We Love —
- Embarking on a journey through Vietnam and discovering the treasures of the country.
- Being accompanied by specialised guides and learning more about the land and its culture.
- Extending your tour with some well-deserved relaxation on the dreamlike beaches.
Customer reviews —
I love discovering a country at my own pace, visiting the must-see sites while also taking the time to stop, do a bit of shopping or enjoy a good Vietnamese coffee. I really enjoyed ending the trip with my feet in the water on Phu Quoc Island!
Your itinerary in brief —
Your journey begins in Hanoi, exploring the vibrant capital and its cultural treasures, before embarking on an unforgettable cruise through the stunning Halong Bay. From the imperial city of Hue and the charm of Hoi An to the white sandy beaches of Phu Quoc, each stop reveals a different side of Vietnam.
The trip ends in lively Ho Chi Minh City, with the option to extend your stay for extra relaxation on Phu Quoc’s idyllic shores.
Choose the length of your stay:
13 night tour:
Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi
Day 2: Hanoi (City tour)
Day 3: Hanoi – Halong Bay cruise with overnight on board
Day 4: Halong Bay (Cruise and overnight on board)
Day 5: Halong Bay – Hanoi – Flight to Hue
Day 6: Hue (Bicycle tour to Thuy Bieu village & citadel visit)
Day 7: Hue – Danang – Hoi An
Day 8: Hoi An
Day 9: Hoi An
Day 10: Hoi An – Danang – Flight to Phu Quoc
Days 11-12: Phu Quoc
Day 13: Phu Quoc – Flight to Ho Chi Minh City
Day 14: Departure from Ho Chi Minh City
17 night tour:
Days 1-12: Same as 13 night tour
Days 13–15: Phu Quoc
Day 16: Phu Quoc – Flight to Ho Chi Minh City
Day 17: Ho Chi Minh City
Day 18: Departure from Ho Chi Minh City
19 night tour:
Days 1-12: Same as 13 night tour
Days 13–17: Phu Quoc
Day 18: Phu Quoc – Flight to Ho Chi Minh City
Day 19: Ho Chi Minh City
Day 20: Departure from Ho Chi Minh City
Please note: your itinerary may have minor adjustments, but your overall trip experience will remain the same.
Your itinerary in detail —
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN HANOI
Upon arrival at Hanoi Airport, you will be greeted by your driver and transferred to the city centre. The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore the charming capital on your own.
Hanoi, Vietnam’s millennia-old capital founded in 1010 by King Ly Thai To according to geomantic principles, is a city of contrasts: bustling Old Quarter streets, modern high-rises, serene pagodas, temples, and a gentle, nostalgic atmosphere all woven together.
- Option (at an additional cost): Vip Spa Experience - A Traditional Wellness Ritual
- Overnight in Hanoi in selected hotel (hotel check-in from 2pm)
DAY 2: HANOI (CITY TOUR)
Visit the Ho Chi Minh Complex (external view), dedicated to the nation’s founder, “Uncle Ho.” Then see the One Pillar Pagoda, built in 1049 on a single stone pillar and designed to resemble a lotus flower, symbolising purity. Next, visit Tran Quoc Pagoda, Hanoi’s oldest pagoda, located on West Lake.
In the afternoon, explore the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, followed by a walk through the narrow streets of the famous Old Quarter, known as “36 Streets with 36 Trades,” named after the guilds that have existed since the 15th century (e.g., Silk Street, Rice Street, Paper Street, Lacquerware Street, Jewellery Street).
End the day by sampling Egg Coffee, a Hanoi speciality, and strolling around the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake (“Lake of the Returned Sword”). According to legend, hero Le Loi received a magical sword to defeat the Chinese Ming dynasty and later returned it to the lake’s golden turtle deity.
- Breakfast included
- Overnight in Hanoi in selected hotel
DAY 3: HANOI – HALONG BAY CRUISE WITH OVERNIGHT ON BOARD
The Lan Ha Bay, south of Halong Bay and east of Cat Ba Island, spans over 7,000 hectares with around 400 small islands. With towering limestone formations rising from the sea, it is as spectacular as Halong Bay but less touristy and more pristine.
