PRIVATE TOUR: In 10 memorable days, see the best of vibrant Vietnam. Explore Hanoi’s enchanting Old Quarter and the Imperial city of Hue. Experience life in the fast lane in Ho Chi Minh City and take time out in Hoi An. Spend a night aboard a Junk in breathtaking Halong Bay, cruise the scenic Mekong Delta and more on this exciting Southeast Asian adventure!
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Hanoi
Welcome to Hanoi! Upon arrival at Hanoi Airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The afternoon can be spent exploring the wide, tree-lined streets of Hanoi, resplendent with French colonial architecture and the scenic Hoan Kiem Lake. This evening attend a traditional Vietnamese water puppet performance.
Overnight: Hanoi
Hanoi City Tour
This morning there is an optional 'Good Morning Hanoi' excursion that can be booked locally. On this excursion start the day sampling a traditional Vietnamese breakfast, with a bowl of steaming Pho at one of Hanoi's most popular eateries. After enjoying the national dish take a stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, a focal point
for many of the local residents who gather there each day to practice Tai Chi, play badminton and do aerobics. End the excursion with a visit a local coffee shop to observe how Hanoi locals enjoy sipping Vietnamese bitter sweet coffee at Café Giang.
Take in the highlights of Hanoi on a guided tour today, including the Temple of Literature - Vietnam’s first university dating to 1070, Ho Chi Minh’s humble “stilt house”, the French colonial Governor’s Palace and the 11th century One-Pillar Pagoda. A short drive into the countryside takes you to a village on the outskirts of Hanoi where you'll enjoy a cooking demonstration hosted by a local family. After a delicious lunch return to Hanoi and embark on a cyclo (rickshaw) tour of the winding alleys that make up the atmospheric Ancient Quarter, otherwise known as the 36 Streets of Hanoi.
The remainder of today is at your leisure, alternatively you can book an optional “Taste of Hanoi” walking tour of the city to discover the unique flavors of Vietnamese cuisine.
Overnight: Hanoi | Breakfast, Lunch
Crusing on Halong Bay
Hanoi - Halong Bay. Early this morning journey north to Halong Bay (approx 4 hours drive), stopping for a refreshment break en route. UNESCO Listed Halong Bay is undoubtedly one of Vietnam's most spectacular regions. Thousands of karst limestone and jungle covered peaks and isles, rise dramatically out of the emerald waters of the bay. Spend the day cruising around the islands onboard a traditional junk boat. Stopping to explore caves and coves and to swim in the emerald waters. Enjoy a cooking demonstration on board and tuck into a scrumptious lunch and dinner.
Please note: the cruise itinerary and schedule is subject to change and dependent upon weather conditions.
Overnight: Halong Bay Junk | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Halong Bay to Hue
Halong Bay - Hue. Enjoy the fresh air and the gentle breeze from the top deck this morning as you relax onboard the junk and cruise around different parts of the bay. Brunch is served onboard.
Check out at around noon time and transfer back to Hanoi airport, stopping en route in Bac Ninh to visit Dong Ho Village. Dong Ho Village is famous for its long-preserved art of making pictures. Visit a studio in village where you can watch the procedure of carving and printing these paintings and learn about the local folk tales represented in the paintings. Onward to Hanoi Airport for your evening flight to Hue in central Vietnam. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Overnight: Hue | Breakfast
Hue & the Perfume River
Enjoy a full day tour of Hue including a boat trip on Perfume River (Huong River) to Thien Mu Pagoda and Minh Mang tomb. Thien Mu Pagoda is an octagonal tower of seven tiers that rises majestically over the Perfume River. Continue to the mausoleum of Emperor Minh Mang, an incredible complex which consists of 40 palaces, temples and pavilions, designed on a symmetrical axis. Later, visit the Imperial Citadel and Forbidden City which was created in the 19th century for the Emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty. Enjoy free time for some “retail therapy” at Dong Ba Market before transferring back to the hotel.
