We Love —
- Driving through lush tropical landscapes on the scenic drive from Hoi An to Hue, before prolonging the stay with an optional beach stay in Hoi An.
- Sampling local street food bursting with flavour - ranging from fresh Vietnamese spring rolls to delicious bánh mì, all loaded with coriander and chilli peppers.
- Enjoying a dreamy night on a luxury cruise that passes the most epic rock formations in Ha Long Bay.
Customer reviews —
Discover the main places of interest in Vietnam from North to South, try out some tasty Vietnamese cuisine and learn how to cook three dishes you can prepare for friends and family when you get back.
Your itinerary in brief —
Join us for a 9-night tour that will take you through the essentials of Vietnam from North to South.
You'll start in Hanoi, the capital, which is often referred to as 'the Paris of Vietnam'.
We'll then take you on an exceptional overnight cruise on Ha Long Bay with its magnificent sea cliffs. You'll then head off to explore Hué, the ancient imperial capital, before finishing in Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon.
To prolong your stay in Vietnam, choose the 12-night tour with a 3-night stopover in Hoi An, or the 15-night tour with a 6-night stopover. This magnificent seaside town just invites you to relax.
Choose from the following durations:
9-night tour:
- Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi
- Day 2: Hanoi
- Day 3: Hanoi - Ha Long Bay
- Day 4: Ha Long Bay - Hanoi - Da Nang - Hoi An
- Day 5: Hoi An
- Day 6: Hoi An - Hue
- Day 7: Hue
- Day 8: Hue - Ho Chi Minh city
- Day 9: Ho Chi Minh city
- Day 10: Departure
By choosing a 12 or 15-night tour, you'll extend your stay with 3 or 6 additional nights in Hoi An:
- Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi
- Day 2: Hanoi
- Day 3: Hanoi - Ha Long Bay
- Day 4: Ha Long Bay - Hanoi - flight to Danang - Hoi An
- Days 5 - 8: Beach stay in Hoi An
- Day 9: Hoi An - Hué
- Day 10: Hué
- Day 11: Hué - flight to Ho Chi Minh city
- Day 12: Ho Chi Minh city
- Day 13: Return flight
15-night tour:
- Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi
- Day 2: Hanoi
- Day 3: Hanoi - Ha Long Bay
- Day 4: Ha Long Bay - Hanoi- flight to Danang - Hoi An
- Days 5 - 11: Beach stay in Hoi An
- Day 12: Hoi An - Hué
- Day 13: Hué
- Day 14: Hué - flight to Hô Chi Minh-Ville
- Day 15: Ho Chi Minh city
- Day 16: Return flight
Please note that the order of activities may be changed without altering the interest of the programme.
Your itinerary in detail —
Day 1: Arrival In Hanoi
- Meet your guide at Noi Bai Airport.
- Transfer to your hotel.
Overnight stay at The Ann Hotel 4*
Please note: Rooms are available from 2 pm. Early check-in is not possible.
DAY 2: HANOI
Explore the charming city of Hanoi, often referred to as the ‘Paris of the East’. The city is famed for it its yellow ochre colonial buildings, tree-lined boulevards and scenic lakes.
- Enjoy exploring Hanoi at leisure.
- Visit the complex dedicated to Ho Chi Minh, the nation’s founder, and the Tran Quoc Pagoda, Hanoi’s oldest pagoda.
- In the afternoon, visit the Temple of Literature, the first university of Vietnam, walk the narrow streets of the Old Quarter, known for its ‘36 streets of 36 wares’.
- explore the fascinating maze of backstreets.
- Sample some 'egg coffee', a speciality of Hanoi, before enjoying a stroll around the scenic Hoan Kiem Lake.
- Please note: Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is closed on Mondays. Fridays and all afternoons.
Breakfast included
Overnight stay at The Ann Hotel 4*
Day 3: Hanoi - Ha Long Bay
Explore the ethereal beauty of Ha Long Bay, Vietnam's UNESCO-listed natural wonder, where emerald waters cradle thousands of limestone karsts topped with lush greenery.
- Transfer to Ha Long Bay.
- Cruise through the bay's captivating seascape, witness floating fishing villages, and marvel at the sheer enchantment of this iconic destination.
- Please note: Itineraries are subject to change by port authorities or cruising conditions or weather conditions.
Overnight Indochine Cruise 5*
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
DAY 4: HA LONG BAY - HANOI - FLIGHT TO DANANG - HOI AN
In the heart of Vietnam, Hoi An beckons with its enchanting blend of well-preserved ancient architecture, lantern-lit streets, and a rich tapestry of cultural traditions.
- Sunrise Tai Chi on the boat deck.
- Transfer to Hanoi Airport.
- Internal flight to Danang.
- Transfer to Hoi An.
