The Highlights of Vietnam tour is absolutely incredible! Vietnam is such a diverse and vibrant country with so much to offer. Each destination seems to bring its own unique experience and flavor to the journey.
Starting with Hanoi, the bustling yet historic city, where the Old Quarters and street life offer an authentic glimpse into daily Vietnamese life. The Xich Lo ride sounds like an immersive way to soak up the sights and sounds.
Halong Bay is often considered a must-see with its stunning limestone formations and serene waters. Spending a night on a boat there, fishing and swimming in the jade-green waters sounds like an unforgettable experience.
Moving to Hoi An, the ancient town with its peaceful ambiance and skilled tailors, offers a chance to not only explore history but also indulge in the craftsmanship of tailor-made clothes. It's a beautiful blend of tradition and modernity.
The Mekong River cruise and Saigon bring forth another facet of Vietnam's culture and lifestyle. From shopping in Saigon to experiencing the local life along the Mekong Delta, it's a deeper dive into the country's diverse experiences.
The inclusion of experiencing the underground life during the war in Saigon through the guerrilla tunnels adds a poignant historical touch to the journey, providing insight into Vietnam's complex history.
And of course, the opportunity to participate in farming activities, seeding, watering, and picking crops is a fantastic way to engage with the local community and understand the essence of Vietnamese agriculture.
This tour isn't just about ticking off tourist spots but truly immersing oneself in the local culture, traditions, and history of Vietnam - a journey that promises to create lasting memories and a deeper understanding of this beautiful country.
At a glance
| Day 1 | Welcome to Hanoi. Transfer to your hotel. |
| Day 2 | City tour of Hanoi. |
| Day 3 | Drive through the Red River Delta to Ha Long Bay |
| Day 4 | Catch the early morning sunrise and head back to the pier and return to Hanoi |
| Day 5 | Flight to Da Nang. Arrive in Hoi An |
| Day 6 | Spend the day with a local family in Tra Que Village including a Cooking class |
| Day 7 | Morning free. Afternoon flight to Saigon |
| Day 8 | Saigon City Tour and Cu Chi Tunnels visit |
| Day 9 | Full Day Cai Be Floating Market & Mekong Delta Tour |
| Day 10 | Last Day in Vietnam. Transfer to Saigon Airport. |
Highlights
> Tours departs daily from Hanoi
> All sightseeing tours are private and include entrance fees
> Sail out on Ha Long Bay and spend the night in an elegant A/C cabin
> Stroll through the quaint streets of Hoi An
> Visit the famous landmarks in Saigon including the Cu Chi Tunnels
> Explore typical Vietnamese life on the Mekong Delta
Quick Contact
Itinerary
Hoi An – Da Nang – Saigon by Flight (B)
- After a relaxing morning, we take a flight to Saigon.
- You are met on arrival for transfer to your hotel
- Free evening to explore the bustling city of Saigon
- Overnight at your hotel in Saigon.
Saigon City Tour and Cu Chi Tunnels (B)
- This morning, set out a half-day city tour with your guide on hand offering his own insight into everyday life in Vietnam. See famous landmarks in the colonial-era government quarter and the vibrant yellow French-style post office.
- Continue getting off of the tourist track to experience the local life of bustling Saigon.
- Learn about Vietnamese and Chinese communities as you travel to Cho Lon, one of the world’s largest and oldest Chinatowns.
- In the afternoon travel out of town to see the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, where thousands of Viet Cong soldiers lived during the Vietnam War. It's possible to enter a few of the tunnels if you are comfortable with narrow spaces, as well as see exhibitions and videos of the tunnels when they were in use.
- The evening is at leisure; head to a trendy restaurant or cocktail bar, or try street food near central Ben Thanh Market.
Cai Be Floating Market Full day / Mekong Delta (B/L)
- Today we head to Cai Be floating market; to explore the typical Vietnamese life of the Mekong Delta
- Board a local boat and cruise along the Mekong River to discover the beautiful landscapes and immerse in the local people’s life market with the real trading going on; such as selling; buying; exchanging the fruits; vegetables and other wares from their boats.
