We Love —
- Embarking on a comprehensive tour of Vietnam with English speaking guide included (except Ha Long Bay).
- Venturing off the beaten track in Phong Nha, home to the world's largest cave.
- Learning more about the history of the Vietnam War in an emblematic area (North and South Vietnam demarcation).
- Opting for a seaside extension to your stay in the centre to enjoy the charming town of Hội An (classified by Unesco).
New Voyage Privé —
Carefully selected by our experts especially for you
Your Itinerary In Brief —
Follow us for a unique private tour to the very heart of Vietnam!
During 12 days / 11 nights, you will alternate between caves and jungle, while learning about the history of the land of the morning calm.
You will quickly fall under the spell of the beautiful & varied landscapes you will admire and the places you will visit throughout your journey.
For an even more relaxing getaway, you can choose to prolong your holiday with a 3-night beach extension in Da Nang - Hội An!
YOUR ITINERARY
12 day / 11 night Tour:
Day 1: Hanoi - Arrival
Day 2: Hanoi - Hanoi Highlights
Day 3: Hanoi - Ha Long Bay - cruise and overnight on board
Day 4: Ha Long Bay - Hanoi - Dong Hoi Flight - Phong Nha
Day 5: Phong Nha - Botanical Garden - Paradise Caves
Day 6: Phong Nha - Tu Lan Caves or similar
Day 7: Phong Nha - DMZ - Vinh Moc - Hue
Day 8: Hue
Day 9: Hue - Fly to Ho Chi Minh City
Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City
Day 11: Ho Chi Minh - Departure
Tour with 3 Night Extension at Hội An Beach:
Day 9: Hue - Danang - Hội An
Day 10: Hội An
Day 11: Hoian
Day 12: Da Nang - Flight to Ho Chi Minh City
Day 13: Ho Chi Minh City
Day 14: Ho Chi Minh - Departure
Bon Voyage!
Your Itinerary In Detail —
Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi
Day 1: Hanoi (arrival)
After a long flight, you will arrive at our almost thousand-year-old capital - Hanoi.
Our guide will meet you at Noi Bai airport and acccompany you to the hotel in the city centre.
Overnight stay in Hanoi.
Note: Rooms are available from 14h00.
Day 2: Hanoi - Sightseeing
Breakfast at your hotel.
08h30: Check out from the hotel and visit the authentic village of Ngoc Ha, one of the most charming residential areas of the bustling metropolis. We walk along narrow streets, visit the village market, the temple and the historic Huu Tiep Lake, where a B52 plane was shot down, and interact with the villagers.
A few minutes walk away is the complex dedicated to Ho Chi Minh, the founder of the nation, whom the Vietnamese affectionately call 'Uncle Ho'.
We will visit:
- Ho Chi Minh's historic mausoleum, an imposing monument built to serve as Uncle Ho's final resting place (you can choose to tour from the outside or go inside) (Note: the mausoleum is closed on Mondays, Fridays and every afternoon).
- Ba Dinh Square, where President Ho Chi Minh read the Proclamation of Independence of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam on 2 September 1945.
- The Presidential Palace.
- The Pillar Pagoda, symbol of the city of Hanoi.
The last visit of the morning is the Temple of Literature, the first university of Vietnam.
The day continues with a walking tour through the narrow streets of the old quarter, known for its '36 streets with 36 products'.
Inside the Old Quarter, as they have been since the 15th century, the 36 narrow streets of the Old Quarter have names that reflect the trade that used to take place there: Silk Street, Rice Street, Paper Street, Lacquerware Street and Jewellery Street. Taste egg coffee, a speciality of Hanoi.
End your trip with a walk around the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake, the 'Lake of the Returned Sword', named after a magic sword once used by the most revered heroes to defeat the Chinese Ming Dynasty, then returned to the golden turtle God of the lake.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 3 : Hanoi - La Baie d'Ha Long
Breakfast at your hotel.
Between 08h00 and 08h45, the driver will pick you up in the lobby of your hotel.
You will travel in a comfortable limousine shuttle (without guide) from Ha Noi to Ha Long Bay, a World Heritage Site.
Upon arrival, you will embark on one of the most luxurious cruises in the bay, enjoy the welcome drink, check in your cabin and have lunch while the boat slowly sails to the bay (Ha Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay), pass the rock formation and discover the beauty of the bay through a range of fascinating excursions.
Dinner on board. In the evening, night fishing service is available on request.
Overnight on board.
Please note:
- Please bear in mind that itineraries are subject to change due to port authorities or cruise or weather conditions.
