Continuing to dominate the region, much as it has done over the centuries, Vietnam is south-east Asia’s most diverse country and a land with much to offer.
From the rugged mountains of the north and the natural beauty of unknown Lan Ha Bay to Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta in the south, Vietnam is a country of staggering beauty. Hanoi’s French architecture, the old imperial city of Hue and the cobbled streets of Hoi An are delightful highlights whilst the bustling Ho Chi Minh City, heart and soul of Vietnam, is a myriad of street markets, shops and pavement cafes.
Hanoi – Lan Ha Bay – Hue – Hoi An – Ho Chi Minh City
Trip Highlights
- Enjoy Hanoi’s colourful street life, taste delicious food and brave the manic traffic
- Cruise Lan Ha Bay where thousands of limestone pillars rise majestically from the sea
- Wander the atmospheric streets of ancient Hoi An, once an important trading port
- Explore Hue’s grand Imperial City, a vast complex of palace, gardens and temples
- Dynamic Ho Chi Minh City is an assault on the senses and face of modern Vietnam
- Discover isolated village communities and floating markets of the Mekong Delta
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart the UK
Today depart the UK on the Emirates flight to Dubai.
Day 2
Arrive Dubai / Dubai to Hanoi – by air
Arrive into Dubai and connect onto a flight to Hanoi where you will stay for two nights. A handsome city of tree-lined boulevards, temples, lakes, parks and a frenetic, 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
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel
Capella Hanoi
Day 3
Hanoi
Today explore Hanoi with your guide starting at Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum before continuing to his house, in the compound of the former Presidential Palace, and nearby One Pillar Pagoda which was originally built during the 11th century AD. From here continue on foot to the wonderful Temple of Literature – the largest temple complex in the city. Nearly 1,000 years old, the temple was dedicated to Confucius and the cult of literacy and education. End the day exploring the narrow lanes and historic buildings of the atmospheric old quarter.
- Breakfast
Silk Path Hotel
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel
Capella Hanoi
Day 4
Hanoi to Lan Ha Bay – 165kms
This morning leave Hanoi and travel through the countryside by road to Lan Ha Bay where you will board your boat for a two-night cruise. Lan Ha Bay is a serene and wonderful alternative to the busy Ha Long Bay which receives hundreds of tourists every day. At Lan Ha Bay, over 300 limestone-karst islands protrude from the sea to create a labyrinth of channels, secluded beaches and yawning caves. The scenery here is unlike anywhere else in the country. Spend the remainder of the day cruising the bay and enjoying a bike through the untouched countryside of Cat Ba Island.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch,
- Dinner
Ylang Cruise
Day 5
Lan Ha Bay
Wake up early and enjoy Tai Chi on the terrace deck overlooking the stunning surroundings. After breakfast sail to one of the area’s authentic fishing villages near Ben Beo. This fishing village is home to 300 families living in floating houses who still make a living from aquaculture and fishing. In the afternoon travel to a secluded island beach where you can kayak through the limestone karsts, take a swim or enjoy a guided meditation session.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch,
- Dinner
Ylang Cruise
Day 6
Lan Ha Bay to Hanoi – 165kms / Hanoi to Hue – by air
Leaving the boat, return to Hanoi and fly to Hue for a two night stay. With one foot planted firmly in the past, Hue represents the best of Vietnam and is a city of infinite charm and personality. Home to the powerful Nguyen dynasty, Hue sat at the centre of a vast Vietnamese empire and underwent a building programme designed to reflect its power. Despite the damage caused by the 1968 Tet Offensive, much of this magnificence remains and later travel by boat down the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda – one of the oldest religious structures in the city.
- Breakfast
Pilgrimage Village Resort & Spa
Ancient Hue Garden Houses
Azerai La Residence, Hue
Day 7
Hue
Hue is dominated by its spectacular Imperial City and in the morning explore this complex with your guide. Similar to Beijing’s Forbidden City, the ancient walls of this UNESCO World Heritage Site enclose a vast complex of palaces, pavilions, gardens and temples. In the afternoon visit the Dong Ba Market then travel to the countryside outside of the city to explore some of the astonishing tombs of the ancient emperors of Vietnam. In Hue a visit to a local Garden House can also be arranged as can scenic cycle rides through the outlying rural villages to the beautiful Thanh Toan covered bridge.
- Breakfast
Pilgrimage Village Resort & Spa
Ancient Hue Garden Houses
Azerai La Residence, Hue
Day 8
Hue to Hoi An – 140kms
Leaving Hue drive south following Highway 1 as it winds its way up the Hai Van Pass – the historic border between the kingdoms of Vietnam and Champa. With fabulous views along the coast, descend to Danang and the Cham Museum which houses the largest collection of Cham art in the world. Continue to China Beach, close to Hoi An, and where you will stay for three nights.
