Depart the UK on your overnight flight to Hanoi.
Most suited for
Couples
Ideal time to visit
November - April
A journey through Vietnam immersing yourself in the rich culture, enjoying breathtaking landscapes, and staying in some of the most luxurious hotels in Asia. What’s not to like?
The itinerary is designed to show you a side of Vietnam that others may miss without compromising on quality. Your cruise takes you further than Halong Long to explore Lan Ha Bay, which is a longer and steadier routing but oh, so much more fun and peaceful. Local guides are on hand to take you deep into the market to enjoy Hanoi’s vibrant street food. And much more.
The hotels are of unbelievable quality. Have a look for yourself, and we can, of course, adapt them to suit your own preferences—there are plenty of fantastic options.
Ultimate Classic Vietnam
As with all our holidays, this itinerary is just a starting point. We will create a bespoke package which will be completely unique for you.
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Day 1
Your adventure begins
Days 2 - 4
Hanoi
Upon arrival in Hanoi, you’ll be met by your private guide and driver for a transfer to your hotel. After a day to recover and settle in, you’ll embark on a comprehensive exploration of Vietnam’s capital. This journey will delve into Hanoi’s rich history and vibrant culture, featuring both iconic landmarks and lesser-known treasures. A standout experience will undoubtedly be the afternoon street food tour in the Old Quarter. Guided by a local expert, you’ll sample the finest flavours of this historic area, uncovering the culinary secrets of Hanoi’s bustling streets.
Days 5
Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay
Travel to Halong Bay, where you’ll board a traditional junk boat to cruise the lovely Lan Ha Bay, a quieter part of the archipelago. As you glide past dramatic karst peaks and secluded, beach-fringed islands, you’ll enjoy delicious meals served on board while soaking in the serene scenery. The day ends with the magical sight of the sunset over the bay’s unique limestone formations.
Days 6 - 10
Hue and Hoi An
Fly south to Hue and check in at The Azerai, a riverside retreat along the tranquil Perfume River. Hue’s historic Garden Houses offer a glimpse into the city’s architectural heritage; you’ll dine in one of these charming homes, enjoying authentic Vietnamese dishes in a serene garden. A boat ride along the Perfume River will take you to the peaceful Thien Mu Pagoda, the tallest religious structure in Vietnam, followed by visits to nearby imperial tombs and ancient forts.
An evening cyclo tour of Hue will introduce you to the city’s renowned cuisine, with your guide selecting the best local delicacies.
Next, take a scenic three-hour coastal train journey to Hoi An, where you’ll check in at the luxurious Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai.
Relax on the beach or explore Hoi An’s atmospheric ancient town, a UNESCO World Heritage site with lantern-lit streets and historic shopfronts.
During your stay, you can also explore the countryside with a Vespa or bicycle tour, visiting traditional farms and fishing villages for an immersive glimpse into rural life.
Days 11 - 13
Amanoi
Fly to Nha Trang and transfer to Amanoi, a secluded luxury resort in a pristine national park overlooking a stunning bay. Amanoi’s exceptional location provides access to a wealth of activities. Complimentary water sports, such as kayaking, paddle boarding, and Hobie cat sailing, let you explore the coastline and nearby snorkelling spots. On land, enjoy yoga or Pilates, or indulge in the world-class spa offering hydrotherapy, massages, and wellness programs.
For nature lovers, Amanoi offers a variety of hiking options, from gentle walks to challenging treks through the surrounding parkland. The sunrise trek with a breakfast picnic is an unforgettable way to start the day.
Days 14 - 15
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Take a short flight to Ho Chi Minh City, where a blend of modern energy and historical charm awaits. During your stay, you’ll explore the vibrant backstreets and traditional markets of lesser-known districts, paired with a tour of the city’s iconic landmarks. This insider’s perspective offers a deeper understanding of Saigon’s rich culture and dynamic pace.
Day 16
Fly home
Transfer to Ho Chi Minh City airport for your flight back to the UK.
An Epic Adventure Across Southeast Asia
There were moments while I was out and about where I thought that everyone should experience this kind of mindful travel that Experience Travel organises, as it's not backpacking where you tick off the standard party hotspots, and it's not the typical cruise for tourists to visit the standard sightseeing destinations, but an experience where I really felt I got to know the countries, meet great people and do fun stuff that most people miss.
