Best of Vietnam
Kicking off in Vietnam's capital Hanoi, embark on a breathtaking 13 day journey through imperial cities and rural villages, taking in beautiful Halong Bay and the lush Mekong Delta. Finish up in vibrant Ho Chi Minh City and the fascinating Viet Cong tunnels of Cu-Chi!
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes
Guiding Style
Fully Guided
Tour Overview
Duration
13 daysStarts
HanoiEnds
Ho Chi Minh CityRange
SignatureTour Guide
Yes - escorted by a tour guideGroup Size
Min 2 / Max 24Minimum age
15 yrs, accompanied by an adultDeparts
FridaysHotel Rating
4 starCountries
VietnamArrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
YesMeals included
Breakfast: 12, Lunch: 5, Dinner: 1Guiding Style
Fully Guided
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Guiding Style
Fully Guided
Itinerary
Day 1 - Hanoi
Day 1 - Hanoi
Friday. Welcome to Hanoi, perhaps the most graceful, atmospheric and exotic capital city in Asia. Airport to hotel arrival transfer. The remains of the day offers free time for you to explore the wide tree lined avenues, beautiful lakes, ancient pagoda’s and thriving, historic old city, all easily navigated on foot.
Day 2 - Backstreets of Hanoi tour
Day 2 - Backstreets of Hanoi tour
After breakfast we embark on an exciting back streets tour of Vietnam's capital. Our adventure starts with a taxi ride from the hotel to a well known street market northwest of the city which sells giant trees and plants. From here we stroll along the sidewalks, following an urban trail through the backstreets to the quaint district of Vinh Phuc. After exploring this wonderful neighbourhood we stop for refreshments at a unique coffee shop tucked away down a narrow alley. Then it's time for an exhilarating local experience, riding pillion on taxi-motorbikes through a maze of tiny streets and along the shore of beautiful Ho Tay Lake. After that, our guide will arrange lunch for you with one of Hanoi’s street food specialties.
In the afternoon we walk past Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum (exterior only), where ‘Uncle Ho’ has laid since 1975 and learn all about the great man himself, who is regarded as the father of the nation. Continuing on we stroll down Hung Vuong Avenue to explore the complex of the beautiful Temple of Literature, which was Vietnam's first university. Then we board the local bus to the Hoa Lo prison, aka the Hanoi Hilton, named by US prisoners of war. We finish the day with a refreshing roadside bia hoi (beer). Return to the hotel by taxi for an evening at leisure.
Please note: If you would prefer not to travel by taxi-motorbike, please an air-conditioned car/ taxi will be provided at no extra cost.
Day 3 - Junk boat cruising, Halong Bay
Day 3 - Junk boat cruising, Halong Bay
Hanoi – Halong Bay. After breakfast we enjoy an exhilarating cyclo (rickshaw) ride around the maze of streets in Hanoi's French Quarter, taking in highlights such as the Opera house and Ly Thai To Park. After the cyclo ride we transfer to heavenly Halong Bay, the jewel in Vietnam's scenic crown. We explore the pristine jade waters, studded with karst islands, aboard a traditional junk boat. Our cruise starts with a tasty lunch onboard, soaking up the views.
This afternoon we visit Trinh Nu Cave, one of the finest caves in Halong Bay, covering an area of 2,000m² with a stunning array of stalactites and stalagmites. There's also the opportunity to go kayaking and enjoy a refreshing swim. Later this evening back on board, watch a Vietnamese cooking demonstration held on the sundeck before settling down for a sumptuous seafood dinner.
Day 4 - Hanoi Old Quarter
Day 4 - Hanoi Old Quarter
Halong Bay - Hanoi - Hue. Early birds can start the day with a relaxing Tai Chi class on the sundeck or a traditional massage. Before heading back to port this morning, we explore the beautiful Sung Sot cave (Surprise Grotto), which is 10,000m² and consists of two major chambers which are spectacular and spacious enough to hold thousands of people.
Arriving back into Hanoi mid-afternoon we enjoy a leisurely walk around the ‘36 streets of the old quarter’, named after the numerous guilds that once set up shop on a particular street, from silk tailors to traditional medicine shops.
Later this evening there's a chance to freshen up before boarding the train (4 berth sleeper cabin, basic standard) on the ‘Reunification Express’ railway line to Hue. An option to fly from Hanoi to Hue is also available.
Day 5 - Imperial Hue
Day 5 - Imperial Hue
Today we take in the highlights of Hue. Upon arrival we embark on a guided sightseeing tour of the 19th-century Nguyen empire capital. We visit the Thien Mu Pagoda, home to the oldest monastery in the city, whose 21m high tower has become something of a symbol for Hue and the citadel. Within the citadel is the Imperial Purple Palace, an exact copy of the Forbidden City in Beijing, with its impressive ramparts, formal moats and imperial palaces, some of which lay in ruin.
In the countryside lies the Royal Tombs of the Nguyen kings, here we’ll view the elaborate mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc. As the sun sets there's an optional cruise in a long boat along the gentle Perfume River, beautifully illuminated at night.
Day 6 - Delightful Hoi An
Day 6 - Delightful Hoi An
Hue - Road of the Ocean Clouds - Hoi An. Today we take the scenic Hai Van Pass (Road of the Ocean Clouds), which offers magnificent views of beaches to one side and lush hills to the other. En route we stop for a walk along China beach. Perhaps enjoy a refreshing swim in the sea before continuing our journey south to Hoi An.
The charming, old-world trading port of Hoi An with it cobbled streets, traditional homes and tiny shop houses is a perfect place to lose yourself in a by gone era. Boutique restaurants, hip cafes along the waterfront, delightful craft shops and artisans including some of Asia’s best bespoke tailors (whose services come at a nominal price), all can be found here.
