We love —
- Exploring Hanoi’s Old Quarter, absorbing the aroma of street food, the hum of scooters, and ancient temples tucked along narrow streets.
- Strolling Hoi An’s lantern-lit streets, pausing at riverside cafés, vibrant markets, and golden beaches kissed by gentle sea breezes.
- Immersing in Ho Chi Minh City’s vibrant streets, where bustling markets, fragrant cafés, and the rhythm of motorbikes fill the senses.
Customer reviews —
Enjoy the stunning town of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and take an evening stroll by lantern light. Be sure to sample the delicious cuisine in the town centre. I also loved the town and countryside of Hué, with its temples, boat trips on the Perfume River and imperial city.
Your itinerary in brief —
Explore Vietnam over 10 nights, beginning in Hanoi, where centuries-old streets wind past tranquil lakes, bustling markets, and elegant temples. Journey through the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay, framed by soaring limestone karsts and drifting morning mist. Wander lantern-lit streets, riverside cafés, and golden beaches in Hoi An before crossing the scenic Hai Van Pass to Hue, where imperial tombs, sacred pagodas, and riverside gardens reveal the city’s refined heritage. Conclude in Ho Chi Minh City, experiencing its vibrant markets, riverfront energy, and the unique rhythm of southern Vietnam.
Your itinerary:
- Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi
- Day 2: Hanoi
- Day 3: Hanoi → Ha Long Bay / Lan Ha Bay
- Day 4: Ha Long Bay / Lan Ha Bay → Hai Phong / Hanoi → Da Nang → Hoi An
- Day 5: Hoi An
- Day 6: Hoi An
- Day 7: Hoi An → Hue
- Day 8: Hue
- Day 9: Hue → Ho Chi Minh City
- Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City
- Day 11: Departure from Ho Chi Minh City
Extend your stay with 4 or 7 additional nights in Mui Ne, where long stretches of white sand, dramatic red and white dunes, and a steady sea breeze invite relaxation and adventure by the water.
Please note: your itinerary may have minor adjustments, but your overall trip experience will remain the same.
Your itinerary in detail —
Days 1 to 3
DAYS 1 TO 3
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN HANOI
- Upon arrival in Hanoi, enjoy a seamless transfer to your hotel, taking in the refined contrast of historic temples, colonial facades, and verdant avenues.
- Enter the city’s storied heart, where the gentle murmur of the Red River, the fragrance of jasmine, and the rhythmic flow of everyday life convey Hanoi’s quiet elegance.
Overnight stay in Hanoi
DAY 2: HANOI
- Explore Hanoi at your own pace, wandering through quiet streets where ornate temples, bustling markets, and the gentle hum of scooters bring the city to life.
- For those wishing to explore further, embark on a Tam Coc and Hoa Lu excursion, gliding along serene rivers between limestone karsts, past verdant rice paddies and historic temples (not included).
Breakfast included & overnight stay in Hanoi
DAY 3: HANOI → HA LONG BAY / LAN HA BAY
- Following breakfast, depart Hanoi by shared bus, traversing the fertile delta where rice paddies, waterways, and traditional villages reveal the region’s enduring charm.
- Continue through picturesque scenery until the dramatic limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay appear, before boarding the cruise vessel in refined comfort.
- Enjoy a delectable lunch on deck as the vessel glides past majestic islets, quiet coves, and the shimmering emerald expanse of the bay.
Full board included & overnight stay aboard cruise
Days 4 to 6
DAY 4: HA LONG BAY / LAN HA BAY → HAI PHONG / HANOI → DA NANG → HOI AN
- Awaken to the soft morning light and enjoy a leisurely brunch as the cruise continues through limestone towers, hidden coves, and emerald waters.
- Disembark from the boat and return to Hanoi, observing the countryside fade gently into the city’s familiar rhythms.
- Board your flight to Da Nang, where the coastal landscapes and soft sea breeze hint at the central Vietnam’s charm.
- Upon arrival, transfer to Hoi An, settling into the gentle pace of the ancient town, with lantern-lit streets and riverside calm, welcoming your evening.
Brunch included & overnight stay in Hoi An
DAY 5: HOI AN
- Discover Hoi An’s graceful streets, where carved wooden façades, elegant lanterns, and riverside promenades whisper of centuries of trade and tradition.
- Explore further on an optional excursion that carries you first to My Son Sanctuary, tracing the silent majesty of Cham temples set amid rolling green hills, before returning to Hoi An to stroll its atmospheric streets and admire the intricate architecture of merchant houses and bridges (not included).
- Conclude with a luxurious 30-minute foot massage at your hotel, the expert touch and fragrant oils restoring energy as dusk drapes the lantern-lit streets in a soft, amber glow.
