DAY 1: ARRIVAL 

• Upon arrival at Chi Minh City's Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN), your driver and guide will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in the city centre.
• Enjoy some free time to relax before spending the night in Saigon.
• Note: Check-in time is from 2.00pm. Early check-ins are not available at this establishment.

Overnight stay in Saigon.

Board type as per the itinerary.

DAY 2: SAIGON - CAI BE - VINH LONG - SAIGON

• After breakfast at your hotel, depart for Vinh Long. Visit a local market, where you can photograph a variety of items such as fish, shrimp, crabs, snakes, tropical fruits, and vegetables.
• Embark on a boat cruise along the Mekong River, passing by floating cages used for fish farming.

• After enjoying your breakfast at the hotel, head to the Central Post Office, a remnant of French colonial times and possibly the largest post office in all of Southeast Asia.
• Located next to the Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon, these two cultural landmarks can be visited together, offering visitors the opportunity to imagine life in Vietnam during the Indochinese Empire.
• Next, continue to the Reunification Palace, the former residence of the Governor-General of Indochina, later the President of South Vietnam until the fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975.
• Lunch (not included).
• In the afternoon, visit a local food market, a flower market, and a residential area to observe local life.
• The last stop of the day is the unforgettable Jade Emperor Pagoda. The pagoda is filled with smoky incense and fantastic carved figurines. Built by the Cantonese community at the turn of the 20th century, it continues to buzz with worshippers.
• You will then be transferred (without a guide) to the airport for your flight to Da Nang.
• Upon arrival, your driver (without a guide) will transfer you to your hotel in Hoi An.

Overnight stay in Hoi An.

Breakfast included. 

DAY 4: HOI AN - FREE DAY

• Enjoy the day at leisure. Following are our suggestions for your free time:

• After breakfast at your hotel, you'll be transferred by private car (without a guide) to the airport for your morning flight to Hanoi.
• Upon arrival in Hanoi, your driver (without a guide) will transfer you to your hotel.
• In the afternoon, visit the Temple of Literature, the first university in Vietnam. Then, take a walk through the narrow streets of the Old Quarter, known for its '36 streets with 36 products'. These streets have been named after the trades once practiced there, such as Silk Street, Rice Street, Paper Street, Lacquerware Street, and Jewelry Street. You'll also have the opportunity to taste Hanoi's famous egg coffee.
• Finish your day with a peaceful stroll around the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake, the 'Lake of the Restored Sword', named after a legendary sword used by Vietnam’s heroes to defeat the Chinese Ming dynasty, which was later returned to the golden tortoise god of the lake.

Overnight stay in Hanoi.

Breakfast included.

DAY 7: HANOI - HA LONG - LAN HA BAY - CRUISE AND OVERNIGHT ON BOARD

DAYS 1 - 5: SAIGON & HOI AN 

• These days are identical to those described in the 9 night trip.

DAY 6: HOI AN - BEACH STAY

• After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy a deliciously relaxing day.
• At 1.00 pm, you will be transferred (without a guide) to your beachside resort on the pristine Binh Minh Beach, located a little over ten miles south of Hoi An.

Enjoy restful nights in carefully selected 4* or 5* hotels, blending comfort and local charm to enhance your Vietnamese adventure.

Your hotels:

• Ho Chi Minh City: Silverland Jolie 4* (or similar)
• Hoi An: Little Residence or Little Gems 4* (or similar)
• Hanoi: The Q Hotel 4* (or similar)
• Ha Long Bay: Regina Grand 5* (or similar)

For those opting to prolong their stay in Hoi An: Victoria Hoian 4* (or similar).

Please note: Hotels listed are subject to availability. If unavailable, you will be accommodated in hotels of a similar standard.

Check-in options:

If your flight arrives late at night, consider selecting the 'Early check-in' option (optional, incurs additional charge) during the next booking stage. This ensures access to your room early in the morning, along with breakfast.

Without this option, your room will be available from 2.00pm.

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. 

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.

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.