Vietnam Tour | Hanoi to Saigon

Day 1 - Hanoi - arrival and time to explore

Your tour begins with a check-in to a downtown hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Afternoon introductory walking tour to explore the area with an optional trip to see the unique water-puppet show before a local-style, welcome dinner introduces you to the country’s sumptuous cuisine.

Overnight: Hanoi Transport: Walk,  Meals: D, 

Day 2 - Hanoi - Day tour of some of the City's sights

Tour of some of the sights of this beautiful old city including Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, the 11th-century University and Temple of Literature, the fascinating Ethnology Museum, a stroll through the picturesque lanes of Hanoi’s Old Quarter and, of course, the city’s quirky ‘Train Street’.

The precise itinerary may vary according to opening days/times etc.

Overnight: Hanoi Transport: Minibus, Walk,  Meals: B, L, 

Day 3 - Halong Bay - boat cruise of the World Heritage site

Departure for Halong Port for a lunchtime boarding and afternoon boat cruise through the dramatic limestone scenery of World Heritage Halong Bay. (The boat is well-appointed with private, air-con, en-suite cabins).

Overnight: On board Transport: Minibus, Boat,  Meals: B, L, D, 

Day 4 - Halong - moring cruise and on to Ninh Binh

Early rise for dawn over Halong Bay, after which we’ll continue to weave our way through the myriad picturesque limestone islets and outcrops with a midday return to Halong Port. An drive south takes us to the small town of Tam Coc in Ninh Binh Province and an afternoon rowing boat tour through Trang An’s delightful labyrinth of caves, tunnels and emerald lagoons.

Overnight: Tam Coc Transport: Minibus, Boat,  Meals: B, L, 

Day 5 - Head to the hills; Mai Chau and Pu Luong

Time to head into the hills and the picturesque town of Mai Chau, located in a scenic valley. Lunch is followed by a leisurely cycle through the surrounding paddy fields before a late afternoon arrival at our spectacularly located eco-resort overlooking the mountains of Pu Luong National Park.

Overnight: Pu Luong Transport: Minibus, Bike,  Meals: B, L, 

Day 6 - Pu Luong National Park

Our 1-day exploration of stunning Pu Luong National Park includes a short nature hike through the area’s varying ecosystems and (water levels permitting) a bamboo rafting trip, as well as a visit to one of the local villages.

Overnight: Pu Luong Transport: Walk,  Meals: B, 

Day 7 - Return to Hanoi to catch the night sleeper train

Optional morning hike or simply some time at leisure by the lodge’s spectacular infinity pool with an afternoon return driver to Hanoi, where we’ll catch the night sleeper train south.

Overnight: Sleeper Train Transport: Minibus, Train,  Meals: B, D, 

Day 8 - Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park

Early morning arrival in Dong Hoi from where we’ll head into the hills for a day’s exploration of magnificent World Heritage Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park. Discover the area’s primary forest, karst scenery and spectacular cave systems by foot and boat. Overnight in a charming, family-run eco-resort.

Overnight: Phong Nha Transport: Minibus, Boat, Walk,  Meals: B, L, D, 

Day 9 - Hue - across the former DMZ and on to the ancient capital

Our journey south to Hue takes us across the infamous DMZ (former Demilitarised Zone) where we’ll stop to visit the fascinating. albeit sobering, Vietcong tunnels at Vinh Moc and the famous Hien Luong Bridge on the 17th parallel, which marked the pre-1975 border between South and North Vietnam. Arrival in Hue and time at leisure to stroll around the fun and friendly town.

Overnight: Hue Transport: Minibus, Walk,  Meals: B, L, D, 

Day 10 - Hue - the citadle and imperial tombs

Check out some of the spectacular sights of this historic, former imperial capital and now UNESCO World Heritage Site. A morning walk takes in the bustling main market and iconic ancient citadel while in the afternoon we’ll visit

Overnight: Hue Transport: Minibus, Walk,  Meals: B, L, 

Day 11 - Hoi An - scenic drive from Hue to Hoi An

Short, scenic drive to nearby Hoi An Town by way of the spectacular Hai Van Pass with a stop at Danang’s picturesque Marble Mountain and cave temple. Late afternoon walking tour of the well-preserved and charming old town of Hoi An – one of Southeast Asia’s most important ports during the 16th to 19th centuries.

Overnight: Hoi An Transport: Minibus, Walk,  Meals: B, L, 

Day 12 - Hoi An - morning tour to ancient My Son

Early morning trip to the atmospheric ruined temples of ancient My Son. Vietnam’s most important Cham site was occupied from the 4th to 13th centuries, before succumbing to its powerful Khmer and Vietnamese neighbours. Return to Hoi An and an afternoon at leisure to discover the picturesque old streets, visit the bustling silk market or perhaps cycle down to the nearby beach for a dip or massage.

Overnight: Hoi An Transport: Minibus, Walk,  Meals: B, D, 

Day 13 - Danang and on to Saigon

Morning at leisure in Hoi An before a drive to nearby Danang for a tour of its impressive Cham Museum and an afternoon flight to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City). (Flight included.)

Overnight: Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) Transport: Minibus, Plane,  Meals: B, D, 

Day 14 - Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) - day tour of the sights

Day tour of some of the City’s fascinating sites and vibrant street life including the bustling Ben Thanh Market, the sobering War Museum, picturesque Jade Emperor Pagoda and Saigon’s own, French-period, Notre Dame Cathedral.

Overnight: Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) Transport: Minibus, Walk,  Meals: B, L, 

Day 15 - Into the Mekong Delta and Ben Tre

Early departure south for Ben Tre District in the picturesque Mekong Delta for an exploration of the region courtesy of a local, community-based tourism project. Discover the narrow, nipa palm-lined, tunnel-like channels by rowing boat and some of the area’s traditional cottage industries by motorboat, as well as a village market and quiet lanes by bicycle. In the afternoon, we’ll continue to the charming town of Can Tho with some time to check out the riverside promenade and cafes.

Overnight: Can Tho Transport: Minibus, Boat,  Meals: B, L, 

Day 16 - Mekong Delta tour and return to Saigon

Morning boat ride to the famous Cai Rang floating market. Although today much reduced in size, the site still provides a colourful opportunity to discover the traditional heritage of the Mekong Delta. From here, we travel west to Xe (Xeo) Quit and a fascinating tour on foot and by boat of a former secret Vietcong base carved out of a jungle-covered swamp. After lunch, return drive to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), and our farewell dinner.

Overnight: Saigon Transport: Minibus, Boat,  Meals: B, L, D, 

Day 17 - Saigon - morning at leisure

Morning at leisure in Saigon – improve your street photography or perhaps some last-minute market shopping and midday end of the tour.

Please note, upgrades to private cabins on the sleeper train are available if required.

Extra nights in Hanoi or Saigon before or after your tour are available on request.

Airport transfers are included if you purchase the with flights package. If you purchased your own flights, airport transfers can be arranged.

Overnight: Departure Transport: Walk,  Meals: B,