Embark on a journey through Vietnam's rich history and breathtaking landscapes, from the bustling streets of Hanoi to the tranquil beaches of Hoi An. Begin in the cultural heart of Hanoi, exploring iconic landmarks like the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the ancient Temple of Literature, before cruising the stunning Halong Bay. Continue south to Hue, where you’ll discover royal tombs, the Imperial Citadel, and the serene Thien Mu Pagoda. Then, relax in the charming town of Hoi An, known for its beautiful beaches, ancient streets, and vibrant local culture. Extend your stay for some blissful beach time at Cua Dai Beach, where you can unwind by the sea or indulge in immersive culinary experiences. 

Your itinerary:

Choose the length of your stay:

9 night tour

Day 1: Hanoi
Day 2: Hanoi 
Day 3: Ha Long Bay (Overnight cruise)
Day 4: Hanoi
Day 5: Hue
Day 6: Hue
Day 7: Hoi An
Day 8: Hoi An 
Day 9: Hoi An
Day 10: Hoi An- Danang

Optional stay: Choose to extend your trip with a 3-5 night stay at charming Hoi An Beach 

Vietnam's capital is located in the north of the country and has a history spanning over the past 1000 years. Known for its rich and vibrant culture and stunning natural beauty, Hanoi has no end of things to do. Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Old Quarter, the Temple of Literature, and the Hoan Kiem Lake, and try the city's famous street food, which includes warming pho and tasty banh mi. 

• Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi

• Transfer to your hotel for check-in

• Night at the hotel of the chosen category

Please note: check-in is from 2pm

Day 2: Hanoi

• Breakfast at the hotel.

• Visit the complex dedicated to Ho Chi Minh (outside), the founder of the nation, then the One Pillar Pagoda, built in 1049 from wood on a single stone pillar.

• Visit the Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest pagoda in Hanoi, and the Temple of Literature.

• Take a walking tour through the narrow streets of the Old Quarter, known for its "36 streets with 36 products." 

• Dinner of your choosing and overnight in Hanoi.

Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2014, Ninh Binh is home to stunning karst mountains, misty caves, and historical remnants.

Day 3: Hanoi/ Ninh Binh/ Hoa Lu/ Tam Coc

• 08:00: Your guide will pick you up from your hotel. Enjoy a 2-hour drive from Hanoi city centre to Ninh Binh province, passing through a spectacular landscape, valleys, and towering cliffs.

• Visit the ancient capital of Hoa Lu. Next head to Bich Dong.

• Climb Ngu Nhac Son (Buddha Palm Mountain) for a panoramic view created by the mountains, rivers, pagodas, and temples.

• In the afternoon, a skilled local rower will take you along a beautiful waterway lined with rice paddies. 

• Return to Hanoi in the late afternoon. Dinner of your choosing. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 4: Hanoi – Ha Long overnight cruise

• Breakfast at your hotel.

• Between 7:30 and 7:45, the driver will pick you up from the hotel lobby.

• Transfer by shared bus (no guide) to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage natural site.

• Upon arrival, embark on one of the most luxurious cruises of the bay, enjoy a welcome drink, check into your cabin, and have lunch as the boat slowly navigates towards Ha Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay.

• Dinner onboard. In the evening, night fishing service is available upon request.

• Overnight aboard the boat.

Note:

• The itinerary may be adjusted depending on weather conditions and boat availability.

• English-speaking guide available only on the boat.

• No private guide for the Hanoi – Ha Long – Hanoi transfer or onboard the boat.

Day 5: Ha Long – Hanoi – Flight to Hue

• In the morning, enjoy the sunrise and practice Tai Chi on the terrace.

• Cruise through the bay while having breakfast. Pass by several rocks, islets, caves, and fishing villages.

• Disembark around 10:30 – 11:00.

• The driver will transfer you to Noi Bai Airport for your included flight to Hue.

• Upon arrival, transfer without a guide to your hotel.

• Dinner on your own and overnight in Hue.

• In the morning, head to the Thanh Toan Covered Bridge then enjoy a boat ride on the Perfume River.

