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Day 1: Welcome to Hanoi! Airport transfers included
Once you arrive at the airport, we’ll meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel in Hanoi. Once settled in, we’ll be briefed about what lies ahead a collection time will be arranged to get things started tomorrow. You can choose if you want to visit Hoan Kiem Lake to watch or participate in some early morning Tai Chi with the locals.
| OVERNIGHT:
Hanoi hotel
| EXTRAS:
Single room supplement, Extra day in Hanoi - pre-tour

Day 2: A historical and culinary adventure in Hanoi
Depending on your choice to sleep a little later or visit Hoan Kiem Lake to watch or join in on some early morning Tai Chi, we’ll have breakfast accompanied by Vietnamese language lessons - to help you interact with the locals during the rest of the tour. On the schedule today is a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the One Pillar Pagoda and the Presidential Palace. We’ll also have the opportunity to explore the Temple of Literature, built in honour of Chinese scholar, Confucius. We’ll head to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, before travelling to Hanoi’s Old Quarter to sample different street foods and taste some of the local brews, some traced back to Eastern Europe. For dessert, we’ll head to Hanoi’s most popular ice cream parlour for some sweet treats.
| OVERNIGHT:
Hanoi hotel
| MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3: Cruising the waters of Ha Long Bay
We take a scenic drive to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and popular travel destination in Quảng Ninh Province. Ha Long Bay is made famous by its emerald waters and its spectacular scattering of limestone islands. Here, we’ll board a classic Junk boat, passing its mysterious caves dotted along the islands, before enjoying a tasty lunch on deck. We’ll visit the Sung Sot Cave - dubbed the most beautiful cave in all of Ha Long Bay before we make our way to Titov Island, where you have the opportunity to swim or relax on the beach. As the sun goes down, we’ll return to the boat for a sunset party and a tasty hearty dinner. We’ll spend the rest of the night listening to the natural sounds of Vietnam.
| OVERNIGHT:
Halong Bay junk boat
| MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: A kayaking adventure and an overnight train trip
This morning, we have the choice to enjoy some Tai Chi or to head out on a photo hunt before we have breakfast on board the junk boat. We’ll then kayak to the arc-shaped Luon Cave situated on Bon Ho Island. The cave looks like a natural gate with a lot of beautiful stalactites on the ceiling. The height of the ceiling ranges from 2,5 to 4 metres, depending on the tidal level, which means only small rowing boat or kayak can pass through it. After the kayak, we’ll head back to the boat as we move further along the bay, drifting past the Ba Hang fishing village and Dog Islet. Once we arrive back at the harbour, we’ll be treated to a fruit carving demonstration and join a cooking class before digging into a traditional Vietnamese lunch. We’ll return to Hanoi, you’ll have some free time in the afternoon. We’ll provide you with a day-use hotel room before we board the overnight Reunification Express sleeper train south to Hue City.
| OVERNIGHT:
On board sleeper train
| MEALS:
Breakfast

Day 5: Welcome to Hue city
Wake up on board today to the sight of rice paddies with their attendant farmers and water buffalo, small villages and rural farmland rushing past us. On arrival in Hue we transfer to our hotel before enjoying a private tour of this historically and culturally rich city and its ancient temples. We'll spend the day exploring the Citadel - a UNESCO World Heritage site, before relaxing on a sunset cruise on the Perfume River as the evening ends with the sounds of traditional music. We'll spend the night in Hue City.
| OVERNIGHT:
Hue hotel
| MEALS:
Lunch

Day 6: Hue - Hoian – Ancient town
We’ll say our goodbyes to Hue City as we head along the coastline, traversing the scenic Hai Van Pas towards the ancient town of Hoi An - located along Vietnam’s central coast. It's also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From Hoi An, we’ll visit the traditional pottery village of Thanh Ha. The big landmark is the Terracotta Village, a park and centre devoted to all things pottery. Its front garden is full of clay replicas of the architectural wonders of the world, everything from the Taj Mahal to the Colosseum in Rome. We’ll then visit the traditional village of Kim Bong, most notable for its carpentry and traditional woodworking. We’ll visit the area where the build wooden fishing vessels using traditional methods. We’ll then attend a carpentry workshop, where the carpenters amaze us with their craft, creating handcrafted furniture, sculptures and souvenirs. We’ll hop back onto the boat, as we make our way down the Bon River, watching the fishermen cast their lines, and if you’re up for it, you can even join in.
| OVERNIGHT:
Hoi An hotel
| MEALS:
Breakfast

