Journey Information
Price from: £1,650
Duration: 15 Days
Starts in: Hanoi
Countries: Vietnam
Interested in booking one of our Private Journeys? Make an enquiry and we will contact you to discuss your requirements
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Spectacular rice paddies, north of Sapa

Helping the rice grow, Vietnam

Cheeky girl, Halong Bay
Price from: £1,650
Duration: 15 Days
Starts in: Hanoi
Countries: Vietnam
Interested in booking one of our Private Journeys? Make an enquiry and we will contact you to discuss your requirements
From the beautiful landscapes of Halong Bay, to the beaches of Phu Quoc, Vietnam is a land of smiles and adventure. This stunning journey through the natural and historic heartland of the country takes you from chaotic Hanoi to the serene Mekong Delta by junk, kayak, sampan and hydrofoil. Along the way you will explore the bustling streets of Hanoi and Saigon, crawl through the Chu Chi Tunnels and cruise through the villages and floating markets of the ‘Nine Dragons River’. This is a journey of stunning contrast, covering the length of the entire country, from the northern historic northern capital to the glittering turquoise waters of the Gulf of Thailand.
Highlights
Day 1: Hanoi
Arriving in Vietnam's capital, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel close to the Old Quarter. Venturing into the labyrinthe of back alleys, a maze of shops and noodle sellers, you will visit one the narrow houses to enjoy a Vietnamese coffee and take in the captivating views of Hoan Kiem Lake. This evening you will attend a performance of Vietnamese water puppetry.
Day 2: Hanoi - Halong Bay
Leaving the hotel this morning you will drive to Halong Bay, possibly one of the most spectacular natural settings anywhere in Asia. Steeped in legend, this breathtaking World Heritage Site presents a stunning backdrop to the next two days of cruising; taking you into a world of limestone caverns and mystical islands. After a welcome drink, your traditional junk will set sail, cruising around the bay to Cap La, where you will have a chance to enjoy your first swim and kayak before dinner.
(B,L,D)
Day 3: Halong Bay
After enjoying and an al fresco breakfast overlooking the bay, you then cruise to Cong Dam to kayak around the hidden lagoons. Sailing on to Tra Giol later for some well-earned sunbathing and swimming, you'll then enjoy a barbecue lunch before paying a visit to the fishing village of Cong Dam. This presents an ideal opportunity to meet some of the local people and learn something of their lives and cultures, before sailing back through the lagoons to Cong Do.
(B,L,D)
Day 4: Halong Bay - Hoi An
Following breakfast you pay a visit to the Thien Canh Son Cave, for a final swim in the bay before returning to the mainland. After an a la carte lunch on board, you will then drive back to Hanoi to catch an internal flight on to Danang, where you will be met and transferred to the old merchant city of Hoi An, one of Vietnam's most historic and engaging old towns. (B,L,D)
Day 5: Hoi An
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hoi An is one of the most romantic and enchanting towns in Vietnam. This morning you join a local guide to explore the historic heart of the town filled with a rich array of wonderfully preserved buildings, visiting the wonderfully grandiose Tan Ky House (a superb 18th century merchant's house) and the temple of the sea goddess, Thien Hau. The afternoon is free to explore this cultural gem at your leisure.
(B)
Day 6: Hoi An
Following a short walk to the Bach Dang pier this morning, you cross the Thu Bon River to pay a visit to the neighbouring community of Kim Bong. Famed for their skills in carpentry, the artisans of Kim Bong have been favoured by Vietnam's ruling elite for centuries, being employed to work on the palaces of the Nguyen emperors and even the tomb of Ho Chi Minh. Taking a guided tour by bicycle, you will have a chance to explore the workshops and shipyards, meandering past temples and rice fields and enjoying some seasonal fruits along the way, before returning to Hoi An.
