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The Highlights & Beyond

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The Highlights & Beyond
  • Holidays in Vietnam
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      • Phu Quoc Island
Experience Travel Group

The Highlights & Beyond

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This holiday weaves on and off Vietnam's well-trodden tourist trail. You'll get an insider's view of the main cities and visit some of the country's most beautiful rural locations. The accommodation ranges from an eco-resort in the mountains to a gorgeous beach hotel and a lovely homestay. 

The itinerary works particularly well for families looking for a holiday around Easter, as spring is a good time to visit Phu Luong and the South. Later into the summer, we would suggest our Countryside & Coast by Train holiday.  

Highlights include 

  • Paddle past idyllic steeped paddy fields as you raft along the Cham River in Pu Luong Nature Reserve
  • Weave through the countryside by train to reach picturesque rural retreats
  • Cycle through paddy fields and explore the caves and limestone mountains of Ninh Binh province
  • Splash in the pool and hit the beach on the coast
  • Explore the tropical tributaries of the Mekong Delta and spend the night in a homestay 

As with our suggested itineraries, we can change this holiday to suit your budget, style and expectations.

 

Day 1 DEPART

Depart for Hanoi.

Day 2 & 3 Hanoi  

Hanoi is alive with culture, history and local day-to-day life bustling all around you. Travelling by jeep and cyclo, you'll learn a little about the cultural traditions at the Ethnology Museum, get lost in the hidden alleyways of the old quarter and taste some of the street food for which Hanoi is famous. 

DAY 4 & 5 PU LUONG NATURE RESERVE 

Departing Hanoi with your guide and driver, you'll travel, via a breath-taking mountain pass, to Pu Luong Nature Reserve. The nature reserve lies along two picturesque mountain ridges far from the usual tourist trail. 

Explore the beautiful retreat, with its captivating panoramic views and tranquil setting. Go bamboo river rafting along the Cham River, descend into the lovely local valley for a walk around the tumbling rice terraces. There is a chance to interact with the villagers living in the hills above the retreat. Glimpse daily life, explore the working farmland and rice fields and learn about the colourful local textile craft. 

DAY 6 & 7 NINH BINH & TRANG AN ECO SYSTEM 

Departing Pu Luong Retreat, you'll travel two hours through beautiful countryside to the UNESCO Heritage site Trang An Ecosystem. Here you'll board a rowing boat to travel along the small river and explore the caves and river surrounded by dramatic limestone mountains and green field landscapes. You'll stay in a boutique retreat with a lovely swimming pool in the paddy fields. 

Activities during your stay here include a cycle ride on a tranquil and peaceful trail devoid of tourists. Soak in the magnificent beauty of the surrounding beautiful limestone mountains, and a short hike will take you to the top of Hang Mua for an aerial view of the region. You will stop at a local house in a peaceful village with a beautiful setting then there will be a chance to visit Bai Dinh Temple, Vietnam's largest Buddhist temple complex and an important pilgrimage site. 

Day 7 – 8 Overnight Train Adventure  

On Day 7, after time to freshen up at the hotel and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, you'll transfer to Thanh Hoa railway station to board the overnight train (around 10 pm) due south for Hoi An (Danang Station). 

N.B. – If you have extra time available on the train journey south, you can stop for a night or two in either the Imperial City of Hue.

Days 8-11 Hoi An And The Beach 

On arrival in Danang, it's a 30 minutes transfer down the coast to your beach hotel in Hoi An.  

Much of your time here is free to relax and enjoy the beach, the hotel, and the old town's charms.  

Extra days can be added at the beach if preferred. 

DAY 14 & 15 HO CHI MINH CITY 

It's a short flight south to Ho Chi Minh City (or an overnight train if you'd prefer). 

There will be a full day to enjoy our specially crafted Saigon Family Tour during your time in the city. This includes the city's main sights, such as the enthralling Presidential Palace, where you can explore the old wartime communications bunkers and learn a little about the Vietnam War. There is also a chance to visit the captivating Cu Chi Tunnels; the river route is quicker and more enjoyable than sitting in the car. This is an educational tour, but children will find it interesting, if only due to the novelty of climbing into the underground tunnels! 

DAY 16 & 17 MEKONG DELTA HOMESTAY 

You'll transfer into the lush, green Mekong Delta region for the last part of your adventure. Here you will explore the palm-fringed waterways, farmlands and villages by cyclo, sampan boat and bicycle. You'll stay overnight in a local homestay where you can catch fish and pick vegetables before enjoying a delicious dinner with your hosts. 