Day 7: A free day in Hoi An. Optional tours available
Ancient and peaceful, Hoi An is one of the most popular destinations in Vietnam. You have a free day to explore its wonders or join in on a variety of local options, which includes a boat trip to the nearby islands, snorkeling, exploring the My Son Holy Land, visiting the markets and a bike ride. Other options include a cooking class in the Tra Que village or a tour with the local fishermen where you can learn how to cast nests, catch crabs and race basket boats. If you’re keen to do some shopping, Hoi An is famous for its tailors, so if you’re looking for a new suit or dress - you’ll get one professionally made in record time here! Exploring Cham Island A local Vietnam tour guide will meet you at your hotel, before we head to Cua Dai Harbour to board a speedboat to Cham Island. We’ll visit Au Thuyen, a place where many fishing boats throw anchor, before heading towards the ancient temple of Hai Tang Pagoda and fishing village. Afterwards, we’ll make our way to Bac Island, where you’ll have the chance to experience its rich sea life with some snorkeling and swimming before enjoying a seafood lunch.
Visit the My Son Holy Land
This optional tour takes you to the evergreen countryside of the My Son Holy Land - located in a narrow valley, surrounded by springs, mountains and green, dense jungle. You’ll get insight into the everyday life of the locals and the scenic landscape will provide you with lots of photographic opportunities. You’ll be given a brief introduction to the history and culture of the Indian-Hinduism influence on the Champa Kingdom before visiting what's left of a carefully-crafted red brick temple - its monuments and epitaphs unrivalled in south-east Asia.
Cooking lessons at the Tra Que Vegetable Village
If you’re looking to take home some Vietnamese cooking tips, then this cooking class in the Tra Que Vegetable Village is perfect for you. A tour guide will collect you at your hotel before cycling to Hoi An’s colourful central market to buy ingredients for your cooking lesson. Once we have everything we’ll need, we’ll cycle to the Tra Que vegetable village. We’ll be met with a welcome drink before being taken on a tour of the vegetable gardens where the local farmers use traditional methods to take care of their crops - no modern machinery needed here. We’ll then head to the restaurant to be introduced to the chef, who will give us a cooking master class on the traditional methods of preparing and cooking Vietnamese food, before digging into a tasty meal.
Fish and Chips Tour
We’ll cycle to the Tra Que Village, to witness how the local farmers go about their daily duties before making our way to the Hoi An Beach Dock, to board a boat to the Cua Dai Sand Dune. Here, we’ll learn how to cast nets like the local fishermen. We’ll then head to the Cam Thanh Water Coconut Village, where the locals will teach us how to catch crabs, before being split up into groups for basket boat racing. Its lots of fun! By now you may be hungry, so we’ll go to a local family house to enjoy a tasty lunch, learn how to make funny tools with a water coconut leaf, before visiting a craftsman's house in the village.
| OVERNIGHT:
Hoi An hotel
| MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch
| EXTRAS:
Exploring Cham Island, Visit My Son heritage site, Cooking class at Tra Que village, Fish & Chips tour

Day 8: A flight to Ho Chi Minh City & an evening Vespa adventure
We’ll be transferred to the Danang Airport to board a flight to Ho Chi Minh City - formerly known as Saigon is a dynamic city that rarely sleeps and famous for the pivotal role it played in the Vietnam War. Once we arrive, we’ll have some time to settle in and refresh before exploring the city in a unique way - from the back of a vintage Vespa scooter - driven by a highly experienced driver. We’ll start at Cafe Zoom for cocktails and a few appetizers before making our way to a popular eating spot for a meal. We’ll then hop back onto the back of the Vespa to experience the Saigon nightlife. We’ll make our way through Chinatown and the busy streets of District 4 - as we greet locals and enjoy some street seafood and drinks. We’ll also head through District 3 and 1, marvelling at the sights of Banh Xeo and tasting its southern food. We’ll continue to a hidden Vietnamese-style coffee shop, where we’ll listen to the sounds of live Vietnamese music before heading to another live music venue. All your drinks and food are included.
| OVERNIGHT:
Ho Chi Minh City hotel
| MEALS:
Breakfast

