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Very Vietnam

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10 days

From charming Hanoi with its fading colonial architecture and national monuments, to the spellbinding scenery of Halong Bay and bustling Ho Chi Minh City on the edge of the Mekong Delta, Vietnam is as colourful as it is diverse. See the very best of vibrant Vietnam in 10 captivating days.

For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes

Guiding Style

Fully Guided

Tour Overview

Duration

10 days

Starts

Hanoi

Ends

Ho Chi Minh City

Range

Signature

Tour Guide

Yes - escorted by a tour guide

Group Size

Min 2 / Max 24

Minimum age

15 yrs, accompanied by an adult

Departs

Saturdays

Hotel Rating

4 star

Countries

Vietnam

Arrival Transfer

Yes

Departure Transfer

Yes

Meals included

Breakfast: 9, Lunch: 4, Dinner: 1
Save 25% today
Per Person From
$3,165.00
NZD$2,373.75
Deposit From
Final payment
NZD$1,000.00
$3,747.50

Guiding Style

Fully Guided

Tour Highlights

Hanoi – Ride on a cyclo rickshaw through the French Quarter and see highlights including the Opera House and Ly Thai To Park
Ho Chi Minh City – Discover the ‘Pearl of the Orient' on a walking tour and visit the sobering War Remnants Museum
Halong Bay – Weave between limestone islets in the UNESCO-Listed bay on a deluxe junk boat and explore beautiful caves
Mekong Delta – Cruise the maze of waterways on a traditional sampan and enjoy lunch in a traditional home on Dong Hoa Hiep Island
Tra Que Village – Cycle through the countryside to Tra Que where you learn how to farm the land and partake in a fun cooking lesson
Hue – Explore the city on a guided tour to visit the iconic seven story Thien Mu Pagoda and the Imperial Purple Palace
Hoi An – Enjoy some R&R in this enchanting riverside town with its cobbled streets, lanterns and iconic Japanese Bridge
My Khe Beach (aka China Beach) - Stroll along this beautiful beach which featured in Francis Ford Coppola's 'Apocalypse Now'

Included

Breakfast daily, 4 lunches and 1 dinner
7 nights 4 star and special class hotels and 1 night aboard deluxe junk boat (private en suite cabin)
1 overnight sleeper train Hanoi to Hue in basic 4 berth cabin (or opt to fly - see Add-ons for details)
Bicycle ride to Tra Que village and cooking demonstration
Guided sightseeing - Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue, Hoi An, Mekong Delta and Ho Chi Minh City
Sampan boat trips in the Mekong Delta
Escorted by an English speaking Vietnamese tour guide
Halong Bay Junk boat cruise - opt to swim, kayak and explore caves
Economy class flight: Danang to Ho Chi Minh City
Airport arrival transfer day 1 and departure transfer day 10
All relevant transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned vehicles
Tour Style: This tour is fully guided and escorted by a single expert local tour guide throughout your trip. Your guide will travel with you for all included travel arrangements and will stay with you at your hotel. If you would prefer to enjoy sightseeing at all included sights with expert local guides, and have all of your travel arrangements included without a tour guide between destinations, please book our Escorted & Guided Sights Very Vietnam tour

Not Included

International flights and visa
Tip for your tour guide. We recommend you allow USD$3-6 per day, per traveller. Tipping your guide is an entirely personal gesture
Entrance Fees: USD$30-40pp, paid in USD or VND
Tipping Kitty: USD$30-40pp, paid in USD or VND
Tipping is not a natural part of many Western cultures and many of us feel uncomfortable, or unsure, about when, or how much, to tip. However, in the places you will visit, tipping makes up a significant part of many people's wages so it's important that we get it right. For this reason we've developed a very simple system to take all the hassle out of tipping. With our 'tipping made easy' policy, a nominal pre-determined amount is collected from all group tour participants to cover tips en route. This then saves you the hassle of when and how much to tip bellhops, luggage handlers, local guides and other support staff through the tour. Our 'tipping made easy' doesn't include a tip to your group tour leader. Naturally, though, the amount is up to you as tipping is an entirely personal gesture.

Guiding Style

Fully Guided

Itinerary

Day 1 - Hanoi

Saturday. Welcome to Hanoi, perhaps the most graceful, atmospheric and exotic capital city in Asia. Airport to hotel arrival transfer. The remainder of the day offers free time for you to explore the wide tree-lined avenues, beautiful lakes, ancient pagodas and the thriving historic old city, all easily navigated on foot.

