Explore Vietnam from north to south, getting a taste of the country’s diverse landscapes, intriguing history and rich culture. From the natural beauty of Lan Ha Bay to the buzzing streets of Ho Chi Minh City, enjoy immersive tours to truly connect with the remarkable wonders of Vietnam.
Itinerary Highlights
Visit UNESCO World Heritage site
Hanoi Water Puppet Show
Stunning Boat trip on Lan Ha Bay
Explore Historic Hue & Hoi An
Explore Mekong delta by small boat
What’s included
Completely private tours for all activities included
Meet & greet airport service
Luxury accommodation at your chosen level
Expert guides in each destinaton
flexibility
This is an example itinerary. It is fully flexible; you can add or detract days and include hotels at your chosen budget. It departs daily.
10
Nights
Price Guide
$3500 – $4700 pp
Our quotes are bespoke for your customised trip. The prices displayed are indicative only, read more
Day 1
Fly to Vietnam & transfer to hotel
Day 2
Hanoi City Tour
Drive through the historical Ba Dinh Square where Ho Chi Minh proclaimed the independence of Vietnam in 1945 and stop at Lenin Garden, a communal space for locals before strolling through areas where sewing shops have been in family hands for generations, and people still practice the old ways and on to the millennia-old Temple of Literature to learn about its role in the country’s past, as both a university and a temple.
If interested, make a stop at the last courtyard where Vietnamese traditional instruments are played and travelers with a musical leaning have the opportunity to have a go under the guidance of the artists.
From here visit the fascinating Ethnology Museum (closed Mondays), which is both a research centre and a public museum exhibiting the ethnic groups of Vietnam. Lunch is at a local restaurant.
Later embark on a walk-through Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Witness the ancient commercial street names, mirroring the crafts and businesses dating back over a thousand years. Make a stop at Thuong Tra tea house nested in an old apartment building to escape from Hanoi’s bustling life and learn about the importance of drinking tea in Vietnamese society with a cuppa in hand. Finally take a stroll around the charming Hoan Kiem Lake and finish the day with a Water Puppet show. This is a uniquely northern Vietnamese art form depicting scenes from rural life and episodes of national history.
Day 3
Day trip to Ninh Binh
The 2.5 hour drive through rural northern Vietnam to Ninh Binh Province, one of the most beautiful parts of Vietnam, takes you through dramatic scenery to historical temples. The rice fields here are beautiful and the area has earned the nickname of ‘Dry Halong Bay’, a moniker borne out by the limestone karsts which dominate the landscape. Upon arrival, take a leisure 5 to 15 km (according to preference) biking trip around Tho Ha passing through peaceful villages and enjoying the rustic countryside landscapes. Continue to Dong Tam Hamlet to join in agricultural activities such as catching crabs, fishing and transplanting, watering vegetables and more. Enjoy lunch before boarding the sampan for a boat trip cruising on a small canal through the paddy fields for 1km, then stroll along a winding rocky path to the Galaxy Cave gate. Inside the cave admire the spectacular stalactites then continue to But Hien Cave before returning to Hanoi.
Day 4-5
Lan Ha Bay Cruise – Fly to Hoi An
The scenery of Lan Ha Bay where thousands of limestone islands jut out of the emerald sea, sculpted into bizarre shapes is truly an iconic image for Vietnam. An overnight boat trip is the best way to enjoy this Vietnamese must-see.
Arrive at the jetty and proceed with check-in formalities. After a welcome onboard, lunch will be served while cruising towards the bay itself. In the afternoon, enjoy some visits and/or activities (depending on each boat’s itinerary) or just spend some time relaxing on board. Towards the end of the day the boat sets anchor for the night among the karst formations. Dinner is served on board.
Day 5: The sun rises on Lan Ha Bay and breakfast is served (brunch on some boats) while the vessels cruises slowly back towards port. Disembark and transfer back to Hanoi airport for the short flight to Danang and transfer to the historic picturesque port town of Hoi An
Day 6
Hoi An – Walking Tour & Chilled Hoi An, Thu Bon River Ride
This morning, go on a walking tour in Hoi An, a charming destination with two faces – the old-world trading port of narrow streets and traditional houses, and the beach with its new resorts and long stretches of clean white sand. In keeping with Hoi An’s heritage as a trading port, the town’s tiny shop houses now host a range of craft shops and artisans including some of Asia’s best tailors. Despite the passing of 200 years and the ravages of weather and war, the centre of Hoi An remains much the same as it was in its heyday. Take a walking tour of the ancient town centre to visit former merchants’ houses, the 400 year-old Japanese Bridge, a Chinese communal hall and the colourful market.