Sven
3 March 2025Excellent
850 Reviews
850 Reviews
What’s included:
With ETG, what’s included goes well beyond the basics. From the moment your trip begins to your final farewell, the essentials are already taken care of, leaving you free to immerse, explore and enjoy without the hassle of hidden extras.
Here’s what comes as standard in all of our holidays:
All flights (unless you’ve booked your own!)
Expert guides and drivers
All accommodation
Many meals and snacks
Immersive experiences throughout
All regional transfers
Tips
24/7 In-Country support
Personal travel consultant throughout
Pricing:
As every holiday is bespoke, prices vary depending on destination, flights, hotel choices, inclusions and travel dates. We aim to include as much as possible upfront, so you know exactly where you are. As an approximate guide:
Bespoke Holidays £4,500 - £8,500pp
Bespoke Luxury Holidays £8,500 - £14,500pp
Bespoke Family Holidays from £4,000 - £7,500pp
Meet Our Vietnam Experts
After living in Vietnam for almost a year, Chione knows the country inside out. From hidden street food gems in Hanoi to the best boutique stays in Hoi An, she helps travellers experience Vietnam beyond the obvious.
“Big-hitter highlights, behind-the-scenes access and hotels you’ll not want to check out of. It’s the Vietnam classic — just dialled all the way up.”
Chione
Regional Expert
Explore Our Hotels & Villas
Wherever you go, and whatever you do, at the end of every day you can always be sure of a comfortable rest. Every location on our list of hotels is handpicked, and in its own way, shares the history, the hospitality, and the soul of Vietnam. Below are some examples of the different hotels we use.
The ETG Guarantee
We guarantee you an experience no one else has ever had.
The travel magic you’ll remember won’t be found on a well-trodden – or over-Instagrammed – itinerary. It will be the surprises, discoveries and secrets that you’ll uncover along the way with us.
Do you ever feel like people aren’t listening to you?
We get it. And we will – that’s a promise. Your holiday starts with with a proper, no-pressure call to understand what you want, what you don’t want, and what matters to you.. From there, we create a completely unique adventure, inspired by our conversation together.
And because of our long-standing relationships with trusted partners across Asia, you’ll have access to experiences you can’t find on Google. The kind of special experiences that are literally impossible to find on your own.
Experiences of Vietnam
Crafting bespoke packages is the heart of what we do. Each holiday is specially designed to confound preconceptions and share magical, memorable, and truly exceptional experiences.
Important FAQs about Vietnam
With Experience Travel Group, Vietnam isn’t just another tick-box holiday. We take you beyond the usual sights – yes, you’ll see Halong Bay and the Cu Chi Tunnels if you want to, but we’ll also introduce you to the quiet corners that most travellers miss. Think cycling through the backstreets of Hue, cooking lunch with a local family in Hoi An, or spending a night on a peaceful river island that barely anyone’s heard of.
We design every trip with care – using handpicked hotels, the best local guides, and routes that cut out the tourist conveyor belt. Our holidays are built for travellers who want something richer than a generic tailor-made holiday – more character, more flavour, more stories to tell when you get home.
If you want a trip where Vietnam feels personal, rather than packaged, that’s exactly what we do.
Vietnam’s weather can be a bit of a puzzle. With its long, thin shape and mix of beaches, mountains, and cities, each region dances to its own climate tune. The North, Central, and South all have distinct weather patterns – and that’s before you factor in the cooler highlands or the breezy coastlines.
Generally, November to April is the sweet spot when much of the country is dry and pleasantly warm. That said, Vietnam is almost a year-round destination, with good weather cropping up somewhere no matter the month. Whether you want winter sunshine, summer beaches, or a cultural escape with a side of adventure, Vietnam has a season for you.
Every ETG holiday to Vietnam is carefully designed to be seamless, immersive, and stress-free. Your journey typically includes international flights (if requested), guide throughout and accommodation in hand-picked, characterful hotels.
You’ll enjoy incredible, immersive experiences unique to you, all planned by dedicated Vietnam specialists, with the added reassurance of 24/7 in-country support from our local team.
