PRIVATE TOUR: Uncover this vast, spectacular region of contrasts in comfort on a private journey that visits all the major attractions and some little-known gems. From Ho Chi Minh City, explore the waterways of the Mekong Delta before traveling north to Hanoi and Halong Bay. Then discover the towering golden temples of Luang Prabang before flying on to Siem Reap and visiting iconic Angkor Wat.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Ho Chi Minh City
Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City, AKA Saigon! You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Ho Chi Minh City is a bustling, dynamic and industrious urban center. It is the largest city in Vietnam, the economic capital and the cultural trendsetter whilst within the teeming metropolis are the timeless traditions and beauty of an ancient culture.
Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City
Mekong Delta
Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Delta - Ho Chi Minh City. Explore the beautiful Mekong Delta today. Early this morning drive south to Ben Tre in the Mekong Delta and set out on a boat trip on narrow channels winding through coconut forest. During the boat trip, stop to visit several local cottage industries. At the workshops you will see how to make bricks by hand, learn about the stages of coconut processing and see how coconut candy is made by hand. Then take a tuktuk ride deep into the coconut jungle and stop for lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch travel by rowing boat along a shady palm tree canal and visit Mr. Sau Khanh’s house. See his vast collection of antiques which include ancient and valuable ceramics, pottery pieces like bowls, dishes and vases, to ceiling lights, sculptures and Buddha statues. Then return to the pier and drive back to Ho Chi Minh City. The evening is free for you to further explore the city.
Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City | Breakfast, Lunch
Hue
Ho Chi Minh City - Hue. This morning take in the highlights of Ho Chi Minh City, visiting the Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Central Post Office. In the afternoon transfer to the airport to take a short flight to the imperial city of Hue. On arrival, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. This evening enjoy some free time.
Note: Notre Dame Cathedral is currently under renovation so you can't go inside.
Overnight: Hue | Breakfast
Hue the Imperial City
Today take a boat ride along the romantic Perfume River and stop off at the Thien Mu Pagoda on the banks of the river to see the 7-story Stupa. Continue on to visit the mausoleum of Khai Dinh. Later visit the Imperial Citadel and Forbidden City, created in the 19th century for the Emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty. Then enjoy some free time at Dong Ba Market before transferring back to your hotel.
Overnight: Hue | Breakfast, Lunch
Danang - Hoi An
Hue - Danang - Hoi An. Travel from Hue to Hoi An today, stopping for a refreshment at Lang Co beach en-route, one of the world’s most beautiful bays. In Danang visit the Cham Museum before continuing to the World Cultural Heritage Site of Hoi An and checking in to your hotel. This evening is free for you to explore the narrow lanes of the town, lined with century-old buildings and illuminated at night by hundreds of colorful lanterns.
Overnight: Hoi An | Breakfast
Hoi An
Today is free for you to explore Hoi An at leisure. Alternatively there is an optional half-day excursion to My Son Sanctuary (book and pay locally). My Son Sanctuary is a religious site dating back to the Kingdom of Champa and also a burial place of Cham royals and Vietnamese national heroes. The My Son temple complex is one of the foremost remaining examples of Hindu influence in South East Asia and is the most prominent heritage site of this nature in Vietnam.
Overnight: Hoi An | Breakfast
Hanoi
Hoi An - Hanoi. In the morning transfer to Danang airport for the short flight to Hanoi. On arrival you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Renowned as the ’Paris of the East’, Hanoi is one of Asia’s most fascinating cities. Rich in culture and history, this diverse city draws on its influences from both French and Chinese culture.
This afternoon is at leisure, or there's an optional excursion including Van Giang Village, Hanoi Old Quarter and Water Puppet Show (book and pay locally). On this excursion visit Van Giang Village and attend a cooking demonstration given by a local family. Afterwards join the Vietnamese family in their home for a delicious lunch before driving back to Hanoi to take a walk through the winding and bustling streets of the atmospheric Ancient Quarter (otherwise known as the 36 Streets) and enjoy the unique water puppet show.
Overnight: Hanoi | Breakfast
Cruising Halong Bay
Hanoi - Halong Bay. Depart Hanoi in the morning for the scenic drive through the countryside to Ha Long Bay, a natural wonder with thousands of islands rising out of the water creating a unique and beautiful landscape.
On arrival, board one of the traditional vessels for an overnight cruise. Head out into the Gulf of Tonkin amongst the huge limestone outcrops and emerald waters. Spend the rest of the day cruising around the myriad of tiny islands and see the many grottoes created by the wind and the waves. While on board enjoy a fresh seafood lunch followed by a swim, and explore one of the limestone caves in this area. End the day with a delicious dinner onboard.
Overnight: Onboard cruise boat | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Back to Hanoi
Halong Bay - Hanoi. Early birds can start the day with a tai chi lesson on deck, while tea and coffee are served as the sun rises and illuminates the surrounding seascape. Then continue exploring the bay and enjoy a light brunch while cruising back to the pier.
Disembark and drive back to Hanoi where the rest of the day is free to spend at leisure. Alternatively there is an optional Taste of Hanoi tour (book and pay locally), where you will take a walking tour of the city to discover the unique flavors of the Vietnamese cuisine and encounter Hanoi’s local specialties such as Bun Cha and Cha Ca.