This afternoon drive from Hoi An Ancient Town to Cua Dai Estuary. Upon arrival at Duy Hai Fishing Village, enjoy the bustling morning fish market and then visit a family-run fish sauce workshop under the guidance of the owner to learn about this essential ingredient in Vietnamese cuisine. Get on a boat and go upstream the ‘Mother River’ from Thu Bon to Duy Vinh Village. These villages are well-known for traditional weaving sedge mat. Pass by a shrimp and duck farm to get a glimpse about agriculture river life. Upon arrival at Ban Thach Mat Village, where abundant sources of raw rush used to weave mats have allowed the villagers to develop their own handicrafts and improve their lives for 400 years. Here jump on bikes and start cycling to explore a typical central Vietnamese village. Learn how to mat weaving from cutting sedge on the field to a finished mat following traditional method. See how locals manage to keep their traditional occupation alive and thriving. Return to Hoi An by bike across Cam Kim Bridge (cycling is optional).
Day 7-8
Hoi An to Hue & Hue day tour
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Day 9
Fly Hue to Ho Chi Minh City – City Tour
Transfer to Hue Airport after breakfast for the short flight to dynamic Ho Chi Minh City, still called Saigon by the locals. Meet with a local guide and set off on a half day tour in Ho Chi Minh City. Start with a visit to the city’s most iconic building: Reunification Hall. Formerly called the Presidential Palace, images of the building were seen around the world on 30 April 1975 when tanks stormed the gates as Saigon fell to the North Vietnamese. Then take a stroll to Ho Chi Minh City’s colonial quarter, walking past scenes of everyday life on the way. Admire the beautiful architecture of the Opera House, City Hall, the old Saigon Post Office, Hear about the glory days of French Indochina and how that era continues to influence aspects of modern Vietnamese culture.
Step inside the War Remnants Museum for an insightful, yet sombre, look into Vietnam’s military history. See exhibitions displaying imagery from the French and American wars, learning more about the country’s struggle for independence and hearing tales of the resilience of the Vietnamese people.
Then step off the tourist trail for one last visit on this Ho Chi Minh City tour at a Vietnamese coffee shop, sit down and taste the coffee like locals. Note: History Museum is closed on Mondays.
Day 10
A Day in Ben Tre, Mekong Delta
Leave the busy streets and modern buildings of Ho Chi Minh City for a day trip to Ben Tre, Mekong Delta, a remarkable agricultural area referred to as ‘the rice bowl of Vietnam’.
On arrival in Ben Tre Province, take a for sightseeing activities along the riverside. Stop at a brick kiln and depending on the day, get a chance to observe how bricks are made in a traditional style. Continue to visit one of the many coconut processing workshops and watch how the locals open coconuts by hand (coconut husking) before cruising along the canals to a coconut candy workshop. Taste honey harvested by the locals and different kinds of tropical fruits. Cruise along rural creeks through the villages to enjoy the tranquillity of the countryside. Take a walk to a family workshop that makes sleeping mats. After go on a 4 km bike ride (or choose to travel by Lambro – short for Lambretta, which was once the iconic vehicle and main means of transportation in southern Vietnam dating back to the 1960s). Please note: Travel by Lambro needs to be reserved well in advance due to limited vehicles.
Ride through tranquil villages and see vegetable gardens that provide a touch of real life and tropical culture from peasants. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant. At the end of the tour, drive back to Saigon.
Day 11
Fly to next destination
A note on price
The prices outlined above are a rough guide to give you an idea of costs and enable you to budget for your trip.
Guide prices are generally for private arrangements based on twin share, in well located, good quality accommodation (excluding international flights).
Please note costs are indicative and may vary due to a number of factors such as; travel date, hotel choice, room category, number of people travelling and prevailing exchange rates.
Price Guide $3500 – $4700 per person
When to travel
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The best time to visit Vietnam depends on the region and weather preferences. The dry season from November to April is popular for tourists as the northern and central regions experience cooler and drier weather. The wet season from May to October brings higher humidity and rainfall, but it’s still manageable for visiting the southern region.
