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Best of Vietnam (Partially Guided)

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13 days

Kicking off in Vietnam's capital Hanoi, embark on an exciting 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, with a trip to the fascinating Viet Cong tunnels of Cu-Chi!

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

Free cancellation
Free amends
Available on all departures booked at least 40 days in advance. Cancel or change your booking for FREE for up to 7 days after booking

Guiding Style

Partially Guided

Tour Overview

Duration

13 days

Starts

Hanoi

Ends

Ho Chi Minh City

Range

Handpicked

Tour Guide

Local guides for included sightseeing

Group Size

Min 2 / Max 12

Minimum age

8 yrs, accompanied by an adult

Departs

Daily (except Thursdays & Fridays)

Hotel Rating

4 star

Countries

Vietnam

Arrival Transfer

Yes

Departure Transfer

Yes

Meals included

Breakfast: 12, Lunch: 5, Dinner: 1
Save 30% today
Per Person From
R 47,655.00
R 33,358.50
Deposit From
Final payment
R 10,000.00
R 56,717.00

Guiding Style

Partially Guided

Tour Highlights

Hanoi – Ride pillion on taxi-motorbikes and discover the backstreets of the city including the Temple of Literature and Hoa Lo Prison
Cu Chi Tunnels – Discover the legendary tunnels which were used masterfully by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War
Ho Chi Minh City – Explore the sobering War Remnants Museum, the Reunification Palace and the fascinating FITO Museum
Halong Bay – Weave around beautiful limestone islets onboard a junk boat and explore inside the beautiful caves
Hue – See the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda and the Imperial Purple Palace which is hidden behind the walls of the ancient Citadel
Tra Que village – Enjoy a bicycle ride in the countryside, learn how to tend the fields and enjoy a hands-on cooking lesson
Mekong Delta – Cruise the waterways on a traditional sampan, visit local cottage industries and enjoy lunch in a local home
Hoi An – Enjoy some R&R in this enchanting riverside town with its cobbled streets, lanterns and iconic Japanese Bridge

Included

Breakfast daily, 5 lunches and 1 dinner
10 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)
Guided sightseeing - Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue, Hoi An, Mekong Delta, Cu Chi Tunnels and Ho Chi Minh City
Halong Bay Junk boat cruise - opt to swim, kayak and explore caves
Sampan boat trips in the Mekong Delta
Bicycle ride to Tra Que village and cooking demonstration
Local English speaking specialist guides for all sightseeing
Economy class flight: Danang to Ho Chi Minh City
Airport arrival transfer day 1 and departure transfer day 13
All relevant transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned vehicles
Tour Style: On this tour you will enjoy sightseeing at all included sights with expert local guides, and all of your travel arrangements are included. You will travel without a tour guide between destinations. If you would prefer to be fully escorted by a single tour guide throughout your trip, please book our fully guided Best of Vietnam tour

Not Included

International flights and visa
Tip for your local guides. We recommend you allow USD$3-6 per day, per traveller. Tipping your guide is an entirely personal gesture
Entrance Fees: USD$50-60pp, 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

Partially Guided

Itinerary

Day 1 - Hanoi

Welcome to Hanoi. Airport to hotel arrival transfer. The remains of the day offers free time for you to explore Vietnam's charming capital with its wide tree lined avenues, beautiful lakes, ancient pagoda’s and thriving, historic old city, all easily navigated on foot.
Please note: Unlike our Best of Vietnam Signature tour this tour is not fully escorted by a tour guide. You will meet local guides for included sightseeing.

Overnight: Hanoi

Day 2 - Backstreets of Hanoi tour

After breakfast embark on an exciting backstreets tour of Hanoi. 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, your guide will arrange lunch for you with one of Hanoi’s street food specialties.

In the afternoon we see 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. At 5pm today there will be a welcome meeting at the hotel.

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.

Overnight: Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3 - Junk boat cruising, Halong Bay

Hanoi – Halong Bay. Transfer to heavenly Halong Bay this morning and board a traditional junk boat for an overnight cruise around the pristine jade waters, studded with karst islands.

The cruise starts with a tasty lunch onboard, as you soak up the incredible 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.

Please note: the itinerary in Halong Bay can vary dependent upon the cruise we use and weather conditions. The transfer to/from Halong Bay is with a driver, not a guide.

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

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.

From Halong Bay, transfer back to Hanoi, arriving mid-afternoon. In Hanoi meet our local guide for 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 take 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 5 - Imperial Hue

Arriving into Hue you will be met off the train and transferred to our hotel. We take in the highlights of Hue on a guided sightseeing tour of the 19th-century Nguyen empire capital with a local guide. Visiting Thien Mu Pagoda, home to the oldest monastery in the city, 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.

