Uncover Vietnam’s rich history, culture and landscapes on this immersive 9-day journey. From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the serene waters of Halong Bay, explore imperial treasures in Hue and wander the lantern-lit lanes of Hoi An’s Old Town. Discover the wartime legacy of the Cu Chi Tunnels, cruise the canals of the Mekong Delta, and take in Saigon’s French colonial landmarks. Along the way, enjoy authentic cuisine and a blend of guided sightseeing and cultural encounters that showcase the best of Vietnam.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Hanoi City Tour
After breakfast, meet your guide for a full-day tour of Vietnam’s capital. Begin with a visit to Hoan Kiem Lake and the bustling Dong Xuan Market. Continue to the Ho Chi Minh complex, including Ba Dinh Square, the Presidential Palace (viewed from outside), and Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house, set amidst peaceful gardens. Also within the complex is the One Pillar Pagoda, an iconic symbol of Hanoi founded in 1049.
After time for your own lunch, visit the Temple of Literature – Vietnam’s first university, established in 1070 – and the notorious Hoa Lo Prison, known during the Vietnam War as the "Hanoi Hilton." The tour also includes St Joseph’s Cathedral and the French colonial Opera House. Finish with a stroll through the Old Quarter, where you can enjoy a traditional Vietnamese egg coffee while soaking up the street scenes.
Overnight: Hanoi | Breakfast
Hanoi to Halong Bay
Depart Hanoi around 7:30 AM for Halong City, travelling by shuttle bus. On arrival, board your overnight cruise and enjoy lunch as you begin sailing through the dramatic limestone karsts of Halong Bay. In the evening, unwind on the deck or at the bar, or relax in your private cabin.
Overnight: Victory Star | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Halong Bay to Hue
Start the day with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck, followed by brunch on board. Disembark and return to Hanoi by shuttle bus, then transfer to the airport for your flight to Hue. On arrival, transfer to your hotel. The afternoon is at leisure.
Overnight: Hue | Breakfast
Hue to Hoi An
This morning, visit Tu Duc’s tomb, a serene complex set among lakes and frangipani trees. Continue to the Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former royal residence of the Nguyen emperors. End the morning at Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue’s oldest and most iconic religious site.
Travel onward to Hoi An via the Hai Van Pass, a scenic route marking the divide between north and south Vietnam. On arrival, check in to your hotel. The evening is free for you to explore Hoi An
Overnight: Hoi An | Breakfast
Hoi An Walking Tour
Discover Hoi An’s well-preserved Old Town on a guided walking tour. Once a major trading port, Hoi An blends Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese and French influences in its architecture. Visit a traditional merchant house, the Hoi An Museum, a Chinese Assembly Hall, Chau Ong Pagoda, and the famous Japanese Covered Bridge. You’ll end the tour in the Ancient Town, with free time to explore at your own pace
Overnight: Hoi An | Breakfast
Hoi An to Saigon & Cu Chi Tunnels
Fly to Saigon, then travel straight to the Cu Chi Tunnels. Watch a short documentary before exploring parts of this vast underground network used during the Vietnam War. You’ll gain insight into guerrilla warfare and the resourcefulness of the Viet Cong. Return to Saigon and check in to your hotel. The evening is free to enjoy the city’s lively atmosphere.
Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City | Breakfast
Mekong Delta Excursion
Travel south to Ben Tre in the Mekong Delta, known for its fertile landscape and traditional way of life. Cruise the waterways and visit a brick-making factory and a coconut workshop, before meeting a local family who hand-weave mats.
Ride a pedicab through the village and enjoy lunch featuring regional specialities, including Elephant Ear Fish. On the return to Saigon, stop at a Cao Dai temple – home to a uniquely Vietnamese religion blending elements of major world faiths. In the evening, gather for a farewell dinner at HOME Vietnamese Sai Gon.
Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Saigon City Tour & Departure
Begin with a walking tour through central Saigon, taking in key colonial-era landmarks such as Dong Khoi Street, the Rex Hotel, Municipal Theatre, and the Post Office. Continue to the outside of the Reunification Palace and the site of the former US Embassy.
Visit the War Remnants Museum, Ba Chieu wholesale market, and the Jade Emperor Pagoda, noted for its elaborate carvings. Return to your hotel to collect your bags before transferring to the airport for your onward flight. (Late check-out not included.)
Breakfast
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.
Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Flower Garden Hotel, Hanoi
This hotel is situated in the heart of Hanoi’s charming Ba Dinh district. Just a short walk from Truc Bach Lake and the historic Old Quarter, it’s ideally placed for exploring attractions like Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum. Rooms are comfortable with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, satellite TV, and minibars. Guests can enjoy a buffet breakfast, a rooftop restaurant with city views, a fitness centre, and a sauna. With friendly service and convenient facilities.
Victory Star Cruise, Halong Bay
Victory Star Cruise offers a memorable experience exploring the stunning beauty of Halong Bay. Designed in traditional Vietnamese style, this comfortable cruise ship features well-appointed cabins with private bathrooms, air conditioning, large windows, and sea views. Onboard facilities include a spacious sundeck, a dining room serving Vietnamese and international dishes, and a bar.
Alba Spa Hotel, Hue
Situated 500 metres from Huong River in Hue, Alba Spa Hotel provides comfortable accommodation in a serene setting. Guests can rejuvenate in the Alba hot and cool mineral spa pools, an age-old practice for health and vitality. The hotel is 810 metres from Notre Dame Cathedral, 1 km from An Dinh Palace and Trang Tien Bridge, 12 km from Phu Bai Airport, and 80 km from Da Nang International Airport. Rooms feature neutral décor, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, safety deposit boxes, tea/coffee makers, slippers, and hairdryers for added convenience.
Hoi An Central Boutique Hotel & Spa, Hoi An
Centrally located on Hung Vuong Street, this colonial-style hotel boasts an excellent location within walking distance of the bustling Ancient Town of Hoi An. Its comfortable guestrooms are fully equipped with modern amenities, including free WiFi and tea and coffee making facilities. The hotel features a welcoming outdoor pool, where guests can enjoy a cooling drink at the Sunken Bar, and a state-of-the-art fitness centre. The onsite spa offers rejuvenating full body Vietnamese massages and, if that wasn’t enough, the hotel also provides free bicycles and shuttle buses to take you to their private beach at An Bang.
Paragon Hotel Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City
The modern Royal Lotus carefully blends classic Vietnamese style with a touch of French flair. Guest rooms are bright, comfortable and very well appointed. A visit to the cool roof top bar is highly recommended where you can enjoy a delicious cocktail and a number of snacks whilst being treated to a lovely panoramic view of the city.
At a Glance
