DURATION: 11, 14 or 16 nights

BEST FOR: Cultural immersion

PACE: Moderate

Explore Vietnam:

Immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of Ho Chi Minh City, where colonial architecture meets buzzing street markets. Wander through the imperial grandeur of Hue, exploring its ancient citadels and serene pagodas steeped in history. Then, set sail across the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay, marvelling at limestone karsts and hidden caves in one of the world’s most breathtaking natural wonders. This journey is a kaleidoscope of culture, cuisine, and captivating landscapes, perfect for the intrepid explorer.

Choose the length of your stay:

11-night tour:

Day 1: Arrival in Ho Chi Minh
Day 2: Ho Chi Minh
Day 3: Ho Chi Minh → Hue
Day 4: Hue
Day 5: Hue → Da Nang → Hoi An
Day 6: Hoi An
Day 7: Hoi An
Day 8: Hoi An → Da Nang → Hanoi
Day 9: Hanoi
Day 10: Hanoi → Ha Long Bay
Day 11: Ha Long Bay → Hanoi
Day 12: Departure from Hanoi 

14 or 16-night tours:

By opting for the 14–16-night tour, you’ll extend your stay with extra nights in Hoi An to explore at your own pace.

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN HO CHI MINH

Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City, where your guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you into the heart of Vietnam’s buzzing southern capital. Once known as Saigon, the city blends French colonial architecture, historic landmarks and a fast-paced modern energy that keeps it moving around the clock. After settling in, the rest of the day is yours to explore independently, perhaps seeking out the Old Post Office, Notre-Dame Cathedral from the outside, Chinatown’s Cholon district or the lively stalls of Ben Thanh Market.

Included:

• Arrive at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN)
• Private transfer from the airport
• Night at a 4*/5* or 5* hotels (depending on your choice)

DAY 2: HO CHI MINH

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before a full day to discover Ho Chi Minh City at your own pace. Dive into the city’s vibrant street-food scene, browse its markets or simply soak up the atmosphere as old Saigon meets modern Vietnam.

Included:

• Breakfast included
• Night at a 4*/5* or 5* hotels (depending on your choice)

DAY 3: HO CHI MINH → HUE

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Hue, then continue by transfer to the city. Once Vietnam’s imperial capital, Hue has a quieter, more contemplative character, with grand palaces, ancient pagodas and royal tombs scattered along the Perfume River. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure, perhaps wandering the atmospheric streets or relaxing by the river.

Included:

• Breakfast included
• Domestic flight Ho Chi Minh → Hue
• Night at a 4*/5* or 5* hotels (depending on your choice)

DAY 4: HUE

Breakfast is followed by a free day to discover Hue independently. Take in the city’s peaceful riverside setting, sample its distinctive cuisine or simply enjoy the slower rhythm of the former imperial capital.

Included:

• Breakfast included
• Night at a 4*/5* or 5* hotels (depending on your choice)

Optional:

• "The royal charm of Hue" excursion

Enjoy a final morning in Hue before transferring by private car to the station for your local train to Da Nang. The approximately three-hour journey is a highlight in itself, winding along Vietnam’s spectacular central coast with views towards Lang Co Beach and the surrounding mountains. On arrival in Da Nang, your driver will meet you for the onward journey to enchanting Hoi An.

Included:

• Breakfast included
• Train journey Hue → Da Nang (Economy Class)
• Night at a 4*/5* or 5* hotels (depending on your choice)

Optional:

• Thuy Bieu village by bicycle, cooking demonstration & Hue city tour

DAY 6: HOI AN

Breakfast sets you up for a relaxed day in Hoi An, one of Vietnam’s most atmospheric historic towns. Wander through lantern-filled lanes, browse independent boutiques and galleries or simply enjoy the resort’s facilities at your own pace. Your stay also includes a complimentary 30-minute foot massage, perfect for unwinding after your travels.

Included:

• Breakfast included
• Night at a 4*/5* or 5* hotels (depending on your choice)

Optional:

• Explore the My Son Sanctuary and the ancient town of Hoi An

DAY 7: HOI AN

Spend another leisurely day soaking up the charms of Hoi An, from its ochre-coloured architecture to its riverside cafés and bustling markets. Explore independently by bicycle or use the hotel shuttle to reach the town centre, leaving plenty of time to discover its quieter corners.

Included:

• Breakfast included
• Night at a 4*/5* or 5* hotels (depending on your choice)

Optional:

• Discover the Hoi An countryside by boat and bicycle

DAY 8: HOI AN → DA NANG → HANOI

After breakfast, transfer to Da Nang Airport for your flight to Hanoi. Vietnam’s elegant capital offers a fascinating mix of tree-lined French boulevards, centuries-old temples, buzzing markets and the labyrinthine lanes of the Old Quarter. Once settled in, the remainder of the day is yours to explore independently, perhaps with a stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake or an introduction to Hanoi’s famously eclectic street food.

Included:

• Breakfast included
• Domestic flight Da Nang → Hanoi
• Night at a 4*/5* or 5* hotels (depending on your choice)

DAY 9: HANOI

Enjoy breakfast before another free day to experience Hanoi at your own pace. Lose yourself in the Old Quarter’s maze of narrow streets, visit historic landmarks or pause at a pavement café to watch the city unfold around you.

Included:

• Breakfast included
• Night at a 4*/5* or 5* hotels (depending on your choice)

After breakfast, depart Hanoi by shared shuttle bus towards Ha Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay, travelling through the fertile landscapes of the Red River Delta. Board your cruise and settle in as dramatic limestone karsts and emerald waters replace the bustle of the capital. Enjoy lunch on board before cruising among the bay’s spectacular rock formations and visiting remarkable caves. As evening falls, savour dinner on board beneath a landscape that has become one of Vietnam’s most iconic sights. 

