Highlights of Vietnam
Highlights of Vietnam
Highlights of Vietnam
12 Days Starting in Hanoi, Vietnam and ending in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Visiting: Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hoi An, Hue, Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong River Delta
Tour operator:
Tour code:
CTVAN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Vietnam with the "Highlights of Vietnam" tour. This immersive experience takes you from the bustling streets of Hanoi to the vibrant city of Ho Chi Minh, exploring iconic sites like the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Imperial Citadel in Hue, and the Cu Chi Tunnels. Enjoy a unique overnight cruise on a traditional Vietnamese Junk boat in Halong Bay, and savor authentic Vietnamese cuisine at local restaurants, including a special dinner at KOTO restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City. Dive into the rich culture with activities like a cyclo tour in Hanoi, a lantern-making workshop in Hoi An, and a cooking class at the Red Bridge Cooking School. With expert guides, comfortable accommodations, and seamless travel arrangements, this tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and relaxation in one of Asia's most captivating countries.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Hanoi
Location: Hanoi
Accommodation: Hotel, Silk Path
Accommodation Name: Silk Path Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
On arrival, we have airport transfers arranged for you at 11:00 and 15:00 to take you to your hotel.Relish the warm embrace of Vietnam and her welcoming people, who will touch you with their humility and entrepreneurial spirit throughout your journey across this intoxicating land. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant
Day 2: A Day To Discover Hanoi Dive Into Culture
Location: Hanoi
Accommodation: Silk Path Hotel
Accommodation Name: Silk Path Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning is dedicated to the revolutionary leader who fanned the flames of Vietnam’s independence. We begin our day with a visit to the final resting place of “Uncle Ho”, the imposing Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. A short walk from here, we’ll find Ho Chi Minh's house on stilts, where we’ll Dive Into Culture exploring the grounds surrounding the humble abode of Vietnam’s most famous son. We’ll continue to the Temple of Literature, the first university for the sons of Mandarins, to gain insights into Hanoian culture. We’ll embark on a cyclo tour, weaving through the lively Old Quarter past colorful shopfronts and street food vendors. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure or consider joining one of our recommended Optional Experiences to watch a show that uses the ancient art of water puppetry to story-tell the daily lives of Vietnamese people.
Day 3: Set Sail For Halong Bay Stays With Stories
Location: Halong Bay
Accommodation: Orchid Cruise
Accommodation Name: Orchid Cruise
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We leave the busy streets of Hanoi behind, bound for the serenity of Halong Bay where we’ll board a traditional-style Vietnamese Junk boat. The limestone karsts and tropical islets rising up from the emerald waters provide an ethereal backdrop for our leisurely cruise. Once welcomed aboard, enjoy lunch whilst cruising one of the New Seven Natural Wonders. Visit Trung Trang cave on Cat Ba Island, the cave is 300m long through the mountains, possessing a mysterious beauty due to the geological tectonics in million years along with many historical vestiges and stalactites. Followed, weather permitting, by a stop at the quiet Tra Bau beach in Lan Ha Bay with its smooth white sand. You may choose to relax or take a nice swim in the green, emerald waters. We return to our Junk boat for a cooking class with the chef and enjoy a mesmerizing sunset on the top deck before dinner and a peaceful overnight stay in this UNESCO-listed natural wonder.
Day 4: Onwards To Danang And Hoi An
Location: Hoi An
Accommodation: Allegro Hoi An
Accommodation Name: Allegro Hoi An
Meals Included: Breakfast
It is a perfect time to refresh and indulge yourself in the peaceful beauty of the bay with a Tai Chi session. After breakfast discover the hidden charm of the Ao Ech area by kayak. There will be time to relax on the sundeck and take in the last views of the bays landscape, whilst cruising back to the Wharf before your drive to Hanoi Airport to catch your flight to Danang. On arrival, transfer to your hotel in Hoi An where you have the evening at leisure.
