Hanoi lan ha Bay sapa hue & hoi an Saigon mekong delta
This itinerary is perfect for the first time visitor to Vietnam, incorporating the highlights, as well as one or two off beat Oasis ideas. The trip begins in the north visiting the colonial capital, Hanoi, before heading out to Unesco World Heritage site Halong Bay to spend a night on board a traditional junk. Travelling to the central regions, you spend time exploring both Hue and Hoi An before taking a short flight to historic Saigon where you will spend a few days exploring the city and the canals and backwaters of the Mekong Delta.
Itinerary Highlights
All the major big cities and UNESCO Heritage sites
Stunning rural mountain hilltribe retreat
Boat trips, optional cycling and walking
Foodie tours or fun cooking classes
Slow paced travel – not rushing or doing too much
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.
18
Nights
Price Guide
From $6955 + pp
Our quotes are bespoke for your customised trip. The prices displayed are indicative only, read more
Day 1
Fly to hanoi
Day 2-3
Exploring Hanoi
The next couple of days is spent exploring the city of Hanoi and some of the rural countryside surrounding the city. There are so many great ways to discover the city, ranging from on foot, as a pillion passenger with an expert Vespa driver to cruising around the city in a vintage military Jeep! There are numerous “foodie” tours taking in the very best pf the incredible street food with a local food blogger or chef, join a family for a meal or take a cooking class to learn about the ingredients and how to prepare them. Visit the important historic and cultural sites, learn about the local arts and crafts or take part in a private “tea ceremony”. There are also a few day trips you can do out to Ninh Binh or Lan Ha, though we generally recommend these as overnight trip.
The options are endless just let us know your preferences and interests and let us design the perfect few days using the wonderful city of Hanoi as your base…
Day 4-5
lan ha Bay – halong bay’s quieter option
Leave the chaos and traffic of Hanoi behind and journey to Lan Ha Bay, the much quieter little sister of the now over run Halong Bay. Join your cruise of choice (from simple style junk to some of the most luxurious cruises in Asia!).
Enjoy full board on the boats with great food, impeccable service and large cabins, many with balconies. Activities depend on your budget and level of boat but often include Tai Chi, fishing with the staff, exploring the amazing cave systems, kayaking and swimming (weather permitting). Day 5 complete the cruise and return to Hanoi for the overnight train journey to Lao Cai in the Tonkinese Alps.
Day 6-7
hilltribes of sapa
Spend the next 2 days with your guide discovering the hilltribes that live up in the mountains near Sapa. The ethnic minority markets of Northern Vietnam are the colourful meeting places for the hill tribes of Vietnam. Minorities come down from the mountains to sell their produce; sometimes it is a long hike for the tribes to come to sell or exchange their goods. Join a half-day or full-day walking/biking excursion, the best way to experience nature and the local cultures of the ethnic minority people. Or for a gentler experience try a gentle 3-hour hike through lush jungle, cinnamon plantations and rice terraces leading to a natural pool and picturesque waterfalls, before tucking into a sumptuous Sapa-inspired BBQ served by Red Dzao women at the Topas Riverside Lodge garden.
Day 8-9
historic hue – former royal capital
Depart the mountains by shared resort luxury transfer back to Hanoi and then transfer to the airport for the short flight to the historic former capital city of Hue (pronounced H’way), where you will be met and taken to your chosen hotel. Day 9 is spent with your guide uncovering the delights of the city. From the Imperial Citadel to the ancient garden homes and military history of the DMZ to the Thien Mu Pagoda. Today can include travel by normal vehicle, cyclo trishaw or vintage Vespa. As well as the historical elements, Hue is also famous for its royal cuisine which you can experience on foodie street food tours or by taking part in a cooking class.
Day 10-14
picturesque Hoi An and Surrounds
Travel by road to the delightful port town of Hoi An on a journey taking you over the Hai Van Pass or through the Hai Van Tunnel (the longest in SE Asia). Hoi An is, in our opinion the best place in Vietnam to spend a few days, relax and really get to know the area. There is much here to keep you busy or spend time in the old town in the cafes and bars just people watching. There are so many options here it is impossible to mention them all, just tell us your intertest and we will match unique day trips to fit, including cycling options, visiting remote farming villages, army jeep tours, exploring the history and culture with a conservation specialist or indulging in epicurean activities like cooking classes or walking street food tours tasting the local delicacies.
Hoi An also has a nice beach, so if you want to add a free day and enjoy the sand between your toes, it is easy to do so.
Day 15-18
Saigon and Mekong Delta
Fly from Danang, near Hoi An, to Ho Chi Minh City, the largest and most modern and contemporary city in Vietnam. Here we suggest the “must sees” are to spend a day exploring the fabulous museums and architecture and the food and arts scene. Although maybe not for everyone a trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels is a fascinating insight to the way people lived during the Vietnam War (or the American War as it is known there). Much of the tunnels are excavated so no need to crawl through the trapdoors and tunnels if you don’t fancy it. To get there you can travel by road, or we suggest a join-in speedboat up the Saigon River – private boat options are also available.
The other definite is a trip to the Mekong Delta, the rice bowl of the country. Do it as a day trip or an overnight experience either in an eco-lodge or beautiful private traditional sampan! Here you will witness the stunning scenery of the river small passages, the floating markets, cottage industries, as well as farms and orchards. It really is a truly remarkable region.
Day 19
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 from $6995 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 one of the magnificent beaches or tropical islands 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. There are also nowadays more direct flights with Vietnam Airlines.
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