In the morning, drive approximately 2.5 hours to Tuan Chau Harbour to begin your relaxing cruise. Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch as you sail into the enchanting Lan Ha Bay.
In the afternoon, explore one of the bay’s fascinating cave systems by traditional rowboat. Back on board, take part in a Vietnamese cooking demonstration, followed by a festive dinner in the ship’s restaurant. The evening is free to relax as you wish.
Please note the programme may change due to port authority, weather, or ship conditions.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
- English-speaking guide on board (not private)
- Overnight on board the ship
DAY 4: HALONG BAY (CRUISE AND OVERNIGHT ON BOARD)
Early risers are warmly invited to join a sunrise Tai Chi session on the upper deck, a wonderful way to start the day feeling refreshed. Enjoy the tranquil morning atmosphere with a cup of coffee or tea.
During the day, choose between a relaxed bicycle ride through a small village with rice fields and fruit orchards, or a gentle walk to explore local life. The village offers plenty of photo opportunities with stunning views of the verdant rice paddies.
Lunch is served as a set menu on a day boat, followed by free time for kayaking or swimming in a quiet lagoon surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs (weather permitting).
Back on the main ship, enjoy the Happy Hour (drinks/snacks at your own expense) while watching one of the most beautiful sunsets over the bay.
In the evening, a festive dinner awaits on board. Afterwards, try your hand at squid fishing or simply relax in your cabin.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
- Overnight on board
DAY 5: HALONG BAY – HANOI – FLIGHT TO HUE
Start the day again with a Tai Chi session, combining deep breathing, calmness, and slow, flowing movements. A light breakfast with coffee, tea, and pastries is served in the dining room with spectacular views of the bay. As the ship slowly returns to the pier, enjoy your final vistas of the majestic Halong Bay.
After disembarking, transfer back to Hanoi via shuttle and then continue by private car to the airport for your flight to Hue. Upon arrival, your driver will transfer you to your hotel (without a guide).
- Light breakfast and brunch included
- Airport taxes, 10 kg of hand luggage and 20 kg of checked baggage included
- Overnight in Hue in selected hotel
DAY 6: HUE (BICYCLE TOUR TO THUY BIEU VILLAGE & CITADEL VISIT)
After breakfast, visit the eco-village of Thuy Bieu, an authentic village reflecting rural life in Hue. Cycle through the surroundings, meet local artisans, and discover traditional crafts such as silk painting, incense making, and sesame sweets. Engage with the friendly villagers and gain fascinating insights into their daily lives.
Join a cooking class with a local family, preparing three typical Hue dishes: Vả with shrimp & pork (fruit dish), Banh Ram It (crispy fried rice cake with shrimp & pork), Banh Khoái (savoury stuffed rice pancakes).
Enjoy your freshly prepared dishes, accompanied by feedback from the chef. End the session with a herbal foot bath, a traditional Vietnamese healing method.
In the afternoon, explore the Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enter through the grand main gate and wander through impressive buildings and gardens, while your guide recounts stories of the imperial court. Despite war damage, much of the complex remains remarkably well preserved.
Finish the day with a visit to the Thien Mu Pagoda, one of Hue’s oldest and most significant pagodas.
- Breakfast and lunch included
- Overnight in Hue in selected hotel
DAY 7: HUE – DANANG – HOI AN
After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy the morning at your own pace. At 1pm, leave your hotel (without a guide) and head towards Hoi An. On the way, cross the famous Hai Van Pass, offering spectacular panoramic views of Central Vietnam’s coastline and Lang Co Beach, one of Vietnam’s most beautiful beaches.
Stop at An Bằng Village, also known as the “City of Ghosts” or “Land of the Dead,” where impressive, elaborately decorated tombs have been built by villagers for their ancestors and even living family members. Arrive in Hoi An around 5pm. The rest of the evening is free.