DAY 18 FLY HOME 

Return to the U.K. 

 

 

As every holiday is unique to you, prices vary. To give you an indication, our holidays typically cost between £4,000 and £6,000 per adult depending on trip length and time of year as well as the hotels and flights involved. We offer child and seasonal discounts. You can read our ultimate guide to holiday costs in Asia for more in-depth information.

To start your journey, talk to one of our friendly consultants today.

Since every traveler is unique - Call our experts on 1-888-577-8452 to create your personalised vacation itinerary.

Inclusions

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 

You can book this holiday tour on its own, with flights or it can be tailored for you.

Here are the hotels and villas within this holiday as standard...

Aira Boutique

Aira Boutique , Hanoi

Excellent boutique hotel, close to the action on the edge of Hanoi's historic Old Quarter.

Caravelle Saigon

Caravelle Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City

A well-appointed hotel featuring rooms with great views of the city. The Caravelle is in an excellent location in the very heart of Saigon.

Mango Home

Mango Home, Mekong Delta

Superb Mekong Delta 'homestay' experience with superb activities, boat journeys and accommodation.

Pu Luong Retreat

Pu Luong Retreat, Pu Luong

Retreat in the countryside surrounded by mountains, rice terraces, rivers and waterfalls.

Tam Coc Garden Resort

Tam Coc Garden Resort , Ninh Binh

Tangles of lush greenery, calm waters, rice paddy fields, bamboo groves, orchards and tropical flowers - just 100km from Hanoi.

Victoria Resort & Spa

Victoria Resort & Spa, Hoi An

Beach resort in an excellent location with great variety of rooms and easy access to Hoi An's ancient town

You can book this holiday tour on its own, with flights or it can be tailored for you.

Here are the experiences & activities within this holiday as standard...

Hanoi's Secret Alleyways

Hanoi's Secret Alleyways, Hanoi

Explore the hidden labyrinths of Hanoi's old quarter and discover secret pagodas and relics.

Museum of Ethnology

Museum of Ethnology, Hanoi

An interactive way to learn about Vietnamese culture and history.

Re-unification Express Train

Re-unification Express Train, Hanoi

An excellent way to get a sense of the country's scale and see the scenery change as you travel from North to South.

The farmer and the fisherman - life in the Hoi An countryside

The farmer and the fisherman - life in the Hoi An countryside, Hoi An

Spend a day learning about farmers and fishermen in Hoi An.

Map showing Hotels & Experiences associated with 'The Highlights & Beyond'

More Holiday Suggestions

Classic Family Vietnam

Classic Family Vietnam

The well-known sites from the best vantage points. Boats, beaches, trains and adventures. Fun and memories.

Countryside & Caves by Train

Countryside & Caves by Train

Travelling by train along the coast is both fun and a great way to discover lesser-known Vietnam.

Family Adventure in Vietnam

Family Adventure in Vietnam

Combining off-the-beaten-track elements of Vietnam exploration, this is ideal for adventurous families.


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Call
  • Destinations
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  • Holidays in Vietnam
    • Essential Holidays
    • Vietnam & Cambodia Holidays
    • Vietnam Family Holidays
    • Vietnam With A Difference
    • Ultimate Vietnam Holidays
    • Mekong River Journeys
    • Indochina & Beyond
  • Guide to Vietnam
    • Vietnam Guide
    • Weather & When to go
    • Hotel inspiration
    • Experiences inspiration
    • Vietnam Travel Blog
  • Places in Vietnam
    • Northern Vietnam
      • Overview
      • Hanoi
      • Halong Bay
      • Bai Tu Long National Park
      • Cat Ba Island
      • Sapa
      • Ha Giang Province
      • Mai Chau
      • Pu Luong
      • Ninh Binh
    • Central Vietnam
      • Overview
      • Hue
      • Hoi An
      • Danang
      • Hoi An Beaches
      • My Son
      • Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
      • Demilitarised Zone (DMZ)
    • Southern Vietnam
      • Overview
      • Ho Chi Minh (Saigon)
      • Mui Ne & Phan Thiet
      • Mekong Delta
      • Dalat
      • Nha Trang
      • Cat Tien National Park
      • Con Dao Islands
      • Phu Quoc Island
  • About us
    • Why choose ETG?
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  • How it works
    • Get in touch
    • Booking with confidence
    • How much does it cost?
    • Financial protection
    • What happens if something goes wrong on my holiday?
    • Working with in-country partners
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