Overnight: Hanoi | Breakfast
Luang Prabang
Hanoi - Luang Prabang (Laos). Spend time at leisure in Hanoi before you transfer to the airport for the short flight to Luang Prabang, perhaps the best preserved traditional city in all of Southeast Asia. On arrival, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
Please note: Daily flights from Hanoi to Luang Prabang are not currently operating. This means the tour can only depart on a Monday or Friday until flights resume.
Overnight: Luang Prabang | Breakfast
Luang Prabang Sightseeing
Early this morning, an optional alms giving excursion is available to book locally. An early wake-up call will allow you to join the locals lining up to give food to hundreds of Buddhist monks returning from theui morning prayers. After taking part in this solemn everyday ritual, stroll through Ban Pakham morning market.
Later, we head out to explore the impressive Stupa of Wat Visoun. To top it all off climb to the top of Mount Phousi for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded Stupa as well as a superb view over the town and Mekong River. Continue to Wat Zieng Thong, considered the most beautiful temple in Luang Prabang. Other highlights include the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre, the National Museum, the UXO Centre.
This afternoon we travel south to the famous Kuangsi Waterfall, where the turquoise water against the stunning backdrop of white limestone cliffs offers incredible photo opportunities. While there, we have the option to visit the Sun Bear Reserve, a conservation center that rescues animals from the wildlife trade. Return to Luang Prabang, stopping at the Ock Pop Tock weaving center en route. This evening there is an optional Baci Ceremony at a local home – the Baci Ceremony is part of traditional Lao culture and is used to bless, welcome or wish good fortune.
Overnight: Luang Prabang | Breakfast, Lunch
Siem Reap
Luang Prabang - Siem Reap (Cambodia). After breakfast transfer to the airport for the short flight to Siem Reap. After being met on arrival you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Please note: Daily flights from Luang Prabang to Siem Reap are not currently operating. This means the tour can only depart on a Monday or Friday until flights resume. For tours departing on a Monday, the order of touring on days 12 - 14 will then be changed to the following:
Day 12: Free day to explore Luang Prabang at leisure. Overnight Luang Prabang
Day 13: Morning flight to Siem Reap. Afternoon cruise on Ton Le Sap lake, dinner and Apsara show (as per day 14 below). Overnight Siem Reap
Day 14: Optional sunrise visit to Angkor Wat. Included tour of the Angkor Complex and Phare Circus Show (as per day 13 below). Overnight Siem Reap
Overnight: Siem Reap | Breakfast
Angkor Wat Temples
Early morning there is an optional visit to see iconic Angkor Wat at sun rise (book and pay locally). After breakfast your included sightseeing begins at the ancient city of Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire, surrounded by an 8-meter wall. Walk through the heart of the city and stop at the 12th century masterpiece known as Bayon Temple. Baphuon, the Royal Enclosure, the Terraces of the Elephants and the Leper King. Continue to Ta Prohm Temple, which unlike most of the other Angkor temples, has not been repaired, restored or preserved but has been left as it was found. The jungle trees and roots growing in, out and through the ruins have made this temple ruin a favorite among visitors. Finally explore the magnificent Angkor Wat temple before returning to Siem Reap. This evening watch the acclaimed Phare Circus Show.
Overnight: Siem Reap | Breakfast
Tonle Sap Lake
Today we set out for a cruise on the beautiful Tonle Sap Lake, passing a floating village and witnessing the daily life of the locals. This afternoon is at your leisure. Tonight enjoy dinner with an Apsara performance.
Please note: Our visit to Tonle Sap Lake has 2 seasons based on water levels;
Mar-Sep (low water level): The tour will include Chong Kneas floating villages
Oct-Feb (high water level): The tour will include Kampong Phluk floating village
Overnight: Siem Reap | Breakfast, Dinner
Siem Reap
Arrangements end after breakfast and onwards departure transfer to the airport.
Breakfast
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.
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.
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.
Santi Resort and Spa, Luang Prabang
Set just outside the main town of Luang Prabang, the Santi Resort and Spa is a modern property set in manicured gardens. Guest rooms are set on two levels and are spacious with excellent amenities. Meals are served in the main restaurant and the outdoor pool is perfect for a cooling afternoon dip. If you need to get into town then take advantage of the free shuttle service that runs nearly every hour. Located on the outskirts of Luang Prabang.
Tara Angkor Hotel, Siem Reap
This stylish and sophisticated hotel offers luxurious accommodation with elegant dining, fantastic facilities and a perfect location. The spacious rooms are wonderfully finished with smart wood flooring and ensuite bathrooms, plus there is free WiFi access. The hotel's bars and restaurants provide a diverse range of international and local cuisine, with a buffet breakfast served at Tong Tara Restaurant and cocktails served at Lily Lounge and the pool bar. The hotel also features a spa, outdoor swimming pool, complimentary bicycle rental, and for budding chefs - cooking classes in Thai and Khmer food! This hotel is just six kilometres from the Angkor temple complex.
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
Extra Tour Info
