic overview of the city and the coast. Continue driving down to Bai Sau beach, the longest of the peninsula's beaches. Spend time walking along the beachside area, adjacent to the former Australian wartime base. Overnight in Vung Tau.

Day 6: Vung Tau - Long Tan - Nui Dat - Saigon After breakfast, check-out of your hotel and drive to the former 1st Australian Task Force Base at Nui Dat. Continue to visit other historic landmarks including Long Tan battlefield and the Long Tan Memorial Cross, located in the tranquil surrounds of the rubber plantations. Finish your tour with a visit to Horseshoe Hill, a strategic observation outpost established by the Australian forces. Lunch will be at a local restaurant before returning to Saigon mid-afternoon. In the evening you’ll enjoy the farewell dinner at local restaurant.

Day 7: DepartureFree time at leisure until your transfer to the airport for your flight back to Dubai.

Itinerary

Company number 04449971 • Version: 01.15 #1 • VAT number 794168389 • © Camps International 2015

Your Expedition This itinerary is meant as an example and can be “tweaked” depending on your timeframes and aims. We have the infrastructure, local knowledge and expertise to meet any specific requirements in terms of learning objectives or your team's abilities. We can provide a relevant and beneficial outdoor experiential learning opportunity, which is safe yet challenging, hard work yet enjoyable. Additional adventure elements can be added in or removed depending on your requirements.

Leadership A Camps International accredited Expedition Leader will accompany you for the duration of the trip. Our leaders have been chosen not only on the merits of their technical ability or qualifications, but also on their leadership skills and temperament. We will provide a leader who will make the expedition both successful and enjoyable throughout. Their primary objective will be to maximise every participant’s chances of completing the trek, and to manage a team of individuals with a broad spectrum of experience and expectations. Our leaders hold current first aid certificates and have experience of dealing with wilderness medicine and emergency care.

Middle East OfficeUnit 213, Apex Atrium Building Motor City, Dubai, UAE | PO Box 333739 T: +971 (0)4 450 8931 E: uae@campsinternational.com

www.campsinternational.com

Why Us? • We use a cadre of excellent UK expedition leaders • We have the best in country Guides • We have a high Guide:Client ratio, which increases safety • High standard of accommodation, vehicles and ground services