- Stroll along the Thu Bon River, explore vibrant markets, and immerse yourself in the timeless charm of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Overnight stay at Legacy Hoian 4*
Breakfast included
Day 5: Hoi An
- Enjoy free time to explore Hoi An.
Overnight stay at Legacy Hoian 4*
Breakfast included
DAY 6: HOI AN - HUE
- Transfer from Hoi An to Hue through Hai Van Pass
- Visit to An Bang village
Overnight stay at Spatel d’Annam Hotel 4*
Breakfast included
DAY 7: HUE
Boasting palaces, pavilions, civil and religious ceremonies, the stunning royal architecture of the Imperial Citadel is sure to impress.
- Visit Hue's Imperial Citadel, where the kings of Vietnam’s last feudal dynasty ruled from 1802 to 1945.
- Enjoy the explanations and historical background of the former royal court provided by your guide.
- Continue onwards to Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the most beautiful and well-preserved religious monuments in Vietnam, which offers a glimpse of Buddhism’s history in Vietnam.
Overnight stay at Spatel d’Annam Hotel 4*
Breakfast and lunch included
DAY 8: HUE - HO CHI MINH CITY
- Private transfer to Hue Airport.
- Domestic flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
Overnight stay at Silver Land Jolie 4*
Breakfast included
(Please note: rooms will be available from 2 pm)
DAY 9: HO CHI MINH CITY
In the vibrant pulse of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam's bustling southern hub, dynamic street life, and French colonial architecture create an unforgettable urban experience.
- Enjoy free time to explore Ho Chi Minh City.
-
From the historic Notre-Dame Cathedral to the lively markets of Bến Thành, Ho Chi Minh City invites you to delve into its rich history and embrace the energetic spirit of the Saigonese.
Overnight stay at Silver Land Jolie 4*
Breakfast included
DAY 10: DEPARTURE
- Breakfast included.
- Check out before Noon.
- Private transfers to the airport.
12 OR 15-NIGHT TOUR:
By choosing a 12 or 15-night tour, you'll extend your stay with 3 or 6 additional nights in Hoi An.
Stay at Bliss Hoi An Beach Resort & Spa 4*
12-night itinerary (with 3-night extension in Hoi An)
Days 1 - 5 are identical to the 9-night tour.
DAY 6: HOI AN
- Enjoy the free day at your disposal.
Our suggestions:
- Relax in your hotel
- Go shopping in the boutiques in the historic city centre
- Enjoy the swimming pool at your hotel or the beach at An Bang, 4 km from the city centre
Overnight stay in Hoi An
Please note: The rainy season in Hoi An lasts from the end of September to December. Weather conditions may change without prior notice.
DAY 7 AND DAY 8: HOI AN
- Enjoy a free day at leisure or join one of our optional excursions, for example:
- The Culinary Experience at the Red Bridge Cooking School (available at an additional cost).
Overnight stay in Hoi An
DAY 9: HOI AN - HUE
- Breakfast at the hotel and free morning to relax by the pool or on the beach.
- Explore the city, where you can have customised clothing made at an affordable price.
- In the afternoon, you will be picked up at your hotel at 13:00 and driven to Hue (transfer without guide).
- En route to Hue, you will cross the Hai Van Pass, which offers a marvellous panoramic view of the central coast and Lang Co beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam.
- In Hue, you'll stop in the village of An Bang, a small fishing village that is also known as the 'City of Ghosts' or 'Land of the Dead' - renowned for its collection of magnificently built and ornate tombs.
- You will be amazed at the collection of magnificently built and ornate tombs for your ancestors and even for relatives who have not yet died.
- Arrive in Hue around 5PM and enjoy the evening at leisure.
Overnight stay in Hue
DAY 10: HUE - THUY BIEU VILLAGE - HUE
- Breakfast at your hotel.
- Visit the eco-village of Thuy Bieu, an authentic village representative of the rural area of Hué and known as the ggarden house'.
- Set off on a bike ride your bike, stopping along the way to visit traditional craftsmen who will show you how to dye silk, make incense sticks and sesame sweets. It makes for a great photo opportunity.
- Visit a local family, learn about their culture, customs and daily life, and cook three traditional Hue dishes together. Enjoy a local meal and return to your hotel with fond memories of Thuy Bieu.
- At the end of the tour, relax by soaking your feet in herbal water - a traditional therapeutic practice.
- In the afternoon, explore the Imperial Citadel, the centre of Hue's magnificent monumental complex - a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Visit the Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the oldest architectural structures for religious worship in Hue.
Overnight stay in Hue
DAY 11: HUE - FLIGHT TO HO CHI MINH
- Breakfast at the hotel and transfer without guide to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
- Upon arrival, you will be met by your guide and driver and transferred to the hotel where you can drop off your luggage (rooms are available from 14:00).