In northern Vietnam, January is characterized by cool temperatures and occasional drizzles. The average temperature ranges from 15°C to 22°C. Central and southern regions experience mild and dry weather with temperatures averaging between 20°C and 30°C. The northern mountains can be very cold and misty. North – Good Central – Best South - Excellent
February sees similar weather patterns as January, with cool temperatures in the north and warmer temperatures in the central and southern regions. However, towards the end of the month, the weather starts to transition to spring, bringing slightly higher temperatures. Remains cold in the mountains. North – Best Central – Good South - Best
March marks the beginning of spring in Vietnam. In the north, temperatures gradually increase, ranging from 17°C to 24°C. Central and southern regions experience warmer weather, with temperatures ranging from 22°C to 32°C. However, there can be occasional rain showers. Central Vietnam can also be windy. Cool, but optimum conditions for trekking/exploring in Sapa, Mai Chai and Ha Giang North – Best Central – Best South - Best
April is characterized by rising temperatures and increasing humidity. In the north, temperatures range from 20°C to 28°C. Central and southern regions see temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C. Rain showers become more frequent, but usually only in the late afternoons. Excellent weather in the mountains of the north. North – Best Central – Best South - Best
May brings the peak of the hot and humid season to most of Vietnam. The north experiences temperatures between 25°C and 33°C, while central and southern regions can reach temperatures as high as 40°C. May is also the start of the rainy season, with increased rainfall across the country. By the end of the month rains start in the northern mountains. North – Good Central – Best South - Mixed
June remains a decent month to visit in Vietnam despite being a mixed in terms of weather. Central Vietnam reaches max temperatures and remains dry and sunny. The south finds itself in the wet season with daily downpours the norm, usually in the afternoon, and the north heads in to summer where temperatures are high and showers are to be expected. While the central beaches remain dry with plenty of sunshine the mountains of the north see the most rain. North – Good Central – Best South - Mixed
July is characterized by high temperatures and heavy rainfall across Vietnam. The north experiences temperatures between 28°C and 36°C. Central and southern regions see temperatures ranging from 31°C to 38°C. It is still very wet in the mountains to the north and trekking not advised. North – Mixed Central – Best South - Mixed
August follows a similar pattern to July, with hot and humid weather throughout Vietnam. Temperatures in the north range from 28°C to 35°C. Central and southern regions experience temperatures between 31°C and 37°C. Rainfall remains abundant in the south. The mountains remain wet and misty. North – Mixed Central – Good South - Mixed
September marks the transition from summer to autumn in Vietnam. The north experiences temperatures between 25°C and 32°C, while central and southern regions see temperatures ranging from 28°C to 35°C. Rainfall decreases compared to previous months. Sapa and surrounds starting to have less rain and the autumnal colours towards the end of the month are spectacular. North – Poor Central – Mixed South - Poor
October: October brings cooler and drier weather to northern Vietnam. Temperatures range from 22°C to 30°C (72°F to 86°F), and the region experiences less rainfall. Central and southern regions still see temperatures between 26°C and 32°C (79°F to 90°F) with occasional rain showers. Sapa is usually dry and clear a great time to visit. North – Mixed Central – Poor South - Mixed
November continues the trend of cooler weather in northern Vietnam, with temperatures ranging from 18°C to 26°C (64°F to 79°F). Probably the best month for Halong Bay and great also for Sapa. Central and southern regions experience temperatures between 23°C and 31°C (73°F to 88°F) and have heavy rainfall. Rainfall is relatively low across the rest of the country. North – Good Central – Poor South - Best
December is characterized by cool temperatures and occasional rain showers in northern Vietnam. Temperatures range from 15°C to 22°C. Up in Sapa the weather rains generally dry and clear but can be cold at night. Central and southern regions have milder temperatures, ranging from 20°C to 30°C. A great time for the southern beaches. North – Good Central – Mixed South - Best
Add on’s
There are a multitude of add on holiday options to this Vietnam itinerary, for example you could head to Sapa in the country’s far north to visit local Hilltribes and embark on some light trekking or perhaps take a flight from Saigon to Siem Reap and spend a few days exploring the magnificent temples of Angkor, the opportunities are really endless.
Vietnam is also easily accessed by the main flight hubs of Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok making city stopovers or beach extensions on Asia’s fabulous sandy shores easy to arrange.
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