18 day all-encompassing tour of Vietnam not only showcases Must-See but absorbs you to visit lesser-known places alongside the usual highlights.
Personalised journeys from start to finish
Save an acre of rainforest each time you travel
Every detail taken care of
trip highlights
- Explore the vibrant streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter by cyclo, stopping off at a café to sample a traditionally-made, local speciality, egg coffee.
- Take your seats for ‘the Quintessence of Tonkin’, an outdoor spectacular that perfectly showcases the rich culture and daily life of Vietnam’s northern river delta through talented performers, water puppetry, and lights.
- Cruise lazily through the crystal-clear waters of Nha Trang bay, passing amongst beach- fringed islands, stopping off at small fishing villages and, if you feel like it, taking a dip in the balmy waters yourself.
itinerary details
Saigon arrival, Vietnam’s largest and most evocative city. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
Contemplate the horrors of guerrilla warfare at the astonishing Cu Chi Tunnels before returning to Saigon. Seamlessly blending past and present, Saigon is the city that is driving Vietnam towards a brighter future. See Notre Dame Cathedral and visit the Central Post Office, both legacies of a colonial past. Spend time at the Reunification Palace and the chilling War Remnants Museum.
Pop down to Ben Tre to take a cruise through the Mekong Delta. This area is known as the ‘Rice Basket of Vietnam’ – paddle through the maze of palm-lined canals and enjoy a typical Mekong lunch. Travel to Can Tho for an overnight stay.
Visit the Cai Rang floating market to see the goods on sale and learn how vermicelli rice noodles are made. Return to Saigon.
Head up into the cooler climes and picturesque scenery of the highlands to the colonial town of Dalat, stopping at Bao Loc tea plantation en route. This afternoon is free to enjoy locally grown coffee and the picturesque views.
Visit the Domaine de Marie Church, the Flower Gardens and an embroidery workshop before boarding an open-air train to journey out through the fantastic scenery to Trai Mat village. End the day with a local coffee by Xuan Huong lake.
Today, take the winding road down from the highlands and along the coast to Nha Trang, Vietnam’s beach capital. Take to the turquoise waters for a cruise around the bay’s many islands with a stop off at one to enjoy a swim in the balmy waters.
Today, Wander Dam market before visiting the Po Nagar Cham Towers and continue on to the city of Qui Nhon.
The Son My area saw one of the most horrific crimes of the Vietnam War – the My Lai massacre. Visit the memorial placed in honour of the victims. Continue to Hoi An.
Take a morning walking tour of charming Hoi An – a wonderfully laidback and wilfully traditional town that has managed to retain the charms of a bygone era. Visit a lovely old- style house, the Japanese Bridge, a Chinese temple and the market. Stop en route to visit Reaching Out, a social enterprise craft workshop, and watch the artisans at work.
Take the scenic route to Hue over the Hai Van Pass. The epitome of Vietnam’s dynastic past, Hue is a dignified and scholarly city. Visit the Royal Tomb of Minh Mang.
Take a drive to the imposing Imperial Citadel to explore. Cruise along the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda after visiting the charming An Hien garden house.
Exuding a wonderfully exotic aura, Hanoi is the perfect combination of old Asia and new. Fly here to admire the collections of the Fine Arts Museum and take a cyclo through the atmospheric tangle of streets that make up the Old Quarter. Later enjoy a flavourful Vietnamese coffee.
Explore the Ho Chi Minh Quarter, where you will pass the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, visit the Stilt House, One Pillar Pagoda and the Temple of Literature.
Spend the 3rd day exploring Hanoi on your own… free and easy day
Spend the day aboard your comfortable cruise
boat sailing through the awe-inspiring beauty of Halong Bay. You’ll even explore one of
the bay’s many caves. A delicious seafood meal is included during your voyage. Spend a night onboard before returning to Hanoi the next day. On your last evening, attend the Quintessence of Tonkin show, a spectacular open-air performance celebrating the rich history of northern Vietnam.
End of the trip, transfer to the airport, fly back home, end of the 18 day luxury itinerary traveling to Vietnam.