• Disembark from the boat and visit Thien Mu Pagoda, and then  An Hien Garden House, originally the residence of the 18th daughter of Emperor Duc Duc. The house is surrounded by a lush Feng Shui garden filled with flowers and fruit trees.

• Visit the royal tomb of King Tu Duc then stop en route at a family workshop to learn how incense sticks are made.

• In the afternoon, visit the Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site. 

• Dinner of your own choosing. Overnight at the hotel in Hue.

Day 7: HUE / DANANG / HOI AN

• Breakfast at your hotel followed by a free morning to relax by the pool or explore the surrounding villages on your own.

• In the afternoon, meet at your hotel at 1pm. You will be transferred to Hoi An.

• On the way to Hoi An, you will cross the Hai Van Pass, offering a stunning panoramic view of the coastline and Lang Co Beach.

• Stop at the village of An Bằng in Hue – a small fishing village also known as the "City of Ghosts"

• Arrive in Hoi An around 5pm. Dinner of your own choosing. Overnight at your hotel in Hoi An.

• Free day to relax or enjoy optional excursions (extra fee). Enjoy a 30-minute foot massage at your hotel.

• Suggestions: Relax, shop in the Old Town, or enjoy the pool or An Bang Beach (4 km from the city). Overnight in Hoi An.

• Optional My Son Sanctuary tour (additional cost).

Day 9: Hoi An

• Free day to relax or enjoy optional excursions (added cost).

• Suggestions: Relax, shop in the Old Town, or enjoy the pool or An Bang Beach (4 km away). Overnight in Hoi An.

Optional excursions (added cost):

• Countryside cycling tour

• Learn to paddle a traditional Vietnamese round basket boat.

• Take a local boat cruise, meet fishermen, and visit Tra Que village to see traditional farming methods.

• Relax with a foot and neck massage before returning to Hoi An.

Day 10: Hanoi / Danang / Departure

• Breakfast at your hotel, followed by free time to relax before your transfer (without guide) to Danang Airport for your return flight.

• Check-out time is 12:00. You may extend your stay in the room (subject to availability) for an additional fee. Please contact us upon arrival in Hanoi if you wish to book a late check-out.

Optional 3 night stay in Hoi An:

For an enjoyable experience in Vietnam, you will stay at the following 4* and 5* establishments (or similar), which have been carefully selected for your comfort.

Your accommodation:

Hanoi: The Q Hotel 4* 

Ha Long: La Regina Grand 5*

Hue: Senna 5*

Hoi An: Legacy Hoi An 4*

Hoi An Beach: Victorian Hoi An 4* (for the extension only)

If the hotels listed above are unavailable, you will be provided with comfortable accommodation in similar hotels. Local standards apply. 

Local English or French speaking guide available on days 1,2, 3, and 6 (subject to availability)

Stay connected on your travels with this exclusive mobile internet offer, perfect for modern travellers. Activate your complimentary eSIM and stay connected wherever you go. Share your hotspot, keep in touch with home, and explore without worrying about roaming charges. Check that your phone is eSIM compatible here.

Embark on an immersive culinary experience in Hoi An, beginning with a visit to the vibrant local market to select fresh ingredients. Enjoy a scenic boat ride along the Hoi An River to the Red Bridge Cooking School, where you'll learn to prepare authentic Vietnamese dishes with a local chef. After the class, savour the delicious meals you've created.

Come and experience "The Dar" show, a unique performance combining circus, storytelling, creative use of bamboo, and live tribal music from the mountain ranges of the Central Highlands, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site. This captivating show offers a wonderful opportunity to discover the authentic life and traditional customs of the ethnic tribes from Vietnam’s Central Highlands.

Take a day out to visit the My Son sanctuary, the holy land of the Champa kingdom and a UNESCO World Heritage site, then head to Hoian for a tour of this charming, unspoilt town. If time allows, visit a local fish market and a village where the famous nuoc mam (fermented fish sauce) is produced.

Discover life in the countryside on the outskirts of Hoi An with a morning in the rice fields where you'll catch a glimpse of the daily activities of local farmers. 

Nestled in the northern heart of Vietnam, Hanoi boasts a history that stretches over a millennium, making it a captivating blend of ancient traditions and modern vitality. Its dynamic culture, picturesque landscapes, and warm hospitality invite exploration. Whether wandering through bustling streets or peaceful temples, Hanoi offers a remarkable journey into the soul of Vietnam.