Overnight: Hue | Breakfast, Lunch
Ancient Hoi An
Hue - Hoi An. This morning continue your journey by road to Hoi An via spectacular Cloudy Pass. A stop is made in Danang to visit the Cham Museum, once center of the ancient Cham civilization. UNESCO Listed Hoi An is a former merchant trading post, famed for its beautifully preserved Chinese, Japanese and European architecture. Picturesque Hoi An has managed to retain its traditional character and charm, with its cobbled streets, markets and row upon row of tailors shops. This afternoon, enjoy a walking tour around the cobbled streets of this ancient town, which was once of the busiest trading ports in Asia.
Overnight: Hoi An | Breakfast
Free day in Hoi An
Spend a day at leisure in this enchanting riverside town or head to the nearby An Bang beach.
Alternatively there's an optional cooking class or a half day excursion to My Son, the holiest and evocative of Vietnam’s Cham sites. Here at the ancient Kingdom of Champa you can see the burial tombs of the Cham royals and national heroes.
Overnight: Hoi An | Breakfast
Ho Chi Minh City
Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh City. Fly to Ho Chi Minh City today and transfer to your hotel. Ho Chi Minh City, though still referred to as Saigon to all but city officials is Vietnam's most lively, modern and cosmopolitan city. In the afternoon discover the highlights of the city on a guided tour, taking in the Notre Dame Cathedral (outside only as renovating), the Central Post Office and Chinatown. End the day with a visit to the sobering War Remnants Museum.
Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City | Breakfast
The Mekong Delta
Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Delta - Can Tho. Explore the beautiful Mekong Delta today! Early this morning drive to Ben Tre and board a traditional Sampan boat at around 10:00am to explore the peaceful waterways. During the boat trip, visit a local cottage industries making bricks, producing rice paper and Mr. Sau Khanh’s house - who has been collecting antiques which include ancient and valuable ceramics, pottery pieces like bowls, dishes and vases, to ceiling lights, sculptures and Buddha statues. In the afternoon we travel onto Can Tho for the night.
Overnight: Can Tho | Breakfast, Lunch
Ho Chi Minh City
Can Tho - Ho Chi Minh City. Morning cruise along the Mekong's small and picturesque tributaries where we will visit the bustling Cai Rang Floating Market. Take in the beautiful scenery and watch the locals going about their daily lives along the Mekong canals. Then return to Ho Chi Minh City mid afternoon and transfer to the airport in time for your international flight.
Please note: Flights should not depart before 17.00hrs. If you'd like to extend your stay in Ho Chi Minh City we recommend exploring the Reunification Palace and taking a day trip to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels.
Breakfast, Lunch
Prices & Dates
Prices shown are per person when there are 2 persons sharing a room. The 'Single Room' price is applicable when a single room is required, based on a travelling party of at least 2 adults.
Read MoreHotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
The Q Hotel, Hanoi
One of the best boutique hotels in Hanoi, The Q Hotel is housed in a cosy French building in the heart of the city. The hotel restaurant is open 24/7 and offers a fine array of local and international cuisine. Rooms are modern, with wood flooring and king-sized beds, as well as ensuite bathrooms and balconies in some rooms. Amenities include air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, TV, kettle, minibar and safe. There is a bar and fitness centre for guests to use and attractions including the Imperial Citadel and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum are within a 30-minute walk.
Bhaya Classic I Junk Boat, Halong Bay
This premier cruise boat offers 18 well appointed cabins with en suite amenities. Cabins are contemporary in design, whilst the finer touches have a distinct oriental influence. All cabins feature large windows creating a bright and airy atmosphere as well as scenic views. Facilities and services onboard include a dining room and bar, a sunbathing area on-deck, masseur and small library.
Pelican Cruise Junk Boat, Halong Bay
Launched in 2014, this impressive junk boat blends traditional with modern and is a great vessel for exploring the UNESCO-listed Halong Bay. Two covered decks are home to the boat's 22 cabins, all featuring large windows, private balconies and tasteful furnishings. Cabins also come equipped with air-conditioning, a minibar, and private bathrooms. The third deck offers sun loungers, a spa, and a restaurant serving Vietnamese and Western cuisine, as well as space for activities such as sunrise tai chi.