Day 9: Exploring the Mekong Delta and Cai Be
We’ll pass the Mekong Delta as we make our way to Cai Be - a small town on the northern side of My Thuan Bridge, located two hours from Saigon, and the gateway to Vinh Long province. it’s famous for its floating markets. We’ll tour the markets before boarding a private boat to explore the waterways and canals to Vinh Long, where we’ll enjoy lunch at the home of a Bonsai gardener, where you’ll taste the popular 'Elephant ear fish'. Once full, we’ll say goodbye and head further down the tributaries and canals of the Delta. As the day comes to an end, we’ll make one final stop at the home of a local family, where we’ll relax and try to catch fish by hand to prepare for dinner. We’ll have dinner with the locals, getting insight into their way of life before calling it a night
| OVERNIGHT:
Mekong delta homestay
| MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 10: Mekong Delta – Ho Chi Minh City
We’ll start with an early breakfast before cycling to a local village to buy some ingredients to make food for lunch. Together with the locals, we’ll help to cook some Vietnamese dishes before saying “Tạm Biệt - Goodbye!” to the house owner and their children, as we head back to Saigon to relax. We’ll spend the night in Ho Chi Minh City.
| OVERNIGHT:
Ho Chi Minh City hotel
| MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch
| EXTRAS:
Saigon craft beer Vespa tour Day 11: Free time. Airport transfer included
It's the last day of our Vietnam tour, and you have free time to relax before being transferred to the airport to board your flight back home. You can choose to do some optional activities today if you have a late flight, or if you’d like to extend your stay with a few extra nights.
Half day City Tour of Ho Chi Minh
This half day city tour of Ho Chi Minh takes you to its most popular tourist attractions, which includes a visit to the the Reunification Hall, the War Crimes Exhibition, a lacquer or rattan ware factory, the Notre Dame Cathedral, War Remnants Museum, Centre Post Office, Chinatown and Thien Hau Pagoda (built by the Cantos congregation in the early 19th century). You’ll also visit Binh Tay or Ben Thanh Market for some shopping.
Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels
This optional tour takes you to the 250-kilometre-long Chu Chi Tunnels - which form part of a massive war museum that offers a sneak-peek into the underground life of Vietnamese soldiers back in 1948. The Viet Cong soldiers could move around war areas undetected by American soldiers. It is believed that Cu Chi Tunnels are built on the land known as “Land of Steel” which is located at the end of Ho Chi Minh Trail. This activity includes - Watching a documentary film about one of the most sophisticated man-made tunnels together with its extraordinary wartime legends - Walking in the jungle and visiting the traps, the secret entrances, the bunkers, and underground hideouts - Relaxing with shooting real guns at the rifle range of Cu Chi Tunnels. (Exclusive of bullets) - Seeing the rice-paper (spring roll skin) and rice-wine production line - Crawling into the tunnels and enjoying the special and fantastic feeling - Taking a rest, drinking green tea and having tapioca - the main food served during the war time. You’ll then head back to Ho Chi Minh for a rest, before heading back to the airport to board your flight home.
Saigon Craft Beer Tour - Vespa Tour
This optional tour takes you the best craft breweries in Saigon, as we make our way through the busy streets of Ho Chi Minh at the back of a vintage Vespa. Come and explore the unique flavours, made with local Vietnamese essences at four fascinatingly different places. Every beer has been handpicked by a master brewer, giving you a taste of the broad range of flavours in this ever-expanding craft beer scene in Saigon. The brewers will share their knowledge with you, taking you through the entire journey of the brewing process. Along with the craft beer tastings, each destination offers delicious food pairings, which includes pizza, gourmet tapas and a host of Vietnamese inspired bites.
Dining by the Saigon Riverside
You’ll be collected at your hotel by a guide, who will transport you in a restored army Jeep to the The Deck - a classy restaurant and bar in Ho Chi Minh City. The Deck is a top dining choice among affluent locals and travellers due to its romantic setting and scenic views, leaving you with unforgettable moments of Saigon. After dinner, the Jeep will be ready to get you back to the hotel, passing some of the city’s landmarks.
| OVERNIGHT:
N/A
| MEALS:
Breakfast
| EXTRAS:
Cambodia Extension, Extra day in Ho Chi Minh - post-tour, Half-day city tour, Cu Chi Tunnels tour

Day 1: Start Ho Chi Minh City

Welcome to Ho Chi Minh city, formerly known as Saigon. This is one of Asia's most exhilarating cities, steeped in grand history and post-Vietnam war memories. This evening you'll meet your travel comrades and explore the Ben Thanh markets, offering the freshest traditional Bánh mì, Pho and Bia hơi. Oh yes, this is the right way to get the Vietnam trip started.

Vien Dong Hotel (or similar)

Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City To Mekong Delta

Today we leave Ho Chi Minh exchanging fast paced city life for an energy that's a little more quaint. Such is the contrasting beauty of Vietnam. Though this isn't the first time we are seeing the Mekong Delta, our journey in a traditional boat will prove just how dramatically this river's fringes can vary. We'll see floating markets, visit a rice paper factory and sip some of Vietnam's famous rice whiskey. A home-cooked meal and local musicians will round off our day as we settle in for a night at a local guesthouse.

Bay Thoi Homestay (or similar)

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Mekong Delta To Ho Chi Minh City

After an early breakfast we'll make our way back to Ho Chi Minh, detouring past Viet Cong’s Cu Chi Tunnels. See traps, hidden doors & some of the 250kms of tunnels that Vietnamese resistance fighters dug by hand, and even go down into the skinny tunnels to experience them first hand in this look into Vietnam's staggering past.  Back in the addictive mayhem of Vietnam's biggest city you will have free time to carry on your explorations. Continuing to eat your way through Vietnam's culinary highlights would be one wise way to use your time (we think).

