Vietnam Highlights – The Essence of the Land
Duration
9 days
Departure weekly
every Wednesday
Guaranteed
with 2 travellers
Max group size
16 travellers
WHAT TO EXPECT
Discover the unique history and culture of Hanoi, Vietnam‘s Capital as you walk the busy streets and alleyways of the Old Quarter. Cruise the waters of Halong Bay on a traditional junk boat. Take in the stunning scenery and feast on fresh local seafood. Take in the stunning coastal vistas and lush countryside scenery on your drive from Hue to Hoi An. Be charmed by Hoi An, with its antiquated streets and unique insight into traditional Vietnamese life. Explore the Mekong Delta and experience the vibrant scenes and rural villages of Vietnam’s ‘rice bowl’.
Vietnam Highlights – The Essence of the Land
Day 1: Arrival and Xin Chao to Hanoi
Welcome to Vietnam! On arrival in Hanoi, a transfer will take you to your hotel. Enjoy some free time until your tour briefing and some welcome drinks with your fellow travellers.
Day 2: Hanoi (B/L)
Spend the day discovering Hanoi’s must-visit sites including the infamous Hoa Lo Prison, also known as the “Hanoi Hilton Prison”. Walk through the crowded streets of the city’s Old Quarter; pay a visit to the Temple of Literature and the historical St Joseph’s Cathedral. Enjoy a delicious afternoon tea before you continue your exploration of the Ho Chi Minh Quarter, the Hanoi Opera House, and a stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake.
Day 3: Hanoi to Halong Bay (B/L/D)
Drive past scenes of traditional rural life as you travel from Hanoi to Halong City, the gateway to Halong Bay. On arrival, board a well-appointed junk boat, enjoy a delicious lunch and begin cruising among some of the 3,000 islands which rise from the sea. In the evening, retreat to your private cabin, or relax on the main deck or at the bar.
Day 4: Halong Bay to Hue (B)
Take part in a sunrise Tai Chi lesson on the sundeck before enjoying brunch on board. Cruise back to port to disembark. Drive to Hanoi airport where you will fly to the former imperial capital of Hue. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for check in and an afternoon at leisure.
Day 5: Hue to Hoi An (B)
Enjoy a guided tour of the city’s sites including Emperor Tu Duc’s elaborate tomb, Imperial Palace, Citadel and Thien Mu Pagoda. From Hue, drive to Hoi An, admiring some of Vietnam’s most stunning scenery along the way. On arrival in Hoi An, check into your hotel and enjoy an afternoon of independent exploration.
Day 6: Hoi An (B)
Visit the technicolour Tam Thanh village. With amazing artworks covering the walls, streets and alleyways, this once sleepy corner of Hoi An is brought back to life. Visit Thanh Dong Organic Farm, learning the traditional farming methods adopted by this village. Chat with the local farmers and take part in the farming activities. In the afternoon, take a walking tour to discover the mix of Chinese, Japanese and French influenced architecture.
Day 7: Hoi An to Saigon (B)
Drive to Danang before flying to Saigon, Vietnam’s commercial capital. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for check-in. Take a moment to freshen up before your journey continues to the Cu Chi Tunnels. Discover the network of underground tunnels while learning about their role in the Vietnam War. Return to Saigon and spend the remainder of day at leisure.
Day 8: Saigon to Mekong Delta (B/L/D)
Venture to the Mekong Delta and spend the day exploring the many palm fringed canals, local temples and markets. Enjoy a delicious lunch made from locally harvested produce. On your return drive to Saigon, stop by a Cao Dai temple with its spectacular architecture and vivid colours. Arrive back to Saigon to join your group for a farewell dinner.
Day 9: Departure from Saigon (B)
After breakfast, enjoy a guided walking tour of Saigon. Wander along Dong Khoi Street, admire the grand architecture of Notre Dame Cathedral, stop at the Reunification Palace, and get lost amongst the many stalls and vendors within Benh Thanh Markets. In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for your onward journey.
Inclusions
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Insider Experiences
Social - Farm life experience at Thanh Dong Organic Farm
Taste - Enjoy a delicious lunch made from local harvested produce
Unique - River cruising on Halong Bay and overnight onboard
Unique - Tai Chi lesson on Halong Bay at sunrise
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Accommodation
7 nights in 4 star hotels
1 night on a boat
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Meals
Daily breakfast
4 local lunches
2 local dinners
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Transport
Airport transfer on arrival and departure
Air-conditioned vehicle
All flight specified in itinerary
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Touring
English speaking tour guide
All entrance fees
All tipping
Departure Dates
| START DAY | END DAY |
|---|---|
| Wednesday, 6 November 2024 | Thursday, 14 November 2024 |
| Wednesday, 13 November 2024 | Thursday, 21 November 2024 |
| Wednesday, 20 November 2024 | Thursday, 28 November 2024 |
| Wednesday, 27 November 2024 | Thursday, 5 December 2024 |
| Wednesday, 4 December 2024 | Thursday, 12 December 2024 |
| Wednesday, 11 December 2024 | Thursday, 19 December 2024 |
| Wednesday, 18 December 2024 | Thursday, 26 December 2024 |
| Wednesday, 25 December 2024 | Thursday, 2 January 2025 |
| Wednesday, 1 January 2025 | Thursday, 9 January 2025 |
| Wednesday, 8 January 2025 | Thursday, 16 January 2025 |
| Wednesday, 15 January 2025 | Thursday, 23 January 2025 |
| Wednesday, 22 January 2025 | Thursday, 30 January 2025 |
| Wednesday, 29 January 2025 | Thursday, 6 February 2025 |
| Wednesday, 5 February 2025 | Thursday, 13 February 2025 |
| Wednesday, 12 February 2025 | Thursday, 20 February 2025 |
| Wednesday, 19 February 2025 | Thursday, 27 February 2025 |
| Wednesday, 26 February 2025 | Thursday, 6 March 2025 |
| Wednesday, 5 March 2025 | Thursday, 13 March 2025 |
| Wednesday, 12 March 2025 | Thursday, 20 March 2025 |
| Wednesday, 19 March 2025 | Thursday, 27 March 2025 |
| Wednesday, 26 March 2025 | Thursday, 3 April 2025 |
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