On a short walking tour of the enchanting historical town, we’ll visit the Chua Ong Pagoda, Chinese Assembly Hall, 200-year-old Tam Ky house, former merchants’ homes and the 400 year-old Japanese Covered Bridge.
During your stay in Hoi An, we offer a unique optional Hoi An Street Eats add-on, which explores the city’s most popular local haunts. Cruise the city the way the locals do, by vintage Vespa and enjoy lots of tasty Vietnamese Cuisine. Book early with your reservation consultant, as numbers are limited.
Day 7 - Tra Que village
Day 7 - Tra Que village
This morning we set off on a leisurely bike ride through the countryside to Tra Que village (we can arrange alternative transportation at no extra cost for those who don't wish to cycle). Here we discover age old farming practices and learn about traditional medicine. It’s a fun, hands on experience today as we don conical hats and assist with tending the fields and gardens before watching an entertaining cooking demonstration and helping to cook a tasty lunch.
Day 8 - Hoi An - at leisure
Day 8 - Hoi An - at leisure
A free day for you relax or further sightsee. You may wish to take a relaxing rowboat journey along the river or spend the day lazing by the beach or hotel pool. Alternatively you can opt to take an excursion to the UNESCO-listed My Son sanctuary or enjoy a day trip to the Ba Na Hills mountain resort, where you will ride the second longest cable car in the world and walk along the striking Golden Bridge (book and pay locally).
Day 9 - Cruising the Mekong
Day 9 - Cruising the Mekong
Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh City. Early morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Drive to the Mekong Delta. Often referred to as the ‘rice bowl’ of Vietnam, the fertile Mekong Delta is famous for its abundant harvests of tropical fruits, flowers and rice, as well as it fantastic views while boating along the canals. Taking our sampan from Cai Be we cruise through the maze of waterways watching the hubbub of daily life on the river. Passing colourful trading boats, house boats and children swimming we stop to visit some of the local cottage industries that produce popcorn, coco candies and paper along the way. Lunch is served today in a traditional wooden home on Dong Hoa Hiep Island.
Day 10 - Mekong & Ho Chi Minh City
Day 10 - Mekong & Ho Chi Minh City
Can Tho - Ho Chi Minh City. Early today we visit the ever lively Cai Rang floating market before driving back to Ho Chi Minh City. Once called the Pearl of the Orient, modern Ho Chi Minh City is a thriving metropolis on the move. Sleek sky scrapers, gourmet restaurants, designer malls and swanky bars and spas are scattered between ancient pagodas, colonial era landmarks and lively street markets. On a walking tour of Ho Chi Minh City we'll see the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Post Office before visiting the sobering War Remnants Museum. Evening at leisure.
Day 11 - Cu Chi Tunnels
Day 11 - Cu Chi Tunnels
Ho Chi Minh City – Cu Chi. This morning we visit the famous Cu Chi Tunnels used by the Viet-Cong in their struggle to keep control of the region during the 1960’s. After a short video presentation we take an exciting walk around the many bush trails and see trapdoors, booby traps, living areas, weapon factories and kitchens that were used and lived in during the war. We can also safely crawl through sections of the tunnels, that have been widened for the tourists and stand in the middle of bomb craters that are still just as defined as the day they were created. At the end of the visit you can opt to fire weapons of the era (including the M16 ‘s and AK47) on the firing range.
Day 12 - Ho Chi Minh City Tour
Day 12 - Ho Chi Minh City Tour
Today we head out to explore more of Ho Chi Minh City. Starting off with the Reunification Palace - former residence of the President of South Vietnam until the fall of Ho Chi Minh City on April 30th 1975. The building is now a museum and a popular wedding venue. We’ll take a look in the famous ‘War Room’ where the North Vietnamese army took control in 1975. Next we explore Giac Lam Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh City’s oldest and one of its most beautiful temples.
Later on we take a journey through Vietnam’s medical history at the FITO Museum. This is Vietnam’s first traditional medicine museum with an amazing collection of over 3000 items. Our last stop of the day is Ben Thanh Market, where you can shop till you drop and master the art of haggling for just about anything!
Day 13 - Ho Chi Minh City
Day 13 - Ho Chi Minh City
Wednesday. Today marks the end of our tour and after breakfast we will transfer you to the airport for your onward departure flight.
Guiding Style
Fully Guided
Tour Reviews
Guiding Style
Fully Guided
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Pre and Post Tour Accommodation
Extend your tour with us by booking pre and post-accommodation, available at a per-person, per-night rate.
Pre Tour Accommodation Hanoi
Double
Twin
Single
Post Tour Accommodation Saigon
Double
Twin
Single
Additional Excursions
Enhance your tour with these optional extras, helping you to get the most from your adventure.
The streets of Hoi An are jam packed with scooters, so if you want to experience Hoi An's nightlife the way locals do, then jump on a vintage Vespa to explore some of the city’s popular local haunts and tuck into lots of tasty Vietnamese cuisine.
$225
per passengerOpt to fly between Hanoi and Hue on any of our group tours, in lieu of the Reunification Express overnight train journey. After exploring the 36 streets of the old quarter by rickshaw, it's a one hour flight to Hue, where you'll enjoy a comfy bed for the night. The following morning enjoy a lie in and a leisurely breakfast before rendezvousing with your tour group mid-morning.
$295
per passengerGuiding Style
Fully Guided
Hotels
If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.
Guiding Style
Fully Guided
Prices & Dates
All departure dates are guaranteed to operate when there are 2 persons booked on the tour. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers and anyone wanting the privacy of their own room.
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