Vietnam’s north and central provinces are a remote jungle-clad land of spectacular natural beauty and great cultural antiquity. Forever shaped by the events of the Vietnam War, battlefields and fortresses share the landscape with ancient cities and forgotten national parks of extraordinary importance and beauty.
Explore the sights of Hanoi and the spectacular area surrounding Ninh Binh. Travel south to the cave complexes of Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park to discover its limestone cave systems. Crossing the DMZ, visit the VC tunnels at Vin Moc, imperial Hue and pretty Hoi An as well as a relaxing beach stay in Lang Co.
Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park – Hue – Lang Co – Hoi An – Hanoi
Trip Highlights
- Explore Phong Nha Ke Bang, noted for its large and extensive limestone cave systems
- isit the impressive Imperial citadel in Hue, which once served as the country’s capital
- Relax in Hoi An, an ancient trading port with Chinese, Japanese and French influences
- Enjoy Lang Co which is thought to have one of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam
- Enter the DMZ and discover the Vin Moc tunnels constructed during the Vietnam War
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart the UK
Today depart the UK on the Vietnam Airlines flight to Hanoi.
Day 2
Arrive Hanoi
Arrive into Hanoi, Vietnam’s charming capital, where you will stay for the next two nights. A handsome city of tree-lined boulevards, pagodas, lakes, parks and a vibrant old colonial centre, Hanoi’s charm lies in the preservation of a distinct North Vietnamese culture and way of life distinct to that of the south of the country.
Silk Path Hotel
Capella Hanoi
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel
Day 3
Hanoi
Today you have a full day to explore Hanoi with your guide. Visit Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum before continuing to his house, in the compound of the former Presidential Palace. Here you will also find the One Pillar Pagoda, a large carp pond and a large leafy park to meander around. Continue on foot to the wonderful Temple of Literature – the largest temple complex in the city which is nearly 1,000 years old. Later, explore the narrow lanes and historic buildings of the atmospheric old quarter.
- Breakfast
Silk Path Hotel
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel
Day 4
Hanoi to Ninh Binh – 94 kms
Depart Hanoi early this morning travelling south to Ninh Binh which is often described as the ‘inland Ha Long Bay’. Begin your exploration at the Tam Coc River where you will take a private sampan through this UNESCO-listed site admiring the spectacular views of the enormous limestone karsts jutting out from the emerald fields. Enjoy a traditional lunch before visiting Hoa Lu for an in-depth tour of the ruins of the first Vietnamese capital where you’ll explore the ancient tombs of the Dinh and Le dynasties as well as the remains of the once-imposing citadel. Alternatively, you may wish to take a bike ride through the rice fields amidst the limestone mountains to visit Bich Dong Pagoda and other cave temples.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch
Tam Coc Garden Resort
Day 5
Ninh Binh
Today visit Cuc Phuong National Park. En route stop at a Bear Sanctuary which homes bears rescued from bile farming and the illegal wildlife trade in Vietnam. It is an unforgettable experience where you can learn about the rehabilitation process and witness them in a natural setting. You will also make visits at the Endangered Primate Rescue Centre and the Carnivore and Pangolin Education Centre. Continue further into Cuc Phuong National Park and visit the ‘Cave of Prehistoric Man’ where human skeletons and stone tools have been found.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch
Tam Coc Garden Resort
Day 6
Ninh Binh to Hanoi – 94 kms
Enjoy a morning at leisure at the hotel before returning to Hanoi. In the afternoon join a local guide for a street food tour to sample the quintessential flavours of Hanoi. Vietnam’s capital is a feast for the senses and during the tour you will be introduced to what the locals love from egg coffee to noodle soups and sweet treats served streetside or in ‘shophouses’.
- Breakfast
Silk Path Hotel
Capella Hanoi
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel
Day 7
Hanoi to Dong Hoi – by air / Dong Hoi to Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park – 60kms
This morning transfer to Hanoi Airport and fly to Dong Hoi which lies just north of the 17th parallel – the old border between North and South Vietnam. From Dong Hoi head inland to Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to some of the oldest karst mountains in Asia where vast cave complexes and spectacular underground rivers give way to pristine tropical jungle. Later explore some of the caves and travel by boat to local villages. Stay for two nights at the national park.