For those able to arrive very early today or the day prior, why not get off the beaten track and explore Hanoi with us on our optional Back Streets of Hanoi add-on which explores the quaint districts of Cho Buoi, Hoang Hoa Tham and Vinh Phuc, and also includes an exhilarating local experience - riding pillion, on taxi-motorbikes through a maze of tiny streets and along the shore of beautiful Ho Tay Lake.

Overnight: Hanoi

Day 2 - 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.

Overnight: Halong Bay, Deluxe Junk Boat
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 - Explore the 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.

Overnight: Sleeper train
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 - Imperial Hue

Upon arrival to Hue 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 and here we view the elaborate mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc. As the sun sets there is an optional cruise in a long boat along the gentle Perfume River, beautifully illuminated at night.

Overnight: Hue
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5 - 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 My Khe beach, a beautiful stretch of coastline which was nicknamed 'China Beach' by the Americans during the war and famously featured in Francis Ford Coppola’s movie ‘Apocalypse Now’. Perhaps enjoy a refreshing swim in the sea before continuing our journey south along the coast to Hoi An.

The charming, old-world trading port of Hoi An with its cobbled streets, traditional homes and tiny shop houses is a perfect place to lose yourself in a bygone 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 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.

Overnight: Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 - Tra Que Village

A bicycle ride into the countryside leads us 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 hands-on experience today where we assist with tending the fields and gardens and cooking lunch!

Overnight: Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 7 - 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, where you can ride the second longest cable car in the world, explore the resort and walk along the striking Golden Bridge (book and pay locally).

Overnight: Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 - Cruising the Mekong

Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh City. Early morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Then a 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 its 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.

Overnight: Can Tho
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 9 - Mekong & Ho Chi Minh City

Can Tho - Ho Chi Minh City. Early today we visit the ever lively Cai Rang floating market. Watch as melons, pineapples, fresh greens, sacks of rice and children's toys get tossed from one sampan to another at great heights and speed 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. Our walking tour of Ho Chi Minh City includes visits to the Notre Dame Cathedral, Old Post office and the sobering War Remnants Museum. Evening is at leisure.

Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City
Meals: Breakfast

Day 10 - Ho Chi Minh City

Monday. Today is free for you to enjoy Ho Chi Minh City before your departure transfer to the airport. Opt for a relaxing foot massage, shop for souvenirs at Ben Thanh Market or visit the grand Independence Palace, with its secret bunker and military command centre beneath.

You could also extend your stay and join us on a day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels. Here you can go underground to explore the vast network of tunnels and hideouts used by Viet Cong guerrilla fighters, see booby traps, trap doors or test your skill with an AK 47 at the firing range.

Meals: Breakfast

Guiding Style

Fully Guided

Tour Reviews

Very well organized, we liked all the hotels except the one in Saigon ( carpets were very dirty) Halong Bay kayaking and the Surprise cave were highlights. The river front hotel in Hoi An, excellent,and biking there. Winwin taught us a lot about Vietnam. He was patient, kind, organized, efficient,

Our guide Kien was truly amazing- he made our trip wonderful and went above and beyond- Vietnam is an amazing place

Sy was great - really supportive of the group and also of me in particular (due to my size). He was always helpful, caring and thoughtful - I really valued and appreciated having Sy as our guide.

La Casa needs refurb, food good. Rushed at some venues. No consultation re not stopping at china beach, raining. 0300 start, not good, Can Tho, could be removed and replaced with Cu Chi tunnels, a second night in Saigon. Guide very passionate. Hoi An, balanced with itinerary/free time

Tour guide was excellent, very helpful,. Accommodation was great, A bit disappointed with the hotel on our final night. Rooms very small after having good quality hotels all the way thru the tour. Need more free time, and consider making the tour 2 days longer to save long periods on the bus

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

$105per passenger

Twin

$105per passenger

Single

$205per passenger

Post Tour Accommodation Saigon

Double

$105per passenger

Twin

$105per passenger

Single

$195per passenger

Additional Excursions

Enhance your tour with these optional extras, helping you to get the most from your adventure.

Vespa ride in Saigon | Vietnam | Southeast Asia
Hoi An Street Eats

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.