(B)
Day 7: Hoi An
Today offers an opportunity to create some culinary magic with an optional cookery class. After shopping for ingredients in the local market, you'll then prepare a traditional Vietnamese dish, learning from the experts how to create a delicious and aromatic meal. Alternatively you can spend the day exploring a little more of Hoi An and its surroundings, perhaps paying a visit to one of the town's famous tailor shops, or relaxing on the beach. Close by are the stunning Cham temples of My Son, one of the country's most important archaeological sites. (B)
Day 8: Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh City
Leaving the serenity of Hoi An behind this morning you fly to Ho Chi Minh (Saigon), without doubt one of the most vibrant and exciting cities in South East Asia. Once the capital of French Indochina, it has risen from the ashes of the Vietnam War to become one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Vietnam. This afternoon you will enjoy a tour of the bustling streets by cyclo, before paying an evening visit to the sprawling and chaotic market of Binh Tay. (B)
Day 9: Ho Chi Minh City
After watching mass at Cao temple, you head to the infamous tunnels of Chu Chi. This fascinating relic of Vietnam's long and bloody colonial wars, is incredible network of underground passages and chambers, that served a command base for thousands of Vietnamese troops. This afternoon those with a head for heights have the option of tackling the X-rock climbing wall, or (for a gentler activity!), visit a local rice paper workshop. (B)
Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh is filled with an amazing collection of reminders of Vietnam's recent and bloody past. Todays guided tour of the city visits the Unification Palace, and the emotive War Crime Museum, home to some particularly powerful images from the colonial wars. The tour will also take in the French colonial grandeur of the Notre Dame Cathedral, the GPO building and the old Hotel de Ville, which today serves as the headquarters of the People's Committee. (B)
Day 11: Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Delta
One of the world's great rivers, the mighty Mekong, known locally as the 'Nine Dragons River', has always been essential to life in the Delta. This morning you leave Ho Chi Minh behind to start cruising through the network of canals and waterways, enjoying a lunch of elephant ear fish and grilled prawns with a local family, passing through floating markets en route to your hotel in Can Tho.
(B,L)
Day 12: Mekong Delta - Sampan Cruise
Day 12: Departing early this morning you take to the river in a traditional sampan for a cruise to the bustling floating market at Cai Rang. One of the most remarkable sights on the river, this colourful market is the largest in the Delta, with locals and farmers haggling and bartering from boats overflowing with fruit and vegetables. Transferring to the quiet backwaters, you stop for a walk in the tranquil countryside, before heading back to Can Tho. (B)
Day 13: Mekong Delta - Phu Quoc
Leaving Can Tho you drive to the town of Rach Gia, and take the hydrofoil to Phu Quoc, Vietnam's largest island. Nestling amongst the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Thailand, Phu Quoc is well known for its beautiful beaches and pristine landscapes and on arrival you will be transferred to the Sea Star Resort, where the rest of the day is free to enjoy the golden sands of Bai Truong (Long Beach). (B)
Day 14: Phu Quoc
Today is free to enjoy more of Phu Quoc's charms. Much of the island is a natural sanctuary, with the lush jungle and offshore waters falling under the protection of a national park, making for some superb diving and snorkelling. You can also hire motorbikes or cars to explore farther afield if you are feeling adventurous, heading up into the forested hills to enjoy some walking along some of the trails. There is also an option today to pay a visit to a nearby pearl farm. (B)
Day 15: Phu Quoc - Ho Chi Minh City
Transferring to Phu Quoc's airport after breakfast, you take the short flight back to Ho Chi Minh City, where you will connect with your onward bound flight home. (B)
| Dates | Type | Price Per Person | Single Supplement | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan 12 - 31 Dec 12 | Adult Price | £1,930 | £360 | Make an Enquiry |
| Child Price | £1,650 | £360 |
| Dates | Type | Price Per Person | Single Supplement | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan 12 - 31 Dec 12 | Adult Price | £2,740 | £360 | Make an Enquiry |
| Child Price | £2,440 | £360 |
* Please note the prices shown above are based on four persons sharing two twin or double rooms. To qualify for discounted child price, children must be under the age of 12 at the time of travel.
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Vietnam