Highlights of Vietnam

Itinerary Details

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival

Upon arrival in Hanoi, you will be warmly welcomed by your guide and transferred to your hotel. Take time to settle in and begin soaking up the atmosphere of Vietnam’s lively capital. With its tree-lined boulevards, vibrant street life, and rich history, Hanoi is the perfect starting point for your journey through the country. The remainder of the day is yours to relax or begin exploring at your own pace.

Overnight in Flower Garden Hotel or similar.

Day 2: Hanoi (B)

This morning, meet your guide at your hotel and depart on your tour after breakfast. Your first stop will be the popular Hoan Kiem Lake, situated in the heart of Hanoi city and Dong Xuan market. Next stop will be Ho Chi Minh complex comprising Ba Dinh Square, Presidential Palace (for outside photo taken), as well as his private residence from 1954 until 1969. The wooden ethnic minority style house, which was built on stilts, 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. This structure has become an important symbol for the people of Hanoi.

After your own lunch, continue to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university. Constructed in 1070, the gardens and well-preserved architecture offers a glimpse into Vietnam’s past. Next, visit Hoa Lo Prison (formerly known as the “Hanoi Hilton” during the American war). Your tour will also include the historical St Joseph’s Cathedral. The last stop of the day before returning to your hotel is the Opera House followed by a 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 passing by.

Overnight in Flower Garden Hotel (4 Star) or similar.

Day 3: Hanoi to Ha Long Bay (B/ L/ D)

After breakfast, you will be met at your hotel at 7:30 AM and transfer by shuttle bus from Hanoi to Halong City, the gateway to Halong Bay. On arrival, board a well-appointed junk boat, enjoy a delicious lunch and begin cruising among some of the 3,000 islands which rise from the sea. In the evening, retreat to your private cabin, or relax on the main deck or at the bar.

Overnight in Victory Star Cruise or similar.

Day 4: Ha Long Bay to Hue (B)

Take part in a sunrise Tai Chi lesson on the sundeck before enjoying brunch on board. Cruise back to port to disembark. Drive back to Hanoi by shuttle bus and drop off at a point where you will meet the driver and move to the airport. Fly to the former imperial capital of Hue. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for check in and an afternoon at leisure.

Overnight in Alba Spa Hotel (4 Star) or similar.

Day 5: Hue to Hoi An (B)

This morning you will be met at your hotel at 8:00 am by your guide for a half day city tour of Hue. We start by viewing the tomb of the fourth emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty Tu Duc which is set beautifully amongst lakes & frangipani trees. Next, explore the impressive home of the Nguyen Dynasty emperors - the Citadel. Graded as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993, much of the Citadel was destroyed during the Tet Offensive in 1968 but is gradually being restored. We finish with a short drive to the much-revered Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue’s oldest and most beautiful. After that, you will leave Hue for Hoi An. The guide and driver will take you over the beautiful Hai Van Pass - Vietnam's geographical and psychological boundary between north and south. The peak of the pass lies perpetually shrouded in clouds. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel for check-in. This evening is free for you to explore Hoi An at leisure.

Overnight in Hoi An Central Boutique Hotel (4 Star) or similar.

Day 6: Hoi An (B)

In the morning, you will begin your walking tour of this UNESCO world heritage site. Hoi An was once Vietnam’s most active trading centre and over many centuries the Old Town has been largely preserved. The architecture of the city reflects the influence of Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, French and British traders. Hoi An is also the town where French Missionary Alexandre De Rhodes introduced Catholicism to Vietnam as well as the Romanised script that has become the standard Vietnamese script. Today you will be guided on a walking tour through the streets of enchanting Hoi An. You will visit a traditional ancient house, the Hoi An Museum, a Chinese Assembly Hall, Chau Ong pagoda and the Japanese Covered Bridge. The tour will end in Hoi An Ancient Town where you can enjoy more time at your leisure.

Overnight in Hoi An Central Boutique Hotel (4 Star) or similar.

Day 7: Hoi An to Saigon (B)

After breakfast, take a short drive to Danang for your flight to Saigon. Upon arrival at Saigon airport, your guide and private car will pick up and begin your journey out to Cu Chi Tunnels. On arrival you will watch a short DVD explaining the history of the tunnel network. Following this you will be guided through the famous tunnels as used by the communist guerrillas during the Vietnam War. The tunnel network stretches over 250km and extends to three levels underground providing you with a remarkable insight into the hardships, courage, determination and terror of a guerrilla war. The tunnels were used by Viet Cong soldiers as hiding spots during combat, as well as serving as communication and supply routes, hospitals, food and weapon caches and living quarters for numerous North Vietnamese fighters. The tunnel systems were of great importance to the Viet Cong in their resistance to American forces, and helped to counter the growing American military effort. The vast majority of the network has been recreated above ground however you will have the option to head underground & experience what life was like below the surface. Return to Saigon and check-in at hotel. On returning to Saigon, spend the remainder of day enjoying the various sights and sounds of the boisterous city.

Overnight in Paragon Hotel (4 Star) or similar.

Day 8: Saigon (B/ L/ D)

This morning you will be met at your hotel at 8:00 am by your guide for a full day tour traveling south from Ho Chi Minh City, to the small town of Ben Tre in the Mekong Delta. Known as the "rice bowl" of Vietnam, the Delta is the most fertile region in the country and the main producer of rice and tropical fruits. Board your boat to begin your exploration of the mighty Mekong River as well as its narrow canals, gaining a real insight into the lives of the local people. Visit a local factory to see bricks being hand-made the old-fashioned way using traditional kiln technique. Stop at a riverside coconut processing factory and in the home of a local family who weave mats using local materials. Take a Pedicab & head for a delicious lunch featuring local specialties including Elephant Ear Fish. On your return from the Delta, make a brief stop at a Cao Dai pagoda, a uniquely Vietnamese sect that is a dizzying combination all the world’s great religion’s including Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Hinduism, Christianity and Islam. Return to your hotel late afternoon where your tour ends. Arrive back to Saigon to join your group for a farewell dinner at an authentic Vietnamese restaurant: HOME Vietnamese Sai Gon.

Overnight in Paragon Hotel (4 Star) or similar.

Day 9: Saigon Departure (B)

Today you will be met at your hotel by your guide at 8:00 am for a morning walking tour through the heart of Saigon’s famous and historic city landmarks including Dong Khoi Street, the Rex Hotel, Municipal Theatre, Hotel de Ville, Nguyen Hue Boulevard, Post Office & Notre Dame Cathedral and Reunification Palace (outside only). You will then join your vehicle and drive to the site of the former US Embassy (now the US consulate) before visiting War Remnants Museum. Later travel to Binh Thanh district and visit Ba Chieu local wholesale market in the East of Saigon, before visiting the Ngoc Hoang (Jade Emperor) Pagoda. This popular 124-year-old pagoda, houses a number of intricate sculptures and woodcarvings. Return to your hotel where your tour ends. Enjoy these last moments in Saigon before our guide and driver transfer you to the airport for your onward journey.

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