Jan
min : 22°C
max : 31°C
We Love —
- Soaking up the local culture on organised excursions with an English-speaking guide to learn more about Vietnamese history and traditions.
- Experiencing an unforgettable overnight cruise to Halong Bay and taking full advantage of this incredible luxury boat.
- Visiting the must-see sites of a fascinating country that combines modernity in Ho Chi Minh City and tradition in Hanoi.
Customer reviews —
9/10
121 reviews
Travel across the land of the dragon from South to North, exploring all the must-see destinations. Take a break during your journey with an extra 3 nights in Hoi An, the Vietnamese Venice! Be sure to try Bún bò Huế or Cao lầu, two delicious specialities from the central region!
Your itinerary in brief —
Embark on an unforgettable journey to experience Vietnam at its finest. Be captivated by the breathtaking beauty of Halong Bay, enchanted by boat rides through the Mekong Delta, awestruck by the ancient temples of Hue, and immerse yourself in the rich culture of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
To enhance your journey and add some relaxing moments on a heavenly beach, you can also opt to extend your stay with three extra nights in Hoi An.
Choose from the following itineraries:
9 night itinerary:
- Day 1: Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City
- Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City
- Day 3: Ho Chi Minh City - Hue
- Day 4: Hue - Village de Thuy Bieu - Hue
- Day 5: Hue - Hoi An
- Day 6: Hoi An
- Day 7: Hoi An - Da Nang - Hanoi
- Day 8: Hanoi - Halong Bay Boat Cruise
- Day 9: Halong Bay - Hanoi
- Day 10: Hanoi - Departure
12 night itinerary:
- Days 1 to 6: Identical to the 9 night itinerary
- Days 7 to 9: Hoi An
- Day 10: Hoi An - Da Nang - Hanoi
- Day 11: Hanoi - Halong Bay Cruise
- Day 12: Halong Bay - Hanoi
- Day 13: Hanoi - Departure
Please note: your itinerary may have minor adjustments, but your overall trip experience will remain the same.
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Your itinerary in detail —
Day 1: Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is Vietnam’s bustling economic hub, offering a vibrant blend of modern skyscrapers and historic French colonial architecture. Visitors can explore lively markets, such as Ben Thanh, and immerse themselves in the city’s dynamic food scene and rich cultural heritage.
- Transfer from the airport to your hotel
- Immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of Ho Chi Minh City, where modern skyscrapers coexist with French colonial architecture and bustling markets
- Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City
Please note: check-in time is from 2:00 pm onwards.
DAY 2: HO CHI MINH CITY
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Early drive (2 hours) from Ho Chi Minh City to Ben Tre Province. Enjoy a scenic journey through lush rice paddies and fruit orchards
- Embark on a peaceful cruise on the Mekong River aboard the charming Apricot boat
- Visit a tropical fruit farmer’s home. Explore the orchard and witness traditional fruit harvesting techniques
- Stop at a family-run workshop and learn about coconut processing
- Explore a hidden island by traditional tuk-tuk or bicycle and experience warm greetings and friendly "xin chao" from villagers, then take a relaxing paddle boat ride through coconut-covered canals
- Savour a complimentary Mekong Delta lunch at the Apricot Riverside Restaurant
- Return to Ho Chi Minh City
- Overnight in Ho CHi Minh City
DAY 3: HO CHI MINH CITY - HUE
- Free time to explore Ho Chi Minh City
- Transfer (without guide) to Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN) for your domestic flight to Hue
- Check-in to hotel in Hue
- Overnight in Hue
- Choose to enjoy an optional private excursion (extra charge) to discover agricultural life in Cu Chi and visit to the Cu Chi tunnels (8.00 am-3.30 pm)
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Day 4: Hue - Village de Thuy Bieu - Hue
Hue, a former imperial capital, is known for its rich history and stunning architecture, including the UNESCO-listed Imperial City and royal tombs. The city offers a peaceful atmosphere, with beautiful temples, pagodas, and a blend of traditional Vietnamese culture and royal heritage.
