Drift among stunning limestone karst scenery on a traditional junk in Lan Ha Bay (a quieter alternative to Halong).
Unearth Vietnam's modern and ancient history in imperial Hue.
Shop and relax in charming Hoi An.
Explore the French influence in bustling Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
PRICE INCLUDES
Scheduled international and domestic flights
In-destination transfers
Activities and excursions as detailed
All accommodation
24-hour support while you travel
Itinerary idea in detail
Includes international flights from a choice of UK airports, including London, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle, Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Day 1: International outbound flight Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Hanoi.
Day 2: Hanoi Upon arrival in Hanoi you are greeted by an THiET representative and taken to your hotel by private transfer. The rest of the day will be free to relax or explore at your own leisure. You might like to visit the Hoan Kiem Lake, a short walk from your hotel — it's beautifully lit up at night.
Day 3: Hanoi This morning embark on a private city tour with your driver and guide. Visit Ho Chi Minh's former home, the Temple of Literature (the first university in Hanoi) and perhaps the Fine Arts Museum, which has a wonderful collection of art and sculpture. The tour ends in Hanoi's busy Old Quarter before returning to your hotel in the afternoon.
This morning take a private transfer to Haiphong, where you board your traditional Vietnamese junk. Spend the afternoon cruising around Lan Ha Bay's thousands of limestone islets and caves and see the sun setting over the calm waters before enjoying a wonderful dinner under the stars. All meals are included during your stay on board.
Day 5: Hue
Wake up to see the sunrise over the bay this morning. Continue cruising before returning to Hanoi airport this afternoon in time for your flight to Hue. Back in Hanoi you will have some time to enjoy lunch and do some further exploring before it is time to go to the airport. Fly to Hue later this evening and check into your city hotel.
Day 6: Hue
After breakfast you will join your guide for a tour around some of Hue's important historical sights including the citadel and the mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc. Later you can try your hand at crafting bamboo paper art named Trucchi.
Day 7: Hue
Today you will embark on a cycling tour through some of Hue's more rural areas with some stops arranged at local houses along the way. Spend the night in a traditional garden house and enjoy a home-cooked meal using ingredients straight from the garden.
Day 8: Hoi An
Drive from Hue to Hoi An today, a journey of about three and a half hours. Pass abundant rice paddy fields and travel over the Hai Van Pass, which on a clear day has spectacular views out to the South China Sea and the Lang Co peninsula. Take the afternoon to relax — you might like to take a stroll around the charming riverside town of Hoi An
Day 9: Hoi An
Explore the UNESCO town of Hoi An with your private guide on hand to offer his expert knowledge. The city's historic district is littered with 16th-century buildings, once an important trading post for international visitors. Afterwards, drive out to the ancient Cham ruins at My Son — a series of Hindu temples which have now been claimed by the mighty jungle surrounding them. This afternoon is free to relax and explore at your own leisure. You might like to try out the hotel's pool to cool off after the day's exploration
Day 10: Hochiminh City
Drive to Danang airport today for the short flight to Ho Chi Minh City in southern Vietnam with your private guide and driver. On arrival, you're met by your private guide and driver. En route to Ho Chi Minh City, stop at the Cu Chi tunnels to learn a little more about the Vietnam War and the guerrilla tactics of the Viet Cong. It's possible to enter a few of the tunnels if you are comfortable with narrow spaces, as well as see exhibitions and videos of the tunnels when they were in use. This evening embark on a fascinating discovery of Ho Chi Minh City on the back of a Vespa as part of a small group tour. You will sample delicious street food, enjoy local music and experience the city from the viewpoint of your experienced local guide.
Day 11: Hochiminh City
Embark on a full-day tour to a quieter area of Vietnam's Mekong Delta region. You will travel using various means of transport, learn about local farming practises and enjoy a freshly prepared lunch in a local home. This is a fascinating way to see an undisturbed side of the country.
Day 12: International return flight
After enjoying breakfast you are collected from your hotel and taken to the airport by your private driver in time for your onward flight.
Day 13: international return flight
Arrive home today to complete your journey.
Accommodation options
While the itinerary price reflects the suggested accommodation, THiET trips are 100% tailor-made, and a specialist can help you select the option best suited to your tastes and budget.
