Highlights of Vietnam - From £2,578

Asia Vietnam
OVERVIEW
Cruise through the emerald waters of Halong Bay, taking in its limestone karsts. Stroll through the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An, where old-world charm meets vibrant life. Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, a testament to Vietnam's wartime resilience. Along the way, dive into bustling local markets, taste local dishes, and uncover the rich traditions of this captivating country.
EXPERIENCES
After a stroll through the streets of Cai Be, meet a local family in their home. Hear stories from your Local Specialist about surviving the Khmer Rouge and learn about the family's handicraft, making paper. 

Ha Long Bay: Start your day on beautiful Ha Long Bay with a T'ai Chi class led by a Local Specialist. 

Hanoi: Enjoy a traditional evening Water Puppet performance in a local theatre. This northern Vietnamese art form beautifully illustrates scenes of rural life and natural history and began approximately a thousand years ago, possibly in the flooded rice fields of Vietnam. Puppeteers stand in waist-high water and manipulate their charges in such a way that you can’t help but be swept up in the legend being told. Each short sketch in the performance relates to the daily life of the people.

Hanoi: On a sightseeing tour of the city of Hanoi, see the imposing Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Temple of Literature.

Hanoi: Travel past the colourful shopfronts and street food vendors of Hanoi's Old Quarter on a cyclo tour.

Hanoi: Visit Ho Chi Minh's house in Hanoi.

Ho Chi Minh City: Enjoy the sights of the French colonial-era buildings and even a former CIA residential block as you partake in a walking tour of Ho Chi Minh City.

Ho Chi Minh City: Gain insight into a challenging period of Vietnam's history as you join a Viet Cong veteran on a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels, built to protect Viet Cong guerrillas.

Ho Chi Minh City: Visit the home of the former American Ambassador to South Vietnam in the 1960s.

Hoi An: Red Bridge Cooking School is a culinary gem in Hoi An. Begin your learning with a welcome drink at Hai Cafe before you explore the bustling central market with your chef, where you’ll select fresh ingredients. Take a boat to the school to enjoy a private cooking class and dine on your creations overlooking the river. 

Hoi An: Cruise down the scenic Cua Dai River on a local boat and experience the art of casting traditional Vietnamese fishing nets. Guided by friendly fishermen, you'll learn this centuries-old technique, adding an authentic and unforgettable adventure to your journey.

Hoi An: Hoi An is famous for its bespoke tailoring, where skilled tailors create custom suits, dresses and more—often in just a day or two. Whether you're after the perfect fit or a stylish design tailored to your preferences, your Travel Director will be on hand to ensure you’re well taken care of throughout your visit.   

Hue: See Hue by land and water today. Enjoy a cyclo tour past the Imperial Citadel and Thien Mu Pagoda before boarding a local dragon boat. 

My Tho: Cruise along the canals of Cai Be in a small sampan boat during your visit to this market town.
DEPARTURE DATES AND PRICES
Tour
Departs		 Tour
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(price per person)		 Definite Departure
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12/12/2026 23/12/2026 £2,825 Book
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ITINERARY

On arrival, we have airport transfers arranged for you. Relish the warm embrace of Vietnam and her welcoming people, who will touch you with their humility and entrepreneurial spirit throughout your journey across this intoxicating land. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a dinner at a local restaurant.

Ready to step into Vietnam’s past? You’ll visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university from the 11th century. It’s a beautiful example of traditional Vietnamese architecture—and if you’ve got a 100,000 dong note, you’ll spot it right there. Next, hop on a cyclo, a three-wheeled bicycle taxi, and cruise through Hanoi’s Old Quarter, known for its 36 streets once home to artisan guilds. You’ll also view the striking Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and then go inside the One Pillar Pagoda and Ho Chi Minh’s peaceful wooden house. Then, meet Mr. Liem Phan, a skilled artisan who brings the ancient art of water puppetry to life. Hear the story behind this unique tradition, enjoy a show, and even try your hand at puppet-making. End the day at your leisure, soaking in Hanoi’s charm and culture.

Board your cruise, check in to your cabin and meet the crew over a drink before listening to a safety briefing. Enjoy lunch as the boat cruises towards the southeast of Ha Long Bay, with its limestone scenery unfolding around you. You’ll explore the Ho Ba Ham area by kayak before freshening up and getting ready for the evening. As the sun sets, enjoy happy hour drinks, then join a cooking competition on the sundeck or in the restaurant where you’ll practise making Vietnamese dishes before dinner. The rest of the evening is yours, with the option to join a rice wine tasting, try squid fishing or enjoy a second happy hour with your fellow passengers.

