Cat Ba island from above. Lan Ha bay. Hai phong, Vietnam

Essential Vietnam Tour

13 days from £3,730pp

TOUR

highlights


  • Drift among stunning limestone karst scenery ​on a traditional junk in Lan Ha Bay (a quieter ​alternative to Halong).
  • Unearth Vietnam's modern and ancient ​history in imperial Hue.
  • Shop and relax in charming Hoi An.
  • Explore the French influence in bustling ​Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Price includes

  • Scheduled international and domestic flights
  • Flight offers available
  • In-destination transfers
  • Activities and excursions as detailed
  • All accommodation
  • 24-hour support while you travel


MAKE AN ENQUIRY

Itinerary idea

in detail

Includes international flights from a choice of UK airports, ​including London, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle, ​Edinburgh and Glasgow.

DAY 1

International Outbound Flight

Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to ​Hanoi.

da​y 2

Stay at Essence Hanoi

Upon arrival in Hanoi you are greeted by a THiET representative and taken to ​your hotel by private transfer. The rest of the day will be free to relax or explor​e at your own leisure. You might like to visit the Hoan Kiem Lake, a short walk ​from your hotel — it's beautifully lit up at ni​ght.

Train Street Hanoi Vietnam
Hoan Kiem Lake View at Twilight

day 3​

Stay at Essence Hanoi

This morning embark on a private city tour with your driver and guide. Visit Ho ​Chi Minh's former home, the Temple of Literature (the first university in Hanoi) ​and perhaps the Fine Arts Museum, which has a wonderful collection of art and ​sculpture. The tour ends in Hanoi's busy Old Quarter before returning to your ​hotel in the afternoon.

da​y 4

Stay at Orchid Cruise Hai Phong

This morning take a private transfer to Haiphong, where you board your ​traditional Vietnamese junk. Spend the afternoon cruising around Lan Ha Bay's ​thousands of limestone islets and caves and see the sun setting over the calm ​waters before enjoying a wonderful dinner under the stars. All meals are ​included during your stay on board.

day 5​

Stay at Pilgrimage Village Hotel Hue

Wake up to see the sunrise over the bay this morning. Continue cruising before ​returning to Hanoi airport this afternoon in time for your flight to Hue. Back in ​Hanoi you will have some time to enjoy lunch and do some further exploring ​before it is time to go to the airport. Fly to Hue later this evening and check into ​your city hotel.

Lan Ha Bay, Vietnam
Ruins of a Hindu Temple at My Son in Vietnam

day 6​

Stay at Pilgrimage Village Hotel Hue

After breakfast you will join your guide for a tour around some of Hue's ​important historical sights including the citadel and the mausoleum of Emperor Tu ​Duc. Later you can try your hand at crafting bamboo paper art named Trucchi.

day 7​

Stay at Garden House Hue

Today you will embark on a cycling tour through some of Hue's more rural areas ​with some stops arranged at local houses along the way. Spend the night in a ​traditional garden house and enjoy a home-cooked meal using ingredients ​straight from the garden.

day 8​

Stay at Chic Hotel Hoi An

Drive from Hue to Hoi An today, a journey of about three and a half hours. Pass ​abundant rice paddy fields and travel over the Hai Van Pass, which on a clear ​day has spectacular views out to the South China Sea and the Lang Co ​peninsula. Take the afternoon to relax — you might like to take a stroll around ​the charming riverside town of Hoi An.

Bun Bo Hue in Bowl and Chopsticks on Table Napkin
Hoi An market

day 9​

Stay at Chic Hotel Hoi An

Explore the UNESCO town of Hoi An with your private guide on hand to offer his ​expert knowledge. The city's historic district is littered with 16th-century ​buildings, once an important trading post for international visitors. Afterwards, ​drive out to the ancient Cham ruins at My Son — a series of Hindu temples which ​have now been claimed by the mighty jungle surrounding them. This afternoon is ​free to relax and explore at your own leisure. You might like to try out the hotel's ​pool to cool off after the day's exploration.

lantern in Hoi An

day 1​0

Stay at Liberty Central Saigon Riverside Hotel

Drive to Danang airport today for the short flight to Ho Chi Minh City in southern ​Vietnam with your private guide and driver. On arrival, you're met by your ​private guide and driver. En route to Ho Chi Minh City, stop at the Cu Chi ​tunnels to learn a little more about the Vietnam War and the guerrilla tactics of ​the Viet Cong. It's possible to enter a few of the tunnels if you are comfortable ​with narrow spaces, as well as see exhibitions and videos of the tunnels when ​they were in use. This evening embark on a fascinating discovery of Ho Chi Minh ​City on the back of a Vespa as part of a small group tour. You will sample ​delicious street food, enjoy local music and experience the city from the ​viewpoint of your experienced local guide.

Danang City Skyline Aerial View

day 1​1

Stay at Liberty Central Saigon Riverside Hotel

Embark on a full-day tour to a quieter area of Vietnam's Mekong Delta region. ​You will travel using various means of transport, learn about local farming ​practises and enjoy a freshly prepared lunch in a local home. This is a fascinating ​way to see an undisturbed side of the country.

day 1​2

International Return Flight

After enjoying breakfast you are collected from your hotel and taken to the ​airport by your private driver in time for your onward flight.

day 1​3

International Return Flight

Arrive home today to complete your journey.

Floating Market, Mekong Delta, Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City Hall

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

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Our trip to Vietnam was ​unforgettable, thanks to their ​seamless planning and ​knowledgeable guides. Every detail ​was perfect!

SARAH T. (LONDON)

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From booking flights to arranging ​accommodations, their service was ​top-notch. The guided tours were ​insightful and engaging. Highly ​recommend!

JAMES M. (MANCHESTER)

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Exceptional service and attention to ​detail made our Vietnam adventure ​truly special. The team was ​professional, friendly, and always ​available to help.

EMMA L. (BIRMINGHAM)