Breakfast included & overnight stay in Hoi An
DAY 6: HOI AN
- Spend the day at leisure wandering Hoi An’s quiet streets and riverside paths, where the soft rustle of leaves, the gentle ripple of the water, and the glow of lanterns invite a slow, unhurried exploration.
- For those wishing to venture beyond the town, glide along the Thu Bon River to Thanh Ha pottery village to watch artisans shaping clay, then continue to Kim Bong carpentry village to see traditional woodworking, all set against the calm river and lush countryside (not included).
Breakfast included & overnight stay in Hoi An
Days 7 to 9
DAY 7: HOI AN → HUE
- Depart Hoi An after breakfast, traversing the dramatic Hai Van Pass, where cliffs rise above sparkling waters and distant villages glimmer in the morning light.
- Arrive in Hue and take in the elegance of the imperial city at leisure, wandering along the Perfume River and through streets lined with historic architecture and tranquil courtyards.
Breakfast included & overnight stay in Hue
DAY 8: HUE
- Spend the morning discovering Hue’s refined streets and riverside promenades, where elegant imperial architecture, serene gardens, and quiet temples reflect centuries of culture and tradition.
- Enhance your day with an optional guided tour through the Imperial Citadel, royal tombs, and historic pagodas, absorbing the graceful design and quiet majesty that define Hue’s storied past (not included).
Breakfast included & overnight stay in Hue
DAY 9: HUE → HO CHI MINH CITY
- After breakfast, transfer to the airport and take a short flight south, letting the landscape of central Vietnam fade into memory as the cityscapes of the Mekong Delta gradually appear below.
- Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City and feel the energy of the bustling streets, where colonial architecture meets modern skyscrapers and the hum of scooters, street vendors, and riverside life creates a vibrant welcome.
Breakfast included & overnight stay in Ho Chi Minh City
Days 10 & 11
DAY 10: HO CHI MINH CITY
- Explore the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City at your own pace, observing the vibrant street markets, the shimmer of the Saigon River, and the elegant contrast of colonial buildings against modern skyscrapers.
- Venture further with an optional Mekong Delta excursion, gliding along tranquil canals, tasting tropical fruits in riverside orchards, and watching traditional riverine life unfold in peaceful villages (not included).
Breakfast included & overnight stay in Ho Chi Minh City
DAY 11: DEPARTURE FROM HO CHI MINH CITY
- Enjoy a final breakfast at your hotel and a few quiet moments to take in the morning atmosphere of Ho Chi Minh City.
- Transfer to the airport, carrying with you the lasting memories of your journey through Vietnam, from the tranquil streets of Hanoi to the lantern-lit alleys of Hoi An and the elegance of Hue.
Breakfast included
Extension in Mui Ne
Extend your journey with 4 or 7 extra nights in Mui Ne, where a long stretch of white sand meets the calm sea, dotted with charming boutique hotels. Behind the shore, sweeping red and white dunes rise like desert waves, creating a landscape at once dramatic and otherworldly. The area is also celebrated for water sports, with kitesurfers and windsurfers skimming the waves beneath the steady, invigorating sea breeze.
Important information about your tour and visits: The hotels, which comply with local standards, are indicative and may be changed locally for hotels of a similar category. The itinerary is subject to changes due to compelling reasons such as delayed flights, weather conditions or other cases of force majeure. The order of visits is also subject to change without affecting the overall experience of the itinerary.
Your hotels —
Just for you:
Hand-picked just for you
During your journey, you will stay in Standard rooms at carefully selected hotels, chosen to ensure your comfort and well-being.
Your 4* and 5* hotels (or similar):
- Hanoi: Q Hotel 4*
- Ha Long Bay: Standard Cabin – Laregina Grand 5*
- Hoi An: Legacy Hoi An 4*
- Hue: Senna 5*
- Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon): Silverland Jolie 4*
- Mui Ne (if extension selected): Mui Ne Bay 4*
Your 5* hotels (or similar):
- Hanoi: Melia Hanoi Hotel 5*
- Ha Long Bay: Standard Cabin – Laregina Grand 5*
- Hoi An: Wafaifo 5* or Little Oasis 5*
- Hue: Pilgrimage Village Resort 5*
- Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon): Mai House 5*
- Mui Ne (if extension selected): The Anam Mui Ne 5*
If the hotels listed above are unavailable, you will be provided with comfortable accommodation in similar hotels. Local standards apply.
The maximum room capacity is: 3 adults + 1 baby or 2 adults + 1 child + 1 baby. Single rooms are not available.
Your dining choices
During your tour, breakfast is included daily, with the exception of Ha Long Bay, where you will enjoy full board (excluding drinks), including lunch, dinner, and brunch on board the boat. If you choose the Mui Ne extension, accommodation will be on a bed and breakfast basis.
