Our discover Vietnam tour takes you on this incredible journey from north to south leaving, no stone unturned. Your holiday starts by travelling out from Hanoi to beautiful Ninh Binh, where you have time to immerse yourself amongst stunning mountain backdrops, gorgeous rivers and breath-taking rice fields. The highlight of the region is enjoying a leisurely boat trip to explore Tam Coc, nicknamed ‘Ha Long Bay on land’ due to its beauty.
Travelling east you will reach the UNESCO heritage Bay of Ha Long, which is famous due to its sheer magic of the thousands of sharp limestone islands that seem to have grown out of nowhere from the sea bellow. On your traditional junk overnight boat cruise, you get to explore small of the hidden coves and impressive caves that feature remarkable glittering stalactites. As well as enjoying sea kayaking and visiting some remote fishing villages, but above all, you have some quality time to relax on board the viewing deck.
Your next destination on our discover Vietnam tour is the city of Hanoi, where you will get to walk down tree-lined boulevards and explore the splendour of the city’s old French colonial architecture. Hanoi is all about inner-city charm and discovery and you will get to explore the city’s old and French quarter with its extensive markets, art galleries, eateries and coffee shops. In the evening you can enjoy water puppet performance in one of the city’s theatres and watch Hanoi city life go by whilst sipping ice-cold coffee in one of the cafes by Hoan Kiem Lake.
Journeying south you get to spend some time in the national parks around Phong Nha, as well as visiting the Phong Nha caves by boat to discover some immense stalactites and stalagmites. From here you will drive along one of Vietnam’s most scenic highways to the old imperial capital of Hue. Once here you get to sail down the Perfume River and visit the Forbidden Purple Citadel, the Thien Mu Pagoda and sample the refined and unique Hue cuisine before continuing your travelling experience to the picturesque 16th-century harbour of Hoi An. Before the final leg of your discovery tour, which takes you all the way down to Saigon and the contrasting waterways of the Mekong Delta.
Upon arrival at Hanoi international airport you will be welcomed by your local guide and transferred to Ninh Binh, where you can check-in and relax for the rest of the day. Ninh Binh is famous for its cultural and historical relics of Hoa and Trang An cave as World Natural Heritage.
Overnight in Ninh Binh (Meals: _/_/_)
Day 2
Ninh Binh
Van Long Natural Reserve & Countryside Experience
Today you will enjoy a tranquil country cycle ride through the Van Long Natural Reserve; passing villages, rice fields and lotus ponds as you go. Along the way, you will stop at a local house to learn about the local way of life; such as fishing and crabbing before sitting down and enjoying lunch with the local family. In the afternoon you will go in a rowing boat to explore the stunning wetlands of Van Long.
Overnight in Ninh Binh (Meals: B/L/_)
Day 3
Ha Long Bay
Ninh Binh to Ha Long Bay | Drive: 4 hours
Leaving Ninh Binh behind you travel onwards to the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay; a world Heritage site of outstanding beauty. After lunch on board, you will explore Sung Sot Cave, considered to be the most beautiful cave in Ha Long. The cave is also named ‘Surprise Cave’ due to its colourful rock formation. You then return to your junk boat for dinner and settling in for the night.
Overnight on Board (Meals: B/L/D)
Day 4
Hanoi
Ha Long Bay to Hanoi | Drive: 3.5 hours
In the morning you will be served brunch as your boat slowly cruises past the many beautiful islets of Ha Long Bay on its way back to port. As you disembark your driver will greet you and transfer you back to Hanoi. Where you have the evening to enjoy as you wish.
Overnight in Hanoi (Meals: B/_/_)
Day 5
Hanoi
Full Day City Tour & Home Hosted Dinner
Today you will spend the day exploring Hanoi and learning about its history and legends, which will deepen your appreciation for the city. In the evening, instead of having dinner in a fancy restaurant, you will be treated to a traditional Vietnamese dinner with a local family in their house. This is a great opportunity to learn about the Hanoian’s way of life and culture.
Overnight in Hanoi (Meals: B/_/D)
Day 6
Hanoi
Doung Lam Ancient Village
This morning you bustling streets of Hanoi and travel to the ancient village of Duong Lam, which is a typical rural village in the Northern Red River Delta. A day tour to Duong Lam is considered a ‘door to discover’ as you can learn all about Vietnamese rural tradition as well as exploring the many authentic buildings. You then return back to the city for your last night in Hanoi.
Overnight in Hanoi (Meals: B/L/_)
Day 7
Phong Nha
Hanoi to Phong Nha | Flight: 1 hour
An early start is needed to catch the 6:30 am flight to Dong Hoi. Once on the ground, you will travel to Phong Nha and the Ke Bang National Park. The park is famous for having the oldest karst mountains in Asia, formed approximately 400 million years ago. On arrival, you will get to explore the largest cave in the world (Paradise Cave) by taking a boat trip. During this experience, you will also get to swim in the cool, deep blue water of Chay River.
