Highlights of Vietnam

Tour Itinerary - 11 nights

Day 1: UK to Hanoi Depart from the UK on your overnight flight to Hanoi.

Day 2: Hanoi Upon arrival in the city, transfer to your hotel. Your tour begins with an afternoon cyclo tour around Hoan Kiem Lake through the maze of streets that make up Hanoi’s quaint Old Quarter. Following a talk on Vietnam’s remarkable history you can enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and a traditional water puppet show. Stay: the Sunway Hotel (Standard) or the Mövenpick Hotel Hanoi (Deluxe). D.

Day 3: Hanoi This morning visit the One Pillar Pagoda, the monumental marble mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh (closed on Monday, Friday and throughout October and November) and the Temple of Literature. The afternoon is at leisure, alternatively join an optional visit to the Museum of Ethnology which conserves the cultural heritage of 54 ethnic communities. Stay: the Sunway Hotel (Standard) or the Mövenpick Hotel Hanoi (Deluxe). B, L.

Day 4: Hanoi to Halong Bay Depart for an overnight cruise around Halong Bay – a picturesque landscape of over 3000 limestone islets dotted throughout warm emerald waters. Spend the afternoon and night on board a modern paddle steamer as you explore the breathtaking bay which is famous for its karsts, islets and caves. There are a number of excursions and experiences to enjoy both on shore and on board including a visit to Surprise Cave with its unique wave-like ceiling, kayaking, swimming, pre-dinner canapés, a cooking demonstration and an on-deck viewing of the film Indochine. Stay: Bhaya Cruise (Standard) or Paradise Cruise (Deluxe). B, L, D. (The Halong Bay overnight cruise on the Standard option is on a 3½ Star boat and the Deluxe option is on a 4 Star boat).

Day 5: Halong Bay to Hué Early risers can enjoy tea or coffee on the deck as the sun rises over the bay and try a spot of t’ai chi before breakfast. The time will then come to return to dry land and transfer to Hanoi airport for your evening flight to the city of Hué. Stay Saigon Morin (Standard) or La Residence (Deluxe). B, L.

Day 6: Hué Your exploration of Hué begins with a cruise along the Perfume River to the Thien Mu Pagoda and the Royal Tombs of the 19th and early 20th Century Vietnamese emperors Tu Duc and Khai Dinh. Admire the tombs’ elaborate architecture before seeking out some incredible bargains at Dong Ba Market and taking a tour of Hué’s remarkable Imperial Citadel. Here you will witness the highlights of the historic royal complex including its places of worship, palaces and gardens. Stay: Saigon Morin (Standard) or La Residence (Deluxe). B, L, D.

Day 7: Hué to Hoi An Journey from Hué to Hoi An, via the city of Danang. The drive south is incredibly picturesque, taking you over the verdant Truong Son range along the winding Hai Van Pass, otherwise known as the ‘Pass of the Ocean Clouds’. Weather permitting, the views of the coast, mountains and local villages are truly spectacular. Upon reaching Danang there will be a short city tour taking in the Museum of Cham Sculpture and the Marble Mountains. You will also pass by beautiful Non Nuoc beach. The next stop is the charming town of Hoi An which boasts a unique heritage and striking blend of French-colonial and Asian architecture. Enjoy an afternoon walking tour of the UNESCO-listed Ancient Town which was once a thriving port. Wander through Hoi An market, discover the life of an 18th Century merchant at the Old House of Tan Ky, cross the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge and visit the Fujian Assembly Hall. Stay: Almanity Hoi An (Standard and Deluxe – the upgrade option includes a superior room at this 4 Star hotel). B, L.

Day 8: Hoi An Today you can choose to spend the whole day at leisure or take part in a couple of optional experiences. Join a popular cookery class in the morning which includes a visit to the market to choose your ingredients and lunch. Later, an optional tour to the Champa ruins of My Son reveals a little more of Vietnam’s varied history. Those who have chosen to have some time to themselves could visit the region’s lovely white sand beaches, the local art galleries or just wander along the river bank. Stay: As per Day 7.B.

Day 9: Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City Fly to Ho Chi Minh City and visit the thought-provoking War Remnants Museum. See touches of colonial architecture in the buildings and watch the streets throng with a million mopeds. In the afternoon take a short tour of the city, visiting the Notre Dame Cathedral, former Presidential Palace and Ben Thanh Market. Stay: Grand Hotel (Standard) or the Renaissance Riverside (Deluxe). B, L.

Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City Today’s destination is the city of My Tho, which is considered to be the gateway to the Mekong Delta. Enjoy a cruise on the Mekong River to the island of Con Lan, visit a fruit orchard to see a rural cottage industry at work and take a scenic walk through the village (approx 20 minutes). Following lunch, head back out on to the water, this time on a traditional Mekong River sampan boat. Return to Ho Chi Minh City for a farewell dinner in a local restaurant. Stay: Grand Hotel (Standard) or the Renaissance Riverside (Deluxe). B, L, D.

Day 11: Ho Chi Minh City The tour comes to an end today but not without the opportunity to join one last optional excursion. Explore the underground network of tunnels at Cu Chi which was once both a hideout and home for scores of Vietnamese insurgents during the war. This afternoon transfer to the airport for your overnight return flight to the UK. Alternatively, you could choose to extend your holiday. B.

Stay longer

Luang Prabang 2 nights
Unwind in this charming and delightfully laid back riverside city before or after your tour. Browse stalls at the night market, swim in natural pools at Kuang Si Falls or visit enchanting temples.

Cambodian Explorer 8 nights

Discover the best of neighbouring Cambodia, including the remarkable ruins of Angkor and Phnom Penh's stunning pagodas.

Siem Reap (Angkor) 3 nights
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angkor to discover the remains of different capitals of the Khmer Empire which were built between the 9th and 13th centuries. Highlights include the magnificent temples of Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom.

Beaches of Vietnam (Nha Trang) 3 nights
Spend a few days relaxing on Nha Trang's impressively long beach which stretches for miles along a curved bay and is backed by beautiful mountains in the distance. The city offers a host of dining and shopping options while the surrounding countryside offers a fascinating glimpse into traditional village life.

Tour dates

4 Star
2016 Apr 05, 12; May 03, 31; Jul 26; Aug 12; Sep 13, 7; Oct 11, 25; Nov 01, 15, 29; Dec 16

4½ Star
2016 Apr 19; May 10; Aug 16; Sep 20; Oct 18; Nov 08; Dec 06

2018 (see our new Journeys brochure as itineraries differ)
Jan 10; Feb 07, 21; Mar 07°, 21; Apr 11; Jun 13; Aug 15; Oct 03°, 17; Nov 07, 21; Dec 05

2018 (see our new Journeys brochure as itineraries differ)
Jan 09; Feb 06, 20; Mar 06°, 20; Apr 10; Jun 12; Aug 14; Oct 02°, 16; Nov 06, 20; Dec 04

° Dedicated departures recommended for single travellers