- Visit the Reunification Palace and Notre Dame Cathedral, the colonial neighbourhoods and Ben Thanh Market.
Overnight stay in Ho Chi Minh City
DAY 12: HO CHI MINH - FREE DAY
- Free time to explore the city on your own or take an optional excursion (at extra cost) to the Mekong Delta or the Cu Chi Tunnels.
Overnight stay in Ho Chi Minh City
DAY 13: HO CHI MINH - RETURN
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Enjoy free time until the unaccompanied transfer to the airport for your return flight.
- It's possible to arrange a late check-out, at an additional cost and subject to availability (if required, please contact us locally when you arrive in Hanoi).
*Please note: The order of activities may change without affecting the overall content of the tour.
15-night itinerary (with the 6-night stay in Hoi An)
Days 1 - 5 are identical to the 9-night tour.
DAY 6: HOI AN
- Transfer from Hoian city to Binh Minh beach (approx. 12 miles).
- Free day at your disposal.
Our suggestions:
- Relax in your hotel
- Go shopping in the boutiques in the historic city centre
- Enjoy the swimming pool at your hotel or the beach at An Bang, 4 km from the city centre
Overnight stay in Hoi An
Please note:
- The rainy season in Hoian lasts from the end of September to December.
- Weather conditions may change without prior notice.
DAYS 7 - 11: HOIAN
- Free day at leisure or take part in one of our optional excursions at an additional cost.
Accommodation in Hoian for 5 nights
DAY 12: HOI AN - HUE
- Breakfast at the hotel and free morning to relax by the pool or on the beach.
- Explore the city, where you can have customised clothing made at an affordable price.
- In the afternoon, you will be picked up at your hotel at 13:00 and driven to Hue (transfer without guide).
- En route to Hue, you will cross the Hai Van Pass, which offers a marvellous panoramic view of the central coast and Lang Co beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam.
- In Hue, you'll stop in the village of An Bang, a small fishing village that is also known as the 'City of Ghosts' or 'Land of the Dead' - renowned for its collection of magnificently built and ornate tombs.
- You will be amazed at the collection of magnificently built and ornate tombs for your ancestors and even for relatives who have not yet died.
- Arrive in Hue around 5PM and enjoy the evening at leisure.
Overnight stay in Hue
DAY 13: HUE - THUY BIEU VILLAGE - HUE
- Breakfast at your hotel.
- Visit the eco-village of Thuy Bieu, an authentic village representative of the rural area of Hué and known as the ggarden house'.
- Set off on a bike ride your bike, stopping along the way to visit traditional craftsmen who will show you how to dye silk, make incense sticks and sesame sweets. It makes for a great photo opportunity.
- Visit a local family, learn about their culture, customs and daily life, and cook three traditional Hue dishes together. Enjoy a local meal and return to your hotel with fond memories of Thuy Bieu.
- At the end of the tour, relax by soaking your feet in herbal water - a traditional therapeutic practice.
- In the afternoon, explore the Imperial Citadel, the centre of Hue's magnificent monumental complex - a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Visit the Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the oldest architectural structures for religious worship in Hue.
Overnight stay in Hue
DAY 14: HUE - FLIGHT TO HO CHI MINH
- Breakfast at the hotel and transfer without guide to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
- Upon arrival, you will be met by your guide and driver and transferred to the hotel where you can drop off your luggage (rooms are available from 14:00).
- Visit the Reunification Palace and Notre Dame Cathedral, the colonial neighbourhoods and Ben Thanh Market.
Overnight stay in Saigon
DAY 15: HO CHI MINH - FREE DAY
- Free time to explore the city on your own or take an optional excursion (at extra cost) to the Mekong Delta or the Cu Chi Tunnels.
Overnight stay in Ho Chi Minh City
DAY 16: HO CHI MINH - RETURN
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Enjoy free time until the unaccompanied transfer to the airport for your return flight.
- It's possible to arrange a late check-out, at an additional cost and subject to availability (if required, please contact us locally when you arrive in Hanoi).
*Please note: The order of activities may change without affecting the overall content of the tour.
Your hotels —
Hand-picked just for you
Maximum room capacity
Throughout your tour, you’ll stay in Standard Rooms in the following hotels (or similar):
Your hotels:
- Hanoi: Deluxe Room - The Ann Hotel 4*
- Ha Long: Junior Suite - Indochine Cruise 5*
- Hue: Roh Room - Spatel d’Annam Hotel 4*
- Hoi An: Legacy Hoian 4*
- Ho Chi Minh City: Superior Garden View Room - Silver Land Jolie 4*
- Hoi An (extension): Deluxe Room - Bliss Hoi An Beach Resort & Spa 4*
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 board as per the itinerary.
