We Love —
- Discovering the highlights of Vietnam and the country's rich, ancient culture with an English-speaking guide.
- Enjoying an unforgettable 5* cruise in the famous Ha Long Bay with an overnight stay on board.
- Experiencing the Mekong Delta with its floating market, before relaxing on the dream beaches of Phu Quoc.
- Selecting to stay an additional 3 nights in Sapa, to discover the mountains, rice fields and pretty Hmong villages.
Customer reviews —
Embark on a 16-day odyssey through the enchanting landscapes of Vietnam, tracing a path from the vibrant South to the captivating North. This incredible journey will lead you to the nation's most iconic treasures, commencing in the lively city of Saigon. Glide through the serene waters of the Mekong Delta and savor the charm of the idyllic Phu Quoc island.
Continue your expedition into the heart of Vietnam, where you'll uncover the secrets of the central region, and then venture northward to bask in the unparalleled beauty of Halong Bay. Why not add three extra days to your itinerary and explore the picturesque Sapa mountains? Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of rice terraces, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Your itinerary in brief —
Discover the enchanting wonders of Vietnam on an unforgettable 15 night private tour.
Immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of the Mekong Delta, where green rice fields, winding canals and floating markets immerse you in a world of authenticity and traditions.
Be enchanted by the majestic Ha Long Bay during a cruise, surrounded by karst rocks rising from the calm waters. Enjoy the unspoilt charm of Hoi An's old town, where ancient architecture and colourful lanterns create a magical atmosphere.
Opt to stay an additional 3 nights in Sapa, and explore the green mountains, traditional Hmong villages and Vietnamese culture. An unforgettable adventure awaits...
Choose from the following offers:
Your itinerary:
Offer 1: 15 night tour
- Day 1: Arrival in Saigon
- Day 2: Saigon
- Day 3: Saigon - Ben Tre - Can Tho
- Day 4: Can Tho - Flight to Phu Quoc
- Days 5 & 6: Phu Quoc
- Day 7: Phu Quoc - Flight to Danang - Hoi An
- Days 8 & 9: Hoi An
- Day 10: Hoi An - Danang - Hue
- Day 11: Hue - Ancient Imperial Capital
- Day 12: Hue - Flight to Hanoi - City tour
- Day 13: Hanoi - Day at leisure (optional: Ha Long Bay by land) (Tam Coc - Hoa Lu)
- Day 14: Hanoi - Ha Long - boat trip and overnight on board
- Day 15: Ha Long - Hanoi
- Day 16: Hanoi - Departure
Offer 2: 15 night tour + 3 night stay in Sapa
- Day 1: Arrival in Saigon
- Day 2: Saigon
- Day 3: Saigon - Ben Tre - Can Tho
- Day 4: Can Tho - Flight to Phu Quoc
- Days 5 & 6: Phu Quoc
- Day 7: Phu Quoc - Flight Danang - Hoi An
- Days 8 & 9: Hoi An
- Day 10: Hoi An - Danang - Hue
- Day 11: Hue
- Day 12: Hue - Flight to Hanoi
- Day 13: Hanoi
- Day 14: Hanoi - Sapa - Giang Ta Phinh Village
- Day 15: Sapa - Lao Chai - Ta Van - Giang Ta Chai
- Day 16: Sapa - Sin Chai Village - Hanoi
- Day 17: Hanoi - Ha Long
- Day 18: Ha Long - Hanoi
- Day 19: Hanoi - Departure
Please note that the order of the individual programme items may change.
Your itinerary in detail —
Days 1-4
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN SAIGON
- Upon arrival at Saigon airport, you will be greeted by our guide and transferred to your city-centre hotel for check-in.
- Relax after a long journey.
Overnight stay in Saigon.
DAY 2: SAIGON
- Enjoy a free day to explore the city on your own or choose to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels and Cao Dai Temple (optional, extra charge).
Overnight stay in Saigon.
Breakfast included.
DAY 3: SAIGON - BEN TRE - CAN THO
- Drive 2 hours to Ben Tre province in the Mekong Delta, known for its tropical orchards, coconut groves and traditional coconut products.
