- Overview
- Itinerary
One of the most coveted tourist destinations in Southeast Asia, Vietnam promises visitors a truly unforgettable experience. Stretching across 3000 km of coastline, this vast nation is home to diverse and contrasting landscapes – from remote villages in soaring mountains, lush jungles, mangroves, and floating islands, to glitzy metropolises and colourful crowded markets. Made up of 53 distinct ethnic groups, Vietnam’s culture and cuisine are equally diverse. This 11-day Vietnam Signature Tour is an opportunity to delve deep into Vietnam’s history, culture, cuisine and natural world with visits to its top sights and hidden gems. Covering north, south and central Vietnam with a private, English-speaking guide, you’ll be able to observe the divergent cultures and panoramas that make up this incredible nation while benefiting from the insights of a local. You’ll visit vibrant cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), stunning natural areas including Halong Bay and the Mekong Delta, and significant historical sites such as Hue’s Ancient Citadel.
£1599
from / per personExcludes international flights
- Hanoi + Hoa Lu + Halong Bay + Hue + Hoi An + Da Nang + Ho Chi Minh City and Mekong Delta
- 10
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Day 1 - Hanoi
Your Vietnamese adventure begins! Your driver and guide will welcome you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in downtown Hanoi. Later in the afternoon you’ll explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter by cyclo (Vietnamese rickshaw). This tour visits the Old Quarter of Hanoi by a combination of cyclo, electric buggy and walking (total duration approximately 2 hours). Leave your hotel by cyclo and head into the old town navigating the narrow alleyways (about 20 minutes). Transfer to foot and walk with your guide through the small streets for approximately 30-40 minutes to Dong Xuan. From here pick up a buggy and drive through another section of the ancient town for approximately 30 minutes before being dropped off near the Opera House and transferred back to your hotel. NOTE: Availability: evening Suggested time: 17.30 – 19.30 Guests staying in hotels outside of the city center will be transferred by vehicle to a point close to the Opera House and will pick up the cyclo from there. 20~30 min transportation by cyclo (pedicab) on a private basis 30 minutes transportation by electric buggy (maximum 4pax/buggy) Walking around Old Quarter with the escorted guide
Uncover Hanoi
Situated in the North, Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and is the second largest city in the country. More than a thousand years old, Hanoi’s rich history can still be observed to this day in the ancient architecture of its Old Quarter, as well as in the remnants of French and Chinese-style buildings across the city. This bustling metropolis is home to fascinating museums, turn-of-the-century temples and important historical sites.Day 2 - Hanoi
Embark on a full day city tour of Vietnam's capital with an English-speaking guide in a fully air-conditioned car. You’ll discover a number of important sites, Ba Dinh Square where silent sentries guard the marble mausoleum in which Ho Chi Minh lies in state. Subject to opening hours, the interior of the mausoleum may be visited. Continue to the modest stilted wooden bungalow where Uncle Ho lived and worked, before visiting Ho Chi Minh Museum. Dedicated to the 'father of the country’, the museum chronicles the evolution of Vietnamese independence. French architecture features prominently in Hanoi and the nearby former Governor's Residence is a fine example. Continue to the One Pillar Pagoda, a Buddhist pagoda with a history steeped in folklore. The final stop is the Thang Long Royal Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the 11th century during the Ly Viet Dynasty. This important historical site served as the capital of Vietnam for eight centuries. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing your exploration of the city, resplendent with French colonial architecture including the exquisite, Opera House. Pass Hoan Kiem Lake, also known as the ‘Lake of the Restored Sword’ after the legend that surrounds it, en-route to one of the city's many fascinating museums: choose from Ancient History, Military History, Hoa Lo Prison or Fine Arts Museum, depending on your personal interests (please discuss with your tour guide at destination!). Continue to the Temple of Literature, a serene retreat from the busy streets outside. Built in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius, it became Vietnam's first university. The best way to experience Hanoi's Old Quarter is on foot and next we take a walking tour through an area of the city known as ’36 Streets’. The oldest continuously developed area of Vietnam, this densely populated section of Hanoi was once an important centre of commerce where goods were sold on the street name of a particular guild. The labyrinthine alleyways are perfect for exploring on foot with names such as Sugar Street, Tin Street and Paper Street. NOTE: Availability: morning to afternoon Suggested time: 08.00 – 16.30 from Tuesday till Thursday & Sunday Lunch at a local restaurant Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed every Monday & Friday, all afternoons and from mid-June until mid-August. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum will be closed from 15 Jun. and reopen on 15 Aug. for annual maintenance. During this period, the visit is still avialable at President of Palace and his home or walk outside the Mausoleum. Services included: Private return transfer with English speaking guide Lunch at local restaurant Entrance fee
Day 3 - Hoa Lu
Your transfer will take you to the picturesque province of Ninh Binh, where you’ll visit the elaborate temples of Vietnam’s ancient imperial capital, Hoa Lu. Particularly impressive is the former palace and citadel of the emperor Tien Hoang De, which was reconstructed in the 17th century. In the afternoon, you’ll be escorted along the Ngo Dong River on a traditional sampan, finally reaching the Red River Delta where you’ll be able to visit the Tam Coc caves. One of the most popular sites in northern Vietnam, Tam Coc is a complex of three caves hidden beneath enormous rock formations, which have been gradually eroded by the river. Once back in Hanoi, you’ll enjoy an authentic rural meal from one of Vietnam’s rural regions at a local restaurant. NOTE: Availability: morning to afternoon Suggested time: 07.30 – 16.30 Services included: Private return transfer with English Speaking guide Lunch at local restaurant Entrance fee Boat in Trang An
Day 4 - Hanoi - Halong
After breakfast, your guide will take you to the spectacular Halong Bay. Enjoy the beautiful scenery as you journey through the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta, admiring the landscapes of rice fields, water buffalos and interspersed Vietnamese villages. Once in Halong Bay, you’ll cruise through the poetic landscape on a traditional Junk (sailing ship). Throughout the day you’ll explore the array of naturally formed islets and caves scattered across the seascape. You’ll even be able to visit Luon cave by paddle boat! In the evening, you’ll enjoy a fresh seafood dinner on the moonlit bay, with the option of either sleeping onboard overnight or staying at a hotel.
Sail through the deep blue waters of Halong Bay
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Halong Bay is scattered with more than 2000 floating islands of karstic rock. Legend has it that these floating islands were created by a family of dragons who were invoked by the Emperor to protect Vietnam against Chinese invaders. The dragons flew across the bay, spitting out jewels and jade, which magically turned into scattered islands. Together, these islands linked to create a protective barrier, which can still be admired to this day.Day 5 - Halong – Hanoi – Hue
Enjoy a refreshing morning swim in the waters of Halong Bay. You’ll then be transferred to Noi Bai International Airport, where you’ll take a one-hour (approx..) flight to Hue.
Experience the magic of Hue
Situated in central Vietnam, Hue was formerly the imperial capital and is one of Vietnam’s most important historical sites. Hue is best known for its impressive architecture – with citadels, pagodas, tombs, palaces and temples set against the atmospheric backdrop of the Perfume River. In 1993, Hue became Vietnam’s first UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.Day 6 - Hue
Explore the city of Hue, starting off with a visit to the impressive Minh Mang Tomb (a 19th century tomb complex whose with magnificent architecture is set against a sublime forest) and Khai Dinh Tombs (the last imperial tomb built in Hue - it took 11 years to build and is considered the most majestic imperial tomb in all Vietnam). In the afternoon, you’ll be taken on a private tour of the sprawling grounds of the imperial city, comprising the Royal Citadel and Forbidden Citadel. Take a boat cruise along the Perfume River and finish off with a visit to the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda, a 17th century seven-story temple, and the unofficial symbol of Hue. NOTE: • Availability: morning to afternoon • Suggested time: 08.00 – 16.00 Services included • Private return transfer with English speaking guide • Entrance fees • Lunch at local restaurant