Overnight: Hue
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6 - Delightful Hoi An

Hue - Road of the Ocean Clouds - Hoi An. This morning we transfer to Hoi An, taking 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 a stop is made at China beach, which featured in Francis Ford Coppola's 'Apocalypse Now'. There's time for you to to take a stroll along this beautiful beach and perhaps enjoy a refreshing swim in the sea before continuing the journey south to Hoi An, where the rest of the day is free to spend at leisure.

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.

During your stay in Hoi An, we offer an 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 7 - Tra Que village

This morning we meet a local guide and 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. After lunch we bid farewell to our hosts at Tra Que and cycle back to Hoi An.

Later this afternoon we take in the highlights of Hoi an on a short walking tour, visiting the Chua Ong Pagoda, Chinese Assembly Hall, 200-year-old Tam Ky house, former merchants’ homes and the 400 year-old Japanese Covered Bridge.

Overnight: Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

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).

Overnight: Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast

Day 9 - Cruising the Mekong

Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh City. Transfer to Danang Airport for an early morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City, where we meet a local guide and travel on 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 a 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 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 see the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Post Office before visiting the sobering War Remnants Museum.

Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City
Meals: Breakfast

Day 11 - Cu Chi Tunnels

Ho Chi Minh City – Cu Chi. This morning 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. After the tour transfer back to Ho Chi Minh City and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City
Meals: Breakfast

Day 12 - Ho Chi Minh City Tour

Head out to explore more of Ho Chi Minh City today. 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 learn about 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!

Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City
Meals: Breakfast

Day 13 - Ho Chi Minh City

Today marks the end of our tour and after breakfast we will transfer you to the airport for your onward departure flight.

Meals: Breakfast

Guiding Style

Partially Guided

Tour Reviews

Guiding Style

Partially 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

R 1,065per passenger

Twin

R 1,065per passenger

Single

R 2,135per passenger

Post Tour Accommodation Saigon

Double

R 1,065per passenger

Twin

R 1,065per passenger

Single

R 2,105per 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.

R 2,805

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.

R 3,605

per passenger

Guiding Style

Partially 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
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
Ruby Cruise
Halong Bay

Ruby Cruise offers a luxurious and immersive experience in Ha Long Bay. The vessel features free WiFi, a bar, and a sun terrace, ensuring a comfortable stay. Guests can enjoy a range of services including fitness and yoga classes, a traditional restaurant serving buffet and continental breakfasts, and a snack bar with packed lunches. Each well-appointed cabin includes a private bathroom with bidet, bathrobes, slippers, and a hair dryer. With its professional crew and high-class service, Ruby Cruise promises a memorable journey through one of Vietnam's most breathtaking landscapes.

Our Rating
Deluxe
Local Rating
Luxury 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
Thanh Binh Riverside Hotel
Hoi An

Boasting a beautiful outdoor swimming pool, the Thanh Binh Riverside offers excellent accommodation in a great loacation. Guest rooms benefit from garden or river views and all come full air-conditioned, with stunning hardwood floors and all mod-cons. The onsite restaurant offers a great selection of Vietnamese and International dishes and the town centre is just a mere 200m walk away. Why not grab a cocktail and relax by the pool in the afternoon - a great way to refresh yourself from the Vietnam heat.

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
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
Iris Hotel
Can Tho

This elegant hotel is housed within a modern building in the city of Can Tho. Each guest room comes equipped with plush furnishings to ensure a good night's sleep and is decorated with a neutral palate and calming tones. Rooms look over the city and boast a range of modern amenities such as air conditioning and stylish ensuite facilities. Magnificent views of the city can be had from the hotel's skybar while a range of gourmet local and international dishes can be sampled at the onsite restaurant.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Happy Life Grand Hotel
Ho Chi Minh City

Happy Life Grand Hotel & Sky Bar in Ho Chi Minh City provides a blend of comfort and convenience with its array of amenities. Guests can enjoy an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre, and a bar, while the on-site restaurant offers an à la carte breakfast. The hotel features free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and additional services including room service. The sun terrace is perfect for relaxation. Located near popular attractions such as the Fine Arts Museum, Takashimaya Vietnam, and Ben Thanh Street Food Market, the hotel is well-positioned for exploring the city.

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
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

Guiding Style

Partially 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.

2025
Twin/Double
Single
1 Jan - 13 Jan
Save 25%
R 47,355R 35,517
R 68,775R 51,582
4 Jan - 16 Jan
Save 25%
R 47,355R 35,517
R 68,775R 51,582
5 Jan - 17 Jan
Save 25%
R 47,355R 35,517
R 68,775R 51,582
6 Jan - 18 Jan
Save 25%
R 47,355R 35,517
R 68,775R 51,582
7 Jan - 19 Jan
Save 25%
R 47,355R 35,517
R 68,775R 51,582
8 Jan - 20 Jan
Save 25%
R 47,355R 35,517
R 68,775R 51,582
11 Jan - 23 Jan
Save 25%
R 47,355R 35,517
R 68,775R 51,582
12 Jan - 24 Jan
Save 25%
R 47,355R 35,517
R 68,775R 51,582

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