- Upon arrival, climb aboard a local wooden boat to admire the scenery and life on the river.
- Stretch your legs at a local family workshop to learn how to use every part of the coconut according to local traditional methods. Take your bike for a short ride of about 3-4 km (on easy, flat terrain) along the narrow village roads, past orchards and local cottage industries.
- Stop at the homes of local families along the way and chat with local farmers to understand their daily farming activities, while taking the opportunity to sample fresh fruit and local honey tea.
- Climb aboard a traditional rowing boat to take a closer look at the palm-fringed waterways of the delta.
- After lunch, drive 3 hours to your hotel in Can Tho where the evening is at leisure.
Please note: The cycled distance is 3 to 4 km, depending on physical ability and desired length.
Overnight stay in Can Tho.
Breakfast included.
DAY 4: CAN THO - FLIGHT TO PHU QUOC
- Rise early morning and board a local boat to visit the Cai Rang floating market. As the waterway becomes a maze of hundreds of boats, you will witness an interesting trading activity using a traditional 'sacrificial pole' - exchanging consumer goods hanging from the pole for Mekong fruits and vegetables with local vendors. This bustling wholesale market on the water offers excellent photo opportunities, especially from the unique vantage point of your boat.
- Transfer to Can Tho airport for the flight to Phu Quoc.
- On arrival at the airport, the resort shuttle will take you to the resort.
- Phu Quoc is also known as the island of pearls due to its natural wealth. The island is considered 'off the beaten track', because it remains remarkably undeveloped. It's a haven for nature and sea lovers looking for a place to relax. Phu Quoc's forests and pristine white-sand beaches make it an ideal place for trekking, diving and snorkelling.
Overnight stay on Phu Quoc island.
Breakfast included.
Days 5 -10
DAY 5 & 6: PHU QUOC
- Located on Vietnam's southern coast and surrounded by virgin forests and pristine white sand beaches, Phu Quoc has quickly evolved from a sleepy island to a favourite beach destination for sun worshippers.
- Enjoy a day at leisure, relaxing, sunbathing or reading a book.
Overnight stay on the island of Phu Quoc.
Breakfast included.
DAY 7: PHU QUOC - FLIGHT DANANG TO HOI AN
- After breakfast, the resort shuttle will take you back to the airport.
- Flight from Phu Quoc to Danang.
- You'll be met by your driver and transferred to Hoi An town.
Overnight stay in Hoi An.
Breakfast included.
DAY 8 & 9: HOI AN
- Remarkably well preserved, Hoi An's Old Town reflects a unique cultural fusion and was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999. It is a veritable open-air museum of building design and urban lifestyle. From the 15th to the 20th century, Hoi An was an exclusive trading port between European and Asian businessmen. Various Chinese, Japanese and Portuguese influences are stil visible in its architecture.
- Enjoy a day at leisure, explroing Hoi An at your own pace.
Overnight stay in Hoi An.
Breakfast included.
Day 10: Hoi An - Danang - Hue
- Enjoy a free morning to relax by the pool or on the beach. Or, for the more adventurous, why not have some garment tailor-made, at a bargain price.
- In the afternoon, meet your driver at your hotel (1 PM). You'll be driven (without a guide) to Hue. En route, you'll trverse the Hai Van pass, which offers great views of the central coastline and Lang Co beach - one of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam.
- Make a stop at An Bằng village in Hue - a small fishing village, also known as the 'City of Ghosts'. You will be amazed by a collection of sumptuously built and detailed tombs for ancestors and even relatives of the town's inhabitants, who have not yet died.
- Arrival in Hue around 5 PM.
Overnight stay in Hue.
Breakfast included.
Days 11 to 16
DAY 11: HUE
- Hue, the former imperial capital, built during the Nguyen Dynasty on the banks of the Perfume River, is a quiet and peaceful city with the beautiful architecture including a citadel, palaces, royal tombs, garden houses, pagodas and temples.
3-night extension in Sa Pa
If you opt for the 18 night roundtrip, your itinerary up to day 13 is the same as that of the 15 night roundtrip.