ÊMM Hotel, Hue
Situated in the heart of the former imperial capital, ÊMM Hotel is the perfect base from which to explore Hue’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed sights. Guestrooms are spacious and complete with modern amenities. The hotel's imperial jade and royal purple colour scheme was inspired by ancient Hue itself. Guests can take advantage of the mini-gym, pool-side bar and reading area. Enjoy delicious Vietnamese and international cuisine in the onsite contemporary restaurant.
Romance Hotel, Hue
This 11-storey hotel is just a moment's walk from the Perfume River and offers easy access to the UNESCO-listed Imperial Citadel, one of Hue's main attractions. Boasting a rooftop swimming pool, two onsite restaurants (buffet breakfast is served), and three bars, guests are spoilt for choice when it comes to eating and drinking. Other amenities include the Romance Spa and a fitness centre. Rooms feature large windows allowing for views over the city and ample light, plus cable TV, minibar, and ensuite bathrooms. Rooms also include air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi.
Silkotel Hoi An , Hoi An
The Silkotel gets its name from the vibrant 15th-century trading hub which this part of Hoi An once was. Today it's the heart of this popular traveller destination, and the hotel is within walking distance of such attractions as the Japanese Bridge and the Hoi An Museum. Each room includes some silk furnishings in a nod to the area's past, and rooms also include king-sized (or twin) beds, ensuite bathrooms, 40" LCD TV, minibar, air-conditioning, and complimentary Wi-Fi. The main Chiffon restaurant is open all day and serves a buffet breakfast as well as a good mix of Vietnamese and Western cuisine. And there are two bars, including an outdoor pool bar by the hotel swimming pool.
Hoi An Blue Sky Boutique Hotel , Hoi An
Hoi An Blue Sky Boutique Hotel is housed in an elegant white building with a central outdoor swimming pool. There's an additional pool on the rooftop and a bar up here too at which to enjoy a drink. There is also a garden, a shared lounge, and a private beach area nearby. Bikes can be hired free of charge from reception, and there is an onsite restaurant serving a range of local and international cuisine. Rooms feature air-conditioning and a seating area, as well as TV, safe, and ensuite bathrooms. The majority of rooms at the hotel come with a balcony
TTC Hotel Premium Can Tho, Can Tho
Situated along the Hau River and just a short 2-minute stroll from the riverside, TTC Hotel - Can Tho boasts a central location in Can Tho. This 10-story hotel provides captivating panoramic views of both the city and the river and offers a wide range of facilities including an outdoor pool, spa, casino and nightclub. Comfort is guaranteed in the spacious, well equipped rooms and complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout. You can savour delectable Asian and Western cuisine at the in-house TTC restaurant and enjoy scenic views of the river at The Alfresco Cafe.
Iris Hotel, Can Tho
This elegant hotel is housed within a modern building in the city of Can Tho. Each guest room comes equipped with plush furnishings to ensure a good night's sleep and is decorated with a neutral palate and calming tones. Rooms look over the city and boast a range of modern amenities such as air conditioning and stylish ensuite facilities. Magnificent views of the city can be had from the hotel's skybar while a range of gourmet local and international dishes can be sampled at the onsite restaurant.
Muong Thanh Centre, Ho Chi Minh City
Centrally located, yet on a peaceful, tree-lined street, you will find the Muong Thanh Centre. Only a ten-minute walk from top attractions such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, Opera House and Ben Thanh Market, this hotel is a great base for exploring the famous sights of the city. Its guest rooms boast sophisticated designs and panoramic views. Warm and friendly, the Muong Thanh Centre also features a spa and swimming pool for you to relax and unwind after a long day of sightseeing.
At a Glance
Absolutely loved Vietnam! I don’t think there was a day which didn’t surprise, or amaze us. Arriving in Vietnam I expected good food, stunning scenery, and to hear about a colorful history, but was most impressed by the friendliness of everyone. Our tour guide (Hung) welcomed us with a smile which set the tone for a great experience. We are going to miss him, his humor, and the knowledge he shared with us. ”