- Breakfast included
- Overnight in Hoi An in selected hotel
DAY 8: HOI AN
The day is at your leisure, or choose an optional excursion (at an additional cost). In your resort, enjoy an additional 30-minute foot massage.
- Breakfast included
- Optional excursion: My Son Sanctuary & Hoi An
- Overnight in Hoi An in selected hotel
DAY 9: HOI AN
Another day at leisure, or take part in an optional excursion (at an additional cost).
- Breakfast included
- Optional excursion: Rural Hoi An by Jeep, evening show - “The Dar” at Lune Centre Hoi An
- Overnight in Hoi An in selected hotel
DAY 10: HOI AN – DANANG – FLIGHT TO PHU QUOC
Transfer to Danang Airport (without guide) for your flight to Phu Quoc (via Saigon).
Phu Quoc, also called the “Pearl Island”, is a natural paradise with white sandy beaches, tropical forests, and an unspoilt atmosphere – perfect for relaxing, snorkelling, diving, or hiking.
Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel by shuttle (without guide).
- Breakfast included
- Overnight in Phu Quoc in selected hotel
DAYS 11-12: PHU QUOC
Enjoy two full days at your leisure on this dreamlike island. Relax on the beach, soak up the sun, swim in the turquoise waters, read a book, or simply unwind at your own pace.
- Breakfast included
- Overnight in Phu Quoc in selected hotel
DAY 13: PHU QUOC – FLIGHT TO HO CHI MINH CITY
Transfer by hotel shuttle to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).
Situated on the banks of the Saigon River, Saigon is Vietnam’s largest metropolis, a dynamic blend of modern boulevards, colonial architecture, and charming hidden alleyways.
Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport, you will be met by your driver and transferred to your hotel.
- Breakfast included
- Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City in selected hotel (check-in from 2pm).
DAY 14: DEPARTURE FROM HO CHI MINH CITY
Enjoy free time until your transfer to the airport for your return flight.
- Breakfast included
- Check-out from the hotel is by 12:00 (approx.)
TOUR EXTENSIONS
17 night tour: Enjoy 3 extra nights in Phu Quoc (days 13–15) and 1 extra night in Ho Chi Minh City (day 16).
19 night tour: Enjoy 5 extra nights in Phu Quoc (days 13–15) and 1 extra night in Ho Chi Minh City (day 16).
- Optional excursions on day 17 (17 night tour) or on day 19 (19 night tour): Cu Chi Tunnels & Ho Chi Minh City Tour, Off-the-Beaten-Path Mekong Delta – Cai Thia Island by Bicycle
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
At each of your stops, you will be staying in comfortable rooms in thoughtfully selected hotels.
Your accommodation:
4* hotels:
Hanoi: Rue d’Amour 4* (Premier Room) or similar
Halong Bay: La Regina Grand or Legend 5* (Standard Cabin) or similar
Hue: White Lotus 4* (Superior Room) or similar
Hoi An: Legacy Hoi An 4* (Superior Room) or similar
Phu Quoc: Radisson Blue 5* (Deluxe Room) or similar
Ho Chi Minh City: Silverland Jolie 4* (Executive Room) or similar
5* hotels:
Hanoi: Meliá Hotel 5* (Deluxe Room) or similar
Halong Bay: Indochine Cruise 5* (Junior Suite Cabin) or similar
Hue: Senna Hue 5* (Senna Premium Room) or similar
Hoi An: Wafaifo 5* (Standard Room) or similar
Phu Quoc: Novotel Phu Quoc 5* (Deluxe Room) or similar
Ho Chi Minh City: Mai House 5* (Premier Room) or similar
Additional hotel benefits:
At Legacy HoiAn 4*:
- 10% discount on food, drink & laundry services
- 15% discount on spa treatments
At Wafaifo 5*:
- 10% discount on food and drinks
- 10% discount on laundry
At Silverland Jolie 4*:
- 1 afternoon tea per stay
- Complimentary use of the steam bath, Jacuzzi and pool
- Free minibar in the room on arrival day
At Mai House 5*:
- 10% discount on food, drinks and the spa
If the hotels listed above are unavailable, you will be provided with comfortable accommodation in similar hotels. Local standards apply.