However, if you choose the longer trip, you will depart for Sapa on Day 14, before travelling onwards to Halong.
Day 14: Hanoi - Sapa - Giang Ta Phin village
- Transfer by shared limousine (with guide) to Sapa (185 miles - about 5h30 drive). Enjoy the changing landscapes en route, from plains to mountainous jungle.
- Arrive in Sapa at approximately 1PM and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
- Drive to Ta Giang Phinh, a remote mountain tribe village along a tranquil river, where traditional H'mong customs remain well preserved, despite the influence of modern life. Trek through wild, untouched landscapes, with impressive mountains and terraced fields as far as the eye can see.
- Stop along the way to interact with the Blue H'mong people and notice their traditional customs and dress.
Please note: Walking level: Medium, about 3 miles on paved road, flat terrain.
Overnight stay in Sapa.
Day 15: Sapa - Lao Cai - Ta Van
- Known for its beautiful rice terraces and more than 30 mountain tribes with their distinctive traditional dress styles and lifestyles, Sa Pa is an ideal location for various trekking options.
- Meet your guide at the hotel and and depart by private vehicle to the village of Y Linh Ho.
- Walk from the main road to the Black H'mong's village andobserve traditional clothing made of hemp cloths dyed deep indigo blue and decorated with batik flowers.
- Follow a path to the Muong Hoa valley and enjoy the spectacular scenery of rice terraces, vegetable gardens and green hills. Stop at the house of a local H'mong family in Lao Chai village and talk to family members and understand their traditional way of life and customs.
- Learn how to cook traditional coloured sticky rice with a H'mong family in Lao Chai village. Prepare for a hands-on experience in making traditional coloured sticky rice under the enthusiastic guidance of your host. Learn how to extract colour from natural materials (flowers, leaves, etc.), dye the rice and cook it. Enjoy lunch with your own creation in a relaxed atmosphere surrounded by mountains and terraced fields.
- Continue your exploration to the village of Ta Van, home to the Zay people (a traditional hill tribe, originally from China and known for their unique cultural costumes).
Overnight stay in Sapa.
Please note: Hiking level: easy, about 8 to 9 km on paved road. If you prefer a shorter hike, it's possible to hike to the villages of Lao Chai & Ta Van.
Day 16: Sapa - Sin Chai village - Hanoi
- Depart for Sin Chai village, inhabited by more than 60 Black Hmong families.
- Marvel at the splendour of the surrounding nature, with flowery valleys, vegetable nurseries, medicinal plant gardens and beautiful rice terraces all around.
- Continue your walk around the village of Sin Chai. Discover the history of the black Hmong people who emigrated to this mountainous region centuries ago. Their diversity in culture, language and lifestyle makes them a fascinating people. Visit a primary school and an authentic Hmong house before returning to the village.
- After lunch, enjoy an afternoon transfer to Hanoi (by shared limousine bus) with your guide.
Overnight stay in Hanoi.
Day 17: Hanoi - Halong
- Enjoy an early breakfast at your hotel.
- Pick you up at your hotel lobby between 7:30 and 8:00 AM and transfer by collective bus (without a guide) to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Board one of the bay's most luxurious cruises, enjoy a welcome drink, check into your cabin and have lunch as the boat slowly sails into the bay (Ha Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay) past the rock formations and discover the beauty of the bay on a series of fascinating excursions.
- Night fishing on request.
Overnight stay and dinner on board.
Please note:
- This itinerary will be adjusted according to weather conditions and boat availability.
- Shared English-speaking guide on the boat (no private guide )
Day 18: Halong - Hanoi
- Watch the sunrise in the morning and practice Tai Chi on the terrace.
- Sail across the bay while savouring a relaxing breakfast.
- You'll pass several rocks and islets, caves and fish farming villages.
- Disembarkation around 10:30 - 11:00 AM, whereupon your driver will take you to Hanoi.
Overnight stay in Hanoi.
Day 19: Hanoi - Departure
- Breakfast at your hotel, free time to relax until transfer without guide to the airport for your return flight.
