Essential Vietnam

DAY 1  Fly to Vietnam

Fly overnight to Ho Chi Minh City (still commonly referred to locally as Saigon).

DAYS 2 - 4 HO CHI MINH CITY   EXPLORE “SAIGON” AND THE MEKONG

On arrival, your guide and driver will greet you and transfer you to your centrally located hotel. The first evening is free to relax and enjoy the hotel facilities before you spend two days exploring the city and the surrounding area with your guide. A guided morning tour of Saigon's contrasting sights and an afternoon at the Cu Chi tunnels is well worth the time and you’ll spend a full day exploring the mangroves, markets and villages of the Mekong Delta.

DAYS 5, 6 & 7 HOI AN   MAGICAL TOWN AND MILES OF BEACHES

Its a short morning flight up to Danang the gateway to Hoi An town and the nearby beaches.

We suggest you allow plenty of free time in Hoi An to poke about and explore. There are miles of beaches, and the town itself is a great place to explore at leisure with its beautiful lantern and camellia lined streets and excellent restaurants. 

Included in your tour is a brilliant introduction to countryside life; board a vintage Vespa bike for a guided drive through rural villages with stops to explore en route. A Vietnamese cookery experience is worth considering, and we have an excellent one which includes a visit to the colourful morning markets and the chance to try your hand at making typical street-food snacks under expert tuition.

DAYS 8 & 9 HUE    COASTAL DRIVE TO HISTORIC KINGDOM

The journey to Hue is by car via the Hai Van (Cloudy) Pass, a spectacular three-hour coastal drive with numerous photo opportunities on the way. On arrival, you’ll check in at your next hotel.

With your guide, you’ll discover the historic Imperial City and the areas famous tombs. During your free time, you could hire bikes, take a cyclo ride (rickshaw) or enjoy a pleasant boat ride on the serene Perfume River.

DAYS 10-13 HANOI & HALONG BAY

From Hue, fly to Hanoi and transfer to your hotel. Hoan Kiem Lake is a top place to watch the sunset, and there are several museums, shops and excellent eateries along Hanoi's tree-lined boulevards. During your time here we include an expertly crafted journey through the historical and cultural heart of the city, taking in the remarkable Ethnology Museum and the Temple of Literature followed by a leisurely afternoon, and dinner.

Your stay in Hanoi will be split with an exciting two day, overnight trip to Halong Bay where you will cruise the spectacular bay itself and stay overnight on a traditional junk boat. Cruise past striking rock formations and tiny islands and visit secluded caverns carpeted with glittering stalactites. During the two day cruise, there will be time to swim, kayak or relax and to watch the sunset behind the karst peaks of the bay.

DAY 14 FLY HOME

Depart Hanoi for the overnight flight home.

Your bespoke proposal with Experience Travel Group will include:

• International Flights (we can omit if you prefer)
• Accommodation as described
• Privately guided tours and transfers
• Tips for guides and drivers
• Original Experience Travel Group "signature" experiences 
• Full financial protection (ABTA and ATOL bonding.) 
• 24-hour in-country backup while away
• Your dedicated travel expert in the UK