Vien Dong Hotel (or similar)

Breakfast

Day 4: Ho Chi Minh City To Nha Trang

With some traditional R'n'R on our afternoon agenda, the morning can be used to put on our discovering boots. We'll dabble in history and religion before taking flight to a coastal town overlooking the South China Sea. Golden sand beaches, turquoise waters and a bustling night life - this is Nha Trang. This afternoon why not book in for a mineral mud bath and hot thermal spring experience before heading out to dinner with your crew. Ah, the good life.

Vien Dong Hotel (or similar)

Breakfast

Day 5: Nha Trang

Good news - we're kicking it in Nha Trang for another night. Have a massage, sign up for the optional cruise, or just hang on the beach saving your energy for seaside bar fun as the sun sets.

Vien Dong Hotel (or similar)

Breakfast

Day 6: Nha Trang To Hoi'An

We'll travel North and take a short coastal drive we find ourselves in a canal town overflowing with beauty and ancient history. With Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese and European influences, Hoi An has no shortage of charm and architectural interest. Bike riding through the vibrant town, visiting an ancient house & ordering custom-made clothes at an artful tailor are just some of the activities that will colour our day. Tonight you can opt onto a Vietnamese cooking class, whipping up a storm of up to 4 traditional dishes.

Le Pavillon Paradise Hoi An Hotel & Spa (or similar)

Breakfast

Day 7: Hoi An

Morning travellers! The day is all yours. Poke around in galleries & market stalls (the best shopping spots in Vietnam in our opinion) and devour all of the delectable treats on offer. And for a dose of culture, you could ride on one of Vietnam’s very own Bamboo Basket Boats (Yes, the ones that you’ve probably seen on Instagram). And to top it all off, we’ll grab some fresh coconut water straight from the tree to your tummy.

Le Pavillon Paradise Hoi An Hotel & Spa (or similar)

Breakfast

Day 8: Hoi An to Hanoi via Da Nang

Leaving Hoi An will be sad. But we’re heading to Hanoi, so there’s hardly an excuse to not be excited. We’ll grab a quick breakfast and head to Da Nang… Fasten your seatbelts, folks. We’ll catch our internal flight to Hanoi from this quaint coastal town. Welcome to the city where all the bustling magic happens! We bet you’re starving from all that travel. That’s why we’ll head straight to the KOTO restaurant - a unique dining experience that supports disadvantaged youth in Vietnam. And with our tummies happy and full, we’ll visit the Temple of Literature (AKA Vietnam’s first-ever university.) But the sight-seeing doesn’t end there. It’s time to make our way to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, dedicated to a Vietnamese revolutionary leader. In the evening, you’re free to explore the capital however you like.

Hanoi Larosa Hotel (or similar)

Breakfast, Lunch

Day 9: Hanoi to Ninh Binh

Next up, we’re heading to the epicentre of Vietnam's show-stopping natural beauty. Do you see them? Those lovely landscapes are all yours to admire and explore today. Get inside Vietnam’s legendary army jeep, or a vintage Vespa (if that’s your vibe) and let’s get going. Spend the day cherishing the crisp air and clear blue water. And if you love bird-watching, make sure to have your binoculars ready at all times.

Ninh Binh Hidden Charm Hotel & Resort (or similar)

Breakfast

Day 10: Ninh Binh to Halong Bay

Up and about at the crack of dawn today! We’re climbing up 500 steps to the top of the Mua Cave to witness an incredible sunrise over the valley. (You certainly don’t wanna forget your camera for this one). A drive through stunning scenery will evoke plenty of 'oh wow's', but it only gets better as we board our home for the night, a Chinese-style junk boat in Halong Bay. Feel the serenity kicking in immediately as we drift the limestone island seas of the Gulf of Tonkin. We’ll pass hidden lagoons, thick forests & dreamy grottos and also chill atop the Ti Top Island. A fresh seafood dinner and sunset at our docking spot will polish off a wonderful day packed with unforgettable moments and experiences.

Junk Boat (Special Stay)

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Halong Bay To Hanoi

Today will be all about the leisurely vibes as we wake up to breakfast with a quick stop to explore the Sung Sot Caves. Make the most of your time on the junk boat - the views don't get much better than this. After heading back to Hanoi we find ourselves enjoying our final night together on tour. Save the choir of tears for tomorrow - this evening is all about making the most of your free time and staying positive so why not join us for one last family dinner and then onto Ta Hien to dance the night away.

Hanoi Larosa Hotel (or similar)

Breakfast, Lunch

Day 12: Hanoi

Enjoy one final breakfast with the squad this morning before this epic Vietnam trip wraps up. Hug it out and make plans to reunite sometime soon - Latin America, perhaps?

Breakfast