- English speaking in-house guide on the boat only.
Day 4: Ha Long Bay - Hanoi
This morning, watch the sunrise and practice Tai Chi on the deck.
The boat continues its cruise across the bay, passing beautiful karst formations and other excursion sites to be designed for you to explore the bay.
Disembarkation from the boat at approximately 10h30 - 11h00. A limousine shuttle will take you back to Ha Noi city.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 5: Hanoi - Flight to Dong Hoi - Phong Nha
Breakfast at the hotel and free time.
In the late morning, the driver (without guide) will transfer you to Noi Bai airport to take a flight to Dong Hoi city. On arrival, the driver will welcome you and transfer you to Phong Nha town, home to the world's largest caves and rainforest, and offering nature and adventure lovers countless outdoor activities: cycling, kayaking, boating, cave exploration, rock climbing and forest trekking.
Arrival at Dong Hoi town, welcome by driver and tour guide and transfer to Phong Nha (58 km ~ 1-hour drive). The afternoon is a leisurely bike ride with a guide to explore the villages.
Overnight in Phong Nha.
Day 6 : Phong Nha - The Cave of Tu Lan
Today you will discover the beautiful Tu Lan Caves, with trekking, climbing, swimming and a picnic lunch by a waterfall.
This tour is for travellers who are short on time or don't want to sleep in the jungle, but still want to explore the Tu Lan Caves.
Between 07h00 - 07h30, you will be met and embark on the one-hour drive to the Oxalis Adventure Office in Tan Hoa, which is located 70 km from Phong Nha. Here you will be briefed ahed of your trek (safety measures), sign the release form and receive the equipment needed for the trek.
After the briefing, the trek starts on a flat path, passing peanut fields and grazing buffaloes and cows. A river crossing leads to a 60-metre rocky climb. Here you will visit what's known as 'Little Rat Cave', where many unique challenges and photo opportunities await you! Pass through the cave exit and descend to the Rat Waterfall, where you will have lunch and plenty of time to swim in nature.
After lunch, return along the river and go through a short climb to explore Rat Cave, a small but beautiful cave. Upon exiting Rat Cave, you will walk back through the buffalo fields to the Oxalis Adventure Office, where a cold drink awaits you.
Shower and transfer to Phong Nha between 18h30 and 19h30.
Please note:
- Difficulty Level: Basic fitness required, there are some sporty activities.
- Expect: Easy trails, some rocky sections and optional swimming and wading at the waterfall, as well as river crossings.
- Easy to moderate hiking: 8 km of hiking including up to 500 m of caving, 60 m of ascent.
- Format: Shared tour, min 4 pax. In case of less than 4 people, the excursion will be replaced.
- Season: February to mid-September (subject to weather conditions)
You will be provided with:
- Caving & safety equipment: caving helmet, caving headlamp, life jacket, gloves.
- Footwear: Canvas trekking shoes (only if you do not have your own pair) size 36 to 46.
- Meals: picnic lunch.
- Professional English-speaking tour guide and security assistants.
- Porter to prepare meals and pump water.
- Shared dry box for phones and small cameras (limited availability for larger cameras).
- Water filter (used only by guide and porters).
- Ecological compost toilet using a western toilet seat at the lunch site.
- First aid kit and medical rescue equipment (used only by guides and porters).
- Secure storage at Oxalis headquarters to store any luggage you do not take on the trek.
What you should bring:
- 1 x pair of long (quick-dry) trousers and one long sleeve shirt to wear during the trek (quick drying).
- 1 x pair of trekking boots/shoes - difficult terrain, good shoes required.
- 1 x rucksack (15-20l) to store personal belongings.
- 1 x change of clothing for after the visit.
- 1 x pair of tightly woven socks (no pop socks or similar!).
- Personal items: mosquito repellent, sunglasses, hat, camera.
- Please note: Gore-Tex / waterproof boots are NOT recommended as they do not drain well (if you prefer your own comfortable pair)
Day 7: Phong Nha - Khe Shan - Vinh Moc - Hue
Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning departure from Hue to Dong Ha province and the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), an iconic war zone along the beautiful Ben Hai River. Established after the first Indochina War, the 17th parallel was the demarcation line between the former North and South Vietnam, and probably also the most contested piece of territory.
Today, you will cross the former North-South border area, with the possibility to see the former US military base of Khe Sanh, the Rockpile, the Dakrong suspension bridge, the special forces camp of Lang Vay, the Hien Luong bridge at the 17th parallel, and the Ho Chi Minh trail...