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Visit Thuy Bieu Eco-Village: Bike tour through the village, stopping at local artisans (silk painting, incense, sesame candy) and visit a local family, learn about their culture, and cook traditional Hue dishes
- Cooking class: Prepare and enjoy 3 Hue dishes: Vả (fruit) with shrimp & pork, Bánh Ram It (crispy rice cake with shrimp & pork) and Bánh Khoái (pan-fried pancake with shrimp & pork)
- Explore the Imperial Citadel (UNESCO site) with a guide
- Overnight in Hue
DAY 5: HUE - HOI AN
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Drive to Hoi An: cross Hai Van Pass with stunning coastal views of central Vietnam and Lang Co Beach and stop at a local marble craft village and visit the Cham Sculpture Museum in Da Nang (no guide)
- Arrival in Hoi An in the afternoon, check-in to hotel
- Free time to relax by the pool, enjoy the beach, or explore the town on your own
- Overnight in Hoi An
DAY 6: HOI AN
Hoi An is a charming ancient town famous for its well-preserved architecture, vibrant lantern-lit streets, and rich cultural heritage. Known for its fusion of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese influences, Hoi An is a UNESCO World Heritage site offering delightful cuisine, craft shops, and beautiful beaches nearby.
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Free day to explore Hoi An - explore Hoi An, where the well-preserved Ancient Town transports you back in time with its lantern-lit streets, traditional architecture, and atmospheric riverside setting.
Optional private excursion (incurring extra charge) with visit to the My Son sanctuary and the old quarter (8.00am - 5.00pm)
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Day 7: Hoi An - Danang - Hanoi
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Transfer without guide to Da Nang Airport for the flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival, meet your guide and transfer to the city (30 km / 45 minutes)
- Visit Vietnam Ethnology Museum (closed on Mondays) and visit the Temple of Literature: Visit Vietnam's first university
- Take the Old Quarter Walk: discover the narrow streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter, each named after the trades once practiced there (Silk Street, Rice Street, Paper Street, etc.)
- Hoan Kiem Lake Stroll: stroll around the picturesque lake, famous for the legend of the magical sword returned to the golden turtle god
- Overnight in Hanoi
DAY 8: HANOI - HA LONG
- Transfer from Hanoi to Halong. Early departure (7.30–8.00am) by shared bus (without guide) to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Board your luxury cruise. Enjoy a welcome drink and check in to your cabin
- Embark on a cruise through the enchanting landscapes of Ha Long Bay
- Kayak through secluded lagoons, and witness breathtaking sunsets over this UNESCO World Heritage site
- Dinner at the hotel
- Overnight on Ha Long Bay
Please note:
- This itinerary will be changed to suit weather conditions and boat availability
- English-speaking guide to be shared on the boat only.
- No private guide lis available for the Hanoi - Ha Long - Hanoi trip and on board the boat
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
DAY 9: HA LONG - HANOI
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.
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Try out the wonderfully relaxing experience of a morning Tai Chi session on the cruise deck
- Disembark around 10:30am-11:00am
- Transfer back to Hanoi with a private driver
- Check-in to hotel in Hanoi
- Overnight in Hanoi
DAY 10: HANOI - DEPARTURE
- Breakfast at your hotel
- Free time to relax
- Transfer without a guide to the airport for your return flight
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12-night tour
Should you opt for the 12-night tour, you'll spend an extra three nights in Hoi An.
Days 1 to 6 are identical to the 9-night tour.
DAY 7: HOI AN
- Arrive in Hoi An and enjoy free time to settle in or start to explore - shop in the boutiques of the Old Town or visit Binh Minh Beach, located near your hotel
- Overnight in Hoi An
DAYS 8 AND 9: HOI AN
- Breakfast at the Hotel
- Enjoy free time to explore Hoi An
- Optional private excursion (extra charge) to discover the countryside by bike and boat 8 am - 2.30 pm
- Overnight in Hoi An
DAY 10: HOI AN - HANOI
Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is a blend of rich history, French colonial architecture, and vibrant street life. Famous for its ancient temples, bustling Old Quarter, and the serene Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi offers a unique mix of cultural heritage and modern energy.
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Transfer (without guide) to Danang Airport for your flight to Hanoi. Board your flight to Hanoi
- Arrival in Hanoi: Meet your guide and continue to the city (30 km, 45 minutes)
- Visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology and the Temple of Literature
- Stroll through the historic Old Quarter, marvel at the iconic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and savour the flavours of Vietnamese cuisine in bustling street markets
- Overnight in Hanoi
DAY 11: HANOI - HA LONG
- Breakfast at your hotel
- 7:30-8:00 AM: pickup by your driver at the hotel lobby for a shared transfer (without guide) to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage natural site
- Board one of the luxurious cruises in Ha Long Bay, enjoy a welcome drink, check into your cabin, and have lunch while the boat slowly sails through the bay
- Dinner on board
- Overnight on the boat
Please note:
- This itinerary will be changed to suit weather conditions and boat availability
- English-speaking guide to be shared on the boat only
- No private guide lis available for the Hanoi - Ha Long - Hanoi trip and on board the boat
DAY 12: HA LONG - HANOI
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.