Day 7 - Hue – Da Nang- Hoi An
After breakfast, you’ll embark on a picturesque journey to Hoi An. Venturing across the Hai Van mountain pass, one of the most beautiful roads in all of Asia, you’ll traverse through verdant mountains flanked by the South China Sea and stop for a glimpse of the panoramic view over Lang Co beach. The highest point of the pass sits at 1,627 ft. and is perpetually shrouded in clouds. Continuing your journey south, you’ll stop at the fascinating Cham museum in Da Nang, where you’ll be able to explore the Buddhist Shrines of the Marble Mountain Caves before arriving at your hotel in Hoi An. Services included: • The duration of the transfer is 8 hours. The personalised stops should not be longer than 8 hours including the transfer. • English Speaking Guide and Driver • Road tolls and Parking Fees Service Not included • Entrance Fees • Tipping • Meals
Immerse yourself in the ancient town of Hoi An
A picturesque riverside town, Hoi An was formally the port of the Cham Kingdom. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the town’s architecture – with narrow streets, roof-tiled houses, carved pillars and lacquered panels - lays testament to the heavy Chinese influence in the area during the height of Hoi An’s trading years in the 16th century.Day 8 - Hoi An
Take a stroll through the ancient streets of Hoi An, admiring the complex of 844 houses and temples, and exploring the colourful market on the right bank of the city’s river. You’ll have free time in the afternoon to experience Hoi An’s mouthwatering street food and pack in some extra shopping.
Day 9 - Da Nang – Ho Chi Minh
You’ll be transferred to Da Nang Airport, where you will take a one-hour flight to Ho Chi Minh City (formerly known as Saigon). After settling in at your hotel, you’ll be taken on a morning city tour, where you’ll be able to admireincluding some of the country’s finest examples of French colonial architecture, such as (including the 19th-century Notre Dame Cathedral and Old Saigon Post Office). In the afternoon, you’ll have the chance to explore the History Museum, Reunification Palace, Criminal Museum, Big Market (Cho Lon) and Ben Thanh Market. NOTE: • Availability: morning • Suggested time: 08.00 – 18.00 • Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral has been under renovated since July 2017. The construction takes about two years to complete. Due to this renovation work, visitor might not visit inside the site on spot. It is sorry for this inconvenience. • Reunification Place open on 05 Feb 2018 as from 09:30 • Museum of Vietnamese History is closed on Mondays & 04 Feb 2019 Services included • Entrance fee • Private full day transfer with English speaking guide • Lunch at local restaurant
Experience the vibrancy of Ho Chi Minh City
Formerly known as Saigon, the capital of Southern Vietnam was baptised Ho Chi Minh City after the Vietnam war. This rapidly-developing metropolis is buzzing with restaurants, bars and shopping centres. At night, the city transforms into a Tokyo-esque light-fest, with coloured lights beaming from high-rise buildings. Vibrant and fast-paced, Ho Chi Minh even has the greatest number of motorcycles in the world! Modernity is met by tradition, however, as the city is also renowned for its French colonial buildings, internationally-acclaimed museums and historic landmarks.Day 10 - Ho Chi Minh City – The Mekong Delta
Embark on an excursion to the Mekong Delta, a breathtaking maze of canals, swamps and islands. You’ll visit Cai Be, a floating market where you can try exotic fruits. After an atmospheric lunch in a bonsai garden, you’ll be taken back to Ho Chi Minh City for a leisurely afternoon. NOTE: • Availability: morning • Suggested time: 08.00 – 18.00 Services included • Lunch at a local restaurant • Private cruise on a traditional wooden sampan • Fresh seasonal fruits, tea and mineral water during the cruise • Private return transfer with English speaking guide
Travel through the Mekong Delta
This vast expanse of land is home to more than 20 million people and is renowned for its picturesque panoramas of rice paddy fields, floating villages, and jungle-like rivers. An agricultural centre, the Mekong Delta is teeming with coconut palms, sugarcane groves and fruit orchards. The region truly gives an authentic insight into rural Vietnam, with its friendly locals and laidback atmosphere.Day 11 - Ho Chi Minh City - Departure
Enjoy your free time at your hotel or some last-minute souvenir shopping on the last day of your trip. Your guide will meet you later to transfer you to the airport for your flight home.