Your dining choices
Throughout your tour, you will enjoy meals as per the itinerary.
Included extras —
English-Speaking Guide
Make the most of your tour with the assistance of an English-speaking local guide.
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 —
VIP Spa Experience - a traditional wellness ritual - min 2 people
Treat yourself to 120 minutes of absolute relaxation with a VIP Vietnamese spa treatment, combining herbal baths, therapeutic massages and traditional rituals for an authentic wellness experience.
Jeep tour of the Hoi An countryside - min 2 people
Explore the hidden treasures of the Hoi An countryside in a vintage jeep, between rice fields, traditional villages and authentic encounters with local craftsmen.
Mekong Delta off the beaten track by bike on Cai Thia island (minimum 2 people)
Discover Cai Thia, one of the largest fruit-growing areas in the Mekong Delta, located 2h30 from Ho Chi Minh City, in the province of Tien Giang.
Further information about your excursion:
Itinerary:
- On arrival, you'll hop on your bike for a 1.5-2 hour (4.5 mile) ride along quiet lanes around the beautiful, remote village of Hoa Loc.
- You'll have the chance to see traditional houses made of wood and palm leaves, learn how local farmers catch fish, or pick fruit using the ancient methods of the Mekong Delta.
- You'll stop at a local family's home, nestled in an orchard, to get an insight into the way of life in this region.
- You will continue your cruise to the islet of An Binh, in Vinh Long province, while enjoying a lunch of Mekong specialities. Later, you'll board a rowing boat and head off into the maze of small, tranquil canals.
- As you wander through the peaceful villages of the islet, you'll visit local workshops making coconut sweets or puffed rice...
- You'll return to the mainland where your car will be waiting for you for a 3-hour drive back to Ho-Chi-Minh City.
Teh Dar" show (minimum 2 people)
Attend "The Dar" show with its fascinating storytelling, creative use of bamboo and unique tribal music - typical of the Central Highlands mountain ranges and considered a UNESCO heritage site.
Your journey to Vietnam —
Flights:
You will be able to choose your airline and flight times when you make your booking, in either Economy, Premium, or Business class, depending on the destination and carrier. This flight may include one or more stopovers. Please review your flight options carefully as departure and arrival airports may differ, in order to offer the best price.
Luggage information
Luggage, meals and other services on board may be subject to an additional fee on certain airlines. It is possible to view details of luggage allowances when you choose your flights at the next stage of the booking process. If luggage is not included with your flight, please go to the airline's website before your departure to purchase your luggage for an additional fee.
For domestic flights, airlines do not always offer the option of reserving luggage. In this case, you will need to pay for it at the airport counter.
You will receive all the information you need to check in for your flights after you have made your reservation.
Your destinations —
Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay is a scenic natural wonder and spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its stunning limestone rock formations, which rise out of the calm emerald-green waters of the bay. The area is also known for its rich biodiversity and many caves, grottos, and small islands that dot the bay.
Must-sees:
- The Imperial City (Citadel): A UNESCO World Heritage site, this grand complex features palaces, temples, and gardens that offer a glimpse into Vietnam's royal past.
- Thien Mu Pagoda: One of Vietnam’s oldest and most beautiful religious structures, located on the banks of the Perfume River.
- Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc: Nestled within a lush pine forest, this serene and scenic site is dedicated to one of Vietnam's most beloved emperors.
Culinary Culture:
Hue is renowned for its distinct culinary traditions, influenced by its royal heritage. Savor the famous bun bo Hue, a rich and spicy noodle soup with beef, or try com hen, a dish made with baby clams, rice, and aromatic herbs.
Dive Deeper:
For a deeper dive into Hue's fascinating history, visit the Museum of Royal Antiquities, where artifacts from the Nguyen Dynasty are beautifully displayed. Embark on a cruise along the Perfume River, offering stunning views of 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 occurring from March to August, when the temperatures are warmer and drier.
Hoi An
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.