Depart your home country for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon.
Most suited for
Couples, Families
Ideal time to visit
November - April
Vietnam’s long narrow geography lends itself to a fairly obvious and well-trodden travel route. This holiday weaves away from that.
This holiday suits second-time visitors or those who like something different. It gives you the chance to discover Vietnam in a fresh and exciting way.
A Different Side of 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
Saigon
Upon arrival, your private guide and driver will welcome you and whisk you to your hotel. Once settled in, you’ll have time to immerse yourself in Saigon’s less-explored districts’ vibrant streets and traditional markets. Discover the city’s iconic landmarks alongside your knowledgeable guide.
Venture to Cai Be in the Mekong Delta, where you’ll encounter a slice of real, rural life. Stroll past local vendors peddling fresh produce, explore fruit orchards, and see the houses on stilts along the riverside. Dig into a delightful lunch with a local family, sampling the unique flavours of the Mekong Delta.
Days 5 - 6
Buon Ma Thuot
Hop on a morning flight to Buon Ma Thuot, nestled in the gorgeous hill country between the central coast and the Cambodian border. Your destination is Lak Tented Camp, which sits on the edge of the serene Lak Lake.
Spend two enriching days exploring the countryside, with opportunities to go to local villages, trek through lush jungles to stumble on tumbling waterfalls, learn about sustainable farming practices, and watch traditional fishermen in action. This is a side of Vietnam that many visitors rarely experience.
Days 7 - 9
Hoi An
Wave goodbye to your hotel and take a short flight from Buon Ma Thuot to Danang. From there, you’ll be driven to your abode in Hoi An. Revel in the picturesque streets decorated with Chinese temples and homes in shades of yellow with vibrant flowers and lanterns.
Roll up your sleeves during a morning cooking school experience. You’ll get a great glimpse into local traditions, delectable cuisine, and vibrant markets.
Days 10 - 11
Vespa Coastal Adventure from Hoi An to Hue
Today, you’ll travel from Hoi An to Hue, a route that reveals some of Vietnam’s most breathtaking views. Choose between a train journey or an exhilarating ride on a vintage Vespa. If you take the Vespa, you’ll have an experienced driver leading the way as you drive over the famed Hai Van Pass.
Arrive in Hue and settle into your hotel for a two-night stay. You’ll have time to explore the city with your guide, admiring remarkable historical sites.
Days 12 - 14
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
Today, you’ll journey from Hue to the edge of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. This remarkable park has one of the world’s largest limestone regions, housing some of the planet’s most expansive caves. Spend your first night relaxing in your lovely lodge and soaking in the scenery.
During your stay, choose from a range of adventurous activities, from kayaking and bike tours to nature trails. Additionally, consider an in-depth caving adventure with or without an overnight camping experience in the jungle or cave.
This really is an unforgettable way to experience the national park, complete with cave swimming, jungle treks, and night-time barbecues.
Night 14 or Day 15
Reunification Express to Hanoi
Travel towards Dong Hoi, where you’ll board the “Reunification Express” train. Opt for a day train and take in the spectacularly scenic journey through Northern Vietnam, or opt for a night train with a comfortable sleeper cabin bound for Hanoi.
Days 14 - 16
Hanoi
Arrive in Hanoi and check-in to your hotel. Over the next three days, you’ll delve into a series of experiences led by your private guide.
Begin your mornings early with a visit to the vibrant flower markets and a stroll around the city’s lakes, where Hanoians practice t’ai chi. Wander the bustling old town, where residents go about their daily routines seemingly unfazed by the slow-moving trains.
Try Vietnamese coffee, explore the dynamic street food scene and have a refreshing local beer at a roadside stall. Marvel at the elegant French colonial architecture and navigate the labyrinthine alleyways of the old quarter. Dive into your chosen museums, be it ancient history, military history, fine arts, or the tranquil Temple of Literature.
Day 17
Fly home
Sadly, it’s time to wave goodbye to Vietnam. Your driver will drop you off at the airport for your flight back home.
Alternatively, consider extending your adventure to include a visit to Halong Bay or combine this itinerary with our Hanoi to Luang Prabang overland tour for an extraordinary four-week off-the-beaten-track adventure.
Unforgettable Vietnam Memories
From the moment we landed in Vietnam to the second we left, we made magical family memories. We left some of our hearts in Vietnam. The people, the culture and the experiences ETG pulled together made our whole experience unforgettable. They took care of everything. Listened to what we like in a holiday, encouraged us to think broadly, and surpassed all expectations with their local relationships and ensured we were looked after.
Alison & Family
Excellent
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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 Hanoi while teaching English and making the most of her free time exploring the countryside, Chione knows the country inside out. From the capital’s hidden street food gems to the best boutique stays in Hoi An, she helps travellers experience Vietnam beyond go way beyond the obvious.
“This is a great route as it offers a fresh lens on this extraordinary country. We blend unmissable highlights with lesser-known detours, like riding a Vespa along coastal lanes.”
Chione
Vietnam Specialist
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 in Vietnam
Immersive experiences sit at the heart of what we do. Each one is specially designed to confound preconceptions and create moments that are magical and memorable.
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.
The Curious Traveller’s Guide to Vietnam
Looking for more insider info?
Our Curious Traveller’s Guide to Vietnam describes the different regions of Vietnam and the best time of year to book a holiday, as well as our experts’ edit of the best beaches, unmissable sites, and much more.