Day 5: Uncover Historic Hoi An Dive Into Culture
Location: Hoi An
Accommodation: Allegro Hoi An
Accommodation Name: Allegro Hoi An
Meals Included: Breakfast
Dive Into Culture this morning, embarking on a walking tour around the ancient town of Hoi An. Embrace its charm of yesteryear – the narrow lanes, colorful marketplaces and ancient temples providing insights into the Vietnam of old. See the old merchant houses and 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, before visiting Thanh Dong Organic Village where you’ll spend some time helping local farmers and learning about their daily working routines. Kick back and enjoy a relaxing foot massage that will set the pace for the rest of the day and evening at leisure.
Day 6: Local Life In Hoi An Dive Into Culture
Location: Hoi An
Accommodation: Allegro Hoi An
Accommodation Name: Allegro Hoi An
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy some free time this morning to explore Hoi An further or simply relax at your hotel. Your choice of activities this afternoon could see you learn how to craft your own colorful lantern or gain insights into life as a local fisherman (subject to weather conditions). Create a work of art to bring your home luck and happiness, or cast your net wide for the catch of the day – the choice is yours.
Day 7: Head To Hue Via Red Beach Dive Into Culture
Location: Hue
Accommodation: Eldora Hue
Accommodation Name: Eldora Hue
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
The healthy flavors of Vietnamese cuisine take center stage as we travel by boat to the Red Bridge Cooking School to learn about the traditional ways of preparing and cooking Vietnamese food. We’ll have an opportunity to savor the dishes we’ve prepared for lunch before returning to Hoi An. This afternoon, our journey takes us over Hai Van Pass en route to Red Beach, where the American Marines first landed in Vietnam during the decades-long war. We continue to Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam, for our overnight stay.
Day 8: See The Sights Of Hue Connect With Locals
Location: Hue
Accommodation: Eldora Hue
Accommodation Name: Eldora Hue
Meals Included: Breakfast
We’ll navigate the busy streets of Hue on the back of a cyclo en route to the UNESCO-listed Imperial Citadel, once home to Nguyen emperors. From here, we drive to Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue's best-preserved religious monument. Boarding a local dragon boat next, we cruise along the Perfume River to the house of the former Princess Ngoc Son where we’ll Connect With Locals and meet a family member for a Be My Guest lunch to gain a glimpse of their life in this historic house. The afternoon is ours to enjoy at leisure or consider joining one of our Optional Experiences.
Day 9: Journey To Ho Chi Minh City Make Travel Matter
Location: Ho Chi Minh City
Accommodation: Sofitel Saigon Plaza, Novotel Saigon
Accommodation Name: Sofitel Saigon Plaza, Novotel Saigon
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
A short flight this morning brings you to Ho Chi Minh City, where you’ll enjoy a the iconic sights of Ho Chi Minh revealed on a walking tour of Dong Khoi Street. See the Opera House and the former Hotel de Ville. Then, wander up to Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office, designed by the renowned Gustave Eiffel. Continue to the War Remnants Museum where you’ll have a vivid glimpse of the war through the eyes of the locals. Your final stop is Ben Thanh market, one of the earliest surviving structures in old Saigon. Finish with dinner at KOTO restaurant. Your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience visit supports those affected by poverty to provide opportunities and a vocational education in the hospitality sector.
Day 10: Meander Along The Mekong Delta
Location: Mekong River Delta
Accommodation: Novotel Saigon
Accommodation Name: Novotel Saigon
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
The mighty Mekong beckons today, as we take a day trip to Cai Be town, in the heart of the Mekong Delta. We’ll transfer to a charming traditional boat and where we cruise and explore the bustling riverbanks. Visit a beautifully preserved ancient house dating back to the 19th century that has been passed down through many generations of the family. Enjoy a leisurely sampan ride through the narrow canals. topping for a home hosted lunch of delicious Mekong Delta specialties. Before returning to Ho Chi Minh City for an evening at leisure.
