Vietnam Highlights

Day 1:Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted and transferred to your hotel. Take some time to relax or explore the city at your own pace. Stroll the nearby streets, soak in the vibrant atmosphere, and get your first taste of Hanoi’s unique blend of old and new.

Day 2: Start your first day in Vietnam at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, paying respects to Vietnam’s iconic leader while learning about his life. Continue to the nearby Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, and admire its beautiful architecture. Enjoy an authentic Vietnamese lunch featuring Hanoi’s famed phở (noodle soup).

In the afternoon, visit the Museum of Ethnology, showcasing the rich cultural diversity of Vietnam’s ethnic groups, or choose another museum or temple, such as the Women’s Museum or Quan Thanh Temple. Then enjoy a rickshaw ride around Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter, stopping to visit Ngoc Son Temple. Wrap up today’s cultural exploration with a Water Puppet show, a uniquely Vietnamese art form. (B/L)

Day 3: Venture outside Hanoi to experience traditional rural Vietnam. Walk and cycle to local markets, temples and communal houses, chat with people in the fields and cottage businesses and gain insight into day to day village life. Participate in a cooking demonstration and enjoy a home-cooked lunch with a local family.

Return to Hanoi for an evening guided street food tour through the Old Quarter. Visit specialised food stalls and sample local delicacies such as bánh mì (Vietnamese baguette) and bánh cuốn (steamed rice rolls). Let your guide introduce you to the flavours and stories of Hanoi’s culinary scene. (B/L)

Day 4: Today you’ll leave Hanoi behind for a scenic drive to Mai Chau, a picturesque valley home to the ethnic Thai people. Take a short walk in Poom Coom village to meet locals and learn about their way of life. After lunch, continue to Pu Luong Nature Reserve for a guided trek through terraced fields and rural villages, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. Arrive at your eco-lodge to relax before dinner, soaking in the tranquillity of the reserve. (B/L/D)

Day 5: Check out and head to the Trang An Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Board a traditional rowboat to glide through tranquil waterways framed by towering limestone karst formations. Visit hidden caves and grottos, marvelling at the natural beauty.

After lunch, cycle through a rural village, interacting with local people and taking in the idyllic countryside. End the day at Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s ancient capital, where you’ll learn about the history of Vietnam’s early dynasties. (B/L)

Day 6: Journey to Halong Bay and board a traditional junk boat to explore the less-visited part of Ha Long Bay called Bai Tu Long. Cruise past dramatic limestone islands and fishing villages while enjoying a fresh seafood lunch. Board a rowing boat to visit the floating homes of Vung Vieng fishing village or take a kayak to explore the bay on your own. Spend the evening on board, anchored amid stunning scenery. (B/L/D)

Day 7: Wake up early to take in the serene beauty of Bai Tu Long Bay. Visit Thien Canh Son Cave, a secluded grotto with impressive stalactites. After a relaxed breakfast and lunch on board, disembark and transfer to Hanoi for a flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and unwind. (B/L)

Day 8: begins your exploration of Ho Chi Minh City with a visit to the Independence Palace, a historic landmark tied to the fall of Saigon. Continue to the War Remnants Museum, offering a poignant perspective on the Vietnam War. Visit the serene Vinh Nghiem Pagoda, known for its traditional Buddhist architecture. End your tour at Ben Thanh Market, where you can shop for souvenirs and sample local treats at vibrant food stalls. (B/L)

Day 9: Head south to the Mekong Delta to experience its rich river culture. Visit a small floating market, where merchants trade goods from their boats, and stop by a family-run workshop to see how coconut candies and rice paper are made. Continue by bike along small paths through the orchards before finally gliding along peaceful canals on a sampan to Vinh Long, where your driver awaits to take you to Chau Doc. (B/L)

Day 10: Start the day with a boat ride through a floating village and on to visit a Cham community with an iconic mosque and see traditional weaving practices. Explore the lush Tra Su mangrove forest by boat, spotting birds and other wildlife. After lunch, continue to Can Tho, stopping to visit Bang Lang Stork Garden and Binh Thuy Ancient House along the way. (B/L)

Day 11: Rise early for a visit to Cai Rang Floating Market, the largest in the Mekong Delta. Witness the lively trade of fruits and goods between boats. Afterward, take a walk along quiet country roads and chat with local villagers. Return to Ho Chi Minh City for a flight to Hue. (B/L)

Day 12: Explore Hue’s historic Royal Citadel, then visit the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda. After lunch, enjoy a boat ride along the Perfume River to reach Tien Non. Cycle through peaceful villages, visiting a flower farm and learning about traditional crafts like paper flower making and folk painting. Return to your hotel by evening. (B/L)

Day 13: Travel from Hue to Hoi An via the Hai Van Pass, stopping to take in panoramic views of Lang Co Beach and Da Nang City. Arrive in Hoi An by early afternoon. Spend the rest of the day exploring the ancient town on your own or relaxing at nearby beaches.(B)

Day 14: Join a cooking class that begins at a market to buy fresh ingredients, then cruise along the Hoi An River to the cooking school, where you’ll prepare and enjoy traditional dishes. In the afternoon, take a guided walking tour of Hoi An’s highlights, including the Japanese Covered Bridge, Phuoc Kien Pagoda, and Sa Huynh Museum. (B/L)

Day 15: Your journey comes to an end as you transfer to Da Nang Airport for your onward flight. Depart with unforgettable memories of Vietnam’s fascinating culture, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality.(B)

Prices from: £2299 per person
Services included: hotels on shared room basis, meals, transfers and activities as mentioned, entry fees, English speaking guide, 24 hour assistance
Services not included: flights, drinks, tips and personal expenses.
Note: stops can be extended, added or cut - just ask us!