$265

per passenger
Flight Upgrade
Fly Hanoi to Hue

Opt 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.

$335

per passenger
Hanoi Backstreets Tour | Vietnam | Southeast Asia
Backstreets of Hanoi

Get off the beaten track with a backstreets tour of Hanoi before your main tour of Vietnam begins. Travelling by various modes of transport including a taxi-motorbike, explore the quaint districts of Cho Buoi, Hoang Hoa Tham and Vinh Phuc. Have a delicious local lunch before visiting the Temple of Literature and the infamous Hanoi Hilton. Ending the day with a refreshing roadside beer.

$155

per passenger

Tour Extensions

Extend your trip with our multi-day tour extensions, including accommodation, sightseeing and free time.

Mai Chau Add On | Vietnam | Southeast Asia
Mai Chau Adventure

This add-on is a 4-day tour to the valley of Mai Chau that departs from Hanoi on Wednesdays and can be booked in conjunction with most of our SE Asia group tours that begin in Hanoi on a Saturday.

Double

$815per passenger

Twin

$815per passenger

Single

$1,065per passenger
Cu Chi Tunnels | Saigon | Vietnam
Cu Chi Tunnels

This add-on is a 2-day tour that includes the Cu Chi Tunnels that can be booked in conjunction with Southeast Asia Signature group tours ending in Ho Chi Minh City.

Double

$205per passenger

Twin

$205per passenger

Single

$295per passenger

Guiding Style

Fully Guided

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.

If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.

La Casa Hotel
Hanoi

Set in the tranquil French Quarter of Hanoi, La Casa Hotel offers a comfortable stay in Vietnam’s bustling capital. Each guestroom features free high-speed WiFi and individually controlled air conditioning, alongside the other amenities you’d expect of a modern hotel. Guests can enjoy Asian cuisine in the on-site restaurant as well as a range of beverages in the bar. The gym boasts fantastic views over the city, however, if you’re looking to unwind, you can take a dip in the fountain swimming pool or head to the hotel's spa center.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Sunway Hotel
Hanoi

This ambient, boutique hotel combines traditional appeal with modern pleasures. Rooms are furnished in a contemporary fashion with an array of amenities for added comfort. Its restaurant provides a great variety of Vietnamese cuisine and you are welcome to enjoy cocktails and live music in the Jazz Bar or relax in the hotel's health spa.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Bhaya Classic I Junk Boat
Halong Bay

This premier cruise boat offers 18 well appointed cabins with en suite amenities. Cabins are contemporary in design, whilst the finer touches have a distinct oriental influence. All cabins feature large windows creating a bright and airy atmosphere as well as scenic views. Facilities and services onboard include a dining room and bar, a sunbathing area on-deck, masseur and small library.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
Mid Range Junk
Syrena Junk Boat
Halong Bay

A tradition hand crafted boat, the Syrena Junk Boat offers superb en suite air conditioned cabins with comfortable interiors and balconies. The on board Lotus Restaurant serves up a delicious array of Vietnamese and International cuisine. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available in the public areas. Swimming, kayaking and tai chi are all offered on board and movie nights are also very popular.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
Mid Range Junk
Mondial Hotel
Hue

Just a 5 minute walk from the Ho Chi Minh museum, the Mondial Hotel is a contemporary hotel with excellent amenities. Guest rooms benefit from spacious interiors, comfortable beds and lots of mod-cons. There is complimentary Wi-Fi for guests, an outdoor pool and onsite spa - perfect for a re laxing massage. As well as the delicious Huong Xuan Restaurant there is also the Lobby Lounge - great for cocktails before dinner!

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
ÊMM Hotel
Hue

Situated in the heart of the former imperial capital, ÊMM Hotel is the perfect base from which to explore Hue’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed sights. Guestrooms are spacious and complete with modern amenities. The hotel's imperial jade and royal purple colour scheme was inspired by ancient Hue itself. Guests can take advantage of the mini-gym, pool-side bar and reading area. Enjoy delicious Vietnamese and international cuisine in the onsite contemporary restaurant.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Vinh Hung Riverside Resort
Hoi An

