Vietnam Highlights - Set Itinerary

Welcome to Hanoi! Upon arrival, you’ll meet our representative, who will be holding a sign with your name. Enjoy a seamless transfer to your accommodation. Hanoi is a city steeped in history and culture, with a mix of ancient temples, bustling streets, and French colonial architecture. This relaxed start gives you time to settle in and prepare for the days ahead, filled with rich experiences and discoveries.

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Start your day on a shared tour at Ba Dinh Square, where Ho Chi Minh declared Vietnam’s independence. The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum stands as a powerful symbol of the leader’s fight for freedom. Next, visit the Temple of Literature, Hanoi’s oldest university, dedicated to Confucius. Continue to the Vietnamese Women’s Museum, which highlights the pivotal role of women in Vietnam’s history and is recognised as one of Asia’s most interesting museums. Finish with a demonstration of Hanoi’s famous egg coffee, followed by a tasting. Afterwards, enjoy a traditional Bun Cha lunch at a local restaurant. (B,L)

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After breakfast, take a shuttle bus to Halong Bay, leaving the city behind. Board a traditional junk boat and set sail through this UNESCO World Heritage site. Once onboard, relax with a welcome drink while the Cruise Manager gives an overview of the itinerary and safety. Enjoy a scenic meal showcasing local Vietnamese flavours as you cruise further into the bay.

In the afternoon, visit Titov Island, named after Russian cosmonaut Gherman Titov. Hike to the top for panoramic views or relax on the beach. Later, explore Luon Cave by bamboo boat or kayak, marveling at the limestone formations. Return to the cruise and watch the sunset over Halong Bay while enjoying a "Happy Hour" special. You can also join a cooking session to learn how to make traditional spring rolls. Dinner will be served onboard. Overnight on the cruise. (B,L,D) 

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Start your day early with a calming Tai Chi session on the sundeck as the sun rises over Halong Bay. After a light breakfast, the boat departs for Sung Sot Cave, Halong Bay's largest and most stunning cavern. Inside, marvel at intricate stalactites and stalagmites, then climb to a cliffside viewpoint for a breathtaking panorama of the bay. Enjoy a lavish brunch before the boat sails back to the harbour.

Later, return to Hanoi for a transfer to the train station. Board your private cabin for an overnight train journey to Da Nang. Relax as you travel through Vietnam’s scenic landscapes, arriving in Da Nang the following morning. (B)

Upon arrival at the train station, our representative will greet you and transfer you to your accommodation in Hoi An. In the late afternoon, join the Hoi An Evening Street Food group tour. Explore the town’s vibrant food scene with a local guide, learning the stories behind its iconic dishes. Begin at Madam Khanh’s to enjoy a delicious 'banh mi,' a perfect blend of French and Vietnamese flavours. Next, discover the delicate art of making white rose dumplings and taste 'banh xeo' and the famous cao lau soup. Visit a 250-year-old house to experience local life, and end with a sweet treat of green bean cake and traditional Vietnamese coffee. (B,D)

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Start your day by exploring Hoi An, a historic town that once hosted a mix of traders from across the globe. Known for its preserved architecture, silk craftsmanship, and local food, it’s a great place to slow down and take in the atmosphere. Begin at Ba Mu Gate, a key historical site. Then, visit the Japanese Bridge, a symbol of the town's cultural exchange. Continue to a lesser-known communal house, offering a peek into Hoi An’s community spirit, before stepping into an ancient house that has stood for generations. Next, check out the Folklore Museum for a deeper understanding of Hoi An’s legends and traditions. End your exploration with a peaceful coffee at a hidden café, giving you time to reflect on the town's rich history. (B)

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Enjoy a free day to explore Hoi An at your own pace. Wander through its charming streets, visit the bustling markets, or relax by the river. If you're feeling adventurous, you can opt for one of our optional activities (not included in the package):

Hoi An Countryside Biking Tour – Join a guided biking tour to discover the peaceful rural landscapes around Hoi An, starting at 8 AM (shared tour)

Herbal Taste Challenge at an Organic Farm – Explore the flavours of local herbs and spices in a fun, hands-on experience at an organic farm.

Feel free to ask for more details if you'd like to book one of these activities. (B)

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Transfer to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, transfer to your accommodation for check-in.

Afterwards, join the Story of Saigon group tour with a visit to the Reunification Palace, once the heart of the South Vietnamese government. Explore the war room, presidential office, and banquet hall, filled with unique gifts that reflect the country’s history. From there, head to the Central Post Office, a stunning colonial building designed by Gustave Eiffel. Its intricate design, beautiful stained-glass windows, and bustling atmosphere highlight Saigon’s charm. Just behind it stands the Notre Dame Cathedral, a striking example of neo-Romanesque architecture and one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.

Stroll down Dong Khoi Street, made famous in Graham Greene’s The Quiet American. The walk ends at the Saigon Opera House, a site that has witnessed dramatic historical moments. Continue your journey at the War Remnants Museum, where you’ll gain an eye-opening perspective on the Vietnam War’s impact on the city and its people. Finally, visit a hidden, local space that provides a personal glimpse into wartime life from a resident’s viewpoint.

End the day with a refreshing drink atop the Rex Hotel, overlooking the lively Nguyen Hue Street. (B)

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This morning, set off from Ho Chi Minh City on a scenic 2-hour drive to My Tho, a gateway to the Mekong Delta. Board a traditional wooden sampan for a journey along the mighty Mekong River, cruising past Tan My and Thoi Son Islands, where floating fish farms and houseboats have existed for generations. Visit one of the floating farms to learn about the unique fishing industry here. Then, switch to a rowing boat for a tranquil ride through shaded canals lined with water coconut trees.

Hop on bicycles and explore the lush island, home to sprawling gardens growing everything from grapefruits and bananas to durian and jackfruit. Stop by a local family’s farm to discover the art of mushroom cultivation. In Mr. Hai Phuong's verdant garden, enjoy fresh seasonal fruit and explore his farm, complete with cows, chickens, and a fishing pond.

Savour lunch featuring Mekong delicacies at a family garden, where you’ll see the hostess prepare “banh khot” – a savoury local dish. Continue by bicycle to uncover cottage industries, including a moonshine operation, a bee farm, and a weaver’s workshop creating straw hats and water hyacinth baskets. Finally, reboard your sampan for the return cruise, bidding farewell to the captain as you head back to Ho Chi Minh City, arriving in the late afternoon. (B,L)

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Start your day early with a 0730hrs departure from your hotel, heading through the countryside once controlled by the Viet Cong. Upon arrival at the Cu Chi Tunnels, watch a short video detailing life for soldiers during the war. The narrow tunnels were essential to the Viet Cong’s strategy, serving as living quarters, supply routes, and even hospitals during key operations like the 1968 Tet Offensive. Despite heavy bombings by B52s that left large craters, the tunnels remain a testament to the resilience of the Vietnamese people.

Next, continue to an organic farm, where you'll learn the true meaning of ‘farm-to-table.’ Explore the farm's variety of herbs, spices, and vegetables, and discover the unique process of growing mushrooms. Afterwards, enjoy a fresh, farm-to-table lunch made with the ingredients you’ve just learnt about.

In the early afternoon, return to Ho Chi Minh City, where the rest of the day is free for you to explore at your leisure. (B,L)

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After breakfast and check-out, transfer back to the airport for your flight back to the UK. (B)