- Breakfast
Phong Nha Lake House Resort
Day 8
Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park
The diversity Phong Nha Ke Bang is staggering with the park protecting over 100 species of mammal and close to 300 varieties of bird. Much of Phong Nha Ke Bang has yet to be explored and only small sections of the reserve are open to visitors. Today, visit Paradise Cave – a highlight of Phong Nha Ke Bang – which is one of the largest caves in the area. Housing stunning cave formations, stalagmites and stalactites, the walkways descend deep into the cave complex.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch
Phong Nha Lake House Resort
Day 9
Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park to Hue – 235kms
This morning travel south towards the tunnels at Vin Moc stopping en-route to visit the childhood home of the revered General Giap. Crossing the former Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) stops are made at the village of Vinh Moc, where over 3kms of well-maintained underground tunnels were constructed, and Quang Tri Citadel. Later continue on to Hue where you will stay for two nights.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch
Pilgrimage Village Resort & Spa
Ancient Hue Garden Houses
Azerai La Residence, Hue
Day 10
Hue
Hue, a city of infinite charm and personality, was home to the powerful Nguyen dynasty and much of its magnificence remains is dominated by its spectacular Imperial City. Explore this complex with your guide this morning. Ancient walls of this UNESCO World Heritage Site enclose a vast complex of temples, palaces, pavilions and gardens. In the afternoon travel outside of the city to the countryside to explore some of the astonishing tombs of the ancient emperors of Vietnam.
- Breakfast
Pilgrimage Village Resort & Spa
Ancient Hue Garden Houses
Azerai La Residence, Hue
Day 11
Hue to Lang Co – 68 kms
After breakfast transfer to Lang Co which is known for having one of Vietnam’s most beautiful beaches. Enjoy the day at leisure at your wonderful resort.
- Breakfast
Angsana Lang Co
Banyan Tree Lang Co
Day 12
Lang Co
Spend the day at leisure to enjoy the hotel’s facilities.
- Breakfast
Angsana Lang Co
Banyan Tree Lang Co
Day 13
Lang Co to Hoi An – 62kms
Leaving your hotel take a drive over the beautiful Hai Van Pass, the geographical and psychological border between North and South Vietnam. The peak of the pass lies perpetually shrouded in clouds. Stop in Danang to visit the Dragon Bridge and the Cham Museum, which houses the largest collection of Cham art in the world. Continue to the Marble Mountains, five sacred hills containing dozens of Buddhist shrines. Arrive to the picturesque town of Hoi An in the afternoon.
- Breakfast
Boutique Hoi An Resort
Victoria Hoi An Resort and Spa
Anantara Hoi An Resort
Four Seasons The Nam Hai
Day 14
Hoi An
Today explore the UNESCO town of Hoi An with its winding cobbled streets, colourful wooden merchant houses, pagodas and silk merchants. Some two-hundred years ago Hoi An was a bustling port home to Chinese traders and a strong commercial link to Japan which, over time, influenced the town’s architecture, design and food. Spend time in the town in the morning and relax on China Beach in the afternoon. Later discover Hoi An’s wonderful culinary scene; try some local white rose dumplings or the town’s speciality cao lầu.
- Breakfast
Boutique Hoi An Resort
Victoria Hoi An Resort and Spa
Anantara Hoi An Resort
Four Seasons The Nam Hai
Day 15
Hoi An
Today you are at leisure to explore the picturesque old town of Hanoi, or relax on the beautiful beach. Alternatively, a day trip to the ancient Cham city of My Son can also be arranged, where you can discover the cluster of abandoned jungle Hindu temples, or you can take part in a cookery class at one of Hoi An’s renowned cooking schools.
- Breakfast
Boutique Hoi An Resort
Victoria Hoi An Resort and Spa
Anantara Hoi An Resort
Four Seasons The Nam Hai
Day 16
Hoi An to Danang – 30kms / Danang to Hanoi – by air
After breakfast transfer to Danang Airport and return to Hanoi. If you would like to extend your trip we would recommend travelling to the south and relaxing on the beautiful island of Phu Quoc.
- Breakfast
Silk Path Hotel
Capella Hanoi
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel
Day 17
Hanoi to the UK
Depart for the airport for the direct flight back to the UK with Vietnam Airlines.
- Breakfast
Extending your stay...
Lan Ha Bay is the crowning jewel of northern Vietnam. A vision of towering limestone pillars rising from the emerald sea, take an unforgettable two-night cruise with Heritage Line Cruises to discover this area of outstanding natural beauty.
Set in an idyllic valley surrounded by bright green rice fields, Mai Chau is known for its unique bamboo stilt houses and ethnic Ban Lac people descended from Thai ancestors. Enjoy a stay at the Mai Chau Ecolodge, a few hours drive from Hanoi.
Extend your trip further north and take the overnight train to Sapa from Hanoi. Located high in the Hoang Lien Son range of mountains, Sapa, in North Vietnam’s Lao Cai Province, is the region’s main market town and home to several different minority groups.
From Hoi An, fly south to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s bustling dynamic metropolis dotted with crumbling colonial buildings, colourful markets and street food vendors. Visit the Reunification Hall, War Remnants Museum and Notre Dame Cathedral, or take a day trip to the infamous Cu Chi Tunnels.
