Discover the rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes of Vietnam on this immersive Vietnam Discovery tour. Begin in bustling Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), where modern skyscrapers blend with French colonial landmarks. Journey through the serene waters of the Mekong Delta, experiencing the charm of floating markets and traditional villages. Head to the ancient town of Hoi An, known for its lantern-lit streets, historic architecture, and vibrant markets. Explore the imperial city of Hue, home to Vietnam’s royal past, before traveling to Hanoi, the capital with a rich blend of ancient temples and bustling city life. Sail through the breathtaking limestone formations of Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before returning to Saigon to conclude your unforgettable journey through Vietnam’s most iconic destinations.
Board your international flight to HoChi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon. On your arrival you will be met at the airport in the arrival hall by your Local Guide or National Escort. Together with all other group members who may be arriving at a similar time, you will transferred to your hotel and check into your room or store any luggage if your room is not ready yet. There is no sightseeing today.
Accommodation included
After breakfast at the hotel we will drive for one and half hours to visit Cu Chi Tunnels where you will discover the reality of guerrilla warfare. The cramped tunnels were central to a few of the war’s strategic operations, including the famous 1968 Tet Offensive, and they did not escape damage. American B52 bombers dropped hundreds of missiles leaving huge tell-tale craters behind. The Cu Chi experience can be emotional for some visitors, but it offers a fascinating window into the hardship and traumas of war. Lunch enroute, this afternoon explore modern day Saigon with its heady mix of local culture and colonial influences. We pass the Notre Dame Cathedral, visit the Central Post Office, the Reunification Palace and the chilling War Remnants Museum. Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at the hotel.
Accommodation included
Breakfast , Lunch & Dinner included
Early morning departure after breakfast we will drive approximately 2 hours to the picturesque Mekong Delta. In other words, it is known as the food basket of the Country. We will witness the daily life of people living in this area. You will travel around by motorized, wooden boats between the islands and then change to smaller, paddle boats in the canals. Sightseeing involves hopping on and off these boats, often on unsteady and slippery surfaces, sometimes without handrails or assistance. Have lunch at a local restaurant where we can sample the culinary specialties of the Mekong Delta. Return to Saigon, en route visit Vinh Trang Pagoda to experience the Cao Dai religion. On return dinner at a local restaurant, overnight at hotel.
Accommodation included
Breakfast , Lunch & Dinner included
Today we will be transferred to the domestic airport to board our flight to Danang and transfer to the charming town of Hoi An. Perhaps more than any other place in Vietnam, Hoi An retains the feel of centuries past. Once known as Faifo, Hoi An was an influential port along the Silk Road. For over 500 years merchants from China, Japan, France and Portugal settled in the prosperous town resulting in a distinctive blend of culture, cuisine, religion and architecture. At the time of the American war Hoi An was the only place in Vietnam where there was no damage done during the war, as Hoi An was also used as a prostitute center for American soldiers. Hoi An is also a World Heritage site.
This afternoon enjoy a walking tour of the narrow and ancient streets of this charming town. Visit one of Hoi An’s oldest homes, built over 200 years ago and still occupied by the descendants of the merchant family that originally built it. You will also visit the traditional Hoi An Market, the Reaching Out arts and crafts workshop, the Quan Cong Chinese Temple and the Japanese Covered Bridge.
Lunch and dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at the hotel.
Accommodation included
Lunch & Dinner included
This morning 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 or go to the beach. Lunch and dinner at a local restaurant, overnight at a hotel.
Accommodation included
Lunch & Dinner included
This morning we will drive approximately 4 hours to Hue; this journey will take you over the scenic Hai Van Pass. Hue is the epitome of Vietnam’s dynamic past and considered a scholarly city. Upon arrival, explore the Royal Tomb of Minh Mang; the complex comprises 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 which is still being restored many years after the destruction caused by street fighting and bombing during the American War in Vietnam. Continue by road to Thien Mu Pagoda and take a cruise on the Perfume River. Lunch enroute and dinner at a local restaurant in Hue. Overnight at the hotel.
Accommodation included
Lunch included
This morning, after breakfast we will transfer to the airport to board our flight to Hanoi. Charming city of Hanoi is also the capital of Vietnam where you will check into your hotel and enjoy the rest of your day at leisure. Lunch and dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at the hotel.
Accommodation included
Breakfast , Lunch & Dinner included
This morning after breakfast we will discover the sights of Hanoi today. First stop will be the Ho Chi Minh Quarter, passing Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, followed by the Humble House on Stilts and the One Pillar Pagoda. Next, drive to the serene Temple of Literature, Hanoi’s first university. 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 coffee. Lunch and dinner at local restaurants. Overnight at the hotel.
Accommodation included
Breakfast , Lunch & Dinner included
Today we will drive 4 hours from Hanoi to Halong, where you will take an overnight cruise to the far-most corners of the bay. Boarding your boat could involve navigating your way over and through other boats, moored between it and the dock, sometimes without handrails, ladders or assistance from staff. 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.
Accommodation included
Spend the morning sailing through Halong Bay. After an early lunch (or brunch meal) disembark your cruise and return to Hanoi. This evening, attend The Water puppet show performance celebrating the rich history of northern Vietnam.
Accommodation included
Lunch included
Breakfast at a hotel. Any time before your flight is free is at your leisure today. You will be transferred from the hotel to the airport, according to the departure time of your international flight. Late check-out is not included in our South East Asia group tours. If you wish to book a late check-out for your final day, please contact our reservations department who can confirm additional pricing and make this arrangement for you, subject to availability at the hotel.
Accommodation included
Breakfast included
All Inclusive