- We continue our exploration with a pleasant rowing trip down small canals and dense palm trees; experiencing the local villages between the islands to a small islet.
- Arrive in Tan Phong Island; where we experience how the local people make their living from fruit trees.
- A family on the island will serve us local seasonal fruits and honey tea whilst performing traditional southern music; called Tai Tu
- We return to the restaurant; and join a cooking class.
- Enjoy your cooking experience and learn how to prepare special Vietnamese dishes; with a unique experience of tasting local delicacies including ‘Elephant Ear fish’ and traditional Vietnamese rice wine.
- Enjoy the food cooked by yourself served in the heart of the garden.
- We disembark and take a short cycling tour through the traditional villages with many ancient traditional houses; set amongst a peaceful atmosphere and fruit trees; bonsai garden and witness the unusual yet fascinating process of coconut candy; the bang conical hat and rice paper in the making. It is the typical and cultural lifestyle of the South – Western region.
- You will embark the boat and leave Tan Phong Island for Saigon
- The remainder of the day to continue exploring Saigon.
- Overnight at your hotel in Saigon.
Inclusions
- Meet and assist on arrival and departure by our local representative
- Transfer and intercity transportation as per itinerary in AC vehicle
- Domestic Airfares (subject to conditions)
- Accommodation in double/twin room at selected hotels
- Meals: as mentioned
- Local English Guide
- Entrance fees
Exclusions
- International flights – Departure & Fuel taxes (Contact us for best airfares)
- Personal expenses, meals and drinks unless otherwise specified
- Travel Insurance
- Vietnam Visa fee
- Tips
- Services not stated in the itinerary
- Increases in Domestic Airfares
Validity
- Rate valid for travel between 01 APR 24 to 31 MAR 25
High Season supplements may be applicable for travel between 20 DEC 24 and 10 JAN 25
Contact us for any other date of travel required
Country information
Best time to travel to Vietnam
A good time to travel to Vietnam is spring (February to April and again in Autumn (August to October)
Overall, Vietnam enjoys a mild tropical or subtropical climate and aside from a few months a year in the high northern region you'll never need to worry about packing cold-weather gear.
But do bring an umbrella, especially if visiting from July to November, Vietnam's stormiest months.
Vietnam Culture and Greetings
When interacting with a Vietnamese, be sensitive to Vietnam’s history. The person you may talk to may have experienced the struggles of the Vietnam War. Thirty years on many Vietnamese still have physical and mental health problems from the war. Approach any topic regarding this with sensitivity and sympathy.
Objects should be passed, given or received with both hands together. Vietnamese people are generally punctual and expect the same standard from others. The Vietnamese are accustomed to shaking hands. Some Vietnamese might use two hands to shake by resting the left hand on top of the grasp with the other person's hand. Bowing the head while shaking hands indicates respect
Drinks & Food
Vietnamese food is always served fresh and flavourful. You will find lost of fish dishes, cooked with fresh herbs and vegetables. Local cuisine is healthy and light
Discover your environment
Driving is on the right-hand side of the road. Taxis are plentiful and can be flagged down on the street. Make sure the taxi has a meter set before starting your journey. Hiring a bike (Wearing a helmet is a must) for the day is popular and is still Vietnam’s most popular transportation mode, together with motorbikes. Express long-distance trains will take you comfortably between cities
Tipping
Tipping is very customary, especially in the most important tourist areas. It is appreciated y the receiver as salaries are on the low side and tipping makes up a sizeable side to monthly earning
Local interesting meals:
Drinking an egg coffee is a must
Pho: Noodle soup usually with meat
Nem: Spring rolls with pork, noodles, egg and mushroom wrapped in rice paper
Banh bao: Steamed dumplings stuffed with onions, pork and other ingredients
Banh MI: French baguette with pickled daikon and carrot, chili, coriander, cucumber and various cold meats
Lau: Vietnamese hot pot
Bia hoi: Fresh beer produced daily and served cold in local bars and very refreshing (Low in alcohol)