Vietnam at a Glance

Saigon – Mekong Delta – Hoi An – Hue – Hanoi – Halong Bay

With this tour, you can explore all the highlights in just under two weeks, with visits to charming Hoi An, historical Hue, spectacular Halong Bay and much more

Day 1 – 2

Saigon

Destination Information Saigon – Formally renamed Ho Chi Minh City but still locally known by its older name of Saigon, this exuberant city drives Vietnam into the modern world while preserving a wealth of fascinating heritage and French colonial architecture. It was a significant base of the American military during the Vietnam War. It was the seat of the South Vietnam government until North Vietnamese forces captured the city in April 1975.

Day 3

Saigon & the Cu Chi Tunnels

Discover the reality of guerrilla warfare at the Cu Chi Tunnels. These cramped tunnels were central to some of the war’s strategic operations, including the famous 1968 Tet Offensive. 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. Sightseeing here involves two hours on foot on uneven mud paths through the bush and, if you choose, crawling through a short section of the tunnels. You will also see recreations of some of the infamous VC bamboo traps.

Day 4

Mekong Delta

Drive 2 and a half hours down to the picturesque province of Ben Tre, situated along the mighty Mekong Delta. This area is known as the ‘Rice Basket of Vietnam’, because its rich and fertile lands produce huge amounts of rice, coconuts, vegetables and tropical fruit. Spend the day cruising and exploring, travelling by motorised, wooden boats between the islands and changing to smaller, paddleboats in the canals. Sightseeing involves hopping on and off these boats, often on unsteady and slippery surfaces, sometimes without handrails or assistance. Return to Saigon.

Day 5

Saigon – Hoi An

Fly 1 hour and 15 minutes to Danang and transfer to the charming town of Hoi An. This afternoon, enjoy a walking tour of Hoi An’s narrow and ancient streets. Visit one of the town’s oldest homes, built by a merchant family over 200 years ago and still owned by their descendants. You will also visit the traditional Hoi An Market, the Quan Cong Chinese Temple and the Japanese Covered Bridge.

Day 6

Hoi An

visit a local community farming project just outside of Hoi An – Tra Que Village, where the community has come together to create a large vegetable farm. Learn the traditional methods the farmers use to plant, fertilise and harvest the crop, then try your hand at raking the ground and sowing seeds. The remainder of the afternoon is free at your leisure to explore the ancient town, go to the beach or simply relax at your hotel.

Day 7

Hoi An – Hue

After breakfast, drive approximately 4 hours to Hue. This journey will take you over the scenic Hai Van Pass – a route often listed among the greatest road trips in the world. Hue is considered a scholarly city, and the physical embodiment of Vietnam’s imperial past. Upon arrival, explore the Royal Tomb of Minh Mang; the complex comprises of almost 40 monuments and is surrounded by gardens and pools, making it one of the more beautiful tombs. Then visit the Imperial Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City, inspired by the Forbidden City in China.

Destination Information Hue – The imperial capital from 1802 until 1945, after the last emperor abdicated, Hue is still regarded as a centre of Vietnamese culture. The city is dominated by the Imperial Citadel, modelled on the Forbidden City in China. There are many wonderful pagodas and temples of high significance, and it contains the Grand Tombs of the Nguyen Emperors.

Day 8

Hue – Hanoi

Fly 1 hour and 20 minutes to the charming city of Hanoi, where you will check into your hotel and enjoy the rest of your day at leisure. With a population of approximately four million, Hanoi is a charming and richly historic city of lakes, shaded boulevards and leafy open parks.

Day 9

Hanoi

This morning, we delve into the story of Ho Chi Minh, the ‘father of Vietnam’. Visit the Ho Chi Minh Quarter, passing Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum en route to the One Pillar Pagoda. Visit the Humble House on Stilts, Ho Chi Minh’s simple house in the grounds of the Presidential Palace. Next, drive to the serene Temple of Literature: Hanoi’s first university, now a temple to figures like Confucius. Later, experience an exhilarating cyclo ride through Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Each cyclo takes one passenger and is operated by a cycle driver behind the carriage. This afternoon, you will also have the opportunity to taste some traditional egg coffee – a Hanoi specialty!

Day 10

Hanoi – Halong Bay

Drive around 2 and a half hours from Hanoi to Halong, where you will take an overnight cruise to the far-most corners of the bay. Enjoy lunch on board as you cruise out into the bay, stopping to anchor for an afternoon of activities. Activities are subject to change due to cruise selection and weather conditions. Sightseeing usually includes visiting underground caves on the islands which involves climbing up and down lots of steps. End the day on deck with a drink in hand to watch the sunset over the bay followed by a freshly prepared dinner, before retiring to your cabin for the night. You will need to pack a smaller overnight bag for your trip to Halong Bay. Main luggage will be left in safe storage at the hotel in Hanoi and picked up your return.

 Day 11

Halong Bay – Hanoi

Spend the morning sailing through Halong Bay. After brunch, disembark and return to your hotel in Hanoi. This evening, attend The Quintessence of Tonkin show, an artistic open-air performance celebrating the rich history of northern Vietnam.

Day 12

Depart Hanoi

You will be transferred 1 hour from the hotel to the airport, according to the departure time of your international flight

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