A Different Side of Vietnam

Day 1: Depart The UK

Set off from the UK on an overnight flight bound for Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon.

Day 2-4: Saigon Exploration

Upon arrival, your private guide and driver will welcome you and escort you to your hotel. 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 slices of authentic rural life. Stroll past local vendors peddling fresh produce, explore fruit orchards, and witness houses on stilts along the riverside. Enjoy a delightful lunch with a local family, savouring the unique flavours of the Mekong Delta.

Day 5 & 6: Buon Ma Thuot - Lakeside Tented Retreat

Embark on a morning flight to Buon Ma Thuot, nestled in the enigmatic hill country between the central coast and the Cambodian border. Your destination is Lak Tented Camp, situated on the edge of the serene Lak Lake. Spend two enriching days immersed in the countryside, with opportunities to explore local villages, trek through lush jungles to discover waterfalls, learn about sustainable farming practices, and observe traditional fishing. This is a facet of Vietnam that many visitors rarely experience.

Day 7-9: Hoi An - Tranquil Charms

Bid farewell to your hotel and take a short flight from Buon Ma Thuot to Danang. From there, you’ll be transferred to your abode in Hoi An. Delight in the picturesque streets adorned with Chinese temples and homes decorated in shades of yellow, adorned with vibrant flowers and lanterns.

Indulge in a morning cooking school experience, offering a delightful glimpse into local traditions, delectable cuisine, and vibrant markets.

Day 10 & 11: Vespa Coastal Adventure from Hoi An to Hue

Today, you’ll travel from Hoi An to Hue, a route that showcases 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.

Upon arriving in Hue, settle into your hotel for a two-night stay and spend a day exploring with your guide, uncovering the city’s remarkable historical sites.

Day 12-14: Phong Nga Ke Bang Caves

The journey from Hue to your accommodation at Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. This remarkable park boasts one of the world’s largest limestone regions, housing some of the planet’s most expansive caves. Spend your first night in a lodge on the park’s edge, relaxing and savouring the scenery and local activities.

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 promises 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

Transfer to Dong Hoi, where you’ll board the “Reunification Express” train. Opt for a day train and relish the scenic journey through Northern Vietnam, or opt for a night train with a comfortable sleeper cabin bound for Hanoi.

Day 14-16: Hanoi - Street Food & Hidden Alleys

Arrive in Hanoi and check in to your hotel. Over the next three days, delve into a series of tailored 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. Immerse yourself in the bustling old town, where residents go about their daily routines seemingly unfazed by the slow-moving trains.

Savour Vietnamese coffee, explore the dynamic street food scene and try 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: Departure

Today marks your departure from Vietnam as you embark on your flight back to the UK. Alternatively, consider extending your journey 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. For personalised arrangements, contact our travel experts at 020 7924 7133.