Stop at the ancient citadel of Quang Tri. Located along the Thach Han River, the citadel was once the administrative headquarters of the Nguyen dynasty and also the site of a bloody battle during the Eastertide Offensive in 1972.
Continue your visit to the Vinh Moc tunnels, where you can learn how a village was built underground to avoid bombing during the war. The complex includes wells, kitchens, rooms for each family.
After lunch served in a local restaurant, return to Hue city centre.
Overnight in Hue.
Day 8: Hue
Breakfast at the hotel.
Free at your leisure to explore the ancient capital at your own pace. Hue is famous for its history and architecture; you can see the king's tombs, the citadel and the pagoda. The countryside is also nice to explore.
Overnight in Hue.
3-Night Extension on the Beach in Da Nang - Hoi An
(Days 1 to 9 (included) are identical to the itinerary of the 12 days / 11 nights tour)
Day 10: Hue - Da Nang/ Hội An
Breakfast at your hotel.
This morning, we will take a 3- 3.5-hour drive to Danang / Hội An (without a guide).
The journey from Hue to Hội An is connected by the famous Hai Van Pass. This remarkable 24 km stretch of mountain road is one of the most beautiful scenic roads in Vietnam, overlooking the East Vietnam Sea.
Enjoy free time to relax and enjoy the pool and beach.
Overnight in Da Nang / Hội An.
Days 11 and 12: Da Nang or Hội An beach
Enjoy two glorious free days to swim or relax by the sea.
Overnight in Da Nang / Hội An
Day 13: Da Nang - Flight to Ho Chi Minh City
Breakfast at your hotel, before being transferred to the airport by private vehicle (without guide) for your flight to Ho Chi Minh.
Upon arrival, your guide and driver will pick you up and drive you to the hotel to leave your luggage (rooms are available from 2pm).
You will visit the Reunification Palace and Notre Dame Cathedral, the colonial quarters and Ben Thanh Market.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.
Day 14: Ho Chi Minh City
Take some free time to explore the city on your own, or opt for our optional excursion to visit the Mekong Delta province of Ben Tre.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 15: Ho Chi Minh City & Departure
Breakfast at your hotel and relax at leisure until your pickup time (private transfer without guide) and journey to the airport for your return flight.
Your departure time is 12:00.
It may be possible to have the room until 18:00 with an extra charge, subject to availability.
Your Hotels —
Hand-Picked Just For You
For this offer, we have booked the following hotels for you:
-In Hanoi: The Q 4* in a Deluxe Room or similar
-In Hoian: Bliss Hoian Resort & Spa 4* in a Deluxe Room or similar
-In Saigon: Equatorial Hotel 4* in a Deluxe Room or similar
Your Dining Choices
This offer is based on a Bed & Breakfast Stay.
Your Optional Excursions —
Full Day Excursion to Thuy Bieu Eco-village & Imperial Citadel (lunch included / minimum 2 people)
Located on the right bank of the Perfume River, about 7 km from the centre of Hue, Thuy Bieu village has retained its ancient bucolic beauty for centuries. The village is known for its sweet pomelo "Thanh Tra" and its charming centuries-old houses.
Itinerary:
08h00: Departure from your hotel. Hop on your bicycle and ride around this peaceful village amidst the fresh air and beautiful shady, tree-lined streets. Contemplate the ancient garden houses, a special feature of Hue, with their traditional red roofs set in lush natural gardens. Stop along the way at traditional family workshops to get a glimpse of traditional handicrafts such as silk painting, incense stick making or sesame candy making. Conclude your village exploration with a hands-on cooking class at a local family's home, learn to create a traditional Hue dish under the guidance of the host, then enjoy your creations in a rustic yet comfortable atmosphere while chatting with the host to gain insight into the traditional culture and lifestyle of the village. Relax with a foot massage.
Afterwards, explore the Imperial Citadel at the centre of Hue's monument complex, listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Enter through the imposing main gate to view the magnificent architecture and gardens while your guide explains the events and intrigue surrounding the former royal court. Some sections suffered the most damage during the Vietnam War, but most are incredibly well-preserved.
Private Full Day Excursion to My Son Sanctuary and Hoian's old quarter (lunch included, 2 people)
After breakfast, the guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel around 8:00 am and transfer to visit My Son Shrine, the Holy Land of the Champa Kingdom.
If time permits, visit a local fish market, then a village where the famous nuoc mam (fermented fish sauce) is produced.
On arrival at a good time to witness the traditional performance of Cham dancers as an introduction to their culture. You visit a set of ruined Hindu Cham temples and relics in the My Son Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Enjoy lunch in a restaurant.