Guide to Price
17 days from £4200 - £5800 per person
What's Included
- International and domestic flights
- Private car and driver
- Sightseeing with accompanying English speaking guide
- Hotel accommodation and taxes
What's Not Included
- Visas
- Travel Insurance
- Expenses of a personal nature
- Meals unless specified
from £4200 - £5800
Travel Information
Getting There
Direct flights from London Heathrow to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are available from Vietnam Airlines. Indirect flights are also available. Thai Airways fly via Bangkok to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City and other airlines including Emirates, Malaysian, Singapore Airlines and Qatar Airways travel via their regional hubs.
Flying Times From UK
Direct flights take around 12 hours. Flights with stops en-route take around 16 hours.
Time Zone
Vietnam is +7 hours ahead of GMT.
Visa Requirements
Visa-free travel for stays of up to 45 days. For holidays longer than 45 days, you can apply for an e-visa that allows a 90-day stay and multiple entries.
Do’s & Don’ts
It is illegal to import, transport, use, store or sell vapes or e-cigarettes in Vietnam. This ban applies to both visitors and locals. If found in possession of a vape or e-cigarette the device will be confiscated and a fine, or more significant penalty, enforced. We strongly advise not to bring or use any vape or e-cigarette during your stay in Vietnam.
Whenever entering someone's house make sure you remove your shoes.
Ensure you do not point your feet in the direction of other people as this is considered very rude.
Money
The national currency in Vietnam is the Dong. ATMs are plentiful and credit cards are widely accepted. Although US Dollars, British Pounds and Euros are all often taken, it does depend on the particular vendor and their chosen exchange rate at the time. Whatever currency you are using, make sure the notes are well-kept and not torn, otherwise they will not be accepted.
Tipping
You will not be expected to tip in most places in Vietnam, yet when you do it is very much appreciated. If you liked the service you received then a generous tip is most appreciated. A guideline for tipping drivers and guides will be advised prior to travel.
Food & Drink
Rice, noodles, fresh vegetable and herbs all play big roles in Vietnamese food making it one of the healthiest cuisines in the world. You will find that each region tends to have its own range of specialities although as a general rule southern dishes contain more spice than their northern counterparts. Whereas the bulk of the restaurants are based in the major cities, smaller vendors and stalls can be found virtually anywhere. And no matter where you go, everyone drinks the national beverage at all social gatherings – green tea. There is still a strong French influence in Vietnam’s cuisine, baguettes and patisseries are readily available, and there are numerous French restaurants.
Accommodation
The general standard of accommodation across the country is high, so no matter your budget, Vietnam will cater for you. Eco lodges, homestays or simple local hotels with basic facilities are typical in rural and remote parts of Vietnam where the focus is on experiencing the location rather than where you are staying. In contrast, cities and towns offer a whole range of accommodation with a selection of impressive high-end luxury and boutique hotels similar to the rest of Southeast Asia. Vietnam is known for its breadth of cruises and vessels vary in size, standard and style. At Ha Long Bay cruises take place in small to medium-sized junk boats whilst in the Mekong Delta smaller sampan-style boats are used for exploring the narrow tributaries and larger cruise boats for extended upstream expeditions to Cambodia. Throughout the coast between Central and South Vietnam you will find many beautiful boutique spa hotels perfect for a luxury beach holiday.
Shopping
With countless street markets, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to handicrafts ranging from lacquerware to textiles. Ho Chi Minh City and Hoi An especially offers excellent value for money when it comes to tailored clothing, fine cotton goods, hand embroidered fabrics and various jewellery and shawls.
Suggested Reading
The usual good sources of information, such as Bradt and Footprint, are always helpful. If you want a more visually appealing guide to Vietnam, then Nguyen Van Huy's ‘Vietnam: Journeys of Body, Mind and Spirit’ carries a number of stunning photographs from journeys through the heart of the country. ‘Vietnam: A Traveller's Literary Companion’ is interesting and Qui Doc Nguyen's collection of stories by various local writers allows you to get an insight into the country's culture through its own folklore and literature. We would also highly recommend a couple of books by Pam Scott, namely 'Vietnam: Hanoi Stories' and 'Life in Hanoi'.
Health
Your doctor is the best person to advise you on staying healthy whilst abroad but current recommended vaccinations are Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus and Diphtheria. Yellow Fever is compulsory, but only if you have visited an affected Yellow Fever area within 5 days prior to your arrival. In some instances anti-malarial tablets may also be needed. For current information on health advice you may wish to visit the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) website Travel Health Pro on https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/. The Medical Advisory Services for Travellers Abroad (MASTA) website (www.masta.org) is also a useful resource.
Travel Advice
For current information on Vietnam the best resource is the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice) which is a comprehensive resource and updated regularly. We would also recommend visiting the Safer Tourism Foundation website (safertourism.org.uk) before you travel and will be happy to address any questions or concerns you may have.
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