Welcome to Vietnam! On arrival in Hanoi, a transfer will take you to your hotel. Enjoy some free time until your tour briefing and welcome drinks with your fellow travellers.

Flower Garden Hotel Hanoi or similar

Welcome drinks

This morning, meet your guide at your hotel and depart on your tour after breakfast. Your tour begins with a visit to the popular Hoan Kiem Lake, situated in the heart of Hanoi city, followed by a stop at the Dong Xuan Market. Next, you will visit the Ho Chi Minh complex, which includes Ba Dinh Square, the Presidential Palace (where you can take photos from the outside), and Ho Chi Minh’s private residence from 1954 until 1969. This wooden, stilt house, built in the style of Vietnam’s ethnic minority communities, is surrounded by lovely, peaceful gardens. In the same complex, you will see the One Pillar Pagoda, founded by King Ly Thai To in 1049, a significant symbol for the people of Hanoi.

After lunch on your own, continue to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university. Constructed in 1070, its gardens and well-preserved architecture offer a relaxing glimpse into Vietnam’s past. You will then visit Hoa Lo Prison, formerly known as the “Hanoi Hilton” during the American War. Your tour will also include the historic St Joseph’s Cathedral.

Before returning to your hotel, your last stop will be a visit to the Opera House. Then, stroll around the bustling Old Quarter, find a street-side café, and sip a cup of traditional Vietnamese coffee, especially egg coffee, while watching people pass by.

Flower Garden Hotel Hanoi or similar

Breakfast

Around 7.30am, you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred by shuttle bus from Hanoi to Halong City, the gateway to Halong Bay. Upon arrival, board a well-appointed junk boat, enjoy a delicious lunch, and begin cruising among the stunning limestone islands that rise from the sea, over 3,000 in total. In the evening, relax in your private cabin, unwind on the main deck, or enjoy a drink at the bar.

Victory Star Cruise or similar

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Start your day with a sunrise Tai Chi lesson on the sundeck, followed by a delicious brunch on board. Afterward, cruise back to port and disembark. You’ll then take a shuttle bus back to Hanoi, where you’ll meet your driver for your transfer to the airport. From there, catch a flight to Hue, the former imperial capital. Upon arrival in Hue, transfer to your hotel for check-in and enjoy a relaxing afternoon at your leisure.

Alba Spa Hotel or similar

Breakfast

This morning, your guide will meet you at your hotel at 8am for a half-day city tour of Hue. The tour begins with a visit to the tomb of Tu Duc, the fourth emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty, set beautifully among serene lakes and frangipani trees. Next, you’ll explore the Citadel, the impressive former home of the Nguyen Dynasty emperors. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993, the Citadel was heavily damaged during the Tet Offensive of 1968 but is gradually being restored. The tour concludes with a short drive to the revered Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue’s oldest and most beautiful temple.

Afterwards, you’ll depart Hue and head to Hoi An. Your guide and driver will take you over the stunning Hai Van Pass, which marks Vietnam’s geographical and cultural divide between the north and south. The peak of the pass is often shrouded in clouds, offering breathtaking views. Upon arrival in Hoi An, you’ll transfer to your hotel for check-in. The evening is free for you to explore Hoi An at your leisure.

Hoian Central Boutique Hotel or similar

Breakfast

In the morning, you’ll begin a guided walking tour of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once Vietnam’s most active trading centre, Hoi An has preserved its Old Town over centuries. Its architecture reflects the diverse influences of Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, French, and British traders. Hoi An is also where French missionary Alexandre de Rhodes introduced Catholicism to Vietnam and developed the Romanised script that became the standard Vietnamese writing system.

During your walking tour, you will visit a traditional ancient house, the Hoi An Museum, a Chinese Assembly Hall, Chau Ong Pagoda, and the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge. The tour will conclude in Hoi An Ancient Town, where you’ll have additional time to explore at your leisure.

Hoian Central Boutique Hotel or similar

Breakfast

After breakfast, take a short drive to Danang for your flight to Saigon. Upon arrival at Saigon airport, your guide and private car will meet you and begin the journey to the Cu Chi Tunnels. Once there, you’ll watch a brief documentary explaining the history of this extensive tunnel network. Afterwards, your guide will lead you through the famous tunnels, used by communist guerrillas during the Vietnam War. The tunnel system stretches over 250 kilometres and extends across three underground levels, providing a fascinating glimpse into the challenges, courage, and tactics of guerrilla warfare.

The tunnels served multiple purposes, including hiding spots during combat, communication and supply routes, hospitals, food and weapon storage, and living quarters for North Vietnamese fighters. These tunnels were critical to the Viet Cong’s resistance against American forces and played a key role in countering the US military effort. While most of the network has been recreated above ground, you’ll have the option to explore a portion of the underground tunnels to experience life below the surface.

After the tour, return to Saigon and check in at your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to explore the vibrant sights and sounds of the city.

Paragon Hotel or similar

Breakfast

This morning, your guide will meet you at your hotel at 8am for a full-day tour heading south from Ho Chi Minh City to the town of Ben Tre in the Mekong Delta. Known as Vietnam’s “rice bowl,” the Delta is the country’s most fertile region, producing the majority of its rice and tropical fruits. You’ll board a boat to explore the mighty Mekong River and its narrow canals, gaining a firsthand insight into the daily lives of the local people.

Your tour includes a visit to a local factory where bricks are still handmade using traditional kiln techniques, followed by a stop at a riverside coconut processing factory. You’ll also visit the home of a family who weave mats using locally sourced materials. Enjoy a pedicab ride before savouring a delicious lunch featuring local specialities, including the famous Elephant Ear Fish.

On your return from the Delta, you’ll stop briefly at a Cao Dai pagoda, a uniquely Vietnamese religious sect that blends elements of Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Hinduism, Christianity, and Islam. You’ll return to your hotel in the late afternoon. Later, join your group for a farewell dinner at the authentic Vietnamese restaurant HOME Vietnamese Saigon.

Paragon Hotel or similar

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, your guide will meet you at your hotel for a morning walking tour through the heart of Saigon, exploring its most famous and historic landmarks. You’ll stroll along Dong Khoi Street, passing the Rex Hotel, Municipal Theatre, and Hotel de Ville, and continue down Nguyen Hue Boulevard to visit the Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral. You’ll also see the Reunification Palace (from the outside).

Next, you’ll join your vehicle and drive to the site of the former US Embassy, now the US Consulate, before heading to the War Remnants Museum for a sobering look at Vietnam’s wartime history. Afterwards, travel to the Binh Thanh district to visit the Ba Chieu local wholesale market in the east of Saigon. Your final stop will be the Ngoc Hoang (Jade Emperor) Pagoda, a 124-year-old temple famous for its intricate sculptures and woodcarvings.

Return to your hotel where your tour ends (late checkout not included). Enjoy your final moments in Saigon before your guide and driver transfer you to the airport for your onward journey.

Breakfast