- Try out the wonderfully relaxing experience of a morning Tai Chi session on the cruise deck
- Disembark around 10.30 – 11.00am
- Your driver will then transfer you back to Hanoi
- Overnight in Hanoi
DAY 13: HANOI - DEPARTURE
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Free time to relax in Hanoi
- Departure
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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.
Your hotels —
Hand-picked just for you
Maximum room capacity
For your tour, you can choose between a mix of 4 and 5* hotels or exclusively 5* accommodations, all carefully selected to ensure your comfort.
Your 4* and 5* accommodation:
- Ho Chi Minh City: Silverland Jolie 4* in an Executive Room
- Hue: Senna Hotel 5* in a Premium Senna Room
- Hoi An: Legacy Hoi An 4* in a Superior Room
- Ha Long: La Regina Grand 5* or Amanda Luxury 5*
- Hanoi: The Q Hotel 4* in a Deluxe Room
- Beach extension in Hoi An: Victoria Hoi An 4*+ in a Superior Room
Your 5* accommodation:
- Ho Chi Minh City: Grand Saigon 5* in a Premier Room
- Hue: Pilgrimage Village Boutique Resort & Spa 5* in a Deluxe Room
- Hoi An: Little Oasis 5* in a Standard Room
- Ha Long: Indochine Cruise 5* in a Junior Suite Cabin
- Hanoi: Pan Pacific Hotel 5* or Melia Hotel 5* in a Deluxe Room
- Beach extension in Hoi An: Victoria Hoi An 4*+
If the hotels listed above are unavailable, you will be provided with comfortable accommodation in similar hotels. Local standards apply.
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Your dining choices
Throughout your tour, you'll be able to relish an included breakfast every morning at your hotel. Lunch (excluding drinks) is included on Days 2 and 4 at Vietnamese restaurants. On board your mini cruise in Ha Long Bay, enjoy full board (excluding drinks).
Please note:
- Included services and times may be subject to change.
- For more detailed information, please inquire on-site.
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Included extras —
Local English-speaking guide
Take full advantage of having a local English-speaking guide available throughout your travels, excluding Ha Long, free days, and the beach stay.
Complimentary 1GB of mobile data
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.
Optional excursions —
The Cu Chi tunnels and exploring Ho Chi Minh City on foot (min 2 people)
Discover the incredible Cu Chi Tunnels, originally dug as a base for guerrilla actions against the French and during the Indochina War.
Further information about your excursion:
This ingenious and incredible underground network was designed to protect Viet Cong guerrillas from French air and ground raids. Today, there are more than 200 kilometres of underground complexes containing warehouses, kitchens, hospitals, dormitories and even schools, once occupied by more than 10,000 people.
Itinerary:
- You will leave Ho Chi Minh City for a 1h30 drive north-west to the famous Cu Chi tunnels, passing through urbanised areas and lush countryside typical of southern Vietnam.
- There, you will visit the vast network of underground passages to gain an insight into the history of the tunnels, life in the tunnels and the tenacity and ingenuity of the Vietnamese during the fighting.
- In the afternoon, you will explore the city on foot, passing its famous monuments: City Hall, Saigon Opera House, Catinat Street "Dong Khoi Street", CIA building, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office and Reunification Palace.
- On the way, you can take a break at a local street café where Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau used to go. Another interesting stop is Maison Marou, where you can taste the best Vietnamese chocolate (at an extra cost) and learn about the history of this artisan chocolate maker in Vietnam.
- After a visit to the outside of the Musée des Beaux-Arts, a magnificent French building constructed in the late 1920s, you will make your way to an ancient street near the Ben Thanh market. To round off your day, you can stop off at one of the following bars (consumption on site at your own expense):
- Pasteur Street Brewing Company - where you can enjoy a specialty craft beer using the highest quality ingredients from Vietnam.
- Sky Deck on the Bitexco Tower - enjoy a panoramic view of the cityscape, followed by a traditional tea at the Villa Downtown Royal Antique.
