Vietnam’s Cultural Highlights & Central Coast

Hanoi - Halong Bay - Hoi An - Saigon

Duration

15 days

Tour Type

Private

Price From

£2,255 pp

Overview: Vietnam’s Cultural Highlights & Central Coast

Discover the very best of Vietnam on this fascinating 15-day journey from Hanoi in the north to Saigon in the south. Explore historic cities, cruise spectacular Halong Bay, uncover ancient traditions in Hoi An and relax on its golden beaches before experiencing the vibrant Mekong Delta and fascinating wartime history of Cu Chi.

Tour Highlights:

Explore Hanoi’s historic landmarks, including the Ho Chi Minh memorial complex and Temple of Literature
Discover Vietnam’s diverse ethnic heritage at the Museum of Ethnology
Explore Hanoi’s atmospheric Old Quarter by traditional rickshaw
Experience Vietnam’s unique water puppetry, a traditional art form originating in the Red River Delta
Cruise overnight through spectacular Halong Bay aboard a traditional luxury junk
Admire Halong Bay’s dramatic limestone islands, caves and emerald waters
Discover the UNESCO-listed ancient town of Hoi An, with its beautifully preserved streets and historic architecture
Visit Hoi An’s Japanese Bridge, merchant houses, Chinese Temple, Central Market and Culture Museum
Enjoy five days of relaxation on the golden beach at Hoi An
Explore the vibrant city of Saigon, including the Reunification Palace, War Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office and Ben Thanh Market
Discover the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels and learn about their role during the Vietnam War
Cruise through the waterways of the Mekong Delta from My Tho
Visit a traditional island village and see local handicrafts, coconut products and tropical fruit production
Enjoy a sampan ride, horse-cart journey and traditional Vietnamese folk music
Taste regional specialities and experience the unique river-based lifestyle of the Mekong Delta

From the historic streets of Hanoi and breathtaking landscapes of Halong Bay to the charm of Hoi An, the energy of Saigon and the waterways of the Mekong Delta, this journey combines Vietnam’s culture, history, scenery and beaches in one unforgettable adventure.

Day 1 - UK Departure

Today we begin our private tour of Vietnam by departing London Heathrow for international economy flight to Hanoi.

We can also arrange departures from your local airport at no extra cost.

Day 2 - Hanoi Arrival

We’ll be greeted by our guide upon arrival and take private transfer to the hotel for check-in and tour briefing. After we have rested we’ll take an orientation tour and a chance to acclimatise ourselves if time permits.

A scrumptious welcome dinner awaits us tonight!

Dinner

Day 3 - Hanoi

Today we’ll be touring the most outstanding attractions of Hanoi. First, we pay a visit to the complex of memorials to Ho Chi Minh to understand the amazing life of the founder of modern Vietnam. Continue to the Temple of Literature to gain understanding of one of the driving forces in Vietnam culture.

Our next stop is the Museum of Ethnology which exhibits a large collection of artefacts about the 54 ethnic groups in the country. Then enjoy a rickshaw ride through the lively Old Quarter, a series of 36 ancient streets where peddlers still trade the way they have done for centuries. The rickshaw tour ends up at an old house on Ma May Street, an example of dwellings in the 19 century.

Finally today sit back, relax and enjoy a performance of the water puppetry, the famed traditional art form created by village farmers around the Red River Delta region – unique but widely known.

Breakfast

Lunch

Day 4 - Hanoi / Halong

Today we journey east by private vehicle to Halong Bay, the greatest natural wonder of Vietnam, through the Red River Delta, where we see daily Vietnamese village life.

On arrival, we board a beautiful traditional junk (ancient Chinese ship) and spend a full day and night cruising the bay’s 3000 magnificent limestone islets. In the evening when the boat is anchored in the middle of the stunning lagoon, we enjoy a wonderful seafood meal and later there is opportunity for an evening swim from the side of the boat. Spend the night on our luxurious boat.

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 5 - Halong / Hanoi to Hoian

Wake up to fresh coffee then further cruising and sightseeing. En route the junk weaves through more rock formations that invite comparisons from fighting cocks to dragons and even further!

We disembark after lunch and return to Hanoi for a late afternoon/early evening flight to Danang in Middle Vietnam. Meet up with our local guide at Danang airport and drive along the scenic coast to Hoian for the night.

Brunch

Day 6 - Hoian

This morning we’ll be on foot exploring the ancient quarter of Hoian, recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage site because of its historic role in international trade, unusually well-preserved ancient streets and homes. Sites include the Japanese Bridge, a Sino-Vietnamese merchant house, a Chinese Temple, the Central Market, and the Culture Museum.

There’ll be plenty of time for independent exploration and shopping opportunities.

Breakfast

Days 7-11 - Hoian

Enjoy five whole days of relaxation on the golden beach of Hoian.

Breakfast

Day 12 - Hoian to Saigon

We fly to Saigon in the morning and enjoy a tasty lunch of “Pho” noodle soup in restaurant “Pho 24” on arrival.

In the afternoon, we’ll be visiting the best known sites in the very centre of Saigon, taking in the Reunification Palace, the War Museum, the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Post Office, the Opera House, Ben Thanh Market, etc.

Breakfast

Lunch

Day 13 - Saigon / Cu Chi Tunnels

This morning we travel to Cu Chi to explore the legendary network of underground combat tunnels. This incredible system, covering almost 250 km in length, served as communication routes, storage facilities, hospitals and living quarters for Vietnamese fighters throughout the wartime. Known as the “Iron Triangle” during the war of the 60’s, the story of Cu Chi is one of struggle, determination against all odds, and eventual victory. Now the tunnels are a major site of interest for tourists and historians, and those interested in Vietnam’s military history.

After the tunnels we return to town and enjoy the balance of the day at own leisure.

Breakfast

Day 14 - Saigon / Mekong Delta

After breakfast we leave the hustle and bustle of Saigon behind and travel into the Mekong Delta, a world that lives and works on the waters.

Arriving in My Tho, 80 km from Saigon, we get on a boat trip on the Mekong River, then into a palm-shaded canal towards an island. Disembark and roam into the insular village to see production of handicrafts and candy from coconut, taste freshly picked seasonal tropical fruits, enjoy folk musical by amateurs, and ride a horse cart along the village road. Row a sampan along a side arm of the river to further experience river life.

For lunch, we’ll sample some regional specialities such as Elephant Ear Fish, Rice Ball, Coconut Salad, etc.

After lunch we return to Saigon for overnight. A visit to Vinh Trang pagoda in My Tho or Thien Hau pagoda in the Chinese quarter of Saigon can be arranged upon request.

Breakfast

Lunch

Day 15 - Departure from Saigon

Sadly it is time to say “tạm biệt” (goodbye) and transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Breakfast