In the afternoon, you will explore Hội An on a walking tour around the city and its wonderful harbour. Follow the narrow streets lined with houses of Chinese, Japanese, French and European architecture and visit the many sights: the 400-year-old Japanese Bridge, the Phuc Kien Meeting Hall, the local fish market... Around the city, you can see art galleries and tailor shops, and why not have some clothes tailor-made to measure.
Duration: 08.00-17:00
Includes: Transfer by private car, local English-speaking guide, entrance fees to the sights, lunch with set menu, drinking water bottles and refreshing towels.
Discovery of the Hội An Countryside by Bike & Boat (Private Tour with Lunch Included for 2 people)
Hội An is surrounded by a relaxing countryside where life is simple and slow, with people living close to nature. This excursion is full of interesting activities, which will give you a closer look at the traditional agricultural way of life on the outskirts of Hội An.
Hop on a bike and go for a relaxing ride through picturesque villages, past rice fields and vegetable farms. Along the way, you may see cows or buffalo working in the rice fields with the farmers or lazily relaxing in the shade.
Next, learn the art of paddling the unique Vietnamese round basket boat and cruise the peaceful coconut-lined waterways while learning about the region's importance during the war.
Hop aboard a local boat for a leisurely cruise on a beautiful river, spend some time learning about the simple but worthwhile life of the local fishermen. Arrive at Tra Que village, where local farmers work in organic fields and gardens using traditional methods dating back hundreds of years. Join the local host to prepare the tasty dishes of central Vietnam. Then enjoy your creations in a rustic but comfortable setting.
Relax with a foot and neck massage before returning to downtown Hội An.
Duration: 08.00-14:30
Cycling distance: 5-7 km, on flat ground, depending on your fitness level or how long you want to ride.
Includes: Transfer by private car, local English-speaking guide, entrance fee, local boat, cycling, lunch set menu, one foot massage and two bottles of mineral water, per person.
In-depth Excursion on the Mekong Delta - Ben Tre Province (Lunch Included, minimum 2 people)
The Mekong Delta, also known as 'the rice bowl of Vietnam', is a very fertile plain with its myriad of rivers, lush rice fields, tropical fruit orchards and fish farms. Rural life here remains in many ways similar to what it was in the past. Geographically located as the gateway to the delta, Ben Tre is an ideal place for travellers seeking a glimpse of riverine agrarian life.
Itinerary:
08h00: Your driver and guide will pick you up for the Mekong Delta tour.
This morning, you will depart for a two-hour drive from downtown Ho Chi Minh City to Ben Tre province.
Take in the lush surroundings of rice paddies and fruit farms along the highway as you leave the bustling city behind. Arriving at the waterfront pier, you depart for a leisurely ride on the Mekong River aboard our charming boat, a traditionally inspired river barge that combines modernity with traditional style. You'll get a glimpse of the countryside and river life while enjoying seasonal tropical fruits and local specialities.
Your first stop will be a tropical fruit farmer's house. Take a tour of his orchard and see how the local farmers harvest the fruit in the traditional way. Take the opportunity to taste fresh coconuts and grapefruits while chatting with the local farmers to get an insight into their daily farming tasks.
Stop for a tour of a family-run workshop where you will learn how coconuts are processed, then enjoy country hospitality as you sip a cup of honey tea and taste the sweet flavour of coconut sweets in a rustic but comfortable atmosphere.
Tour a hidden island by traditional tuk-tuk or bicycle, passing a sleepy village, local cottage industries, canals and fertile orchards. Locals will often greet you with a friendly hello, or 'xin chao', as you pass by. Relax as you discover more of the delta on a small rowing boat that takes you slowly through the maze of small coconut-covered canals.
End your memorable day with a tasty lunch of Mekong Delta specialities at the quiet riverside restaurant. After lunch, you can relax in a hammock, enjoying the cool Mekong Delta breeze, before heading back to Saigon.
Duration: 08h30 - 17h00
Includes: Private transfer, English-speaking guide, entrance fee, private local boat, set menu lunch and two bottles of water in the car during your trip.
Your Private Tour: Central Vietnam with Possible Beach Extension in Da Nang - Hoi An —
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 of remarkable beauty, rich in discoveries, surprises and emotions.
From the ancient Chinese temples of Hoi An to the sublime citadel of Hué and its colourful pagodas, to the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay, it is a country with a fascinating culture and history.
Take advantage of your trip to indulge in delicious Vietnamese cuisine (best experienced through street food!).