Day 11: Visit The Cu Chi Tunnels Dive Into Culture
Location: Ho Chi Minh City
Accommodation: Novotel Saigon
Accommodation Name: Novotel Saigon
Meals Included: Breakfast
We’ll delve into Vietnam’s turbulent history from the previous century with a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels, an immense network of connecting underground tunnels built to protect the Viet Cong guerrillas from the French air and ground sweeps. We’ll explore the underground compounds with a VC veteran and gain an understanding of the history of the tunnel, which once served as living quarters and housed hospitals, food and weapons caches. Returning to Ho Chi Minh City by private speedboat, we’ll enjoy some free time this afternoon. Later, we’ll Dive Into Culture during a visit to the home of the former American Ambassador to South Vietnam in the 1960s, Mr. Henry Cabot Lodge, followed by a Farewell Dinner.
Day 12: Farewell To Ho Chi Minh City
Location: Ho Chi Minh City
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our discovery of the iconic and unexpected highlights of Vietnam at its end. Complimentary transfers are offered to Ho Chi Minh City airport at 04:00 and 16:00 on the last day of the tour only. Please speak to your Travel Director for further information.
What's Included
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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
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Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
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Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
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Optional Experiences and free time
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On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
Dining Summary
- 3 Dinner (D)
- 11 Breakfast (B)
- 3 Lunch (L)
- 1 Farewell Dinner (FD)
Dive Into Culture
- Hanoi: Visit Ho Chi Minh's house in Hanoi.
- Hoi An: Visit the colorful market of Hoi An.
- Hoi An: Join a Lantern Making Workshop or a Fishing Life Tour to learn about the lives of the local fishermen and have a go at casting your own fishing net.
- Ho Chi Minh City: Visit the home of the former American Ambassador to South Vietnam in the 1960s.
Mode of Transport
Travel in luxury with air-conditioned coaches, flights from Hanoi to Danang and Hue to Ho Chi Minh City, and a private speedboat return from the Cu Chi Tunnels. Enjoy seamless transfers and explore Vietnam's highlights with ease.
Accommodation
Experience comfort and style at the Silk Path Hotel in Hanoi, enjoy a traditional Vietnamese Junk boat cruise in Halong Bay, and relax at Allegro Hoi An and Eldora Hue. In Ho Chi Minh City, unwind at Sofitel Saigon Plaza or Novotel Saigon.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a variety of unique experiences such as a cyclo tour through Hanoi's Old Quarter, a traditional Vietnamese Junk boat cruise in Halong Bay, a Tai Chi session on the deck, a cooking class on the Junk boat, and a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels with a VC veteran. Additionally, there are opportunities to participate in a lantern-making workshop or a fishing life tour in Hoi An.
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What cultural activities are part of the itinerary?
Cultural activities include visiting Ho Chi Minh's house in Hanoi, exploring the ancient town of Hoi An, participating in a cooking class at the Red Bridge Cooking School, and visiting the home of the former American Ambassador to South Vietnam in Ho Chi Minh City.
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How does the tour support local communities?
The tour supports local communities by dining at KOTO restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City, which provides opportunities and vocational education in the hospitality sector for those affected by poverty. Additionally, guests visit Thanh Dong Organic Village to help local farmers and learn about their daily routines.
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What kind of accommodation can be expected during the tour?
Guests will stay in cherry-picked hotels that are tried and trusted, such as the Silk Path Hotel in Hanoi, Allegro Hoi An in Hoi An, and Novotel Saigon in Ho Chi Minh City. There is also an overnight stay on a traditional Vietnamese Junk boat in Halong Bay.
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Are there any special dining experiences included?
Yes, the tour includes a Welcome Dinner in Hanoi, a Be My Guest lunch at the house of a former princess in Hue, and a Farewell Dinner in Ho Chi Minh City. Additionally, there is a home-hosted lunch in the Mekong Delta and a cooking class at the Red Bridge Cooking School.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Low Deposit
Trafalgar requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trafalgar charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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