Vietnam Discovery Tailor-made

Itinerary View Map

Day 1 : To Hanoi

Midday departure from London Heathrow on direct Vietnam Airlines flight to Hanoi.

Day 2 : Hanoi – Street Food Tour

Morning arrival in Hanoi. Met and transferred to the hotel. This evening accompanied by your guide experience the city’s famous north Vietnamese cuisine. Weave through the streets, trying local delicacies such as bánh cuốn rice rolls and cha ca spiced fish and, of course, tucking into some of the best pho you’ll ever eat. Stop at one of the bia hoi bars on Ta Hien Street for a locally-brewed beer, and stroll to Quan Su for strong Vietnamese coffee and live jazz. Two nights Sofitel Metropole.

Day 3 : Hanoi City Tour

Start the day away from the city centre bustle with a cycle around the perimeter of West Lake. Spend time in the shade of Tran Quoc pagoda’s elegant tower, or watch the world go by from a lakeside café as you sip something cool. As midday approaches, look into Hanoi’s past with a visit to the atmospheric halls of the Temple of Literature, on the site of Vietnam’s first university. Tuck into a Vietnamese-style fast lunch on the famous Trang Tien Street, where you can feast on pho and sweet treats among the locals, with the grand Opera House just around the corner. Dip your toes into Hanoi’s contemporary culture at the Manzi Art Cafe, before heading back in time with a stroll past workshops and pagodas in the narrow Old Quarter streets. Grab a beer and keep exploring, or head back to enjoy some R&R in your hotel.

Day 4 : To Halong Bay - Cruise

Travel by seaplane to Halong Bay, enjoying aerial views over the countryside, and the unique experience of landing on water after the 30 minute flight to Tuan Chau Marina. Once there, you’ll be welcomed aboard your chosen private junk boat, each with its own individual route, to begin your cruise around the bay’s rocky islands and hidden caves. Visit Bai Tu Long Bay, passing the waterside towns of Hon Gai and Cam Pha, and teardrop-shaped Oan Lagoon, Mat Quy (Monster Head) and Am Tich (Teapot) islets. Stop off at Vung Vieng fishing village, where you will transfer to a rowing boat to explore the narrow channels, before returning to your junk to enjoy a sumptuous supper in the dining cabin. Two nights onboard the Bhaya Legend Private Junk.

Day 5 : Halong Bay

Explore the stunning bay visiting remote floating fishing village, nestled among the limestone peaks, enjoy a guided kayaking tour, or refreshing swim in a remote part of the Gulf of Tonkin, boasting isolated beaches and nature at its best.

Facing the Ngo Mon (Noon) Gate entrance to the Imperial Citadel

Day 6 : To Hue via Hanoi

A cool breeze greets the sunrise, then, after brunch disembark and transfer to Hanoi’s airport for late afternoon flight to Hue. Two nights at La Residence Hotel & Spa.

Day 7 : Hue - guided tour

Start the day with a guided tour of Hue by taking a boat trip on Perfume River to one of the most famous sights in Hue - the Thien Mu Pagoda and Minh Mang’s tomb. After lunch at a local restaurant in Hue, visit The Imperial Citadel, built in 1804 by Emperor Gia Long (the first Nguyen emperor) has a 10km perimeter. Originally made of earth, the ramparts were, in the early 19th C. rebuilt in the style of the French military architect Vauban.

Day 8 : To Hoi An

After breakfast depart for Hoi An. The coastal drive from Hue to Hoi An is considered the most beautiful drive in Central Vietnam passing through a unique combination of rural, mountainous and coastal settings. Two nights at the Anantara Hoi An Resort.

Day 9 : Hoi An excursion

Morning walking tour of Hoi An visiting the Japanese covered bridge, Sa Huynh Museum with its unique insight into Hoi An’s history, the Tran Family Chapel and finally a lantern making workshop. Wander through the cobbled streets, soaking up the heady blend of ancient and modern, and let your guide show you the highlights, as well as a few local hangouts off the usual tourist trail.

Day 10 : To Ho Chi Minh City – Saigon - City visit

Morning transfer to the airport to board Vietnam Airlines flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Met on arrival and transferred to the hotel.

Later enjoy a guided tour encompassing the heart of the city driving down Dong Khoi Street (formerly Rue Catinat), past the Rex Hotel, Ho Chi Minh Square, Municipal Theatre and the Notre Dame Cathedral. Tour the Reunification Palace (formerly the Presidential Palace) and War Remnants Museum. Next drive to Cholon, the Chinatown district of the city, to explore the enormous Binh Tay Wholesale market, with its beehive of stores hawking everything under the sun. Finally visit the ornate Thien Hau Temple, dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea. Three nights at the Park Hyatt Saigon.

Day 11 : Cu Chi excursion

After breakfast drive to the fascinating Cu Chi tunnel networks, established as a means of waging guerrilla warfare against superior French, then later American firepower. Afternoon at leisure. Perhaps add on a exciting evening Vespa Tour of Saigon.

Day 12 : Mekong Delta Day Trip - Cai Be floating market

Early this morning depart Saigon by road and journey into the Mekong Delta. Embark on a traditional wooden boat, stylishly fitted out with bamboo chairs and lounging cushions. Tour the colourful floating market of Cai Be, afterwards visit a historic Mandarin house dating from the 19th C. Continue by visiting an untouched area of the Mekong Delta, where life continues, largely undisturbed; as it has for generations.

Day 13 : To Con Dao Island

Morning transfer to the airport to board flight to stunning Con Dao Island. Take time to settle into your own slice of paradise at your resort, before exploring the picture-perfect coast. Four nights at the Six Senses Con Dao.

Day 14 -16 : Con Dao Island

Your days will be at leisure to relax on the beach and make the most of the hotel's facilities.

Day 17 : To London via Ho Chi Minh City

Late afternoon transfer to the airport to board Vietnam Airlines flight to Ho Chi Minh City with onward overnight connecting flight back to London.

Looking to extend your holiday ? Contact our consultants today for your options.

Itinerary map

Prices

Price per person (Double/Twin share)
£6,150.00

Cost includes:

International & internal flights in economy class.
Accommodation in a double/twin sharing room with en-suite facilities.
Daily breakfast throughout. Full board on Halong Bay Cruise. Lunch at local restaurant on Day 3 & 12. Dinner during stret food tour on Day 2.
Services of English speaking guide during sightseeing.
Transfers as per the itinerary by air-conditioned car.
Excursions, sightseeing and entrance fees as per the itinerary.
Full ATOL Bonding.

Cost does not include: