DELUXE TOUR: Discover the treasures of Vietnam, with its vibrant cities, breathtaking landscapes and captivating history. From the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City to the tranquil waters of Halong Bay, each day promises new adventures and unforgettable experiences. Explore the lush Mekong Delta by boat, cycle through the countryside in enchanting Hoi An and soak up the spectacular scenery on an overnight Halong Bay cruise. End your adventure in Hanoi, taking in the highlights of Vietnam's charming capital. Staying in 5-star hotels and escorted by a expert guide, experience the best of Vietnam in style on this 9-day tour.
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Ho Chi Minh City
Welcome to Vietnam. You will be met at Ho Chi Minh City airport and transferred to your hotel in the heart of the city. Spend the day at leisure until our welcome meeting at 5pm.
Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City
The Mekong Delta
This morning we drive to Cai Be (approx 2.5 hours) to explore the beautiful Mekong Delta. Often referred to as the ‘rice bowl’ of Vietnam, the fertile Mekong Delta is famous for its abundant harvests of tropical fruits, flowers and rice, as well as its picturesque canals. Taking a sampan from Cai Be we cruise through the maze of waterways watching the hubbub of daily life on the river. Passing colourful trading boats, house boats and children swimming we stop to visit some of the local cottage industries that produce popcorn, coco candies and paper along the way. Lunch is served in a traditional wooden home on Dong Hoa Hiep Island and later this afternoon we return to Ho Chi Minh City.
Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City | Breakfast, Lunch
Ho Chi Minh City tour
Ho Chi Minh City - Hoi An. We start the day with a visit to the sobering War Remnants Museum, before getting off the beaten track to explore lesser visited parts of Ho Chi Minh City and gain an insight into local life. Heading to District 3 we visit the oldest cafe in town and stop for a refreshment, before taking a walk through a large street-market, easing our way through a sea of conical hats and mobile street food sellers. We stroll through the heart of city's working-class district, which has remained largely unchanged since the 1960s, then head into the Ho Thi Ky quarter with its spectacular flower market and maze of quiet narrow streets. This area is also famous for its Khmer delicacies and we sample some of these traditional snacks.
After our tour of the city we transfer to the airport and board a flight to Da Nang. From Da Nang its a 30-minute drive to Hoi An, where we'll spend the next three nights.
Overnight: Hoi An | Breakfast
Tra Que farming experience
We take a leisurely bike ride through the countryside to Tra Que village this morning (we can arrange alternative transportation at no extra cost for those who don't wish to cycle). Here, we learn about age old farming practices and traditional medicine. It’s a fun, hands-on experience where you can don a conical hat, assist with tending the fields and cooking a tasty lunch!
After lunch we cycle back to town for a walking tour of enchanting Hoi An, with its cobbled streets, traditional homes and tiny shop houses. We visit the Chua Ong Pagoda, Chinese Assembly Hall, 200-year-old Tam Ky house, former merchants’ homes and the 400 year-old Japanese Covered Bridge.
Overnight: Hoi An | Breakfast, Lunch
Hoi An free day
Spend the day at leisure in heavenly Hoi An, relaxing by the hotel pool or taking a stroll around the town. Boutique restaurants, hip cafes along the waterfront, delightful craft shops and artisans, including some of Asia’s best bespoke tailors, can all be found here.
Overnight: Hoi An | Breakfast
Halong Bay
Hoi An - Halong Bay. It's an early start this morning to catch the first flight from Danang to Hanoi and transfer to beautiful Halong Bay. We then embark on a deluxe overnight cruise around the limestone peaks and emerald waters of Halong Bay.
Onboard the boat we're served a delicious seafood-based lunch, while the surrounding limestone outcrops make for a truly magical setting. This afternoon, we visit picturesque Cat Ba Island and take a leisurely bike ride to Viet Hai village - a small village nestled in the heart of Cat Ba National Park. Returning to the cruise you can participate in a cooking or fruit carving demonstration on the sundeck. Then sit back, relax and watch an incredible sunset over enchanting Halong Bay before dinner is served.
Overnight: Halong Bay | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Halong Bay & Hanoi
Halong Bay - Hanoi. Early birds can start the day with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck, while tea and coffee are served as the sun rises and illuminates the surrounding seascape. We then continue our exploration of the bay and end with a light brunch while cruising back to the pier, where we disembark and transfer to Hanoi.
Arriving into Hanoi mid-afternoon we take a stroll around the ‘36 streets of the old quarter’, named after the numerous guilds that once set up shop on a particular street, from silk tailors to traditional medicine shops. Then we check in to our luxury hotel and spend rest of day at leisure in Vietnam's charming capital.
Overnight: Hanoi | Breakfast
Hanoi city tour
Today we explore the capital. First stop is the infamous Hanoi Hilton (or Hoa Lo Prison as it is locally known). Here we have some time to explore this fascinating building, which was home to former US Senator and military officer John McCain, who was shot down over Hanoi in 1967 and held here during his five and half years as a prisoner of war. Then we visit Temple of Literature, which was Vietnam's first university.
In the afternoon we head to Huu Tiep lake and see the wreckage of a B52 bomber which was shot down in 1972. Then we stroll through the tiny alleys of Ngoc Ha Village, passing an ancient communal temple and typical Hanoi tube houses to reach the famous Ho Chi Minh complex. Here we visit Ho Chi Minh's house and learn all about the great man himself, who is regarded as the father of the nation. After a photo stop at Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum we head to Tran Quoc pagoda, the oldest pagoda in Hanoi. Weather permitting, we can enjoy a spectacular sunset at West Lake before returning to the hotel.
Overnight: Hanoi | Breakfast
Hanoi
Our tour comes to an end today, with an included transfer to Hanoi airport.
Breakfast
Prices & Dates
All departure dates are guaranteed to operate when there are 2 persons booked on the tour. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers and anyone wanting the privacy of their own room.
Extra Prices
Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Grand Hotel, Ho Chi Minh City
Built in 1930 and fully restored in 1997 after 3 years renovations - the Grand Hotel is one of Saigon's oldest and most prestigious hotels. Retaining it's original French colonial style both inside and out - rooms are well appointed, luxurious and offer guests a level of sophistication. The in-house Chavigny Restaurant provides a sumptuous Western and Asian style buffet as well as a surprise menu that changes daily.
Au Co , Halong Bay
Setting new standards in luxury, the Au Co deluxe ship is the perfect way to enjoy Halong Bay. Of the 32 spacious cabins, 30 have their own private balcony or terrace providing unparalleled views with a tasteful minimal decor and well-appointed bathroom. The elegant restaurant and open-air bars are located on the upper deck, designed according to the principles of Feng Shui with delicious meals served and cocktails on offer. The Au Co also boasts a Jacuzzi and spa room, a film and music library, and complimentary WiFi.
At a Glance