Included excursions —
English-speaking guide
Enjoy the company of an English-speaking local guide during your trip, and make the very most of your stay.
Optional excursions —
Culinary Experience at the Red Bridge Cookery School (lunch included - minimum two people)
Hoi An's diverse cultural influences combined with the incredible variety of local produce make this region a fascinating destination for foodies. Today, enjoy a truly immersive culinary experience by taking part in a hands-on cooking class at Red Bridge Cookery School, one of Hoi An's must-visit restaurants.
Time: 08.00-13.30
Includes: Non-private transfer, market visit, cooking class, lunch
Itinerary:
- Meet your local chef and visit Hoi An's colourful market, where you'll have the opportunity to interact with local vendors and purchase some of the ingredients that will be used later in the cooking lesson.
- Observe the buying and selling rituals of a Vietnamese market before boarding the local boat for a cruise along the Hoi An River to Red Bridge Cookery School.
- Have your camera ready as the cruise offers glimpses of local life on the river. Explore the cooking school's herb and vegetable garden before learning how to prepare ingredients and concoct tasty dishes under the guidance of an experienced chef.
- Taste the dishes you have prepared, then return to your hotel.
Discover the Cu Chi Tunnels & Cao Dai Temple (minimum two people)
Embark on a journey from Ho Chi Minh City to the Cu Chi Tunnels, exploring their historical significance, followed by a visit to Tay Ninh to experience the unique architecture and religious practices of the Cao Dai temple, before returning to the city centre.
Tour duration: Full day (07:00-17:30)
Includes: Private transfer, English-speaking guide, entrance fees, lunch set menu, and 2 bottles of water in the car during the transfer.
Itinerary & further information:
- In the morning, depart Ho Chi Minh City for a one-and-a-half-hour drive northwest to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, passing through urbanized areas and the typically lush countryside of southern Vietnam.
- Originally dug as a base for guerrilla warfare against the French, the Cu Chi tunnels were expanded during the Indochina War to become an ingenious and incredible underground network designed to protect Viet Cong guerrillas from French air and ground raids, with over 200 kilometres of underground complexes containing warehouses, kitchens, hospitals, dormitories and even schools, once occupied by more than 10,000 people.
- Visit the vast network of underground passageways to get a glimpse of the history of the tunnels, life in the tunnels, and the tenacity and ingenuity of the Vietnamese during the fighting.
- After exploring the tunnel complex, continue your journey to Tay Ninh where you will have the chance to admire the elaborate architecture of a large temple and learn more about a religion unique to Vietnam.
- Founded in the early 20th century, the Cao Dai religion is a unique blend of Western and Eastern philosophies and religions.
- Visit the temple and observe this complex combination, highlighted by its meticulous architecture. Visitors are invited to step inside the temple to watch the strictly orchestrated and colourful midday service from the balconies, which provide an excellent opportunity to capture the view of the entire temple and the colourfully-robed followers, who are firm believers in Buddha and the Christian God.
- Return to downtown Ho Chi Minh City at the end of the day.
Includes:
- Private transfer
- English-speaking guide
- Entrance fees
- Lunch (set menu)
- 2 x bottles of water in the car during the transfer
Important note:
- The Cu Chi tunnels have been widened in places for Western visitors, but they can still be dark, hot, and claustrophobic inside, please take this into account if you don't like enclosed spaces.
- For those who choose to stay above ground, there are plenty of easily accessible rooms and excavated areas to visit.
Discover the My Son sanctuary and the ancient town of Hoi An
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.
Discover the Hoi An countryside by boat and bicycle
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.
Mekong Delta (Ben Tre province)
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.
Your journey to Vietnam —
Flights:
You will be able to choose your airline and flight times when you make your booking. This flight may include one or more stopovers. The stopover may be technical (without a change of aircraft) or transit (with a change of aircraft).
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 destination —
Vietnam
Welcome to Vietnam, a captivating country that showcases a perfect blend of ancient traditions, natural wonders, and bustling cities, overflowing with history, culture and hospitality.
Hanoi, the vibrant capital city, embodies the nation's diverse history with its well-preserved French colonial architecture and ancient temples. Embark on a cruise through Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where towering limestone karsts rise from emerald waters. The peaceful Mekong Delta is a serene escape into a world of lush green fields, winding waterways, and floating markets.
Ho Chi Minh, formerly known as Saigon, boasts a buzzing blend of history and modernity. Skyscrapers stand side by side with ornate temples, and lively markets offer an abundance of sights, sounds, and flavours. Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, an intricate network of underground passageways used during the Vietnam War, and gain insight into the country's tumultuous past.
World-famous street food is the true champion of Vietnam, with an incredibly diverse offering of sweet and spicy dishes, bursting with fantastic flavour and colour.