Overnight in Phong Nha (Meals: B/_/_)
Day 8
Hue
Phong Nha to Hue | Drive: 3.5 hours
Today you travel to Hue. Along the way, you visit the Vinh Moc tunnels; where the North Vietnamese guerilla fighters lived and fought. You will also pause at a number of different battle sites to see the La Vang Church, the Quang Tri Citadel, the Ben Hai River, the Hien Luong Bridge and the Seventeenth Parallel (the former borderline between North and South Vietnam) during the war.
Overnight in Hue (Meals: B/L/_)
Day 9
Hue
Half Day Cycling Tour & Street Food Tour
An action-packed day of discovery awaits you today as you cycle through villages to witness real Vietnamese local life. You will learn how to traditional make rice crackers, visit a beautiful 130-year-old Ancient Garden House, pause at the beautiful Thien Mu Pagoda which history dates back to 1601. Your day continues with a boat ride on the scenic Perfume River to Toa Kham Pier in Hue. In the afternoon you will experience food as locals do and sample many local treats on a street food tour.
Overnight in Hue (Meals: B/L/_)
Day 10
Hoi An
Hue to Hoi An | Drive: 3 hours
The day starts with a trip to Dong Ba market before continuing on to the Imperial Citadel where Kings of Vietnam’s last feudal dynasty ruled from 1802 to 1945. You will also see the Flag Tower, Nine Holy Cannons, Ngo Mon Gate, Thai Hoa Palace, Nine Dynastic Urns and the Forbidden Purple City. From here you take a short drive to the seven tombs of the Nguyen emperors lie. After lunch, your journey continues to Hoi An on a lovely and photogenic drive past the fishing village of Lang Co and Danang before your arrival.
Overnight in Hoi An (Meals: B/L/_)
Day 11
Hoi An
Joint Cooking Class
Today you will enjoy a market and Village tour and a fabulous Gourmet Cooking Class. You start by cycling to one of Hoi An’s colourful markets to purchase your ingredients then onto An My village where you will learn about the cultivation of fresh herbs and vegetables as well as discovering the use of them in traditional Vietnamese medicine. Then back in the kitchen, you will get a hands-on experience of how to cook some classic Vietnamese dishes.
Overnight in Hoi An (Meals: B/L/_)
Day 12
Hoi An
Free Day
You will be free today to discover the beautiful chocolate box town of Hoi An under your own steam. Roam the streets, enjoy a coffee or some traditional Pho; or alternatively, include one of our Hoi An activities such as a photography tour or a bike ride to explore the areas stunning surroundings.
Overnight in Hoi An (Meals: B/_/_)
Day 13
Ho Chi Minh City
Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City | Flight: 1.5 hour
Today you have another free morning, then after lunch, you will be transferred to Danang airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City (Meals: B/_/_)
Day 14
Ho Chi Minh City
Half Day City Tour, Nightlife & Scooter Food Tour
Today starts with a fabulous introduction to Saigon by visiting some of the city’s most notable sights, such as the War Remnants Museum, the Reunification Palace, the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office. In the evening, you will explore a different side of the city on the back of a scooter. On your street food tour, you will get to try various Vietnamese delicacy, listen to live music and witness Saigon’s vibrant nightlife before being returned to your hotel.
Overnight in Hanoi (Meals: B/_/D)
Day 15
Ho Chi Minh City
Departure
Today you will be free to enjoy your last day in Vietnam before being transferred to the airport for your flight back home.
(Meals: B/_/_)
Tour includes
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Airport pick up and drop off
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Overnights as mentioned
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Excursions as mentioned
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Transportation in private A/C vehicle
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English speaking guide
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Meals as mentioned (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner – excludes drinks)
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All taxes
Tour excludes
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All flights unless included in itinerary & Visa fees
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International airport tax (Included in Airline Ticket)
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Meals, unless mentioned differently
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Beverages and personal expenses
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Other excursions and entrance fees
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Travel insurance (cover against all cancellation costs, medical expenses, including repatriation and evacuation in the event of accident of illness)
Please note: You must have a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining on it as well as bringing with you 4 passport size photos with you for your visa, as well as having a couple spare.
Call us on 0208 150 5150, for International callers 004420 8150 5150, send us an e-mail [email protected] or just use the form opposite.
Your next steps:
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Get in touch and talk to our specialist Asia travel team
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We then craft a unique and tailor-made itinerary just for you.
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We will stay in touch with you all the way through your holiday experience
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Pack you bags and get ready for your Asia holiday of a life time
On arrival in Asia we will meet you at the airport, transfer you to your hotel and then sit down to run over your holiday program again. We then introduce you to your local guides and give you some helpful local travel tips; such as local restaurant and bar suggestions and some cultural insights.
Towns & Cities in Vietnam
Vietnam has no shortage of captivating destination to visit on your holiday. Refer to our Towns & cities guide to plan the perfect trip.
There are so many beautiful hotels to choose from in Vietnam. So we have selected a few of our most favourite and characterful hotels; giving you a taste of what you can expect.
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