Included extras —
English-speaking guide
Enjoy the services of an English-speaking local guide from Day 1, excluding free days, beach stays, and activities not mentioned in the programme.
3GB included mobile internet data, to make your journey easier
Stay connected on the move with this exclusive mobile internet offer, perfect for modern travellers. Activate your included eSIM and enjoy connection wherever you go. Easily share your internet connection with friends and family without limits.
Please note: 3GB of internet data represents around 30 hours of web browsing/audio streaming or 3 to 4 hours of video streaming/social networking/video calls.
Optional excursions & extras —
Stay connected with an unlimited data plan
Add an unlimited mobile data plan to stay connected with complete freedom, without any risk of exceeding your allowance. Activate your eSIM and enjoy continuous connectivity wherever you go: share the internet with your loved ones, find the best places around you, use your GPS without stress and enjoy your favourite apps to the full, without worrying about your usage.
Authentic immersion in the village of Go Noi and discovery of Hoi An - min 2 people
Discover the traditional village of Go Noi with a bicycle ride, farming activities, a cruise on the Thu Bon River and a local culinary demonstration before exploring the historic streets and iconic sites of Hoi An.
In-depth Exploration of the Mekong Delta (Ben Tre Province)
Set off for an immersive day in the Mekong Delta, surrounded by lush green rice paddies, floating markets and lush orchards. Sail the river, explore a remote island, meet the locals and enjoy a delicious traditional meal for an authentic and unforgettable experience.
Private day tour of the My Son Sanctuary and the ancient town
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.
Hue city tour (minimum 2 people)
This morning, set off for the Thanh Toan Covered Bridge, a local market and take a boat trip on the Perfume River through the charming city of Hue.
Disembark your boat and visit the Thien Mu pagoda, one of the oldest architectural structures for religious worship in Hue. Built in 1601, this seven-storey pagoda perched atop a hill overlooking the Perfume River is one of Vietnam's most recognisable icons. Enjoy an included lunch in a restaurant.
This afternoon, visit the Imperial Citadel, located at the centre of Hue's UNESCO World Heritage monument complex. The house is surrounded by a lush Feng Shui garden filled with flowers and fruit trees, including lychees, persimmons and pears.
Your Journey —
Flights:
You may choose from Economy, Premium or Business class flights on sectors that they operate, at the next stage of the booking process. The flights included are with either a scheduled or no-frills airline and are subject to live availability and prices can change. You can choose your preferred departure times during the booking process. Please select your flight options carefully as departure and arrival airports may differ.
Your destinations —
Vietnam
Vietnam is a country where tradition and modernity coexist in harmony. From the ancient temples in the north to the bustling cities of the south, it offers a rich tapestry of cultural and natural treasures. Hanoi, the historic capital, stands as a testament to the nation's layered past, while the dramatic landscapes of Ha Long Bay and the tranquil Mekong Delta provide an escape into nature’s splendour. The energy of Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) contrasts beautifully with the serenity of rural life, making Vietnam an alluring destination for every traveller.
Must-sees:
- Ha Long Bay: A UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its towering limestone pillars rising from the emerald waters.
- Hoi An Ancient Town: A charming town where traditional wooden houses and ancient streets showcase Vietnam’s rich heritage.
- Mekong Delta: A network of rivers and canals that offer an intimate look at rural life, with vibrant floating markets and lush landscapes.
Culinary culture:
Vietnamese cuisine is a celebration of flavour, balance, and fresh ingredients. Renowned for its diverse street food culture, dishes like pho (noodle soup), banh mi (sandwiches), and fresh spring rolls highlight the nation's ability to blend herbs, spices, and textures seamlessly. Regional specialities, such as Hanoi's bun cha and Ho Chi Minh's com tam, offer a unique insight into the local way of life. Meals are often a communal affair, reflecting Vietnam's deeply ingrained culture of sharing and hospitality.
Dive deeper:
For those seeking a more profound connection with the country, explore lesser-known treasures such as the ancient temples of Ninh Binh or the quiet beauty of Sapa's terraced rice fields. Take part in a traditional cooking class to gain hands-on experience with local ingredients and techniques, or visit the quieter rural areas to witness traditional crafts and the slower pace of life. Exploring Vietnam beyond the main cities unveils its rich and diverse culture, offering a truly immersive experience.
Good to know:
Vietnam's currency is the dong (VND), and most places accept cash payments, though credit cards are commonly used in cities. The climate varies depending on the region, with the ideal travel times being between October and April, avoiding the summer heat and rain. For local transport, taxis and ride-hailing apps like Grab are reliable, and trains or buses connect the major cities. Be prepared for some traffic in larger cities, but the local transportation system is generally efficient.