Situated right on the banks of the Thu Bon River, this upscale hotel is just a 10-minute walk from the ancient town of Hoi An. Combining Vietnamese tradition with modern facilities, its guestrooms are set in coconut tree-shaded gardens beside the water. They’re well-equipped, with free WiFi and air conditioning, as well as private balconies. The hotel also offers a riverside restaurant, serving local specialties and western dishes on the outdoor terrace. This hotel’s highlight, however, is its pool and fabulous swim up bar, which is the perfect place to enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
The Saga Hotel
Hoi An

The Saga Hotel Hoi An offers a comfortable and modern stay in Hoi An. Guests can unwind in the outdoor swimming pool or enjoy a workout at the fitness centre. The hotel features a garden, a bar, and a restaurant serving local cuisine. With amenities such as free WiFi, air-conditioned rooms with flat-screen TVs, minibars, and private bathrooms, The Saga Hotel Hoi An ensures a convenient and pleasant experience. Additional services include a 24-hour front desk and a kids' club. A range of breakfast options—buffet, continental, or American—are available each morning.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
ÊMM Hotel
Hoi An

Ideally located less than 200 metres from Hoi An's Old Quarter, this beautiful hotel features a mix of French colonial and traditional Vietnamese architecture. There's an outdoor swimming pool and a serene private garden to unwind in. Guests can enjoy a buffet breakfast and other meals in the onsite restaurant and drinks at the bar. There is also free Wi-Fi throughout the property. Room are colourfully and tastefully decorated, with minibars, fridges, TV and ensuite bathrooms.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
TTC Hotel Premium Can Tho
Can Tho

Situated along the Hau River and just a short 2-minute stroll from the riverside, TTC Hotel - Can Tho boasts a central location in Can Tho. This 10-story hotel provides captivating panoramic views of both the city and the river and offers a wide range of facilities including an outdoor pool, spa, casino and nightclub. Comfort is guaranteed in the spacious, well equipped rooms and complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout. You can savour delectable Asian and Western cuisine at the in-house TTC restaurant and enjoy scenic views of the river at The Alfresco Cafe.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Victoria Hotel Can Tho
Can Tho

This attractive, colonial-style resort is tastefully decorated with well-appointed rooms and a wide range of facilities including a spa, tennis courts, open-air bar, restaurant and a gym. The hotel also offers sunrise and sunset cruises to the floating markets aboard the Lady Hau junk.

Our Rating
Deluxe
Local Rating
5 Star Hotel
Muong Thanh Centre
Ho Chi Minh City

Centrally located, yet on a peaceful, tree-lined street, you will find the Muong Thanh Centre. Only a ten-minute walk from top attractions such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, Opera House and Ben Thanh Market, this hotel is a great base for exploring the famous sights of the city. Its guest rooms boast sophisticated designs and panoramic views. Warm and friendly, the Muong Thanh Centre also features a spa and swimming pool for you to relax and unwind after a long day of sightseeing.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Bay Hotel
Ho Chi Minh City

The 16-storey, Saigon River-facing Bay Hotel is located just a couple of streets away from the Notre Dame Basilica and Independence Palace in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. Rooms offer a complimentary Wi-Fi connection and a complimentary minibar, which is replenished daily. Rooms are bright and contemporary, with floor-to-ceiling windows, ensuite bathroom, TV and safe. The hotel restaurant serves a variety of Asian cuisine and there is a daily buffet breakfast. The rooftop pool and bar offers incredible views over the city.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel

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.

2024
Twin/Double
Single
7 Dec - 16 Dec
Save 15%
$3,395$2,886
$4,945$4,204
21 Dec - 30 Dec
Save 15%
$3,615$3,073
$5,385$4,578
28 Dec - 6 Jan
Save 15%
Sold Out
Sold Out
2025
Twin/Double
Single
4 Jan - 13 Jan
Save 15%
Sold Out
Sold Out
11 Jan - 20 Jan
Save 15%
Sold Out
Sold Out
8 Feb - 17 Feb
Save 15%
$3,565$3,031
$5,195$4,416
15 Feb - 24 Feb
Save 15%
$3,565$3,031
$5,195$4,416
22 Feb - 3 Mar
Save 30%
$3,565$2,496
$5,195$3,637
1 Mar - 10 Mar
Save 30%
$3,565$2,496
$5,195$3,637
8 Mar - 17 Mar
Save 15%
$3,565$3,031
$5,195$4,416
15 Mar - 24 Mar
Save 15%
$3,565$3,031
$5,195$4,416

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