- Breakfast
Boutique Hoi An Resort
Victoria Hoi An Resort and Spa
Anantara Hoi An Resort
Four Seasons The Nam Hai
Day 9
Hoi An
This morning visit Hoi An – a quaint, picturesque town of winding cobbled streets, pretty wooden merchant houses, pagodas and silk merchants. Around two-hundred years ago Hoi An was a bustling little port home to Chinese traders and a strong commercial link to Japan which, over time, influenced the town’s architecture and design. Spending time in the town, spend the rest of the day relaxing on China Beach. Visits can also be made to one or two of the local fishing villages outside of Hoi An.
- Breakfast
Boutique Hoi An Resort
Victoria Hoi An Resort and Spa
Anantara Hoi An Resort
Four Seasons The Nam Hai
Day 10
Hoi An
At leisure to relax and enjoy the beach and hotel. The majority of resorts provide a free shuttle service into the old town of Hoi An should you wish to return. A day trip to the ancient Cham city of My Son can also be arranged as can a cookery class in the town.
- Breakfast
Boutique Hoi An Resort
Victoria Hoi An Resort and Spa
Anantara Hoi An Resort
Four Seasons The Nam Hai
Day 11
Hoi An to Danang – 30kms / Danang to Ho Chi Minh City – by air
After breakfast transfer to Danang Airport and fly to Ho Chi Minh City where you will stay for the next three nights. Renamed at the conclusion of the Vietnam War, the city is still known to many as Saigon. Growing from a small 15th century Khmer trading port, today Ho Chi Minh City is the modern face of Vietnam – a bustling dynamic metropolis of crumbling colonial buildings, chaotic streets, colourful markets and informal pavement cafes.
- Breakfast
Caravelle Hotel
Majestic Hotel
Hotel Des Arts Saigon
Park Hyatt Saigon
Day 12
Ho Chi Minh City
This morning explore Ho Chi Minh City with your guide. Places of interest include the former Presidential Palace, now Reunification Hall, famously occupied by the army of North Vietnam in 1975, the city’s colonial centre including Notre Dame Cathedral and General Post Office and colourful Chinatown with its historic pagodas. In the afternoon take a walking tour through the busy side-streets ending at a small shop, formerly the secret weapon storage of the Viet Cong that was used during the Tet Offensive of 1968.
- Breakfast
Caravelle Hotel
Majestic Hotel
Hotel Des Arts Saigon
Park Hyatt Saigon
Day 13
The Mekong Delta
Leaving the city, today drive south to the Mekong Delta and Cai Be to board the Cai Be Princess, a traditional riverboat made of bamboo, wood and rattan, for a private cruise. Spend the day cruising the winding canals and stopping to visit isolated riverside villages, returning to Ho Chi Minh City in the afternoon.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch
Caravelle Hotel
Majestic Hotel
Hotel Des Arts Saigon
Park Hyatt Saigon
Day 14
Ho Chi Minh City to the UK
Today is a day at leisure in the city. Early risers may wish to take a special morning tour to experience the city as it rouses, watching the morning public exercises, relaxing over a cup of hot Vietnamese coffee at Ben Thanh market and an authentic breakfast of pho noodle soup. Alternatively a cookery class can be arranged or you may simply wish to further explore the city under your own steam. Later catch the onward flight to Dubai and connect onto the Emirates flight non-stop to the UK.
- Breakfast
Extending your stay...
From Hanoi, add a couple of nights in Ninh Binh, a region of spectacular scenery made up of towering limestone peaks, emerald rice paddies and snaking rivers. Stay at Tam Coc Garden, a charming boutique hotel with a remote location and a focus on traditional design and culinary experiences.
Located off the southern tip of Vietnam, the island of Phu Quoc offers calm crystal-clear waters and soft sandy beaches ideal for swimming and snorkelling. Favourite resorts here include Luxnam*, Vinpearl Resort and Spa, La Veranda Resort and Sailing Club Signature Resort.
Join a classic river cruise down the mighty Mekong between Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh in Cambodia. Encounter rural scenery, bustling river life and remote villages as you traverse one of the most famous and historic waterways of the world, all onboard an elegant ship.
After spending time in the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh continue to explore this fascinating and welcoming country. Head to Siem Reap to uncover the incredible temple complexes of Angkor or enjoy a relaxing stay in coastal Kep or the paradise island of Koh Rong.
Guide to Price
14 days from £4300 - £5300 per person
What's Included
- International and domestic flights
- Private car and driver
- Sightseeing with accompanying English speaking guide
- Hotel accommodation and taxes
- Lan Hay Bay Cruise
What's Not Included
- Visas
- Travel Insurance
- Expenses of a personal nature
- Meals unless specified
from £4300 - £5300
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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