- SH Garden Restaurant - a hidden restaurant at the top of an old flat for lunching on local specialities.
Please note: the Cu Chi tunnels have been widened in places for Western visitors, but they can still be dark, hot and claustrophobic inside, so please take this into account if you don't like enclosed spaces. If you want to stay above ground, many rooms are easily accessible with excavated areas to visit.
Escape the urban excitement with an exclusive day exploring the vast rice paddies and colourful fruit farms at Ben Tre, the gateway to the Mekong Delta. Between a cruise on a traditional boat, meetings with the locals and a visit to a riverside market, this day will immerse you in the local life of this province
VPG reserves the right to cancel any booking that does not comply (or pay a supplement).
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Private day tour of the My Son Sanctuary and the ancient town (lunch included) minimum 2 people
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.
In the morning, on arrival at the sanctuary, you will watch a traditional performance by Cham dancers to introduce you to their culture. You will visit a collection of ruined Hindu Cham temples and relics in the My Son valley with your guide before departing around midday.
In the afternoon, you'll set off to discover Hoi An on a walking tour around the town and its port. Following the narrow streets lined with houses of Chinese, Japanese, French and European architecture, you will pass by the city's many tourist sites: the 400-year-old Japanese Bridge, the Phuc Kien Meeting Hall, the local fish market, etc.
Around the city, you can visit art galleries and tailor shops, and why not have your clothes made to measure? This day will also be an opportunity to taste Vietnamese tea at the Reaching Out Tea House as well as a Vietnamese baguette, called Banh Mi Phuong.
Practical information:
Type of excursion: Private excursion
Guided: yes
Languages: French, English, Spanish, Italian, German
Availability: daily
Accessible to people with reduced mobility: no
Accessible to pregnant women: yes
Minimum age: 1 year. Minors are the responsibility of the adults accompanying them.
Duration: approx. 9 hours
Timetable: 8am - 5.30pm
Number of people: from 1 to 10
Transfers included: yes
Pick-up and drop-off point: at your hotel reception
The price includes:
- Transfers by private car
- Services of a guide
- Entrance fees to places visited
- Lunch from a set menu
- 2 bottles of water
- Refreshing towels during the car journey
- Tasting of 3 varieties of Vietnamese tea at the Reaching Out Tea House and "Bahn Mi Phuong" Vietnamese baguette
The price does not include:
- Meals and drinks not mentioned in "Price includes".
- Any tips and personal expenses
- Anything not mentioned in "Price includes".
Please note: please bring suitable clothing for visiting a temple.
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Discover the Hoi An countryside by boat and bicycle (minimum 2 people)
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.
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 —
Hue
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.
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, is Vietnam’s bustling economic and cultural epicentre. A dynamic metropolis, it fuses modernity with a rich historical legacy. From towering skyscrapers to historic French colonial architecture, the city is a melting pot of influences. Its vibrant energy permeates the streets, offering an exciting destination for travellers seeking a mix of tradition and innovation.
Must-sees:
- The War Remnants Museum, a powerful historical site, offers an insightful look at Vietnam’s turbulent past.
- Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, an iconic French colonial landmark, stands as a testament to the city’s architectural grandeur.
- The Ben Thanh Market is perfect for exploring local crafts, food, and souvenirs in a lively atmosphere.
Culinary culture:
Ho Chi Minh City’s food scene is as diverse as its history. With its street food culture thriving, visitors can sample everything from sizzling pho and banh mi to lesser-known delights like com tam (broken rice with grilled pork) and hu tieu (noodle soup). The city also offers a range of fusion dishes, where Vietnamese flavours meet international influences. Whether dining at a high-end restaurant or a roadside stall, food in Ho Chi Minh City is an essential experience.
Dive deeper:
For a more authentic exploration, venture into the city’s less touristy districts. Discover the Cholon, Saigon’s Chinatown, where you can stroll through bustling markets and sample Chinese-Vietnamese delicacies. Visit the Jade Emperor Pagoda, a beautifully ornate temple steeped in local religious traditions. For a quiet retreat, explore the tranquil Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens, one of the oldest zoos in the world, offering a glimpse into the city's history and natural beauty.
Good to know:
The currency used in Ho Chi Minh City is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). The best time to visit is during the dry season, from December to April, when temperatures are comfortable. While public transport is limited, taxis and motorbikes are popular and easy to use. The city is also home to numerous international airports, making it a well-connected gateway to Southeast Asia.
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.