Please note: the cruise itinerary may change according to weather, boat availability or other operational circumstances. 

Included:

• Breakfast, lunch & dinner included
• Shared transfers from Hanoi → Ha Long Bay
• Ha Long Bay cruise
• Night aboard

DAY 11: HA LONG BAY → HANOI

Wake to the tranquil beauty of the bay and enjoy breakfast as the cruise continues through its extraordinary seascape. Take in the final views of the limestone islands before enjoying brunch on board as the boat makes its way back to port. Disembark around 11:00 and return to Hanoi by road. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure in the capital.

Included:

• Brunch included
• Shared transfers from Ha Long Bay → Hanoi
• Night at a 4*/5* or 5* hotels (depending on your choice)

DAY 12: DEPARTURE FROM HANOI

Enjoy a final breakfast and some free time before your driver transfers you to the airport for your return flight. Depart Vietnam with memories spanning buzzing Ho Chi Minh, imperial Hue, lantern-lit Hoi An and the dramatic landscapes of Ha Long Bay.

Included:

• Breakfast included
• Private transfer to the airport
• Departure from Noi Bai International Airport (HAN)

14 OR 16-NIGHT TOURS:

By opting for the 14–16-night tour, you’ll extend your stay with extra nights in Hoi An to explore at your own pace.

At each of your stops, you will be staying in comfortable rooms in 4* or 5* hotels, depending on the offer chosen.

4* hotels (or similar):

• Ho Chi Minh: Silverland Jolie 4* (Executive Room)
• Hue: Sienna Hotel 5* (Premium Room) 
• Hoi An: Legacy Hoian 4* (Superior Room)
• Hanoi: The Q Hotel 4* (Deluxe Room)
• Ha Long Bay: Amanda Luxury 4* (Standard Cabin)
• Hoi An Beach Extension: Victoria Hoi An 4* (Superior River View Room)

5* hotels (or similar):

• Ho Chi Minh: Grand Saigon 5* (Standard Room)
• Hue: Indochine Palace 5* (Standard Room)
• Hoi An: Hoi An Moon Premium Boutique Hotel & Spa (Moonlight Deluxe Room) or Little Oasis 5* (Standard Room)
• Hanoi: Melia Hanoi Hotel 5* (Deluxe Room)
• Ha Long Bay: Indochine Cruise 5* (Junior Suite Cabin)
• Hoi An Beach Extension: Palm Garden Resort 5* (Deluxe Garden View Room)

Additional benefits in select hotels:

Enjoy the company of an English-speaking local guide during your trip, and make the very most of your stay. 

Every adult traveller receives 3 GB of mobile data via an included eSIM. Once activated, you can enjoy internet access wherever you are and share your connection with your loved ones, without the risk of exceeding your data allowance.

Please note: 3 GB of mobile data is equivalent to approximately 30 hours of web browsing or audio streaming, or 3 to 4 hours of video streaming, social media use or video calls.

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.

Discover the impressive Cu Chi tunnels, a vast underground network that symbolises Vietnamese resistance during the war, with a guided tour and historical immersion from Ho Chi Minh City.

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.

Explore Hanoi in a vintage jeep, wandering through its secret alleys, its French Quarter and the Great Western Lake, before enjoying a tasting of local specialities.

Discover Hue, the former imperial capital with magnificent architecture in its citadel, palaces, royal tombs, garden houses, pagodas and temples, built during the Nguyen dynasty on the banks of the Perfume River.

 Discover Hue and its region on a day that combines a visit to a traditional village and meetings with its inhabitants to learn more about their way of life, with a visit to the impressive Imperial Citadel of Hue.

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.

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.

A jewel of northern Vietnam, Ha Long Bay is one of the world’s most breathtaking natural wonders, celebrated for its towering limestone karsts rising from calm, emerald-green waters. A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, this otherworldly seascape is shaped by thousands of years of wind and tides, creating a maze of hidden caves, secluded lagoons and over 1,600 jungle-clad islands. Peaceful, mystical and endlessly photogenic, Ha Long Bay offers an unforgettable encounter with nature at its most poetic.

Must-sees:

• Luon Cave: A serene lagoon accessible by small boat or kayak, surrounded by steep limestone cliffs.
• Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave: The largest and most impressive cave in the bay, filled with dramatic rock formations.
• Titov Island: Known for its panoramic viewpoint and sandy beach perfect for swimming.
• Bai Tu Long Bay: A quieter, less visited extension of Ha Long with equally stunning karst scenery.
• Floating Fishing Villages: Traditional communities such as Cua Van, offering insights into life on the water.

Culinary culture:

The cuisine in and around Ha Long Bay highlights the freshness of northern Vietnamese seafood. Enjoy steamed prawns, grilled squid, clams in fragrant broth or the local speciality sá sùng. Onboard dining during cruises often features Vietnamese home-style dishes, aromatic herbs, rice noodles and tropical fruits. Markets in nearby Ha Long City bustle with regional produce and coastal delicacies.

Dive deeper:

To truly appreciate Ha Long Bay, explore beyond the main islands. Kayak through narrow passages into hidden grottoes, visit pearl farms to learn about local craftsmanship, or glide between karsts at sunrise when the bay is wrapped in soft mist. Multi-day cruises allow deeper immersion, with opportunities for night squid fishing, Tai Chi on deck or stargazing from quiet anchorages. For nature lovers, neighbouring Cat Ba Island and its national park offer lush jungle trails and viewpoints overlooking the bay’s iconic seascape.

Good to know:

Ha Long Bay is located about 2 hours 30 minutes from Hanoi via the new expressway. The best time to visit is from October to April, when the weather is cooler and conditions are ideal for cruising. The local currency is the Vietnamese dong (VND).

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.