Must-sees:

• The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where the leader’s embalmed body rests, is a poignant tribute to Vietnam’s revolutionary history.
• The serene Hoan Kiem Lake, surrounded by temples and parks, offers a tranquil escape in the city's heart.
• The Temple of Literature, an ancient site of education, is a stunning example of Vietnamese architecture and heritage.

Culinary culture:

Hanoi is renowned for its culinary offerings, with street food playing a central role in the city’s vibrant food culture. Indulge in pho, a fragrant noodle soup, or enjoy the iconic banh mi, a fusion of French and Vietnamese ingredients. For a more authentic experience, seek out lesser-known dishes such as bun thang, a delicate noodle soup, or cha ca, a local fish dish. Eating here is an exploration of flavours, from spicy to savoury, ensuring an unforgettable gastronomic adventure.

Dive deeper:

For those seeking a richer cultural experience, venture beyond the main tourist sites. Explore the lesser-known Museum of Ethnology, where diverse tribal cultures of Vietnam are beautifully displayed. Take a walk through the Old Quarter’s labyrinthine streets, where centuries-old architecture mingles with local craft shops. A boat trip to the Trang An Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site, provides a scenic backdrop to Hanoi’s cultural and natural beauty.

Good to know:

The local currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). The city experiences a humid subtropical climate, with the best times to visit being between September and November, when the weather is mild and pleasant. Hanoi is well-connected by a comprehensive public transport system, but taxis and motorbike rentals are also convenient options for navigating the city.

Nestled along the central coast of Vietnam, Hue is a city where ancient history and royal grandeur come to life. Once the capital of the Nguyen Dynasty, Hue offers a rich cultural heritage, beautiful and natural landscapes, and a peaceful way of life. 

Must-sees:

• The Imperial City (Citadel): a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a grand complex of palaces, temples, and gardens.
• Thien Mu Pagoda: one of Vietnam’s oldest and most beautiful religious structures.
• Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc: a serene and scenic site, is set within a lush pine forest, the tomb of one of Vietnam's most beloved emperors.

Culinary culture:

Hue is famous for its distinct culinary traditions, influenced by the region’s royal heritage. Taste bun bo Hue, a rich and spicy noodle soup with beef, or  com hen, a dish made with baby clams, rice, and aromatic herbs. 

Dive deeper:

To dive a little deeper into Hue's fascinating history, visit the Museum of Royal Antiquities, where artifacts from the Nguyen Dynasty are beautifully displayed. Or, embark on a cruise along the Perfume River allowing you to take in the natural beauty surrounding Hue. 

Good to know:

• The local currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND).
• Hue has a tropical monsoon climate, with the most pleasant weather between March and August, when the temperatures are warmer and dry.
• Taxis, motorbike rentals, and bicycles are convenient options for getting around the city and its surroundings.

Hội An is a city on Vietnam’s central coast known for its well-preserved Ancient Town, cut through with canals. The former port city’s melting-pot history is reflected in its architecture, a mix of eras and styles from wooden Chinese shophouses and temples to colorful French colonial buildings, ornate Vietnamese tube houses and the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge with its pagoda.

Must-sees:

• The Ancient Town: Offering winding streets, traditional architecture, and iconic lanterns.
• The Hoi An Market: filled with fresh produce, local crafts, and street food.
• An Bang Beach: Perfect for unwinding, swimming, or enjoying fresh seafood by the shore.

Culinary culture:

Try the iconic cao lau, a unique noodle dish made with thick noodles, pork, and herbs. Hoi An is also famous for white rose dumplings, delicate steamed dumplings filled with shrimp or pork, and banh mi, the Vietnamese sandwich that blends French and Vietnamese ingredients. 

Dive deeper:

To dive deeper into the fascinating heritage, visit a local cooking class where you can learn to make traditional Vietnamese dishes using fresh ingredients from the market. 

Good to know:

• The local currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND).
• Hoi An has a tropical climate, with the best time to visit being between February and May, when the weather is dry and mild.