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 without affecting the overall experience of the itinerary.
Your hotels —
Hand-picked just for you
Maximum room capacity
For your comfort, you'll be staying in comfortable accommodation in carefully selected hotels;
Your accommodation:
- Saigon: Northern Charm 4* - Deluxe Room (or similar)
- Can Tho: TTC Can Tho 4* - Deluxe Room with city view (or similar)
- Phu Quoc: Novotel Phu Quoc 5* - Superior Room (or similar)
- Hoi An: Anmira Hoian 4* - Standard Room (or similar)
- Hue: Senna Hue 5* - Standard Room (or similar)
- Hanoi: The Q Hotel 4* - Deluxe Room (or similar)
- Ha Long: Indochine Cruise 5* (or similar)
- Sapa (extension): KK Sapa 4* (or similar)
If the hotels listed above are unavailable, you will be provided with comfortable accommodation in similar hotels. Local standards apply.
Your dining choices
Treat yourself to a tour of oriental flavours, thanks to your board package according to the itinerary, including breakfasts (excluding arrival days), 2 lunches (excluding drinks) and 1 dinner (excluding drinks) as well as a brunch on board the junk on Halong Bay. If you choose the Sapa extension, enjoy breakfasts, 3 lunches (excluding drinks).
Your optional excursions —
The mysterious caves of Tam Coc and the ancient capital of Hoa Lu - private tour with lunch (minimum 2 people)
Discover Ninh Binh, a site recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014, renowned for its stunning karst mountains, misty caves and historical relics. From your hotel, you will take a 2-hour drive from Ha Noi city centre to Ninh Binh province during which you can admire a spectacular landscape between limestone kart peaks, valleys and impressive cliffs.
- You'll start by visiting the ancient capital of Hoa Lu to get a glimpse of Vietnam's first three centralised feudal states: the Dinh dynasty, the Le dynasty and the Ly dynasty. While the ancient citadel has probably disappeared, the temples of the Dinh and Le dynasties still stand, surrounded by rice fields and mountains.
- You will continue your journey to Bich Dong which was conferred by a king as the "second most beautiful cave in Vietnam". The cave is decorated with magnificent stalactites and stalagmites of different shapes and colours. Climbing up Ngu Nhac Son (Buddha Palm Mountain) you will enjoy the panoramic view created by mountains, rivers, pagodas and temples.
- Known as "Ha Long Bay on land", Tam Coc ("three caves" in Vietnamese) was formed by the Ngo Dong River flowing through a mountain. You'll set off by boat on a magnificent waterway lined with rice fields to admire the spectacular view of the karst formation as you explore these caves amid towering mountains.
- When you disembark the boat, you will follow a village path between rice fields to reach the Thai Vi temple located in a cave...
- You will return to Ha Noi in the late afternoon.
Practical information:
Type of excursion: Private excursion
Guided: yes
Languages: French, English, Spanish, Italian, German
Availability: every day
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: approximately 9h
Hours: 8am - 5:30pm
Number of people: from 1 to 10
Transfers included: yes
Pick-up and drop-off location: at your hotel reception .
Price includes:
- Private car transfers
- Guide services
- Local boat trip
- Entrance fees to places visited
- Lunch in the form of a set menu
- 2 bottles of water
- Refreshing towels during the car journey
Price does not include:
- Meals and drinks not mentioned in "The price includes" .
- Any tips and personal expenses .
- Anything not included in "price includes".
The Cu Chi tunnels and exploring Ho Chi Minh City on foot - min 2 people
Discover the incredible Cu Chi Tunnels, originally used as a base for organising guerrilla actions against the French and during the Indochina War. This day will also be an opportunity to stroll around Ho Chi Minh with your guide to discover its most beautiful monuments.
Snorkelling and sunset barbecue dinner on the islet of Phu Quoc
Set off for an afternoon at sea snorkelling. Departing from your hotel, you'll travel by boat to island of Buom and the islets of May Rut. After admiring the seabed, a barbecue dinner will be served on the island to round off the evening.
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.
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.
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.