Ease into the day with a Tai Chi lesson as the sun rises over Ha Long Bay, followed by breakfast on board. Choose to visit Tien Ong Cave and discover its archaeological heritage, or explore the Cua Van Floating Culture Center by kayak or traditional rowing boat. After checking out of your cabin, enjoy your final views of the bay as you cruise back to the wharf. You’ll continue to Hanoi Airport for your flight to Danang, followed by a transfer to Hoi An. Your evening is free to explore the old town and discover why Hoi An is known as the tailoring capital of the world.

Step into Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with roots as a 15th-century trading port. Once a bustling hub for merchants from China, Japan, and Europe, this town now welcomes you to explore its rich history and blend of cultures. Stroll through narrow lanes lined with ancient merchant houses, cross the iconic 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, and admire the intricate carvings of the Chaozhou Assembly Hall. Afterward, visit the market, where you’ll be greeted by the enticing aroma of fresh spices and the shimmer of colourful silk. Browse the market stalls and you’ll certainly find a Hoi An treasure to bring home. Your afternoon is free but why not try one of our Optional Experiences.

Spend the morning at leisure—explore Hoi An at your own pace or relax at your hotel. Alternatively, join one of our Optional Experiences: visit the ancient My Son Sanctuary or uncover history at the Ky Anh tunnels in Tam Thanh village. In the afternoon, Dive into Culture at the Red Bridge Cooking School. Start with a welcome drink at Hai Cafe, shop for fresh ingredients at the market, then take a boat to your private cooking class, enjoying your creations with a river view.

Hoi An’s waterways, a lifeline for villagers and a window into its past. Visit a fishing village to learn the art of casting Vietnamese fishing nets and try paddling traditional round basket boats through coconut-palm groves. Hear stories of the area’s wartime history as you cruise back with a refreshing drink in hand. This afternoon, cross the spectacular Hai Van Pass, famed for its breathtaking views, and stop at Red Beach, where American marines first landed in Danang. Wrap up the day in Hue, Vietnam’s imperial capital, for an overnight stay steeped in history.

You’ll navigate the busy streets of Hue on the back of a cyclo en route to the UNESCO-listed Imperial Citadel, once home to Nguyen emperors. From here, you’ll drive to Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue's best-preserved religious monument. Boarding a local dragon boat next, cruise along the Perfume River to the house of the former Princess Ngoc Son, the daughter of Emperor Dong Khanh. Although the house is no longer owned by royalty, you will meet the current Phan family for a Be My Guest lunch to gain a glimpse of their life in this historic house. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure or consider joining one of our Optional Experiences.

A short flight this morning brings you to the bustling heart of Ho Chi Minh City. Get ready to uncover its sights on a walking tour along vibrant Dong Khoi Street. Marvel at the Opera House and the former Hotel de Ville, then stroll up to the majestic Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office, crafted by none other than Gustave Eiffel. Take a poignant journey through the War Remnants Museum, offering a glimpse into the war through the eyes of locals, before walking through Ben Thanh market, a treasure trove of history and culture. Later, your Stays with Stories experience at Grand Hotel Saigon is a French colonial gem right in the city’s historic heart. End the day with dinner at KOTO restaurant, where your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience supports life-changing opportunities for disadvantaged youth.

The mighty Mekong beckons today, as you take a day trip to Cai Be town, in the heart of the Mekong Delta. You’ll transfer to a charming traditional boat where you will cruise and explore the bustling riverbanks. Visit a beautifully preserved ancient house dating back to the 19th century, passed down through many generations of the family. Enjoy a leisurely sampan ride through the narrow canals, stopping for a home-hosted lunch of delicious Mekong Delta specialities, before returning to Ho Chi Minh City for an evening at leisure.

Uncover Vietnam’s fascinating past with a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels, an intricate underground network used by the Viet Cong. A veteran shares how these tunnels served as homes, hospitals and hideouts. You’ll return to Ho Chi Minh City by private speedboat, with free time to unwind. Later, you’ll step into history at the former home of US Ambassador Henry Cabot Lodge, followed by dinner to end the day.

Our discovery of the iconic and unexpected highlights of Vietnam at its end. The offered complimentary transfers arrive at Ho Chi Minh City airport at 04:00 and 16:00 on the last day of the tour only. Please speak to your Travel Director for further information.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
  • All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
  • All porterage and restaurant gratuities
  • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
  • Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
  • Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
  • Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
  • Flights from Hanoi to Danang and Hue to Ho Chi Minh City
  • Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
  • Must-see sightseeing
  • On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.
  • Optional Experiences and free time
ACCOMMODATION
DAY 1: Silk Path Hotel - Meals: Dinner
DAY 2: Silk Path Hotel - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 3: Au Co Cruise - Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5: Allegro Hoi An - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 6: Allegro Hoi An - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 7: White Lotus Hue - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 8: White Lotus Hue - Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 9: Grand Saigon - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 10: Grand Saigon - Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 11: Grand Saigon - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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